Apparatus for rapidly verifying tolerances of precision components

An automated system for inspection of precision components, comprising:

• a pneumatic sorting matrix for transporting and positioning small component parts for inspection, pneumatic sorting matrix further comprising,
• a base having a surface defined by a plurality of raised rows and at least one recessed row between said raised rows, and at least two parallel grooves traversing each of said raised rows and partially defining a first pneumatic part pathway and a second pneumatic part pathway,
• a first slide inlay slidably mounted in said at least one recessed row, said first slide inlay being defined by a parallel groove traversing said first slide inlay and fully defining said first pneumatic part pathway when said first slide inlay is in a first position, and fully defining said second pneumatic part pathway when said first slide inlay is in a second position, and
• at least one inspection station positioned along said first component part pathway for maintaining said part stationery for inspection;
• a first air supply in communication with said first pneumatic part pathway for blowing a component part therealong;
• a second air supply in communication with said second pneumatic part pathway for blowing a component part therealong;
• a first pneumatic actuator for selectively shifting said slide inlay between said first and second positions to shuttle a component part between said first and second pneumatic part pathways;
• a programmable logic controller in communication with said pneumatic actuator and said first and second air supplies for controlling traverse of said blown component part down said first pneumatic part pathway, said second pneumatic part pathway, or a combination of said first and second pneumatic part pathways.

A method for inspecting component parts using a pneumatic sorting matrix comprising a base having a plurality of pneumatic slides mounted therein, and a plurality of pneumatic channels defined through said base and slides for carrying said component parts, comprising the steps of:

• pneumatically blowing a component part along a first pneumatic channel into a first inspection station;
• inspecting said component part;
• shifting one of said plurality of pneumatic slides to displace said component part to a second pneumatic channel;
• and
• pneumatically blowing said component into said second pneumatic channel.

A method for selectively transporting individual component parts to a plurality of inspection stations using a pneumatic sorting matrix comprising a base having a plurality of raised rows defining at least one recessed row between said raised rows, and a plurality of parallel channels traversing each of said raised rows, a slide inlay movably mounted in said at least one recessed row, and an actuator for controlled shifting of said slide inlay, comprising the steps of:

• blowing a component part pneumatically into a first channel in one raised row;
• controlling said actuator to shift said slide inlay to a first position;
• blowing said component part pneumatically into said slide inlay while in said first position;
• controlling said actuator to shift said slide inlay to a second position;
• blowing said component part pneumatically into a second offset channel in another raised row while said slide inlay is in said second position.