Abstract: Device and method for performing a measurement of at least one geometrical dimension of an object, where: a reference model of the object is acquired; the object is gripped by gripping elements (5) and a first image of the object is taken via optical elements (2); the object is translated and rotated in the three dimension by the gripping elements while images of the object are taken by the optical elements (2) until reaching a condition representative of the superimposition of the perimeter of the image of the object or of a portion of it with those of the reference model; then the measurement of the geometrical dimension is performed.

Abstract: A system and device for welding training. In one example, a welding system includes a device configured to be used with the welding system. The device includes a first marker having a first shape and a first color. The welding device also includes a second marker having a second shape and a second color. The first and second colors are different or the first and second shapes are different. Further, the first and second markers are configured to be detected by a video game system, a computer accessory, or some combination thereof, to determine a position of the device, an orientation of the device, or some combination thereof.

Abstract: Sod harvester stacking head and stacking conveyor configurations can increase the rate at which sod can be harvested. The movement of the stacking head and/or the stacking conveyor can be controlled to maximize the rate at which the stacking head can remove sod from the stacking conveyor. A stacking head can employ multiple pick up positions. A stacking conveyor may also advance sod for pick up at varying rates. A stacking head may include a pivoting connection to allow the stacking head to rotate around a pivot during a pick up operation.

Abstract: The method for manufacturing the structure includes an imaging device installation process in which a camera that obtains an image of a target hole formed in an upper panel is installed on the rear spar, and a positioning process in which relative positions are positioned by relatively moving the upper panel and the rear spar while the image of the target hole obtained by the camera and displayed on a monitor screen is aligned with a target line preset on the monitor screen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pin-less registration and inductive heating system involving the use of a pre-alignment station for imaging an initial position of a laminate element, an imaging and computer operation control system for determining a required correction factor between an alignment of the laminate element at the pre-alignment station and a preferred stack orientation for the laminate element, and an alignment and transfer system for securely gripping, transferring, and repositioning a laminate element from a top position to the preferred stack orientation employing a preferred four-axis orientation.

Abstract: A gap/height difference measurement system for a vehicle may include a reflection light sensing unit on a the transportation conveyor line and sensing reflection light reflected from the vehicle body transported depending on illuminance of an illumination, a measurement robot measuring the gap and the height difference between the vehicle body and each panel that move while being installed at both sides of the transportation conveyor line in a width direction of the vehicle body at one side spaced from the reflection light sensing unit in a movement direction of the vehicle body, and a controller receiving a signal sensed by the reflection light sensing unit and comparing the received signal with a predetermined value to control the illuminance of the illumination and outputting a specification depending on a vehicle type of the vehicle body transported to the measurement robot to control the measurement robot.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for adjusting an alignment of a movable component relative to a substrate holder. An alignment tool is placed on the substrate holder. A nozzle is coupled with the movable component. The movable component and the nozzle are positioned such that a planar surface of the movable component contact a planar surface of the alignment tool, and the nozzle has a non-contacting relationship with the alignment tool. The planar surface of the movable component is leveled to be parallel with the planar surface of the alignment tool.

Abstract: A method for picking up an article using a robot arm includes capturing images with a camera and processing the captured images to locate a machine-readable symbol affixed to the article. The machine-readable symbol includes an orientation pattern and encoded information pertaining to the article. The orientation pattern provides information to determine x, y, and z coordinates and Rx, Ry and Rz of a gripping tool attached to the robot arm. The encoded information provides information to determine the appropriate gripping tool, gripping location and gripping motion path.

Abstract: A robotic apparatus and system for cutting turbine bucket covers on a turbine rotor are provided. The robotic apparatus includes a grinding device operable to drive a grinding wheel, a robotic arm coupled to the grinding device, a base member coupled to the robotic arm, a vision system for locating the fastener on the turbine bucket cover, and a control system. The base member is mounted independently of the turbine bucket cover. The control system is coupled to the vision system, the grinding device, and the robotic apparatus, and configured to control movement of the robotic apparatus and the grinding device based upon vision system data and spatial information related to the turbine bucket cover. The system includes at least a portion of a turbine rotor including a turbine bucket cover having at least one fastener thereon, and a robotic device for cutting the turbine bucket cover.

Abstract: An optical communication module includes a substrate, an optical-electric conversion unit located on and electrically connected to the substrate, and a lens unit. The lens unit includes a first surface facing the substrate and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The first surface includes a lens and defines two through holes extending from the second surface to the first surface. The lens is configured for coupling the optical-electric conversion unit to the lens unit. An optical axis of the lens is perpendicular to the substrate and on a first plane. Center lines of the two through holes are perpendicular to the substrate and on a second plane. The first plane is parallel with the second plane. The through holes are configured for aligning the lens with the optical-electric conversion unit.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a gravure plate includes, setting a certain measurement area on a surface of the gravure plate, finding at least one of a spatial volume that is the total of the volume of a space formed by a plurality of cells located in the measurement area and an average depth obtained by dividing the spatial volume by a surface area of the measurement area, and adjusting, based on a relationship between at least one of the spatial volume and the average depth and an application thickness of a printing material after printing, at least one of the spatial volume and the average depth so as to fall within at least one of a specified value range for the spatial volume and a specified value range for the average depth determined in accordance with a target value range for the application thickness.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling a lens module and an image sensor to form a camera module. The apparatus comprises i) a positioning system for adjusting a relative arrangement between the lens module and the image sensor; and ii) an inspection system operative to view fiducials of the lens modules and the image sensor. In particular, the positioning system is configured to align the lens module and the image sensor based on a relative alignment of the respective fiducials of the lens module and the image sensor as viewed by the inspection system. A method of assembling a lens module and an image sensor to form a camera module is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sanding a number of surface features on a surface of an object. A first type of operation may be performed on the number of surface features on the surface of the object using a first end effector. Feedback laser data may be generated about the number of surface features after the first type of operation has been performed using a laser device. A second type of operation may be performed on the number of surface features using a second end effector and the feedback laser data to rework the number of surface features until the number of surface features has been reworked to within selected tolerances.

Abstract: A method of assembling a structure of timber lengths, e.g. roof trusses, includes a number of upper and lower structure lengths or pieces, as well as a number of diagonals or braces etc., in which the timber lengths are laid out and fixed to one another. The structure formed from the timber lengths fixed to one another is observed by a first camera for positional determination of the structure and comparison of observation data with structure data and for controlling at least a second camera. The structure is fed into a unit for pressing in place of jointing pieces, e.g. corrugated fasteners, over the joints between the timber lengths by at least one positionable press unit, and the second camera observes the infed structure and positions the press unit at the correct position over a joint for pressing in place of a jointing piece.

Abstract: Improved implants, systems, tools and related methods for bi-cruciate retaining joint treatment are disclosed, including patient-adapted implants, systems, tools, and methods.

Abstract: A display device includes a housing, a display panel mounted in the housing, and at least one aligning unit. The housing includes at least one pair of opposite sidewalls, each sidewall defines at least one light hole corresponding to the light hole defined in the opposite sidewall. Each aligning unit includes an optical fiber and two collimating lenses, one collimating lens is arranged between and aligned with one end of the optical fiber and one light hole, the other collimating lens is arranged between and aligned with the other end of the optical fiber and one other light hole corresponding to the one light hole.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are used to visually recognize and install fasteners on a structure. An electronic image of the fastener is recorded, and is processed by a computer operated image recognition program to identify the fastener. The computer provides installation instructions and an installation tool based on the identity of the fastener.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement of a plurality of oxygen breathing devices, in particular for providing oxygen to passenger or crew of an aircraft, each oxygen breathing device comprising an oxygen source, wherein oxygen is stored, in particular in chemically bound form or compressed form, an oxygen guiding device for guiding oxygen from the oxygen source to a person. According to the invention, an arrangement of a plurality of oxygen breathing devices is provided, wherein a first one of said plurality of oxygen breathing devices further comprises an integrated transmitter comprising a sender adapted for wireless communication with a receiver of a second one of said oxygen breathing devices and a receiver adapted for wireless communication with a sender of said second oxygen breathing device.

Abstract: An alignment kit for aiming a variable rotating pool cleaning nozzle assembly in a pool is disclosed. The alignment kit includes an aiming tool and a locking tool. The aiming tool includes a tray that includes a plurality of aiming reference figures, a cleaning arc indicator coupled to the tray, and a base rotatably coupled to the tray. The cleaning arc indicator includes an adjustable visual area representing a cleaning arc of a variably rotating pool cleaning nozzle assembly. The cleaning arc indicator may include a first ring and a second ring interleaved together and the adjustable visual area may include an area of the second ring not covered by the first ring. The base includes an aiming reference marker adjacent the tray and one or more indexing lugs. The locking tool includes a plurality of aiming symbols and one or more locking lugs.

Abstract: A method for connecting a first component to a second component having a through hole includes the following steps: bringing the two components against one another and positioning them relative to one another, detecting the spatial position of the hole by a position detection electronic unit, positioning a connecting element at a location within the hole as a function of the spatial position of the hole or as a function of position data determined by the position detection electronic unit, connecting the connecting element to the first component, with the result that the connecting element projects into or through the hole, and clipping onto the connecting element a clip element which holds the two components together.

Abstract: An automated pallet inspection station includes a frame, a transport system carried by the frame for transporting a pallet to be inspected, and at least one pallet feature sensing head adjacent the transport system for inspecting the pallet. The at least one pallet feature sensing head includes a downward looking pallet feature sensing head positioned above the transport system for inspecting a top surface of the pallet, and an upward looking pallet feature sensing head positioned below the transport system for inspecting a bottom surface of the pallet.

Abstract: A syringe plunger driver system capable of capturing syringes of widely varying sizes comprises a pair of asymmetric plunger retainer arms pivotally mounted to a plunger driver. The system includes a low profile driver having a length that exceeds its width so that it may be mounted adjacent control modules and other operational modules. The arms are biased toward each other and one arm is longer than the other with a notch on an inside edge to receive the tip of the shorter arm when capturing small syringe flanges. A rotation knob mounted to the front surface of the low profile driver forces the arms apart when rotated to a first rotation position. A force sensor is mounted in the driver to detect occlusions in the fluid line. A processor monitors the force sensed by the force sensor and provides an alarm if the force exceeds a threshold.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for assembling a circuit carrier with a housing component and furthermore to an optical unit for emitting and/or receiving radiation that is fabricated using this particular method of assembling and aligning the circuit carrier with the housing component. The method comprises the following steps: providing said circuit carrier, wherein on said circuit carrier there is arranged at least one electronic component, and providing said housing component having at least one first opening; aligning said circuit carrier in a way that said electronic component is aligned with respect to said first opening in the housing component, wherein the electronic component is directly used as a fiducial for its own position on the circuit carrier; fixing the circuit carrier at the housing component.

Abstract: A riveting apparatus for creating a plurality of rivet joints along the surface of a workpiece includes a tool device controllable by tool control data in order to create countersunk holes on the workpiece and to set countersunk rivets in the created countersunk holes. The riveting apparatus also includes a programmable control device to generate the tool control data for the tool device and an optical sensing device for optically sensing the workpiece surface and for supplying sensing data. The control device evaluates the sensing data in order to obtain geometric data that represent at least one geometric parameter of a countersunk hole that has already been created, and to correct as required the tool control data for a countersunk hole that is subsequently to be created based on the result of an evaluation of the obtained geometric data.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus includes a substrate; an optical component having a first surface on which light from the substrate is incident and a second surface from which the incident light goes out after the incident light is refracted; an adjustment unit that adjusts a position of the substrate and a position of the optical component by moving the substrate and the optical component relatively with the first surface of the optical component and the substrate being opposed to each other; an imaging unit that is arranged in an optical path of the light that goes out from the second surface; and a control unit that controls an amount by which the adjustment unit moves the substrate and the optical component relatively according to image data which is captured by the imaging unit, and that mounts the optical component on the substrate.

Abstract: A radiant sensor includes a modified, e.g. lobed, aperture for modifying the sensor response to heat sources with its field of view to achieve a mean radiant temperature measurement.

Abstract: A hand-held torque tool includes a hand tool chassis and a vision system. The hand tool chassis includes a motor configured to operate a work head and a camera located in a fixed position relative to the work head. The vision system includes a wireless controller which transmits images captured by the camera, a wireless display located remotely from the hand tool chassis that is configured to display images captured by the camera, and a mounting structure attached to the wireless display. The mounting structure is configured to be placed on or about a portion of a body of a user of the hand-held torque tool. Methods of tightening a fastener and installing automobile components within an automobile are also provided.

Abstract: A method of sequentially performing a plurality of jointing operations includes positioning an automated device to form a mechanical joint into a workpiece and forming a mechanical joint into the workpiece. Once the mechanical joint is formed, the workpiece is scanned to generate data indicating the surface geometry of the workpiece at a location including the mechanical joint. One or more geometric features of the surface geometry are identified, and if the identified geometric features are within respective predetermined specification thresholds, the automated device is repositioned to form a subsequent mechanical joint into the workpiece.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an optical transmission device, includes: arranging a plurality of optical waveguides including waveguide mirrors, a transmission-side optical module and a reception-side optical module on one side of a substrate; photographing, with a photographic device, at least one waveguide mirror, and the transmission-side optical module or the reception-side optical module corresponding to the waveguide mirror, from another side of the substrate via an opening formed in the substrate; detecting optical-axis centers of the transmission-side optical module or optical-axis centers of the reception-side optical module, and central positions of reflective surfaces of the waveguide mirrors corresponding to the detected optical-axis centers, from a result of the photographing; and aligning and fixing a position relationship between the optical waveguides and the transmission-side optical module or the reception-side optical module based on a result of the detecting.

Abstract: The fibre comprises a core (2) having an index N and diameter of 10 ?m or more, surrounded by a ring (4) having an index N+?n and thickness ?R, and cladding (6) surrounding the ring and comprising for example air gaps (8). According to the invention: ?n?10?3 and ?R=?/(?n)? [1] where: 5×10?4 ?m???5×10?2 ?m and 0.5???1.5. The numbers ? and ? are dependent on the wavelength ? of the light guided by the fibre, the number of missing gaps therein, the diameter d of the gaps, the spacing ? thereof and N. To design the fibre, ?, the number of missing gaps, d/?, the core doping content, ?0 and ?n are chosen; and ?R is determined using equation [1] so as to obtain a flattened fundamental mode.

Abstract: A handling apparatus having a belt conveyor (2) for conveying a work (10), a robot (4) for performing a predetermined operation for the work (10), a visual sensor (3) for photographing the work (10) being conveyed to produce work data indicating each work (10) in the photographed image, and a robot controller (5) for gathering the work data for each image thereby to produce a tracking data, and for storing the tracking data in a database, thereby to control the robot (4) with the database so that a predetermined operation is performed on the work (10) transferred to the position of the robot (4). The robot controller (5) performs a predetermined calculation on the work data read out from the database, detects the overlapped work data, and cancels the control of the actions of the robot (4) based on the overlapped work data. The robot controller (5) rearranges the sequences, in which the robot (4) performs the operation on each work (10).

Abstract: A spark plug is held by a work holder, and an illumination device is disposed between a rear end surface of a metal terminal of the spark plug and a lens of a CCD camera. The positional relationship among the rear end surface, the lens and a light source is determined such that regular reflected light resulting from regular reflection of irradiation light emitted from the light source and impinging on the rear end surface is not incident on the lens. In capturing an image of the rear end surface not only is the regular reflected light not incident on the lens, but also the incidence, on the lens of irregular reflected light resulting from irregularities on the rear end surface is reduced, whereby interference of reflected light with a captured image can be reduced.

Abstract: A fastener automation system for assembly of fasteners to a substrate, includes a projection system for projecting an image on a substrate of a predetermined location of a correct fastener to be installed in the substrate and data relating to the correct fastener and the substrate, and a computer operably associated with the projection system storing data regarding the correct fastener and the predetermined location on the substrate where the correct fastener is to be installed. An automated method of installing a fastener in a substrate at a predetermined location includes using a projector system to identify a predetermined location for installation of a correct fastener to the substrate, collecting data regarding the correct fastener installation at the predetermined location and storing the data in a computer, and installing the correct fastener in the substrate at the predetermined location based upon the data.

Abstract: A tire mounting apparatus is constructed from a first working mechanism and a second working mechanism that are separate from each other. The first working mechanism is provided with a tire holding device for holding a tire and with a temporary tightening device for temporarily tightening nuts onto hub bolts to which the tire is mounted. The second working mechanism is provided with a final tightening device means for finally tightening the temporarily tightened nuts. The final tightening device includes two nut runners and an interval adjuster for adjusting an interval between the two nut runners.

Abstract: A reflector support system is provided that includes a backing structure having a plurality of struts. The backing structure may have a plurality of hubs, each of the plurality of hubs may be configured to couple to two or more of the plurality of struts, each of the plurality of hubs may be configured to couple to another one of the plurality of hubs using one of the plurality of struts, each of the plurality of struts is configured to couple to at least two of the plurality of hubs. The backing structure may have a plurality of feet, each of the plurality of feet configured to couple to a corresponding one of the plurality of hubs, the plurality of feet are configured to couple to a reflector. In addition, a synthesis for mechanical adjustment of the reflector support system is provided.

Abstract: A system for mounting a scaffold on a balloon catheter includes two positioning and alignment stations, which are used to prepare a scaffold and catheter for crimping using the same crimping head. The system is configured for automated assembly of the scaffold and catheter prior to crimping and performing post-crimping inspection for the crimped scaffold and prior to placing a restraining sheath over the crimped scaffold.

Abstract: Monolithic metal bodies (e.g., hard aluminum alloys) comprising a continuous microcavity contained within the body are disclosed. The ratio of the cross-sectional area of the metal body to the cross-sectional area of the microcavity may be not greater than 10. The produced metal bodies may be used in structural applications (e.g., aerospace vehicles) to monitor or test the integrity of the metal body.

Abstract: An operation position locating system locates a position on a product where an operation is performed in a manufacturing process of the product including one or more operations to be performed. The system includes an operation completion coordinates detection unit and an operation position locating unit. The operation completion coordinates detection unit processes a plurality of images obtained by capturing from a plurality of viewpoints a range including an operation completion position where an operation is completed when the operation is completed, thereby detecting a set of operation completion coordinates representing the operation completion position.

Abstract: Methods and systems for determining information about an object are described. In one aspect, a method includes illuminating an object with a plurality of lines of light, the lines being spaced-apart along an axis, and acquiring a sequence of images of the lines of light while rotating the object about the axis. The method further includes, for each image, determining a location of an extremum for each of the lines of light. Furthermore, the method includes establishing a reference line based on the location of the extrema for a first plurality of the lines, calculating a deviation between the extrema of a second plurality of the lines and the reference line, and determining information about the shape of the object based on the calculated deviations.

Abstract: A method for machining a robot-guided component with a tool which is fastened in an articulated manner to a tool holder is disclosed. The method includes detecting a deflection of the tool with respect to the tool holder from a desired position and changing a pose of a robot that is guiding the robot-guided component on a basis of the detected deflection.

Abstract: A system and method include a shaker configured to separate solids from a drilling fluid, the shaker having a screen assembly, and an actuated arm operatively coupled to the shaker, the actuated arm configured to interact with the screen assembly of the shaker. The actuated arm is configured to interact with the screen assembly of the shaker, with the actuated arm configured to remove, to inspect, to clean, to repair, or to replace the screen assembly of the shaker.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus for coagulating and cutting tissue includes a handle assembly and a tool cartridge. The tool cartridge includes electrically conductive movable tools, such as jaws and a blade, for cutting tissue. The jaws and blade each are connected to a transmission to facilitate movement. Multiple sheaths are used to encompass and protect the transmissions. Slidable grips are disposed outside of the sheaths and operatively connected to the transmissions that are disposed within the sheaths. At least one lever is supported by the handle assembly and engagable with the grips to facilitate movement of the grips, and thus, the tools.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes systems and methods for enhancing the brightness characteristics of a three-dimensional (3-D) image viewing apparatus. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a 3-D image viewing apparatus may comprise a frame, a first lens disposed within the frame and a second lens disposed within the frame. The first lens may transmit light within a blue spectrum, a green spectrum, and a red spectrum at a first pre-determined intensity. The second lens may transmit light within an amber spectrum and an offset spectrum at a second pre-determined intensity. In certain embodiments, the offset spectrum may comprise a violet spectrum.

Abstract: A workpiece in a container is held by a robot based on a result of detection of shape information in the container by a shape sensor, a holding condition of the workpiece held by the robot is inspected by an inspection device, and the workpiece is transferred to a subsequent step by the robot when the inspection device has determined that the holding condition of the workpiece is acceptable. When the inspection device has determined that the holding condition of the workpiece is unacceptable, the held workpiece is placed on a temporary placement table, the shape of the workpiece is again detected by detecting the workpiece using the shape sensor, and the workpiece is held and transferred to the subsequent step by the robot based on a result of the detection.

Abstract: A method of assembling a nozzle/skimmer module includes coupling a nozzle assembly and skimmer cartridge assembly in a rigid tandem configuration to more accurately control the formation of the Gas Cluster Ion Beam (GCIB). The nozzle/skimmer module is pre-aligned before installation in a production GCIB processing system to more accurately position the GCIB.

Abstract: A laser alignment device for use with rigid tubing of varying diameters, such as electrical conduit or plumbing piping. An embodiment of the laser alignment device includes a slide mechanism with a number of measurement indicator markings on at least one face. The slide mechanism allows the laser position to be adjusted depending on the diameter of the tubing. The primary function of the alignment device is to produce a laser beam at or near the dead-center of the tubing as it is being installed. This allows the installer to quickly ensure that existing or new sections of tubing are installed correctly and in-line. A plurality of mirror attachments may be used to alter the direction of the laser beam for turns or bends in the run of the length of tubing.

Abstract: An electronic device includes an electronic circuit board containing a processing element and a vision sensor. A carrier frame is used to support the electronic circuit board. An optical element is positioned over the sensor and supported by the carrier frame. The electronic circuit board is bent to reduce the length, thickness and/or width of the electronic device, without increasing the others of the length, thickness and/or width of the electronic device.

Abstract: A WDM multiplexing/demultiplexing system includes a de-multiplexer configured to separate and guide light beams from an incident ray having a plurality of wavelengths to corresponding lenses on an optical device, a multiplexer configured to guide light beams from optical transmitters having various wavelengths through the corresponding lenses on the optical device and combine the light beams, a lens array including the corresponding lenses to receive and/or transmit the light beams from or to the de-multiplexer and multiplexer, and a light beam collimator configured to function with the multiplexer and de-multiplexer. The light beams received or transmitted by the light beam collimator and the light beams transmitted or received from or to the multiplexer and de-multiplexer are collinear. The light beam collimator and multiplexer/de-multiplexer can be easily positioned to predetermined or designed positions, thereby providing light beams output through the lenses in a plastic optical device.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a lens sheet including following steps is provided. A first structure is provided. The first structure includes a first transparent substrate and a first lens film attached to the first transparent substrate. A second structure is provided. The second structure includes a second transparent substrate and a second lens film. The second transparent substrate has a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The second lens film is attached to the first surface. The first lens film is attached to the second lens film. A third lens film is formed on the second surface of the second substrate after the first lens film is attached to the second lens film. Moreover, a lens sheet and a wafer level lens are also provided.

Abstract: A non-destructive method for determining an amount of temperature exposure to a Bismaleimide Resin (BMI) matrix substrate, the method includes determining component data of a Bismaleimide Resin (BMI) matrix component via fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy; correlating the component data to model data to determine a structural debit from temperature exposure; and bounding a structurally damaged area in response to the correlating.