Fiber optic/photon detector for brazing machine

Abstract

Abstract Apparatus for controlling the quality of a joint between electric motor armature wires and corresponding commutator bars is disclosed, including means for heating the armature wires and the commutator bars at the points where they are to be joined, means for bringing the armature wires and commutator bars into contact with the means for heating them, fiber optic means for determining the temperature at a point relative to said joint by collecting the radiant energy emitted from that point, means for converting the radiant energy into a usable electronic signal, and means for terminating the means for heating the armature wires and commutator bars in response to said electronic signal when the temperature at that joint reaches a predetermined temperature. In a preferred embodiment, the means for heating the armature wire and the commutator bar comprises a fusing electrode and a grounding electrode, and the apparatus also includes timing means for measuring the length of time that the armature wire and commutator bar are in contact with said means for heating the armature wire and commutator bar is actuated when that length of time reaches a predetermined length of time. Preferably, the means for converting the radiant energy collected by the fiber optic means into a usable electronic signal includes photon detection means. Furthermore, it is also preferred to employ a bifurcated fiber optic means, and a light source, so that a first branch of the bifurcated fiber optic means is used for determining the temperature at a point relative to the joint, and the second branch of the bifurcated fiber optic means is used in conjunction with the light source to illuminate the point relative to the joint in order to properly aim the fiber optic means.

Inventors

• 👤 Allan S. Warner

Bibliographic Details