Abstract: In a laser amplifier a high efficiency pumping scheme mode matches the TEMOO laser mode volume with a plurality of linearly spaced laser diode pumping sources positioned along a lateral side of a block of laser material. The optical path within the block is configured in a tightly folded zig-zag configuration. Pump radiation from the diode pumping sources is collimated by an optical fiber end the fold angle is selected to mode match the pump radiation to the mode volume.A laser oscillator is followed by one or more cascaded amplifier stages including a block of laser material arranged in a tightly folded zig-zag configuration. Pump radiation from the diode pumping sources is collimated by an optical fiber and the fold angle is selected to mode match the pump radiation to the mode volume.

Abstract: A frequency doubled ultraviolet laser comprising means for enabling a beam of coherent electromagnetic radiation to be propagated along an intracavity path, means for holding and translating an anisotropic crystal in this path, means for detecting the crystal temperature relative to the optimum frequency doubling temperature, and means for correcting any shortfalls in the efficiency of ultraviolet generation by adjusting the crystal temperature, crystal position, and/or the intensity of the fundamental beam.

Abstract: An optical scanner for use at a checkout counter determines information relating to products to be purchased, including coded label data. The scanner supplies the information to a cash register system. The scanner includes a scanner controller for reading coded labels on the products. The scanner further includes an interface circuit, mounted in said scanner and receiving power therefrom, for providing coded label data to said cash register system.

Abstract: A heat conducting structure in a discharge tube of an ion laser, that has high resistance to erosion due to sputtering comprises a discharge limiting member having an inner aperture, and a thin film of refractory ceramic coating areas near the inner aperture. The thin film of ceramic does not significantly retard heat flow out of the discharge into the heat conducting structure, but significantly increases resistance of the heat conduction structure to sputtering.

Abstract: An improved dye laser having a birefringent tuning filter comprised of one or more birefringent plates wherein each plate is oriented at Brewster's angle to the resonant light beam and is an integer multiple of the thickness of the thickness of the first plate characterized by the fact that the thickness of the first plate is chosen using a new tuning relationship so that a single order tuning curve covers a tuning range of interest. This single tuning curve is almost linear throughout the tuning range and has a tuning angle at the center of the range of approximately five degrees. Also, the tuning curve has a slope throughout the tuning range which provides sensitivity of selected wavelength to tuning angle which is neither too great nor too small. A further refinement in the structure is a non-birefringent polarizing plate at Brewster's angle which increases the losses imposed upon light passing therethrough which is polarized at other than Brewster's angle.

Abstract: A light beam deflecting apparatus is provided for diverting a light beam from an initial path. The apparatus includes first and second substantially transparent plates. The light beam passes through the first and second plates when the first and second plates are positioned in the path of the beam of light. A connector is attached to the first and second plates for connecting the plates to one another and for permitting the plates to be displaced relative to one another. A bellows enclosure is attached to the outer edges of the first and second plates for encasing the first and second plates to form a reservoir therewith capable of supporting a fluid therein. A fluid is filled within the reservoir and causes the light beam to deviate from its initial path when the first and second plates are located in the path of the light beam and are positioned in a non-parallel position.

Abstract: A diode laser device and method of use for achieving transcutaneous laser photocoagulation of the retina is described. A diode laser is used since it is much more efficient than the ion or dye lasers presently used for laser photocoagulation, and therefore will not require forced air of water cooling and can be made for compact. In addition, the diode laser can be used with standard 110 v wall sockets, and does not require the high power, three phase sockets required for the ion lasers. The end result is that compared to the ion laser device, the diode laser device can be brought directly into the operating room, which makes it ideal for transcutaneous delivery.A characteristic of diode lasers is that the emitted light diverges rapidly. In addition, the diode laser beam is emitted from a rectangular edge of a diode, and the light emitted along the longer sides of the rectangular edge will diverge more rapidly than that light emitted along the shorter sides of the rectangular edge.

Abstract: A laser scanner and method for simultaneously generating both a pointer beam and a scan pattern from a single laser source is provided by multiplexing a laser beam between at least one pointer beam path and at least one scanning beam path. Means for multiplexing include refractive and reflective optical components, and electronic means for modifying one or more properties of the laser beam.

Abstract: A load-referenced, pressure reducing valve, and a system which incorporates one or more of such valves provide needed response to rapidly changing hydraulic system load demands which are experienced with automatic control systems. The valve provides rapid response for pressure regulation by providing the load pressure to one side of the valve so that immediate, load referenced valve adjustment occurs instantly upon change of load conditions at a system load, and pressure regulation begins immediately without need for fluid flow.

Abstract: A laser beam projector apparatus is provided and includes a laser tube for producing a primary light beam in an initial path. A first beam diverter is included for diverting a first portion of the primary beam into a first direction to emerge from the apparatus as a first reference beam and for diverting a second portion of the primary beam into a second direction substantially parallel but opposite to the first direction. The apparatus further includes a second beam diverter for intercepting the second portion of the primary beam and allowing a first part of the second portion to pass therethrough and emerge from the apparatus in the second direction as a second stationary reference beam. The second beam diverter further serves to divert a second part of the second portion substantially 90 degrees into a third direction.

Abstract: A system for scanning bar code labels and for providing data related thereto includes scanning means for optically scanning bar code labels and providing an electrical, binary scan signal in response thereto. The scanning means includes a scanner and a scanner controller, and an integrated circuit. The integrated circuit includes a converter means, responsive to the scanning means, for translating the electrical, binary scan signal into a related sequence of digital words. The integrated circuit further includes a microprocessor means, responsive to the converter means, for translating the related sequence of digital words into data. The microprocessor means has first and second microprocessor circuits for independently translating the sequence of digital words into data. The microprocessor means also has a random access memory for storing the appropriate software to control operation of the first and second microprocessor circuits.

Abstract: A position sensing system calculates the X-Y-Z coordinates of a point in space using triangulation and determines the orientation of an object located at that point. The triangulation calculation is based on the coordinates of at least three retroreflective elements spaced apart from each other and the measured angles between the lines projected radially outward from the point to each of the retroreflective elements. The accuracy of the measured angles is achieved by using a rotating member supported by dedicated hardware and controlled by software. The member rotates with a beam of light generated by a light transmitting and detecting device positionable at the point. The light transmitting and detecting device receives the beam of light reflected back from the retroreflective elements and generates an output signal in response thereto.

Abstract: A point of sale (POS) bar code scanner such as in common use in retail stores includes provision for reading bar coded redemption coupons (or other bar coded documents redeemable for value) in a manner secure from a human operator. Integration of functions between the POS scanner and the coupon reader varies with different embodiments described. Through software associated with bar code decoding logic, a comparison is made between information on a validation coupon and information on items presented for purchase, and a decision is made as to whether the redemption coupon is valid and redeemable in this transaction. In one embodiment, the bar code scanner simply receives the redemption coupon face down on the product scanner window, and integrated decode logic of the scanner identifies the bar code as belonging to a redemption coupon, then makes the comparison and validation of the coupon for the particular transaction.

Abstract: A small diameter multimode optical fiber with a low numerical aperture (i.e., 0.1) is used as a microlens to collimate the output emissions of a laser diode before butt coupling the output of the laser diode to an optical fiber. The optical fiber used as the microlens is chosen such that its diameter roughly equals the diameter of the fiber to be coupled to the laser diode. The collimation is performed in the high NA direction of the output of the laser diode. The output of a bundle of butt coupled optical fibers may be used to pump a laser system.

Abstract: A two-step process for characterization of peaks in a chromatogram is disclosed. Firstly, data corresponding to each peak or pair of peaks in the chromatogram is identified. A unique filter apparatus locates extrema of the curvature of the chromatographic data and a data file is generated containing characteristics of the extrema. A pattern recognition apparatus analyzes the characteristics of the located extrema and classifies the peak or peak combination represented by the data in the file as one peak or peak combination in a set of resolved peaks and selected combinations of resolved peaks. A portion of the chromatographic data, corresponding to the peak or peak combination identified by the pattern recognition apparatus, is identified. This portion includes the signal for said peak and the signal for the baseline upon which the peak is superimposed.

Abstract: A gas discharge tube for a gas laser includes a discharge chamber having a first end and a second end. A cathode is mounted near the first end in a cathode region of the discharge chamber and an anode is mounted near the second end. An electromagnet induces an axial magnetic field within the discharge region, and a pole piece is mounted on the end of the electromagnet adjacent the cathode region. By using a pole piece for attenuating the axial magnetic field in the cathode region, a significant reduction in 60-60 Hz modulation of the light beam is realized, as well as a reduction of sputtering in the throat region of the discharge tube, additionally, the cathode placement relative to the throat region may be optimized leading to an increase in plasma tube efficiency. In addition, a second pole piece is mounted on the end of the electromagnetic coil, adjacent the anode region, for attenuating the axial magnetic field inside the anode region after the discharge reaches the anode.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for controlling the cross slope angle cut by the blade of an articulated frame motorgrader being steered through a turn, operated in a straight frame mode, in a crabbed steering position and/or traveling in a non-horizontal plane. The blade angle is sensed and controlled such that the sensed blade angle is maintained substantially equal to a calculated blade angle. In a first embodiment, the blade angle calculation is performed using the equation: tan BS=(sin .tau.')(tan R)+(cos .tau.')(tan CS) where BS is the required blade slope angle of said blade relative to horizontal; .tau.' is a rotational angle of the blade with respect to the blade's direction of travel projected into horizontal; R is an angle between the blade's direction of travel and horizontal; and CS is the desired cross slope angle which is entered by an operator of the motorgrader. In a further embodiment, the blade angle calculation is performed using the equation: tan BS=(sin .tau.")(tan R')+(cos .tau.

Abstract: A laser beam target for use with a projector capable of providing a reference laser beam of light traveling in a predetermined path is provided and includes a main body portion having first and second surfaces. A plurality of projections are provided on at least one of the first and second surfaces for directing at least a portion of the reference beam of light into a specific range of vertical viewing angles away from the path of the beam as the light passes from the body, thereby permitting a worker viewing the target to more easily determine when the reference beam of light is in alignment with appropriate reference indicia on the target.

Abstract: A data gathering system adapted to be installed within a checkout counter for determining information about products presented for purchase at the counter including the weight of such products comprises two support flanges within the checkout counter. The support flanges define a portion of an upper surface of the data gathering system and a scale supported by the flanges defines the remaining upper surface which comprises a weighing platter for the scale. A scale calibrating and zeroing system is incorporated into the support flanges to be accessible through the upper surface of the data gathering system such that the scale can be periodically zeroed and calibrated as necessary to maintain the accuracy of the scale without removal of the data gathering system from the counter.