Abstract: A system and method of calibrating and measuring optical properties of an imaging optical device is disclosed in which a structure of uniformly periodic linear elements is imaged using the optical device being calibrated. This image is obtained with the optical axis of the device at an angle ? with respect to a normal to the uniformly periodic structure. This is done by situating the linear elements on the hypotenuse of a wedge, i.e., a right-angled triangular prism. The image is then taken with the optical axis of the optical device oriented vertically. An advantage of the arrangement is that the structure of uniformly periodic linear elements does not need to be carefully focused making the system quick and easy to implement.

Abstract: A system and method of calibrating and measuring optical properties of an imaging optical device is disclosed in which a structure of uniformly periodic linear elements is imaged using the optical device being calibrated. This image is obtained with the optical axis of the device at an angle ? with respect to a normal to the uniformly periodic structure. This is done by situating the linear elements on the hypotenuse of a wedge, i.e., a right-angled triangular prism. The image is then taken with the optical axis of the optical device oriented vertically. An advantage of the arrangement is that the structure of uniformly periodic linear elements does not need to be carefully focused making the system quick and easy to implement.

Abstract: Eggs are loaded on a tray in rows and columns and conveyed to a candling station having a plurality of candling locations, each location for candling a portion of eggs on a tray, a different tray at each location. Different rows of eggs of a tray are candled in the different locations so that all eggs of each tray are candled by all of the locations. Each location has a plurality of digital video cameras, each camera focused on a portion of eggs in a row, the eggs being imaged being located in one or more rows. The eggs of each row being imaged are lifted by an associate lifting assembly which selectively rotates the egg for imaging in two opposite imaging orientations by each camera.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system for the removal and reattachment of a ball grid array (BGA) package component to a printed circuit board, that is adapted for the real time X-ray inspection of BGA package removal and reattachment. The system comprises heating means comprising upper and lower heating platens juxtaposed to each other for the reception, support and application of heat to the workpiece comprising the BGA package and the printed circuit board, wherein the heating means is prepared from materials that are transmissive to X-ray radiation. Suitable x-ray transmissive materials are selected from high melting point polymers, aluminum, glasses and ceramics, and include materials having an atomic number less than 14.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system for the removal and reattachment of a ball grid array (BGA) package component to a printed circuit board, that is adapted for the real time X-ray inspection of BGA package removal and reattachment. The system comprises heating means comprising upper and lower heating platens juxtaposed to each other for the reception, support and application of heat to the workpiece comprising the BGA package and the printed circuit board, wherein the heating means is prepared from materials that are transmissive to X-ray radiation. Suitable x-ray transmissive materials are selected from high melting point polymers, aluminum, glasses and ceramics, and include materials having an atomic number less than 14.