Linear optical sensor for a closure

Number of patents in Portfolio can not be more than 2000

United States of America Patent

PATENT NO 6473170
APP PUB NO 20020097396A1
SERIAL NO

09766201

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ATTORNEY / AGENT: (SPONSORED)

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Abstract

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A method and apparatus for detecting the presence of a closure on a container and determining whether the closure is properly seated includes at least two fiber optic heads positioned opposite one another on either side of a conveyor belt or other package transport mechanism. The optic heads face one another through the path of travel of a package. The optic fibers of the receiving head are arranged in a rectangular shape, narrow in the horizontal direction and long in the vertical direction. The optic heads are connected to an optical sensor with an analog output. As a package with a closure travels down the transport mechanism, the package closure interrupts portions of the light beam directed at the receiving head. The optical sensor generates an analog trace signal as the closure moves down the conveyor. A processor samples the analog signal and determines the presence and/or position of the closure therefrom.

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Patent Owner(s)

Patent OwnerAddress
SILGAN HOLDINGS INC4 LANDMARK SQUARE SUITE 400 STAMFORD CT 06901

International Classification(s)

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Inventor(s)

Inventor Name Address # of filed Patents Total Citations
Schafer, Thomas C Des Plaines, IL 5 59

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