Patent ID: 6605807
Filing Date: 2003-08-12
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
A detection system for identifying surface irregularities in a part, comprising:a part having an outer surface that is made of a material having a relatively high reflectivity and a relatively low emissivity; a laser source that generates a laser beam having a beam diameter that is approximately 50 microns or less and laser power between 1 and 10 W; a scanning device for scanning said laser beam across said outer surface of said part in a first plane that is substantially perpendicular to said outer surface of said part, wherein a surface irregularity in said outer surface acts as a gray body radiator and radiates energy that is absorbed from said laser beam; an infrared receiver that is oriented at a fixed first angle relative to said first plane, that is directed at said outer surface of said part, and that generates an infrared signal of said outer surface, wherein said fixed first angle is greater than 0 degrees; and a part transport device for moving said part in a first direction that is perpendicular to said first plane.