Abstract

Apparatus for inspecting the finish of a container as the container is held and rotated about its central axis. A light source is positioned to direct diffused light energy onto the container finish, and a camera is positioned across the axis of the container from the light source. The camera comprises multiple arrays of light sensitive elements positioned with respect to the camera focusing elements on a common optical plane opposed to the light source to receive non-overlapping images of the container finish spaced from each other laterally of the container axis. Information processing electronics are coupled to the camera arrays for indicating optical characteristics of the container finish as differing functions of light intensity incident on the elements of each array. In the various disclosed embodiments of the invention, the arrays comprise one or more linear or matrix arrays for receiving non-overlapping images of the container finish at preselected orientation with respect to each other for detecting structural commercial variations and/or geometric parameters of the container finish.