US3758215A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Aerodynamic means for raising and swirling loose objects in empty glass containers and optical means for detecting the presence of same
Assignee: OI Glass Inc
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Filing: 1972-06-01
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Granted: 1973-09-11
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Expires: 1992-06-01
Abstract
Abstract Optical inspection apparatus, particularly for detecting the presence of loose objects, usually fragments of broken glass, in glass containers. Light is directed against the side wall of a container and an air or gas jet is directed into the container to create a swirling action and raise loose objects in the container from the bottom thereof for more effective illumination. Light sensitive means is positioned above the container to pick up reflected light from such illuminated fragments and the light sensitive means produces an electrical signal which may be employed to actuate an alarm, to stop the operation of the conveyor or other mechanism, or to operate a rigid mechanism for diverting containers which may have loose glass therein.
Inventors
- 👤 M Paruolo
- 👤 Mackin J Mc
- 👤 Meekin J Mc
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 04:11
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N21/00; G01N21/84; G01N21/88; G01N21/90; G01N21/9018; G01N33/00; G01N33/0078; G01N33/0081
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
75 words
Optical inspection apparatus for normally empty glass containers comprising means for illuminating the interiors of such containers, means directing an air current into the containers to create a swirling action for agitating loose objects in said containers and thus raise the same from the bottoms of the containers to facilitate illumination thereof, light sensitive means positioned to receive light reflected from such objects, and electrical control means under the influence of said light sensitive means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
75 words
Optical inspection apparatus for normally empty glass containers comprising means for illuminating the interiors of such containers, means directing an air current into the containers to create a swirling action for agitating loose objects in said containers and thus raise the same from the bottoms of the containers to facilitate illumination thereof, light sensitive means positioned to receive light reflected from such objects, and electrical control means under the influence of said light sensitive means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
29 words
Apparatus as in claim 1 wherein said illuminating means is directed against the side walls of containers and wherein said light sensitive means is directed downwardly into said containers.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
Apparatus as in claim 1 wherein said air current is directed into said containers generally tangentially to create an effective swirling action.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
Apparatus as in claim 2 wherein said air current is directed into said containers generally tangentially to create an effective swirling action.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
Apparatus as in claim 1 including a conveyor for passing a continuous row of containers past said inspection apparatus.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
44 words
Apparatus as in claim 5 wherein said air current means includes a plurality of nozzles spaced along said conveyor in advance of said inspection apparatus and up to the same whereby the swirling action is initiated before a container arrives at the inspection apparatus.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
23 words
Apparatus as in claim 5 wherein the illuminating means is directed against containers substantially at right angles to the direction of said conveyor.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
26 words
Apparatus as in claim 7 wherein the illuminating means directs a beam of light of narrow vertically extending rectangular cross-section against the side walls of containers.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
76 words
A method of detecting loose objects in normally empty glass containers comprising illuminating the interiors of such containers and simultaneously applying a swirling action of air to the interior of the container to agitate and raise loose objects therein, and scanning the interior of such container with light sensitive means to detect the presence of such loose objects by light reflected therefrom to produce an electrical signal in response to the presence of such loose objects.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
76 words
A method of detecting loose objects in normally empty glass containers comprising illuminating the interiors of such containers and simultaneously applying a swirling action of air to the interior of the container to agitate and raise loose objects therein, and scanning the interior of such container with light sensitive means to detect the presence of such loose objects by light reflected therefrom to produce an electrical signal in response to the presence of such loose objects.
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) | 1976-09-10 | 1977-03-12 | 1977-09-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-09-10 | 1981-03-12 | 1981-09-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-09-10 | 1985-03-12 | 1985-09-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |