US3765774A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Optical measuring apparatus
Assignee: Techmet Co
•
Filing: 1972-01-31
•
Granted: 1973-10-16
•
Expires: 1992-01-31
Abstract
Abstract A narrow laser beam is directed towards a mirror which is positioned at an angle of 45* relative to the path of the beam and which is rotated by a motor having an axis aligned with the beam to effect rotary planar scanning or sweeping of a lens constructed to convert the rotary scanning beam into a parallel scanning beam. An article to be measured is positioned in the path of the parallel scanning beam at generally the focal point of the lens, and the interruptions of the parallel scanning beam, as produced by the article, are sensed by a photodetector. The photodetector transmits corresponding pulses or signals through an amplifier to an edge decoder which receives a reset signal with each pass of the scanning beam. The edge decoder provides for selecting different combinations of signals received from the amplifier and controls the counting of constant pulses received by a counter from a high frequency generator or clock so that the counted pulses correspond to the dimension of the article at the plane of the parallel scanning beam. Preferably, the motor which rotates the scanning mirror is supplied with power from the clock through an adjustable frequency divider, and the amplified signals from the photodetector are compared with a reference level to provide an automatic gain control for the amplifier.
Inventors
- 👤 H Petrohilos
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 04:43
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01B; G01B11/00; G01B11/08; G01B11/10; G01B11/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 32
Claim 1
Independent Claim
146 words
An improved optical measuring apparatus Comprising a light source effective to produce a narrow light beam, a reflecting member positioned within the path of the light beam at an angle of 45* with respect to the path of the light beam, a motor connected to rotate the reflecting member at a constant rate on an axis aligned with the narrow light beam to scan the light beam within a plane, means for converting the rotary scanning light beam into a parallel scanning light beam, photodetector means for sensing the parallel scanning light beam and for producing electrical signals in response to interruptions of the light beam by an article positioned within the path of the parallel scanning light beam, and means controlled by signals produced by said photodetector means for producing an output signal corresponding to the time between predetermined signals produced by said photodetector means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
146 words
An improved optical measuring apparatus Comprising a light source effective to produce a narrow light beam, a reflecting member positioned within the path of the light beam at an angle of 45* with respect to the path of the light beam, a motor connected to rotate the reflecting member at a constant rate on an axis aligned with the narrow light beam to scan the light beam within a plane, means for converting the rotary scanning light beam into a parallel scanning light beam, photodetector means for sensing the parallel scanning light beam and for producing electrical signals in response to interruptions of the light beam by an article positioned within the path of the parallel scanning light beam, and means controlled by signals produced by said photodetector means for producing an output signal corresponding to the time between predetermined signals produced by said photodetector means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
180 words
Improved optical measuring apparatus comprising a light source effective to produce a narrow light beam, means for rotating the light beam about a predetermined axis to scan the light beam within a plane, including a rotary scanning member having a reflecting surface positioned within the path of the narrow light beam from said light source at an angle of 45*, and motor means connected to rotate said scanning member on an axis aligned with the narrow light beam from said light source, means for converting the rotary scanning light beam into a parallel scanning light beam, photodetector means for sensing the parallel scanning light beam and for producing electrical signals in response to interruptions of the light beam by an article positioned within the path of the parallel scanning light beam, pulse generator means for producing pulses at a constant frequency, counting means for counting the pulses, and means for controlling said counting means in response to the operation of said photodetector means to provide for counting of the pulses which occur between predetermined signals produced by the photodetector means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
180 words
Improved optical measuring apparatus comprising a light source effective to produce a narrow light beam, means for rotating the light beam about a predetermined axis to scan the light beam within a plane, including a rotary scanning member having a reflecting surface positioned within the path of the narrow light beam from said light source at an angle of 45*, and motor means connected to rotate said scanning member on an axis aligned with the narrow light beam from said light source, means for converting the rotary scanning light beam into a parallel scanning light beam, photodetector means for sensing the parallel scanning light beam and for producing electrical signals in response to interruptions of the light beam by an article positioned within the path of the parallel scanning light beam, pulse generator means for producing pulses at a constant frequency, counting means for counting the pulses, and means for controlling said counting means in response to the operation of said photodetector means to provide for counting of the pulses which occur between predetermined signals produced by the photodetector means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
42 words
An optical measuring apparatus as defined in claim 2 including frequency divider means for dividing the pulses from said pulse generator means to a predetermined frequency for operation of said motor, and conductor means connecting said frequency divider means to said motor.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
43 words
An optical measuring apparatus as defined in claim 3 wherein said frequency divider means is adjustable to provide for adjusting the ratio between the frequency of the pulses counted by the counting means and the rate of rotation of the rotating light beam.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
37 words
An optical measuring apparatus as defined in claim 2 including means for amplifying the signals produced by said photodetector means, and automatic gain control means for maintaining the amplified signals at a substantially constant level of amplitude.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
31 words
An optical measuring apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein said photodetector means is elongate and within the planar path of the parallel scanning light beam normal to the light beam.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
106 words
An optical measuring apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein said light source comprises an elongate laser, and including an elongate base housing enclosing said laser, a projector housing projecting upwardly from one end portion of said base housing and enclosing said means for rotating the light beam and said means for converting the rotary scanning light beam into a parallel scanning light beam, a light beam receptor housing projecting upwardly from the opposite end portion of said base housing and enclosing said photodetector means, and said projector housing and said receptor housing defining an article receiving zone therebetween for receiving the article to be measured.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
41 words
An optical measuring apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein said controlling means comprise a multiple mode decoder, and a digital display unit controlled by said counting means and calibrated to produce a visual readout corresponding to the dimension being measured.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
83 words
Optical measuring apparatus as defined in clAim 2, wherein the means for converting the rotary scanning light beam into a parallel scanning light beam includes a first lens, an article to be measured being positioned substantially at the focal point of the first lens, the apparatus also including a second lens for focusing the parallel scanning light beam on said photodetector means, said lens being spaced from said light beam converting means to define a zone for receiving the article to be measured.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
177 words
An improved optical measuring apparatus comprising a laser effective to produce a narrow light beam, a reflecting member positioned within the path of the light beam at an angle of 45* with respect to the path of the light beam, a motor connected to rotate the reflecting member at a constant rate on an axis aligned with the narrow light beam to scan the light beam within a plane, a lens positioned with its optical axis in the plane and effective to convert the rotary scanning light beam into a parallel scanning light beam, means for sensing the parallel scanning light beam and for producing electrical signals in response to interruptions of the light beam by an article positioned within the path of the parallel scanning light beam at generally the focal point of the lens, clock means for producing pulses at a constant frequency, means for counting the pulses, and means for controlling said counting means in response to the operation of said sensing means to provide for counting of the pulses between predetermined electrical signals.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
177 words
An improved optical measuring apparatus comprising a laser effective to produce a narrow light beam, a reflecting member positioned within the path of the light beam at an angle of 45* with respect to the path of the light beam, a motor connected to rotate the reflecting member at a constant rate on an axis aligned with the narrow light beam to scan the light beam within a plane, a lens positioned with its optical axis in the plane and effective to convert the rotary scanning light beam into a parallel scanning light beam, means for sensing the parallel scanning light beam and for producing electrical signals in response to interruptions of the light beam by an article positioned within the path of the parallel scanning light beam at generally the focal point of the lens, clock means for producing pulses at a constant frequency, means for counting the pulses, and means for controlling said counting means in response to the operation of said sensing means to provide for counting of the pulses between predetermined electrical signals.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
29 words
An optical measuring apparatus as defined in claim 10 including a flywheel connected to said reflecting member to effect rotation of said reflecting member at a precise constant speed.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
92 words
An optical measuring apparatus as defined in claim 10 wherein said sensing means is effective to sense a series of signals with each scan of the parallel scanning light beam corresponding to interruptions resulting from the configuration of the article being measured, a decoder for receiving the signals from said sensing means, and said decoder having switch means for changing the mode of decoding the signals for selectively controlling the signals transmitted to said counting means from said sensing means according to a particular dimension measurement desired of the article being measured.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
38 words
An optical measuring apparatus as defined in claim 10 including a frequency divider for dividing the signals from said clock means to the predetermined frequency of said motor, and conductor means connecting said frequency divider to said motor.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
208 words
An improved optical measuring apparatus comprising a laser effective to produce a narrow light beam, a first surface mirror positioned within the path of the light beam at an angle of 45* with respect thereto, a motor connected to rotate the first surface mirror at a constant rate on an axis aligned with the narrow light beam to scan the light beam within a plane, a lens positioned with its optical axis in the plane and effective to convert the rotary scanning light beam into a parallel scanning light beam, a photodetector for sensing the parallel scanning light beam and for producing electrical signals in response to interruptions of the light beam by an article positioned within the path of the parallel scanning light beam at generally the focal point of the lens, clock means for producing pulses at a constant frequency, means for counting the pulses, a multiple mode decoder connected to receive the signals from said photodetector and having means for selecting different decoding modes of the signals, and means for controlling said counting means in response to the operation of said decoder to provide for counting of the pulses which occur during a time period established by the signals corresponding to a selected decoding mode.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
208 words
An improved optical measuring apparatus comprising a laser effective to produce a narrow light beam, a first surface mirror positioned within the path of the light beam at an angle of 45* with respect thereto, a motor connected to rotate the first surface mirror at a constant rate on an axis aligned with the narrow light beam to scan the light beam within a plane, a lens positioned with its optical axis in the plane and effective to convert the rotary scanning light beam into a parallel scanning light beam, a photodetector for sensing the parallel scanning light beam and for producing electrical signals in response to interruptions of the light beam by an article positioned within the path of the parallel scanning light beam at generally the focal point of the lens, clock means for producing pulses at a constant frequency, means for counting the pulses, a multiple mode decoder connected to receive the signals from said photodetector and having means for selecting different decoding modes of the signals, and means for controlling said counting means in response to the operation of said decoder to provide for counting of the pulses which occur during a time period established by the signals corresponding to a selected decoding mode.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
191 words
An improved optical measuring apparatus comprising a light source effective to produce a narrow light beam, means for converting the narrow light beam into a parallel scanning light beaM, including a reflecting member positioned within the path of the light beam at an angle of 45* with respect to the path of the narrow light beam, motor means connected to rotate the reflecting member at a constant rate on an axis aligned with the narrow light beam from the light source, a photodetector for sensing the parallel scanning light beam and for producing electrical signals in response to interruptions of the light beam by an article positioned within the path of the parallel scanning light beam, clock means for producing pulses at a constant frequency, means for counting the pulses, a multiple mode decoder connected to receive the signals from said photodetector and having means for selecting different decoding modes of the signals, and means for controlling said counting means in response to the operation of said decoder to provide for counting of the pulses which occur during a time period established by the signals corresponding to a selected decoding mode.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
191 words
An improved optical measuring apparatus comprising a light source effective to produce a narrow light beam, means for converting the narrow light beam into a parallel scanning light beaM, including a reflecting member positioned within the path of the light beam at an angle of 45* with respect to the path of the narrow light beam, motor means connected to rotate the reflecting member at a constant rate on an axis aligned with the narrow light beam from the light source, a photodetector for sensing the parallel scanning light beam and for producing electrical signals in response to interruptions of the light beam by an article positioned within the path of the parallel scanning light beam, clock means for producing pulses at a constant frequency, means for counting the pulses, a multiple mode decoder connected to receive the signals from said photodetector and having means for selecting different decoding modes of the signals, and means for controlling said counting means in response to the operation of said decoder to provide for counting of the pulses which occur during a time period established by the signals corresponding to a selected decoding mode.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
248 words
Apparatus of the type which employs a moving beam of light for measuring a dimension of an object, comprising a light source which produces a narrow light beam, means for rotatively moving the light beam about a given axis and within a given plane, including a reflecting member positioned within the path of the light beam at an angle of 45* with respect to the path of the narrow light beam, motor means connected to rotate the reflecting member at a constant rate on an axis aligned with the narrow light beam from the light source, means for converting the movement of the light beam from rotative movement to parallel linear movement within the plane of an object for measuring a dimension thereof as the light beam scans the object at a given frequency, light sensing means for sensing light received from the light beam, the light sensing means producing electrical signals in response to changes in intensity of the light which reaches the light sensing means as the intensity of the light reaching the light sensing means changes in intensity as the light beam scans the object, pulse generator means for producing pulses of electrical energy at a given frequency, counting means for counting pulses of electrical energy, control means, means joining the control means to the light sensing means and to the counting means for control of the flow of pulses of electrical energy from the pulse generator means to the counting means for counting thereof.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
248 words
Apparatus of the type which employs a moving beam of light for measuring a dimension of an object, comprising a light source which produces a narrow light beam, means for rotatively moving the light beam about a given axis and within a given plane, including a reflecting member positioned within the path of the light beam at an angle of 45* with respect to the path of the narrow light beam, motor means connected to rotate the reflecting member at a constant rate on an axis aligned with the narrow light beam from the light source, means for converting the movement of the light beam from rotative movement to parallel linear movement within the plane of an object for measuring a dimension thereof as the light beam scans the object at a given frequency, light sensing means for sensing light received from the light beam, the light sensing means producing electrical signals in response to changes in intensity of the light which reaches the light sensing means as the intensity of the light reaching the light sensing means changes in intensity as the light beam scans the object, pulse generator means for producing pulses of electrical energy at a given frequency, counting means for counting pulses of electrical energy, control means, means joining the control means to the light sensing means and to the counting means for control of the flow of pulses of electrical energy from the pulse generator means to the counting means for counting thereof.
Claim 23
Independent Claim
146 words
A method of measuring a dimension of an article comprising the steps of producing a narrow light beam, positioning a reflecting member within the path of the narrow light beam at an angle of 45* with respect to the path of the narrow light beam, rotating the reflecting member at a constant rate on an axis aligned with the narrow light beam to provide a rotary scanning light beam to scan the narrow light beam within a plane, converting the rotary scanning light beam into a parallel scanning light beam, positioning the article within the path of the parallel scanning light beam, sensing the parallel scanning light beam and producing electrical signals in response to interruptions of the light beam by the article, producing pulses at a constant frequency, and counting the pulses occurring between predetermined electrical signals produced by the interruptions of the light beam.
Claim 24
Independent Claim
146 words
A method of measuring a dimension of an article comprising the steps of producing a narrow light beam, positioning a reflecting member within the path of the narrow light beam at an angle of 45* with respect to the path of the narrow light beam, rotating the reflecting member at a constant rate on an axis aligned with the narrow light beam to provide a rotary scanning light beam to scan the narrow light beam within a plane, converting the rotary scanning light beam into a parallel scanning light beam, positioning the article within the path of the parallel scanning light beam, sensing the parallel scanning light beam and producing electrical signals in response to interruptions of the light beam by the article, producing pulses at a constant frequency, and counting the pulses occurring between predetermined electrical signals produced by the interruptions of the light beam.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
40 words
A method as defined in claim 17 including the step of dividing the constant frequency pulses to produce pulses at a substantially lower frequency, and wherein the reflecting member is rotated by a motor operated by the lower frequency pulses.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
38 words
A method as defined in claim 17 including the step of amplifying the electrical signals produced by the interruptions of the light beam, and controlling the amplification of the signals in reference to a constant level voltage source.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
221 words
Improved optical measuring apparatus comprising a light source effective to produce a narrow light beam, a reflecting member positioned within the path of the liGht beam at an angle of 45* with respect to the path of the light beam, a motor connected to rotate the reflecting member on an axis aligned with the narrow light beam to scan the light beam within a plane so that the light beam always engages the same point on the reflecting member, means for converting the rotary scanning light beam into a parallel scanning light beam, including a scanning lens having a predetermined focal point, photodetector means for sensing the parallel scanning light beam and for producing electrical signals in response to interruptions of the light beam by an article positioned within the path of the parallel scanning light beam, said photodetector means being spaced from said lens by a distance greater than the position of said focal point, means for locating the article to be measured at substantially the focal point of said lens, pulse generator means for producing pulses at a constant frequency, counting means for counting the pulses, and means for controlling said counting means in response to the operation of said photodetector means to provide for counting of the pulses which occur between predetermined signals produced by the photodetector means.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
221 words
Improved optical measuring apparatus comprising a light source effective to produce a narrow light beam, a reflecting member positioned within the path of the liGht beam at an angle of 45* with respect to the path of the light beam, a motor connected to rotate the reflecting member on an axis aligned with the narrow light beam to scan the light beam within a plane so that the light beam always engages the same point on the reflecting member, means for converting the rotary scanning light beam into a parallel scanning light beam, including a scanning lens having a predetermined focal point, photodetector means for sensing the parallel scanning light beam and for producing electrical signals in response to interruptions of the light beam by an article positioned within the path of the parallel scanning light beam, said photodetector means being spaced from said lens by a distance greater than the position of said focal point, means for locating the article to be measured at substantially the focal point of said lens, pulse generator means for producing pulses at a constant frequency, counting means for counting the pulses, and means for controlling said counting means in response to the operation of said photodetector means to provide for counting of the pulses which occur between predetermined signals produced by the photodetector means.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
211 words
Improved optical measuring apparatus comprising a light source effective to produce a narrow light beam, means for rotating the light beam about a predetermined axis to scan the light beam within a plane, means for converting the rotary scanning light beam into a parallel scanning light beam, photodetector means for sensing the parallel scanning light beam and for producing electrical signals in response to interruptions of the light beam by an article positioned within the path of the parallel scanning light beam, said photodetector means being effective to sense a series of signals with each scan of the parallel scanning light beam corresponding to interruptions produced by the configuration of the article being measured, a decoder for receiving the signals from said photodetector means, said decoder having means for changing the mode of decoding the signals for selectively controlling the signals transmitted to said counting means from said photodetector means according to a particular dimension measurement desired regarding the article being measured, pulse generator means for producing pulses at a constant frequency, counting means for counting the pulses, and means for controlling said counting means in response to the operation of said photodetector means to provide for counting of the pulses which occur between predetermined signals produced by the photodetector means.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
211 words
Improved optical measuring apparatus comprising a light source effective to produce a narrow light beam, means for rotating the light beam about a predetermined axis to scan the light beam within a plane, means for converting the rotary scanning light beam into a parallel scanning light beam, photodetector means for sensing the parallel scanning light beam and for producing electrical signals in response to interruptions of the light beam by an article positioned within the path of the parallel scanning light beam, said photodetector means being effective to sense a series of signals with each scan of the parallel scanning light beam corresponding to interruptions produced by the configuration of the article being measured, a decoder for receiving the signals from said photodetector means, said decoder having means for changing the mode of decoding the signals for selectively controlling the signals transmitted to said counting means from said photodetector means according to a particular dimension measurement desired regarding the article being measured, pulse generator means for producing pulses at a constant frequency, counting means for counting the pulses, and means for controlling said counting means in response to the operation of said photodetector means to provide for counting of the pulses which occur between predetermined signals produced by the photodetector means.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
228 words
Optical measuring apparatus comprising a light source effective to produce a narrow light beam, a reflecting member positioned within the path of the narrow light beam at an angle of 45* with respect to the path of the light beam, means for rotating the reflecting member on an axis aligned with the narrow light beam so that the light beam always engages the same point on the reflecting member to scan the light beam within a plane, a scanning lens having a predetermined focal point, the scanning lens being positioned with respect to the reflecting member so that the point on the reflecting surface which is engaged by the light beam is at the focal point of the scanning lens, so that the light beam after passing through the scanning lens is a parallel scanning light beam, photodetector means for sensing the parallel scanning light beam and for producing electrical signals in response to interruptions of the light beam by an article positioned between the scanning lens and the photodetector means within the path of the parallel scanning light beam, pulse generator means for producing pulses at a constant frequency, counting means for counting the pulses, and means controlling said counting means in response to the operation of said photodetector means to provide for counting of the pulses which occur between predetermined signals produced by the photodetector means.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
228 words
Optical measuring apparatus comprising a light source effective to produce a narrow light beam, a reflecting member positioned within the path of the narrow light beam at an angle of 45* with respect to the path of the light beam, means for rotating the reflecting member on an axis aligned with the narrow light beam so that the light beam always engages the same point on the reflecting member to scan the light beam within a plane, a scanning lens having a predetermined focal point, the scanning lens being positioned with respect to the reflecting member so that the point on the reflecting surface which is engaged by the light beam is at the focal point of the scanning lens, so that the light beam after passing through the scanning lens is a parallel scanning light beam, photodetector means for sensing the parallel scanning light beam and for producing electrical signals in response to interruptions of the light beam by an article positioned between the scanning lens and the photodetector means within the path of the parallel scanning light beam, pulse generator means for producing pulses at a constant frequency, counting means for counting the pulses, and means controlling said counting means in response to the operation of said photodetector means to provide for counting of the pulses which occur between predetermined signals produced by the photodetector means.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-10-15 | 1977-04-16 | 1977-10-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-10-15 | 1981-04-16 | 1981-10-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-10-15 | 1985-04-16 | 1985-10-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |