US3346112A - Process and apparatus for inspecting containers - Google Patents

Description

10, 1967 I F. M. BROWN ETAL 3,3 2 w PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR INSPECTING CONTAINERS Filegl April 19, 1966 12 Sheets-Sheet 1 I N VEN 'TORS FEAA/K M Emu M JEA/V .4. 81/270 14 JAMES L. FAEMEE, Hon 42o F: IPMEN m I 0&4 i

Oct. 10, 1967 F. M. BROWN ETAL 3,346,112

PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR INSPECTING CONTAINERS Filed April 19, 1966 12 Sheets-Sheet 2 flllllll ll ItIEll.IflltInlllLlllIlllIlAllllLIL INVENTORS' FRANK M EEOWM (154/! A. 80270- JAMES L. FARMER, l/OWJPD E IPMEA/ I Oct. 10, 19 67. F. BROWN ETAL PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR INSPECTING CONTAINERS Filed April 19, 1966 12 Sheets-Sheet 3 HHUI HIII wil mlh'.

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lllllll INVENTORS' E 584M? M 820W, -E": JEAN ,4. 5112mm,

JAMES L. FAEMEE HOW40 E led/EA! Oct. 10, 1967 "F. M. BROWN ETAL 3,346,112

PROCESS AND APPARATUS F-ORINSPECTING' CONTAINERS Filed April 19, 1956' 12' Shets-Sheeg e' ATIOZNEK? Oct.

Filed J41 Ila 14; Hill! April 19, 1966 F. M. BROWN ETAL PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR INSPECTING CONTAINERS 12 Sheets-Sheet '7 Q]!!! 145' 159 i1 JIM. ED "Hill'- 139a: 14% 158a F h N lmmllh.

INVENIORS' Fem/K M. 520w, an 4. 5027044 M44455 412124156 Hon 420 x.- xeuew Oct. 10, 1967 F. M. BROWN ETAL Y 3, 6,

PROCESS AND APPARATU$ FOR INSPECTING CONTAINERS Filed April 19, 1966 12 Sheets-Sheet 8 7 123 52 l 16' 53 51 11b 46 I I INVENTORS' rj FEM/z M 820M414 JEAN A. BURTON x/AME-S L. memsz HOMED E lPMfA/ m M M Ocf- 1967 F. M B-ROWN ETAL ,3

PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR INSPECTING CONTAINERS Filed April 19, 1966 12 Sheets-Sheet 9 I g .nllll w Oct. 10 1 Filed pril 1 PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR INSPECTING CONTAINERS l2 sheet s 152. In 5' i s "um v P M I i v ("I ,II n"" 205 m|l||.,. #25 MINIMUM.

IN VENT0R FRANK M Bean/M dEA/V A. sum JAMES 4. 54 HOWARD ,q E

Oct. 10, 1967 F. M. BROWN ETAL 3,346,112

PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR INSPECTING CONTAINERS I Filed April 19, 1966 12 Sheets-Sheet 12 IN VEN TORS FRANK M BEOWM JEAN 44. 502mm, JAMES L. 542/4459,

r. 24 I I I l/oMeD E /PM[{V United States Patent 3,346,112 PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR INSPECTING CONTAINERS Frank M. Brown and Jean A. Burton, Austin, James L. Farmer and Howard F. Irmen, Minneapolis, Minn., assignors to Geo. A. Hormel & Company, Austin, Minn., a corporation of Delaware Filed Apr. 19, 1966, Ser. No. 543,702 Claims. (Cl. 209-75) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A method and apparatus for mechanically inspecting the bead of a sealed vacuum-packed container for damage thereto and measuring the width of the container to determine if the contents therein were packed under sufficient vacuum. A conveyor for moving the container through a first inspection zone wherein the upper surface of the bead is engaged and sensed by a first mechanical sensing device to determine damage thereto, and a second inspection zone wherein the outer marginal portion of the bead is engaged and mechanically sensed by a second sensing device to determine damage to the bead. A revolvable turret having inspection cells therein each including cams engaging the sides of the container at the zone wherein the greatest concavity occurs to measure and determine if the desired minimum predetermined vacuum exists within the container. Impeller means for removing cans or containers having defective beads and ejecting means for ejecting cans in which the contents thereof were packed under insufficient vacuum.

This invention relates to a continuous high capacity containing sealed receptacles to determine if the content of the receptacles were properly packed therein and also to determine the presence of damage to the receptacle. This application is a continuation-in-part application of co-pending application Ser. No. 315,247.

An object of this invention is to provide a continuous high capacity method and apparatus for sequentially inspecting a sealed receptacle containing a vacuum packed product, preferably food stuffs, to determine if the contents of the receptacle were packed under suflicient vacuum, and to determine the presence of any damage to the bead of the receptacle, with provision being made to automatically reject unacceptable receptacles.

A more specific object of this invention is to provide a novel method and apparatus for use in inspecting vacuum packed receptacles such as those containing process meat products, and is therefore especially adapted for use in a production line operation in meat packing plants, the re-' ceptacles being inspected not only to determine if the product was packed therein under a sufficient vacuum, but each receptacle also being mechanically inspected to determine damage to the most susceptible part thereof, the head of the receptacle, with provision for automatic rejection of unacceptable receptacles.

These and other objects-and advantages of the invention will more fully appear from the following description made in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein like character references refer to the same or sirnilar parts throughout the several views, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of the apparatus.

FIG. 2 is a side view partly in section of the vacuum inspection device illustrating a single inspection cell in pratial section and also illustrating the power means for the apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the bead inspection device and illustrating the drive means therefore.

3,346,l l2. Patented Oct. 10, 1967 ice FIG. 4 is a top plan view on an enlarged scale of the infeed means of the apparatus.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken approximately along line 5-5 of FIG. 4 and looking in the direction of the arrows.

FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view on an enlarged scale of the first bead inspection device.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken approximately along line 7-7 of FIG. 6 and looking in the direction of the arrows.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken approximately along line 8-8 of FIG. 7 and looking in the direction of the arrows.

FIG. 9 is a vertical sectional view taken approximately along line 9-9 of FIG. 7 and looking in the direction of the arrows.

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary top plan view of the second bead inspection device illustrating the motion multiplier switching means.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view taken approximately along line 11-11 of FIG. 10 and looking in the direction of the arrows.

FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken approximately along line 12-12 of FIG. 10 and looking in the direction of the arrows.

FIG. 13 is a bottom elevational view taken approximately along line 13-13 of FIG. 3 and looking in the direction of the arrows.

FIG. 14 is a fragmentary top plan view on an enlarged scale of the reject station of the apparatus.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken approximately along line 15-15 of FIG. 14 and looking in the direction of the arrows.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken approximately along line 16-16 of FIG. 15 and looking in the direction of the arrows.

FIG. 17 is an enlarged fragmentary detail view of a reject memory pin means.

FIG. 18 is an enlarged fragmentary detail view of the accelerator mechanism for accelerating the cans to be inspected into the inspection cells.

FIG. 19 is a front perspective view of a single vacuum inspection cell.

FIG. 20 is a side elevational view on an enlarged scale of a vacuum inspection cell.

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of an inspection cell taken approximately along line 21-21 of FIG. 20 and looking in the direction of the arrows.

FIG. 22 is a ores-sectional view taken approximately along line 22-22 of FIG. 21 and looking in the direction of the arrows.

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view taken approximately along line 23-23 of FIG. 21 and looking in the direction of the arrows.

FIGS. 24 and 25 are diagrammatic front elevational views illustrating certain elements of the vacuum inspection means coacting with a receptacle being inspected.

Referring now to the drawings and more specifically to FIG. 1, it will be seen that one embodiment of the apparatus used in carrying out the novel method is thereshown. In the embodiment shown, the apparatus is adapted for use in inspecting generally rectangular metal receptacles containing food stuffs such as meat and the like, although the apparatus may be used to inspect other types of receptacles or containers.

The apparatus 10 comprises a supporting structure, designated generally by the reference numeral 11, which includes a horizontally oriented lower plate 12 spaced above the floor of the building by legs 12a. An upper plate 14 is spaced above and substantially parallel to the lower plate 12 and is supported by suitable vertical support post 13.

The lower reduced end of a vertically disposed central bearing post is positioned within an opening in the lower plate 12 and it will be seen that the post 15 projects upwardly through an aperture in the upper plate 14 and is locked against movement relative thereto by suitable lock nuts as shown. A revolvable turret 16 is journalled on the central bearing post 15 for revolving movement relative thereto and it is pointed out that the turret 16 supports the inspection cells (to be described hereinbelow) which inspects the various receptacles to determine if the contents thereof have been packed therein under a sufficient vacuum.

Referring now to FIG. 3 it will be seen that the support structure also includes a support frame 11a which supports the remaining components of the apparatus 10. The support frame 11a includes a plurality of vertical support elements 11b interconnected by a plurality of transversely extending and longitudinally extending horizontal frame elements 110.

Drive means are also provided for driving the various components of the inspection apparatus and reference again is made to FIG. 2 wherein the power means includes a relatively large electric motor 17 which is supported upon the plate 12 and which is provided with suitable gear reduction means having an output shaft 18. A drive sprocket 19 is keyed to the shaft 18 and a drive chain 20 is trained therearound and also around a sprocket 21 aflixed to the turret 16 whereby when the motor 17 is energized, the turret 16 will be revolved. It will also be noted that a relatively small sprocket 22 is also secured to the lower end of the turret 16 for movement therewith. A drive chain 24 is trained around the sprocket 22 and is also trained around a sprocket 25 which is keyed to an input shaft 26 of a gear box 27 that is suspended by a bracket 28 from the support frame 11a. The gear box 27 is provided with an output shaft 29 having a sprocket 30 keyed thereto and about which is trained an endless drive chain 31.

A support member or bracket 32 which is mounted on the support frame 11a has suitable bearings thereon (not shown) in which is journalled a shaft 33 having a sprocket thereon (not shown) about which is trained the drive chain 31. A sprocket 34'is keyed to shaft 33 for rotation therewith and an endless chain 35 is trained around the sprocket 34 to be driven thereby.

The drive chain 35 is also trained around a sprocket 36 that is keyed to a shaft 41 that is journalled in suitable bearings (not shown), carried by the support frame 11a. The shaft 41 also has a smaller sprocket keyed to one end thereof spaced from sprocket 36 and a drive chain 39 is trained around the sprocket 40 and around a large-r sprocket 38 which is fixed or otherwise keyed to a shaft 37 journalled in suitable bearings (not shown) also carried by the support frame 11a. It will be noted that the shaft 41 is disposed below and slightly rear- The shaft 46 also has a sprocket 50 keyed thereto for rotation therewith and a chain 51 is trained around the sprocket 50 and also around another sprocket 52 keyed to a shaft 53 supported in suitable bearings 54 carried by the support frame 11a. A chain 55 is trained around a lsprocket (not shown) on shaft 53 and also trained around another sprocket 56 which is keyed to a shaft 57 of a gear box 58. It is pointed out that the gear box 58 has beveled gears therein which drive an output shaft 59', the latter having a sprocket 60 keyed thereto and about which is trained a chain 61.

Referring now to FIG. 4 is will be seen that chain 61 is also trained about a pair of laterally spaced apart sprockets 62 each being keyed to one of a pair of shafts wardly of the shaft 37 but above and forwardly of the shaft 33. It will also be noted that the sprocket 40 is substantially smaller than the sprocket 38 and idler sprocket 42 engages the drive chain 39 to maintain the same in tightened relationship with respect to the sprockets 38 and 40.

The shaft 33 has two pairs of relatively large identical sprockets 43 affixed to opposite sides thereof for rotation therewith an deach sprocket 43 has a drive chain 44 trained thereover as best seen in FIG. 3. Each drive chain 44 is also trained about one of a pair of identical larger sprockets 45, each pair of which is keyed to opposite end portions of a shaft 46 which is journalled in suitable bearings (not shown) carried by the frame 11a. Each 1 chain 44 is also trained about one of a pair of identical sprockets 47 which are keyed to a shaft 48 also journalled in suitable bearings carried by the frame 11a. Each chain is also chained about one of a pair of idler sprockets 49 revolvably mounted adjacent the lower mid-portion of the support frame 11a.

63 that are disposed in substantially parallel relation adjacent the rear of the apparatus 10.

It will be seen that each of the shafts 63 have a helical conveyor member aflixed thereto for rotation therewith. The respective front ends of the shafts 63 are each journalled in suitable axially spaced apart pillow bearings 65 Which are carried by the support frame 11a. The rear end portion of each shaft 63 is journalled in a movable bearing block 66 having lateral slots therein (not shown) which slide upon suitable guide ways 67 located on a pair of vertically spaced apart horizontal frame elements 11c of the support frame 11a. A bracket 68 extends between the horizontal frame elements on which each pair of guide ways 67 are located and each bracket 68 is provided with a laterally projecting stud 69 rigidly connected therewith and projecting through an aperture formed in the associated slide block bearing 66. A pair of helical springs 70 are each disposed around one of the studs 69 and each spring has its respective ends bearing against the bracket 68 and against one of the slide block bearings 66 to normally urge the associated end of each shaft 63 outwardly away from the generally longitudinal center line plane of the apparatus 10. It will therefore be seen that each of the helical conveyor members 64 is not only mounted for revolving movement but is also capable of lateral shifting adjacent its rcarmost end to accommodate variations in the receptacles being inspected.

Referring again to FIG. 3 it is pointed out that the shaft 46 also has a centrally located sprocket (not shown) keyed thereto and a chain 71 is trained about this sprocket and also about a sprocket 72 which is keyed to a shaft 73 supported in laterally spaced apart bearings 74 mounted on the support frame 11a. A shaft 75 is spaced rearwardly of the shaft 73 and disposed in substantially horizonal coplanar relation therewith and is revolvably journalled in suitable bearings 76 also carried by the support frame 11a. Each of the shafts 73 and 75 has a pair of enlarged generally cylindrically shaped conveyor engaging roll members 77 keyed thereon for rotation therewith so that each'pair of roll members on shaft 73 and 75 are disposed in longitudinally aligned relationship. Each pair of longitudinally aligned roll members 77 has an endless chain type conveyor 78 trained therearound and it will be noted, as best seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, each chain type conveyor 78 is positioned below and slightly outwardly of one of the screw conveyor members 64.

Since the rear end of each shaft 63 may shift laterally to accommodate variances in the receptacles being inspected, the forward end portion of each shaft 63 is actually constructed of two axially spaced apart shaft portions that are interconnected by a flexible coupling 79 preferably formed of a yieldable flexible material and thereby permitting this front end of the shaft 63 to flex in response to any sidewise yielding movement of the rear end portion of the shaft.

It will be noted that the receptacles to be inspected are supported upon the chain type conveyor 78 and are engaged by the screw conveyor members 64- so that these receptacles are urged positively in a forward direction. Elongate substantially flat vertical guide rails 79 are provided and each is supported from the support frame 11a and each projects upwardly from and adjacent one side of the upper run of one of the chain conveyors 78 as best seen in FIG. 5. An elongate substantially flat horizontally disposed guide rail 80 is supported from the vertical guide rail 79 by suitable brackets 81 and it will be seen that guide rail 80 prevents vertical displacement of the receptacles R while guide rails 79 prevent lateral displacement of the receptacles.

Referring now to FIG. 1, it will be seen that the receptacles to be inspected are conveyed as two lin s by the cooperative action of the chain and screw conveyor mechanisms and are discharged upon the floor 82 of the support frame 11a. A pair of directional control mechanisms are provided (not shown) and includes a pair of rubber rollers (not shown), each being actuated by each can as it is discharged from engagement with the screw and chain conveyors. A cam (not shown) located on shaft 53 actuates the swingable arm 83 which is pivotal about a vertical axis to direct the cans of each line alternately to one of a pair of longitudinally extending passageways 84 located on opposite sides of the machine. It will therefore be seen that the two lines of cans that are fed into the apparatus are then diverted into four lines for inspection of the bead of the can by the first bead inspection device.

It will be noted that each pair of chains 44 located adjacent one of the longitudinal sides of the support frame 11 has a pair of elongate transversely extending fingers 85 aflixed thereto for movement therewith. These conveyor fingers 85 project inwardly of the support frame 11a and engage the rear surface of each receptacle R as the latter is discharged by each cooperating pair of screw and chain conveyors to move the receptacles along the passageways 84. Again it is pointed out that the receptacles to be inspected are alternatively directed into one of the passageways 84 each being operable to inspect the upper surface of the upper bead of the receptacle to be inspected. To this end it is pointed out that the type of receptacles which are to be inspected are preferably made of a metallic material and may have any symmetrical shape such as parallelopiped, as illustrated by the receptacles R in the drawings. These cans also have a beaded seam S located at the top and bottom wherein the respective top and bottom closure plates are applied to the peripheral wall of the receptacle. When the product is packed into the receptacles R, the top plate is then applied to the receptacle in sealing relation therewith and the beaded seam is then formed. The present apparatus is not only operable to inspect the receptacle to determine if the contents thereof Was packed under a proper vacuum but is also operable to very carefully and accurately inspect the beaded seam and specifically the upper beaded seam to determine the presence of any damage to this seam. Since the manufacturer of the cans normally applies the bottom wall of the can to the peripheral wall to form the seam along the lower peripheral edge of the receptacle then the manufacturer therefore normally inspects this lower bead or seam for damage. Therefore the present machine is adapted to inspect the upper only although the machine many be modified for inspecting both the upper and lower bead of such a can or receptacle.

As pointed out above, the first bead inspection device 86 is comprised of four identical inspection mechanisms each being disposed over one of the passageways 84 for inspecting the receptable which passes therebelow. Each of these bead inspection devices 86 includes a substantially flat generally rectangular shaped horizontally disposed base plate 87 which is mounted on the frame and spaced above the floor 82 of one of the passageways 84. A rectangular shaped bearing block 88 is positioned upon the base plate 87 and is secured thereto. A pair of end plates 89 project upwardly from the bearing block 88 and are secured thereto by suitable bolt means. An elongate substantially flat generally rectangular shaped top plate 90 extends between and is secured to the end plates 89 and is secured thereto by any conventional securing means such as bolts and the like. A substantially generally rectangular shaped cover member 91 is secured to the top plate and suitable stud elements 92 which project through the cover member 91 are secured thereto by wing nuts 93 as best seen in FIGS. 8 and 9.

Each inspection device 86 has a pair of vertically disposed longitudinally extending guide plates 94 secured to the base plate 87 and depending therefrom as best seen in FIGS. 8 and 9. A cam supporting block 95 is positioned substantially centrally between the guide plates 94 and is suspended from the bearing block 88 by a pair of vertical support pins 96 that are slidable in sleeve bearings 97 carried by the bearing block 88. To this end it is pointed out that the bearings 97 are positioned in bores formed in the base plate and bearing block and permit vertical translation of the pins 96. The cam support block 95 is provided with a central slot and .a set-up cam bar 98 is pressed into the slot. The cam bar 98 has a substantially horizontally disposed lower cam surface 99, the respective leading and trailing ends 100 thereof being upwardly inclined. When a receptacle to be inspected is moved along one of the passageways 84, the cam bar 98 is disposed in obstructing relation with respect to the upper surface of the bead of the can and will be engaged thereby to produce vertical translation of the cam 98 and the pins 96 associated therewith.

Each inspection device 86 is also provided with a pair of elongate cam blocks 101 positioned between the guides 94 on opposite sides of the cam supporting block 95. Opposite ends of each of these cam blocks 101 is suspended from the top plate 90 by elongate vertically extending pins 102, the pins being threaded at their upper ends and having suitable lock means such as nuts 103 secured thereto. These pins project through sleeve bearings 104 carried by the bearing block 88 and base plate 87 to permit vertical translation thereof.

Referring now to FIG. 6 it will be seen that each cam block 101 has a front cam 105 and a rear cam 106 secured thereto. Each of these cams are similar in construction and are mirror images of each other. Each is formed of a plate which is bent to form an irregular shaped cam bar 107. It will be noted that the cam bar 107 for each front and rear pair of cams has a substantially straight longitudinally extending lower cam surface 108, an oblique surface 109 continuous therewith, and terminating in a transverse surface 110, disposed substantially normal to the surface 108. It will be noted that while the respective surfaces 108, 109 and 110 of each front and rear cam are disposed in the same horizontal plane, the leading edge of the rear cam 106 and the trailing edge of the cam 106 are oppositely upwardly inclined, these inclined edge surfaces being designated by the reference numeral 111.

Each pair of front cams 105 are oppositely arranged and constructed as are each pair of rear cams 106. It will further be noted that the longitudinal cam surfaces 108 of each pair of front cams are disposed in spaced apart parallel relation on opposite sides of the cam bar 98 as are the longitudinal portions 108 of the rear cams 106. Similarly the oblique portions 109 of the front pair of cams converge with respect to the direction of travel of the receptacle to be inspected while the oblique portions 109 of the rear pair of cams diverge with respect to each other. Each front and rear pair of cams are spaced apart with respect to each other and each is adapted to be engaged by the upper surface of the upper bead of the receptacle as the same is moved through one of the passageways 84. It will further be noted that the respective trailing inclined edges 111 of the front pair cams 105 are positioned forwardly of the inclined trailing edge surface 100 of the cam bar 98. Similarly, the inclined leading edge surfaces 111 of the rear cams 106 project beyond the corresponding inclined edge of the set up cam bar 98. The cam surface 99 of the cam bar 98, however, is disposed in a lower horizontal plane than the horizontal cam surfaces of the front and rear pairs of cams 105 and 106.

Switch actuating means in the form of a substantially flat plate 112 suitably apertured to receive the support pins 102 associated with the front pair of cams 105 is mounted on the front pair of pins 102 by collars or nuts 113. Each of the front pair of pins 102 has a helical spring 114 positioned therearound which bears against the lower surface of the top plate 90 and against the uppermost collar 113 to thereby normally urge the plate 112 in a downward direction.

The actuator plate 112 is downwardly offset as at 115 and terminates in a substantially flat second actuating portion 116. A low profile switch 117 having an actuator button 118 is mounted on an end plate 89 and below the plate 112. A high profile switch 119 having an actuator arm 120 is mounted on the upper plate 90, the actuator arm 120 being swingable between an open and closed position and being positioned above the actuator portion 116. Movement of the arm 120 in an upward swinging direction closes the switch 119 and conversely, the switch 119 is in the open condition when the switch arm 120 is in the position illustrated in FIG. 7. A set up switch 121 also having an actuator button is mounted from the top plate 90 by bracket 122 and it will be seen that the switch 121 is actuated by the rearmost pin 96 which supports the cam bar 98. Upward movement of the pin 96 closes the switch 121 and this switch is in a normally open condition when the cam bar is in the position as illustrated in FIG. 7. I It is pointed out that when a receptacle is passed through one of the first bead inspection devices 86, the upper peripheral surface of the receptacle will engage the incline edge surface of the front pair of cams 106 to produce vertical translation of the cams and vertical translation of the front and rear pair of pins 102 associated therewith. If the receptacle has an upper bead surface which projects upwardly beyond the acceptable limits which is evidence of damage thereof, the actuator plate 112 will be moved upwardly to cause suflicient movement of the actuator portion 116 of the plate 112 to urge the arm 120 of switch 119 upwardly to close switch 119. Further movement of the receptacle in a forward or downstream direction will result in the upper surface of the bead engaging the cam bar 98 to produce vertical translation thereof and to close the switch 121. The set up switch 121 is interposed in controlling relation with respect to the circuits of switches 119 and 117 and switch 121 must therefore be closed before the circuit can be energized. Therefore, when switch 119 is closed and switch 121 is thereafter closed the circuit of switch 119 will be energized and the mechanism associated with rejecting unacceptable cans will be actuated. It is pointed out that each rear cam 106 is capable of movement independently of the other rear cam, while the front cams 105 can move independently of each other. However, each front and rear cam positioned on the same side of the cam bar 98 are interconnected together for common movement.

Similarly, if a can or receptacle to be inspected is damaged so that the upper surface of the bead is disposed below the acceptable profile surface, the bead of the can will engage the front and rear pairs of cams 105 and 106 to produce some upward vertical translation of the front and rear pair of pins 102 but an insufficient amount to move the actuator plate out of engaging relation with the actuator button 118 of the low profile switch 117. Therefore, this normally closed switch 117 will remain closed and when the cam bar 98 is urged upwardly by the upper surface of the receptacle bead, the switch 121 will be closed and the circuit of switch 117 will be energized to actuate the reject mechanism associated with unacceptable cans.

Referring now to FIG. 3, it will be seen that the support frame 11a is provided with a pair of rear air operator piston and cylinder units 123 each being mounted adjacent one side of the support frame 11a and adjacent the zone occupied by the first set of bead inspection devices 86. The piston rod 124 of these units is vertically oriented and is positioned below one pair of the conveyor chains 44. Conduits 125 supply air under pressure to the cylinder of the unit and these conduits are also connected by suitable valving to a source of air under pressure. The valves (not shown) which are interposed in flow controlling relation with respect to the air cylinder unit 123, are controlled by the circuits of the low profile switch 117 and the high profile switch 119. Therefore, when the circuits for these respective switches are energized, air will be supplied to the cylinder of the unit and the piston rod 124 will be extended upwardly.

Referring now to FIGS. 3, 14 and 17 it will be seen that the attachment portion 85a of each conveyor finger 85 has an aperture therein and a switch actuator pin 126 is positioned within the aperture of each finger attachment portion 85a and is moveable therein. To this end, it is pointed out that the actuator pins 126 are normally positioned as illustrated in FIG. 17 so that the major length of the pin projects below the upper run of the associated pair of conveyor chains 44. However, when the piston rod 124 of the unit 123 is extended it will strike the large lower portion of the actuator pin 126 of the conveyor finger just forwardly of the can or receptacle which has caused the circuit of the low profile switch or high profile switch to be energized and the pin 126 associated therewith will be urged upwardly.

Referring again to FIG. 1 it will be seen that while a pair of passageways are provided for the cans to be inspected as the same are passed through the first feed or seam inspection devices 86, each pair of rows of receptacles adjacent each side of the apparatus 10 is urged into single file order by suitable oblique guides 127. Therefore, a pair of second bead inspection devices 128 are positioned to inspect the sides and lower surface of the upper bead of the receptacle by the devices 128.

Referring now to FIGS. 1, 3, 10, 11, 12 and 13 it will be seen that each inspection device 128 includes an upper plate 129 and a lower plate 130 which are secured to the support frame 11a in vertically spaced apart horizontal relationship. The lower plate 130 is spaced above the floor of the apparatus that defines the passageways below the respective pair of inspection devices 128. Two pairs of generally rectangular shaped housings 131 extend between and are secured to the upper plate 129 and the lower plate 130, and these housings are arranged in front and rear pairs. Each housing 131 has an elongate vertically disposed sleeve shaft 132 positioned therein and this sleeve shaft is journalled for rotation in suitable ball bearings 133 interposed betwen the associated housing and the sleeve shaft. An elongate rod shaft 134 having an enlarged head 135 at its lowermost end is associated with and projects through each sleeve shaft 132 for rotation relative thereto. Each sleeve shaft 132 projects below the lower plate 130 and has a sensing finger 136 secured thereto for movement therewith. Similarly, each rod shaft 135 has a sensing finger 137 secured thereto for movement therewith. The sensing fingers 136 and 137 associated with each concentrically arranged pair of rod and sleeve shafts are similar in shape, and each is provided with a cam engaging sensing surface which engages the upper bead of the can to be inspected. Thus each sensing finger 136 has a sensing surface 136a for engagement with the outer exterior or side surface of the upper bead of the receptacle while sensing finger 137 has a sensing finger 137a for engagement with the lower surface of the upper bead and for engagement with the upper marginal vertical surface of the receptacle.

The upper end portion of each sleeve shaft 132 projects upwardly beyond the upper plate 129 and an upper generally rectangular shaped block 138 is afiixed thereto for movement therewith. Each rod shaft 134 also projects upwardly beyond the upper plate 129 and beyond the block 138 associated with the sleeve shaft 132. This upper end portion of each rod shaft 134 has a pivot block 139 keyed thereto for movement therewith. Each pivot block 139 has a bracket 140 secured to one side thereof and projecting upwardly therefrom and each bracket 140 has an electrical switch 141 mounted thereon.

It will also be noted that each bracket 140 has a smaller bracket 142 secured to the lower edge portion thereof and which projects outwardly and downwardly therefrom. A small positioning stud is afiixed to the side of pivot block 138 and a helical spring 143 is positioned around the stud and bears against the inner surface of the bracket 142 and against one longitudinal edge of the lower pivot block 138. Each spring member 43 tends to urge relative pivoting movement betwen each pair of blocks 139 and 138 in a predetermined direction.

The outer or free end of each upper pivot block 138 has a vertically extending spring engaging pin 144 afiixed thereto and projecting upwardly therefrom. Opposite ends of a helical spring 145 engage the pins 144 associated with each front and rear pair of upper pivot blocks 139. Thus as best seen in FIG. one coil spring 145 extends between and interconnects the forward pair of upper pivot blocks 139 and the other spring interconnects the rear pair of upper pivot blocks 139 and these springs tend to return these pivot blocks to the position illustrated in FIG. 10. These springs 145 cooperate with the springs 143 to return each pair of lower and upper pivot blocks 138 and 139 respectively to the position illustrated in FIG. 10 and to align each upper and lower pair of pivot blocks with respect to each other. Thus not only is relative movement between each associated pair'of upper pivot blocks 139 yieldably resisted but relative movement between each upper and lower pair of pivot blocks is also yield ably resisted.

Referring now to FIGS. 11, 12 and 13 it will be seen that the rearmost pair of fingers 137 are provided with forward extensions that are slotted as at 146 while the forwardmost pair of upper fingers 136 are provided with rearward extensions having a depending pin 147 secured thereto. It will be seen that the pin 147 on each forward pair of upper sensing fingers 136 is positioned within the slot 146 of one of the rear pair of lower fingers 137 located on the same side thereof. It will therefore be seen that not only are the sensing fingers interconnected transversely by yieldable means, but the lower sensing finger of each rear pair is interconnected by a slot and pin connection with the upper sensing finger of one of the front pair of sensing fingers.

Referring now to FIGS. 11 and 12 it will be seen that each lower piovt block 138 has a vertically extending opening 138a therein adjacent its free end and that each upper pivot block 139 also has an opening 139a therein which is normally disposed in registering relation with respect to the recess 138 of the associated lower pivot block. An elongate pin 148 is loosely disposed within the registering recesses 138a and 139a of each pair of upper and lower pivot blocks and each pin has an enlarged flat disc shaped head 149. Each switch 141 has an actuating button 141a which is disposed in engaging relation with respect to the upper surface of the associated head 149 of the actuator pin 148. It will therefore be seen that any relative pivotally movement between each upper and lower pair of pivot blocks will cause the head of the pin 149 to be tilted or cocked which condition results in closing the actuating button 14101 of the switch 141.

Referring again to FIGS. 11 and 12 it will be seen that a pair of circuit swtiching switches 150 are each mounted on one of a pair of laterally spaced apart substantially parallel vertical plates 131 which extend between and are interconnected to the upper and lower plates 129 and 130 of each inspection device 128. Each switch 150 has an actuator button 152 which is disposed in close proximity to the upper surface of an elongate actuator arm 153 which is pivoted by pivot 154 to one of the plates 131. Each actuator arm 153 has a depending cam 155- integrally formed therewith, each cam 155 having a downwardly and rearwardly inclined cam surface 156 which is seen in disposed in obstructing relation with respect to the upper portion of the can to be inspected. Each of the circuit-switching switches 150 serves to de-energize the circuit to one of front switches 141 while simultaneously energizing the associated rear switch 141, and it is pointed out that the switches 150 are normally in a neutral or open condition when the actuator arm 153 is in the position illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12. However, when the upper surface of the can to be inspected engages the inclined surfaces of the actuator arms of each pair of circuit switching switches 150, the circuit switching switches will de-energize one of the front switches 141 and will simultaneously energize one of the rear pair of switches 141. The rear end of the arm 153 will be urged upwardly about its pivot 154 thus closing the switches. When this occurs, the reject circuit associated with each inspection device 128 will be energized in the event that any of the switches 141 are closed.

Closing of the switches 141 occurs when one of the upper or lower pair of sensing fingers 136 and 137 respectively associated with each switch 141 moves over an irregularity in the upper seam or bead of the receptacle to be inspected thus producing relative pivoting movement between each associated pair of upper and lower pivot blocks 138 and 139. The displacement of one of the sensing fingers by such an irregularity, even though small, will be transmitted through either the associated sleeve shaft or rod shaft to one of the upper or lower pivot blocks wherein this motion is multiplied because of the length of the respective lever arms of each pivot block. Tilting of the pin and associated head 149 will close the switch 141 associated therewith and the reject circuit operatively associated with the inspection device 128 will be energized.

Referring again to FIG. 3 it will be seen that another pair of air cylinder and piston units 157 are mounted on opposite sides of the supporting frame 11a forwardly of the units 123 and adjacent the inspection devices 128. Each of these units includes a piston rod 158 which is vertically disposed and when extended, adapted to engage one of the actuator pins 126 to urge the same upwardly. It will also be noted that each unit is connected by suitable conduits 159 to a source of air under pressure (not shown) and functions in the manner of the units 123. Therefore, when the reject circuit of anyone of the four switches 141 is closed, the piston rod 158 will be projected upwardly to strike the actuator pin 126 carried by the conveyor finger 85 located just forwardly of the can being inspected and the actuator pin 126 will be held in its upward position by its frictional coaction with the attachment portion 85a. It will therefore be seen that if the upper surface of the upper bead of the receptacle being inspected is damaged or if the side or lower surface of the bead is damaged, both of the inspection devices are operative to cause one of the pins 126 to be shifted vertically upwardly.

The reject mechanism includes a pair of air blast heads 160 each being connected by suitable conduits 161 to a source of air under pressure and each being mounted upon the support frame 11a just forwardly of the inspection devices 128. Each air blast head 160 is provided with a plurality of nozzles 162, as best seen in FIG. 16, these nozzles having their orifices facing inwardly towards the center of the frame and directed against the exterior surface of the can being inspected. It will therefore be seen that when air is supplied to the air blast head 160, the receptacles will be blown inwardly into a recess 163 formed in the fioor of the support frame 11a as best seen in FIG. 1. A vertically disposed baffle plate 164 is provided to limit inward movement of each receptacle as it is discharged.

The means for controlling each of the air blast heads 160 to reject a defected can comprises a pair of microswitches 165 each having a normally open switch arm 166 disposed in obstructing relation with respect to any of the actuator pins 126 that are disposed in the upward position as best seen in FIG. 15. Each microswitch 165 is connected in controlling relation to the circuit that controls the valve (not shown) that is disposed in flow controlling relation with respect to the conduit 161. Thus when the circuit to the valve is energized, the valve will be opened supplying air to the air blast head 160 and air discharged through the nozzles 1 62 will impel the cams laterally inwardly and through the discharge opening 163. A chute 16401 is provided to collect the cans as they are discharged through the opening 163 as best seen in FIG. 3.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 14 it will be seen that guide means are provided for directing the two rows of receptacles into a single rowfor movement into the turret 16. This guide means includes two sets of guide rails 167, each set communicating atits rear end with one of the passageways associated with one of the inspection devices 128. It will be noted that each side of guide rails directs the can moving therebetween inwardly towards the longitudinal center line of the supporting frame 11 whereby the sets of guide rails converge towards each other in the direction of travel of the receptacles. Each set is pro vided with a horizontally disposed upper retaining member 168 which prevents vertical displacement of the receptacles being inspected.

The receptacles to be inspected are conveyed in supported relation towards a turret by suitable endless conveyor belt 169 which is trained around a roller 170 at is forward end, the roller 170 being keyed or fixed to the shaft 41 for rotation therewith. The conveyor belt 169 is also trained about a rear roller 171 provided wtih a shaft that is journalled in suitable bearings carried by the support frame 11a. It will, therefore, be seen that the converging rows of the cans are moved towards the conveyor belt 169 by the conveyor fingers and are then moved by the conveyor belt 169 to an impeller device which impels the receptacles into the turret 16.

The impeller mechanism includes a rotary impeller member 172 which is revolvably mounted on the shaft 173 as best seen in FIG. 18. The shaft 173 which is vertically disposed is interconnected by suitable gearing of a gear box 174 to the shaft 37 as best seen in FIG. 18. The gear box 174 is mounted upon the support frame 11a by a bracket 175. The impeller member 172 is provided with a plurality of outwardly projecting impelled arms 175 each having a roller 176 revolvably mounted at its free end. Referring again to FIG. 18 it will be seen that as the impeller member 172 is revolved, the impeller arms 175 will engage and impel the receptacles R into each inspection cell of the turret 16.

Referring again to FIG. 3 it will be seen that means are provided for returning the actuator pins 126 to their downwardly disposed normal position as the conveyor chains 44 located at opposite sides of the frame 11a begin their downward run. This means includes a pair of elongate curved cam members 177 each being secured by suitable bolt means to the support frame 11a and each presenting a rearwardly and downwardly facing curved cam surface disposed in obstructing relation with respect to any of the actuating pins that are disposed in an upward or operative position. Therefore, any of these actuating pins that are disposed in an upwardly operative position will engage the cam member 177 associated therewith and will be cammed downwardly as best seen in FIG. 3.

Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2 and 19-25 it will be seen that the turret 16 is comprised of a plurality of the inspection cells designated generally by the reference numeral 179 and each being adapted to inspect the vacuum packed receptacle R to determine if the receptacle has been packed under a suitable vacuum.

To this end, it is pointed out that in the conventional rectangular shaped cans or receptacles in which food pro-ducts such as processed meat are packed, the contents of the can are packed while subjected to a partial vacuum so that the interior of the can or receptacle at the time the receptacle is filled will be subjected to a negative pressure. When the receptacle is subjected to a negative pressure, the sides of the receptacle will be collapsed slightly inwardly to form concavities at opposite side surfaces of the cans. It is desirable to create a suflicient partial vacuum within the packed receptacle to minimize any tendency of spoilage of the contents of the receptacle. In the event that there is a leak in the receptacle, or in the event that an insuflicient negative pressure is used, the sides of the receptacle will not have the pair of concave collapsed sides then such a packed can would be unacceptable for consumer sale. Therefore, the vacuum measuring cells are adapted to determine if a minimum adequate vacuum or negative pressure actually exists within the seal interior of the container. Thus the crosssectional width of the sealed receptacle in the zone of the concavities are inspected to determine if the sides are collapsed inwardly a suflicient amount to indicate the presence of an adequate partial vacuum. If an insufficient partial vacuum or negative pressure exists within the interior of the can, the sides of the can will not be collapsed inwardly the desired predetermined amount.

Referring now to FIG. 2 it will be seen that the turret 16 includes a .revolvable base plate 178 upon which are mounted the plurality of outwardly facing inspecting cells 179. Each inspection cell 179 includes a base plate 180 which is mounted on the support plate 178 by suitable bolt means or the like. Each inspection cell also includes a lower plate 181 which is rigidly connected with the base plate by a rear wall 182 and upstanding walls 183. The rear wall of each inspection cell projects upwardly beyond the floor plate 181 and is provided at its upper end with a top plate 184 as best seen in FIG. 19.

Referring again to FIG. 2 it will be seen that the turret 16 is also provided with a lower cam plate 185 and an upper cam plate 186 for revolving movement therewith. The lower cam plate 185 is provided with a continuous upwardly facing eccentric cam track or groove 187 therein adjacent the periphery thereof and the upper cam plate 186 is also provided with an upwardly facing continuous eccentric cam track or groove 188 therein adjacent the periphery thereof. The cam tracks 187 and 188 are of different configuration with cam track 187 having one low spot thereon (not shown) while cam track 188 has low spots thereon (not shown).

Each inspection cell 179 has a lower elongate horizontally disposed thrust rod 189 mounted for inward and outward shifting movement reltaive to the cell 179 and projecting through the rear wall 182 as best seen in FIG. 23. A cam roller 190 is revolvably mounted on a shaft 191 carried by the inner end of each lower shaft 189. Each inspection cell 179 also includes an upper thrust rod 192 disposed above and parallel to the lower thrust rod 189 and this upper rod also projects through the rear plate 182. The inner end of the upper rod 192 is provided with a cam roller 193 which is revolvably mounted on a shaft 194 carried by the upper rod 192. It will be seen that inward and outward movement of the lower thrust rod 189 is in response to the coaction of the roller 190 with the cam groove or track 187 and similarly, the movement of the upper thrust rod 192 is in response to the coaction of its associated roller with the cam track or groove 188.

Each inspection cell 179 is also provided with a front plate 182a and it will be seen from FIGS. 20 and 23 is provided with suitable apertures each having slide bearings 195 therein for receiving the forward end portions of the thrust rods 189 and 192 therethrough. A slide block 196 having a bore 197 therethrough is slidably 13 mounted upon the lower thrust rod 189 as best seen in FIG. 23 and this slide block 196 has a keyway 198 therein into which projects a key 199 carried by the lower thrust rod 189. A helical spring 200 is interposed between the slide block 196 and the slide bearing 195 associated with the lower thrust rod 189.

The slide block 196 has a pair of similar gear racks 201 integrally formed with the lower opposite-longitudinal edges thereof as best seen in FIGS. 19 and 21 and each rack is disposed in meshing engagement with the circumferentially arranged gear teeth 202 formed on one of a pair of vertical idler shafts 203. It will be noted that the idler shafts 203 are journalled in the base plate 180 and also journalled in shoulders 182k integrally formed with the rear plate 182. Each idler shaft 203 has a gear 204 keyed thereto for rotation therewith and each gear. 204 is disposed in meshing engagement with one of a pair of gears 205 each being carried by one of a pair of drive shafts 206 and 207. It will be seen that shafts 206 and 207 are vertically disposed each being journalled in the base plate 180 and projecting upwardly through the floor plate 181 and the top plate 184.

Shaft 207 has a rotary cam 208 afiixed thereto for rotation therewith and cam 208 engages the cam face of a sensing finger 209 which is revolvably mounted on a. shaft 210 that extends between the floor plate 181 and the top plate 184. Referring now to FIG. 25 it will be seen that the cam 208 has a cam surface 208a which engages the cam surface 209a of sensing finger 209 when revolved to urge the finger 209 in a clockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 25. It is pointed out that the sensing finger 209 is provided with spring biasing means (not shown) which normally urge the finger in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 25.

Shaft 206 is also provided with a rotary cam 211 which is aflixed thereto for rotation therewith. This cam 211 coacts with a sensing finger member 212 which is journalled on a shaft 213 that extends between the floor plate 181 and the top plate 184. It will be noted that the sensing finger member 212 is of generally U-shaped configuration and includes an outer finger 214 and an inner finger 215. The terminal end portion of the inner finger 215 is enlarged and defines a shoulder 216 as best seen in FIGS. 24 and 25. It will also be noted that at least a portion of the camming surface of the cam 211 is of volute configuration to define a shoulder 217. Referring now to FIG. 22 it will be seen that a small coil spring 218 is positioned around the shaft 213 and has one end projecting into an aperture therein and has the other end hooked over the guide plate 219 to normally urge the shaft and sensing finger 212 in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in FIGS. 24 and 25. Thus it will be seen that the sensing finger member 212 is normally urged towards the respective concave surface of the can or receptacle to be inspected. A guide member 219 is afiixed to the floor plate 181 and it will also be seen that another guide plate 220 is also affixed to the floor plate and is spaced laterally from the guide member 219. Thus a receptacle or can to be inspected will be urged inwardly between the guide members 219 and 220 and will be supported upon the floor plate 181. A spring urged pressure plate 243 is shiftably mounted on the guide plate 219 and serves to aid in the proper positioning of the receptacle between the sensing fingers.

When a receptacle or can is inspected within each inspection cell 179, the can will be impelled inwardly between the guide members 219 and 220 and the yieldable pressure plate will cooperate with these guide members to properly align the can. As the turret is revolved, the upper and lower thrust rods 192 and 189 respectively will be urged outwardly by coaction of the thrust rod rollers with the cam grooves in the upper and lower cam plate. These thrust rods will be moved outwardly or in a direction away from the center of the turret and it will be seen when the lower thrust rod is extended outwardly, the

slide block 196 will also be moved outwardly. Movement of the slide block 196 revolves the shafts 206 and 207. To this end it is pointed out that revolving movement of the shaft 207 revolves the cam 208 associated therewith and this cam 208 swings the sensing finger 209 inwardly against one concave surface of the cam to shift the same against the inner finger 215. Since the sensing finger member 212 is normally urged inwardly towards the adjacent concave surface of the can, the finger 215 will be disposed into engaging relation with the concave surface of the can.

The cam 211 will then be rotated in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 24 upon outward movement of the slide block 96 to the position illustrated in FIG. 25. If the contents of the receptacle were packed under a sufiicient vacuum, the inner finger 215 which is held into engaging relation with the concave side of the can will have its shoulder 216 disposed out of obstructing relation with respect to the shoulder 217 on the cam 211. Thereafter the return of the slide block 196 which results from retraction of the lower thrust rod 189 and the biasing effect of the spring 200 will result in the cam 211 being rotated in the opposite direction. The acceptable can would then be ready to be released at the station for acceptable cans.

However, in the event that there is an insufficient vacuum in the can or receptacle, the inner finger 215 will not be urged inwardly a sufficient distance to permit clearance of the cam shoulder 217 with the shoulder 216 thereon.

The ejection mechanism for ejecting an acceptable can from each inspection cell comprises a slide ejector plate member 221 which is slidably mounted in grooves 222 formed by suitable track members 223 secured to the underside of the floor plate 181. To this end, it will be noted that the track member 223 also define a second pair of grooves 224 which are disposed below the grooves 222. It will be noted that the floor plate 181 has a central elongate opening 225 therein and the ejector plate 221 has a can engaging element 226 integrally formed with the slide plate 221 and projecting upwardly therefrom through the opening 225. The receptacle engaging ele ment 226 is provided with a small pin 227 which limits forward movement of the slide plate 221 with respect to the lower plate 181. Referring now to FIG. 22 it will be seen that the ejector slide plate 221 is provided with a locking notch 228 adjacent the lower forward surface thereof.

An ejector rack plate 229 is slidably positioned within the grooves 224 for sliding movement therein and this rack plate has a downwardly facing elongate rack bar 230 integrally formed therewith and depending centrally therefrom. The forward end of the rack plate 229 has a recess and a latch element 231 is pivotally connected thereto by pivot 232 as best seen in FIG. 22. This latch element 231 has a rearwardly projecting actuating portion 233 integrally formed therewith which is engaged by a small leaf spring 234 also carried by the rack plate for normally urging the latch element 231 in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 22.

The upper thrust 192 has a small rack 235 integrally formed therewith which engages a small pinion 236 carried by a shaft 237 which extends between and is journalled in a pair of forwardly projecting support elements carried by the rear plate 182. The shaft 237 has a relatively large gear 238 keyed thereto for rotation therewith and gear 238 is disposed in meshing relation with the rack 230. It will therefore be seen that when the upper thrust rod 192 is moved outwardly, the gear 238 will be rotated to shift the rack bar 230 in its track grooves 224 in a rearward direction in opposite or inward retraction of the rod 192 causes outward movement of the rack bar.

It will be seen that the shafts 206 and 207 are each provided with rotary cams 239 thereon for rotation therewith. A latch actuating bar 240 is also suitably apertured and is slidably mounted on the shafts 206 and 207 for vertical translation relative thereto. This latch bar 204 has a pair of threaded apertures therein each receiving one of a pair of threaded bolts 241 to permit adjustment of the bolts relative to the latch bar. The latch bar 240 also has a centrally located threaded aperture therein for receiving a latch actuator bolt 242 therethrough, the latter being vertically adjustable and pro-vision for locking the same in place by means of a suitable lock nut 242a;

It will be seen, as noted in FIGS. 21 and 22, that rotation of the shafts 206 and 207 causes rotation of the rotary cams 239. The upper surfaces of these cams define the cam faces thereof which are engaged by the bolts 241. Therefore, rotation of the rotary cams 239 produces vertical translation of the latch bar 240. This vertical translation of the latch bar causes pivotal movement of the latch element 231 since the actuating portion 233 thereof is engaged by the latch actuator bolt 242. To this end it will be noted that when the latch bar 240 is shifted upwardly, the latch element 231 will be urge out of engaging relation with respect to the notch 228 in the ejector slide plate 221 and will thereby permit relative movement between the slide plate and the rack plate.

During the inspection operation, the receptacles to be inspected will be fed by any suitable conventional conveying means such as belt or chain conveyors into the infeed mechanism, illustrated on the right of FIG. 1. In the embodiment shown, two continuous lines of receptacles will be fed into the infeed mechanism and each receptacle R will be moved in supporting relation upon one of the chain conveyors 78 and will be engaged at its upper inner longitudinal edge portion by one of the screw or helical conveyor members 64 and urged outwardly against the guide rail '79. Each can will therefore be positively fed towards the first set of bead inspection devices 86.

It is pointed out above, the receptacles will be directed into one of four passageways 84, each passageway being positioned below and associated with one of the first bead inspection devices 86. As each receptacle is moved below each inspection device 86, it will be seen that two closely spaced apart upper surface portions of the bead will be engaged by the leading edge 111 of the rear cams 106 and continued movement of the can or receptacle will result in the entire continuous upper surface of the continuous generally rectangular shaped upper bead to be progressively engaged by the respective surfaces of the front and rear cams. Thus the entire continuous generally rectangular upper surface of the upper head of the receptacle is engaged and sensed by the front and rear cams to detect any deformation thereto.

If the receptacle has an upper bead surface which projects upwardly beyond the acceptable limits, this deformation will be sensed by the cams and the actuator plate 112 will be moved out of contact with the switch actuator button 118 to open the switch and to also cause sufficient movement of the actuator portion 116 of the plate 112 and to urge the arm 120 of the switch 119 upwardly to close the switch 119. It will be noted that movement of the receptacle in this forward direction will result in the cam bar 98 being engaged by the bead of the receptacle to cause vertical movement of the cam bar in vertical translation of the pins 96 to close the switch 121 so that the circuit of switch 119 will be energized.

Conversely when a receptacle has a bead deformed downwardly, one of the front or rear cams located on one longitudinal side of the cam bar 98 will drop downwardly thus causing switch 117 to be closed by the actuator member 112 and when switch 121 is closed, the circuit of switch 117 will be energized. When this occurs,

or when the circuit of switch 119 is energized, one of the air pistons and cylinder units located on opposite sides of the support frame 11a will be actuated to move one of the actuator pins 126 upwardly into position for actuating the microswitch that Controls the ejector mechanism.

The receptacles are thereafter moved through the second set of inspection devices 128 and as each receptacle is moved along the passageway associated with one of the inspection devices 128 each upper and lower pair of sensing fingers will engage the outer exterior or side surface of the upper bead. As the receptacle is moved between the four sets of sensing fingers, any irregularity or deformation along the outer or side surface of the upper head or along the lower surface thereof will result in relative pivoting movement between a pair of the sensing fingers and the associated upper and lower pivot blocks thereof. This results in tilting of the pin 148 and closure of the switch thereof. When this occurs, one of the air cylinder and piston units 157 will be actuated to move an actuator pin upwardly into a position for closing the micro-switch associated with the air blast heads. It will therefore be seen that in the event that there is any deformation or damage to any of the continuous surfaces of the upper bead, this damage will be sensed and detected by one of the inspection devices to move a pin 126 into position for ejecting the unacceptable can. This ejection action of the unacceptable cans will be located at a point remote from the inspection device and will be in response to a determination of damage to the bead of the receptacle. These defective receptacles will be impelled by the air blast heads out of their predetermined path of travel and those cans or receptacles which have no damage to the beads thereof will be continued in their predetermined path of travel towards the turret 16.

It will be noted as the receptacles approach the turret 16, the two respective lines will be directed into a single row for movement into the turret 16. The impeller mechanism impels each can or receptacle into one of the inspection cells 189 whereby the receptacle is inspected to determine if the contents therein have been packed under a sufiicient vacuum. As each receptacle is urged into one of the inspection cells, the receptacle will engage the receptacle or cam engaging element 226 which is integrally formed with the slide plate 221 and will cause the slide plate to be moved inwardly. As the turret is revolved, th upper and lower thrust rods 192 and 189 respectively will be urged outwardly. It will be seen that this causes rotation of shafts 206 and 207 whereby the receptacle will be engaged by the sensing fingers 209 and 212.

In the event that the contents of the receptacle have been packed therein under a sufficient vacuum, the sides of the receptacle which are engaged by the sensing fingers will have been collapsed inwardly a sufficient distance to permit movement of the shoulder 217 of the cam 211 by the shoulder 216 on the finger 215. Thereafter upon retraction of the rods 189 and 192, the shafts 206 and 207 will be rotated in the return direction which results in retraction of the slide block 196. The latch bar 240 will also be lowered whereby the latch element 231 of the ejector rack plate 229 will be urged into engaging relation with the slide plate member 221. As the rod 192 is retracted, it will be seen that the ejector rack plate will be urged outwardly and since the slide plate member 221 is latched thereto, this plate will also be moved in an outward direction and the engaging element 226 thereof will urge the receptacle outwardly at the acceptance station.

In the event that the interior of the receptacle has not been subjected to a sufiicient negative pressure, the crosssectional dimension through the sides of the receptacle that are normally concave will be of a sufficient magnitude to cause the shoulder 217 of the cam 211 to engage the shoulder 216 on the finger 215. Therefore, when the rod 189 retracts, the slide block 196 will be locked into engagement with respect to the shafts 206 and 207. The receptacle will be retained in the inspection cell and will be revolved beyond the acceptance station. As the rod 192 is retracted, the latch bar 240 will be in the upward position to urge the latch element 231 out of locking engagement with respect to the locking notch of slide plate member 221. The ejector rack plate 229 will therefore be

Claims (1)

1. THE METHOD OF INSPECTING SYMMETRICALLY SAHPED CONTAINERS HAVING AT LEAST ONE CONTINOUS PERIPHERAL BEAD THEREON TO DETECT DAMAGE OR DEFORMATION TO THE BEAD, SAID METHOD COMPRISING, MOVING A CONTAINER TO BE INSPECTED IN A PREDETERMINED PATH OF TRAVEL THROUGH A FIRST INSPECTION ZONE, AND DURING TRAVEL THROUGH SAID FIRST INSPECTION ZONE, PREVENTING ROTATION OF A CONAINER WHILE SIMULTANEOUSLY ENGAGING DIFFERENT PARTS OF CONTINUOUS SURFACE PORTION OF THE BEAD WITH MECHANICAL SENSING MEDIA TO DETECT ANY DEFORMATION THERETO, CONTINUING MOVEMENT OF THE CONTAINER IN SAID PREDETERMINED PATH OF TRAVEL THROUGH A SECOND INSPECTION ZONE, AND DURING TRAVEL THROUGH SAID SECOND INSPECTION ZONE PREVENTING ROTATION OF SAID CON-

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