Laser scanning pellet diameter measurement apparatus and method.

摘要

An pellet diameter inspection system (60) has a laser scanning apparatus (64) for measuring and detecting the outside diameter of the pellets (P) and an apparatus (66) for transferring pellets past the laser scanning apparatus (60). A stationary support track (22) aligns and guides pellets (P) in a row along a linear path (L) past the laser scanning apparatus (60) with the pellets (P) being advanced along the path (L) by the transfer apparatus (66) operating through forward and reverse strokes. The laser scanning apparatus includes a laser beam light source (56) and receiver (58) disposed on opposite sides of the linear path (L) in a non-orthogonal orientation to the common axis of the aligned pellets and operable for respectively emitting and receiving a laser beam (B) directed across the pellets (P) along a directional path extending in a non-orthogonal orientation to common axis of the pellets (P) which will eliminate detection of adjacent ends of the pellets (P) in the row. <IMAGE>