General Mills, Inc.

Wayne I Knigge

Floyd Lobash

Brian A Piotrowski

Valerian H Wessel

Detection of components ( ) missing from sealed packages ( ) is accomplished by combining a multiplicity of electrical outputs representing the mass in volumes of the package ( ) and comparing the combined value with a standard value for packages ( ) including all components ( ). In the preferred form, the mass is represented by the absorption of x-rays, with the packages ( ) being conveyed on a conveyor ( ) between an x-ray radiator ( ) generating a fan-shaped x-ray beam ( ) and a line array ( ) of individual detectors ( , etc.). The detectors ( , etc.) detect radiation after passing through the package ( ) and provide a numerical electrical signal equal to the amount of radiation detected. If the sum of the multiplicity of numerical electrical signals is less than the standard value, the package ( ) is rejected from the conveyor ( ) by a rejection device ( ).

Detection of variable manufacturing tolerance packages utilizing x-rays

Detection of components (,) missing from sealed packages (,) is accomplished by combining a multiplicity of electrical outputs representing the mass in volumes of the package (,) and comparing the combined value with a standard value for packages (,) including all components (,). In the preferred form, the mass is represented by the absorption of x-rays, with the packages (,) being conveyed on a conveyor (,) between an x-ray radiator (,) generating a fan-shaped x-ray beam (,) and a line array (,) of individual detectors (,, etc.). The detectors (,, etc.) detect radiation after passing through the package (,) and provide a numerical electrical signal equal to the amount of radiation detected. If the sum of the multiplicity of numerical electrical signals is less than the standard value, the package (,) is rejected from the conveyor (,) by a rejection device (,).

Detection of variable positionable missing components utilizing x-rays

A method of testing for and detecting defective liners (12) enclosed within a carton (14) of a double package is disclosed utilizing an apparatus (10) including a pressure plate (16) which rests upon the liner (12), with gravity acting on the pressure plate (16) placing pressure on the liner (12). The extent that the liner (12) deflects under the pressure of the pressure plate (16) can be detected such as by the use of a magnetic sensor (72), with the liner (12) deflecting a greater extent when the liners (12) are improperly sealed allowing escape of the trapped air from the liner (12). In the preferred form, the pressure plate (16) is slideably mounted to a carriage (18) which is reciprocated between a first, lower position and a second, upper position by a crank arm assembly (32). In the first, lower position, the carriage (18) is adjacent to the double package with the pressure plate (16) extending through the open top of the carton (14) and resting upon the liner (12). In the second, upper position, the carriage (18) and the pressure plate (16) are elevated above the liner (12) and the open top of the carton (14). In the preferred form, the carriage (18) is raised by an upward force created by a cam (34) which rocks first and second crank arms (36, 48) and is lowered by removing the upward force and allowing the carriage (18) to fall under gravitational forces to the first, lower position by rotation of the cam (34).

Apparatus and methods for testing double packages

An improved forming block (10) is described for forming double packages including a liner enclosed within a carton. The forming block (10) includes a mandrel (12) having a free, open end (30) partially closed by an end piece (14). The mandrel (12) includes a hollow core (16) having a periphery around which the double package is formed. The mandrel (12) further includes a mounting bracket (18) which mounts the mandrel (12) in a cantilever manner to the forming machine and includes a hollow interconnecting portion (20). Ambient air is in communication to the interior of the core (16) by apertures (56) formed in the interconnecting portion (20). Air communication is also provided from the interior of the core (16) and the interior of the double package through apertures (76) formed in the end piece (14) and through vent holes (40) formed in the core (16) adjacent the open end (30). Longitudinal grooves (34) are formed in each of the sides (22, 24) of the periphery of the core (16) and corresponding to the hooks (36) of the stripper bars (38) for providing air communication between the liner of the double package and the mandrel (12) to provide communication of ambient air therealong and to allow movement of the stripper bars (38) without engaging the mandrel (12). In the preferred form, the vent holes (40) are located within and in air communication with the longitudinal grooves (34).

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Maple Grove, MN, United States of America

Wayne I Knigge