Case Inspection for Metal Cans or Glass Jars with Metal Closures

The PRO Series Case system from TapTone is designed for non-contact, non-destructive, 100% automatic container inspection through a sealed cardboard and/or shrink wrapped case. The system offers the option of acoustic or proximity technology to inspect glass jars with metal closures or metal cans for pressure or vacuum after the containers have been sealed in the case. In many applications, the PRO Series Case system will detect defects other than low pressure or vacuum.

How It Works

Acoustic technology works by applying an electromagnetic pulse or “tap” to the top of each container inside the sealed cardboard or shrink wrapped case. The lid of the container vibrates at a natural resonant frequency (“tone”) based on the internal pressure or vacuum in the container. A microphone then senses the resultant tone. The system converts the analog signal to digital and then the DSP board analyzes the output and calculates the frequency. Containers outside user-set limits result in the entire case being rejected. The magnetic pulse and acoustic response will work through the cardboard or shrink wrapped cases. Defects include low or no vacuum, low or no pressure, flat sours, dented lids and missing containers in the case.

Proximity Technology

Proximity technology works by measuring the curvature of each container through the sealed case using analog proximity sensors. The curvature for each container in the case is analyzed and assigned a merit value based on the curvature measurements. The system determines whether the container is acceptable or faulty based on user-set parameters. Containers outside user-set limits result in the entire case being rejected. The analog sensor will work through the cardboard or shrink wrapped cases. Defects include low or no vacuum, Low or no pressure, swelled cans, pop-buttons, dented seams or missing containers inside the cases.

Case System Configuration

• The PRO Series Case system is a self-standing system that can be configured as follows:
• Proximity inspection: 1-6 proximity sensor heads (single bridge)
• Acoustic inspection: 1-6 acoustic sensor heads (single bridge)
• Combined acoustic/proximity inspection (one acoustic bridge and one proximity bridge)

The system includes a six-foot inspection conveyor for warehouse or other off-line applications. Spray markers can also be added (optional) to mark the location of the faulty containers within the case for easy identification and rework. The system can be ordered without the conveyor for on-line applications.

PRO Series Case System | Options

Rejector: 200mm (8 inch) stroke rejector - Pneumatic ram style rejector with adjustable stroke. The rejector’s maximum displacement is 200mm (8 inches).
Spray marker system: Marks the location of defective containers on the outside of the case for easy identification and rework (4 heads maximum).

Vacuum/Pressure inspection in metal cans

Vacuum/Pressure inspection in glass jars with metal closures

Missing cans

Broken or missing glass bottles