Abstract: To produce precision laser weld joints at weld sites on a workpiece, a TV camera views each weld site through the laser beam optics, and the video output is stored as pixel data in a frame grabber memory. A computer processes the pixel data in accordance with an algorithm to locate the position of the optimum weld point for the imaged weld site relative to the laser beam centerline in the camera field of view and then indexes a X-Y positioning table to fine position the workpiece with the located optimum weld point precisely aligned with the laser beam centerline.

Abstract: A vision system for automating a machine process. The system includes a conventional CCD camera and a vision processor which automatically determines process parameters from a workpiece surface by generating an image of the workpiece surface, transducing the workpiece image into electrical signals, and electronically determining the process parameters from the electrical signals. Applied to a laser welding process, the vision system locates workpiece edges, determines part centerline and thickness, and calculates process parameters such as weld location, the rate of delivery of weld powder, laser intensity, and the speed at which the weld is applied.

Abstract: A vision system for automating a machine process. The system includes a conventional CCD camera and a vision processor which automatically determines process parameters from a workpiece surface by generating an image of the workpiece surface, transducing the workpiece image into electrical signals, and electronically determining the process parameters from the electrical signals. Applied to a laser welding process, the vision system locates workpiece edges, determines part centerline and thickness, and calculates process parameters such as weld location, the rate of delivery of weld powder, laser intensity, and the speed at which the weld is applied.

Abstract: Pellet trays bearing rows of fuel pellets of known enrichment concentrations are retrieved from selected storage elevators and successively conveyed to a zone makeup machine. Parallel rows of pellets are raked from each tray and advanced over a longitudinally elongated, grooved loading surface into abutment with a selectively longitudinally positioned stop. A zone makeup carriage makes up the pellet rows to a prescribed, common zone length, which are then weighted and advanced in parallel by a vibratory loader into a plurality of cladding tubes arranged in parallel loading positions by tube handling apparatus. Overall operation is coordinated by a system controller to concurrently load the cladding tubes with multiple pellet zones of varying enrichments and lengths in automated fashion.