Abstract: A method and apparatus for counting flat sheets of specularly reflective material juxtaposed in side by side relationship including a source of a parallel, collimated, beam of light adapted for movement to shine on a finite point across sides of a plurality of flat sheets at a shallow, acute angle of incidence relative to the sides of the flat sheets such that the beam of light is specularly reflected from the sides of the flat sheets except at one terminal edge of each side of the flat sheets where the beam of light is diffusely reflected, a sensor for sensing light diffusely reflected from the terminal edge of each of the flat sheets and generating an output signal in response to the intensity of the diffusely reflected light, and a microprocessor receiving the output signal from the sensor and generating a numerical count of the flat sheets over which the beam of light has been moved.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for undercutting the insulation material below the surface of adjacent commutator bars on the armature of a direct current motor. A focused laser beam is directed substantially normal to the commutator surface. The beam can be delivered to the surface of the commutator by several different beam focusing and shaping technologies. The high energy beam is scanned over the surface as the armature is held in a fixture and allowed to rotate about its axis to cause the ablation of a predetermined amount of insulative material from between the commutator bars. A high pressure air nozzle is directed at the surface of the armature to remove particles ablated from the surface of the armature by the process.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for measuring the quality of a finished surface by projecting a pair of parallel light beams onto the surface and reflecting the beams alongside a reference beam onto an image screen where they are electronically recorded and analyzed against the reference image.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for measuring the quality of a finished surface by projecting a pair of parallel light beams onto the surface and reflecting the beams onto an image screen where they are electronically recorded and analyzed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the attachment of plastic outer body panels to automotive vehicle subframes including positioning a cup within apertures in the subframe, applying a thixotropic heat curable plastic/adhesive to the cup, heat curing the plastic/adhesive in situ while forming a blind aperture in the plastic/adhesive, and securing the body panel to the subframe through threaded insertion of a fastener into the blind aperture.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the attachment of plastic outer body panels to automotive vehicle subframes including positioning a cup within apertures in the subframe, applying a thixotropic heat curable plastic/adhesive to the cup, heat curing the plastic/adhesive in situ while forming a blind aperture in the plastic/adhesive, and securing the body panel to the subframe through threaded insertion of a fastener into the blind aperture.