Abstract: A measuring device is provided with a laser source, a beam redirection member, a beam receptor, and a system controller. The measuring device is calibrated by providing a set-up piece having at least one known dimension and positioning the beam redirection member in beam transmitting relationship to the known dimension of the set-up piece. A beam is transmitted from the laser source to the set-up piece via the beam redirection member, which beam is reflected back to the beam receptor via the beam redirection member. The return beam is converted into data, which is transmitted to the system controller. The data is used to calculate a measured dimension, and a compensation factor based on the measured dimension and the known dimension of the set-up piece is then calculated.

Abstract: A measuring device for measuring internal or external dimensions of a manufactured or machined component is provided with a laser source, a beam redirection member, and a beam receptor. The beam redirection member is adapted to be positioned within an internal bore of a subject component. The laser source directs a beam downwardly to be intercepted by the beam redirection member. The beam exits the beam redirection member at approximately 90° from its original direction to strike a target area along the internal bore of the subject component. The beam is reflected back to the beam redirection member, which directs it at an upward angle to be received by the beam receptor. The beam receptor transmits the data to a control system, which calculates the dimension of the target area. Also provided are methods for optimizing the accuracy of measurements taken by the measuring device.

Abstract: In an article orienting, feeding and wrapping apparatus, a conveyor apparatus for orienting a plurality of disoriented wafer-like articles into single rows for wrapping. A conveying mechanism has receptacles for moving the articles in single rows extending transverse to the path of movement. An orienting mechanism forms a plurality of upwardly open channels extending parallel to the path of movement above the conveying mechanism and in which the disoriented articles are deposited. The channels are formed in part by vertically oscillating walls for agitating the disoriented articles and causing the articles to fall edge-wise through the channels into oriented rows in the receptacles of the conveying mechanism. The oriented rows then are fed through a series of sorting, wrapping and labeling wheels and ultimately to a discharging mechanism for discharging the sorted, wrapped and labeled rows of articles to a packaging station.