Patent ID: 7057186

Claim:
An apparatus for detecting the presence or position of an ophthalmic product in a sealed container, comprising: (a) a source of electromagnetic energy located relative to the container to direct electromagnetic energy at the sealed container, said sealed container comprising an attached lidstock to contain the product, said lidstock comprising a reflective foil capable of reflecting the electromagnetic energy, said reflective foil facing said ophthahmic product; (b) a non-imaging detector disposed relative to the sealed container and the source to detect electromagnetic energy from the source which is reflected by the reflective foil, said non-imaging detector being capable of transmitting a signal corresponding to the energy detected; and (c) a processor for determining the presence or position of the product in the sealed container responsive to fluorescence, absorption or reflection of the electromagnetic energy by the product, said processor capable of receiving said signal, said signal being correlatable to the presence or position of said ophthalmic product.