Abstract: Provided is an alignment method for an image reading apparatus including: a light source unit illuminating an original on an original table; a photoelectric conversion element for converting an optical image into an electric signal; and an imaging optical system for imaging, onto the photoelectric conversion element, a light beam from the illuminated original. The imaging optical system includes: a first optical element, arranged inside a first lens barrel, and having an optical surface that is rotationally symmetric about an optical axis; and a second optical element, arranged on an optical path between the first lens barrel and the photoelectric conversion element, and having an optical surface rotationally asymmetric about the optical axis. The alignment method includes aligning at least one of an attaching angle and an attaching position of the second optical element in a sub scanning direction relative to the first lens barrel.

Abstract: Arbitrarily deploying scanning polarized RF reference sources and using them to establish a full position and angular orientation reference coordinate system or a full angular orientation reference coordinate system that objects property equipped with polarized RF sensors could use to determine their angular position and/or orientation relative to the reference coordinate system.

Abstract: A rotary position detector includes a housing having an inner space having a reflective element. A light source emits light rays upwardly. A base supports a light detector assembly having a first number of toroidal-sector-shaped light sensors disposed in pairs about a motor shaft axis, one “A” detector element and one “B” detector element alternately disposed. A light blocker positioned between the light source and the light sensors rotates with the shaft. The light blocker includes a second number of opaque, equal-surface-area elements arrayed about the axis, the second number equal to one-half the first number. A circuit measures a signal from the “A” and “B” detectors relating to an amount of light falling thereon, a difference related to an angular position of the motor shaft.

Abstract: A method and apparatus comprising a group of passive sensor systems, an active sensor system, and a processor unit. The group of passive sensor systems is configured to generate first sensor information from light in an environment around the group of passive sensor systems. The active sensor system is configured to send signals, receive responses from the signals, and generate second sensor information from the responses. The processor unit is configured to control the active sensor system to send the signals in a direction toward an object using the first sensor information and generate information about the object using the second sensor information.

Abstract: An angle detection device includes a rotator including a shaft supported by and inside a case in a direction parallel to a horizontal plane of the case, a center of gravity positioned differently from the shaft, and a diagonal line formed on a surface along a circumferential direction around a rotation axis of the rotator, the line intersecting with a width direction orthogonal to the circumferential direction if the surface is spread into a plane along the circumferential direction; and a sensor including a group of imaging elements arrayed in a line parallel to the shaft direction. The sensor is fixed to and inside the case opposite to the surface. The group intersects with the diagonal line if the surface is viewed from the sensor toward the shaft, and a position of the intersection changes according to rotation of the case around the axis when viewed from the shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for determining the annual ring center of a wood block are disclosed. A plurality of lines of path is figured out and generated. Each line of path is composed of a plurality of lines each extending normal to a line that is tangential to an annual ring in an image of the wood block end. The normal line may be figured out, for example, by calculating the variance of values of pixels lying on each of a plurality of straight lines of a filter and the sum of the variances for the plurality of straight lines at a plurality of different angular positions of the filter. The annual ring center in the image of the wood block end is determined through calculation based on the points of intersection of the generated lines of path.

Abstract: Optical fibers comprising a plurality of cleaved facets disposed at one end are disclosed. First and second facets of the plurality of cleaved facets are disposed at different angles. The optical fiber with the plurality of cleaved facets splits light from an optical component between an optical fiber core and a detector such that a portion of the light may be tapped off for monitoring. The first cleaved facet is disposed at a first angle such that a first portion of the light from an optical component is totally internally reflected into the fiber core. A second cleaved facet can be disposed at a second angle that is less than the first angle so that a second portion of light from the optical component refracts through the second facet to a detector. Methods of forming and using angle-cleaved optical fibers having a plurality of cleaved facets are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed generally to a method and apparatus for monitoring mask process impact on lithography performance. A method including receiving a physical wafer pattern according to a mask, extracting a mask contour from the mask, and extracting a deconvolution pattern based on the mask contour. A lithography process is simulated to create a virtual wafer pattern based on the deconvolution pattern. The virtual wafer pattern is then compared to the physical wafer pattern.

Abstract: A method of resection-based positioning of a rotating fan beam transmitter is provided. The fan beam is rotating about a single axis of rotation. The rotating fan beam is being detected in a detector space including a detector cluster further including a plurality of detectors. The single axis of rotation intersects a reference plane in the detector space at an arbitrary angle. The method comprises: (A) detecting the rotating fan beam by using a plurality of detectors; (B) processing a set of detection signals to obtain a set of time-strike tags; and (C) determining the axis of rotation of the rotating fan beam in the detector space by using the set of time-strike tags. At least minimum number of detectors is stricken by the rotating fan beam. Each stricken detector generates a detection signal having a time-strike tag corresponding to a timing coordinate of the strike by the rotating fan beam.

Abstract: A rotation angle detecting apparatus comprises a bearing holder, a rotation shaft rotatably supported by said bearing holder, a shaft portion space formed in said rotation shaft, a bearing holder space formed in said bearing holder, a first condenser lens in said shaft portion space and having an optical axis that coincides with a center line of said rotation shaft, a second condenser lens in said bearing holder space and on an extension of a center line of said rotation shaft, an angle detection pattern at a focal position of one of said first and said second condenser lens, and an image sensor at a focal position of the other of said condenser lens, wherein said image sensor detects a projection image of said angle detection pattern projected onto said image sensor, and a displacement of said projection image involved by the rotation of said rotation shaft is detected.

Abstract: A projection aligner comprises a projection optical system for radiating a luminous flux including ultraviolet rays onto a photomask, and projecting said luminous flux which has passed through the photomask onto a substrate to which photoresist is applied; a substrate table for mounting the substrate, and a light blocking means for covering the peripheral portion of the substrate to block luminous flux. The light blocking means (80) includes a first light blocking member (84) and a second light blocking member (86) each having a substantially semicircular opening, and moving means (82, 83) for moving the first light blocking means and the second light blocking means approaching each other and away from each other. As the first light blocking member and the second light blocking member are moved to approach each other, the first light blocking member and the second light blocking member form an annular shape and cover the peripheral portion of the substrate (CB).

Abstract: An optical detector may include an aperture, at least two photodetectors, and a measuring arrangement to quantify light detected at the photodetectors after passing through the aperture without the need for a lens. The aperture may be positioned between a light source and the two photodetectors to allow light from a light source to pass through the aperture to the photodetectors. The photodetectors may include PIN junction photodiodes and may be electrically isolated from each other, positioned next to each other in a side-by-side configuration, and then aligned with the aperture so that a proportion of the quantified light detected at the photodetectors changes as an angle of light from the light source incident to the aperture changes. Optical detectors and methods are provided.

Abstract: To determine the contact angle of a ball bearing, one of two rings is rotated while the other ring is held stationary. The number of revolutions of the rotated ring and the number of revolutions accomplished in the same period by the balls, and therefore by the retaining cage, are detected. The revolutions of the balls are detected through an optical detecting device which projects a radiation through the bearing, in the gap between the outer and inner rings, whereby the radiation is intercepted directly by the balls and/or the cage. The contact angle is determined using the following parameters: the number of revolutions of the rotating ring, the number of revolutions of the balls or of the cage, the diameter of the balls, and the pitch diameter.

Abstract: A rotational misalignment between semiconductor wafers constituting a bonded wafer is calculated. A light source is arranged at a position which is on a front side of an opening of a notch and which is separated from an outer edge portion of a bonded wafer by a predetermined interval, and outputs light to irradiate the outer edge portion of the bonded wafer including the notch. A camera receives and photoelectrically converts reflected light that is specularly-reflected by the outer edge portion of the bonded wafer including the notch among the light outputted by the light source in order to output a brightness distribution of the reflected light as an image. A computer analyzes positions of notches from the image outputted by the camera to obtain a notch position misalignment, and further calculates a rotational misalignment between semiconductor wafers using a center position misalignment between the semiconductor wafers.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a process for measuring the rotation angle of two objects rotating in relation to each other, with a transmitter assigned to one of the objects, and with an element which influences the direction of polarization, where the transmitter and the element rotate relative to each other, and where the luminous intensity passing through, or reflected by, the element is measured by a receiver and then evaluated as a signal dependent on the rotation angle, and where the receiver groups of receiver elements sensitive to polarization, and where the polarization planes of the receiver elements in each group are rotated in relation to each other, and where the reception signals of at least two of the receiver elements are evaluated independent of each other in a monitoring mode. The disclosure also relates to an apparatus for implementing the process.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention may provide a relative angular motion measurement system that includes a remote device used to control operations of a host device. The remote may include a plurality of light sources with predetermined light distribution patterns and angles of orientation with respect to a major axis of the remote. The host device may include a sensor and a controller. The sensor may detect light emitted from the remote (via the light sources) and generate output signals that may be interpreted by the controller. The controller may interpret the output signals from the sensor to estimate received intensity from each light source and calculate the orientation of the remote device based on data representing the light sources' light distribution patterns with fixed angles of orientation.

Abstract: A method for determining an angular orientation of a sensor relative to a source. The method including: amplitude modulating at least two synchronized polarized Radio Frequency (RF) carrier signals with a predetermined relationship between their amplitude modulation of their electric field components and their polarization states to provide a scanning polarized RF reference source with a desired scanning range, pattern and frequency; detecting the scanning polarized RF reference source at the sensor; and using peak detection or pattern matching analysis on a signal detected at the sensor to determine the angular orientation of the sensor relative to scanning polarized RF reference source.

Abstract: An automatic angle adjustment unit (70) engages with and drivers a horizontal adjustment-engagement member (33) and a vertical adjustment-engagement member (37) of an object detection device (D) from the exterior. The unit (70) includes: engagement-drive transmission sections (72 and 73) which removably engages with both adjustment-engagement members (33 and 37), from the front surface, and drives both adjustment-engagement members (33 and 37); clamping section (76) that is removably secured to the object detection device (D); and an adjustment unit control section (80) for performing a control for adjusting a horizontal angle and a vertical angle of an optical system, based on a detection signal level.

Abstract: A horizontal adjustment-engagement member (33) of an object detection device (D) drives the horizontal rotation component (32) to adjust a horizontal angle of a detection unit (11, 12), and a vertical adjustment-engagement member (37) drives the vertical rotation component (36) to adjust a vertical angle of a detection unit. Both adjustment-engagement members (33 and 37) are positioned adjacent to each other at fixed positions such that portions thereof are exposed on a front surface of the device (D), are removably engaged with an external automatic angle adjustment unit (70) from front surfaces, and are automatically adjusted by a driving force of the automatic angle adjustment unit (70) based on a signal level of a detection signal outputted by level output section (7).

Abstract: A device for measuring and optionally correcting the angular offset of two shafts which are connected to one another by way of two universal joints and a third shaft calls for the measurement heads of an optoelectronic alignment device to be adjustably arranged on the shafts by means of at least one pivot joint on one of the clamping devices, with an adjustment capacity. A pertinent method contains matching of the orientation of the measurement heads of the optoelectronic alignment device on the shafts in at least two measurement positions by adjusting the pivot joint.

Abstract: A directional filter device for controlling direction of maximal blocking of incident light, including: (a) a front polarizer; (b) a plurality of front electrodes; (c) a liquid crystal layer having a front surface for receiving light and a back surface for emitting light; (d) a plurality of back electrodes; (e) a back polarizer; and (f) circuitry for applying a voltage between said front electrodes and said back electrodes, wherein said circuitry is configured to apply voltage between front and back electrodes that do not face each other using voltage sequences that create electric fields at angles selected from a range of angles, which are not perpendicular to the front surface of the liquid crystal layer.

Abstract: Pulley alignment apparatus for aligning pulleys when the operating position of a variable sheave pulley of a pulley system has changed is provided. The pulley alignment apparatus has an adjustable laser light unit that can be adjusted to compensate for the resulting displacement of the centerline of the variable sheave pulley when the operating position is changed. The pulley alignment apparatus also has a set of gauges for determining the operating position of a variable sheave pulley and determining if a belt is adequate for the variable sheave pulley at the operating position.

Abstract: An image acquisition apparatus includes an image-forming optical system configured to form an image of an observation area in a plane of a subject, an image sensor including a light receiving surface configured to capture an image of the observation area formed by the image-forming optical system, and a rotation unit configured to rotate at least one of the subject and the image sensor within a plane perpendicular to an optical axis of the image-forming optical system. By driving of the rotation unit, the image acquisition apparatus changes a relative position of the observation area and the light receiving surface within the plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the image-forming optical system, to capture an image of an area in the observation area not captured at a time of image capturing before driving of the rotation unit.

Abstract: Various systems and methods for estimating the position of a radiation source in three-dimensional space, together with sensors for use in such systems are described. In some embodiments, the systems include a plurality of radiation sensors. The three-dimensional position of the radiation source is estimated relative to each sensor using an aperture that casts shadows on a radiation detector as a function of the incident angle of the incoming radiation. In some embodiments, the ratio of a reference radiation intensity to a measured radiation intensity is used to estimate direction of the radiation source relative to the sensor. When the angular position of the radiation source is estimated relative to two sensors, the position of the radiation source in three dimensions can be triangulated based on the known relative positions of the two sensors.

Abstract: This document discusses apparatus and methods for aligning and centering an articulated laser projection system. In an example, a laser projection system can include an alignment stabilization system configured to align an optical path to a reference and a centration stabilization system configured to center the optical path within an aperture. The alignment stabilization system can have an alignment stabilization processing path configured to receive alignment information from an alignment sensor, and the centration stabilization system can have a centration stabilization processing path configured to receive centration information from a centration sensor.

Abstract: A testing apparatus for testing an organic light-emitting display apparatus including: a test chamber for retaining a first substrate having a plurality of exposed cells, each cell including an organic emission unit; a stage in the test chamber, the stage configured to support the first substrate; a plurality of probe bars, each of the probe bars including a plurality of probe blocks for respectively contacting the exposed plurality of cells of the first substrate to supply an external signal to the exposed plurality of cells; a probe bar moving unit coupled to the probe bar; and a probe bar supply unit including the plurality of probe bars, wherein the probe bar moving unit is configured to move a probe bar to and from the stage and to and from the supply unit to obtain and unload a probe bar.

Abstract: A device and a method for measuring an elevator hoistway, includes at least one or more laser aligners and a measuring element. The measuring element is provided with an essentially long handle for extending the measuring element into the laser beams transmitted by the laser aligners.

Abstract: A SAL seeker focuses laser energy reflected off a target into a spot on the surface of a multi-segment non-imaging detector. A matched filter is responsive to the normalized detector response to estimate an angle measurement to the target. The matched filter is particularly well-suited for use in wide FOV systems as it unambiguously selects the angle measurement over the extended FOV whereas the conventional centroid calculation introduces ambiguity. The centroid calculation and angle selection may be used to improve the search and selection of the matched filter. Alternately, the matched filter may be used to disambiguate the angle selection based on the centroid calculation.

Abstract: An angle sensor, system and method employ a guided-mode resonance. The angle sensor includes a guided-mode resonance (GMR) grating and a resonance processor. The resonance processor determines an angle of incidence of a signal incident on the GMR grating. The resonance processor uses a guided-mode resonance response of the GMR grating to the signal to determine the angle of incidence. The angle sensing system includes the GMR grating, the resonance processor and further includes an optical source that produces the signal. The method includes providing a GMR grating, detecting a guided-mode resonance produced in the GMR grating when subjected to an incident signal, and determining an angle of incidence of the incident signal from one or both of a number of and a spectral distance between guided-mode resonances present in a response of the GMR grating to the incident signal.

Abstract: A maskless exposure apparatus which precisely and rapidly measures positions of spot beams of a plurality of optical systems by calculating positions of respective BMSs using a plurality of FMs engraved on an FBA on a movable table. The centers of the respective BMSs are aligned with the centers of random FMs of the plurality of FMs. Thereafter, positions of spot beams irradiated from the plurality of optical systems are quickly and precisely measured using the positions of the respective BMSs and the positions of the FMs measured by the BMSs, thereby more quickly generating mask data to execute maskless exposures.

Abstract: The present invention may include loading a diagnostic sample onto a sample stage, focusing light from an illumination source disposed on a multi-axis stage onto the diagnostic sample, collecting a portion of light reflected from a surface of the diagnostic sample utilizing a detector, wherein the illumination source and the detector are optically direct-coupled via an optical system, acquiring a set of diagnostic parameters indicative of illumination source position drift from the diagnostic sample, determining a magnitude of the illumination source position drift by comparing the acquired set of diagnostic parameters to an initial set of parameters obtained from the diagnostic sample at a previously measured alignment condition, determining a direction of the illumination source position drift; and providing illumination source position adjustment parameters configured to correct the determined magnitude and direction of the illumination source position drift to the multi-axis actuation control system of th

Abstract: A non-contacting aligning method for planes in a three-dimensional environment is disclosed. The method includes: projecting a light beam in a predetermined incident angle onto a transparent first object and an opaque second object that are facing each other; and calculating a distance between the first and second objects basing on the tangent trigonometric function of the incident angle of the light beam.

Abstract: A system (and corresponding methodology) for testing, evaluating and diagnosing quality of solar concentrator optics is provided. The innovation discloses mechanisms for evaluating the performance and quality of a solar collector via emission of modulated laser radiation upon (or near) a position of photovoltaic (PV) cells. The innovation discloses positioning two receivers at two distances from the source (e.g., solar collector or dish). These receivers are employed to collect modulated light which can be compared to standards or other thresholds thereby diagnosing quality of the collectors.

Abstract: A method for obtaining an incident angle ?i is provided. The method is used in a panel having at least one icon, wherein the at least one icon has a plurality of protrusions, and a light-emitting source is disposed under the at least one icon. The method includes steps of obtaining a distance W between two centers of two bottoms of two trenches formed at two sides of one of the plurality of protrusions; obtaining a half of the distance W; obtaining a vertical distance H between the light-emitting source and a center of the distance W; and performing an inverse trigonometric function operation for the half of the distance W over the vertical distance H so as to obtain the incident angle ?i.

Abstract: There is provided a scanning mirror device with a microsystem scanning mirror which is mounted rotatably about at least one axis, and a detection module which has a light source which emits a light beam, and a position detector, wherein the detection module directs the light beam onto the scanning mirror from behind, with the result that the light beam is reflected, at the back of the scanning mirror, to the position detector which measures the position of the reflected light beam, from which the rotation angle of the scanning mirror about the at least one axis can be deduced.

Abstract: A reading machine that operates in various modes includes image correction processing is described. The reading device pre-processes an image prior to optical character recognition processing by detect distortion in an image of a page by measuring an extent to which page boundaries in the image deviate from a simple rectangular shape and correcting for the optical distortion by transforming the image to restore the page to a rectangular shape.

Abstract: An annular position detection method provides a plurality of light emitters on a first imaginary circle centered on an axis, the emitters directing individual, well-defined, overlapping light beams to a pair of light detectors positioned on a second imaginary circle centered on that axis. The detectors include pairs of diametrically opposite photosensors producing outputs depending upon the areas thereof exposed to light from the emitters. A light blocker is rotatably mounted on the axis so that the blocker blocks light to different extents of the photosensors depending upon its orientation about the axis. The outputs from all of the photosensors are processed to produce a position signal that varies with the angular position of the blocker and the relative intensities of the emitters are adjusted so that the position signal is substantially linear at all operative angles of the blocker. Apparatus for practicing the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A positioning system for determining an angular position of a vehicle (10) with respect to a predetermined position. The system comprises at least one beacon (12) whose position relative to the predetermined position is known, for generating at least one beam of known optical characteristic that allows deriving of the angular position.

Abstract: An attitude correction apparatus includes a pair of opposing laser emitters that face each other. Each of the laser emitters includes a laser oscillator to generate a laser beam, a condenser lens to emit the laser beam toward the head suspension, and galvanomirrors to adjust the directivity of an optical axis of the laser beam from a standby state toward a spot on the head suspension. The condenser lens of each laser emitter is positioned so that the directivity of the optical axis of the laser beam in the standby state disagrees with an optical path that passes through the condenser lens and laser oscillator of the other laser emitter.

Abstract: A method for detecting misalignment of a vehicle headlight using a camera system is specified. For this purpose, the headlight is in a predefined position and the camera system is arranged on or in the vehicle and is oriented in such a manner that the light distribution pattern of the headlight in front of the motor vehicle is detected. With a predefined headlight position, an actual light distribution pattern of the headlight is recorded using the camera system and is compared with a desired light distribution pattern for the predefined headlight position. If the actual light distribution pattern differs from the desired light distribution pattern, misalignment of the headlight is detected.

Abstract: A method and system for positioning a vehicle chassis in approximate alignment with a predetermined datum are provided. The vehicle includes a first longitudinal end adapted to be pivotally connected to a substantially fixed point and a second longitudinal end including at least one axle and an operatively associated two-corner fluid suspension system. According to the method, the fluid suspension system controls the alignment of the vehicle chassis to be aligned with an artificial horizon represented as the predetermined datum.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved method for establishing camera fixture location for aligning mirrors on a solar collector array (SCA) comprising multiple mirror modules. The method aligns the mirrors on a module by comparing the location of the receiver image in photographs with the predicted theoretical receiver image location. To accurately align an entire SCA, a common reference is used for all of the individual module images within the SCA. The improved method can use relative pixel location information in digital photographs along with alignment fixture inclinometer data to calculate relative locations of the fixture between modules. The absolute locations are determined by minimizing alignment asymmetry for the SCA. The method inherently aligns all of the mirrors in an SCA to the receiver, even with receiver position and module-to-module alignment errors.

Abstract: A weighing scale, e.g. a top-pan scale, having a scale pan (01, 02) supported on a force transducer, and a corner load sensor (03, 04, 06, 08, 09) measuring the tilting of the scale pan (01, 02) relative to the force transducer. The corner load sensor includes a light beam source (03, 04, 06) emitting a first light beam and a second light beam. The first light beam and the second light beam are directed toward a reflecting surface on an underside of an arrangement that includes the scale pan (01, 02). The first light beam and the second light beam are respectively inclined relative to the reflecting surface of the untilted scale pan (01). The corner load sensor (03, 04, 06, 08, 09) of the scale also includes a first optical sensor (08) measuring the first light beam reflected by the reflecting surface. If no corner load exists, a predetermined proportion (12) of the reflected first light beam is directed to the first optical sensor (08).

Abstract: A structural unit for a rotary encoder. The structural unit including a graduation carrier fastened to a mount that includes a recess and a positioning element fastened to the graduation carrier by a first material connection. The positioning element is disposed in the recess, and the recess is dimensioned such that the recess positions the positioning element in a radial direction without play. The structural unit further including a second material connection is provided between the graduation carrier and the mount.

Abstract: A method of providing a polarized radio frequency scanning source is provided. The method including amplitude modulating at least two synchronized polarized radio frequency (RF) carrier signals with a predetermined relationship between their amplitude modulation of their electric field components and their polarization states to provide a scanning polarized RF reference source with a desired scanning range, pattern and frequency. The two or more synchronized polarized RF carrier signals with the predetermined relationship between their amplitude modulation can obtain a periodic or non-periodic scanning range, rate and frequency.

Abstract: A laser lead designator for guiding a laser guided weapon (LGW) to strike a moving target includes a laser source for providing a laser beam and a controller coupled to receive a position and a velocity of the moving target. The controller provides a control signal for pointing the laser beam a specified lead distance ahead of the position of the moving target to position a laser spot on a ground location ahead of the moving target. The lead distance compensates for an impact shortfall value that is a function of at least one shortfall parameter including a speed of the moving target so that the LGW shortfalls the laser spot on the moving target. The laser designator is separate from the LGW.

Abstract: An angle-measuring device includes a first group of components and a second group of components that are rotatable relative to each other about an axis. The first group includes a carrier element for enclosing a shaft and on which a graduation disk is secured, a connecting element, and a device for affixing the connecting element relative to the carrier element. The second group includes a sensor element for scanning the graduation disk. The carrier element and the connecting element are arranged such that the connecting element is able to be brought into operative connection with the carrier element so that torque is transmittable with positive locking between the connecting element and the carrier element about the axis. The connecting element is able to be brought into a positive-locking position by axial displacement by the device for affixing the connecting element, and is able to be prestressed radially against the shaft.

Abstract: Systems and methods for transprojection of geometry data acquired by a coordinate measuring machine (CMM). The CMM acquires geometry data corresponding to 3D coordinate measurements collected by a measuring probe that are transformed into scaled 2D data that is transprojected upon various digital object image views captured by a camera. The transprojection process can utilize stored image and coordinate information or perform live transprojection viewing capabilities in both still image and video modes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the longitudinal position of a tapered displaceable element positioned between two substantially orthogonally laterally opposing displacement sensors. A change in the longitudinal position of the displaceable element causes the sensors to each measure their distance to the displaceable element which relates directly to the local thickness and thus the longitudinal position of the displaceable element. The system factors out errors in measured lateral proximity position of the displaceable element since an erroneous proximity to one sensor is equal and opposite to an erroneous proximity to the other.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, a parabolic antenna may include a radome with an optically transparent window. The parabolic antenna may include a feedhorn socket configured to receive a feedhorn assembly. The feedhorn socket may also be configured to receive a spotting scope. According to various embodiments, the spotting scope may be mounted in place of the feedhorn assembly and used to optically align the parabolic antenna with respect to a distant target. The optically transparent window positioned in the radome may allow a user to see through the radome. Once aligned, the spotting scope may be removed from the feedhorn socket. A feedhorn assembly may then be secured in the feedhorn socket and a radio unit coupled thereto for radio frequency transmission.