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Method and apparatus for inspecting liquids in transparent containers

  • US 4,087,184 A
  • Filed: 04/16/1976
  • Issued: 05/02/1978
  • Est. Priority Date: 09/12/1974
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A method for inspecting illuminated articles wherein each of said articles comprise a liquid-filled transparent container, that may have a multiplicity of optical defects or specular reflections on or in itself which liquid is to be inspected for the presence of foreign particles, said method comprising the steps of:

  • a. rotating said article to cause the liquid contents to rotate therein,b. placing the rotating article at an inspection station having associated article illuminating means,c. stopping the rotation of said container,d. imaging the article along a first viewing axis with image forming means,e. while the illuminated liquid continues to rotate, dissecting said article image into a plurality of detection areas which extend from the bottom of the container through the top of the liquid meniscus,f. monitoring each of said detection areas with individual sensing means only for changes in illumination below the saturation limit of said sensing means,g. electronically translating said changes in illumination into voltage signals,h. forming a composite signal of said voltage signals,i. comparing said composite signal to a standard reference signal and based thereon accepting or rejecting said article for particulate contamination;

    whereby the image of said foreign particles which moves past a detection area with a saturated sensing means will be detected as it passes through a detection area with an unsaturated sensing means.

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