Abstract: A miniature inspection system for observing an object. The system comprises a camera (4) defining an optical axis (8) defined between the camera (4) and the object when located at the object inspection location. A ring light (14) is located concentrically with respect to and along the optical axis at a location between an entrance aperture of the camera (4) and the object, when located at the object observing location. A field lens (10) is located along the optical axis at a location between the camera (4) and the object, when placed at the object observing location. A mirror or a penta-prism (34) may be located along the optical axis, between the camera (4) and the field lens, so that light reflected from the object along the optical axis is reflected by either the mirror or the penta-prism (34) toward the entrance aperture of the camera (4). An illumination source (50), may be also provided to supply illumination along the optical axis of the system.

Abstract: An imager for illuminating and imaging encoded symbology to facilitate decoding of the symbology and which provides both “bright field” and “dark field” illumination patterns is provided with an illumination directing device to direct the “bright field” illumination pattern into an alternative “dark field” illumination pattern. In one embodiment the illumination directing device takes the configuration of a disc that is selectively positionable in front of the imager and removable therefrom depending upon whether or not the illumination pattern is to be changed. The disc snap fits into a position at the front of the imager housing and includes a fresnel configured outer ring, a light blocking inner ring, and a light transmissive center. The fresnel configuration receives light and redirects the light forward of the imager and towards a center line passing through the device to provide the alternative illumination pattern.

Abstract: A prepared ribbon cable is mass terminated to a preloaded electrical connector by wave soldering techniques. The preloaded connector comprises a housing and a plurality of terminals. The housing has an anvil in the form of a flange at the conductor end of the housing and a plurality of fins projecting from the conductor end to isolate the conductor attaching means of the terminals from each other. The terminals are inserted into cavities through openings at the mating end of the housing, retained by solder tabs which are bent over against the flange, and form part of the conductor attaching means. The conductor attaching means further includes slotted terminal portions which receive the conductors and position the ends of the conductors on the bent solder tabs.