Abstract: An automated steel lamination stacking system for a transformer core. A computer controlled robot arm with a machine vision system locates each of a series of laminations formed by a core former. A hand with a pair of fingers disposed on the end of the robot arm sequentially grasps each of the laminations and transfers each lamination to a forming table which receives and shapes each lamination into a stack to form the desired transformer core. As the empty hand returns to retrieve the next lamination, an extended arm is activated to square the stack. If the preset number of laminations has been stacked and a desired weight has been reached, then the process is complete. Otherwise the stacking process continues. Because the laminations grow in size as the core is built, the stacking system adjusts the position of the fingers to grasp each lamination.

Abstract: In an inspection system, workpieces to be inspected are consecutively and automatically launched to pass unsupported through the field of view of a plurality of cameras. As a workpiece passes through the field of view of the cameras, a sensor is activated which communicates with a computer system to activate the cameras to capture an unobstructed image, or image data, of the workpiece. The image data is then analyzed by a computer program to verify whether the image data indicates that the workpiece does not meet established criteria and therefore is considered defective. If the image does not meet the established criteria, the workpiece is rejected and segregated from workpieces which have not been identified as defective.