Align Technology, Inc.

Corning Incorporated

Steven Shifman

James Clete Culp

Craig E Farren

Jeffrey C McCreary

Peter M Voit

James A Ariglio

Alan G Ryder

Vincent W Howell

Ted A Brownlee

In the processing of mass-produced items that include a three-dimensional code formed therein, a system is provided for automating certain post-manufacturing processing steps. The system includes a printing mechanism that applies ink to the three-dimensional code to form an optically-readable code; a code-reading mechanism that reads the optically readable code and transmits a signal indicative of the code to a database that may be employed for tracking the processed items; and a transport mechanism that moves the items from the printing mechanism to the code-reading mechanism. In one embodiment, the system also includes a liquid agent application mechanism that applies a liquid agent to the items after the optically-readable code is formed. The transport mechanism includes a plurality of pallets on which the items are placed for processing, and that is operable to move the pallets sequentially to the several processing mechanisms.

System for processing mass-fabricated items with three-dimensional codes

An inspection system is set forth for the inspection of surface and body defects within glass substrates. The glass is supported by an inclined air table during the inspection process to provide planar stability and minimize vibration. The sheet is indexed a given distance along an oblique axis parallel to the air table and stopped, wherein a scanning mechanism having portions on opposite sides of the air table moves transversely of the sheet in alignment with slots formed in the air table, and the process is repeated until the sheet is completely scanned.

Inspection system for sheet material

Growing community of inventors

San Ramon, CA, United States of America

Steven Shifman