Abstract: Embodiments include measuring motion characteristics of the workpiece through the placement process. Since the component is placed on the workpiece with some force to ensure proper adhesion to the workpiece, some deflection of the workpiece is expected during the placement cycle. The placement force is adjusted to ensure that the component is safely placed into the solder paste or adhesive. Placement force is adjusted through a number of characteristics including: choice of spring tension in the nozzle; the length of the nozzle and the amount of over-travel into the board; the rigidity of the board and design; and the placement of the board support mechanisms. With proper adjustment of these characteristics and parameters, high quality placements onto the workpiece can be ensured.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention improve upon component level inspection performed by pick and place machines. Such improvements include inspecting the pick operation in pick and place machines by collecting images of the pick event inside the machine and identifying errors as they happen. By detecting and displaying this information as it generated on the machine, the operator or machine can take prompt and effective corrective actions.

Abstract: Improved component placement inspection and verification is performed by a pick and place machine. Improvements include stereovision imaging of the intended placement location; enhanced illumination to facilitate the provision of relatively high-power illumination in the restricted space near the placement nozzle(s); optics to allow image acquisition device to view the placement location from an angle relative to a plane of the placement location, thereby reducing the possibility of such images being obstructed by the component; techniques for rapidly acquiring images with commercially available CCD arrays such that acquisition of before and after images does not substantially impact system throughput; and image processing techniques to provide component inspection and verification information.

Abstract: An illumination and imaging system is provided with a co-axial illuminator that does not include a beamsplitter. The co-axial illuminator achieves efficiencies substantially in excess of those achieved with a beamsplitter. In one aspect, an optical stop is used to reflect illumination upon a target. The optical stop includes an aperture allowing light reflected from the target to pass to a detector. The aperture of the stop has an asymmetrical feature that facilitates operation on specular targets.

Abstract: Features of the present invention provide an optical layout that can accommodate the relatively strict enclosure requirements for compact component alignment sensor. Specifically, aspects of the present invention provide a single optical component that reduces the degree of divergence, and preferably substantially collimates light from the plurality of divergent light sources prior to entering the sensing field. In this regard, part count is kept low and the physical size of the optical train itself is relatively small.

Abstract: An illumination and imaging system is provided with a co-axial illuminator that does not include a beamsplitter. The co-axial illuminator achieves efficiencies substantially in excess of those achieved with a beamsplitter. In one aspect, an optical stop is used to reflect illumination upon a target. The optical stop includes an aperture allowing light reflected from the target to pass to a detector. The aperture of the stop has an asymmetrical feature that facilitates operation on specular targets.

Abstract: Features of the present invention provide an optical layout that can accommodate the relatively strict enclosure requirements for compact component alignment sensor. Specifically, aspects of the present invention provide a single optical component that reduces the degree of divergence, and preferably substantially collimates light from the plurality of divergent light sources prior to entering the component zone. In this regard, part count is kept low and the physical size of the optical train itself is relatively small.

Abstract: Improved component placement inspection and verification is performed by a pick and place machine. Improvements include stereovision imaging of the intended placement location; enhanced illumination to facilitate the provision of relatively high-power illumination in the restricted space near the placement nozzle(s); optics to allow image acquisition device to view the placement location from an angle relative to a plane of the placement location, thereby reducing the possibility of such images being obstructed by the component; techniques for rapidly acquiring images with commercially available CCD arrays such that acquisition of before and after images does not substantially impact system throughput; and image processing techniques to provide component inspection and verification information.

Abstract: An illumination and imaging system is provided with a co-axial illuminator that does not include a beamsplitter. The co-axial illuminator achieves efficiencies substantially in excess of those achieved with a beamsplitter. In one aspect, an optical stop is used to reflect illumination upon a target. The optical stop includes an aperture allowing light reflected from the target to pass to a detector. The aperture of the stop has an asymmetrical feature that facilitates operation on specular targets.

Abstract: A digital range sensor comprises a light source, an optical element to focus the light from the source down to a small spot on a target, a second optical element that is mounted obliquely from the source axis, and a prism mounted on a multi-element detector, which in turn is mounted at the focus of the light returning from the target. The purpose of the prism on the detector is to direct the light onto the active surface of the detector at an angle closer to normal incidence than would otherwise be possible. The detector produces digital data which is transferred to a control module for processing and to produce a numerical range measurement.

Abstract: A digital range sensor comprises a light source, an optical element to focus the light from the source down to a small spot on a target, a second optical element that is mounted obliquely from the source axis, and a prism mounted on a multi-element detector, which in turn is mounted at the focus of the light returning from the target. The purpose of the prism on the detector is to direct the light onto the active surface of the detector at an angle closer to normal incidence than would otherwise be possible. The detector produces digital data which is transferred to a control module for processing and to produce a numerical range measurement.

Abstract: A digital range sensor comprises a light source, an optical element to focus the light from the source down to a small spot on a target, a second optical element that is mounted obliquely from the source axis, and a prism mounted on a multi-element detector, which in turn is mounted at the focus of the light returning from the target. The purpose of the prism on the detector is to direct the light onto the active surface of the detector at an angle closer to normal incidence than would otherwise be possible. The detector produces digital data which is transferred to a control module for processing and to produce a numerical range measurement.

Abstract: A pack belt or similar mechanism is provided in a two hub, belt-driven data cartridge to press against the tape pack on the take-up hub side of the cartridge when approximately half of the tape has wound onto that hub. The added load from this pressure reduces the speed of the tape-up hub, which in turn reduces the speed differential between the two hubs. Since the speed differential between the hubs causes a gradient in tape tension (bow-tie) as the tape is moved from BOT to EOT, this reduces or eliminates the bow-tie. Adjustment of the relative tensions between the drive belt and the pack belt allows adjustment of the bow-tie, ranging from the normal bow-tie, to near zero bow-tie, to a negative bow-tie. Coating one side each of the drive belt and the pack belt, then having the coated side of the drive belt contact the uncoated side of the pack belt further reduces bow-tie.

Abstract: A reel-to-reel tape cartridge includes two tape guides for guiding the tape to and from respective tape reels. The tape guides have a large radius of curvature and are flanged to form a long trough to guide and align the tape to improve tape tracking. The tape guides are formed of two flange pieces separated by a tape surface piece and a post. Each flange piece is generally semi-circular and includes three notches which receive tabs on the tape surface piece to secure the tape surface piece. The tape surface piece is formed as a type of leaf spring that is loaded when it is assembled between the flange pieces. The post can be cylindrical or flat.

Abstract: A compliant tape guide for magnetic tape transported in a belt driven data cartridge which resiliently engages one edge of a tape and urges the tape to a position against a fixed flange. The compliant tape guide includes a spring strip having a flange end and a spring finger to load the flange end against the tape. The compliant guide reduces tape edge wear as well as providing for better tracking of the tape.

Abstract: A reel-to-reel tape cartridge includes two tape guides for guiding the tape to and from respective tape reels. The tape guides have a large radius of curvature and are flanged to form a long trough to guide and align the tape to improve tape tracking. The tape guides are formed of two flange pieces separated by a tape surface piece and a post. Each flange piece is generally semi-circular and includes three notches which receive tabs on the tape surface piece to secure the tape surface piece. The tape surface piece is formed as a type of leaf spring that is loaded when it is assembled between the flange pieces. The post can be cylindrical or flat.

Abstract: A belt driven reel-to-reel tape cartridge includes two tape guides for guiding the tape to and from respective tape reels. The tape guides have a large radius of curvature and are flanged to form a long trough to guide and align the tape to improve tape tracking. This also provides hydrodynamic lift by creating an air film between the tape and the tape guide to reduce the friction between the tape backside and the tape guide. The radius of curvature can be constant or can vary from a larger radius at the ends to a smaller radius in the middle.

Abstract: A belt driven reel-to-reel tape cartridge includes two primary tape guides, a guide pin, and two secondary tape guides for guiding the tape to and from respective tape reels. The tape guides and guide pin define a tape guide path between the reels which the extends around the outside of both primary tape guides, both secondary tape guides, and the guide pin.