HIGH SPEED METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR INSPECTING A STREAM OF PARTS AT A PAIR OF INSPECTION STATIONS

A high-speed method and system for inspecting a stream of parts at a pair of inspection stations and sorting the inspected parts is provided. The method includes directing a first array of angularly-spaced beams of collimated radiation at an outer peripheral surface of the part from a first side of a travel path when the part is located at a first inspection station to create a corresponding first array of unobstructed portions of the beams passing by and not blocked by the part. The method also includes directing a second array of angularly-spaced beams of collimated radiation at the outer peripheral surface of the part from a second side of the path when the part is located at a second inspection station to create a corresponding second array of unobstructed portions of the beams passing by and not blocked by the part.