Apparatus for and method of inspecting container means

Claim 1

An apparatus for automatically inspecting for any opening in wall means of containers, said apparatus comprising, a lightemitting device, a photosensitive device, a rotatable carrier having a plurality of cradles each receiving and supporting the weight of one container therein and each cradle supporting its container so as to allow axial sliding movement of the container along its cradle, said rotatable carrier serially moving each of said containers between said devices with each container held in its associated cradle to allow light from said light-emitting device to pass through any opening in wall means of each container to energize said photosensitive device, shielding means operatively associating with each container and said photosensitive device, urging means for relatively moving each container and said shielding means substantially parallel to the axis of the container and into light-shielding engagement so that said photosensitive device only receives light from said lightemitting device which has passed through an opening in wall means of a container to thereby energize said photosensitive device, and a mechanism operatively connected to and actuated by said photosensitive device to reject each container having an opening in its wall means.

Claim 2

An apparatus for automatically inspecting for any opening in wall means of containers, said apparatus comprising, a lightemitting device, a photosensitive device, a rotatable carrier having a plurality of cradles each receiving and supporting the weight of one container therein and each cradle supporting its container so as to allow axial sliding movement of the container along its cradle, said rotatable carrier serially moving each of said containers between said devices with each container held in its associated cradle to allow light from said light-emitting device to pass through any opening in wall means of each container to energize said photosensitive device, shielding means operatively associating with each container and said photosensitive device, urging means for relatively moving each container and said shielding means substantially parallel to the axis of the container and into light-shielding engagement so that said photosensitive device only receives light from said lightemitting device which has passed through an opening in wall means of a container to thereby energize said photosensitive device, and a mechanism operatively connected to and actuated by said photosensitive device to reject each container having an opening in its wall means.

Claim 6

An apparatus for automatically inspecting for any opening in wall means of containers, said apparatus comprising, a light-emitting device, a photosensitive device, a rotatable carrier having a plurality of cradles each receiving and carrying one container therein, said rotatable carrier serially moving each of said containers between said device with each container held in its associated cradle to allow light from said light-emitting device to pass through any opening in wall means of each container to energize said photosensitive device, and a mechanism operatively connected to and actuated by said photosensitive device to reject each container having an opening in its wall means, said rotatable carrier comprising a rotatable star wheel having said plurality of cradles and having an opaque plate defining one side thereof with said plate having a plurality of windows provided therein corresponding in number to said plurality of cradles, each of said windows comprising an open passage in said plate and each window being arranged adjacent an associated cradle, said photosensitive device being mounted adjacent the exterior surface of said plate and having a light-receiving aperture provided therein and arranged at a fixed position defining an inspection station so that each of said windows registers momentarily with said aperture during rotation of said star wheel with said momentary registration comprising an inspection interval, said light-emitting device flooding the exterior of said wall means with light during said inspection interval so that light passes from the exterior to the interior of each container which has an opening in its wall means through an associated window and through said aperture to energize said photosensitive device.

Claim 7

An apparatus for automatically inspecting for any opening in wall means of containers, said apparatus comprising, a light-emitting device, a photosensitive device, a rotatable carrier having a plurality of cradles each receiving and carrying one container therein, said rotatable carrier serially moving each of said containers between said device with each container held in its associated cradle to allow light from said light-emitting device to pass through any opening in wall means of each container to energize said photosensitive device, and a mechanism operatively connected to and actuated by said photosensitive device to reject each container having an opening in its wall means, said rotatable carrier comprising a rotatable star wheel having said plurality of cradles and having an opaque plate defining one side thereof with said plate having a plurality of windows provided therein corresponding in number to said plurality of cradles, each of said windows comprising an open passage in said plate and each window being arranged adjacent an associated cradle, said photosensitive device being mounted adjacent the exterior surface of said plate and having a light-receiving aperture provided therein and arranged at a fixed position defining an inspection station so that each of said windows registers momentarily with said aperture during rotation of said star wheel with said momentary registration comprising an inspection interval, said light-emitting device flooding the exterior of said wall means with light during said inspection interval so that light passes from the exterior to the interior of each container which has an opening in its wall means through an associated window and through said aperture to energize said photosensitive device.

Claim 8

An apparatus for automatically inspecting wall means of containers, said apparatus comprising, a light-emitting device, a photosensitive device, a rotatable carrier for serially moving each of said containers between said devices enabling any opening in wall means of each container to be detected by light passing therethrough and energizing said photosensitive device, and a mechanism actuated by said photosensitive device to reject each container having an opening in its wall means, said rotatable carrier having a plurality of cradles each suitable for carrying one container, said rotatable carrier comprising a rotatable star wheel having said plurality of cradles and having an opaque plate defining one side thereof with said plate having a plurality of windows provided therein corresponding in number to said plurality of cradles with each window being arranged adjacent an associated cradle, said photosensitive device being mounted adjacent the exterior surface of said plate and having a light-receiving aperture provided therein and arranged at a fixed position defining an inspection station so that each of said windows registers mOmentarily with said aperture during rotation of said star wheel with said momentarily registration comprising an inspection interval, said light-emitting device flooding the exterior of said wall means with light during said inspection interval so that light passes from the exterior to the interior of each container which has an opening in its wall means through an associated window and through said aperture to energize said photosensitive device, said star wheel having a hub portion provided with an outer reflective surface and each cradle is made of a transparent material, said reflective surface and transparent material assuring that light from said light-emitting device effectively floods the entire exterior of said wall means during said inspection interval.

Claim 9

An apparatus for automatically inspecting wall means of containers, said apparatus comprising, a light-emitting device, a photosensitive device, a rotatable carrier for serially moving each of said containers between said devices enabling any opening in wall means of each container to be detected by light passing therethrough and energizing said photosensitive device, and a mechanism actuated by said photosensitive device to reject each container having an opening in its wall means, said rotatable carrier having a plurality of cradles each suitable for carrying one container, said rotatable carrier comprising a rotatable star wheel having said plurality of cradles and having an opaque plate defining one side thereof with said plate having a plurality of windows provided therein corresponding in number to said plurality of cradles with each window being arranged adjacent an associated cradle, said photosensitive device being mounted adjacent the exterior surface of said plate and having a light-receiving aperture provided therein and arranged at a fixed position defining an inspection station so that each of said windows registers mOmentarily with said aperture during rotation of said star wheel with said momentarily registration comprising an inspection interval, said light-emitting device flooding the exterior of said wall means with light during said inspection interval so that light passes from the exterior to the interior of each container which has an opening in its wall means through an associated window and through said aperture to energize said photosensitive device, said star wheel having a hub portion provided with an outer reflective surface and each cradle is made of a transparent material, said reflective surface and transparent material assuring that light from said light-emitting device effectively floods the entire exterior of said wall means during said inspection interval.

Claim 10

An apparatus for automatically inspecting wall means of containers, said apparatus comprising, a light-emitting device, a photosensitive device, a rotatable carrier for serially moving each of said containers between said devices enabling any opening in wall means of each container to be detected by light passing therethrough and energizing said photosensitive device, and a mechanism actuated by said photosensitive device to reject each container having an opening in its wall means, said rotatable carrier having a plurality of cradles each suitable for carrying one container, said rotatable carrier comprising a rotatable star wheel having said plurality of cradles and having an opaque plate defining one side thereof with said plate having a plurality of windows provided therein corresponding in number to said plurality of cradles with each window being arranged adjacent an associated cradle, said photosensitive device being mounted adjacent the exterior surface of said plate and having a light-receiving aperture provided therein and arranged at a fixed position defining an inspection station so that each of said windows registers momentarily with said aperture during rotation of said star wheel with said momentary registration comprising an inspection interval, said light-emitting device flooding the exterior of said wall means with light during said inspection interval so that light passes from the exterior to the interior of each container which has an opening in its wall means through an associated window and through said aperture to energize said photosensitive device, said light-emitting device being mounted at a position adjacent said light-receiving aperture of said photosensitive device, said star wheel having a hub portion provided with an outer reflective surface made of polished metal with each cradle being made of a transparent material, said reflective surface and transparent material assuring light from said light-emitting device effectively floods the entire exterior of the wall means of each container during said inspection interval.

Claim 11

An apparatus for automatically inspecting wall means of containers, said apparatus comprising, a light-emitting device, a photosensitive device, a rotatable carrier for serially moving each of said containers between said devices enabling any opening in wall means of each container to be detected by light passing therethrough and energizing said photosensitive device, and a mechanism actuated by said photosensitive device to reject each container having an opening in its wall means, said rotatable carrier having a plurality of cradles each suitable for carrying one container, said rotatable carrier comprising a rotatable star wheel having said plurality of cradles and having an opaque plate defining one side thereof with said plate having a plurality of windows provided therein corresponding in number to said plurality of cradles with each window being arranged adjacent an associated cradle, said photosensitive device being mounted adjacent the exterior surface of said plate and having a light-receiving aperture provided therein and arranged at a fixed position defining an inspection station so that each of said windows registers momentarily with said aperture during rotation of said star wheel with said momentary registration comprising an inspection interval, said light-emitting device flooding the exterior of said wall means with light during said inspection interval so that light passes from the exterior to the interior of each container which has an opening in its wall means through an associated window and through said aperture to energize said photosensitive device, said light-emitting device being mounted at a position adjacent said light-receiving aperture of said photosensitive device, said star wheel having a hub portion provided with an outer reflective surface made of polished metal with each cradle being made of a transparent material, said reflective surface and transparent material assuring light from said light-emitting device effectively floods the entire exterior of the wall means of each container during said inspection interval.

Claim 12

An apparatus for automatically inspecting wall means of containers, said apparatus comprising, a light-emitting device, a photosensitive device, a rotatable carrier for serially moving each of said containers between said devices enabling any opening in wall means of each container to be detected by light passing therethrough and energizing said photosensitive device, and a mechanism actuated by said photosensitive device to reject each container having an opening in its wall means, said rotatable carrier having a plurality of cradles each suitable for carrying one container, said rotatable carrier comprising a rotatable star wheel having said plurality of cradles and having an opaque plate defining one side thereof with said plate having a plurality of windows provided therein corresponding in number to said plurality of cradles with each window being arranged adjacent an associated cradle, said photosensitive device being mounted adjacent the exterior surface of said plate and having a light-receiving aperture provided therein and arranged at a fixed position defining an inspection station so that each of said windows registers momentarily with said aperture duriNg rotation of said star wheel with said momentary registration comprising an inspection interval, said light-emitting device flooding the exterior of said wall means with light during said inspection interval so that light passes from the exterior to the interior of each container which has an opening in its wall means through an associated window and through said aperture to energize said photosensitive device, said light-emitting device comprising a plurality of spaced lights mounted on a hinged support which is supported adjacent said inspection station inwardly of the interior surface of said plate.

Claim 13

An apparatus for automatically inspecting wall means of containers, said apparatus comprising, a light-emitting device, a photosensitive device, a rotatable carrier for serially moving each of said containers between said devices enabling any opening in wall means of each container to be detected by light passing therethrough and energizing said photosensitive device, and a mechanism actuated by said photosensitive device to reject each container having an opening in its wall means, said rotatable carrier having a plurality of cradles each suitable for carrying one container, said rotatable carrier comprising a rotatable star wheel having said plurality of cradles and having an opaque plate defining one side thereof with said plate having a plurality of windows provided therein corresponding in number to said plurality of cradles with each window being arranged adjacent an associated cradle, said photosensitive device being mounted adjacent the exterior surface of said plate and having a light-receiving aperture provided therein and arranged at a fixed position defining an inspection station so that each of said windows registers momentarily with said aperture duriNg rotation of said star wheel with said momentary registration comprising an inspection interval, said light-emitting device flooding the exterior of said wall means with light during said inspection interval so that light passes from the exterior to the interior of each container which has an opening in its wall means through an associated window and through said aperture to energize said photosensitive device, said light-emitting device comprising a plurality of spaced lights mounted on a hinged support which is supported adjacent said inspection station inwardly of the interior surface of said plate.

Claim 15

An apparatus for automatically inspecting wall means of containers, said apparatus comprising, a light-emitting device, a photosensitive device, a rotatable carrier for serially moving each of said containers between said devices enabling any opening in wall means of each container to be detected by light passing therethrough and energizing said photosensitive device, and a mechanism actuated by said photosensitive device to reject each container having an opening in its wall means, said rotatable carrier having a plurality of cradles each suitable for carrying one container, said rotatable carrier comprising a rotatable star wheel having said plurality of cradles and having an opaque plate defining one side thereof with said plate having a plurality of windows provided therein corresponding in number to said plurality of cradles with each window being arranged adjacent an associated cradle, said photosensitive device being mounted adjacent the exterior surface of said plate and having a light-receiving aperture provided therein and arranged at a fixed position defining an inspection station so that each of said windows registers momentarily with said aperture during rotation of said star wheel with said momentary registration comprising an inspection interval, said light-emitting device flooding the exterior of said wall means with light during said inspection interval so that light passes from the exterior to the interior of each container which has an opening in its wall means through an associated window and through said aperture to energize said photosensitive device, and said apparatus further comprising a support mounted in a hinged manner adjacent said inspection station, said support having an arcuate reflective interior surface defining an arcuate path corresponding to and having a slightly larger radius than the path defined by the outer surface of said containers during movement thereof past said inspection station, said light-emitting device comprising a plurality of spaced lights each being mounted on said support substantially equidistant from said arcuate interior surface and being arranged inwardly of the interior surface of said plate with said lights in their normal light-emitting position, said star wheel having a hub portion and the outer surface of said plate defined as reflective surfaces and having each cradle made of a transparent material, said reflective surfaces and transparent material assuring that light from said plurality of lights effectively floods the entire exterior of the wall means of each container during said inspection interval.

Claim 16

An apparatus for automatically inspecting wall means of containers, said apparatus comprising, a light-emitting device, a photosensitive device, a rotatable carrier for serially moving each of said containers between said devices enabling any opening in wall means of each container to be detected by light passing therethrough and energizing said photosensitive device, and a mechanism actuated by said photosensitive device to reject each container having an opening in its wall means, said rotatable carrier having a plurality of cradles each suitable for carrying one container, said rotatable carrier comprising a rotatable star wheel having said plurality of cradles and having an opaque plate defining one side thereof with said plate having a plurality of windows provided therein corresponding in number to said plurality of cradles with each window being arranged adjacent an associated cradle, said photosensitive device being mounted adjacent the exterior surface of said plate and having a light-receiving aperture provided therein and arranged at a fixed position defining an inspection station so that each of said windows registers momentarily with said aperture during rotation of said star wheel with said momentary registration comprising an inspection interval, said light-emitting device flooding the exterior of said wall means with light during said inspection interval so that light passes from the exterior to the interior of each container which has an opening in its wall means through an associated window and through said aperture to energize said photosensitive device, and said apparatus further comprising a support mounted in a hinged manner adjacent said inspection station, said support having an arcuate reflective interior surface defining an arcuate path corresponding to and having a slightly larger radius than the path defined by the outer surface of said containers during movement thereof past said inspection station, said light-emitting device comprising a plurality of spaced lights each being mounted on said support substantially equidistant from said arcuate interior surface and being arranged inwardly of the interior surface of said plate with said lights in their normal light-emitting position, said star wheel having a hub portion and the outer surface of said plate defined as reflective surfaces and having each cradle made of a transparent material, said reflective surfaces and transparent material assuring that light from said plurality of lights effectively floods the entire exterior of the wall means of each container during said inspection interval.

Claim 17

An apparatus for automatically inspecting wall means of containers, said apparatus comprising, a light-emitting device, a photosensitive device, a rotatable carrier for serially moving each of said containers between said devices enabling any opening in wall means of each container to be detected by light passing therethrough and energizing said photosensitive device, and a mechanism actuated by said photosensitive device to reject each container having an oPening in its wall means, said rotatable carrier having a plurality of cradles each suitable for carrying one container, said rotatable carrier comprising a rotatable star wheel having said plurality of cradles and having an opaque plate defining one side thereof with said plate having a plurality of windows provided therein corresponding in number to said plurality of cradles with each window being arranged adjacent an associated cradle, said photosensitive device being mounted adjacent the exterior surface of said plate and having a light-receiving aperture provided therein and arranged at a fixed position defining an inspection station so that each of said windows registers momentarily with said aperture during rotation of said star wheel with said momentary registration comprising an inspection interval, said light-emitting device flooding the exterior of said wall means with light during said inspection interval so that light passes from the exterior to the interior of each container which has an opening in its wall means through an associated window and through said aperture to energize said photosensitive device, said wall means of each container comprising a tubular wall terminating in a rim with each container being supported by its associated cradle with its rim arranged adjacent an associated window, each of said windows comprising an open passage in said plate, and said apparatus further comprising means urging each of said containers axially along its cradle until a rim of its tubular wall is urged against said plate in surrounding relation around an associated window and during said inspection interval to provide a light-proof seal between each tubular wall and said plate.

Claim 18

An apparatus for automatically inspecting wall means of containers, said apparatus comprising, a light-emitting device, a photosensitive device, a rotatable carrier for serially moving each of said containers between said devices enabling any opening in wall means of each container to be detected by light passing therethrough and energizing said photosensitive device, and a mechanism actuated by said photosensitive device to reject each container having an oPening in its wall means, said rotatable carrier having a plurality of cradles each suitable for carrying one container, said rotatable carrier comprising a rotatable star wheel having said plurality of cradles and having an opaque plate defining one side thereof with said plate having a plurality of windows provided therein corresponding in number to said plurality of cradles with each window being arranged adjacent an associated cradle, said photosensitive device being mounted adjacent the exterior surface of said plate and having a light-receiving aperture provided therein and arranged at a fixed position defining an inspection station so that each of said windows registers momentarily with said aperture during rotation of said star wheel with said momentary registration comprising an inspection interval, said light-emitting device flooding the exterior of said wall means with light during said inspection interval so that light passes from the exterior to the interior of each container which has an opening in its wall means through an associated window and through said aperture to energize said photosensitive device, said wall means of each container comprising a tubular wall terminating in a rim with each container being supported by its associated cradle with its rim arranged adjacent an associated window, each of said windows comprising an open passage in said plate, and said apparatus further comprising means urging each of said containers axially along its cradle until a rim of its tubular wall is urged against said plate in surrounding relation around an associated window and during said inspection interval to provide a light-proof seal between each tubular wall and said plate.

Claim 21

An apparatus for automatically inspecting wall means of containers, said apparatus comprising, a light-emitting device, a photosensitive device, a rotatable carrier for serially moving each of said containers between said devices enabling any opening in wall means of each container to be detected by light passing therethrough and energizing said photosensitive device, and a mechanism actuated by said photosensitive device to reject each container having an opening in its wall means, said rotatable carrier having a plurality of cradles each suitable for carrying one container, said rotatable carrier comprising a rotatable star wheel having said plurality of cradles and having an opaque plate defining one side thereof with said plate having a plurality of windows provided therein corresponding in number to said plurality of cradles with each window being arranged adjacent an associated cradle, said photosensitive device being mounted adjacent the exterior surface of said plate and having a light-receiving aperture provided therein and arranged at a fixed position defining an inspection sta-tion so that each of said windows registers momentarily with said aperture during rotation of said star wheel with said momentary registration comprising an inspection interval, said light-emitting device flooding the exterior of said wall means with light during said inspection interval so that light passes from the exterior to the interior of each container which has an opening in its wall means through an associated window and through said aperture to energize said photosensitive device, said wall means of each container comprising a bottom wall and a tubular side wall adjoining said bottom wall and terminating in a rim, each of said containers being mounted in its associated cradle with its rim arranged adjacent its associated window, and said apparatus further comprising means urging each of said containers axially along its cradle until the rim of each tubular side wall is urged against said plate and surrounding an associated window to provide a lightproof seal between each tubular side wall and said plate.

Claim 22

An apparatus for automatically inspecting wall means of containers, said apparatus comprising, a light-emitting device, a photosensitive device, a rotatable carrier for serially moving each of said containers between said devices enabling any opening in wall means of each container to be detected by light passing therethrough and energizing said photosensitive device, and a mechanism actuated by said photosensitive device to reject each container having an opening in its wall means, said rotatable carrier having a plurality of cradles each suitable for carrying one container, said rotatable carrier comprising a rotatable star wheel having said plurality of cradles and having an opaque plate defining one side thereof with said plate having a plurality of windows provided therein corresponding in number to said plurality of cradles with each window being arranged adjacent an associated cradle, said photosensitive device being mounted adjacent the exterior surface of said plate and having a light-receiving aperture provided therein and arranged at a fixed position defining an inspection sta-tion so that each of said windows registers momentarily with said aperture during rotation of said star wheel with said momentary registration comprising an inspection interval, said light-emitting device flooding the exterior of said wall means with light during said inspection interval so that light passes from the exterior to the interior of each container which has an opening in its wall means through an associated window and through said aperture to energize said photosensitive device, said wall means of each container comprising a bottom wall and a tubular side wall adjoining said bottom wall and terminating in a rim, each of said containers being mounted in its associated cradle with its rim arranged adjacent its associated window, and said apparatus further comprising means urging each of said containers axially along its cradle until the rim of each tubular side wall is urged against said plate and surrounding an associated window to provide a lightproof seal between each tubular side wall and said plate.

Claim 28

An apparatus for automatically inspecting wall means of containers, said apparatus comprising, a light-emitting device, a photosensitive device, a rotatable carrier for serially moving each of said containers between said devices enabling any opening in wall means of each container to be detected by light passing therethrough and energizing said photosensitive device, and a mechanism actuated by said photosensitive device to reject each container having an opening in its wall means, said rotatable carrier having a plurality of cradles each suitable for carrying one container, said rotatable carrier comprising a rotatable star wheel having said plurality of cradles and having an opaque plate defining one side thereof with said plate having a plurality of windows provided therein corresponding in number to said plurality of cradles with each window being arranged adjacent an associated cradle, said photosensitive device being mounted adjacent the exterior surface of said plate and having a light-receiving aperture provided therein and arranged at a fixed position defiNing an inspection station so that each of said windows registers momentarily with said aperture during rotation of said star wheel with said momentary registration comprising an inspection interval, said light-emitting device flooding the exterior of said wall means with light during said inspection interval so that light passes from the exterior to the interior of each container which has an opening in its wall means through an associated window and through said aperture to energize said photosensitive device, said wall means of each of said containers comprising a tubular wall terminating in a pair of oppositely arranged rims each defining an open end, each open-ended container being mounted in its associated cradle with one of its rims arranged adjacent its associated window and its opposite rim arranged adjacent associated end sealing means, and said apparatus further comprising means urging the end sealing means in a lightproof manner against said opposite rim of each associated container while urging the associated container axially along its cradle until its one rim is urged against said plate surrounding an associated window and during said inspection interval to provide a lightproof seal between each tubular wall and said plate.

Claim 29

An apparatus for automatically inspecting wall means of containers, said apparatus comprising, a light-emitting device, a photosensitive device, a rotatable carrier for serially moving each of said containers between said devices enabling any opening in wall means of each container to be detected by light passing therethrough and energizing said photosensitive device, and a mechanism actuated by said photosensitive device to reject each container having an opening in its wall means, said rotatable carrier having a plurality of cradles each suitable for carrying one container, said rotatable carrier comprising a rotatable star wheel having said plurality of cradles and having an opaque plate defining one side thereof with said plate having a plurality of windows provided therein corresponding in number to said plurality of cradles with each window being arranged adjacent an associated cradle, said photosensitive device being mounted adjacent the exterior surface of said plate and having a light-receiving aperture provided therein and arranged at a fixed position defiNing an inspection station so that each of said windows registers momentarily with said aperture during rotation of said star wheel with said momentary registration comprising an inspection interval, said light-emitting device flooding the exterior of said wall means with light during said inspection interval so that light passes from the exterior to the interior of each container which has an opening in its wall means through an associated window and through said aperture to energize said photosensitive device, said wall means of each of said containers comprising a tubular wall terminating in a pair of oppositely arranged rims each defining an open end, each open-ended container being mounted in its associated cradle with one of its rims arranged adjacent its associated window and its opposite rim arranged adjacent associated end sealing means, and said apparatus further comprising means urging the end sealing means in a lightproof manner against said opposite rim of each associated container while urging the associated container axially along its cradle until its one rim is urged against said plate surrounding an associated window and during said inspection interval to provide a lightproof seal between each tubular wall and said plate.

Claim 35

An apparatus for automatically inspecting wall means of containers, said apparatus comprising, a light-emitting device, a photosensitive device, a rotatable carrier for serially moving each of said containers between said devices enabling any opening in wall means of each container to be detected by light passing therethrough and energizing said photosensitive device, and a mechanism actuated by said photosensitive device to reject each container having an opening in its wall means, said rotatable carrier having a plurality of cradles each suitable for carrying one container, said rotatable carrier comprising a rotatable star wheel having said plurality of cradles and having an opaqUe plate defining one side thereof with said plate having a plurality of windows provided therein corresponding in number to said plurality of cradles with each window being arranged adjacent an associated cradle, said photosensitive device being mounted adjacent the exterior surface of said plate and having a light-receiving aperture provided therein and arranged at a fixed position defining an inspection station so that each of said windows registers momentarily with said aperture during rotation of said star wheel with said momentary registration comprising an inspection interval, said light-emitting device flooding the exterior of said wall means with light during said inspection interval so that light passes from the exterior to the interior of each container which has an opening in its wall means through an associated window and through said aperture to energize said photosensitive device, said photosensitive device being mounted at a fixed position outwardly of said opaque plate and further comprising shielding means cooperating between exterior surface means of said photosensitive device adjoining said light-receiving aperture and the exterior surface of said plate during rotation thereof, said shielding means assuring unwanted light is kept away from said light-receiving aperture of said photosensitive device, said shielding means comprising a pivotally mounted assembly having a swinging end portion and a lightproof seal at one end of said swinging end portion which is adapted to engage said exterior surface means of said photosensitive device in surrounding relation around said light-receiving aperture and having another lightproof seal provided at the opposite end of said swinging end portion which is yieldingly held against the outer surface of said opaque plate during rotation thereof.

Claim 36

An apparatus for automatically inspecting wall means of containers, said apparatus comprising, a light-emitting device, a photosensitive device, a rotatable carrier for serially moving each of said containers between said devices enabling any opening in wall means of each container to be detected by light passing therethrough and energizing said photosensitive device, and a mechanism actuated by said photosensitive device to reject each container having an opening in its wall means, said rotatable carrier having a plurality of cradles each suitable for carrying one container, said rotatable carrier comprising a rotatable star wheel having said plurality of cradles and having an opaqUe plate defining one side thereof with said plate having a plurality of windows provided therein corresponding in number to said plurality of cradles with each window being arranged adjacent an associated cradle, said photosensitive device being mounted adjacent the exterior surface of said plate and having a light-receiving aperture provided therein and arranged at a fixed position defining an inspection station so that each of said windows registers momentarily with said aperture during rotation of said star wheel with said momentary registration comprising an inspection interval, said light-emitting device flooding the exterior of said wall means with light during said inspection interval so that light passes from the exterior to the interior of each container which has an opening in its wall means through an associated window and through said aperture to energize said photosensitive device, said photosensitive device being mounted at a fixed position outwardly of said opaque plate and further comprising shielding means cooperating between exterior surface means of said photosensitive device adjoining said light-receiving aperture and the exterior surface of said plate during rotation thereof, said shielding means assuring unwanted light is kept away from said light-receiving aperture of said photosensitive device, said shielding means comprising a pivotally mounted assembly having a swinging end portion and a lightproof seal at one end of said swinging end portion which is adapted to engage said exterior surface means of said photosensitive device in surrounding relation around said light-receiving aperture and having another lightproof seal provided at the opposite end of said swinging end portion which is yieldingly held against the outer surface of said opaque plate during rotation thereof.

Claim 41

An apparatus for automatically inspecting for any opening in wall means of containers, said apparatus comprising a light-emitting device, a photosensitive device, a main rotatable star wheel having a plurality of container-carrying cradles each receiving and carrying one container therein, said main star wheel serially moving each of said containers between said devices with each container held in its associated cradle to allow light from said light-emitting device to pass through any opening in wall means of each container to energize said photosensitive device, a discharge star wheel having a plurality of cradle means adapted to receive inspected containers from said container-carrying cradles of said main star wheel, a plurality of linkage assemblies corresponding in number to said plurality of cradle means and each linkage assembly being supported adjacent an associated cradle means, and an actuator operatively associating with said linkage assemblies and energized by said photosensitive device to reject each container having an opening it its wall means.

Claim 42

An apparatus for automatically inspecting for any opening in wall means of containers, said apparatus comprising a light-emitting device, a photosensitive device, a main rotatable star wheel having a plurality of container-carrying cradles each receiving and carrying one container therein, said main star wheel serially moving each of said containers between said devices with each container held in its associated cradle to allow light from said light-emitting device to pass through any opening in wall means of each container to energize said photosensitive device, a discharge star wheel having a plurality of cradle means adapted to receive inspected containers from said container-carrying cradles of said main star wheel, a plurality of linkage assemblies corresponding in number to said plurality of cradle means and each linkage assembly being supported adjacent an associated cradle means, and an actuator operatively associating with said linkage assemblies and energized by said photosensitive device to reject each container having an opening it its wall means.

Claim 47

A method of inspecting wall means of containers at high speed comprising the steps of, placing a light-emitting device at a fixed position, placing a photosensitive device at a fixed position spaced from the fixed position of said light-emitting device to define an inspection station, supporting a plurality of containers to be inspected on a rotatable carrier having a plurality of cradles each receiving and supporting the weight of one container therein and each cradle supporting its container so as to allow axial sliding movement of the container along its cradle, rotating said carrier to serially move each of said containers between said devices with each container held in its associated cradle to allow light from said light-emitting device to pass through any opening in wall means of each container to energize said photosensitive device, and relatively moving each container and associated shielding means substantially parallel to the axis of the container and into light-shielding engagement using associated urging means so that at said inspection station said photosensitive device only receives light from said light-emitting device which has passed through an opening in wall means of a container to thereby energize said photosensitive device.

Claim 48

A method of inspecting wall means of containers at high speed comprising the steps of, placing a light-emitting device at a fixed position, placing a photosensitive device at a fixed position spaced from the fixed position of said light-emitting device to define an inspection station, supporting a plurality of containers to be inspected on a rotatable carrier having a plurality of cradles each receiving and supporting the weight of one container therein and each cradle supporting its container so as to allow axial sliding movement of the container along its cradle, rotating said carrier to serially move each of said containers between said devices with each container held in its associated cradle to allow light from said light-emitting device to pass through any opening in wall means of each container to energize said photosensitive device, and relatively moving each container and associated shielding means substantially parallel to the axis of the container and into light-shielding engagement using associated urging means so that at said inspection station said photosensitive device only receives light from said light-emitting device which has passed through an opening in wall means of a container to thereby energize said photosensitive device.

Claim 50

A method of inspecting wall means of containers at high speed comprising the steps of, placing a light-emitting device at a fixed position, placing a photosensitive device at a fixed position spaced from the fixed position of said light-emitting device to define an inspection station, supporting a plurality of containers to be inspected on a rotatable carrier having a plurality of cradles each receiving and carrying one container therein, rotating said carrier to serially move each of said containers between said devices with each container held in its associated cradle to allow light from said light-emitting device to pass through any opening in wall means of each container to energize said photosensitive device, and transferring said containers from said first-named rotatable carrier to a second rotatable carrier while continuously rotating said carriers at high speed, and mechanically ejecting each unacceptable container having an opening in its wall means from said second rotatable carrier and at an associated container rejection station.

Claim 51

A method of inspecting wall means of containers at high speed comprising the steps of, placing a light-emitting device at a fixed position, placing a photosensitive device at a fixed position spaced from the fixed position of said light-emitting device to define an inspection station, supporting a plurality of containers to be inspected on a rotatable carrier having a plurality of cradles each receiving and carrying one container therein, rotating said carrier to serially move each of said containers between said devices with each container held in its associated cradle to allow light from said light-emitting device to pass through any opening in wall means of each container to energize said photosensitive device, and transferring said containers from said first-named rotatable carrier to a second rotatable carrier while continuously rotating said carriers at high speed, and mechanically ejecting each unacceptable container having an opening in its wall means from said second rotatable carrier and at an associated container rejection station.