Inventors:
John Wachli - Rancho Palos Verdes CA
Assignee:
Excellon Automation - Torrance CA
International Classification:
G01N 2186
Abstract:
A non-contact, laser detection system for detecting the extended state of an object in continuous motion such as a drill bit. In the drill bit embodiment, the detected states are clean, clogged and broken In the laser detection system, a first signal, indicative of energy reflected from the surface of the drill bit, is digitized and compared to a first threshold A second signal, indicative of amplified energy reflected from the drill bit, is digitized and compared to a second threshold. The digital signals are analyzed by a computer to detect the state of the drill bit.