Abstract: Apparatus and method are disclosed for inspecting a row of hollow pin receptacles in a housing to determine whether or not pins have been properly mounted in the receptacles. A collimated inspection light beam is directed toward one surface of the housing as it passes through an inspection position, so that the inspection beam successively impinges on the receptacles. A photodetector is disposed to face the opposing surface of the housing to receive light, if any, which has passed through the receptacles. Means responsive to the photodetector are provided for generating an output signal indicative of whether or not the pin has been properly mounted in the receptacle. The output signal generating means preferably comprises a threshold detector for detecting when the output of the photodetector exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to an apparatus for inspecting the surface of an object at an inspection position. In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, source means are provided for generating a relatively narrow collimated beam of radiation, the source preferably, but not necessarily, being a laser. A scanning means, spaced from the inspection position, is provided for effecting a substantially circularly shaped scan of the laser beam at the inspection position. The scanning means may typically comprise a tilted rotatable mirror which is rotated at the scan rate. A reflector means is disposed between the scanning means and the inspection position. The reflector means, typcially a mirror, has an aperture therein to allow passage of the scanning beam travelling toward the inspection position. The mirror reflective surface is oriented angularly with respect to the axis of the scan so that radiation received from the object is reflected toward an off-axis region.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for automatically examining hardware items progressing along a track to detect their characteristics and automatically sort the items in accordance with their characteristics. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention there is provided a nut inspection apparatus for monitoring the height of nuts, the apparatus being adaptable to also determine if threading is present on the inner surface of the nuts. In this embodiment there is provided a ramp for carrying the nuts, the ramp having a slot which defines an inspection position. A laser beam is split into first and second beams and adjustable means are provided for directing the first beam transverse the ramp and over the slot at the inspection position, the means being adjustable to a predetermined position above the ramp. A first photodetector is provided for receiving the first beam in the absence of a nut of prescribed height at the inspection position.