The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Dec. 11, 1979
Filed:
Nov. 25, 1977
Richard D Brugger, Erie, PA (US);
Ball Corporation, Muncie, IN (US);
Abstract
Apparatus for reading an alphanumeric code molded into the bottom of a glass container. The code characters are sequentially illuminated, and a plurality of images of the illuminated character are formed in a given plane. An optical mask is disposed in a given plane, having thereon at least one character corresponding to each possible character in the code. The mask characters are respectively aligned with one of the plural images and are opposite contrast to the image. The image of the illuminated character is formed on one face of a bundle of small diameter optical fibers, the ends of which are cut in common planes and polished. The image passed by the optical fiber bundle is received by a large diameter lens projecting the image to infinity, and a plurality of small diameter lenses in hollow opaque tubes are interposed between the large diameter lens and the mask to provide the plural images. Provisions for indicating the sequence of the code characters and for manufacturing a suitable optical mask are also disclosed.