US3684385A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for inspecting hollow glass articles
Assignee: OI Glass Inc
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Filing: 1970-08-10
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Granted: 1972-08-15
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Expires: 1990-08-10
Abstract
Abstract The method and apparatus for inspecting glass containers for defects wherein the containers are moved successively and continuously past a plurality of inspection stations and laser beams are directed toward the containers and moved to scan the containers. A diminution in the intensity of the beam transmitted through the containers causes a reject signal to be created.
Inventors
- 👤 Arthur C Einfalt
- 👤 Richard A Osborn
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 17:31
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N21/00; G01N21/84; G01N21/88; G01N21/90
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 34
Claim 1
Independent Claim
144 words
The method of inspecting hollow containers which are transparent to a laser beam for defects which comprises moving the containers successively and continuously past an inspection station with the axes of successive containers parallel to one another, directing a laser beam toward the inspection station at an angle such that the beam will intersect each container as it passes through the station, rotating the container as it passes through the station, causing the laser beam to move in a plane such that successive positions of the beam are parallel to one another and at an angle to the axes of the containers to thereby scan successive portions of the container as it is moved and rotated through the inspection station, and creating a signal when the intensity of the beam transmitted entirely through the container is diminished by a defect below a predetermined value.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
144 words
The method of inspecting hollow containers which are transparent to a laser beam for defects which comprises moving the containers successively and continuously past an inspection station with the axes of successive containers parallel to one another, directing a laser beam toward the inspection station at an angle such that the beam will intersect each container as it passes through the station, rotating the container as it passes through the station, causing the laser beam to move in a plane such that successive positions of the beam are parallel to one another and at an angle to the axes of the containers to thereby scan successive portions of the container as it is moved and rotated through the inspection station, and creating a signal when the intensity of the beam transmitted entirely through the container is diminished by a defect below a predetermined value.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
70 words
The method set forth in claim 1 including the step of sensing which portion of the container is being inspected, and creating a reject signal only when the beam is Being directed at a predetermined portion of the container such that adverse deflection of the beam due to the shape of the container does not create a diminution in the intensity of the beam which would cause a false signal.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method set forth in claim 2 wherein said last-mentioned step is performed by sensing the position of the beam and the container with respect to the inspection station.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
92 words
The method set forth in claim 1 including the step of directing a second laser beam toward the container as it passes through the inspection station at an angle to the first mentioned beam, and moving said second beam in a plane such that successive positions of the beam are parallel to one another and at an angle to the axes of the containers, said step of creating a signal being in response to diminution of the intensity by a defect of either of the laser beams transmitted entirely through the container.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method set forth in claim 4 wherein said second beam is achieved by splitting the first mentioned laser beam.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
150 words
The method of inspecting hollow containers which are transparent to a laser beam for defects which comprises moving the containers successively and continuously past two successive inspection stations with the axes of the successive containers parallel to one another, directing a laser beam toward each inspecting station at an angle such that the beam will intersect each container as it passes through the station, rotating the container as it passes through each station, moving the laser beam at each station in a plane such that successive positions of the beam are parallel to one another and at an angle to the axes of the containers to thereby scan overlapping portions of the container as it is moved and rotated through the inspection stations, and creating a signal when the intensity of the beam transmitted entirely through the container at any station is diminished by a defect below a predetermined value.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
150 words
The method of inspecting hollow containers which are transparent to a laser beam for defects which comprises moving the containers successively and continuously past two successive inspection stations with the axes of the successive containers parallel to one another, directing a laser beam toward each inspecting station at an angle such that the beam will intersect each container as it passes through the station, rotating the container as it passes through each station, moving the laser beam at each station in a plane such that successive positions of the beam are parallel to one another and at an angle to the axes of the containers to thereby scan overlapping portions of the container as it is moved and rotated through the inspection stations, and creating a signal when the intensity of the beam transmitted entirely through the container at any station is diminished by a defect below a predetermined value.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
69 words
The method set forth in claim 6 including the step of sensing which portion of the container is being inspected, and creating a signal only when the beam is being directed at a predetermined portion of the container such that adverse deflection of the beam due to the shape of the container does not create a diminution in the intensity of the beam which would cause a false signal.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method set forth in claim 7 wherein said last-mentioned step is performed by sensing the position of the beam and the container with respect to the inspection station.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
95 words
The method set forth in claim 1 including the step of directing a second laser beam toward the container at said station as it passes through the inspection station at an angle to the first mentioned beam, and moving said second beam in a plane such that successive positions of the beam are parallel to one another and at an angle to the axes of the containers, said step of creating a signal being in response to diminution of the intensity by a defect of either of the laser beams transmitted entirely through the container.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method set forth in claim 9 wherein said second beam is achieved by splitting the first mentioned beam.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
112 words
The method of inspecting hollow containers which are transparent to a laser beam for defects which comprises directing a laser beam toward an inspecting station at an angle such that the beam will intersect a container at the station, rotating the container at the station, causing the laser beam to move in a plane such that successive positions of the beam are parallel to one another and at an angle to the axis of the container to thereby scan successive portions of the container at the inspection station, and creating a signal when the intensity of the beam transmitted entirely through the container is diminished by a defect below a predetermined value.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
112 words
The method of inspecting hollow containers which are transparent to a laser beam for defects which comprises directing a laser beam toward an inspecting station at an angle such that the beam will intersect a container at the station, rotating the container at the station, causing the laser beam to move in a plane such that successive positions of the beam are parallel to one another and at an angle to the axis of the container to thereby scan successive portions of the container at the inspection station, and creating a signal when the intensity of the beam transmitted entirely through the container is diminished by a defect below a predetermined value.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
127 words
An apparatus for inspecting hollow containers which are transparent to a laser beam for defects which compriSes means for moving the containers successively and continuously through an inspection station, a laser source, means for directing a beam from said laser source toward the inspecting station at an angle such that it will intersect the container as it moves through the inspection station, said means causing said beam to move in a plane such that successive positions of the beam are parallel to one another and at an angle to the axis of the container, means for sensing the intensity of the beam transmitted through the container, and means for creating a signal when the intensity of the beam is diminished by a defect below a predetermined value.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
127 words
An apparatus for inspecting hollow containers which are transparent to a laser beam for defects which compriSes means for moving the containers successively and continuously through an inspection station, a laser source, means for directing a beam from said laser source toward the inspecting station at an angle such that it will intersect the container as it moves through the inspection station, said means causing said beam to move in a plane such that successive positions of the beam are parallel to one another and at an angle to the axis of the container, means for sensing the intensity of the beam transmitted through the container, and means for creating a signal when the intensity of the beam is diminished by a defect below a predetermined value.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
23 words
The combination set forth in claim 12 including means for creating said signal only when the container is present at the inspection station.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
37 words
The combination set forth in claim 13 including means for sensing the portion of the container which is being inspected, and means for creating said signal only when a predetermined portion of said container is being inspected.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
31 words
The combination set forth in claim 14 wherein said sensing means is responsive to the position of the beam with respect to the container as it is moved in said plane.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
16 words
The combination set forth in claim 14 including means for sensing the position of the container.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
71 words
The combination set forth in claim 13 including means for directing a second beam against said container as it passes through the inspection station, means for moving said second beam in a plane such that successive portions of the beam are parallel to one another, said means for creating a signal being responsive to a diminution in intensity by a defect of either of said beams transmitted entirely through the container.
Claim 22
Independent Claim
139 words
An apparatus for inspecting containers which are transparent to a laser beam for defects which comprises means for moving the containers successively and continuously through a pair of inspection stations, a laser source at each station, means for directing a beam from said laser source toward the inspecting station at an angle such that it will intersect the container as it moves through the inspection station, said means causing said beam to move in a plane such that successive positions of the beam are parallel to one another and at an angle to the axes of the containers, means for sensing the intensity of the beam transmitted through the container, and means for creating a signal when the intensity of the beam transmitted entirely through the container at any station is diminished by a defect below a predetermined value.
Claim 23
Independent Claim
139 words
An apparatus for inspecting containers which are transparent to a laser beam for defects which comprises means for moving the containers successively and continuously through a pair of inspection stations, a laser source at each station, means for directing a beam from said laser source toward the inspecting station at an angle such that it will intersect the container as it moves through the inspection station, said means causing said beam to move in a plane such that successive positions of the beam are parallel to one another and at an angle to the axes of the containers, means for sensing the intensity of the beam transmitted through the container, and means for creating a signal when the intensity of the beam transmitted entirely through the container at any station is diminished by a defect below a predetermined value.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
23 words
The combination set forth in claim 18 including means for creating said signal only when the container is present at an inspection station.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
37 words
The combination set forth in claim 19 including means for sensing the portion of the container which is being inspected, and means for creating said signal only when a predetermined portion of said container is being inspected.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
31 words
The combination set forth in claim 20 wherein said sensing means is responsive to the position of the beam with respect to the container as it is moved in said plane.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
16 words
The combination set forth in claim 20 including means for sensing the position of the container.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
72 words
The combination set fort in claim 18 including means for directing a second beam against said container as it passes through each inspection station, and means for moving said second beam in a plane such that successive portions of the beam are parallel to one another, said means for creating a signal being responsive to a diminution in intensity by a defect of any of said beams transmitted entirely through the container.
Claim 29
Independent Claim
158 words
The method of inspecting hollow containers for defects which comprises moving the containers successively and continuously past an inspection station with the axes of successive containers parallel to one another, directing a collimated beam of Radiant energy to which the container is transparent and of sufficient intensity that it will pass entirely through the container toward the inspecting station at an angle such that the beam will intersect each container as it passes through the station, rotating the container as it passes through the station, causing the collimated beam to move in a plane such that successive positions of the beam are parallel to one another and at an angle to the axes of the containers to thereby scan successive portions of the container as it is moved and rotated through the inspection station, and creating a signal when the intensity of the beam transmitted entirely through the container is diminished by a defect below a predetermined value.
Claim 30
Independent Claim
158 words
The method of inspecting hollow containers for defects which comprises moving the containers successively and continuously past an inspection station with the axes of successive containers parallel to one another, directing a collimated beam of Radiant energy to which the container is transparent and of sufficient intensity that it will pass entirely through the container toward the inspecting station at an angle such that the beam will intersect each container as it passes through the station, rotating the container as it passes through the station, causing the collimated beam to move in a plane such that successive positions of the beam are parallel to one another and at an angle to the axes of the containers to thereby scan successive portions of the container as it is moved and rotated through the inspection station, and creating a signal when the intensity of the beam transmitted entirely through the container is diminished by a defect below a predetermined value.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
69 words
The method set forth in claim 24 including the step of sensing which portion of the container is being inspected, and creating a signal only when the beam is being directed at a predetermined portion of the container such that adverse deflection of the beam due to the shape of the container does not create a diminution in the intensity of the beam which would cause a false signal.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
113 words
The method set forth in claim 24 including the step of directing a second collimated beam of radiant energy to which the container is transparent and of sufficient intensity that it will pass entirely through the container toward the container as it passes through the inspection station at an angle to the first mentioned beam, and moving said second beam in a plane such that successive positions of the beam are parallel to one another and at an angle to the axes of the containers, said step of creating a signal being in response to diminution of the intensity by a defect of either of the collimated beams transmitted entirely through the container.
Claim 33
Independent Claim
146 words
An apparatus for inspecting hollow containers for defects which comprises means for moving the containers successively and continuously through an inspection station, a collimated source of radiant energy to which the container is transparent and of sufficient intensity that it will pass entirely through the container, means for directing a beam from said collimated source toward the inspecting station at an angle such that it will intersect the container as it moves through the inspection station, said means causing said beam to move in a plane such that successive positions of the beam are parallel to one another and at an angle to the axes of the containers, means for sensing the intensity of the beam transmitted through the container, and means for creating a signal when the intensity of the beam transmitted entirely through the container is diminished by a defect below a predetermined value.
Claim 34
Independent Claim
146 words
An apparatus for inspecting hollow containers for defects which comprises means for moving the containers successively and continuously through an inspection station, a collimated source of radiant energy to which the container is transparent and of sufficient intensity that it will pass entirely through the container, means for directing a beam from said collimated source toward the inspecting station at an angle such that it will intersect the container as it moves through the inspection station, said means causing said beam to move in a plane such that successive positions of the beam are parallel to one another and at an angle to the axes of the containers, means for sensing the intensity of the beam transmitted through the container, and means for creating a signal when the intensity of the beam transmitted entirely through the container is diminished by a defect below a predetermined value.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-08-15 | 1976-02-14 | 1976-08-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-08-15 | 1980-02-14 | 1980-08-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-08-15 | 1984-02-14 | 1984-08-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |