Abstract: A vision sensor for tracking includes a light stripe vision sensor for use in harsh environments. This light stripe generator is light source independent and produces a light stripe without the use of lenses. Additionally, the enclosure in which the light stripe generating and detecting means are mounted includes an environmental control system which provides pressurized, conditioned air into the apparatus enclosure in order to control the affects of dust, humidity and temperature variations countered in many working environments. This vision system is particularly well suited for use in welding applications and can be easily used in combination with an industrial manipulator to provide automated vision sensor capabilities.

Abstract: A laser machining apparatus is disclosed for machining each of at least first and second work pieces and, in particular, for conducting a sequence of machining steps on each such work piece. The laser machining apparatus includes a single, time shared laser for emitting a laser beam, and beam directing means having a movable laser reflective portion, whereby the single laser beam may be directed along a first laser path to the first work piece and along a second laser path to the second work piece. It is understood that the beam directing means is dedicated to the processing of just one work piece at a time.

Abstract: A computer controlled apparatus is disclosed for controlling a sequence of machine steps utilizing a laser beam whose power level is adjusted in accordance with its parameters as a function of a measurement of the power level of the generated laser beam. The laser apparatus includes a laser source or rod for emitting a laser beam and means in the illustrative form of a laser lens assembly for focusing and directing the laser beam onto the work piece. The laser source is associated with excitation means in the form of lamps for pulse driving or exciting the laser rod to emit a like sequence of laser pulses, whose parameters, e.g. pulse width and frequency, are selectively varied and controlled. The power level of the laser beam is calibrated by first measuring the power level of the laser beam as directed onto the laser piece, and then by using the measurement of laser power to calibrate or to adjust the degree of lamp excitation.

Abstract: A computer controlled apparatus is disclosed for performing a series of laser machining operations on a work piece in an environment comprised of a non-reactive gas with respect to the material of which the work piece is made. The computer controlled apparatus includes a machining chamber for receiving the work piece and means in the form of a pump for directing the non-reactive gas into the machining chamber at a controlled, selected rate. A laser beam is generated by a laser and is focused into a beam along a path to the work piece. An assembly is provided for selectively moving the machining chamber and its work piece therein through a sequence of steps, whereby the relative position between the work piece and the laser beam is changed such that a series of lasing operations and, in particular, welds may be effected on a sequence of selected sites of the work piece.