Abstract: Various techniques facilitate the development of an image library that can be used to train and/or validate an automated visual inspection (AVI) model, such an AVI neural network for image classification. In one aspect, an arithmetic transposition algorithm is used to generate synthetic images from original images by transposing features (e.g., defects) onto the original images, with pixel-level realism. In other aspects, digital inpainting techniques are used to generate realistic synthetic images from original images. Deep learning-based inpainting techniques may be used to add, remove, and/or modify defects or other depicted features. In still other aspects, quality control techniques are used to assess the suitability of image libraries for training and/or validation of AVI models, and/or to assess whether individual images are suitable for inclusion in such libraries.

Abstract: A timepiece includes at least one time-of-day hand rotatable relative to a first dial and a first pair of temporal calendar mechanical elements independently rotatable relative to each other, and relative to the at least one time-of-day hand. Controlled rotation of the respective temporal calendar mechanical elements is synchronizable relative to temporal calendar information on an external device.

Abstract: A timepiece includes at least one time-of-day hand rotatable relative to a first dial and a first pair of temporal calendar mechanical elements independently rotatable relative to each other, and relative to the at least one time-of-day hand. Controlled rotation of the respective temporal calendar mechanical elements is synchronizable relative to temporal calendar information on an external device.

Abstract: A spray dryer absorber (308) is operative for removing gaseous pollutants from a hot process gas and comprises at least two dispersers (314, 316, 318, 320, 321). Each such disperser is operative for dispersing a portion of the hot process gas around a respective atomizer (24), and for providing the respective portion of the hot process gas with a rotary movement around the atomizer (24). At least one specific disperser (314) is operative for providing the hot process gas passing through that specific disperser (314) with a rotary movement in a direction (FC), which is opposite to the direction (FCC) of the rotary movement of the respective portion of the hot process gas dispersed by at least one other disperser (316) being located closest to that specific disperser (314).

Abstract: An interposer to couple a microelectronic device package to a motherboard is formed from a PCB substrate. Multiple via holes are drilled through a copper-clad PCB substrate and then coated inside with copper. The copper surface coating is etched to form multiple traces. In one embodiment, the substrate is cut through each row of via holes and between each row of via holes to produce multiple individual beam-and-trace interposers. Two or more such interposers may be affixed together to form a beam-and-trace interposer array. Alternatively, the substrate is not cut into strips, and each via hole is filled completely with a conductive material to form an array of solid conductive columns through the substrate.

Abstract: An interposer to couple a microelectronic device package to a motherboard is formed from a PCB substrate. Multiple via holes are drilled through a copper-clad PCB substrate and then coated inside with copper. The copper surface coating is etched to form multiple traces In one embodiment, the substrate is cut through each row of via holes and between each row of via holes to produce multiple individual beam-and-trace interposers. Two or more such interposers may be affixed together to form a beam-and-trace interposer array. Alternatively, the substrate is not cut into strips, and each via hole is filled completely with a conductive material to form an array of solid conductive columns through the substrate.

Abstract: An interposer to couple a microelectronic device package to a motherboard is formed from a PCB substrate. Multiple via holes are drilled through a copper-clad PCB substrate and then coated inside with copper. The copper surface coating is etched to form multiple traces. In one embodiment, the substrate is cut through each row of via holes and between each row of via holes to produce multiple individual beam-and-trace interposers. Two or more such interposers may be affixed together to form a beam-and-trace interposer array. Alternatively, the substrate is not cut into strips, and each via hole is filled completely with a conductive material to form an array of solid conductive columns through the substrate.

Abstract: A method to automatically align the internal splines (20) of a torque converter (16) to mating external splines (18) of a transmission subassembly (14) during the assembly of the torque converter (16) to the transmission subassembly (14). The apparatus includes a robotic end effector assembly (26) coupled to an arm (22) of a robot (24). The end effector assembly (26) includes a compliance mechanism (51) and a distance sensor (48) that provide for compliance to allow the splines to align and detect if the splines are not properly mating. The end effector assembly (26) also includes an oscillator assembly (69) that is activated to cause non-aligned splines to become aligned during the automated assembly process.

Abstract: A method to automatically align internal splines (20) of a torque converter (16) to mating external splines (18) of a transmission subassembly (14) during the assembly of the torque converter (16) to the transmission subassembly (14). The apparatus includes a robotic end effector assembly (26) coupled to an arm (22) of a robot (24). The end effector assembly (26) includes a counterbalance mechanism, such as spring assemblies (62) and a position sensor (64) that provide for a reduced effective weight of the torque converter (10) to allow the splines to align and detect if the splines are not properly aligned. Upon sensing non-engagement, robot (24) lifts, rotates and lowers the torque converter (16) until the position sensor (64) detects alignment of the mating splines.

Abstract: A robotic end effector adapted to be mounted at the end of an arm of a program-controlled robot is capable of providing compliance within a vertical plane as well as alignment along a horizontal axis. A method and system utilizing the end effector to pick up flat or curved glass panels from glass racks and place the glass panels into irregularly-shaped wooden crates. Due to the compliance and horizontal alignment provided by the end effector, the system allows essentially perfect piece-to-piece vertical edge-of-glass alignment and side-edge to side-edge alignment during the packaging process so as to eliminate glass etching/scratching and breakage. The end effector includes a base frame on which compliance devices and side-shift alignment devices in the form of linear bearing systems support a number of material handling devices in the form of suction devices. The handling devices are typically material holding/gripping devices.

Abstract: A robotic system for inserting cylinder liners into the cylinder block from an internal combustion engine includes an articulated robot arm for cycling an end effector between a dunnage unloading position and a cylinder insertion position. The end effector, which is attached to the robot arm, picks liners from dunnage and places the liners in the cylinder bores of the cylinder block. The end effector includes remotely deployable combination teeth for gripping the liners to permit removal from their dunnage and for aligning the end effector and liner into the cylinder bores to permit insertion of the liners.

Abstract: A robotic system for inserting cylinder liners into the cylinder block from an internal combustion engine includes an articulated robot arm for cycling an end effector between a dunnage unloading position and a cylinder insertion position. The end effector, which is attached to the robot arm, picks liners from dunnage and places the liners in the cylinder bores of the cylinder block. The end effector includes remotely deployable combination teeth for gripping the liners to permit removal from their dunnage and for aligning the end effector and liner into the cylinder bores to permit insertion of the liners.

Abstract: A robotic end effector adapted to be mounted at the end of an arm of a program-controlled robot is capable of providing compliance within a vertical plane. A method and system utilizing the end effector pick-up flat or curved glass panels from glass racks and place the glass panels into irregularly-shaped wooden crates. Due to the compliance provided by the end effector, the system allows essentially perfect piece-to-piece vertical edge-of-glass alignment during the packaging process so as to eliminate glass etching/scratching. The end effector includes a base frame on which compliance devices in the form of linear bearing systems support a number of material handling devices in the form of suction devices. Selected ones of the compliance devices can be locked out under the control of a controller for the robot. Each suction device includes a spring-biased suction cup to also provide compliance in a direction substantially normal to the compliance provided in the vertical plane.