Abstract:
This invention relates to a method and apparatus for handling parts ejected from an injection molding machine (10). More particularly, in one aspect, the invention is directed to a system (20) whereby data molded into the ejected part is used to provide useful feedback for the molding process. In another aspect, molded parts formed in a multiple molding die (12) are ejected from the die in a manner to maintain the relative sequential or matrix organization so that useful feedback information can be generated. This system is particularly useful with subsequent machine vision and inspection applications.
Abstract:
This invention relates to a method and apparatus for handling parts ejected from an injection molding machine (10). More particularly, in one aspect, the invention is directed to a system (20) whereby data molded into the ejected part is used to provide useful feedback for the molding process. In another aspect, molded parts formed in a multiple molding die (12) are ejected from the die in a manner to maintain the relative sequential or matrix organization so that useful feedback information can be generated. This system is particularly useful with subsequent machine vision and inspection applications.
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. The system also includes an array of optional backlighting elements to aid in illumination of semi-opaque specimens to accomplish inspection thereof.
Abstract:
An improved inside of can curing technology is provided. One implementation uses narrowband, semiconductor produced infrared energy which is focused into the inside of the can to affect a very high-speed curing result. It uses focused high powered, radiant energy that will directly impact the coating covering the inside walls of the can to rapidly cure the coating. The curing is accomplished so rapidly that the de-tempering and annealing of the aluminum can body does not have time to occur, thus leaving a stronger can. It is therefore possible to make either a stronger can with the same amount of aluminum or a can of the same strength but with less aluminum. It is also possible to eliminate the natural gas fueled oven that is the current standard and replace it with a completely hydrocarbon-free curing alternative that has superior performance. This high powered radiant, narrowband energy will be introduced directly into each individual can where it will rapidly cure the inside coating while being completely and dynamically digitally controlled to introduce only the needed heat and to not overheat the can.
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:
A stretch blow molding system that condition preforms such that the temperature distribution within the cross-section of each preform is optimized prior to blow molding operations is provided. The system has a temperature measurement and control system capable of directly monitoring both the outside as well as inside surface temperature of preforms at different stages of transport throughout the thermal conditioning section of the system.
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:
This invention relates to an apparatus and method for inspecting multi-layer plastic containers (10). More particularly, the invention relates to such an apparatus and method whereby optical energy absorbing compounds are added to the materials comprising the layer(s) of the container (10) to facilitate inspection thereof. Apparatus comprises a sensor unit (40), an illumination unit (30) for illuminating a portion of electromagnetic spectrum at a near IR wavelength to an inspection zone (20) which is located between the sensor unit (40) and the illumination unit (30). A processing unit (50) which receives an output of the sensor unit (40) and determines the attributes of the multilayer plastic containers (10).
Abstract:
A video inspection system is provided wherein light from a light source is directed through a field lens. The field lens directs the incident light first in the direction of an object under inspection and then, after reflecting from said object, redirecting the reflected light toward the aperture of an imaging lens/camera assembly. This redirection technique results in magnification of selected regions of the object.
Abstract:
A solid-state lighting unit for automated visual inspection includes a high-density array of light emitting diodes. The packing density of said diode array being limited only by the physical size of the light emitting diode chips and the ability to perform die and wire bond operations on the bare chips. Each diode is disposed on an electrically insulated, thermally conductive base unit. The base unit is, in turn, in a thermally conductive path with a heat dissipator. The provisions made to ensure a thermally conductive path from the individual light emitting diode chips to the heat dissipator combined with the high chip packing densities work together to create a solid-state lighting array capable of producing extremely high illumination fields when operated in either pulsed or continuous current mode.