Abstract:
This application relates to an apparatus (Fig. 3) and method for providing patterned illumination fields for use within process control and article inspection applications. More specifically, it pertains to the use of patterned illuminators (90, 110) to enable visual surface inspection of polished objects (30)such as ball bearings. The use of patterned illuminators properly disposed in relation to a polished part under inspection allows small surface imperfections such as scratches and pits to become visible against the normal surface background. The use of carefully engineered illuminators facilitates advantageous defect-site scattering from generally dark field sources. The patterned nature of the illuminators defined by this invention allows the complete surface (55) of three-dimensional parts to be effectively highlighted using dark field illumination fields.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for on-line quality control of PET containers. An infrared or ultraviolet sensor (10) detects the intensity of electromagnetic radiation transmitted through the wall of a container. A processor (30) uses this signal to calculate density or volume of the external wall of the container.
Abstract:
An inspection system is provided comprising at least one detection element (60) sensitive to electromagnetic radiation (20) at a wavelength wherein the object (10) to be inspected is rendered opaque by naturally occurring material molecular absorptions. As such, material defects such as cracks and voids can be detected.
Abstract:
A stretch blow molding system that condition preforms such that the temperature distribution within the cross-section of each preform (10) is optimized prior to blow molding operations is provided. The system has a temperature measurement (20) and control system (30) capable of directly monitoring both the outside as well as inside surface temperature of preforms at different stages of transport throughout the thermal conditioning section (100) of the system.
Abstract:
This application relates to an apparatus and method for providing snapshot action thermal infrared imaging within automated process control article inspection applications. More specifically, it pertains to the use of snapshot mode lead salt area-array imaging sensors (20) as the imaging front-end in high-speed machine vision inspection systems (12). the relatively low-cost, good measurement sensitivity at temperatures consistent with thermo-electric cooling means, and the ability to be operated in snapshot mode enables lead salt-based image acquisition sensors (20) to be used in a variety of automated process control and article inspection applications.
Abstract:
An inspection system is provided comprising at least one detection element (60) sensitive to electromagnetic radiation (20) at a wavelength wherein the object (10) to be inspected is rendered opaque by naturally occurring material molecular absorptions. As such, material defects such as cracks and voids can be detected.
Abstract:
A laser diode based system for direct injection of selected thermal-infrared (IR) wavelength radiation or energy into articles for a wide range of processing purposes is provided. These purposes may include heating, raising or maintaining the temperature of articles, or stimulating a target item in a wide range of different industrial, medical, consumer, or commercial applications. The system is especially applicable to operations that require or benefit from the ability to irradiate at specifically selected wavelengths or to pulse or inject the radiation. The system is particularly advantageous when functioning at higher speeds and in a non-contact environment with the target.
Abstract:
A system for direct injection of selected thermal-infrared (IR) wavelength radiation or energy into articles for a wide range of processing purposes is provided. These purposes may include heating, raising or maintaining the temperature of articles, or stimulating a target item in a range of different industrial, medical, consumer, or commercial circumstances. The system is especially applicable to operations that require or benefit from the ability to irradiate at specifically selected wavelengths or to pulse or inject the radiation. The system is particularly advantageous when functioning at higher speeds and in a non-contact environment with the target.
Abstract:
This application relates to an apparatus and method for automated inspection of formed metal containers. More specifically, it pertains to the use of machine vision systems to identify and correlate manufacturing defects occurring in formed food and beverage containers to specific manufacturing paths or sources of origin (e.g., body makers) used in the container forming process. The disclosed invention is enabled by the placement of a machine-readable code on specific portions of the can body during the forming process and the use of illumination exposure techniques.