Patent US3729598A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
Patent US4555727A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4555727A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Optical scanning apparatus
Assignee: Optrotech Ltd
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Filing: 1983-09-14
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Granted: 1985-11-26
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Expires: 2003-09-14
Abstract
Abstract Scanning apparatus comprising a base, a light source mounted on the base, a camera mounted on the base and arranged to observe a workpiece surface to be scanned and an optical waveguide arranged in light receiving relationship with the light source for directing light to the workpiece surface, the optical waveguide being operative to provide uniform, homogeneous diffuse illumination of the workpiece surface, thereby to prevent definition of shadows thereon.
Inventors
- 👤 Emmanuel B. Nun
- 👤 Rafi Izhar
- 👤 Avner Karpol
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 19:04
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04N; H04N7/00; H04N7/18
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
111 words
Scanning apparatus, comprising: a base; a light source mounted on said base; a camera mounted on the base and arranged to observe a workpiece surface to be scanned; and an optical waveguide arranged in light receiving relationship with said light source for directing light from a light output surface thereof to said workpiece surface, said optical waveguide being operative to provide uniform, homogeneous, diffuse illumination of the workpiece surface, thereby to prevent definition of shadows thereon, said optical waveguide comprising a slab of optically transmissive material formed with a ground surface at the light output surface thereof for diffusing the light output therefrom, said ground surface being disposed adjacent the workpiece.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
111 words
Scanning apparatus, comprising: a base; a light source mounted on said base; a camera mounted on the base and arranged to observe a workpiece surface to be scanned; and an optical waveguide arranged in light receiving relationship with said light source for directing light from a light output surface thereof to said workpiece surface, said optical waveguide being operative to provide uniform, homogeneous, diffuse illumination of the workpiece surface, thereby to prevent definition of shadows thereon, said optical waveguide comprising a slab of optically transmissive material formed with a ground surface at the light output surface thereof for diffusing the light output therefrom, said ground surface being disposed adjacent the workpiece.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
Scanning apparatus according to claim 1 and also comprising means for providing relative movement between said camera and said workpiece surface along at least one axis.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
46 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 and also comprising selectable wavelength optical shielding means associated with said light source for permitting radiation therethrough of radiation in the non-visible spectra for cooling of the light source and for reflecting radiation in the visible spectrum onto the optical waveguide.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
28 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 and also comprising filter means interposed between said light source and said optical waveguide, for removing infra-red radiation outside of the visible spectrum.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
45 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 and wherein said optical waveguide is configured and disposed relative to the workpiece so as to define an angle of between 30 and 40 degrees between imaginary lines connecting the workpiece surface and the two side surfaces of the waveguide.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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US3749924A
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1988-11-25 | 1989-05-27 | 1989-11-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1992-11-25 | 1993-05-27 | 1993-11-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1996-11-25 | 1997-05-27 | 1997-11-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |