Abstract: In the registration of artwork panels for the manufacture of printed circuit boards, each panel is located, in turn, above two target location areas. Targets are provided upon the panel and these targets are positioned over the target location areas. With light projected from the target location areas and through the panel around the targets, the positions of the location areas and targets are monitored, and the artwork panel is moved to dispose the targets in specific locations relative to datums. The panel is then registered in position prior to a processing step, e.g. the punching-out of registration holes.

Abstract: An illumination device of an inspection system of circuit board pin extending from a printed circuit board provided with a shroud to prevent reflected light from distorting or otherwise deleteriously affecting the image received by a video camera. In the device, the shroud surrounds the pin and around a passage for directing the camera. The light source is annular and surrounds the shroud with the shroud extending axially from the light source and in the direction of light emitted from the source.

Abstract: A cleaner for removing floating debris from the surface of pools has a floating body with a central chamber within which is positioned a screen. An impeller at the front of the cleaner propels water rearward into the chamber, and propels the cleaner. The water passes through the screen and exits from the chamber. In one example the screen is mounted in a removable support structure, which can be removed through the rear of the body for emptying. The impeller is driven by a motor powered by a solar cell array and batteries.

Abstract: Illumination devices for an inspection system which holds the article to be inspected in a particular location and having light emitting diodes disposed in a part spherical array to cause light to converge upon a restricted field of view in which the article is located. The device is of particular use for illuminating small articles which need to be inspected. The light emitting diodes are preferably operated selectively in groups to provide different light patterns upon the article under inspection.

Abstract: Automated positioning apparatus for positioning multi-contact components on a circuit board utilizes automated members having a high degree of repetitive movement but not in themselves accurate, such member being relatively inexpensive. A positioning member picks up a component and moves it over a first viewing head. The component is viewed and its orientation determined. A viewing head on the positioning member is then positioned over a target on a circuit board and its position and orientation determined. The results enable the positioning member to position the component on the circuit board in the correct position and orientation. The viewing heads are calibrated for aspect ratio and pixel dimension. Also, the field of view of the viewing heads are calibrated for orientation relative to the positioning member. The position and orientation of the viewing head on the positioning member relative to a pick-up member on the positioning member is also obtained.