Apparatus for inspecting can seams and the like
First Claim
1. Apparatus for detecting an irregularity in the surface of an elongated seam having a curvate surface cross-section, said apparatus comprising:
- (a) irradiation means for irradiating said surface to produce reflected signals;
(b) a plurality of radiation sensors, each being disposed to have a selected field of view of the surface, each such view being defined by a width extending longitudinally of said seam and a length curvately extending in a plane lying transverse to the longitudinal direction of said seam;
each such sensor for receiving such portion of said reflected signals as are reflected within its corresponding field of view and for producing corresponding sensor output signals in response thereto;
(c) signal processing means for receiving said sensor output signals for a succession of fields of view along the longitudinal length of said seam, and for deriving therefrom signal data representing a dimensional feature of said seam; and
,(d) signal comparison means for comparing said signal data with signal data representing an acceptable dimensional limit, and for producing a rejection signal in the event that said dimensional feature does not fall within said limit.
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Abstract
Apparatus is disclosed for detecting irregularities or flaws in seams such as the seams of cans. The apparatus includes means for irradiating the surface of the seam to produce reflected radiation signals, a plurality of radiation sensors, each having a selected field of view of the surface, and each producing sensor output signals dependent on reflected radiation signals received within such field of view. A signal processing means receives sensor output signals for a succession of fields of view along the longitudinal length of the seam and derives therefrom signal data representing a dimensional feature of the seam. Signl comparison means compares such derived data with signal data representing an acceptable dimensional limit and produces a rejection signal in the event that the dimensional feature does not fall within the limit. Means for classifying the nature of an irregularity is also disclosed, as is transport means for the movement of seams though the field of view of the sensors.
13 Citations
13 Claims
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1. Apparatus for detecting an irregularity in the surface of an elongated seam having a curvate surface cross-section, said apparatus comprising:
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(a) irradiation means for irradiating said surface to produce reflected signals; (b) a plurality of radiation sensors, each being disposed to have a selected field of view of the surface, each such view being defined by a width extending longitudinally of said seam and a length curvately extending in a plane lying transverse to the longitudinal direction of said seam;
each such sensor for receiving such portion of said reflected signals as are reflected within its corresponding field of view and for producing corresponding sensor output signals in response thereto;(c) signal processing means for receiving said sensor output signals for a succession of fields of view along the longitudinal length of said seam, and for deriving therefrom signal data representing a dimensional feature of said seam; and
,(d) signal comparison means for comparing said signal data with signal data representing an acceptable dimensional limit, and for producing a rejection signal in the event that said dimensional feature does not fall within said limit. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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Specification