Abstract: Based on one or more first columns of a table partitioned at a first level over multiple first level partitions, a first partition criteria is evaluated for a data record. Each of the at least first level partitions is further partitioned into a same number of second-level partitions using a same second partitioning method for all first level partitions. One first level partition is identified for storage of the data record, for example by determining the one of the at least two data server processes using the first partition criteria and a first partitioning method that differs from the second partitioning method. Based on one or more second columns of the table, a second partition criteria is evaluated for the data record, and the data record is stored in one of the second-level partitions of the at least two first level partitions.

Abstract: An optical comparator arranged for rear projection onto a viewing screen combines an optical projector that projects an optical image of a test part under inspection onto the viewing screen with a video projector that projects an optical image of a pixilated template pattern containing illustrated specifications of the test part onto the same viewing screen. The images of the test part and the pixilated template pattern are projected concurrently onto the viewing screen for visually comparing the form of the test part against its specified form.

Abstract: An optical comparator arranged for rear projection onto a viewing screen combines an optical projector that projects an optical image of a test part under inspection onto the viewing screen with a video projector that projects an optical image of a pixilated template pattern containing illustrated specifications of the test part onto the same viewing screen. The images of the test part and the pixilated template pattern are projected concurrently onto the viewing screen for visually comparing the form of the test part against its specified form.

Abstract: An optical comparator arranged for rear projection onto a viewing screen combines an optical projector that projects an optical image of a test part under inspection onto the viewing screen with a video projector that projects an optical image of a pixilated template pattern containing illustrated specifications of the test part onto the same viewing screen. The images of the test part and the pixilated template pattern are projected concurrently onto the viewing screen for visually comparing the form of the test part against its specified form.

Abstract: A zoom lens guide system employs air bearings to reduce mechanical shift of the zoom lens components, thus reducing measurement error. The air bearings provide greater stiffness, resulting in the reduction of mechanical shift. Orifice type or porous media air bearings can be used to provide a thin film between an external surface of the bearing and an inner surface of a barrel of the system, the bearing being mounted about a lens housing within the barrel. Guide pins include feed tubes connect the air bearings to an air supply while engaging a guide slot in the barrel and a cam slot in a zoom ring to effect selective axial motion of a lens housing.

Abstract: A zoom lens guide system employs air bearings to reduce mechanical shift of the zoom lens components, thus reducing measurement error. The air bearings provide greater stiffness, resulting in the reduction of mechanical shift. Orifice type or porous media air bearings can be used to provide a thin film between an external surface of the bearing and an inner surface of a barrel of the system, the bearing being mounted about a lens housing within the barrel. Guide pins include feed tubes connect the air bearings to an air supply while engaging a guide slot in the barrel and a cam slot in a zoom ring to effect selective axial motion of a lens housing.

Abstract: A Z-axis assembly for an optical inspection apparatus, comprises a base; first and second parallel rails secured to the base; a plurality of carriages supported by ball bearings for translatory movement parallel to the Z-axis on each of the first and second rails; the carriages having a line of travel through the ball bearings in contact with their respective rails; a support structure secured to the carriages; and a lens assembly secured to the support structure such to be movable parallel to the Z-axis, the lens assembly including an optical axis parallel to the Z-axis and the lines of travel, and optical axis and the lines of travel lie on a common plane.

Abstract: An optical inspection system comprises an optical system for providing an image of an object being inspected. The optical system comprises a plurality of lenses arranged along a normal optical axis, one of the lenses including an objective lens. A collimated laser beam is directed to one edge portion of the objective lens toward the object to illuminate the object with a spot. A focus lens focuses the spot reflected from the object and transmitted through an opposite edge portion of said objective lens onto a linear detector, whereby the location of the spot on the linear detector provides the position of the object above or below a reference plane.

Abstract: A Z-axis assembly for an optical inspection apparatus, comprises a base; first and second parallel rails secured to the base; a plurality of carriages supported by ball bearings for translatory movement parallel to the Z-axis on each of the first and second rails; the carriages having a line of travel through the ball bearings in contact with their respective rails; a support structure secured to the carriages; and a lens assembly secured to the support structure such to be movable parallel to the Z-axis, the lens assembly including an optical axis parallel to the Z-axis and the lines of travel, and optical axis and the lines of travel lie on a common plane.

Abstract: An optical inspection system comprises an optical system for providing an image of an object being inspected. The optical system comprises a plurality of lenses arranged along a normal optical axis, one of the lenses including an objective lens. A collimated laser beam is directed to one edge portion of the objective lens toward the object to illuminate the object with a spot. A focus lens focuses the spot reflected from the object and transmitted through an opposite edge portion of said objective lens onto a linear detector, whereby the location of the spot on the linear detector provides the position of the object above or below a reference plane.

Abstract: A small and easily portable apparatus for safely descending from a high elevation, comprising a drum rotatably mounted on a mounting frame; a body securing device for securing the mounting frame to the body of a user; and a line wound around the drum, having an end for attachment to a fixed object at the high elevation; such that the user may attach the line to a fixed object and safely descend from the high elevation.

Abstract: A small and easily portable apparatus for safely descending from a high elevation, comprising a drum rotatably mounted on a mounting frame; a body securing device for securing the mounting frame to the body of a user; and a line wound around the drum, having an end for attachment to a fixed object at the high elevation; such that the user may attach the line to a fixed object and safely descend from the high elevation.

Abstract: The contour image of a workpiece is projected by a conventional lens system onto a first mirror lying in a plane inclined at other than 90.degree. to the optical axis of the lens system. This image is reflected directly (i.e., without the use of any relay lenses) to a second mirror that is spaced from and lies in a plane normal to that containing the first mirror; and from there the image is reflected directly to a third mirror spaced from and lying in a plane normal to each of said first and second mirrors. The third mirror directs an upright and unreversed image directly onto the screen of the projector along an axis parallel to the optical axis of the lens system.

Abstract: After an operator has focused the zoom lens assembly of an optical measuring system on a workpiece, the zoom lens itself is adjusted to select a desired magnification. A reticle image in the form of a plurality of radially spaced, concentrically disposed circles is then projected, at the selected magnification, and via the zoom lens and a video camera, to a microprocessor (CPU), which electronically stores that particular image of the reticle for subsequent use, whenever it is desired to have the now-calibrated magnification reestablished. To reestablish the calibrated magnification at a later time, a new image of the reticle is projected to the CPU, and via the CPU onto a video screen. The previously recorded image of the reticle is also projected onto the video screen by the CPU, and is visually compared with the new reticle image. The zoom lens is then adjusted until the two images are coincident, at which time the previously selected magnification will have been reestablished.

Abstract: An automatic focusing system for a slide projector which utilizes a pair of photocells is provided with a non-linear response characteristic to introduce a change in the sensor balance point when a glass covered film slide is projected as opposed to when an open film slide is projected. Accordingly, glass covered film slides and open film slides can be randomly intermixed without changing the projector focus.