Patent ID: 6236009
Filing Date: 2001-05-22
Classification: B07C

Abstract:
An apparatus for marking the container of an article, in which the article has been pre-marked with at least one indicia, comprising:a. an optical scanning station, including a video camera programmed to view an operative scanning area on the article, the indicia being located within said operative scanning area, and further including a video analyzer responsive to an output of said video camera, in which said video analyzer assesses each pixel within said scanning area, adds up the total number of pixels having a desired characteristic, compares the pixel count to predetermined criteria correlating to the presence of an indicia, and produces a first control signal if the criteria are satisfiedb. means for inserting the article into the container;c. a marking station, including means for marking the container with the article therein, and further including sensor means for detecting the presence of the container; andd. a computerized system controller, said controller being responsive to said first control signal and said means for detecting the container at said marking station, said controller producing a marking signal effective to actuate said means for marking the container.