Optical inspection of container finish dimensional parameters

摘要

Apparatus (10) for inspecting external dimensional parameters of a container finish (12) that includes a light source (16) for directing light energy onto the finish (12) of the container (14) and a matrix array sensor (24) disposed to receive an image of the container finish illuminated by the light source. A telecentric lens (32) is positioned to focus onto the matrix array sensor (24) an image (42) of the container finish profile formed by light energy traveling parallel to the telecentric lens axis, such that the finish profile appears as a dark image against a light background at the sensor. The matrix array sensor is scanned at increments of container rotation to determine one or more dimensional parameters of the container finish.