Pellet diameter measurement apparatus and method detecting non-orthogonally to the common axis of the pellets
US5043588A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 18, 1990 |
| Grant date | Aug 27, 1991 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 18, 2010 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01B11/105
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An pellet diameter inspection system has a laser scanning apparatus for measuring and detecting the outside diameter of the pellets and an apparatus for transferring pellets past the laser scanning apparatus. A stationary support track aligns and guides pellets in a row along a linear path past the laser scanning apparatus with the pellets being advances along the path by the transfer apparatus operating through forward and reverse strokes. The laser scanning apparatus includes a laser beam light source and receiver disposed on opposite sides of the linear path in a non-orthogonal orientation to the common axis of the aligned pellets and operable for respectively emitting and receiving a laser beam directed across the pellets along a directional path extending in a non-orthogonal orientation to common axis of the pellets which will eliminate detection of adjacent ends of the pellets in the row.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.