Abstract: The geometric features of a supported component in a machine for mounting surface mount electronic components are either frontlighted or backlighted for inspection purposes. To backlight the features a fluorescent surface above the component is excited with UV light. Since UV light reflected from the component is invisible to the camera system, the features will appear black with a bright background. To frontlight the features, a light source is used which generates light outside the UV range and a) having a wavelength corresponding to the wavelength of the UV fluorescing surface so that no fluorescent is created or b) having a wavelength substantially different from the UV fluorescing surface that is absorbed by the surface without causing fluorescing to take place. This light when reflected from the features is seen by the camera and the features will appear bright in a dark background.

Abstract: A DIP insertion machine is disclosed wherein the feeder, inserter, valve stack for the feeder and inserter and electronic distribution panels for the valve stack, feeder and inserter are all mounted on a single plate which is secured to a mounting bracket attached to the bottom of the cross-beam on which the component magazines and shuttle are secured.

Abstract: A mechanism for sensing whether the leads of a dual-in-line electrical component are in their proper position projecting through the appropriate openings in a printed circuit board. The sensor uses fiber optics to indicate whether the leads are properly positioned by using light reflected from the lead to activate a photo transducer which indicates to the computer controlling the machine operation whether the leads are properly positioned. The sensor fiber optics has light emitting and light receiving filaments operative parallel to the board surface so that the sensor only responds to the presence or absence of a component lead.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for checking on the presence or absence of inserted leads of a component into the openings of a printed circuit board. The system is utilized within a component insertion machine wherein a plurality of optical lead sensors are preferably located within the cut and clinch mechanism. A computer system associated with the optical lead sensors compares the optical readings of the lead sensors with predefined data relating to the presence or absence of leads for each particular component being inserted.