Abstract:
A method for inspecting composite tape including cover tape bonded to carrier tape comprises capturing a digital image of the composite tape, dividing the seal tracks within the image into a plurality of fragments or segments. The method also provides for analyzing each segment of the seal track for the presence or absence of the seal and for the width of the seal, and assigning a failing grade to the segment if the seal is not continuous within the segment or if the seal has a width less than a minimum width within the segment. The method further provides for notifying a machine operator of a defective seal if the number consecutively-failed segments in the seal track exceeds a defect tolerance. The method also provides for measuring the spacings of the carrier tape edge, cover tape edge, and seal tracks from each other and comparing those spacings to acceptable values.
Abstract:
A vibrator module adapted for use in a taper apparatus for advancing carrier tape having a plurality of compartments and for placing parts in the compartments. The vibrator module includes a motor that includes an output shaft that rotates in response to operation of the motor. The vibrator module also includes an eccentric weight mounted to and rotatable with the output shaft. The eccentric weight causes the motor to vibrate in response to rotation of the output shaft and eccentric weight. The vibrator module further includes a vibration transferring member interconnected with the motor and operable to transfer vibrations from the motor to the carrier tape to cause the parts to settle into the bottoms of the compartments.
Abstract:
Method and apparatus for sealing cover tape. A sealing mechanism is connected to an actuator that moves the mechanism toward an adhesively backed cover tape and a carrier tape. The sealing mechanism applies heat and /or pressure to the cover tape to activate and bond the cover tape to the carrier tape. A biasing member biases the mechanism away from the cover and carrier tapes. The actuator is actuable to overcome the biasing force of the biasing member and to initiate contact between the sealing mechanism and the cover tape. When the actuator is disengaged, the biasing member moves the sealing mechanism away from the cover tape.
Abstract:
An apparatus, system and process for simultaneously imaging a number of articles, each of which has applied thereto a unique encoded symbology distinguishing each article from every other article in the number of articles. The symbology encoding for all the articles, in an array of such articles, is simultaneously illuminated and imaged by one or more CCD type cameras. The resulting images of the array of encoded symbologies (38) is thereafter assembled and decoded. The symbology encoded articles may, for example, be test tubes (32) disposed in a rack (30) and the CCD imaging may be effected by four cameras (80, 82, 84 and 86) which are disposed to image the array (34) of such symbologies.
Abstract:
A system and method are disclosed for highly efficient imaging of selected object features utilizing, in combination, a 2D imaging subsystem (100) and a 3D imaging subsystem (110) wherein data from the 2D imaging subsystem (100) is used to predetermine areas containing 3D features of interest such that delay attributable to imaging of areas of non-interest for 3D features is minimized.
Abstract:
For detecting the presence of a substance such as ice or snow on a surface such as the wing of an aircraft, light is emitted from an unpolarized source (13). The unpolarized light passes through a linear polarizer (11) which has a vertical polarization axis. The vertically polarized light passes through a quarter wave retarder plate (12), which changes the linearly polarized light into circularly polarized light. The quarter wave retarder plate (12) has its slow and fast axes both at 45 degrees relative to the vertical axis of the linear polarizer (11). A specular surface (14) reflects the incident circularly polarized light back along path (23). If surface (14) is ice-free, the reflected light will result in an image viewed by the eye (26) alternating between dark and bright, respectively. Any ice or snow covering a portion of surface (14) will cause that portion of the image to maintain the same brightness.
Abstract:
A system is provided that simultaneously gathers three-dimensional and two-dimensional data for use in inspecting objects such as chip carriers for defects. Specifically, a source laser beam (303) is directed to an object and forms a spot (305) at the point of impingement at a known X-Y position on the object. The laser beam is reflected at the spot and light reflected off-axially (306, 307) with respect to the source laser beam (303) is detected by two position sensing detectors (PSDs) (310, 311). Simultaneous to detecting off-axially reflected light, retro-reflected light (i.e., the light reflected approximately co-axial with the source laser) is detected by a photo diode array (313). Three dimensional object information is determined from the position sensing detector (310, 311) signals and two-dimensional object information is determined from the photo diode array (313) signal.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to systems and methods for monitoring and controlling the delivery of workpieces to a location. The methods for monitoring the delivery of workpieces to a position comprises: storing a digital reference image of the position prior to the delivery of workpieces; storing a digital operating image of the position during delivery of workpieces; performing image arithmetic on the reference image and the operating image to produce a digital evaluation image comprised of a plurality of pixels; establishing a threshold image condition for the evaluation image that correlates to the existence of an operating condition relevant to the control of the delivery of workpieces; and examining the pixels in the evaluation image to determine whether the threshold image condition is met.
Abstract:
A secure tracking system and method of tracking for articles which are secure and include authentication and verification of users and user devices for data and information access and input (Fig. 1). Each article to be tracked is provided with a unique secure indicia applied to the article and through which chronological histories are generated and maintained from creation of each article until at least the time when article is scrapped or otherwise destroyed. The articles can include manufactured components (24), assemblies, device and equipment for aircraft, automotive, military and other users, as well as jewelry and works of art.