Abstract: An inspection system inspects points of interest on an item. A two-axis gimbal holds the item and is controlled to adjust an angle of incidence and angle of approach of a line of sight of an imaging device with respect to the point of interest. A Y-axis actuator adjusts a position of the imaging device along a Y-axis of the item, and an X-axis actuator adjusts a position of the imaging device along an X-axis of the item. A controller controls the gimbal, the Y-axis actuator and the X-axis actuator. Upon selecting a point of interest, angle of incidence, and angle of approach, the imaging device displays and/or captures an image, and the image can be inspected by a human inspector or automated inspection system.

Abstract: An inspection system inspects points of interest on an item. A two-axis gimbal holds the item and is controlled to adjust an angle of incidence and angle of approach of a line of sight of an imaging device with respect to the point of interest. A Y-axis actuator adjusts a position of the imaging device along a Y-axis of the item, and an X-axis actuator adjusts a position of the imaging device along an X-axis of the item. A controller controls the gimbal, the Y-axis actuator and the X-axis actuator. Upon selecting a point of interest, angle of incidence, and angle of approach, the imaging device displays and/or captures an image, and the image can be inspected by a human inspector or automated inspection system.

Abstract: An optical inspection system inspects points of interest on an item. A two-axis gimbal holds a camera and is controlled to adjust an angle of incidence and angle of approach of a line of sight of the camera with respect to the point of interest. A Y-axis actuator adjusts a position of the camera along a Y-axis of the item, and an X-axis actuator adjusts a position of the camera along an X-axis of the item. A controller controls the gimbal, the Y-axis actuator and the X-axis actuator. Upon selecting a point of interest, angle of incidence, and angle of approach, the camera displays and/or captures an image, and the image can be inspected by a human inspector or automated inspection system.

Abstract: An optical inspection system inspects points of interest on an item. A two-axis gimbal holds a camera and is controlled to adjust an angle of incidence and angle of approach of a line of sight of the camera with respect to the point of interest. A Y-axis actuator adjusts a position of the camera along a Y-axis of the item, and an X-axis actuator adjusts a position of the camera along an X-axis of the item. A controller controls the gimbal, the Y-axis actuator and the X-axis actuator. Upon selecting a point of interest, angle of incidence, and angle of approach, the camera displays and/or captures an image, and the image can be inspected by a human inspector or automated inspection system.

Abstract: An aeroponic growing system is provided. The aeroponic growing system can include a distribution pipe, multiple, different sprayers, and a plurality of plant supports. Each plant support can include a body. Each body can include an upper panel, a lower panel, and at least one opening adapted to retain a seed container formed on the upper panel. Each plant support can further comprise a liquid nutrient solution guide in fluid communication with the interior of body and extending from the lower panel of the body.

Abstract: A self-contained apparatus for aeroponically growing and developing plants that comprises a reservoir for containing a liquid nutrient solution, a conical tower, a power supply, and a pump to move the liquid nutrient solution through the apparatus. The apparatus utilizes a pump to move the liquid nutrient solution from the reservoir vertically to a distribution pipe. Gravity then pulls the liquid nutrient solution downward through the distribution pipe, which is sealed at the opposite end. The pressure created within the distribution pipe creates sufficient force to disperse the liquid nutrient solution through the opening(s) in the distribution pipe onto the exposed root mass. Once the nutrient solution has been dispersed into the conical tower it is absorbed by the exposed root mass. The un-absorbed liquid nutrient solution collects the in base of the conical tower and is returned to the reservoir to be reused.

Abstract: A self-contained apparatus for aeroponically growing and developing plants that comprises a reservoir for containing a liquid nutrient solution, a conical tower, a power supply, and a pump to move the liquid nutrient solution through the apparatus. The apparatus utilizes a pump to move the liquid nutrient solution from the reservoir vertically to a distribution pipe. Gravity then pulls the liquid nutrient solution downward through the distribution pipe, which is sealed at the opposite end. The pressure created within the distribution pipe creates sufficient force to disperse the liquid nutrient solution through the opening(s) in the distribution pipe onto the exposed root mass. Once the nutrient solution has been dispersed into the conical tower it is absorbed by the exposed root mass. The un-absorbed liquid nutrient solution collects the in base of the conical tower and is returned to the reservoir to be reused.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for forming a plurality of parts, such as spade-type boring bits, from a continuous stock material. Thus, the various steps of the forming method of the present invention can be performed to predetermined portions of the continuous stock material prior to separating the continuous stock material into discrete parts, thereby enhancing the efficiency of the forming process. The present invention also provides an improved forge for forming portions of the continuous stock material into parts having a predetermined shape. The forge can be designed to provide a clearance region proximate the forward end of the ram to permit slight flexing of the forward end of the ram in a radially outward direction during forging operations. The forge can also include a lubrication system for lubricating its various components. In addition, the forge can incrementally rotate the ram after one or more parts have been forged.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for forming a plurality of parts, such as spade-type boring bits, from a continuous stock material. Thus, the various steps of the forming method of the present invention can be performed to predetermined portions of the continuous stock material prior to separating the continuous stock material into discrete parts, thereby enhancing the efficiency of the forming process. The present invention also provides an improved forge for forming portions of the continuous stock material into parts having a predetermined shape. The forge can be designed to provide a clearance region proximate the forward end of the ram to permit slight flexing of the forward end of the ram in a radially outward direction during forging operations. The forge can also include a lubrication system for lubricating its various components. In addition, the forge can incrementally rotate the ram after one or more parts have been forged.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for forming a plurality of parts, such as spade-type boring bits, from a continuous stock material. Thus, the various steps of the forming method of the present invention can be performed to predetermined portions of the continuous stock material prior to separating the continuous stock material into discrete parts, thereby enhancing the efficiency of the forming process. The present invention also provides an improved forge for forming portions of the continuous stock material into parts having a predetermined shape. The forge can be designed to provide a clearance region proximate the forward end of the ram to permit slight flexing of the forward end of the ram in a radially outward direction during forging operations. The forge can also include a lubrication system for lubricating its various components. In addition, the forge can incrementally rotate the ram after one or more parts have been forged.