Patent ID: 6588600
Filing Date: 2003-07-08
Classification: B07C

Abstract:
A method for sorting, in terms of phosphor blends, fluorescent lamps which have a cylindrical lamp body with a right-hand and left-hand end and with a symbol imprint characteristic of a specific manufacturer and type of lamp, comprising the steps of:a) providing an inspection station with an image processing system having an image memory for recording symbol data relating to symbol imprints from different manufacturers, said image processing system also having a converter for converting pixel signals into actual image data and for comparing said actual image data with said recorded symbol data; b) conveying said lamps into said inspection station having, a stop for defining an inspection plane, each lamp body to be examined engaging said inspection plane; c) directing at least one camera to which said image processing system is connected onto an assigned one of said right-hand and left-hand end of each lamp body to be examined with said symbol imprint thereon; d) rotating each lamp body to be examined in the inspection station while said camera is directed onto said symbol imprint; e) outputting pixel signals from the camera to the image processing system and obtaining said actual image data from said pixel signals; f) correlating said actual image data with said recorded symbol data for producing a control signal indicative of the symbol imprint which is present on the lamp under inspection; and g) conveying each inspected lamp out of the inspection station and directing same into one of a plurality of sorting paths via a switching system which is controlled by said control signal.