System for identifying or validating top crowns to be used as a means for activating a circuit
Number of patents in Portfolio can not be more than 2000
United States of America Patent
Stats
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Aug 22, 1995
Grant Date -
N/A
app pub date -
Feb 24, 1994
filing date -
Mar 10, 1993
priority date (Note) -
Expired
status (Latency Note)
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Abstract
A system is used to validate bottle caps, or top crowns, having particular reflectivity characteristics in plastic covering their undersides and in an alloy from which they are made. This permits the top crowns belonging in a particular promotion to be different, in these respects, from the rest of the top crowns on the market. Validation is carried out with the assistance of an identifying mechanism having an optical sensor and an inductive sensor in front of which the top crowns move while being carried by a conveyor belt or band when inserted in the identifying mechanism. The optical sensor works together with a generator of light having a given wavelength that is reflected by the underside of the cap or top. Thereafter, the light reaches the optical sensor. Signals generated by the optical and inductive sensors, upon the passage of the top crown, are duly processed and compared with the preset valid values in a suitable program. Depending upon the results obtained, the circuit is governed so that it, in turn, operates a hatch allowing the top crowns to be guided towards a rejection duct or an admission duct.
First Claim
Other Claims data not available