Abstract: The present invention is a holographic structured light generator (HSLG) for generating an array of an arbitrary number of laser beamlets from a single laser beam using a point laser light source and a hologram. In a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, a hologram having an image of four point sources in a common plane is fabricated using four point sources as the object beam, and a reference beam. A reconstruction beam, aligned identically with respect to the hologram as was the reference beam during fabrication of the hologram, is then directed at the hologram, generating the array of laser beamlets from the four point sources in the hologram. In a primary application of the HSLG, it is used to map the surface of an object in three dimensions. The HSLG is used with video cameras, computer image processing equipment and an optical spatial light modulator to yield 3-D data for use with CAD systems.

Abstract: A dual-interferometer apparatus for simultaneously measuring in-plane and out-of-plane ultrasonic displacements of the surface of materials comprising a single laser source, optical fibers, optical couplers and dividers, a phase-conjugate mirror, and a path length stabilizing system including a piezoelectric compensator. The present invention is unique in providing for the automatic alignment of the beams of the two interferometers, thus eliminating the need for time-consuming alignment procedures. The automatic alignment of the interferometers is achieved because a phase conjugate mirror is used to generate a counterpropagating beam used by both interferometers, and because the beams for the out-of-plane interferometer are derived from the beams used for the in-plane interferometer.

Abstract: A four terminal female connector for circular fluorescent lamps has a molded plastic support body of cruciform cross section. Four elongated terminals stamped from a metal strip are disposed in respective terminal-receiving channels in the four quadrants of the cruciform body. A molded plastic housing slidably encloses the body and terminals. One end of each terminal is formed with a hooked portion for push-in engagement of an electrical lead wire. The other end of each terminal has two arms bent inwardly from opposite sides of the base of the strip to form a prong-engaging channel for a mating male connector. The base of the prong-engaging channel is angled slightly with respect to the longitudinal axis of the connector to provide a flared contact surface for facilitating entry of a male connector.

Abstract: A rocker switch assembly for controlling at least one fluorescent lamp has a contact mounting block fitted in a housing, with a pair of normally closed contacts at one end of the block and at least one pair of normally open contacts at the other end. A rocker button is supported in an opening in the housing above the contacts on the mounting block for limited vertical and pivotal motion against spring biasing forces while being restrained against longitudinal movement. A preferred support means includes stub shafts extending laterally from each side of the rocker button that fit slidably in vertical bearing slots on each side of the opening in the housing.

Abstract: Apparatus for rocking photographic developing trays includes an open frame for holding a plurality of rectangular trays of preselected size nested within the frame. Rocker tabs attached to each end support the frame for rocking motion on a suitable flat surface. A separate base member includes a pivot for positioning the base with respect to a pivot point at the center of a transverse brace joining opposite sides of the frame. An electrical drive motor mounted on the base member is eccentrically coupled to the frame for rocking the frame on the rocker tabs at predetermined amplitude and frequency. The frame is assembled from flat metal strips, two U-shaped ends joined by two straight center strips; so that the frame is stiff in bending to support the weight of the trays but can warp to provide a twisting rocking motion for improved mixing of the tray contents. Transverse tray racks can be laid across the frame to support trays smaller than the preselected size for processing small print batches.