H - Electricity – 04 – N
Patent
H - Electricity
04
N
201/23, 350/32
H04N 7/18 (2006.01) G01N 21/952 (2006.01)
Patent
CA 1206593
AUTOMATED INSPECTION SYSTEM ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE An automated pellet inspection system is disclosed wherein a succession of cylindrical pellets is transported along a sub- stantially continuous path. In one portion of the path, rotating stacks of cylindrical pellets axially translate past an optical inspection station. Signals are generated by an array of photo- sensitive diodes in response to light reflected from the surface of the pellets. These signals are transmitted to data processing circuitry for analysis of the pellet surface features. Means are provided for normalizing the respective diode output signals for variations due to factors unrelated to pellet surface features. Further, automatic gain control means are provided for modifying the signals derived for different pellets to accommodate differences in the reflectivity of these pellets unrelated to the surface features of interest. The diode array is periodically scanned and the signals so derived are examined with respect to predetermined amplitude thresholds. If no threshold crossing occurs during successive scans, the data derived is compressed and only data representative of a threshold change is retained and is compared to predetermined pellet surface criteria to determine conformance with the latter by the inspected pellet. The inspection station further includes an addition diode array which receives light transmitted past the inspected pellet to determine such features as pellet diameter, roundness and the like. Circuitry is provided for generating accurately known timing pulses which control the axial speed of the pellets advancing past the inspection station, as well as for synchronizing and correlating the collected data with the respective advancing pellets. Based on the number of the aforesaid threshold changes and their location on the pellet, conformance to the predetermined criteria is determined. A pellet sorter diverts unacceptable pellets from the path, while the acceptable pellets are transported to a collection station.
424524
Canada Robert O.
Grossman Leonard N.
Lai Ching C.
Masaitis William
Schoenig Frederick C. Jr.
Company General Electric
Eckersley Raymond A.
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