US4009965A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Method and apparatus for determining object dimension and other characteristics using diffraction waves
Assignee: Sensor Adaptive Machines Inc
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Filing: 1974-09-13
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Granted: 1977-03-01
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Expires: 1994-09-13
Abstract
Abstract The disclosed invention relates to methods and apparatus for obtaining the dimension, position or angle of an object using a point on the object boundary surface to create a diffraction wave when illuminated by a laser beam or other source of electro-magnetic radiation. This diffraction wave is then analyzed to obtain information as to the position of the object point tangent to the laser beam or the angular orientation of the object boundary at said object point.
Inventors
- 👤 Timothy Reed Pryor
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 19:40
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01B; G01B11/00; G01B11/24; G01B11/2433; G01B11/02; G01B11/06; G01B11/0616; G01B11/0675
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 23
Claim 1
Independent Claim
95 words
A method of determining at least one of the average dimensions of elements within an array of like elements, said method comprising the steps of: illuminating the boundaries of said elements with electromagnetic radiation to produce diffraction waves, converging, via a lens or lens system, the waves diffracted from said elements to form an interference pattern in a first plane containing the focal point of said lens or lens system, and analyzing the diffraction pattern formed in a second plane, spaced from said first plane, to determine at least one of the average dimensions of
Claim 2
Independent Claim
95 words
A method of determining at least one of the average dimensions of elements within an array of like elements, said method comprising the steps of: illuminating the boundaries of said elements with electromagnetic radiation to produce diffraction waves, converging, via a lens or lens system, the waves diffracted from said elements to form an interference pattern in a first plane containing the focal point of said lens or lens system, and analyzing the diffraction pattern formed in a second plane, spaced from said first plane, to determine at least one of the average dimensions of
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
11 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein said elements comprise apertures.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
11 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein said elements comprise areas
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
11 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein said array is substantially
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
12 words
A method according to claim 4 wherein said elements are contained within
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein the analysis step includes the step of scanning said diffraction pattern to obtain the separation between
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
13 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein the dimension of each of said
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
10 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein said electromagnetic radiation
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
88 words
Apparatus for determining at least one of the average dimensions of elements within an array of like elements, said apparatus consisting of: an electromagnetic radiation source for illuminating the boundaries of said elements to produce diffraction waves; lens means for converging the waves diffracted from said elements to form an interference pattern in a first plane containing the focal point of said lens means; means for analyzing the diffraction pattern formed in a second plane, spaced from said focal plane, to determine at least one of the average
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
88 words
Apparatus for determining at least one of the average dimensions of elements within an array of like elements, said apparatus consisting of: an electromagnetic radiation source for illuminating the boundaries of said elements to produce diffraction waves; lens means for converging the waves diffracted from said elements to form an interference pattern in a first plane containing the focal point of said lens means; means for analyzing the diffraction pattern formed in a second plane, spaced from said focal plane, to determine at least one of the average
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
11 words
A method according to claim 9 wherein said elements comprise apertures.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
11 words
A method according to claim 9 wherein said elements comprise areas
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
10 words
Apparatus according to claim 9 wherein said elements are contained
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
10 words
Apparatus according to claim 9 wherein said analysis means includes
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
10 words
Apparatus according to claim 13 wherein said scanning means comprises
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
21 words
Apparatus according to claim 13 wherein said scanning means comprises a rotatable optical element used in conjunction with at least one
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
22 words
Apparatus according to claim 13 wherein said scanning means comprises one or more photo-detectors and means for moving said detectors to various
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
9 words
Apparatus according to claim 9 wherein said electromagnetic radiation
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
20 words
Apparatus according to claim 9 wherein said analysis means includes means for analyzing said diffraction pattern in two orthogonal directions.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
21 words
Apparatus according to claim 9 wherein said analysis means includes diffuser means for diffusing at least a portion of said diffraction
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
21 words
Apparatus according to claim 9 wherein said analysis means includes means for determining the position of a particular fringe of said
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
27 words
Apparatus according to claim 9 wherein said analysis means includes spatial filter means for comparing at least a portion of said diffraction pattern to a prerecorded pattern.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3783296A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1980-02-29 | 1980-08-30 | 1981-03-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-02-29 | 1984-08-30 | 1985-03-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-02-29 | 1988-08-30 | 1989-03-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |