公开(公告)号：US09417145B2

公开(公告)日：2016-08-16

申请号：US14259051

申请日：2014-04-22

Applicant: Don W. Cochran ,  Thomas P. O'Brien ,  Thomas Henry Palombo ,  John A. Seifert

Inventor： Don W. Cochran ,  Thomas P. O'Brien ,  Thomas Henry Palombo ,  John A. Seifert

IPC: G01L3/00 ,  G01L5/24 ,  B67B3/26 ,  G01N21/90

CPC classification number: G01L5/24 ,  B67B3/261 ,  G01N21/9054 ,  G01N21/9081 ,  G01N21/909

Abstract: A technique to assess or analyze cap removal or opening torque or rotational position is provided. In at least one form, a high speed, on-line machine vision system measures or determines the rotational position of a cap on a bottle, measures or determines the rotational position of the finish or neck of the same bottle, and then optionally uses such positional information to predict the opening or removal torque that will be required for a consumer to remove the bottle cap from the bottle.

Abstract translation: 提供了一种用于评估或分析盖拆卸或打开扭矩或旋转位置的技术。 在至少一种形式中，高速在线机器视觉系统测量或确定瓶子在瓶子上的旋转位置，测量或确定同一瓶子的面部或颈部的旋转位置，然后可选地使用这样的 位置信息以预测消费者从瓶中取出瓶盖所需的打开或取出扭矩。

公开(公告)号：US07432453B2

公开(公告)日：2008-10-07

申请号：US10972035

申请日：2004-10-22

Applicant: Don W. Cochran ,  Steven D. Cech

Inventor： Don W. Cochran ,  Steven D. Cech

IPC: G01G17/00

CPC classification number: G01G9/00 ,  G01F17/00 ,  G01G15/00 ,  Y10S177/06

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for mass and/or volume measurements of manufactured articles. More particularly, this invention relates to a method and apparatus for mass and/or volume measurements that can be performed on-line in a part manufacturing process. On-line measurement of the mass or volume of material contained in a specific region of interest of the manufactured items is performed 100% on-line. Real-time process control information is based on real-time measurement of the mass or volume of material contained in a specific region of interest of a manufactured item. Automated quality control inspection for manufactured articles is based on real-time measurement of the mass or volume of material contained in a specific region of interest of manufactured items. A manufacturing closed-loop process is directly corrected to keep it within control limits based on real-time measurement of the mass or volume of material contained in a specific region of interest of manufactured items soon after these items are manufactured.

Abstract translation: 本发明涉及制造物品的质量和/或体积测量的方法和装置。 更具体地说，本发明涉及可以在零件制造过程中在线执行的质量和/或体积测量的方法和装置。 在制品的特定感兴趣区域中包含的材料的质量或体积的在线测量在线100％进行。 实时过程控制信息基于对制成物品的特定感兴趣区域中包含的材料的质量或体积的实时测量。 制造品的自动质量控制检查是基于实际测量包含在制造物品的特定感兴趣区域中的材料的质量或体积。 直接校正制造闭环过程，以便在制造这些物品之后不久，基于实时测量包含在制造物品的特定感兴趣区域中的材料的质量或体积，将其保持在控制限度内。

公开(公告)号：US20060280825A1

公开(公告)日：2006-12-14

申请号：US11351030

申请日：2006-02-09

Applicant: Don Cochran ,  Steven Cech ,  Noel Morgan

Inventor： Don Cochran ,  Steven Cech ,  Noel Morgan

IPC: B29C35/08

CPC classification number: B29B13/023 ,  A23L3/005 ,  A23L3/26 ,  A23L5/15 ,  A23L5/36 ,  B29B13/024 ,  B29B2911/1402 ,  B29B2911/14026 ,  B29B2911/14033 ,  B29B2911/1404 ,  B29B2911/14106 ,  B29B2911/14133 ,  B29B2911/14213 ,  B29C35/08 ,  B29C49/06 ,  B29C49/64 ,  B29C49/78 ,  B29C2035/0822 ,  H01L2224/45139 ,  H01L2224/48091 ,  H05B3/0057 ,  Y02P60/85 ,  H01L2924/00014 ,  H01L2924/00 ,  H01L2924/00011

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 translation: 提供了一种用于在广泛的加工目的下将选定的热 - 红外（IR）波长辐射或能量直接注入制品的系统。 这些目的可以包括在不同的工业，医疗，消费者或商业环境的范围内加热，升高或维持物品的温度，或刺激目标物品。 该系统特别适用于需要或受益于以特定选定波长照射或脉冲或注射辐射的能力的操作。 当以更高的速度和与目标的非接触环境运行时，该系统是特别有利的。

公开(公告)号：US06872895B2

公开(公告)日：2005-03-29

申请号：US10074370

申请日：2002-02-12

Applicant: Don W. Cochran ,  Steven D. Cech

Inventor： Don W. Cochran ,  Steven D. Cech

IPC: G01F23/28 ,  G01F17/00 ,  G01G9/00 ,  G01G15/00 ,  G01G17/00

CPC classification number: G01G9/00 ,  G01F17/00 ,  G01G15/00 ,  Y10S177/06

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for mass and/or volume measurements of manufactured articles. More particularly, this invention relates to a method and apparatus for mass and/or volume measurements that can be performed on-line in a part manufacturing process. On-line measurement of the mass or volume of material contained in a specific region of interest of the manufactured items is performed 100% on-line. Real-time process control information is based on real-time measurement of the mass or volume of material contained in a specific region of interest of a manufactured item. Automated quality control inspection for manufactured articles is based on real-time measurement of the mass or volume of material contained in a specific region of interest of manufactured items. A manufacturing closed-loop process is directly corrected to keep it within control limits based on real-time measurement of the mass or volume of material contained in a specific region of interest of manufactured items soon after these items are manufactured.

公开(公告)号：US5440385A

公开(公告)日：1995-08-08

申请号：US13965

申请日：1993-02-05

Applicant: Howard Fein ,  Terry L. Graves

Inventor： Howard Fein ,  Terry L. Graves

IPC: G01N21/88 ,  G01N21/90

CPC classification number: G01N21/8806 ,  G01N21/90

Abstract: A substantially isotropic illumination source utilizes a generally spherical, translucent diffuser. The spherical diffuser has an inner wall and a diffusive outer wall. Light is communicated inwardly to the sphere along a first hemisphere. Light is diffused and homogenized by internal reflection within the sphere and communicated outwardly through a complimentary hemisphere. This light, upon being diffused by the external or outer wall is substantially isotropic. The isotropic light so generated is utilized for video inspection of translucent specimens with improved contrast to facilitate detection of flaws therein. Another aspect utilizes a specimen itself as the isotropic diffuser.

Abstract translation: 一个基本上各向同性的照明光源使用一般为球形，半透明的漫射器。 球形扩散器具有内壁和漫射外壁。 光沿第一半球向内传播到球体。 光通过球内的内部反射扩散和均匀化，并通过补充半球向外传播。 该光在被外壁或外壁扩散时基本上是各向同性的。 所产生的各向同性光被用于具有改善的对比度的半透明样品的视频检查，以便于检测其中的缺陷。 另一方面利用样本本身作为各向同性扩散器。

公开(公告)号：US5365084A

公开(公告)日：1994-11-15

申请号：US990009

申请日：1992-12-14

Applicant: Don W. Cochran ,  James E. Triner

Inventor： Don W. Cochran ,  James E. Triner

IPC: G01N21/84 ,  G01N21/88 ,  G01N21/89 ,  G01N21/892 ,  G01N21/956 ,  H04N7/18 ,  G01N21/86

CPC classification number: G01N21/8901 ,  G01N21/8806 ,  G01N21/8903 ,  H04N7/181 ,  H04N7/188 ,  G01N2021/8835 ,  G01N2021/8845 ,  G01N2021/8887 ,  G01N2201/0621

Abstract: An engineered lighting system for high speed video inspection includes an array of light emitting diodes including light emitting diodes for use in time delay integration (TDI) inspection of web materials. The light emitting diodes of the array are selectively controllable to accomplish sequential illumination and carefully controllable imaging of a specified section of a continuously moving specimen or specimens. LEDs with different wavelength light output, or multi-wavelength light LEDs are utilized for rapid and reliable inspection of surfaces with varying color or contour or detect characteristics. The system also includes an array of optional backlighting elements to aid in illumination of semi-opaque specimens to accomplish inspection thereof.

Abstract translation: 用于高速视频检测的工程照明系统包括一系列发光二极管，包括用于网页材料的时间延迟整合（TDI）检查的发光二极管。 阵列的发光二极管可选择性地控制，以实现连续移动的试样或试样的指定部分的顺序照明和仔细控制的成像。 具有不同波长光输出的LED或多波长光LED用于快速可靠地检查具有不同颜色或轮廓或检测特性的表面。 该系统还包括一系列可选的背光元件，以帮助照射半不透明样品以完成其检查。

公开(公告)号：US10074057B2

公开(公告)日：2018-09-11

申请号：US11134137

申请日：2005-05-20

Applicant: Don W. Cochran ,  Fredrick F. Awig, II ,  Kevin E. Batty ,  Jesse C. Booher ,  David W. Cochran ,  Patrick Gilliland ,  Noel E. Morgan, Jr. ,  Thomas H. Palombo ,  Timothy SirLouis ,  Michael L. Yoder

Inventor： Don W. Cochran ,  Fredrick F. Awig, II ,  Kevin E. Batty ,  Jesse C. Booher ,  David W. Cochran ,  Patrick Gilliland ,  Noel E. Morgan, Jr. ,  Thomas H. Palombo ,  Timothy SirLouis ,  Michael L. Yoder

IPC: G06F3/00 ,  G06Q10/06 ,  G05B19/418

CPC classification number: G06Q10/06 ,  G05B19/41875 ,  G05B2219/31472 ,  Y02P90/22 ,  Y02P90/86

Abstract: The invention provides for a graphical user interface which provides for very simple and intuitive ways of changing single or multiple inspection parameters. The graphical display immediately shows what the monitoring or inspection result would have been if the effected change had been in place during the inspection of the last “N” parts. This retrospective graphical “look-back” invokes immediate re-inspection facilitating an estimation of what the future inspection or process monitoring results will be if future production looks similar to the recent past production. The re-inspection results are immediately shown with a combination of visualization for ease of understanding and settings optimization. The visualization also shows selected other associated data to each specific inspection for ease of tracking and optimizing production processes.

公开(公告)号：US08598557B2

公开(公告)日：2013-12-03

申请号：US10519180

申请日：2003-06-20

Applicant: Don W. Cochran ,  Steven D. Cech ,  Thomas H. Palombo ,  Michael L. Yoder ,  Jesse C. Booher ,  Terry L. Graves

Inventor： Don W. Cochran ,  Steven D. Cech ,  Thomas H. Palombo ,  Michael L. Yoder ,  Jesse C. Booher ,  Terry L. Graves

IPC: G01N21/86 ,  G01N21/00

CPC classification number: G01N21/8806

Abstract: This application relates to an apparatus 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 to enable visual surface inspection of polished objects 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 of three-dimensional parts to be effectively highlighted using dark field illumination fields.

Abstract translation: 本申请涉及一种用于提供在过程控制和物品检查应用中使用的图案化照明场的装置和方法。 更具体地说，它涉及图案化照明器的使用以使得诸如球轴承之类的抛光物体的视觉表面检查。 相对于被检查的抛光部分适当地设置的图案照明器的使用允许诸如划痕和凹坑的小表面缺陷对于正常表面背景变得可见。 使用精心设计的照明器有助于从一般暗场光源获得有利的缺陷点散射。 由本发明限定的照明器的图案性质允许使用暗场照明场有效地突出显示三维部分的完整表面。

公开(公告)号：US20090178728A1

公开(公告)日：2009-07-16

申请号：US12398999

申请日：2009-03-05

Applicant: Don W. COCHRAN ,  Roberto SCHIANCHI ,  Franco MUTTI ,  Andrea LUPI

Inventor： Don W. COCHRAN ,  Roberto SCHIANCHI ,  Franco MUTTI ,  Andrea LUPI

IPC: B65B31/00 ,  B65B3/30

CPC classification number: B65B3/36 ,  B65B57/145 ,  B67C3/007 ,  G01F13/006 ,  G01F23/20 ,  G01F23/292

Abstract: A filling apparatus and method including a carrier for transporting containers and having a plurality of valves, each of the valves being opened for an individual, specific period of time to control a flow of liquid into the respective containers, while the containers are transported by the carrier. An exit feed path transports the containers after the containers have been filled, and a sensor, such as a camera, detects a level of liquid in the respective containers, while the containers are on the exit feed path. The sensor produces a signal that is stored as data representing the level of liquid for the individual containers. The data is then tracked and used for valve optimization. A period of time that each individual valve is opened for subsequent fillings is adjusted based on the signal and the historical performance of each valve.

Abstract translation: 一种填充装置和方法，包括用于运输容器并具有多个阀的载体，每个阀单独打开，特定时间段以控制液体进入各个容器的流动，同时容器通过 载体 在容器填充之后，出口进给路径传送容器，并且诸如相机的传感器在容器在出口进给路径上时检测各容器中的液体水平。 传感器产生一个信号，作为表示各个容器的液体液位的数据存储。 然后跟踪数据并用于阀门优化。 根据每个阀门的信号和历史性能调整每个单独的阀门打开以供随后填充的时间段。

公开(公告)号：US07227166B2

公开(公告)日：2007-06-05

申请号：US10970780

申请日：2004-10-21

Applicant: Don W. Cochran ,  Dennis S. Bradley ,  Steven D. Cech ,  Frederick F. Awig, II ,  Terry L. Graves ,  Thomas H. Palombo ,  Michael L. Yoder

Inventor： Don W. Cochran ,  Dennis S. Bradley ,  Steven D. Cech ,  Frederick F. Awig, II ,  Terry L. Graves ,  Thomas H. Palombo ,  Michael L. Yoder

IPC: G01N21/88 ,  G01N21/90 ,  G01N21/00

CPC classification number: G01N21/909 ,  G01N21/8806 ,  G01N21/9036 ,  G01N2201/0634

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 machine vision reading techniques.

Abstract translation: 本申请涉及用于形成的金属容器的自动检查的装置和方法。 更具体地说，它涉及使用机器视觉系统来识别并将形成的食品和饮料容器中出现的制造缺陷与在容器成型过程中使用的具体制造路径或原始来源（例如身体制造者）相关联。 所公开的发明是通过在机器视觉阅读技术的成形过程和机器视觉阅读技术的使用期间将机器可读代码放置在罐体的特定部分上而实现的。