Abstract: A calibration method for calibrating a parts-handling device with respect to a computer vision camera includes the steps of moving a parts-handling device into contact with a touch-off block, and storing a value indicative of the position of the parts-handling device when it is in contact with the touch-off block. In addition, there may be two orthogonal surface on the touch-off block. By touching the parts-handling device against both surfaces, the parts-handling device can be calibrated for position offset in two orthogonal directions. For parts-handling devices that are rotatable, the parts-handling device may be rotated to a succession of predetermined angular positions and brought into contact with the touch-off block in each position. By combining the measured positions of the parts-handling device in each rotational position, the system can be calibrated to compensate for the offset from the camera to the parts-handling device as a function of rotational position as well.

Abstract: A goniometer includes a base, a compound member supported by the base, a light-directing element operably mounted on the compound member, optically connected to a coherent light source, and disposed toward an optical filter, a first actuator disposed along a first axis and operably coupled to the base for translating the light-directing element along a first arcuate path disposed in a first plane; and a second actuator disposed along a second axis and operably coupled to the compound member for translating the light-directing element along a second arcuate path disposed in a second plane, wherein the first plane is orthogonal to the second plane, and wherein the first and second axes are co-planar, for directing coherent light at an angle that is normal to the optical filter.

Abstract: A calibration method for calibrating a parts-handling device with respect to a computer vision camera includes the steps of moving a parts-handling device into contact with a touch-off block, and storing a value indicative of the position of the parts-handling device when it is in contact with the touch-off block. In addition, there may be two orthogonal surface on the touch-off block. By touching the parts-handling device against both surfaces, the parts-handling device can be calibrated for position offset in two orthogonal directions. For parts-handling devices that are rotatable, the parts-handling device may be rotated to a succession of predetermined angular positions and brought into contact with the touch-off block in each position. By combining the measured positions of the parts-handling device in each rotational position, the system can be calibrated to compensate for the offset from the camera to the parts-handling device as a function of rotational position as well.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing optical filters comprises a gantry system supported on a base or floor, including structure translatable in the X and Y directions relative to the base. The apparatus further includes a support mounted on the structure and a translatable platform disposed adjacent the structure. The support is translatable in the Z direction relative to the base. The apparatus further includes a flexure mounted on the platform, a probe assembly mounted on the support, and a light-directing element. The flexure is adapted to retain one of the optical filters. Translation of the platform causes the platform-mounted flexure to be translated from a first X, Y and Z position relative to the base to a second X, Y and Z position relative to the base. The probe assembly is adapted to pick up one of the optical filters from a third X, Y and Z position relative to the base and translate the picked-up optical filter to the first position for retention of the picked-up filter by the flexure.

Abstract: A goniometer includes a base, a compound member supported by the base, a light-directing element operably mounted on the compound member, optically connected to a coherent light source, and disposed toward an optical filter, a first actuator disposed along a first axis and operably coupled to the base for translating the light-directing element along a first arcuate path disposed in a first plane; and a second actuator disposed along a second axis and operably coupled to the compound member for translating the light-directing element along a second arcuate path disposed in a second plane, wherein the first plane is orthogonal to the second plane, and wherein the first and second axes are co-planar, for directing coherent light at an angle that is normal to the optical filter.

Abstract: A flexure for holding small parts is integrally formed by EDM machining in the form of two adjacent four-bar linkages. The two four-bar linkages can be flexed apart and small parts such as electronic components or optical filters can be placed between them. When the linkages are released, they will spring back together and hold the parts in between.