Abstract: An optical axis of a headlight is measured by disposing a lattice member in front of the headlight. The lattice member has a plurality of longitudinally elongated lattice holes which are arranged in a form of a matrix. An illuminated area and an illuminance of light beams to be transmitted through the lattice member are measured at each of illuminating regions which are divided into a form of a matrix by the lattice holes. The position of a light source of the headlight is located from an illuminating region of maximum illuminated area and a position of an optical axis of the headlight is located from an illuminating region of maximum illuminance. The optical axis is adjusted depending on the located position of the light source and the position of the optical axis such that the inclination angle of the optical axis coincides with a set inclination angle. An illuminance distribution pattern is used to judge the type of headlight during adjustment of the optical axis of the headlight.

Abstract: The method and the device are intended to measure the geometrical characteristics of components of optical communication systems comprising a body (1) with nominally cylindrical external surface and an internal element (2) nominally coaxial with body (1). The component is placed in a V-groove (3) and rotated by 360.degree.. A TV-camera (8) detects the curve (4) described by a point of the internal element during the rotation. Numerical analysis of the curve provides, by a single operation, eccentricity of the internal element and non-circularity of the external surface of the body. (FIG.

Abstract: A contact-free, optical measurement system for determining the precision with which an article rotates. A reflective surface is secured to a rotating surface and a light source, such as a laser, is disposed thereabove. A target is likewise secured in association with the light source to receive the reflected light from the spinning surface. In this manner, any dynamic angular misalignment, or wobble, in the spinning surface will be manifested in movement of the reflected light upon the target. The degree of wobble of the spinning surface may then be readily ascertained.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the deviation from a specific position of a mirror surface, includes an auto collimating system in which a point light source is located at a reference point on a reflecting surface of the mirror surface located at a predetermined correct position. A light emitter emits detecting light onto the point light source from an incident optical axis inclined with respect to a normal of the mirror surface. A position detector measures the deviation of the detecting light reflected by the mirror surface and reciprocally transmitted through the auto collimating system and again reflected by the mirror surface.

Abstract: Alignment method and procedure for accurately determining the off-normal angle of incidence of an optical beam with a sample, for example, in ellipsometry. A diffraction grating is fabricated with a grating period chosen such that, when a laser beam irradiates the grating placed at the sample area, a beam is diffracted generally along the incoming laser beam. The laser is then angularly moved with respect to the grating until the two beams are auto-collimated, i.e., made coincident. The angle of incidence is then accurately determined from the laser wavelength and the grating period through well known equations.

Abstract: In a method of regulating optical axes of headlights for an automotive vehicle so that a light intensity boundary of low beam of headlights lies within a predetermined range displayed on a monitor TV, light intensity boundary points are detected along vertical lines arranged at predetermined picture element intervals in the horizontal direction; the detected boundary points are connected to determine a light intensity boundary line composed of horizontal and inclined lines; and the optical axes of the headlights are so regulated that the determined light intensity boundary line lies within the predetermined range on the monitor TV, thus enabling the headlight regulating work to be effected automatically for each vehicle at high speed and high reliability.

Abstract: The present optical system provides an all-reflective boresight transfer system. A reflective mechanism receives and reflects energy from an incoming collimated beam to focus it upon a target surface. The target surface absorbs and subsequently re-emits as a longer wavelength most of the energy and also reflects a small portion of the energy such that an exit beam comprised of both the re-emitted and reflected energy is reflected through the reflecting mechanism and re-collimated by the reflecting mechanism. The exit beam has the same direction as the input beam except that it is deviated by 180.degree. and laterally offset from the input beam so that the exit beam may be used as a reference for determining or aligning the line of sight of other optical systems.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of measuring the contact angle of wetting liquids on a solid surface with which a high measuring accuracy and better reproduceability of the measurement results is achieved. The method resides in that a laser beam is directed onto the interface line between the liquid and the plane solid surface in such a manner that a first part of the laser beam is reflected by the solid surface and a second part by the liquid surface. The second partial beam is used as measuring beam by determining the angle (.delta.) made between the measuring beam and the solid surface, said angle being in a fixed geometrical relationship to the contact angle (r). The contact angles which can be determined very accurately with this measuring method provide information on wetting properties of materials, the exact knowledge of which is of great significance for example for semiconductor fabrication.

Abstract: A mask structure and a mask positioning device, executes accurate and quick positioning of a mask having a generally ring-like shape. The mask structure includes a supporting frame of a generally ring-like shape, and at least one flat surface formed by a mirror surface is provided at a peripheral part of the supporting frame. Light is projected upon the flat surface and, on the basis of detection of reflected light therefrom, the mask can be positioned with respect to the rotational direction, the inclination and orthogonal coordinate position. The mask positioning device is adapted to execute such positioning accurately and quickly.

Abstract: A method of measuring a vehicular frame to determine alignment, where measurements provided in the manufacturer's specifications are known. The method consists of the following steps. Firstly, establishing at least one reference point spaced from a vehicular frame. Secondly, triangulating the vehicular frame by measuring the angle from the reference point to one or more coordinate points provided in the manufacturer's specifications. One side of the triangle containing the reference points is a reference line of a known length. Thirdly, using the length of the reference line and the angular measurement from the reference points as a basis for trigonometric calculation.

Abstract: A system for aligning an optical fiber termination to a light path is disclosed. Light coming through the fiber at its termination as well as light introduced into the light path from a laser are directed along the light path to a viewer. The placement of the fiber termination is adjustable, as is the direction of the light path, such that the image of light from the optical fiber termination can be adjusted to coincide at the viewer with the image of light from the laser. A long focal length lens is optionally placed in the input beam path and laterally positioned as a fine resolution control over the point of focus at the fiber core. If the laser radiation is ultraviolet or infrared, a flourescing surface may be positioned in the light path to return visible light along the light path to the viewer.

Abstract: The disclosure is of apparatus and method for detecting and correcting malalignment in the drive train of a vehicle, especially a heavy-duty, load-carrying vehicle, which drive train comprises a drive shaft articulated by a universal joint and a rear end comprising a transverse axle adapted to drive wheels. Laser beam targets are affixed to the drive shaft in such an alignment that, when a laser beam is projected through them, deviations from the normal are revealed. The targets are semi-transparent members having opaque cross hairs thereon which are adjustable up and down and are mounted so that the vertical cross hairs are in line with a vertical diameter of the drive shaft. A prism-bearing target is affixed to the differential of the vehicle in alignment with the laser beam. The prism is adapted to refract the laser beam at 90.degree. and is mounted so that it can be set either at 0.degree. or 180.degree.

Abstract: A system for locating an object in latitude and longitude is disclosed. A rotating and oscillating mirror makes a laser beam deflect. A sensor fixed to the object indicates the locating instant. A screen that scatters and/or reflects towards a second sensor, on which are stretched reflecting and/or scattering cords, provides latitudinal and longitudinal position-identification of the deflection of the beam. The invention can be applied to robotics.

Abstract: A laser beam (22) is used as a spacial reference and its position is measured relative to a target device (200A, 200B, 200C) mounted on a structure (210) being monitored (FIG. 6). The target device has two edges or slots which are moved to intersect the beam such that the two intersections occur at right angles to one another at the beam for maximum accuracy. The edges may be fixed and are in such relation that one coordinate of beam position is a monotonic function of the displacement of the beam between positions at which one and the other edge intersect the beam. The other coordinate is obtained by the relative displacements for intersection of the beam from a reference position. In one embodiment (FIG. 2) the target (30) is moved linearly and the edges (40,42) are straight and mutually orthogonal. In another embodiment (FIG. 3) the target (100) is mounted for rotational displacement with arcuate intersecting edges (104, 106).

Abstract: A device determines the location of a point, line, or plane in space with respect to an object along an axis of projection from the object. The device includes a beam generator coupled to the object and generating a plane of light containing the axis of projection of the object. Additionally, the beam generator generates a ray of light oriented at an angle to the axis of the projection so as to intercept the axis at the point in space to be located. The position of the axis of projection in the plane is marked, preferably, by a second beam generator generating a plane of light containing the axis of projection of the object and oriented at an angle to the first plane. The coincidence of the ray and marking of the axis of projection in the plane indicates that the point in space has been located with respect to the object. The second beam generator may also provide a ray of light intersecting the axis of projection at a point different than the first ray.

Abstract: On a testing or processing machine the axis of a second bracket is to be ctly aligned relative to the axis of a first bracket. For this purpose a laser is mounted on the first bracket which directs a beam onto the reflector surface of a disc mounted on the second bracket. The reflected beam produces a dot of light on the perforated disc, which is arranged about the exit aperture of the light source. By adjusting the second bracket the dot of light is directed onto the aperture. Once this is done the two brackets are in exact alignment. To align brackets arranged at an angle to each other a beam deflecting device can be arranged in the path of the beam. All the auxiliary devices needed for measurement can likewise be exactly adjusted in accordance with the method.

Abstract: A method, and a device for practicing the method, for marking the configuration of a vehicle-mounted mirror which has initially been set to a desired perspective, thus enabling a single, unaided person within reach of a misaligned mirror to quickly and reliably readjust it to reproduce the previously marked perspective even though that desired perspective cannot be viewed from the adjuster's position.

Abstract: A support (56) is suitable for holding a substrate (10) horizontal, said substrate having a drop of liquid placed thereon. A source of light (74) associated with a collimator (78) forms a primary beam of parallel light which is directed perpendicularly (86) to the substrate. A receiver surface (126, 128) having a known geometry and placed in a known position relative to the substrate intercepts a secondary beam (124) produced by interaction between the primary beam and the drop and the substrate. The value of the contact angle between the drop and the substrate may be deduced from the illuminated zone on said receiver surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus (10) employed to give the operator of excavating equipment a quick and accurate visual indication of the amount of excavation reguired to attain a desired grade level; wherein, the apparatus (10) comprises: a laser unit (11); a representative pipe section (12); a centerline target unit (13); and, a grade checker unit (15), whereby the coincidence of a laser beam (50) projected from the laser unit (11) and selected portions of a stationary target element (16) and an adjustable target element (27) on the centerline target unit (13) and the grade checker unit (15) respectively determines the desired grade depth.

Abstract: An alignment aid for use in installing a reference system of known type which reflects an image of an indicator mark mounted on a gun turret, back into the gun sight via a mirror mounted at the muzzle end of the gun barrel, for comparison with a reference mark on the graticule of the gunsight, thereby to indicate any angular deviation between the muzzle axis and the gunner's line of sight. The alignment aid, which is used in setting the mirror to provide initial coincidence between the indicator mark image and the reference mark, consists of a highly reflective viewing screen attachable to the turret adjacent the indicator mark, and a projection lamp attached to the gun sight so as to protect an image of the reference mark onto the screen, via the telescopic optics of the gunsight and the mirror.

Abstract: An automatic surveying apparatus for surveying a route in tunneling work, for example, by directing a laser beam from a laser device onto a screen of a moving target to form a laser spot on the screen and detecting the positional coordinates of the laser spot on the screen by means of an image pick-up camera to obtain the positional deviation of the target with high accuracy. The angular deflections of the target can also be measured by use of a target composed of two screens and two image pick-up cameras.

Abstract: A headlamp testing method of the invention involves the steps of applying the low beam of the headlamp onto a screen, determining the position of the geometrical center of a closed area of illuminance higher than a predetermined level, determining the position of a cut off line cross point from the position of the geometrical center and a predetermined amount of offset, and determining a presumption line cut off line from the cut off line cross point. The presumption line thus determined is displayed together with a mark which indicates the within which the cross point should fall, and the headlamp beam is judged as being acceptable when the cross point is located within this range.

Abstract: Features of the endface of a dielectric member are assessed by means of a reflected diffraction pattern.A plurality of light beams 6, 7 which intersect in a region containing the endface 8 can be used to generate a diffraction pattern 10 which subtends an angle of at least 180.degree. at the endface 8. Such a diffraction pattern 10 contains information about the endface 8 and may be used, in particular, to locate the plane in which the endface 8 lies.Embodiments of the invention find particular application in the measurement of endface angles of optical fibres.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aligning a surface of a pyramidal-shaped workpiece (such as a stylus) with respect to a positioning ring attached to a holder supporting the workpiece. One surface of the workpiece (electrode of the stylus) is exposed to an incident light beam of large diameter so that only a portion of the incident beam is reflected from the surface onto a calibrated screen. A mirror reflects the remaining portion of the light beam back to the other two stylus surfaces to provide a pair of reflected beams onto the same screen. The workpiece is rotated to position the three reflections on the calibrated screen for comparison to a standard.

Abstract: A non-contact displacement sensing system for a remote center compliance (RCC) device having a movable part and a fixed part, including: a curved reflector mounted for movement with one part of the RCC device; radiation source means, including at least one radiation source, mounted to the other part of the RCC device and spaced from the curved reflector for providing a beam of radiation to the reflector; and detector means including at least one detector device mounted to the other part of the RCC device and spaced from the curved reflector for receiving the reflected radiation from the radiation source means and generating outputs representative of the displacement of the suspended part relative to the fixed part.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adjusting the alignment of a beam of radiant energy relative to a structure. A target is placed in the path of the beam, with an opaque reticle disposed in front of the target in the path of the beam in predetermined alignment with the structure. The beam impinges on the target to form a beam image and the reticle casts a shadow within the beam image. The positional relationship between the shadow and the outline of the beam image will be altered by any misalignment between the beam and the structure. The target is preferably chosen so that it will be permanently altered by the radiant energy of the beam, and the positional relationship between the shadow and the outline is preferably observed after exposure of the target to the beam.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for aligning spray nozzles which have been disposed to apply a liquid coolant in a desired pattern on a target area. The invention includes the use of a light beam projected onto the target area to indicate any misalignment and the provision of means to adjust the spray nozzles so that the adjusted position results in a desired pattern of distribution of liquid coolant on a target area.

Abstract: A technique for aligning a surface of a workpiece with respect to a positioning ring attached to a holder supporting the workpiece comprises mounting the holder on an alignment platform adjacent a positioning block attached thereto for holding the positioning ring in a predetermined position. The holder is adapted to rotate the workpiece, with respect to the positioning ring, about a first axis, and the alignment platform is supported by a table. The surface of the workpiece is exposed to an incident light beam, whereby the incident beam is reflected from the surface, as a reflected beam, onto a screen along a path of alignment marks disposed thereon. The surface is then rotated about the first axis to change the location where the reflected beam strikes the screen, whereby the surface is properly aligned with respect to the positioning ring when the reflected beam strikes a particular location on the screen.

Abstract: A display apparatus provides a three-dimensional pictorial representation of the position of a movable first member in relation to a stationary second member for the purpose of remotely positioning the first member to enable docking with the second member.

Abstract: A simple and compact testing device is disclosed for enabling the boresight alignment of a laser designator to be quickly and readily checked. The device includes a tubular housing having a closed end and an open end adapted to be attached to the designator. A target disk and a converging meniscus lens provided with a reflective coating on its surface facing the target disk are snugly disposed within the housing adjacent to its closed and open ends, respectively, with a tubular spacer member interposed between and abutting the target disk and the lens. A portion of the laser light emitted from the designator is directed by the lens toward the target disk such that after a predetermined number of reflections from the target disk and the coating on the lens this laser light is focused to a small area on the target disk. The target disk emits visible light which travels back into the designator to provide an indication of the location of the spot of impingement of the laser light on the target disk.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring rocket motor thrust components and resolving small ector alignment errors. Apparatus includes a spherical air bearing which embodies gyrodynamic principles in order to provide three degrees of angular freedom and in order to achieve stiff, vibration free reactions against translational movement. Effects of thrust misalignment are seen as changes in angular rate which can be measured by encoding rotations of the floated rocket motor inner bearing assembly by use of built-in sensors and/or by motion with an external optical tracker.

Abstract: An alignment device for aligning the boresight axis of armament with the line-of-sight axis of an optical sight including a novel collimating apparatus for field use. The collimating apparatus includes a collimator and a collimated light beam generator. The collimator includes an objective lens having its optical axis parallel to one of the axes to be aligned, a translucent screen for rear projection and a projection lens between the objective lens and the screen. A remote collimated light beam generator includes a battery energized incandescent light bulb, a projection reticle, and an objective lens for collimating the light source, the optical axis of the lens being parallel to the second of the axes to be aligned. The angular displacement between the axes is indicated by the position of a light spot on the screen.

Abstract: The invention concerns a system for the alignment of a laser beam transmitter with a transit or other sighting mechanism set up in another place by means of a contrivance on one of the instruments, which projects laser beams in a plane running through the principal axis of the instrument. The beams are registered by a receiving device on the other instrument through two windows lined up along its principal axis.

Abstract: An optical gauging apparatus is provided for determining the deviation of a pipe end from squareness with respect to the pipe axis. A viewing scope is placed centrally in the pipe end to be measured so as to be directed at right angles thereto, and a graduated target is centrally located in the opposite end of the pipe. Sighting through the scope, the distance R of the intersection of the line of sight from the center of the target is determined. The deviation S from squareness may then be calculated from R, D the diameter of the pipe, and L the distance of the target from the end being measured, by the equation: S=RD/L.

Abstract: A mortar barrel is fitted with a plane mirror which reflects a first image n a viewing screen positioned in front of the mortar. A floating mirror which remains level with the ground plane is mounted to the barrel and reflects a second image on the viewing screen. Adjustment of the mortar is made for superposition of both images. After repeated firings, motar cant movement may be detected by the relative displacement of the images which requires readjustment.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for accurate measurement of a rocket's attitude that includes a laser source placed downrange and pointed towards the rocket with a diverging beam. The beam will be intercepted by a mirror on the rocket's ogive, and the reflected beam will then be presented on a vertical target. A detector assembly positioned behind the vertical target plane detects the centroid of the reflected energy and provides an analog output signal.

Abstract: An apparatus for observing the relative alignment of two pairs of guide rollers on a rolling mill roller guide. The roller guide is positioned with its guide roller pairs spaced along an axis extending between two light sources. A dichroic mirror is arranged between each pair of guide rollers and its adjacent light source. One dichroic mirror reflects blue light while transmitting red light, and the other dichroic mirror reflects red light while transmitting blue light. The light reflected from both dichroic mirrors is recombined by a third dichroic mirror and is then projected onto a screen as red and blue images which may be compared visually with a reference outline on the screen, the said outline being representative of proper guide roller alignment. When the roller pairs are properly aligned, the red and blue images coincide on the screen to produce a white image aligned with the reference outline.

Abstract: This invention relates to an optical roll alignment device for aligning a roll pass in a bar/rod or section mill both with respect to the mating roll grooves themselves and an entry guide.The device comprises optical means housed in a guide including a system of mirrors or prisms for providing an image of only the shoulders of the mating roll grooves, a lens system for magnifying the image and a screen or eyepiece in which the image is viewed, together with coordinates of the guide housing whereby any misalignment between the guide and the roll pass may be observed and corrected.

Abstract: A wafer-bearing chuck, an annular reference plate, a copy lens system, and a mask-bearing holder are mounted on a floating unit so that the copy lens system produces an image of a pattern-bearing surface of the mask at a plane positioned between the annular reference plate and the wafer chuck and produces an image of a selected pattern-bearing region of a photosensitive-film-bearing surface of the wafer at the pattern-bearing surface of the mask. The wafer chuck is movably mounted for positioning the photosensitive-film-bearing surface of the wafer in abutment with the annular reference plate in a plane parallel to the image plane of the pattern-bearing surface of the mask and for subsequently positioning the selected pattern-bearing surface region of the wafer in the image plane of the pattern-bearing surface of the mask.

Abstract: A straight line whose azimuth angle is to be measured, such as the angle of a gap of a magnetic head assembly relative to a disk radius, is imaged on an evaluation plane via a lens and a pair of deflecting mirrors, the first of which is semi-transparent. The mirrors are each inclined at a different angle from a common pivot line. The angular difference is such that the images do not touch and only one end portion of each image from the mirrors lies in the image field. The lateral spacing of these end portions is a function of the azimuth angle. A mask blocking out the center portion of the image may be used to assist in the end portion definition.

Abstract: Apparatus for aligning the axle of a vehicle such as a truck, bus, etc., comprises a carriage adapted to be rolled into position adjacent the axle, a beam mounted on the carriage to pivot about a horizontal axis orthogonal to the axle, and means for projecting a laser ray coaxial with the pivot axis of the beam and onto a target positioned forwardly of the axle at a predetermined location with respect to the frame of the vehicle. The underside of the axle is engaged by a pair of forks adjustably carried by the beam to position the beam parallel to the axle. A centering mechanism is provided to center the laser with respect to the axle by causing the beam pivot axis to move laterally into a central position between the wheels of the vehicle. Preferably, the laser also projects a ray rearwardly through a central bore in the beam pivot pin to facilitate alignment of the laser with the pivot axis of the beam.

Abstract: Features of the endface of a dielectric member are assessed by means of a reflected diffraction pattern.A plurality of light beams 6, 7 which intersect in a region containing the endface 8 can be used to generate a diffraction pattern 10 which subtends an angle of at least 180.degree. at the endface 8. Such a diffraction pattern 10 contains information about the endface 8 and may be used, in particular, to locate the plane in which the endface 8 lies.Embodiments of the invention find particular application in the measurement of endface angles of optical fibres.