Abstract: A method for measuring the contour of a surface using a high intensity light source, optics for projecting a line of light on the surface to illuminate a selected contour feature of the surface, an optical detector which generates an image of the selected contour feature, and a processing unit which fits at least one contour segment to the image of the selected contour feature and determines contour characteristics from the contour segment. The method includes a calibration step which corrects for distortion and keystone effect in the image caused by off-axis imaging of the illuminated contour feature by adjusting vertical and horizontal grid lines of an electronically created image with the off-axis image of the contour surface.

Abstract: A non-contacting system for measuring the radius of a curved surface. The system includes a light source for illuminating the surface along the intersection of the surface with a plane which includes the radius to be measured. A lens, arranged such that its principal axis is perpendicular to the plane which includes the radius to be measured, is utilized to project a distortion free image of the intersection onto the photosensitive array within a video camera. The video signal generated by the camera is provided to a microcomputer which calculates surface radius from the image data included in the video signal.

Abstract: A diameter gauge is disclosed for measuring the outside diameter of a part having a circular cross-section. The gauge comprises two arms converging to form a channel, a light source and a light detecting device. The part to be measured is placed within the channel, partially blocking or reflecting the transmission of light from the light source. The diameter of the part is determined from the location of the part shadow or reflected light.

Abstract: A diameter gauge is disclosed for measuring the outside diameter of a part having a circular cross section. The gauge comprises two arms converging at right angles to one another within which the part is positioned for measurement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an endoscope for the examination of the interiors of lightening holes in gas turbine engine blades. A light beam is projected toward a beam splitter and reflected by the beam splitter into the lightening hole for illumination of the hole. An observation lens system is arranged to allow an observer to view the illuminated hole through the beam splitter.

Abstract: An invention is disclosed for positioning an object wherein three point supports provide three contact points which define a first plane. Three additional point supports provide three additional contact points which are not coplanar with the first plane and which define a second plane. The first and second planes are nonperpendicular. The point supports accurately and repeatably position the object for optical measurement of a dimension of the object. The invention can be used in connection with the quality control testing of weldments which attach blade tips to gas turbine engine blades.

Abstract: The invention defines a boundary in space and optically determines the crossing of it by an object and at the time of crossing measures the distance between a point located on the object and the boundary. More particularly, the invention establishes the boundary with respect to an amount of light eclipsed in a light beam positioned in space. In one embodiment, an examination zone containing the boundary is illuminated by two light beams, one of which is produced by inverting and reflecting the other after the other passes through the examination zone with the result that the rate of change in light intensity which occurs during the eclipsing is greater than that in the case of a single beam.

Abstract: An invention is disclosed for positioning an object wherein three point supports provide three contact points which define a first plane. Three additional point supports provide three additional contact points which are not coplanar with the first plane and which define a second plane. The first and second planes are nonperpendicular. The point supports accurately and repeatably position the object for optical measurement of a dimension of the object. The invention can be used in connection with the quality control testing of weldments which attach blade tips to gas turbine engine blades.