US3680966A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus and method for shell inspection
Assignee: Iris Corp
•
Filing: 1971-03-12
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Granted: 1972-08-01
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Expires: 1991-03-12
Abstract
Abstract Optoelectronic apparatus for inspecting the size of apertures in a shell casing includes a light source probe, having an output light diffusing element with a masked central area, for presenting a torroidal zone of constant light intensity about an aperture under test. A light receiving probe couples incident light passing through the aperture to a light detector. The electrical output of the light detector, providing a measure of aperture area, is then tested against upper and lower bounds to characterize the aperture as being of a proper or improper size. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the output of the light detector is normalized to obviate the effects of light intensity variations at the source probe.
Inventors
- 👤 Henry Robert Cofek
- 👤 Frederick Thomas Farrace
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 16:41
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01B; G01B11/00; G01B11/28; G01B11/285; G01B11/08; G01B11/12; G01N; G01N21/00; G01N21/84; G01N21/88; G01N21/95; G01N21/954; G01N21/956; G01N21/95692
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
154 words
In combination in apparatus for inspecting the area of an aperture included in a shell casing, a lower source probe for supplying an area of uniform light intensity directed toward one side of the aperture in the shell casing, said area having an unilluminated portion disposed therein, said lower source probe including light diffusing means and means for masking a portion of the surface of said light diffusing means for forming said unilluminated portion, a light source for supplying light to said diffusing means, a light receiving probe for positioning on the other side of the shell casing aperture from the lower source probe, an aperture in said light receiving probe for receiving light generated by said source probe and passing through the aperture, and a measuring light detector optionally coupled to said light receiving probe for producing an output signal proportional to the light intensity passing through the aperture in the shell casing.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
154 words
In combination in apparatus for inspecting the area of an aperture included in a shell casing, a lower source probe for supplying an area of uniform light intensity directed toward one side of the aperture in the shell casing, said area having an unilluminated portion disposed therein, said lower source probe including light diffusing means and means for masking a portion of the surface of said light diffusing means for forming said unilluminated portion, a light source for supplying light to said diffusing means, a light receiving probe for positioning on the other side of the shell casing aperture from the lower source probe, an aperture in said light receiving probe for receiving light generated by said source probe and passing through the aperture, and a measuring light detector optionally coupled to said light receiving probe for producing an output signal proportional to the light intensity passing through the aperture in the shell casing.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
40 words
A combination as in claim 1 further comprising means for comparing the output signal of said light detector with upper and lower bounds therefor, and means for producing an output signal dependent upon output signals generated by said comparator means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
51 words
A combination as in claim 2 further comprising additional light detector means for providing an output signal dependent upon the light intensity output of said light source, and means for normalizing the output of said measuring light detector with respect to variations in the output of said additional light detector means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
51 words
A combination as in claim 1 further comprising additional light detector means for producing an output signal dependent upon the light intensity output of said light source, and means for normalizing the output of said measuring light detector with respect to variations in the output of said additional light detector means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
A combination as in claim 1 further comprising means for mounting and translating said light receiving and source probes.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
A combination as in claim 1 further comprising lens means and reflector means disposed intermediate said light source and said light diffusing means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
30 words
A combination as in claim 6 further comprising additional reflector means positioned in said light receiving probe intermediate said aperture in said light receiving probe and said measuring light detector.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
15 words
A combination as in claim 3, wherein said means for normalizing comprises analog divider means.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-08-01 | 1976-01-31 | 1976-08-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-08-01 | 1980-01-31 | 1980-08-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-08-01 | 1984-01-31 | 1984-08-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |