WO1985002282A1

WO1985002282A1 - Apparatus and method for selectively accepting arrays of containers for processing

Info

Publication number: WO1985002282A1
Application number: PCT/US1984/001833
Authority: WO
Inventors: Howard F. Malone
Original assignee: Radiation Dynamics, Inc.
Priority date: 1983-11-14
Filing date: 1984-11-13
Publication date: 1985-05-23
Also published as: IT1178231B; IT8449158A1; IT8449158A0

Abstract

Apparatus and method for redundantly checking a two dimensional array of containers or products before acceptance for later processing, such as sterilization by irradiation, by means of preferably at least one "dumb" detector (186) and one "smart" detector (187). The dumb detector looks at a predefined area (210) on each container of an array for a distinguishable indicia thereon, such as a reflective portion (206) on a non-reflective background. The smart detector reads an optical identification code (208) on each container only when the code is positioned at a predefined area (212) thereon. For an array to be accepted for processing, each container therein must satisfy all conditions. In a preferred embodiment, the dumb detector (186) for each container must sense a portion of distinguishable reflectance at a prescribed selected area (210) thereon; the optical identification code of each container must be detected at a prescribed selected area (212) thereon; and the smart detector must read the properly positioned optical identification code (208) and the read identification code must match an identification code stored by the processor (130) for each container. Moreover, it is preferred that no containers in the array be missing and that the containers not be excessively skewed. Codes for arrays that are accepted are stored in the processor (130) and each accepted array is channelled to be irradiated or otherwise processed as the array approaches the processing area along a conveyor.

Description

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR SELECTIVELY ACCEPTING ARRAYS OF CONTAINERS FOR PROCESSING

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the art of checking containers for proper identification prior to the processing thereof.

TECHNOLOGICAL CONTEXT OF THE INVENTION

In numerous applications, a plurality of products or containers—such as cartons, packages, boxes and cans—have contents which are to be processed in a desired manner. Oftentimes, the manner of processing depends oh the contents. In such cases, it is important that the container contents and the processing be corre¬ lated in some way to assure proper processing. In the context of sterilizing medical products or containers with medical supplies or substances therein, it is generally critical that the products or containers receive sufficient irradiation from a beam—such as an electron beam— o provide uniform and total steriliza- tion. Doses which are too low or too high can have serious adverse effects on the items irradiated or may have adverse consequences when the items are later used. It is thus desirable to provide redundant checks of containers or products to assure that the contents therein correspond to the processing, e.g. irradiation, to be applied.

Although applying an optical code—such as a bar code—to each container and reading the optical code several times before processing may provide desired redundancy, such a technique is costly by requiring a plurality of "smart" detectors which can interpret the optical code. In addition, if an improper optical code is mistakenly placed on a container or product, each bar code reader will detect a correlation even though the contents are not appropriate. Improper, undetected processing may result.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the invention, apparatus is provided whereby containers or products can be redundantly checked to assure that later processing thereof is proper.

Specifically, it is an object of the invention to provide a check of each container or product based on the position of at least one identifying indicia placed on the surface thereof. That is, in determining whether a container or product is to be accepted for processing, the invention provides that identifying indicia—such as a reflective portion on a non-reflective background or an optical identification code—be located at a selected proper area on, preferably, one of the surfaces of the container or product. For a container with one type of contents, the indicia is in one location and for containers with other contents the indicia is located elsewhere. Thus, if an improper container is introduced for processing, the indicia thereon will be improperly located for acceptance and an error is detected. The detection of proper indicia lcoation can be characterized as "dumb", i.e. being unable to read or intepret any information other than the absence or presence of the indicia at a given location. Since dumb detectors do little processing, they are generally inexpensive. Hence, the invention has as an object the checking of containers or products at reasonable cost. The invention also provides for the employment of a "smart" reader in conjunction with one or more "dumb" detectors to achieve redundancy in checking. In this way, the dumb detector(s) can determine if indicia is properly located on each container or product while the smart reader senses a code that specifically characterizes the container or product. The sensed code can be compared with a stored code representing the code which should be on the container, thereby providing a smart check before processing is permitted. A smart reader which looks for a code at only a specified location, it is noted, also performs the function of a dumb detector.

Also in accordance with the invention, one or more containers or products in an nxm array (where n,m are positive integers) can be checked together. By optical means, a first selected proper area on each container is examined to determine if a portion of distinguishable reflectance is located thereat. Similarly, optical means are provided which look for a prescribed optical identification code at only a second selected proper area on each container. If theOptical identification code for a container is at the proper position, it is read and compared in a processor with the stored identification code corresponding to the container. The invention in this way is able to achieve a triple redundant check—including two indicia position checks and one interpreted code check—for each container. The number of containers in the array which satisfy the three checks is tallied and compared with a total sum stored for each array in a processor. A discrepancy between the final tally and the stored sum indicates that either a container (or containers) is missing or a container (or containers) failed one of the conditions. An operator can examine the rejected arrays, solve the problem, and reintroduce the array for processing. In accordance with the invention, it is important to look to specific areas on the surface of a container to determine proper idicia positioning. To do this, the invention includes one embodiment in which a plurality of optical elements examine respective areas an another embodiment which includes a single scan beam which is masked by either electronic or mechanical means. In electronic masking, a vertical scan beam, for example, can be selectively gated on and off during each scan, the beam being switched on at only times corresponding to positions along a column of containers at which indicia should be. Mechanically, the beam can scan through a ladder-type structure interposed between the beam and a column of containers. Light is obstructed by the "rungs" of the ladder-type structure and passes through the apertures therebetween. By selectively altering the masking, the invention is able to examine containers of various sizes with indicia at various locations thereon and arrays of varying sizes. The invention thereby achieves the object of flexibility.

In addition, the invention provides that an array will preferably be rejected if any container therein is skewed excessively from a desired positon. This may be significant in beam irradiation applications in which it is desired that irradiation strike the container in a prescribed manner, so as to achieve, for example, uniform irradiation.

^•Further, to accommodate checking along a conveyor which may vary in speed, the invention provides means for following the distance travelled by arrays along the conveyor. The processor, it is noted, is initially informed of (a) the proper dimensions of containers and arrays and (b) the areas at which indicia (e.g., a reflective portion on a non-reflective background or the optical identification code) should be. With this information and information regarding the position of an array along the conveyor, the processor is able to determine if the optical detector means are at a horizontal position corresponding to the expected location of indicia. The optical detector means can thereby be selectively enabled in both the horizontal direction and the vertical direction to confine the look for indicia to only specified areas.

The processor is also able to use the information initially stored and received relative to the array positon along the conveyor to distinguish one column in the array from another as well as distinguishing one array from the next.

It is a further object of the invention to identify each array with a carrier array code and to assign an "accept" or "approval" status thereto in a processor only if all conditions are satisfied, the invention having an array reject default mode. As an array approaches the irradiation area, its carrier array code is detected and fed to the processor which looks up in memory to see if an "approval" was assigned thereto. If not, the array is routed away from the irradiation area and is rejected. Preferably, only carrier array codes which represent accepted arrays are stored by the processor and they are stored in the order they pass along the conveyor in, for example, a first in-first out (FIFO) register. As one array after another moves toward the irradiation area, the carrier array code thereof is compared with the "next" carrier array code in the FIFO register (which represents an "approval" status). If there is a match, processing occurs. Required memory space is thereby economized.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide apparatus and method for examining containers or products in a given identifiable lot including an array of containers or products arranged in two dimensions. Specifically, this is achieved by selecting a first proper area on each container in the subject array, the selected first proper area on each container in the subject array facing the same direction; checking only the selected first proper area for a distinguishing reflective portion thereat; selecting a second proper area on each container in a subject array, the selected second proper area on each container in the.subject array facing the same direction; checking only the selected second proper area for an optical identification code thereat; and accepting the subject array only if, for each container in the subject array, a distinguishing reflective portion is found to be at the selected first proper area and an optical identification code is found to be at the selected second proper areas as a result of the checking steps. Preferably, the examination occurs as each array moves along a conveyor, the examination further including a check for missing or misoriented containers as well as containers having improper labels for a given type of processing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure I is a perspective view illustration of a first embodiment of the invention showing arrays of containers being redundantly checked for proper identification along a conveyor.

Figure II is an illustration of a container with properly located indicia thereon. The container in Figure II illustrates indicia on the front face thereof compared to the containers in Figure I which include the indicia on the respective rear faces thereof.

Figure III is an illustration of a container without properly located indicia thereon. The container in Figure III illustrates indicia on the front face thereof compared to the containers in Figure I which include the indicia on the respective rear faces thereof.

Figure IV is a perspective view of a number of elements in a second embodiment of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to Figure I, one preferred embodiment of the invention is illsutrated. Carriers -100 and 102 are shown suspended from a monorail conveyor 104 enroute to a processing area 106. Supported on each carrier 100 and 102 are containers 108 stacked in a two dimensional nxm array 110 and 112, respectively, where n, m are positive integers. In array 110, n and m equal two. In array 112, n equals three and m equals two. Taking carrier 102 as an example, it is noted that the carrier 102 has a distinct identification code 114 assigned thereto. The code 114 identifies both the carrier 102 and the array 112 supported thereon. Two carrier array identifier units 120 and 122 are provided to read the code assigned to each carrier, for example code 114 on carrier 102. The codes may comprise any of various types of conventional codes, including but not limited to magnetic coding strips or bar code strips. The carrier array identifier units 120 and 122 are known devices for reading corresponding codes. When the carrier 102 reaches the carrier array identifier unit 122, the assigned code 114 is read and fed to a processor 130 over a communication channel 132. The processor 130 also receives data input from a card reader 134 via channel 136. The card reader 134 operates on coded cards 138 provided thereto, the cards 138 containing various types of information thereon. In explaining several types of information on the cards, reference is made to Figure II. A sample container 200—like containers 108 of Figure I—is illustrated. The container 200 has a label surface 202 having a non-reflective background 204. In accordance with the invention, there is a first proper selected area and a second proper selected area defined on each container, such as conatiner 200. A reflective portion and an optical identification code can be affixed to the first and second proper selected area, respectively. In Figure II, a reflective portion 206 is positioned on a first proper selected area 210 and the optical identification code 208 is positioned at a second proper selected area 212. The location of the first proper selected area 210 and the second proper selected area 212 is defined by data on the cards 138 which are ready by the card reader 134 (of Figure I). The location of areas 210 and 212 correspond to the contents and/or processing that should be performed thereon.

The proper positioning of the reflective portion 206 and the optical identification code 208 on the label surface 202 represents a check that the container 200 and the array thereof should be accepted for subsequent processing.

In Figure III, a second sample container 300 is shown. Container 300 has a label surface 302 which has a first proper selected area 304 and a second proper selected area 306 whereon a reflective portion and an optical identification code, respectively, should be positioned. The location of areas 304 and 306 are determined based on the information provided by the card reader 134 to the processor 130. To be accepted for later processing, the container 300 must have a reflective portion detectable at the first proper selected area 304 and must have an optical identification code detectable at the second proper selected area 306. A reflective portion 310 is shown positioned at a distance from the first proper selected area 304 and no optical identification code is located at the second proper selected area 306. The misplacement and/or absence of the reflective portion- and/or the optical identification code is an indication that the container, e.g. container 300, and the array thereof should not be accepted for later processing. The reflective portion, it is noted, may be erroneously positioned on the label surface or may be erroneously positioned on a non-label surface or may have not been properly affixed to the container at all. Such errors may be inadvertent or may be the result of a container having contents of one nature being improperly stacked with containers having other contents. Hence, the position check assures that only specified containers^ (with properly postioned reflective portions and optical identification codes) and arrays thereof not be rejected for later processing. Moreover, the unacceptable positioning of the reflective portion or the optical identification code—even if the optical identification code may be correct—is an indication that the container should be rejected. Thus, the likelihood of a container having a wrongly applied optical identification code being improperly^' rocessed is reduced where reflective portion positioning and optical identification code positioning are included as redundant .checks.

It should be recognized, with respect to Figures II and III, that the first proper selected area and the second proper selected area may have selectable dimensions and may be located as appropriate depending on various factors—such as but not limited to container size, reflective poriton size, optical identification code size, and positon detection equipment employed. Furthermore, although preferably on one face of a container, ..the first proper selected area may be on a label surface on one face of a container while the second proper selected area may be on a label surface on a second face of a container. In such an embodiment, the optical detection equipment would be positioned accordingly. Also, while the containers are shown to be rectangular, it is within the scope of the invention to process containers of different shapes.

Referring again to Figure I, the elements which permit arrays of containers to be accepted for processing are now discussed. Upon entry of appropriate data from the card reader 134, the processor 130 directs a signal along a channel 149 to a vertical column 150 of photodiodes 152 which extend at least the height of any array, such as array 112. The column 150 is positioned such that light from each photodiode 152 strikes the array 112 as the array 112 reaches a predefined position along the path shown. Data from the processor 130 serves to selectively switch on a off photodiodes 152 in the column 150. For the array 112, only photodiodes

154, 156 and 158 which are aligned with the three first proper selected areas 160, 162, 164, respectively, are switched on and the remainder are switched off. Preferably, the switched-on photodiodes lie- along the center line of a given first proper selected area as shown in Figure I with dashed lines.

As the array 112 passes before the column 150, each of the switched on photodiodes 152, 154 and 156 directs lights at the respective first proper selected areas 160, 162 or 164 (which, it is noted, are on the back face of each respective container in Figure I). If there is a reflective portion at each of the areas 160, 162, and 164, respectively, the light from each photodiode 152, 154, and 156 reflects back to be sensed by a corresponding photocell 166, 168 and 170. The

number of photocells which detect reflected light enters the processor 130 along a channel 172. In Figure I, the processor 130 may count zero through three light- detecting photocells. The manner in which a processor 5 may determine the number of photocells which are receiving light is known in the art and is not elaborated ^"here.

The count of light-detecting photocells in Figure I is made column-by-column as the array 112

10 passes before the photodiode column 150. Accordingly, for array 112, the photocells^' first count the reflection detected in the first column 180 of three containers and then count the reflections detected in the second column 182 of three containers. Preferably, the card reader

15 134 informs the processor 130 of the total proper count of containers in the array 112 and the processor 130 receives an actual tallied count of reflecting containers in the array 112 along a channel 172. If there is no match between the two counts, the array 112

20 is not accepted for further processing. In a more sophisticated embodiment, the cards 138 may indicate the expected number of containers per column and the processor 130 may compare the actual number of reflecting containers from the number of light-detecting

25 photocells therewith to determine column-by-column if there is a match. If there is a failure to match in any column, the array is not accepted for processing. Processing equipment which may be used for comparing the two number counts is known in the art.

30 A further examination of Figure I shows a horizontal line of elements 186. The optical elements 186 provide input to the processor 130 on channel 185 which indicate the position of a carrier or carriers along the conveyor path 104. Specifically, the elements

35186 detect when the carrier 112, for example, reaches a position whereat the first column 180 of the array 112 is aligned with the photodiode column 150 to provide reflection onto the photocells. This is preferably accomplished by detecting the leading and/or trailing

40 edge of the carrier 102 by the elements 186. As the carrier 112 proceeds along the direction of travel, the elements 186 detect the position thereof and the processor 130—based on information relating to the dimensions of the containers in each column—determines alignment with the column 150 for subsequent columns of containers such as column 182. For example, if the elements 186 are spaced at 1/2" intervals and the proces¬ sor 130 receives data that the first proper selected areas of successive containers on carrier 102 are spaced at 2 inch intervals, the processor 130 can determine when the first proper selected areas of one column after another are aligned with the photodiode column 150. That is, at any given time the processor 130—by being programmed with container dimensions and the array structure, and detect-^" ing the position of the carrier (and array) along the conveyor path 104 by means of the elements 186—can deter¬ mine if and when a particular column in an array (such as array 112) is positioned to be illuminated by the photo¬ diodes for reflection of light onto a corresponding photo¬ cell. Moreover, the elements 186 provide information to the processor 130 which, in effect, separates information relating to array 110 from information relating to array 112. The spacing between successive carriers 100 and 102 is greater than the detection area of the elements 186. Thus, during the time between when the carrier 100 passes and when the later carrier 102 reaches an element 186, such element 186 does not detect a carrier. This indicates a separation between successive carriers. The elements 186 are preferably optical cells—such as those of column 150—although they may comprise other devices for detecting horizontal movement along the conveyor 104.

As the carriers 100 and 102 move along the conveyor 104, the arrays 110 and 112 thereon pass by an optical code identifier 187. Preferably the code identifier 187 is a known device for reading conventional bar codes represented by a plurality of horizontal lines of selected thickness. In this preferred arrangement, the optical identification codes

-. OMPI 208 (of Figure II) are bar codes which carry information—such as the contents of the container, the lot number, and other information relevant to processing by the processor 130. Referring to Figure IV, the optical code detector 187 is shown directing two beams 400 and 402 at the secondproper selected areas 404 and 406 of containers 408 and 410, respectively. Beams 400 and 402 have small outer diameters and are "masked" so that the second proper selected areas in the column 412 of containers 408 and 410 are illuminated. As depicted, each second proper selected area 404 and 406 is scanned in conventional fashion so as to read a bar code 414 or 416 that may be affixed thereon. If the bar -code 414 or 416 is not properly located (i.e. within the second proper selected area 404 or 406), the optical code detector 187 will not read it. The optical code detector 187 thus detects, first, that the bar code 414 or 416 is properly located on the container aad, also, reads the bar code 414 or 416 to derive data therefrom which can be compared in the processor 130 with programmed inputs from the card reader 134.

The masking employed in forming the beams 400 and 402 is shown to be electronic. That is, from inputs entered by the card reader 134, the processor 130 determines the locations of the second proper selected areas 404 and 406 and, accordingly, switches light on and off during vertical scanning to produce spaced beams 400 and 402. This function is accomplished by means of analog or digital gating circuits customarily used for video signal masking. A similar result may be achieved by simply interposing a fixed physical mask—structured like a vertical ladder—between a scanned light source of detector 187 and the containers 408 and 410. Light striking the rungs of the ladder does not impinge on the label surface (see Figure II) of the container 408 or 410 whereas light between the rungs strikes the second proper selection area 404 or 406 thereon. The detector 187 preferably includes a plurality of bar code readers—one for each container 408 or 410 in the column 411. However, the detector 187 may, alternatively, represent a device which reads a plurality of bar codes 414 and 416 in succession. Bar code readers employable in the invention are known in the art and thus are not discussed herein in detail. Similarly, other optical codes—relating to color, dots and geometical shapes, for example—and devices for reading data therefrom are known and may be used as detector 187.

As with the column 150, the detector 187 must be able to determine when the beams 400 and 402 are properly positioned relative to the containers 408 and 410 along the direction of travel. This is achieved again by the elements 186 which follow the horizontal movement of the carrier. By way of example, element 186a is shown focusing on a first spot along the carrier 420. Element 186b focuses on a second spot. As the carrier 420 proceeds forward it reaches a point at which element ^'186b no longer senses the carrier 420. The processor 130 is so informed and switches off ^'the detector 187. The element 186b is preferably located so that when the trailing edge of the carrier 420 passes thereby, the beams 400 and 402 should have already encountered the second proper selected areas 404 and 406 of the column 411. Where an array-such as array 110 of Figure I—has a plurality of columns, the detector 187 is switched on and off as each column enters and exits the beams that are directed to the second proper selected areas thereon. Moreover, the masking from container to container in each column may be varied between columns and between arrays when masking is effectuated electronically. In this way, a single carrier may support containers of different size and/or with different contents that may be processed similarly and the detector 187 will be able to determine that the reflective portions and optical identification codes are properly positioned and correct.- In the typical case, however, the containers on each carrier will have the same contents, the same dimensions, similarly positioned reflective portions and optical identification codes, and the same optical identification codes.

Comparing the carriers 100 and 102 of Figure I with the carriers 420 and 422 of Figure IV, it is noted that the carriers 100 and 102 are suspended from a monorail conveyor 104 whereas the carriers 420 and 422 represent wheeled carts. Other carriers it is noted, may also be employed.

In any case, the conveyor path incudes a diverter switch 188 (see Figure I) whereat arrays which are accepted for later processing follow one path 189 and arrays which are not accepted follow another path 190. Along path 189 is the area 106 at which processing, in the form of irradation in Figure I, is performed. Specifically, an electron beam source 191 is controlled by a beam control 192 which receives input from'the processor 130. The intensity of the beam from source 191 depends on the application and is readily deter inable or known in the art. For example, the required beam intensity for sterilization of contents in a container of known material is generally available information. The input from the processor 130 is derived from data on the cards 138 which are fed to the card reader 134 and later communicated to the processor 130.

The operation of the apparatus in Figure I will now be detailed. Cards 138 are fed into the card reader 134, the card reader 134 informing the processor 130 of

(a) the carrier array code to be stored for array 112;

(b) the size of the containers 108; (c) the selected locations of the first proper selected area and the second proper selected area on each label surface 202 (see Figure II); (d) the optical code stored for each container in the array 112; (e) the total count of containers to be stored for array 112; and (f) the desired level of irradiation generated by the E beam source 191. The card reader 134 signals the processor 130 that a new array 112 or group of arrays is to be processed. This action pre-loads the optical identification code portion of the apparatus to enable acceptance of only properly coded containers. As the carrier 102 passes the carrier array identifier 122, the carrier array code 114 is read and compared by the processor 130 with the stored code for array 112. To be acceptable for processing the read code and stored code must match. The leading edge and/or trailing edge (or other mark) on the carrier 102 is thereafter detected by one element 186 after another to indicate the positon of the carrier 102 and array 112 thereon along the conveyor path. When the elements 186 inform the processor 130 that the first proper selected areas 160 through 164 of column 180 are aligned with the column 150, selected photodiodes 154 through 158 are switched on—responsive to input from the processor 130—to direct light toward respective first proper selected areas 160 through 164. The number of reflective portions which reflect light back onto photodiodes 168 is tallied column by column ^"for the array 112. The total tally for the array 112 is compared in the processor 130 with the stored count entered by the card reader 134. Only if there is a match can the array 112 be accepted for subsequent irradiation. If a container in an array is missing, light from a photodiode (see photodiode 150a of Figure IV) will be detected by a respective photocell 430 which faces the photodiode 150a. The photocell 430 which is illuminated indicates that a container which should follow container 432 is missing.

As the elements 186 detect movement of the carrier 102 to a position whereat optical codes on the second proper selected areas 212 (of Figure II) can be read, the processor 130 activates the optical code detector 187 via channel 434. If an optical code is ready by the detector 187 for a container 108, the read code enters the processor 130 via channel 436 and is compared with the optical code stored for that contianer. Only if there is a match can the array including the container be accepted for processing.

If all conditions are satisfied, the processor 130 assigns an "accept" or "approval" status to the carrier array code 114. As arrays are accepted or approved, the carrier array code thereof is preferably entered into a first-in first-out (FIFO) register (not shown) in the processor 130. When the carier 114 approaches the diverter switch 188, carrier array identifier 120 detects the carrier array code 114 and transmits the code to the processor 130. The processor 130 recognizes the carrier array code 114 and looks at the next carrier array code stored in the FIFO register to determine if the carrier array code 114 has been accepted and approved for processing (i.e., all conditions have been met). If so, the carrier 102 is directed along the path at which irradation occurs at a programmed level. It is noted in this regard that the apparatus defaults in a reject mode so that only accepted arrays are processed. Following rejection, an operator intervenes to correct whatever problem exists and the array is reentered on to the conveyor 104. The diverter switch 188 thus selectively enables or prevents arrays from being processed.

In examining the apparatus in the figures, preferred structure and arrangements are set forth. Alternative embodiments may also be implemented according to the invention. For example, the optical code detector 187 and the column 150 may be provided at a single station rather than being spaced apart. Furthermore, it is contemplated that the label surface may have a reflective background with a non- reflective portion thereon. In such an embodiment, a column of photocells would be positioned in front of respective photodiodes so that arrays would pass therebetween. A signal is provided if light from a photodiode does not strike a container or if light is reflected from the backgorund of the conatiner. Only if < light strikes the non-reflective portio —i.e., the first proper selected area—is there no signal. In this embodiment, then absence of a signal provides identification.

In addition, it should be realized that the photodiodes in column 150 may be substituted for by a scanning beam which is masked by any of various techniques, including those discussed with reference to detector 187. Moreover, as previously suggested, a masked single beam scanning a column or a plurality of beams mounted on programmably elevatable shelves may be employed to illuminate at specified heights. Such shelves would be servo-controlled for speed, location, and position conflict elimination.

Regarding the processor 130, it is contemplated that one or more conventional microprocessors may process data in the apparatus of Figures I and IV. Moreover, it is contemplated that carriers may comprise a continuous member having spaced arrays therealong. The carrier array code may be placed along the continuous member at each array or may, optionally, be omitted. If omitted, other means may be provided for recognizing arrays which are to be accepted and rejected based on the various imposed conditions.

It is additonally to be noted that the arrays may be stacked vertically as in Figures I and IV or horizontally or along some other plane. It is only required- that the label surface 202 (or surfaces) of Figure II face the photodiodes or optical code detector as appropriate. In this respect it should be further realized that excessive skewing of a container may result in rejection because optical detection is not effected. This may be significant where the electron beam from source 191 may cause non-uniform irradiation when the container is skewed—a feature which may be undesirable in various applications expecially uniform sterilization. Further, although the invention is described in the context of a conveyor system, it is also contemplated that the procedure of effecting aceptance of container arrays may be performed with a stationary array. That is, an array of containers may be positioned before photodiodes which look for a portion of dissimilar reflectivity on each container and before an optical code detector which looks.for a bar code or the like at a spefified location and then reads the bar code if properly positioned. Thus, a redundant check of each container may be provided where the array is moving, the array is stationary, or the array is stationary and the detectors are moving. In a stationary embodiment, it may be noted, a plurality of photodiode columns, with coresponding photocells, may be provided one for each column of containers. In this way all columns of containers may be examined at the same time with a triple redundant check. Similarly, by not requiring the optical identification code comparision check, a double redundant positon check may be provided in accordance with modes of the invention. _ The inclusion of the conveyor, however, is preferred where most processing is currently performed along conveyor means.

Finally, it should be realized that the second proper selected area may be located over the first proper selected area of Figure II. Such a specific embodiment would require that a bar code be positioned over a reflective (or other distinguishable) portion detectable by a dumb detector. Preferably, the bar code would be smaller than the reflective portion and, hence, only part of the reflective portion would be covered. In this special case of Figure II, a single label may be used and multiple redundant checking would be provided for reflective portion position, bar code position, and bar code coding as discussed above. Other improvements, modifications and embodiments will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon review of this disclosure. Such improvements, modifications and embodiments are considered to be within the scope of this invention as defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. Apparatus for selectively accepting for processing an nxm array of containers where n is a positive integer number of rows and m is a positive integer number of columns transverse to the rows, each container including a label surface having a non- reflective background onto which (a) an optical identi ication code and (b) a reflective portion are positionable, the apparatus comprising: first means for determining that each container in the array has a reflective portion at a first proper selected area on the label surface thereof; said first means including (a) second means for directing light onto each label surface in the array at only said first proper selected area thereof and (b) third means for detecting light coming from each label surface in the array at said first proper selected area thereof; and fourth means for determining that each container in the array has an optical identification code at a second proper selected area on the label surface therof; said fourth means including (a) fifth means for directing light onto each label surface in the array at only said second proper selected area thereof and (b) sixth means for detecting light from each label surface in the 'arrays at said second proper selected position thereof; and seventh means for enabling the array to be processed only when said first means determines that each container in the array has a reflective portion at the first proper selected area thereof and said fourth means determines that each container in the array has an optical identification code at the second proper selected area thereof.

2. Apparatus as in claim 1 for selectively accepting for processing an nxm array of containers further comprising: processor means for entering and storing the identification code corresponding to each of the containers in the array; the fourth means including means for reading the identification code at the second proper selected area; the processor means further including means for comparing the stored identification code with the read identification code at the second proper selected area for each container to detect a match therebetween; said seventh means enabling the processing of an array only when the comparing means determines a match between the stored identification code and the read identification code of each container.

3. Apparatus as claimed in^" claim 2 further comprising: means for applying radiation to an array of containers which has been enabled to be processed.

4. Apparatus as claimed in claim 3 wherein said radiation applying means includes: means for directing an electron beam toward an arra ; means for controlling the operational parameters of the beam to provide sufficient irradiation to sterilize the contents of the containers in an irradiation array; and wherein each identification code contains data relating to the appropriate operational parameters of the beam for sterilizing the contents of the containers in the array; and wherein said processor means further includes: means for providing control inputs to the parameter controlling means corresponding to the contents of the containers of the array.

5. Apparatus as claimed in claim 4 wherein said processor means further includes: means for entering and storing a stored count of containers for the array; means for tallying (a) a first tally number of containers in the array which have a reflective portion at the first proper selected area thereof, (b) a second tally number of containers having an optical identification code at the second proper selected area thereof, and (c) a third tally number of containers having a stored identifi¬ cation code and a read identification code which match; and means, connected to receive the stored count and the three tally numbers as inputs, for comparing the stored count with each tally number provided by the tally¬ ing means; said seventh means enabling the processing of an array only when the comparing means determines that the stored count and each tally number are equal.

6. Apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein said processor means further includes: means for entering and storing a stored count of containers for the array; means for tallying (a) a first tally number of containers in the array which have a reflective portion at the first proper selected area thereof, (b) a second tally number of containers having an optical identification code at the second proper selected area thereof, and (c) a third tally number of containers having a stored identifi¬ cation code and a read identification code which match; ^■ and means connected to receive the stored count and the three tally numbers as inputs, for comparing the stored count with each tally number provided by the tally¬ ing means; said seventh means enabling the processing of an array only when the comparing means determines that the stored count and each tally number are equal.

7. Apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein the label surfaces in the array are coplanar and wherein the apparatus further comprises: means for conveying the array along a path aligned with the plane of the label surfaces of the containers in the array; the second means including means for illuminating the first selected proper areas of one column of containers after another in the array responsive to the conveying thereof by the conveying means; and the third means including means for sequentially detecting which containers in one column after another in the array reflect light that illuminates the respective first selected proper areas thereof, the detection of which containers^' in each column of the array reflect providing input to the tallying means to enable determination of the first tally number.

8. Apparatus as claimed in claim 6 wherein the label surfaces in the array are coplanar and wherein the apparatus further comprises: means for conveying the array along a path aligned with the plane of the label surfaces of the con¬ tainers in the array: the second means including means for sequential¬ ly illuminating the first selected proper areas of one column of containers after another in the array responsive to the conveying thereof by the conveying means; and the third means including means for sequentially detecting which containers in one column after another in the array reflect light that illuminates the respective first selected proper areas thereof, the detection of which containers in each column of the array reflect providing input to the tallying means to enable determination of the first tally number.

9. Apparatus as in claim 7 further comprising: means for detecting the position of the array along the path thereof; the third means including means enabling detec- tion of reflections from reflective portions at only selected times that correspond to detected positions of the array wherein the first selected proper areas in a column are positioned to be illuminated by the sequential illuminating means.

10. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: means for assigning a code to the array; said processing means further including means for associating with the code assigned to the array an approval status only when the seventh means enables processing of the array; the apparatus further including (a) means for identifying the assigned code of the array before the array is processed and (b) means for accepting the array for processing only if the assigned code of the array has an approval status associated therewith.

11. Apparatus as claimed in claim 9, further comprising: means for assigning a code to the array; said processing means further including means for associating with the code assigned to the array an approval status only when the seventh means enables processing of the array; the apparatus further including (a) means for identifying the assigned code of the array before the array is processed and (b) means for accepting the array for processing only if the assigned code of the array has an approval status associated therewith.

12. Apparatus for selectively accepting for irradiation processing a plurality of arrays of products, each array of products having n rows and m columns, n and m representing positive integers corresponding to said each array, each product including a label surface having a background of one reflectance onto which (a) an optical identification code and (b) a portion of another reflect¬ ance which is dissimilar to the reflectance of the back¬ ground are affixable, the apparatus comprising: processor means for determining from data input thereto (a) a first proper selected area on the label surface of each product in a subject array whereat the portion of said other reflectance thereof should be affixed and (b) a second proper selected area on the label surface of each product in the subject array whereat the optical identification code should be affixed; means, receiving input from the processor means, for detecting when each product in the subject array has (a) a portion of said other reflectance at the first proper selected area thereof and (b) an optical identification code at the second proper selected area thereof; and means for reading the optical identification code for each product in the subject array; the processing means including (a) means for entering and storing the appropriate identification code for each product in the subject array and (b) means for comparing the read identification code with the stored appropriate identification code to determine a match therebetween; the processor means further including first means for determining, from detections of the detecting means, if all products in the subject array have (a) a portion of said other reflectance at the first proper selected area thereof and (b) an optical identification code at the second selected proper area thereof; and second means for determining when the read identification codes match the stored appropriate identification codes for all products in the subject array; the first means and second means comprising means for redundantly checking the identity of the products in the subject array before irradiation is applied to the subject array.

13. Apparatus as claimed in claim 12, further comprising: means for conveying the array .of products passed the detecting means; the detecting means checking the products in the subject array column by column for (a) the respective portion of said other reflectance at the first proper selected area thereof and (b) the respective optical identification code at the second proper selected area thereof as the array is conveyed.

14_. Apparatus as claimed in claim 13^", wherein the detecting means comprises: first means for beam scanning a subject column of products along a line that intersects each second proper selected area of the subject column; means for masking the scanned beam of said first beam scanning means to ilu inate only said each second proper selected area of the subject column; and means for sensing light reflected back ^'from said second proper selected area along a prescribed direction.

15. Apparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein the detecting means comprises: second means for beam scanning the subject column of products along a line that intersects each first proper selected area of the subject column; means for masking the scanned beam of said second beam scanning means to illuminate only said each first proper selected area of the subject column; and means for sensing light reflected back from said first proper selected area along a prescribed direction.

16. Apparatus as claimed in claim 15 wherein the detecting means further includes means for distinguishing products having a first selected proper area oriented to reflect light substantially skewed from the prescribed direction therefrom; wherein said distinguished products and the array thereof are not accepted for irradation.

17. A method for redundantly checking the identity of containers in a two dimensional array after another which move along a conveyor, the method comprising: selecting a first proper area on each container in a subject array, the selected first proper area on each container in the subject array facing the same direction; checking only the selected first proper area for a distinguishing reflecting portion thereat; selecting a second proper area on each container in a subject array, the selected second proper area on each container in the subject array facing the same direction; checking only the selected second proper area for an optical identification code thereat; and accepting the subject array only if, for each container in the subject array, a distinguishing reflective portion is found to be at the selected first proper area and an optical identification code is found to be at the selected second proper area as a result of the checking steps.

^'18. A method as claimed in claim 17, comprising the further step of: storing the expected optical identification code of each container in the subject array; and comparing the stored optical identification code of each container in the subject array with the optical • identification code on said each container; the accepting step further including the step of permitting acceptance of only those arrays in which the stored optical identificaiton code of each container matches the optical identification code thereon.

19. A method as claimed in claim 18 comprising the -further step of: checking for missing containers in the array.

20. A method as claimed in claim 19 wherein the step of checking for missing containers includes the steps of: directing light toward the selected first proper area of each location where containers in the subject array should be; and detecting if the directed light is intercepted by

OMPI a container in the subject array.

21. A method as claimed in claim 20 wherein the accepting step includes: the missing container check; determining the orientation of the containers in the subject array relative to the directed light; and rejecting the subject array if the angle between the directed light and the surface of the selected first proper area is substantially, skewed from a prescribed angle therebetween.

22. A method as claimed in claim 17 including the further step of selecting the second proper area on each container to be positioned over the first proper area.

23. A method as claimed in claim 22 including the further^" step of selecting the first proper area to be larger than the second proper area, the first proper area thereby being coextensive with only part of the second proper area.

OMPI