Abstract:
This application discloses systems for use in the accurate positioning of robot arms and and similar automation. It is adjunct or alternative to present methods utilizing digital coordinates transmitted from encoders based in the joints of the manipulator arms to provide control signals for motor actuators positioning said arms.
Abstract:
This invention relates to the electro-optically based sensor units of use in measuring the "fit up" of panels as on car bodies, aircraft, etc. The disclosed invention is capable of measuring both the gap between the adjacent panels and their relative positions to obtain the width of the gap, the location of the edges of the panels can be estimated by fitting curves to the measured data, or "flushness", in the direction out of plane. Embodiments include a hand-held portable unit capable of being used on finished assemblies such as car bodies, and aircraft sections, as well as on "ring" gages in which a single test panel is checked relative to a reference frame or "ring".
Abstract:
This invention relates to new and useful electro-optical methods and apparatus using photodetector arrays for measurement of parts and other objects in industrial environments. Several particularly useful optical embodiments are illustrated together with desirable electronic circuitry for improving the accuracy of practical systems of this type.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for inspecting workpieces for rapid and accurate determination of dimensions and the like. The equipment is electro-optical in nature and there is no contact between the inspecting elements and the workpiece under inspection. An electro-optical sensor is utilized which includes a light source for illuminating at least one edge of a workpiece, a lens for forming an image of the illuminated edge, and an array of photosensitive elements, such as photodiodes, capable of producing an electrical signal in response to light incident thereon. The light, including the edge image, is impinged upon the array and the electrical signals produced correspond to the portion of the edge, its shape, etc. The signals can be rapidly analyzed to provide a determination of a dimension such as length, squareness, curvature, and the like.
Abstract:
Optical compensation systems are provided which compensate for deflections of the articulated sensor arm of a robotic inspection apparatus such as are produced under load. A light source located at the distal end of the arm produces a light zone, such as a "spot", which is coupled through the pivot joints to an electro-optical detector array or other light position sensor. Coupling through the joints is provided by fiber optic bundles which extend through the joints and whose ends are supported centrally within the arm sections to respectively pick up and transmit the detected "spot". The positional information from the detector is used to upgrade the positional data provided by optical encoders located at the joints.
Abstract:
Method and apparatus for measuring cylinder head combustion chambers and provide inputs to machines which can perform operations to assure that all combustion chambers are at a correct volume. Also disclosed are means for matching volumes of engine assemblies as well as precise machining of gears, turbine blades and other parts. Measurements are ideally made via electro-optical sensors, particularly triangulating types.
Abstract:
A method of determining physical characteristics of a surface. Light or other electromagnetic radiation is directed onto a first portion of a surface and the reflected radiation is received such as by a photodiode. The radiation is also directed onto at least two further portions of the surface and located on either side of and proximate to the first portion. The radiation reflected by the further portions is also received. The radiation reflected from the first portion is compared with the radiation reflected from the two further portions. The radiation and comparison steps are repeated and the comparisons are used to determine a physical characteristic of the surface, such as the presence of one or more flaws. In another embodiment, light or other electromagnetic radiation is used to determine object dimension, such as bore dimension.
Abstract:
This invention relates to improvements in foundry procedures, particularly in-process and post process inspection with electro-optical sensor units. Principally addressed are: inspection of molds and cores to assure correctness and control procedures to abort pouring if the molds are not correct, inspection of cores on the core line, inspection of patterns for sticking sand, inspection of finished castings for extraneous material in passages, excessive or inadequate stock, correct locator relationships, etc., and control of robotic flash grinders.Both fixed and programmably moveable sensors are shown in the context of these embodiments.
Abstract:
Apparatus and method for determining dimensions of an object. In one embodiment, apparatus comprises a support structure, means for positioning an object, at least one gage member having a contact portion for contacting a surface of a positioned object and an edge movable with said contact portion. The gage member is positioned in a contact position in which it is in contact, or nearly in contact, with a position object. The position of the edge is proportional to a dimension of the object between the contacted surface and a reference point of the object. The reference point may be within the object, such as an axis of rotation, or on a surface of the object. A light source is provided to direct light onto the edge and a lens is used to focus the image of the edge on a light detector comprising a plurality of light sensitive elements capable of producing an output signal in response to incident light. Means are provided to analyze the output signals to determine the dimension of the object between the contacted surface and the reference point.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for optically determining the dimension of part surfaces. Particular embodiments describe optical triangulation based coordinate measurement machines capable of accurate measurement of complex surfaces, such as gear teeth and turbine blades. Other embodiments provide highly useful sensors for robot guidance and related purposes. Up to 5 axis sensing capability is provided on surfaces of widely varying form.