Method and apparatus for inspection of containers
First Claim
1. ) A method of inspecting a container during transfer of the container, the method comprising:
- connecting a crane to the container by way of a spreader bar;
causing an imaging probe to enter the container by way of an inspection port; and
imaging contents of the container.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A method of inspecting a container during transfer of the container includes connecting a crane to the container by way of a spreader bar, causing a probe to engage an inspection port on the container, and probing the container. The probe may be an imaging probe, a camera, or another device for inspecting the contents of the container. The probe may be shielded, and the probe or shield may penetrate the inspection port with sufficient force to disengage a spring-loaded mount of a retractable port seal. The inspection port may be at a side wall of the container. Based on the findings of the probe, the container may be identified for further inspection. An apparatus for inspecting a container, a method of fitting a container for inspection, and an apparatus which may be fit to a container to facilitate inspection thereof are also disclosed.
-
Citations
23 Claims
-
1. ) A method of inspecting a container during transfer of the container, the method comprising:
-
connecting a crane to the container by way of a spreader bar; causing an imaging probe to enter the container by way of an inspection port; and imaging contents of the container. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
-
-
6. ) A method of inspecting a container during transfer of the container, the method comprising:
-
connecting a crane to the container by way of a spreader bar; causing a probe to enter the container by way of an inspection port disposed at a side of the container; and probing the container. - View Dependent Claims (7)
-
-
8. ) A method of fitting a container for inspection, the inspection to occur during transfer of the container, the method comprising:
-
creating an opening in a side wall of the container; attaching a spring-loaded mount to the side wall at the opening; and attaching a retractable port seal to the spring-loaded mount. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10)
-
-
11. ) An apparatus for inspecting a container during transfer of the container, the apparatus comprising:
-
a deployment arm pivotably attached to a spreader bar of a crane; and an imaging probe attached to the deployment arm. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15)
-
-
16. ) An apparatus for facilitating inspection of a container during transit, the apparatus comprising:
-
a spring-loaded mount attached to a side wall of the container at an opening therein; and a retractable port seal attached to the spring-loaded mount. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
-
-
23. ) A container predesigned for inspection, the inspection to occur during transfer of the container, the container comprising:
-
at least one side wall having an opening therein, a spring-loaded mount attached to the side wall at the opening; and a retractable port seal attached to the spring-loaded mount.
-
Specification