Abstract: A system and method for using electronically acquired imagery from a one-dimensional camera, to inspect an object for tolerance, color, blemishes, cracks or a wide variety of manufacturing defects that might be present in an object. The method used to detect manufacturing defects includes an algorithm for analyzing the pattern of annular elements in an array and detecting deviations from numerical acceptance norms, such as diameter, spacing, and symmetry, for the annular elements. In the inventive system, a one-dimensional video camera captures a single one-dimensional “slice” of target shape of an object with every line it scans. Each slice is broken down into “segments” consisting of sets of adjacent pixels that are similar in brightness, hue, or both. The one-dimensional camera delivers the segments to the system where they are sequenced. The system identifies every segment to determine what feature of the target shape the segment represents.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selectively applying, a material to a target moving along a path is disclosed. The apparatus includes at least one detector for identifying an upstream position of the target; a dispenser spaced downstream from the detector by an offset distance, the dispenser configured for selectively releasing material to contact the target; a velocity sensor for creating a velocity signal proportional to a velocity of the target; and a controller for selectively varying the offset distance in response to the velocity signal.

Abstract: A system for improving accuracy of application of a fluid to a desired area of an object which is moving transversely to the direction in which the fluid, e.g., an adhesive, is emitted from a nozzle via an electrically actuated valve. Photoelectric or other such detecting means are positioned in known distance from the nozzle to generate a signal in response to presence of fluid at that position. The delay time between detection of the moving object at a predetermined position and generation of the signal to open the valve is varied commensurately with the time period between generation of the valve-opening and fluid-detection signals of the preceding cycle. The variable delay time thus reflects more accurately the actual electrical and mechanical response times of the valve as opposed to an estimated, fixed delay time. A second detector may be spaced a predetermined distance along the path of adhesive flow from the first detector to provide measurement of fluid velocity.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating conductors of a ribbon cable comprising a pair of fixed rollers having a plurality of radial intermeshing teeth spaced to engage the conductors.

Abstract: A ribbon cable splitting device is described in which an opposing pair of splitting elements having a number of equally spaced specially shaped teeth are brought together in an interlaced fashion to separate the individual conductors of a similarly spaced ribbon cable. The shape, spacing and quantity of teeth on each of the splitting elements and the basic device may be varied to accommodate various sizes of ribbon cable for splitting or subsequent connection to cable connectors, circuit boards or terminals. This invention is directed to a device for separating insulated ends of parallel multiwire electrical cables of the so-called ribbon type. More particularly the invention is that of an apparatus capable of separating each individual insulation covered electrical wire from those adjacent by means of separating and spacing elements having cutting elements shaped to engage the wires, cut the material joining them together and space the cut sections.