Abstract: A spherometer for measuring at least one physical parameter of the workpiece includes at least on fluid-actuated linearly extensible probe member having an output indicative of an amount of linear travel and a chamber housing the linearly extensible probe member. The chamber has an aperture for supporting a workpiece and a vacuum line is coupled to the chamber for creating a vacuum. The probe member is activated as a result of the vacuum in the chamber, causing it to extend linearly toward the workpiece until touching it. The linear extension of the probe may be used as a measurement of distance. The distance measured to a workpiece may be compared to a standard to determine a physical parameter of the workpiece.

Abstract: A spherometer for measuring at least one physical parameter of the workpiece includes at least on fluid-actuated linearly extensible probe member having an output indicative of an amount of linear travel and a chamber housing the linearly extensible probe member. The chamber has an aperture for supporting a workpiece and a vacuum line is coupled to the chamber for creating a vacuum. The probe member is activated as a result of the vacuum in the chamber, causing it to extend linearly toward the workpiece until touching it. The linear extension of the probe may be used as a measurement of distance. The distance measured to a workpiece may be compared to a standard to determine a physical parameter of the workpiece.

Abstract: An intrusion detection system comprises a pair of optical lenses arranged a predetermined distance apart and having overlapping fields of view within an area to be monitored to form a common field of view; at least one light-sensitive device responsive to light from each of the optical lenses; a range detector responsive to signals from the light-sensitive device and operable to determine a range to an object within the common field of view; and a range discriminator for setting at least one range gate to sense objects within the common field of view at predetermined ranges and for ignoring objects outside of the predetermined ranges.

Abstract: The present invention provides a stable tripod stand for sensitive optical devices such as telescopes and the like. The tripod may be moved around on wheels which are coupled to casters and when positioned may be secured to the ground to provide an adjustable and highly stable support that significantly reduces the incidence of jitter. The tripod includes a stabilizer member that extends through the casters to selectively engage the ground. The leg members of the tripod have a triangular shape and support links between the platform and the leg members form interlocking triangular supports which reinforce the leg members.

Abstract: An intrusion detection system comprises a pair of optical lenses arranged a predetermined distance apart and having overlapping fields of view within an area to be monitored to form a common field of view; at least one light-sensitive device responsive to light from each of the optical lenses; a range detector responsive to signals from the light-sensitive device and operable to determine a range to an object within the common field of view; and a range discriminator for setting at least one range gate to sense objects within the common field of view at predetermined ranges and for ignoring objects outside of the predetermined ranges.

Abstract: A passive electro-optical range and total velocity measuring system having first and second cameras positioned along a common baseline. Control systems activate the first and second cameras at a first instance to capture a target image of a target at location T1 and at a second instance to capture a target image of the target at location T2. A range computer calculates ranges from the first camera, the second camera, and a baseline midpoint to a target at location T1 and location T2. An angles computer calculates target displacement. A velocity computer calculates total total target velocity, track velocity, and cross-track velocity. The present invention also includes a method for measuring the range and total velocity of a target using a passive electro-optical system.

Abstract: A combination passive and active detection system including a passive speed and range detection system able to sense the speed and range of a moving object and an active speed detection system able to sense the speed and range of a moving object. The passive speed detection system is preferably an electro-optical speed and range detection system. The active speed detection system is preferably a laser speed and range detection system. The combination detection system preferably is selectively operable in a dual operational mode, a “passive-only” operational mode, and “active-only” operational mode, a triggering operational mode, and an active recording operational mode.

Abstract: The present invention provides a telescope having a focal plane into which an image of a distant object is focused. It includes a primary mirror and a secondary mirror wherein the secondary mirror is positioned to cast a shadow on a portion of the primary mirror. A data image projecting device projects a data image from the portion of the primary mirror which lies in the shadow of the secondary mirror. The data image is focused in the focal plane of the telescope and is superimposed on the image of the distant object.

Abstract: A passive optical speed and distance measuring system includes a pair of camera lenses positioned along a common baseline a predetermined distance apart and controlled by an operator to capture images of a target at different times. The camera lenses are focused on light sensitive pixel arrays which capture target images at offset positions in the line scans of the pixel arrays. A video signal processor with a computer determines the location of the offset positions and calculates the range to the target by solving the trigonometry of the triangle formed by the two camera lenses and the target. Once the range to the target is known at two different times the speed of the target is calculated.

Abstract: A passive optical speed and distance measuring system includes a pair of camera lenses positioned along a common baseline a predetermined distance apart and controlled by an operator to capture images of a target at different times. The camera lenses are focused on light sensitive pixel arrays which capture target images at offset positions in the line scans of the pixel arrays. A video signal processor with a computer determines the location of the offset positions and calculates the range to the target by solving the trigonometry of the triangle formed by the two camera lenses and the target. Once the range to the target is known at two different times the speed of the target is calculated.