Patent ID: 7816639
Filing Date: 2010-10-19
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. A machine for inspecting glass containers at an inspection station comprising: means for rotating a selected glass container about a vertical axis at the inspection station; first and second light sources for illuminating a selected portion of the glass container so that defects will be highlighted during the rotation of the glass container, the light source having a selected illuminated on time followed by a selected off time, wherein the container rotates through a defined angle of rotation while the two light sources are successively on and off; a computer for turning said light sources on and off a plurality of consecutive times defining a plurality of illuminations during the defined angle of rotation, the plurality of illuminations equal to the number of times the light sources are turned on and off; a camera including a triggerable imaging portion for imaging the selected illuminated portion of the glass container and including a detector axis inclined to the horizontal; said camera having an exposure time at least equal to the time required for the glass container to rotate through said defined angle of rotation; the computer being configured to trigger the imaging portion of said camera when the container is at the beginning and end of said defined angle of rotation so that the camera will continuously acquire data of said selected portion of the container, as the glass container rotates through the defined angle of rotation to capture, transfer and record each image when the imaging portion is triggered at the beginning and end of said defined angle of rotation, and to perform an addition of a plurality of recorded images, each including the plurality of illuminations for inspection for defects.