Rapid inspection, sort, tracking and tracing of large quantities of cans held for inspection

Abstract

A process, mechanical and electrical system and data structures, allow high speed sorting of pallets of HFI cans using a depalletizer, a sequence of narrowing transfer conveyors and a single filer making the cans into a single file. Simultaneously, data containers begin a process of compiling complete data on the pallet, the individual cans, can counts good and bad, the inspection events and potentially a marking process. Cans are inspected individually by three or more cameras in three positions, sequentially inspecting the interior, exterior sides, and exterior bottom, and if an individual can fails any one of three tests, the can is individually directed to a can reject chute. A can may be undetectably marked to indicate it has passed the inspection process. By use of comprehensive data flows and inputs, comprehensive data reports may be generated for the can maker but more importantly for the can buyer/user.