Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
149 words
In optical measuring apparatus for measuring an object of the type having a light source to produce a collimated substantially round light beam of small diameter, means for rotating the light beam about a predetermined axis to scan the light beam, means for converting the rotating scanning light beam into a parallel scanning light beam, and photodetector means for sensing the parallel scanning light beam, the improvement for providing average contour sensing in an environment in which irregular surfaces are present on the object measured comprising a cylindrical lens positioned between the light source and the means for rotating the light beam, the light beam passing through the cylindrical lens, changing the shape of the light beam from a substantially round light beam into a light beam having an elongate shape, the light beam having a major dimension normal to the direction of scan movement of the light beam.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
149 words
In optical measuring apparatus for measuring an object of the type having a light source to produce a collimated substantially round light beam of small diameter, means for rotating the light beam about a predetermined axis to scan the light beam, means for converting the rotating scanning light beam into a parallel scanning light beam, and photodetector means for sensing the parallel scanning light beam, the improvement for providing average contour sensing in an environment in which irregular surfaces are present on the object measured comprising a cylindrical lens positioned between the light source and the means for rotating the light beam, the light beam passing through the cylindrical lens, changing the shape of the light beam from a substantially round light beam into a light beam having an elongate shape, the light beam having a major dimension normal to the direction of scan movement of the light beam.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 1 in which the cylindrical lens is a positive cylindrical lens.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
143 words
In optical measuring apparatus for measuring an object of the type having a light source to produce a small collimated substantially round light beam, means for rotating the light beam about a predetermined axis to scan the light beam, means for converting the rotating scanning light beam into a parallel scanning light beam, the improvement for providing average contour sensing in an environment in which irregular surfaces are present on the object measured comprising optical means positioned between the light source and the means for rotating the light beam, the light beam passing through the optical means, the optical means changing the small collimated substantially round light beam into a light beam which is elongate and which has a major dimension and a minor dimension, said means scanning the light beam in a direction normal to the major dimension of the light beam.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
143 words
In optical measuring apparatus for measuring an object of the type having a light source to produce a small collimated substantially round light beam, means for rotating the light beam about a predetermined axis to scan the light beam, means for converting the rotating scanning light beam into a parallel scanning light beam, the improvement for providing average contour sensing in an environment in which irregular surfaces are present on the object measured comprising optical means positioned between the light source and the means for rotating the light beam, the light beam passing through the optical means, the optical means changing the small collimated substantially round light beam into a light beam which is elongate and which has a major dimension and a minor dimension, said means scanning the light beam in a direction normal to the major dimension of the light beam.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus of claim 3 in which the optical means is a cylindrical lens and has a focal point at the axis of rotation of the means for rotating the light beam.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
112 words
In optical measuring apparatus for measuring an object of the type having a light source to produce a small collimated substantially round light beam, and means for rotating the light beam about a predetermined axis to scan the light beam, the improvement for providing average contour sensing in an environment in which irregular surfaces are present on the object measured comprising lens means within the path of the light beam, the lens means elongating the shape of the light beam as the light beam travels therethrough, and means for converting the rotating scanning light beam into a parallel scanning light beam having a major dimension normal to the direction of scan movement.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
112 words
In optical measuring apparatus for measuring an object of the type having a light source to produce a small collimated substantially round light beam, and means for rotating the light beam about a predetermined axis to scan the light beam, the improvement for providing average contour sensing in an environment in which irregular surfaces are present on the object measured comprising lens means within the path of the light beam, the lens means elongating the shape of the light beam as the light beam travels therethrough, and means for converting the rotating scanning light beam into a parallel scanning light beam having a major dimension normal to the direction of scan movement.