Abstract: An optical turret shaped for minimum aerodynamic and aero-optic impact at supersonic speeds. The turret optics includes a common optical element for scanning the optical tracking beam and the projected laser beam to provide for automatic alignment of both beams. Separate windows associated with the tracking beam and the laser output beam is provided for increased efficiency, the window material in each window being compatibel with the optical wavelengths passing therethrough.

Abstract: A tool holder for supporting an end mill tool. The tool holder has a main body portion, a collet and a collar operable together to apply radial forces to hold the tool. The tool holder also has a threaded adjustment device operable with the tool to hold the tool in a predetermined axial position. A set screw is operable with the adjustment device to further insure against undesired axial movement of the tool.

Abstract: A laser source projects a main beam through a central hole formed in an optical wedge. A portion of the laser light is refracted through the wedge and forms an optical side lobe. By rotating the wedge the side lobe undergoes a conical scan enhancing the tracking capability of the laser beam. A laser range finder processes the reflected return of the conical scan from a target and establishes an error signal which is minimized when equal reflections are obtained at spaced points along the conical scan thereby establishing a tracking direction which is coincident with the optical center of the target.

Abstract: A flexible assembly jig for positioning a workpiece multi-dimensionally by a plurality of positioner units to enable a tool to operate thereon. Each positioner unit includes a locator adjustable in three-dimensions into unrestricted operative positions, including positions in horizontal fields overlapping the horizontal fields of operative positions of the locators of adjacent positioner units. The positioner units with the locators are movable into storage chambers of a diameter less than the maximum horizontal operating fields in which the locator is adjustable.

Abstract: A hollow base member has a working surface and a plurality of spaced apart ways all extending parallel to an x-axis of a cartesian coordinate system. A plurality of hollow positioning members are slidably received in the ways. A plurality of vacuum hold down members are slidably sealingly received within bores in the base member and in the positioning members, respectively, and move along lines parallel to the z-axis relative to the working surfaces. A work piece is placed on a plurality of the hold down members which establish its position in the z-direction, then advanced against stop members fixed to the base member to establish its position along the y-axis. Then the positioning members are slid in the ways until integral stop members engage the work piece to establish a plurality of positions along the x-axis and within an xy-plane of the coordinate system.