SYSTEM FOER INSPEKTION AV KUTSAR

摘要

A method and apparatus for inspecting cylindrically configured pellets for surface defects is disclosed. At least one axially extending linear portion of the peripheral surface of the pellet is optically sensed. A set of discrete digital values representative of the optically sensed linear portion of the pellet surface is generated and the set of digital values is compared to a predetermined standard. Groups of digital values representative of adjacent locations on the surface of the pellet having values greater or less than the predetermined standard are identified. The area of adjacent digital values having a value above the standard, and the area of adjacent digital values having a value below the standard are calculated and compared to a predetermined area. The pellet is rejected when the calculated area exceeds a predetermined area. During inspection, the pellet is moved axially through an inspection station by first and second horizontally positioned substantially parallel and longitudinally extending pellet support rolls. The rolls are spaced a distance from each other less than the diameter of a pellet to be transferred. The rolls are rotated upward and outward from each other and chain dogs are positioned between the spaced rolls for engaging a pellet and moving the pellet along between the spaced pellet support rolls.