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:
Jan. 09, 2001
Filed:
Oct. 13, 1998
Terry L. Gast, Northwood, OH (US);
John L. Waugaman, Perrysburg, OH (US);
Tim Nicks, Maumee, OH (US);
Sherwood L. Goff, Jr., Clarion, PA (US);
David R. Rosenquest, Summerville, PA (US);
Ronald E. Gast, Genoa, OH (US);
Owens-Brockway Glass Container Inc., Toledo, OH (US);
Abstract
Apparatus for inspecting containers traveling in sequence on a linear conveyor that includes an infeed mechanism having a first endless drive belt with a portion overlying the conveyor for abutting engagement by containers in sequence traveling on the conveyor, and a first motor driving the belt at a speed greater than the speed of the conveyor for diverting containers laterally at least partially off the conveyor. An abutment assembly is disposed in opposition to the first belt for abutting engagement by containers diverted by the infeed mechanism, such that containers diverted from the conveyor and engaged between the first belt and the abutment assembly are rotated during longitudinal travel along the abutment assembly. Apparatus inspects the containers as they are rotated during travel along the abutment assembly. An outfeed mechanism is disposed adjacent to the abutment assembly for engaging containers in sequence following engagement with the abutment assembly, and for diverting the containers back onto the conveyor.