Abstract: This invention relates to a device for detecting the amount of deviation of the optical axis of laser beams from a predetermined point at which a workpiece is to be processed in a laser processing apparatus.The detector includes a laser resonator, a device for transferring the workpiece in the direction of both the X- and Y-axes, a base plate detachably mounted onto the workpiece transferring device, a plurality of image sensors disposed radially around the predetermined point located on the upper surface of the base plate, and a device for displaying the optical axis of the laser beams irradiated from the laser resonator to at least three of the plurality of image sensors, whereby the workpiece may be transferred so that the optical axis of the laser beams coincides with the predetermined point at which the workpiece is to be processed.

Abstract: A light-operated proximity detector is described in which reflected light intensity from a surface whose proximity to the detector is to be gauged is translated directly into a signal proportional to the distance of the detector from the surface. A phototransistor is used to sense the reflected light and is connected in a detector circuit which maintains the phototransistor in a saturated state. A negative feedback arrangement using an operational amplifier connected between the collector and emitter of the transistor provides an output at the output of the amplifier which is linearly proportional to the proximity of the surface to the detector containing the transistor. This direct proportional conversion is true even though the light intensity is varying with the proximity in proportion to the square of the inverse of the distance. The detector may be used for measuring the distance remotely from any target surface.

Abstract: A sensor for use in aligning a solar collector system wherein the sensor includes a radiation detector providing signals responsive to impinging radiation and means for focusing the radiation into an astigmatic image positioned on the detector when the system is misaligned.

Abstract: A photon drag detector having a block of semi-conductor material with two opposite faces through one of which a beam of radiation can enter and from the other of which it can emerge; spaced end electrodes in contact with said block, one adjacent to each of said opposite faces; at least two intermediate electrodes in contact with said block, arranged intermediate and spaced from said end electrodes and spaced from each other; and an impedance connecting said end electrodes; whereby the change in sensitivity of the detector with the position of the beam in the said block can be made small. The block of semi-conductor material is typically bar shaped with the opposite faces substantially parallel end faces of the bar. The bar is conveniently cylindrical. The electrodes are preferably ring electrodes, embracing the block and parallel with the planes of the opposite faces.

Abstract: An optical system is automatically focussed by deriving an electrical signal which has a frequency distribution corresponding to the spatial frequency distribution of an image received from a focussing lens; applying to the electrical signal an amplification which is greater at high frequencies than at low frequencies; and adjusting the optical system to maximize the amplified signal.

Abstract: A focus detecting photoelectric device includes a plurality of photodiodes each formed by an amorphous silicon layer sandwiched between transparent and non-transparent electrodes. The photodiodes are provided in pairs and are aligned in an array and deposited on a glass plate such that the transparent electrode is directly mounted on the glass plate. The photodiodes in a pair are located closely adjacent to, but in a spaced relation with, each other and are electrically connected in series to each other. An image formed on the photodiodes in a pair effects the generation of photocurrent from the photodiodes such that the photocurrents from both photodiodes are approximately the same when the image is out of focus, and they vary from each other as the image becomes sharp.

Abstract: A fiber optic sensor for detecting and/or measuring a physical quantity varying at any frequency from a maximum desired frequency down to zero frequency with minimum disturbance from environmentally induced perturbations. A first highly birefringent optical fiber is positioned longitudinally adjacent to a second equally birefringent fiber. Each fiber has orthogonally disposed fast and slow axes. The fibers are oriented such that their fast axes are perpendicular to each other. When subjected to stress caused by a physical quantity acting on the fibers through a transducer, the birefringence of each of the two fibers is asymmetrical altered thereby rotating the states of polarization of coherent light signals passing through the two fibers in a common direction. Environmental perturbations symmetrically alter the birefringence of each of the fibers thereby rotating the states of polarization of the light signals in opposite directions.

Abstract: An automatic focusing binocular is herein disclosed in which a light, signifying the inability of the automatic focusing system to operate due to the lack of available light contrast, is provided within the user's field of vision as he looks through the binocular. This is accomplished by the use of a focus detection module. When the reflected images from apertures proximate to the objective lens coincide in the module, a focusing signal is produced which terminates the motion of the eyepieces at a point corresponding to the distance of the object from the objective lens. When these coinciding images do not have sufficient light contrast for the module to produce the focus signal, a detection signal is produced which illuminates a warning light. A rod-shaped prism is disposed such that light from the light source condenses at the forward focal point of the eyepiece.

Abstract: A digital measuring device for a machine tool in which a transfer member is fed in a predetermined direction by the manual rotation of a lead screw; the improved digital measuring device includes: a pulse generating unit for converting a rotational motion of the lead screw to a pulse signal having a direction component, a microcomputer for storing accurate transfer data of a feed system of the machine tool for each address signal based on the pulse signal, and a display unit connected to an output side of the microcomputer, whereby the address signal is inputted to the microcomputer on the basis of the output pulse of the pulse generating unit, and the previously measured accurate transfer data of the feed system of the machine tool is called out from the microcomputer, and the transfer data is displayed on the display unit.

Abstract: An opaque mask having a plurality of apertures therein for use in an auto focus circuit which includes a plurality of lenslets formed in a transparent member and a printed circuit chip which includes radiation responsive detector areas and a circuit area, the mask permitting radiation to pass through the lenslets and be focused on the detector areas but preventing light from passing through transparent areas adjacent the lenslets and striking the circuit area.