Abstract: A device and method for generating output trigger signals, for firing one or more light sources, from input trigger signals generated by a vision processor. The input trigger signals are first accepted from the vision processor. Next, output triggers are determined, in response to the input trigger signals, based on a stored lighting program. Finally the output trigger signals are generated based on the determined output triggers.

Abstract: Systems and methods for inspecting a workpiece, such as a surface mount device. The systems and methods can determine the height, edges, and centers of leads of the surface mount device. The systems and methods also permit lead co-linearity and/or co-planarity values to be derived with relatively good repeatability.

Abstract: A safety guard system provided for a machine having a ram which is movable toward and away from a work zone and an actuator which is operable for driving the ram through a ram stroke toward the work zone. The safety guard system includes a safety guard mounted for movement along a guard path between open and closed positions with respect to the work zone. The safety guard is releasably coupled to the ram for movement during the ram stroke from the open to the closed position before completion of the ram stroke, and the safety guard is arranged to decouple from the ram upon either one of reaching the closed position or earlier encountering an obstruction in the guard path. A guard sensor effects a first signal upon the safety guard reaching the closed position, and an object sensor effects a second signal upon decoupling of the safety guard from the ram.

Abstract: A single cycle positioning system utilizing a three phase wye connected induction motor (10) includes a three phase inverter (28) and a microprocessor (20) for controlling the inverter to generate three phases of power. Pulse width modulation techniques are utilized and in response to a start signal the frequency of the power to the motor is increased up to a running frequency, and in response to a stop signal the frequency of the power applied to the motor is decreased along with a corresponding reduction of the voltage applied to the motor.

Abstract: The present invention is an automated method for making an electrical cable assembly including the automatic verification of insertion of each wire into its respective correct terminal and the automatic verification of the absence of short circuits. The overall system is controlled by a computer which is table driven by cable assembly parameters retained in a data base.