Abstract: In microtomes or ultramicrotomes, it is necessary to preset the specimen (14) onto the knife (16). In order to facilitate and automate this presetting operation, which is intended to guarantee the fastest and most accurate possible positioning of the knife (16) relative to the specimen (14), the spacing (13) between the trimmed surface (15) of the specimen (14) and the specimen holder (22) is ascertained and is transferred to the microtome or ultramicrotome (10). The spacing (13) is preferably ascertained in the trimming device (12).

Abstract: A method of installing a multi-beam photoelectric safeguard system for making a light curtain of closely aligned light beams closely to a pressing machine first positions main light emitting and detecting devices (11, 12). The method next mounts a projecting portion (21) to the pressing machine and identifies optical axes interrupted by the projecting portion (21). Subsequently, after setting a sub light detecting device (13) adjacent to one side of the projecting portion (21), the method adjusts optical axes between the sub light detecting device (13) and the main light emitting device (11). Finally, after setting a sub light emitting device (14) adjacent to the other side of the projecting portion (21), the methods adjusts optical axes between the sub light emitting device (14) and the main light detecting device (12).

Abstract: A monitoring system includes a transmitter (102) with two transmit modules (208, 210) and a receiver (104) with two receive modules (212, 214). Each of the transmit modules (208, 210) generates an optical signal modulated at a unique frequency. The optical signals are transmitted across a roadway (112) and are detected by the receive modules (212, 214). When a vehicle (110) moves between the transmitter (102) and receiver (104), the optical signals are blocked. The receiver (104) generates timestamped make and break events corresponding to the blocking and unblocking of the signals, and these are used to determine parameters for the vehicle (110) such as velocity and vehicle classification. Because each signal is modulated at a different frequency, each receive module (212, 214) can distinguish the signals received from each of the transmit modules (208, 210), allowing the lane position of the vehicle (110) in a multi-lane roadway (112) to be determined.

Abstract: An optical inspection system is disclosed to detect any cross threading or improper insertion of a threaded fastener after being affixed to a workpiece. A plurality of laser devices is used for said inspection with the projected laser beams becoming partially blocked by the engaged fastener member. Gap spaces are formed in the projected light beam patterns by such obstruction for a subsequent comparison in automated analysis equipment.

Abstract: In cutting devices (10), it is necessary to preset the specimen (14) onto the knife (16). The use of a light barrier (30) is proposed in order to facilitate and automate this presetting operation, which is intended to ensure maximally rapid and accurate positioning of the knife (16) relative to the specimen (14). The light barrier (30) is positioned between the knife (16) and the specimen (14), and is preferably arranged parallel to the knife edge (15). As soon as the light barrier (30) is interrupted, a defined spacing (25) between knife (16) and specimen (14) is ascertained, and is used to shut off the automatic feed or to switch over to a different drive system.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring an object (4) with at least one rectilinear edge or profile (4a, 4b) parallel to a given direction (y), comprising: a laser source (1) which emits radiation (2, 2a) which impinges on the said edge or profile; a first cylindrical converging lens (5) the directrices of which are parallel to the direction (y), disposed downstream of the object (4); a spatial filter (6) disposed in the focal plane (A) of the first converging lens (5); a second converging lens (7) disposed downstream of the spatial filter (6); and photosensors (8) disposed in the focal plant (F) of the second converging lens (7).

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for detecting the tilt angle of a wafer platform in a process machine, particularly in a medium density ion implanter. The apparatus and method can be used to accurately calibrate the zero-angle position of a wafer platform in the medium energy ion implanter. The apparatus includes a process chamber that has a cavity and a wafer platform therein, a window that is substantially transparent to laser energy mounted in a top wall of the chamber, and a laser emitter and receiver positioned outside the process chamber juxtaposed to the window for emitting a laser beam onto a wafer positioned on the wafer platform and receiving a reflected laser beam to determine a tilt angle of the wafer platform by the intensity of the reflected laser beam.

Abstract: A guard means for machines, more particularly pressbrakes, guillotines, stamping machines and the like in the case of which a first machine part (10) performs working movements toward a second machine part (11). Between the machine parts a photoelectric detector arrangement {19 and 20) is positioned and is attached to the moving machine part (10), a stop means being adapted to halt working motion of the moving machine part on interruption of a light beam. A control means for the working movement of the moving machine part (10) reduces the speed immediately prior to light beam interruption by the other machine part (11) to below a threshold limit speed. By means of a speed measuring means (25 and 26) the working speed is measured and the stop means is deactivated below the predetermined threshold limit speed at least partially in order to be able to complete the working movement even in the case of interruption of the light beam by the other machine part (11).

Abstract: The present invention teaches a method and apparatus for making measurement of an object on a machine, such as a machine tool, using an optical measuring apparatus which includes a light source for generating a beam of light which is incident on a detector. A detection signal is generated within the detector each time the beam is interrupted. The duration and/or frequency of the detection signals are evaluated and an output signal is emitted from the detection only if a further detection signal is present within the detector in a specified time interval from the generation of an earlier detection signal.

Abstract: Method for configuring the operating mode of an optical detector, by recognition, following an emission in a first operating mode M1, by means of the receiving system. The latter then confirms the detector in the first operating mode or switches it over into a second operating mode M2 according to whether there is recognition of the first mode. Automatic validation or validation carried out by the operator confirms the recognized operating mode. Application to multimode optical detectors able to operate in barrier, reflex, proximity, background suppression proximity mode.

Abstract: A storage surface for a semiconductor substrate carrier has substrate carrier sensors that are integrated with locator pins. Each locator pin includes a pin body mounted on, and extending upwardly from, the surface. The pin body has a slot formed at an upper portion of the pin body. A paddle is mounted in the slot of the pin body and is adapted to be actuated in a downward direction when a substrate carrier is seated on the pin body. The pin body has an uppermost point, and when the paddle is unactuated, the paddle does not extend above the uppermost point of the pin body.

Abstract: A plurality of sensing arms are provided at intervals on a sensor case so as to project outwardly of the case. A light-projecting element and a photoreceptor element forming a pair are provided in the sensor case so as to correspond to respective ones of the sensing arms. Projected light from the light-projecting element advances along the longitudinal direction of the respective sensing arm and is reflected by a reflecting surface so as to be directed toward the neighboring sensing arm through a sensing area. The projected light is reflected twice by reflecting surfaces on the neighboring sensing arm so as to return to the original sensing arm through the sensing area again. The light is reflected by the reflecting surface of this sensing arm, advances along the longitudinal direction of this sensing arm again and is received by the photoreceptor element.

Abstract: A wire joint detecting apparatus is provided for use with a wire connecting apparatus. A detecting apparatus includes a detector disposed for sliding contact with a running wire. The detector is mounted for pivotal movement in response to cross-sectional dimensional changes of the wire. The apparatus also includes a detection switch for detecting pivotal movement of the detector. The pivotal movement of the detector is indicative of a cross-sectional dimensional change of the wire that indicates the presence of a joint.

Abstract: A sheet detecting device has a light emitting and receiving unit having a light emitting element for emitting detection light and a light receiving element for receiving the detection light, and a reflecting member for reflecting the detection light emitted from the light emitting element and making the reflected light incident to the light receiving element, and is constructed in a configuration wherein the light emitting and receiving unit and the reflecting member are placed with a sheet transport path between. The sheet detecting device is configured to detect a sheet on the basis of interruption of the detection light by the sheet transported through the sheet transport path.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for mounting electronic components enhanced in mounting efficiency by eliminating loss time are disclosed. In the apparatus and method, electronic components are picked up from a supplying unit of the electronic components by a transfer head, and are mounted on a board. The height of components already mounted on the board being conveyed is measured by a height measuring unit comprising a CCD light sensor including a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit. In mounting operation, the transfer height of the transfer head when moving on the board is set to a height enough to keep an allowance to the already mounted components on the basis of the height measurement of components. As a result, without useless elevating motions of the transfer head, the loss time is eliminated and the mounting efficiency is enhanced.

Abstract: A system for generating an image of a space includes a camera having an image plane and a field of view. A reflective surface is positioned within the field of view of the camera and configured to reflect radiation from the space onto the image plane of the camera. The camera occludes radiation from being received at the reflective surface from an area of the space and the reflective surface is configured such that the occluded area is of substantially constant or decreasing area with increasing distance into the space.

Abstract: A device for positioning, holding or gripping pieces of automobile body work, includes a body having a slot permitting the passage of a target or a flag to be detected. The body is provided with a detection module having at least two optical transmission detectors to detect the position of a target or flag and the slot has a width less than the width of transmission of the optical detector.

Abstract: A method for detecting the position of the edge of a moving material web by contactlessly scanning the material web with a row of sensors. The sensors generate signals that are filed in a storage unit. A turning point is determined based on the function of the signals received from the sensor locations, and is issued as the edge position.

Abstract: An optical measuring system capable of high resolution measurement of objects, and a method of measuring the same, are provided. The optical measuring system is formed in one integral, portable unit, and includes a laser source having associated optics for emitting a wide collimated light beam. A CCD receiver and a processor housed together and spaced apart from the laser source receive the wide collimated light beam. The CCD receiver has a plurality of diode cells, or “pixels,” formed in a linear array, and the diode cells exhibit output signals corresponding to the received light beam. The processor processes the output signals and determines a measurement associated with the output signals.

Abstract: A sensor system for determining the position of at least one edge of a web of material traveling along a predetermined path. The sensor system has a transmitter assembly capable of selectively transmitting at least one collimated light curtain and a receiver assembly capable of generating output signals in response to receiving portions of the collimated light curtain transmitted by the transmitter assembly. The receiver assembly is spaced a distance from the transmitter assembly so as to define a travel path therebetween whereby at least a portion of the web of material traveling along a predetermined travel path blocks at least a portion of the collimated light curtain transmitted by the transmitter assembly. The output signal generated by the receiver assembly is indicative of the position of the web of material as the same is moved along the travel path between the transmitter assembly and the receiver assembly.

Abstract: A device for converting a position of a float member in a rotameter in to an electrical output. Light from a light source is collimated into parallel light rays, at either or both opposing sides of a rotameter tube to greatly enhance accuracy of readings. The lightrays passing through the tube are detected by a linear optical array. A range of movement capable of being read by the linear optical array is extended by use of either a fiber optical array or a movable illumination device and linear optic array. The collimator(s) may be a linear array of one or two rows of cylindrical lenses sandwiched between a pair of plates. The linear optic array maybe arranged on opposite sides of the rotameter tube or may be on the same side there of. A light guide is used in the latter arrangement to guide light from the light source to a side of the rotameter tube opposite the linear optic array which may be a charge-coupled device(CCD).

Abstract: An optoelectric safety system which protects a free entrance or access opening in a machine's protective housing or protective cage at all times during operation. The system includes a reflection light scanner on the machine frame above and adjacent the floor at the front of the machine in the vicinity of the entrance or access opening, which emits a scanning beam covering a horizontal or inclined area and which generates an inner permanent protective field and an outer dynamic protective field.

Abstract: A method for the contactless measuring of strand-like yarn material as well as to a device for carrying out the method. Textile material 4is irradiated within a measuring range of at least one ray source 1 and imaged on a sensor range of a receiving device 10 comprising sensor cells 8, 11, 12, 14. The signals generated by the individual sensor cells 8, 11, 12, 14 are converted into measured values for the dimensions of material to be measured 4. The signals of the sensor cells 12, 14 covered only partially by the image of the textile material 4 are taken into account in the measured result in a pro rata manner proportional to the amount of the covering.

Abstract: A sensor system for determining the position of at least one edge of a web of material traveling along a predetermined path. The sensor system has a transmitter assembly capable of selectively transmitting at least one collimated light curtain and a receiver assembly capable of generating output signals in response to receiving portions of the collimated light curtain transmitted by the transmitter assembly. The receiver assembly is spaced a distance from the transmitter assembly so as to define a travel path therebetween whereby at least a portion of the web of material traveling along a predetermined travel path blocks at least a portion of the collimated light curtain transmitted by the transmitter assembly. The output signal generated by the receiver assembly is indicative of the position of the web of material as the same is moved along the travel path between the transmitter assembly and the receiver assembly.

Abstract: A wafer-fetching sensing device for wafer storage apparatus uses a planar detection means to replace a conventional linear detection means to detect if a wafer is properly positioned at a desirable access level before being moved out of an access opening of the wafer storage apparatus by a robot. Wafer tilting and damage incident that might otherwise happen thus may be avoided. Only a correctly positioned wafer will be fetched. A warning signal will be generated when the wafer is not properly positioned so that preventive action may be taken to avoid wafer damage. Production yield thus may be increased.

Abstract: A method for measuring such parameters as height, position, shape, colinearity, and coplanarity of arrays of minute objects on the surface of integrated circuits, such as Ball Grid Arrays (BGA), all in one simple and straight forward procedure during the manufacturing process of integrated circuits. Shadows of the objects are created on the substrate through the use of x-rays or other light sources placed at predetermined distances and angles from the objects. An imaging device obtains images from the shadows cast onto the substrate and the images are then analyzed to determine if they meet predefined parameters. Multiple sources of illumination can be used to illuminate the array in order to create a more precise image for analysis and three dimensional images of the BGA can be created for analysis.

Abstract: A sensor system for determining the position of at least one edge of a web of material traveling along a predetermined path. The sensor system has a transmitter assembly capable of selectively transmitting at least one collimated light curtain and a receiver assembly capable of generating output signals in response to receiving portions of the collimated light curtain transmitted by the transmitter assembly. The receiver assembly is spaced a distance from the transmitter assembly so as to define a travel path therebetween whereby at least a portion of the web of material traveling along a predetermined travel path blocks at least a portion of the collimated light curtain transmitted by the transmitter assembly. The output signal generated by the receiver assembly is indicative of the position of the web of material as the same is moved along the travel path between the transmitter assembly and the receiver assembly.