Abstract: An arrangement for obtaining three-dimensional position data on surfaces defining a room, and objects enclosed by that room. The room is scanned with a master and slave sensors to determine the three-dimensional profiles of surfaces that are visible to the sensors. A pattern is then projected by the master sensor onto a known surface, and slave sensors spaced from the master sensor search for that pattern. The position of the pattern is determined angularly by each slave sensor, and the projection of the pattern is thereafter discontinued. Each salve sensor then measures the distance to the known surface at that angle with respect to its own coordinate system. This is repeated three times so that three such patterns are located. The position data from all of the sensors are transformed into a single common coordinate system, based upon sensor locations determined by the measurement of the three patterns.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method of determining the position and orientation of an element (such as a platform) in space by determining the intersection of a line with a plane (or with another line). Three different implementations are disclosed.

Abstract: An arrangement is disclosed, in form of various embodiments, for more rapid scanning of an addressed point in space with programmable angular relationships, using either merely rotary motion for angle and reduced motion for position in two or three dimensions, or simply rotary motion for displacement with a consistent angular relationship in two or three dimensions.

Abstract: An arrangement for removing excess material from an object surface, to provide a desired finished surface. Holes are drilled into the object so that the bottoms of the holes lie on the desired finished surface. The holes have a shape so that the observed hole diameter at the prevailing surface of the object is dependent on the hole depth and thereby dependent on the amount of material remaining to be removed between the prevailing surface and the desired finished surface. The prevailing surface is continuously observed and measured, and the depths of material to be removed in a sequence of steps is calculated dependent on the measurements of the prevailing surface and the coordinates of the desired finished surface. As a result of the calculations, the depth of material removed during each step is controlled, so that upon carrying out a sequence of such steps, the surface exposed on the object after the last step has been carried out, coincides with the desired finished surface.

Abstract: An arrangement for removing excess material from an object surface, to provide a desired finished surface. Holes are drilled into the object so that the bottoms of the holes lie on the desired finished surface. The holes have a shape so that the observed hole diameter at the prevailing surface of the object is dependent on the hole depth and thereby dependent on the amount of material remaining to be removed between the prevailing surface and the desired finished surface. The prevailing surface is continuously observed and measured, and the depths of material to be removed in a sequence of steps is calculated dependent on the measurements of the prevailing surface and the coordinates of the desired finished surface. As a result of the calculations, the depth of material removed during each step is controlled, so that upon carrying out a sequence of such steps, the surface exposed on the object after the last step has been carried out, coincides with the desired finished surface.

Abstract: An arrangement for the construction of surfaces and bodies by stacking planar elements against each other. The planar elements have cross-sections corresponding to respective cross-sections of the surface to be constructed. The planar elements are assembled and attached to each other in sections, with neighboring sections being detached from each other so that the planar elements may be produced by cutting through plate-shaped material, and the cut-out elements are held to the parent plates by tabs. The tabs are arranged in a staggered manner among the sections of planar elements to facilitate easy removal of the planar elements from the remaining plate-shaped material to be discarded.

Abstract: An arrangement in which a three-dimensional surface is copied by recording images of planar sections of the surface. The surface is subdivided into the sections, and the sections are illuminated in sequence by a projector which directs a plane of light against the surface. A camera spaced from the projector records the intersection of the illuminating plane with the surface. By recording sections in sequence with the camera, the entire surface may be covered. The camera is focused on the illuminating plane in the region about the object surface. The recorded information is stored in a computer and used as a guide to repeat the procedure with a thinner plane of light for the purpose of obtaining increased accuracy of the final data.

Abstract: An arrangement for fabricating planar elements which may be stacked for producing predetermined surfaces and bodies. The planar elements have cross-sections corresponding to respective cross-sections of the surface to be constructed. The planar elements are formed by cutting them from plate-shaped material or sheet metal, and the cut-out elements are held to the parent sheet or plate material by tabs. The planar elements are cut successively from the sheet or plate-shaped material at spaced intervals. The cutting action is such as to leave the tabs for holding the planar elements in place. Registration holes are punched about the planar element, so that these may be readily stacked relative to each other, as required to form the surface to be constructed. Sprocket holes are also punched in the sheet material to advance the material along a processing path at which the various processing stations are located.

Abstract: A plurality of projectors are positioned in spaced relationship about an object with a surface to be geometrically analyzed. The projectors have cooperating masks which project onto the object illuminated patterns that subdivide the object into predetermined sections. Each mask has a predetermined pattern of sections, and is applied in sequence. The masks are cooperatively advanced in the projectors, with a separate illuminating pattern prevailing on the object each time that the masks are advanced. The combinations of the patterns on the masks define closely-spaced sections subdividing the object. The patterns are coded so that each section is uniquely defined in coded form. Cameras having the entire object within their field of view, photograph the object each time a separate mask is applied. To sense sections of the surface independent of the reflectance characteristics of the surface, the projectors direct two separate illuminating signals at the object surface.

Abstract: The method of generating data for files containing information regarding three-dimensional surface configurations, involving selective compilation of area data through use of projected rays of differing orientation, recording of the radiation patterns produced by these rays on the surface, and correlation of records from overlapping fields of view to meld information from contiguous areas into a continuous data bank.

Abstract: An arrangement in which different surfaces of an object have applied to them transparent layers of different colors. Each layer will transmit one or more colors, while inhibiting the transmission of one or more other colors. By applying different color layers or paints, so that the combination of layers have different transmission characteristics, different surfaces of an object may be uniquely identified. To identify a predetermined surface, the colors applied thereon are noted, and the surface is illuminated. A filtering arrangement used in conjunction with either the illuminating source or a photograph camera, causes unique exposure of the film, for a predetermined combination of color filter and color paints applied in sequence on the surface being examined.

Abstract: An arrangement in which a three-dimensional surface is copied by recording images of planar sections of the surface. The surface is subdivided into the sections, and the sections are illuminated in sequence by a projector which directs a plane of light against the surface. A camera spaced from the projector records the intersection of the illuminating plane with the surface. By recording sections in sequence with the camera, the entire surface may be covered. The camera is focused on the illuminating plane in the region about the object surface.

Abstract: An arrangement for coating a surface preparatory to optical inspection. The surface to be inspected for geometrical, physical or chemical characteristics, is cooled to a temperature below freezing. The surface is then sprayed with water and a layer of frost is allowed to form on the surface. The cooling procedure may be achieved by refrigeration coils or by cold air applied to surfaces of objects to be inspected, as the objects proceed along a conveyor belt on a path to an optical inspection station. The water spray may be in the form of low pressure water vapor whereby a thin layer of frost or water droplets coat the objects. The objects are kept cool during the inspection process, and they are not allowed to warm up to room temperature until the inspection process is completed. The frost or water droplets disappear after the objects are permitted to warm up, so that the coating applied prior to the optical inspection, is removed in an efficient manner at negligible cost.

Abstract: A plurality of projectors are positioned in spaced relationship about an object with a surface to be geometrically analyzed. The projectors have cooperating masks which project onto the object illuminated patterns that subdivide the object into predetermined sections. Each mask has a predetermined pattern of sections, and is applied in sequence. The masks are cooperatively advanced in the projectors, with a separate illuminating pattern prevailing on the object each time that the masks are advanced. The combinations of the patterns on the masks define closely-spaced sections subdividing the object. The patterns are coded so that each section is uniquely defined in coded form. Cameras having the entire object within their field of view, photograph the object each time a separate mask is applied. The patterns or sections are parallel planes projected through a mask onto the object.

Abstract: In a method for defining the spatial location of points comprising an object surface, pulsed radiant energy is projected onto the object surface and collections of object-reflected radiant energy are conducted separately in accordance with respective different time patterns which are mutually overlapping in time.

Abstract: An arrangement which allows patients confined to their beds, to use a toilet without leaving their beds or to be placed in a wheel chair. A sectionalized mattress is positioned in sequential steps so as to place the patient directly over a toilet or in a wheel chair without discomfort to the patient. The mattress, together with the patient, is positioned in a manner which allows the patient to use the toilet while sitting in an upright customary manner or in an inclined manner. The section of the mattress over the toilet is removed while the patient's weight is not directed thereon. Hygienic cleansing procedures are provided in conjunction with the toilet, and the patient is returned to a reclined position after repositioning the mattress and replacement of the section of the mattress that was removed to enable the patient to use the toilet. Replacement of that section of the mattress is carried out also while the patient's weight is not directed thereon.

Abstract: A plurality of projectors are positioned in spaced relationship about an object with a surface to be geometrically analyzed. The projectors have cooperating masks which project onto the object illuminated patterns that subdivide the object into predetermined sections. Each mask has a predetermined pattern of sections, and is applied in sequence. The masks are cooperatively illuminated in the projectors, with a separate pattern prevailing on the object each time that a separate mask is illuminated. The combinations of the patterns on the masks define closely-spaced sections subdividing the object. The patterns are coded so that each section is uniquely defined in coded form. Cameras having the entire object within their field of view, photograph the object each time a separate mask is illuminated. The patterns or sections are generated by parallel lines projected through a mask onto the object.

Abstract: The surface to be sensed or scanned is placed in the path of a projector which is moved along an axis of the surface. The path of motion of the projector is subdivided into predetermined sections which are illuminated by the projector in accordance with a predetermined sequential pattern. This procedure of moving the projector is repeated a predetermined number of times, with a separate illuminating pattern prevailing each time that the projector is moved relative to the surface and traverses the entire surface to be scanned. The combinations of the patterns obtained from the repeated scannings of the projector define closely-spaced sections of the surface. The patterns are coded so that each section is uniquely defined in coded form. A camera having the entire surface within its field of view photographs the surface each time that the projector is moved along the axis of the surface.

Abstract: Half of two symmetrical portions of an object to be displayed, is cut or embedded in one surface of a block of transparent material. The surface of the block in which the symmetrical half of the object is cut or embedded, is made reflective, so that a person viewing the block of transparent material sees the cut or embedded half together with reflections of that half to obtain a view of the composite halves of the symmetrical object. The arrangement is such that when the profile part of a human portrait is cut or embedded in the block, a viewer will see the entire head of the portrait, and not only the profile part. The reflections providing the image of the other symmetrical half of the portrait which is not cut or embedded in the block.

Abstract: An arrangement for machining surfaces with a numerically controlled tool in which the tool is provided with a parabolic profile to obtain a substantially smooth surface finish. The workpiece to be machined is moved relative to the cutting tool in substantially a plane of the workpiece. After milling a contour along that plane, the workpiece or the tool is incremented to an adjacent parallel plane for the purpose of milling another contour on the workpiece. The slope of the surface element on the workpiece between the adjacent planes is computed, and the cutting tool is oriented so that the portion of the tool in contact with the workpiece along that surface element, possesses the computed slope. The cutting tool may be formed with cutting edges having straight-line segments interconnected and directed substantially along a parabolic surface. The slopes on the cutting edges of the tool vary in magnitude from substantially zero to infinity.