Abstract: A laser scanner sensor for measuring the spatial properties of objects in a scene within a range less than a predetermined maximum object distance. Applications of the laser scanner system includes measurement of the dimensional weight of parcel(s) being transported by a moving forklift. In the laser scanner sensor, a laser diode supplies a laser beam that is intensity-modulated by a reference waveform from a waveform generator. A variation of the optical scanning sensor system scans a field of measurement which the moving forklift traverses. The forklift has at least three retroreflectors attached to act as calibration targets within the viewing field.

Abstract: A laser scanner for measuring the spatial properties of objects in a scene within a range less than a predetermined maximum object distance. A laser diode supplies a laser beam that is intensity-modulated by a reference waveform from a waveform generator. An optical scanning system scans the scene with the intensity-modulated laser beam, and receives reflected intensity-modulated light and supplies it to an optical processing system that includes an aperture that transmits a first percentage of light reflected from the maximum object distance and a second, lesser percentage of light reflected from objects closer than the maximum object distance. A photodetector receives the processed light and converts the energy into an amplitude-modulated range signal. A mixer down-converts the frequency into an IF frequency, and a first circuit converts the range signal to the form of a square wave.

Abstract: A laser scanner for measuring the spatial properties of objects in a scene within a range less than a predetermined maximum object distance. A laser diode supplies a laser beam that is intensity-modulated by a reference waveform from a waveform generator. An optical scanning system scans the scene with the intensity-modulated laser beam, and receives reflected intensity-modulated light and supplies it to an optical processing system that includes an aperture that transmits a first percentage of light reflected from the maximum object distance and a second, lesser percentage of light reflected from objects closer than the maximum object distance. A photodetector receives the processed light and converts the energy into an amplitude-modulated range signal. A mixer down-converts the frequency into an IF frequency, and a first circuit converts the range signal to the form of a square wave.

Abstract: The strain gauge bridge circuit located in the load cell of a load cell mass comparator is modified to provide temperature stability by coupling a remotely located temperature compensating circuit between the two normally connected output ends of strain gauges in adjacent arms of the bridge. The compensating circuit is comprised of a pair of series connected low noise, drift free precision resistors of relatively low resistance value compared to the resistance of the strain gauges. The precision resistors are shunted by relatively high valued potentiometers which operate to balance the bridge. One potentiometer additionally includes a series connected high value precision resistor for providing fine balance while the other potentiometer is used for coarse balance.

Abstract: A load cell mass comparator wherein a pressure compensated load cell is connected at its upper end to a floating plate through a self-aligning coupling, such as, a universal joint assembly. The floating plate is slidably mounted on a plurality of guide rods extending between fixed upper and lower plates. A spring assembly and shock absorber are mounted between the upper fixed plate and floating plate. The lower end of the load cell is connected to the mass to be calibrated through a universal joint, thrust bearing, and spherical load stop bearing. The construction and arrangement of the components in the load cell mass comparator provides an instrument employed heretofore in a laboratory environment to a commercial environment where masses in the range of 1 to 10,000 pounds can be compared and calibrated.

Abstract: The strain gauge bridge circuit located in .[.the.]. .Iadd.a .Iaddend.load cell .[.of a load cell mass comparator.]. is modified to provide temperature stability by coupling a remotely located temperature compensating circuit between the two normally connected output ends of strain gauges in adjacent arms of the bridge. The compensating circuit is comprised of a pair of series connected low noise, drift-free precision resistors of relatively low resistance value compared to the resistance of the strain gauges. The precision resistors are shunted by relatively high valued potentiometers which operate to balance the bridge. One potentiometer additionally includes a series connected high value precision resistor for providing fine balance while the other potentiometer is used for coarse balance.