US3843261A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Method and apparatus for analyzing the spatial relationship of members
Assignee: Sensor Adaptive Machines Inc
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Filing: 1973-02-02
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Granted: 1974-10-22
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Expires: 1993-02-02
Abstract
Abstract Methods and devices for producing a two-dimensional diffraction wave interference pattern corresponding to the value of one or more variables at different spatial positions, together with means by which the relative and absolute values of the variables at each position may be obtained. One embodiment involves analysis of the spatial relationship of a plurality of first points relative to a plurality of second points using a plurality of discrete diffraction wave interference patterns. In another embodiment, the thickness of a moving sheet is determined by forming a discrete interference pattern.
Inventors
- 👤 T Pryor
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 12:12
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01B; G01B11/00; G01B11/24; G01B11/245; G01B11/02; G01B11/022
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 26
Claim 1
Independent Claim
218 words
A method of analyzing the spatial separation relationship of a plurality of first points relative to a plurality of second points spaced therefrom, each of said second points being spaced from a corresponding one of said first points comprising: providing a plurality of first, discrete, diffraction wave producing means to establish said plurality of first points; providing at least one second diffraction wave producing means spaced from said plurality of first diffraction wave producing means to establish said plurality of second points spaced from said first points; directing electromagnetic radiation at the first and second diffraction wave producing means to form a plurality of discrete interference patterns each caused by the interaction of waves produced from one of said first diffraction wave producing means forming one of said first points and from said second diffraction wave producing means forming said second point spaced from said one first point, said second diffraction wave producing means comprising a single boundary or two or more single boundaries separated in a direction transverse to the direction of said electromagnetic radiation, each of said single boundaries being capable of producing a single diffraction wave upon incidence thereon of said electromagnetic radiation; and directing at least a portion of each of the plurality of discrete interference patterns formed to a central location for analysis.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
218 words
A method of analyzing the spatial separation relationship of a plurality of first points relative to a plurality of second points spaced therefrom, each of said second points being spaced from a corresponding one of said first points comprising: providing a plurality of first, discrete, diffraction wave producing means to establish said plurality of first points; providing at least one second diffraction wave producing means spaced from said plurality of first diffraction wave producing means to establish said plurality of second points spaced from said first points; directing electromagnetic radiation at the first and second diffraction wave producing means to form a plurality of discrete interference patterns each caused by the interaction of waves produced from one of said first diffraction wave producing means forming one of said first points and from said second diffraction wave producing means forming said second point spaced from said one first point, said second diffraction wave producing means comprising a single boundary or two or more single boundaries separated in a direction transverse to the direction of said electromagnetic radiation, each of said single boundaries being capable of producing a single diffraction wave upon incidence thereon of said electromagnetic radiation; and directing at least a portion of each of the plurality of discrete interference patterns formed to a central location for analysis.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein said plurality of first diffraction wave producing means comprises a plurality of members mounted in a common housing.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein the spatial relation of said second points relative to each other is known.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein said second diffraction wave producing means comprise a single member, said second points comprising portions of said single member.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method according to claim 4 wherein said second diffraction wave producing means comprises the surface of a sheet material.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
12 words
A method according to claim 5 wherein said sheet material is moving.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method accoRding to claim 5 wherein said surface is tangent to the direction of said electromagnetic radiation.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method according to claim 1 further including the step of comparing said discrete interference patterns with one another.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
47 words
A method according to claim 1 further including the step of comparing at least a portion of each of said discrete interference patterns with a reference position for said portion, said reference position corresponding to a known separation of said first and second diffraction wave producing means.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
34 words
A method according to claim 9 wherein said reference position comprises at least a portion of a reference interference pattern corresponding to a known separation of said first and second diffraction wave producing means.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
37 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein at least one of said first and second diffraction wave producing means is integral with a member subject to movement under the influence of a force applied to said member.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
36 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein at least one of said first and second diffraction wave producing means comprises at least two boundaries spaced in a direction transverse to the direction of said electromagnetic radiation.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method according to claim 12 wherein said first and second diffraction wave producing means each comprise a slit having two boundaries.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method according to claim 12 wherein said first and second diffraction wave producing means each comprise a diffraction grating.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
241 words
Apparatus for analyzing the spatial separation relationship of a plurality of first points relative to a plurality of second points spaced therefrom, each of said second points being spaced from a corresponding one of said first points comprising: a plurality of first, discrete, diffraction wave producing means for establishing said plurality of first points; at least one second diffraction wave producing means spaced from said plurality of first diffraction wave producing means for establishing said plurality of second points spaced from said first point; said second diffraction wave producing means each being independently positionable relative to a corresponding one of said first diffraction wave producing means; means for directing electromagnetic radiation at said first and second diffraction wave producing means for forming a plurality of discrete interference patterns each caused by the interaction of waves produced from one of said first diffraction wave producing means forming one of said first points and from said second diffraction wave producing means forming said second point spaced from said one first point, said second diffraction wave producing means comprising a single boundary or two or more single boundaries separated in a direction transverse to the direction of said electromagnetic radiation, each of said single boundaries being capable of producing a single diffraction wave upon incidence thereon of said electromagnetic radiation; and means for directing at least a portion of each of the plurality of discrete interference patterns formed to a central location for analysis.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
241 words
Apparatus for analyzing the spatial separation relationship of a plurality of first points relative to a plurality of second points spaced therefrom, each of said second points being spaced from a corresponding one of said first points comprising: a plurality of first, discrete, diffraction wave producing means for establishing said plurality of first points; at least one second diffraction wave producing means spaced from said plurality of first diffraction wave producing means for establishing said plurality of second points spaced from said first point; said second diffraction wave producing means each being independently positionable relative to a corresponding one of said first diffraction wave producing means; means for directing electromagnetic radiation at said first and second diffraction wave producing means for forming a plurality of discrete interference patterns each caused by the interaction of waves produced from one of said first diffraction wave producing means forming one of said first points and from said second diffraction wave producing means forming said second point spaced from said one first point, said second diffraction wave producing means comprising a single boundary or two or more single boundaries separated in a direction transverse to the direction of said electromagnetic radiation, each of said single boundaries being capable of producing a single diffraction wave upon incidence thereon of said electromagnetic radiation; and means for directing at least a portion of each of the plurality of discrete interference patterns formed to a central location for analysis.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
24 words
Apparatus according to claim 15 wherein said plurality of first diffraction wave producing means comprises a plurality of members mounted in a common housing.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
19 words
Apparatus according to claim 15 wherein the spatial relation of said second points relative to each other is known.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
25 words
Apparatus according to claim 15 wherein said second diffraction wave producing means comprises a single member, said second points comprising portions of said single member.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
19 words
Apparatus according to claim 17 wherein said second diffraction wave producing means comprises a surface of a sheet material.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
13 words
Apparatus according to claim 19 further including means for moving said sheet material.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
36 words
Apparatus according to claim 15 wherein at least one of said first and second diffraction wave producing means is integral with a member subject to movement under the influence of a force applied to saiD member.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
35 words
Apparatus according to claim 15 wherein at least one of said first and second diffraction wave producing means comprises at least two boundaries spaced in a direction transverse to the direction of said electromagnetic radiation.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
21 words
Apparatus according to claim 22 wherein said first and second diffraction wave producing means each comprise a slit having two boundaries.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
19 words
Apparatus according to claim 22 wherein said first and second diffraction wave producing means each comprise a diffraction grating.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-10-21 | 1978-04-22 | 1978-10-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-10-21 | 1982-04-22 | 1982-10-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-10-21 | 1986-04-22 | 1986-10-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |