Abstract: A non-contact, laser detection system for detecting the extended state of an object in continuous motion such as a drill bit. For detecting the state of sufficient or insufficient flute length of the drill bit, the drill bit is moved in relation to the laser detection system until energy reflected from the tip of the drill bit is detected. Then, the drill bit is moved in relation to the laser detection system a pre-selected distance from the point at which the tip was initially detected, to a second point where the energy reflected from the drill bit is analyzed by a computer to determine if the laser is still incident on the fluted section of the drill bit. If the computer determines that the laser is still incident on the fluted section, then the flute length of the drill bit is at least as long as the preselected distance.

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.