Patent ID: 7185574
Filing Date: 2007-03-06
Classification: B26D,G01B,G06K,Y10S,Y10T

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for separating discrete bodies from a source body having a face and a longitudinal direction, the apparatus comprising: a separating device; an advance device for advancing the source body towards the separating device; an optical detection device for determining the face area of the source body; a tunnel in which the source body is guided, the tunnel having an end adjacent the separating device; a plurality of lamps for illuminating the surrounding environment of the face; the lamps being mounted in the tunnel for illuminating in a planar fashion along the longitudinal direction of the source body such that the face and the surrounding of the face have an optical contrast, wherein the optical detection device determines the area of the face by means of said optical contrast between the surrounding environment and the face, and the source body is advanced as a function of the detected face area as determined by the optical detection device; wherein the tunnel comprises a front edge in which the lamps deliver diffuse radiation with an intensity which is reduced towards the face; and wherein the tunnel comprises a cover adjacent to the front edge in which the lamps deliver radiation directed rearwards away from the face.