Abstract: The present invention features a method and apparatus for improving the performance of a component placement machine. The machine includes an imaging unit that moves in the X-Y plane and captures images to provide real-time monitoring of the performance of the machine.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for compound angle illumination of items such as electronic components and features on those components that are within a field of view of a camera. Illumination assemblies are provided on opposite sides of the components, where illumination criss-crosses the component and its features. The illumination assemblies are also tilted at a vertical angle relative to the component. Light emitting diodes are used as a light source and, in one embodiment, refracting prisms are provided to refract the light from the LED's to provide the criss-cross illumination.

Abstract: A variable reluctance linear motor has a stator and an armature mounted so as to be movable along the length of the stator. Armature bearings are mounted to the armature via mechanical vibration dampers and contact the stator so that vibrations in the stator are transmitted to the bearings and dissipated in said vibration dampers. A sensor is mounted to the armature for obtaining position data for the armature with respect to the stator. A controller then calculates the phase currents for the motor phases based on the position data and a desired force value. The phase currents are calculated to maintain a minimum normal force between the armature and said stator, thereby further reducing vibrations. A conditional filter is applied when armature is within a predetermined distance from a desired location. The conditional filter, after a time delay, clamps the velocity feedback to a predetermined range and simultaneously reduces the velocity loop gain.

Abstract: An apparatus including a vacuum nozzle including an elongated inner bore that defines an elongated vacuum conduit that is coaxial with the inner bore; a nozzle tip connected to the end of the vacuum nozzle and adjacent the vacuum conduit; a reciprocally movable sleeve located within the vacuum conduit and retained by the vacuum nozzle and extendable beyond the nozzle tip; and structure for applying a restorative force to the movable sleeve, the structure for applying a restorative force to the movable sleeve being located within the vacuum conduit and in contact with the movable sleeve.