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:
Oct. 30, 1990
Filed:
Jul. 19, 1989
James A Ringlien, Maumee, OH (US);
Dennis L Brower, Sand Creek, MI (US);
Owens-Brockway Glass Container Inc., Toledo, OH (US);
Abstract
Apparatus for reading a mold-identifying code in the form of a plurality of surface irregularities extending in an arcuate array around the container heal concentrically with the container axis. A starwheel conveyor sequentially moves a series of containers in an arcuate path about a conveyor axis to and through a reading station. A belt positioned adjacent to the conveyor periphery engages containers at the reading station and is driven so as to rotate the containers about their central axes. A light source is imaged at the conveyor axis through container heel. A scanning mirror is positioned to receive an image of the light source transmitted through the container heel and to reflect such image onto a camera. The scanning mirror is driven as a function of conveyor rotation so as to follow a container traveling through the reading station and reflect onto the camera an image of that circumferential portion of the illuminated container heel closest to the conveyor axis.