US4737032A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Surface mensuration sensor
Assignee: Cyberware Laboratory Inc
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Filing: 1985-08-26
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Granted: 1988-04-12
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Expires: 2005-08-26
Abstract
Abstract The invention is an apparatus having an improved arrangement of sensing and illumination elements for high speed, non-contact, three-dimensional mensuration of a surface. The surface is illuminated by a single plane of light producing a contour line. The line is viewed from two or more vantage points, alleviating shadowing from many types of large surface irregularities. The geometry of the apparatus is tolerant of moving surfaces, allows higher data rates and has great depth of field for the sensor.
Inventors
- 👤 David A. Addleman
- 👤 Lloyd A. Addleman
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 23:32
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01B; G01B11/00; G01B11/24; G01B11/25; G01B11/2518; G05; G05B; G05B19/00; G05B19/02; G05B19/42; G05B19/4202; G05B19/4207
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
87 words
An electro-optical apparatus for use as a data input for apparatus performing high-speed non-contacting mensuration of three-dimensional surfaces comprising: a means for providing a plane of light intersecting said surface and producing a contour line; a means for moving said surface relative to said plane of light; a means for viewing said contour line from both sides of said plane of light; a means for combining the images of said contour line so that there is only one resultant image; a means for sensing said resultant image.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
87 words
An electro-optical apparatus for use as a data input for apparatus performing high-speed non-contacting mensuration of three-dimensional surfaces comprising: a means for providing a plane of light intersecting said surface and producing a contour line; a means for moving said surface relative to said plane of light; a means for viewing said contour line from both sides of said plane of light; a means for combining the images of said contour line so that there is only one resultant image; a means for sensing said resultant image.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said means for sensing includes a focal plane which is tilted to compensate for depth of field error.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
37 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein the means for viewing said contour line comprises a mirror on each side of said light plane, positioned to reflect the contour line images to said means for combining.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
37 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 3 wherein said means for combining comprises a beamsplitter positioned to superimpose said contour line images by transmitting one image to said sensor and reflecting the second image to said sensor.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
24 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 4 wherein said means for sensing includes a focal plane tilted to compensate for depth of field error.
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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) | 1991-04-12 | 1991-10-12 | 1992-04-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1995-04-12 | 1995-10-12 | 1996-04-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1999-04-12 | 1999-10-12 | 2000-04-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |