Medical Device Link.

A new machine vision sensor combines a vision camera, processor, Ethernet communication capabilities, and vision software into a single compact unit that is reasonably priced. The In-Sight 1000 can be easily integrated on a production line and networked throughout a manufacturing plant. System software tools include PatFind, a part location tool that is based on the company's PatMax technology. The vision system, which requires no programming, can be used to measure the position of labels on bottles and read 2-D and 1-D bar codes on packages. The user can select tools and parameters from drop-down menus and then generate tool results into worksheet cells to perform the desired task. Cognex Corp., Natick, MA.

Small, lightweight temperature indicators provide a safe, reliable record of conditions for temperature-critical shipments. ColdSnap transit thermometers feature a bimetallic sensing element that is triggered when a predetermined temperature is encountered, turning an indicator window bright red. They are available in both descending and ascending versions, the former to detect cooling and the latter warming. Activated by the user, the thermometers can detect critical temperatures between –20° and 40°C with an accuracy of ±2°C. They have a rugged housing and mechanical design and attach to the product being protected via a self-adhesive backing. Telatemp Corp., Fullerton, CA.

A self-teaching machine vision system is available to provide quality control in cap and closure applications, inspecting up to 1800 closures per minute. The Inspector operates by memorizing a flawless product in one viewing and then subsequently discarding all items that deviate from the recorded sample. With no need for reprogramming at every change in production, the accurate system is fast and user friendly. Its LED light system is rated for 100,000 hours of operation. Easily integrated into the production line, the inspection system requires no control computer, no integration and assembly of extra system components, and no customization. IC Vision, Saint-Laurent, QC, Canada.

A software library available with a series of industrial smart cameras facilitates the creation of ECC 200 Data Matrix bar code readers and decoders by system integrators and OEMs. M200 software can be adapted to generate applications for a wide variety of tasks performed by VC-series cameras in the pharmaceutical and other industries, including packaging control. Readers equipped with the software capability can be customized for specific duties via changes in optics or illumination. Progressive scanning and flexible image-capture triggering allow codes in motion to be read reliably, and the readers work with flat or curved surfaces. The software library, along with necessary optics and illumination, is housed in a rugged, compact enclosure that is easy to integrate. Vision Components, Burlington, MA.

An adhesive-bead detection system verifies immediately that adhesive beads meet quality standards. Delivering basic hot-melt adhesive bead detection, the Seal Sentry Series 10 system is equipped with quick-disconnect cables and an internal power supply and uses no encoders or resolvers, making it simple to install. Infrared bead sensors have sealed housings with a fixed field of view and attached mounting hardware, and an LED indicator displays the setting and desired sensitivity for each sensor. The system can be set up and programmed via just two buttons. Hot-melt adhesive bead reference levels are automatically established by means of the dynamic calibration feature. Nordson Corp., Duluth, GA.

Microscopic pinholes, pores, and cracks in deep-drawn foil forms and nontransparent package lid and base materials can be located by a high-resolution pinhole detection system and their relative position displayed in real time on the instrument front panel. Angular detection is also possible with the IntelliScan MT-160, which can perform in-line noncontact scanning of as much as 100 in. of surface per second. The detection system offers resolution fully adjustable to below 10 µm. Several system outputs enable a defective package or packaging material to be rejected instantly. The system's dual-microprocessor design includes a 48-point internal self-monitoring circuit along with the microprocessor program, thus ensuring error-free operation. I.C. Technologies Inc., BlisterTech Div., Tampa, FL.

An integrated, image-processing PLC is the heart of a machine vision system designed to perform static or high-speed inspections and programmable machine control. The compact EZVision Sensor PLC-based vision system features two camera inputs for simultaneous image capture of two device views; 16 inspection programs; template matching with normalized correlation; rotational correction; and many general-purpose measurement and inspection tools. The PLC offers 15 input-output points, 128 internal registers, 8 timers, and 8 counters. Inspection speed can be as high as 15,000 objects per minute. The system specifications, applications, and measurement algorithms are described in available full-color literature. Cincinnati Industrial Automation Ltd., Covington, KY.

A seal-monitoring system designed for the leak testing of blister cards, pouches, vials, and other containers uses helium as a tracer gas to quantitatively test packages to levels competitive with alternative methodologies. The SIMS 1282+ employs a calibrated mass spectrometer to analyze the amount of helium that escapes from a sealed package under vacuum and determine the leak rate. The seal-integrity system can be used in monitoring product quality, for production line setup, and to qualify tooling. Various versions of the basic pharmaceutical SIMS system are offered for rental and purchase, and are backed by technical support and R&D programs. Leak Detection Associates, Williamstown, NJ.

A series of miniature photoelectric sensors for automation applications have been redesigned to provide longer sensing distances and now include a quick-disconnect plug connector to facilitate installation and removal. The Series 10 sensor line consists of the FHDK 10 diffuse sensor with background suppression, the FPDK 10 retroreflective sensor with polarization filter, the FZDK 10 diffuse sensor with intensity difference, and the FSDK 10/FEDK 10 through-beam sensor. The diffuse types offer adjustable sensing ranges up to 200 mm, and the through-beam models have a nominal sensing distance of 6 m; the retroreflective sensors have been enhanced to provide much-improved gain at short sensing distances. The diffuse sensors offer true background suppression in association with precision sensing, and the polarized retroreflective devices can easily detect objects with highly reflective surfaces. All of the sensors feature a rectangular 27 x 14 x 10.4-mm housing and an LED that flashes to indicate a soiled lens. Baumer Electric Ltd., Southington, CT.

A versatile vision sensor with dual-camera capability that allows two inspections or measurements to be performed simultaneously is designed to be integrated with other production line automation. The modular two-camera option gives the F150-3 sensor the ability to measure two sides of a container without the need for two complete vision sensors or a PC-based vision system. Available for the sensor is Windows-compatible Vision Composer configuration and setup software that enables flexible inspection programs to be configured quickly and easily. The software can be used to compose as many as 16 setup scenes with up to 16 inspection windows or 64 processing items in each scene. The vision sensor features a light source whose intensity and direction can be controlled by the user through a menu or the software, and which can be used to highlight features of the object under inspection for maximum image contrast. Omron Electronics Inc., Schaumburg, IL.

Copyright ©2001 by Pharmaceutical & Medical Packaging News