Abstract: An improved inspection system for verifying that resistance welding electrodes have been properly dressed; that associated pairs of the electrodes are aligned with each other within predetermined tolerances; and that the pressure applied by a weld gun to the electrodes and material being welded is within predetermined standards. The system incorporates low pressure air apparatus that evaluates the back pressure resulting from the fit of collet geometry relative to the form of the electrode tip, and apparatus to verify the alignment of opposing electrodes with respect to each other and incorporating fiber-optic sensors that evaluate the alignment of collets with respect to each other. The system also provides apparatus for verifying that the proper pressure is applied to the workpieces by the electrodes during the welding operation.

Abstract: An improved inspection system for verifying that resistance welding electrodes been properly dressed, the system incorporating novel fiber-optic sensors that evaluate the light-reflective characteristics of the surfaces of welding electrodes to determine such characteristics meet predetermined criteria.

Abstract: An improved air pressure sensor control system operable to sense the presence or absence of workpieces and other articles, to sense the position and orientation of such articles, to sense the size of such articles with respect to predetermined parameters, to sense multiple criteria and multiple applications, and to operate under adverse environmental conditions.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing an integral metal furniture top having formed and drawn sides and connecting drawn corners in a single step. Each connecting corner has a radius of approximately 3/32 inch. A segmented die is employed having surface treated steel corner pieces with working faces at an approximately 90.degree. angle and steel side pieces having a compound working face including a metal forming face and a trailing coining projection for substantially removing the shockline produced during the forming operation. A metal blank has metal cut out of each corner that would interfere with the drawing process. The metal blank is placed on a mandrel and surrounding pressure plate. The segmented die then closes on the metal blank forming the sides and drawing the corners of the furniture top in a single operation. The sheet metal used to form the top is approximately 0.028 to 0.031 inch thick and to die/mandrel clearance is approximately 0.032 to 0.033 inch.