US3986774A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Gauging surfaces by remotely tracking multiple images
Assignee: RTX Corp
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Filing: 1975-05-08
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Granted: 1976-10-19
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Expires: 1995-05-08
Abstract
Abstract A system for measuring the surface contour of an object by tracking the image of a spot of radiation focused on the surface is disclosed. The radiation spot is imaged on a plurality of suitable detectors which are remote to the surface and connected electrically in parallel. Continuous data on the contour of the surface is provided even though irregularities on the surface interfere with the scattered radiation propagating along the line of sight to one of the detectors. This highly accurate system is servocontrolled and can be automated for recording, storing or displaying data.
Inventors
- 👤 Orvey P. Lowrey, Jr.
- 👤 Frederick P. Molden
- 👤 James P. Waters
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 04:42
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01B; G01B11/00; G01B11/24
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
175 words
A gauging system for determining the contour of the surface of an object comprising: means for providing source radiation along an incident axis to the surface of the object; means for forming to a first imaged spot the source radiation which is scattered by the surface along a first detection axis; detection means responsive to the scattered radiation for determining the position of the first imaged spot with respect to the first detection axis; means for forming to a second imaged spot the source radiation which is scattered by the surface along a second detection axis; detection means responsive to the scattered radiation for determining the position of the second imaged spot with respect to the second detection axis; means for moving the detection means and source radiation with respect to the object to cause the first and second imaged spots to return to their respective detection axes; means for moving the object with respect to the incident axis; and means for measuring the linear movement of the detection means with respect to the object.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
175 words
A gauging system for determining the contour of the surface of an object comprising: means for providing source radiation along an incident axis to the surface of the object; means for forming to a first imaged spot the source radiation which is scattered by the surface along a first detection axis; detection means responsive to the scattered radiation for determining the position of the first imaged spot with respect to the first detection axis; means for forming to a second imaged spot the source radiation which is scattered by the surface along a second detection axis; detection means responsive to the scattered radiation for determining the position of the second imaged spot with respect to the second detection axis; means for moving the detection means and source radiation with respect to the object to cause the first and second imaged spots to return to their respective detection axes; means for moving the object with respect to the incident axis; and means for measuring the linear movement of the detection means with respect to the object.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
The invention according to claim 1 including means for concentrating the source radiation to a spot on the surface.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
The invention according to claim 1 including means for correlating the linear movement measurements to precise locations on the surface of the object.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
The invention according to claim 3 including means for converting each linear movement measurements to a corresponding change in contour of the surface.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
The invention according to claim 4 including means for comparing the change in contour of the surface with a reference contour.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
30 words
The invention according to claim 5 wherein the detection means for determining the position of the first and second imaged spots provide output signals which are connected in electrical parallel.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
35 words
The invention according to claim 6 wherein the means for forming the second imaged spot has a focal length which is greater than the focal length of the means for forming the first imaged spot.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
29 words
The invention according to claim 6 wherein the angle between the second detection and the incident axes is less than the angle between the first detection and incident axes.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
21 words
The invention according to claim 6 wherein the first and the second detection axes are positioned symmetrically about the incident axis.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
29 words
The invention according to claim 9 wherein the included angle formed at the point of intersection by a detection axis and the incident axis is less than eighty degrees.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
14 words
The invention according to claim 10 wherein the source radiation is a visible wavelength.
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) | 1979-10-19 | 1980-04-19 | 1980-10-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-10-19 | 1984-04-19 | 1984-10-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-10-19 | 1988-04-19 | 1988-10-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |