Abstract: A machine vision inspection system that detects defects on machined valve seats that may be caused by a broken cutting tool insert. The system also measures the valve seat width to detect a missing cutting tool insert and monitor reactions to cutting tool forces and tool wear. The system uses high resolution cameras and stable LED light sources. A method is disclosed for manufacturing cylinder heads that are 100% inspected inline for valve seat surface defects.

Abstract: A peer-to-peer control system for a circuit board production line includes multiple processing stations, each of which has an adjustable width conveyor. Control means are provided at each station for controlling the width of the conveyor, receiving board width data signals from an adjacent upstream processing station, and passing the board width data signal, in turn, to an adjacent downstream processing station. A data signal communication network directly connects the controller of each of the processing stations, such as a programmable logic controller, to the controllers of adjacent upstream and downstream stations. Data signals corresponding to the width of circuit boards to be processed by the circuit board production line progress downstream through the line in tandem with circuit boards of that width.