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 compact laser system including a pendant including a laser tube having an optical resonator capable of generating a laser beam, and a scanning system including at least one optical beam deflector being capable of controlling a path of the laser beam. The laser tube and the scanning system are at least partially enclosed within a common housing. The compact laser system also includes a plug-in-module having a power source being capable of driving the laser, and a power source controller being capable of controlling the power source. The plug-in-module also includes an optical beam deflector controller being capable of controlling the scanning system.

Abstract: A torque motor configuration that minimizes off-axis magnetic forces emanating from adjacent energized coils acting on a magnet. The motor includes a stator comprising a sleeve with conductive coils disposed thereon, and the stator further defining a rotor opening, and a rotor disposed in the rotor opening comprising a magnet disposed on a shaft with the sleeve being shorter than the magnet and the coils including turn around zones beyond respective ends of the sleeve. The motor may be incorporated into an optical scanning system including optical elements for detecting light from a light source.

Abstract: A positioning assembly including a motor, a position sensor, an isolator for coupling the motor to the sensor. The motor may have all surface areas, except that surface area coupled to the sensor via the isolator, exposed to a cooling medium such as air. In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention may be utilized in an optical scanning system.

Abstract: A positioning assembly including a motor, a position sensor, an isolator for coupling the motor to the sensor. The motor may have all surface areas, except that surface area coupled to the sensor via the isolator, exposed to a cooling medium such as air. In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention may be utilized in an optical scanning system.

Abstract: A torque motor configuration that minimizes off-axis magnetic forces emanating from adjacent energized coils acting on a magnet. The motor includes a stator comprising a sleeve with conductive coils disposed thereon, and the stator further defining a rotor opening, and a rotor disposed in the rotor opening comprising a magnet disposed on a shaft with the sleeve being shorter than the magnet and the coils including turn around zones beyond respective ends of the sleeve. The motor may be incorporated into an optical scanning system including optical elements for detecting light from a light source.