Foreign matter detecting system
First Claim
1. A foreign matter detecting system for detecting a foreign matter contained in a fluid of liquid which is a subject to be inspected and is conveyed in a tubular conduit, comprising:
- an inspection station which is connected to the tubular conduit and of which the inspection window for detecting foreign matter is made of at least a transparent material;
an illuminating means for illuminating the subject to be inspected with light directed through the inspection station;
an imaging means for picturing the subject to be inspected by directing an intensity of light to the inspection window and receiving transmission or reflection of the light; and
a detecting means for comparing the signal level where a part indicative in which the level of the video signal is sharply changing is emphasized and processed with a reference level for the subject to be inspected to detect the foreign matter contained in the fluid.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
For use in the production line for manufacturing a liquid product such as a beverage or a liquid drug, a system is provided for detecting foreign matter contained in the fluid which is being conveyed at high speed in a conduit and automatically removing the same. The system comprises an inspection station which is connected to the conduit and of which the inspection window for detecting foreign matter is made of at least a transparent material, an illuminating means for illuminating the subject to be inspected with light directed through the inspection station, an imaging means for picturing the subject to be inspected by directing an intensity of light to the inspection window and receiving transmission or reflection of the light, a detecting means for comparing the signal level where a part indicative in which the level of the video signal is sharply changing is emphasized and processed with a reference level for the subject to be inspected to detect the foreign matter contained in the fluid. When the foreign matter is detected by the detecting means, the fluid is temporarily switched to a branch of the tubular conduit by the open and close action of a control valve to systematically discharge a portion of the fluid where the foreign matter is present.
16 Citations
19 Claims
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1. A foreign matter detecting system for detecting a foreign matter contained in a fluid of liquid which is a subject to be inspected and is conveyed in a tubular conduit, comprising:
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an inspection station which is connected to the tubular conduit and of which the inspection window for detecting foreign matter is made of at least a transparent material; an illuminating means for illuminating the subject to be inspected with light directed through the inspection station; an imaging means for picturing the subject to be inspected by directing an intensity of light to the inspection window and receiving transmission or reflection of the light; and a detecting means for comparing the signal level where a part indicative in which the level of the video signal is sharply changing is emphasized and processed with a reference level for the subject to be inspected to detect the foreign matter contained in the fluid. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification