Patents Assigned to Spectra-Physics
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Patent number: 5000564Abstract: A laser beam three dimensional position measurement system includes a laser transmitter mounted at a stationary reference position at a work site and a receiver mounted on a mobile machine at the site. The transmitter produces a laser reference plane by sweeping a laser beam about the transmitter. The receiver includes two spaced apart laser beam detectors for measuring the horizontal angle of the incoming beam with respect to the face of the receiver at two spaced apart locations on the face of the receiver. The horizontal angles are used to determine the range of the receiver from the transmitter. The transmitter includes an azimuth device for providing signals to the receiver indicative of the azimuth angle at which the receiver is positioned with respect to a reference axis that extends from the transmitter. The receiver includes a decoder signal receiving device for receiving the angle signals from the transmitter in order to determine its azimuth angle.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 1990Date of Patent: March 19, 1991Assignee: Spectra-Physics, Inc.Inventor: DuWain K. Ake
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Patent number: 4991692Abstract: A spill control mounting arrangement for a data gathering system which is installed within a checkout counter comprises configuring the data gathering system in two parts, a first part of the system being mounted below an upper surface of the counter and a second part of the system being supported thereon. The footprint of the first part is smaller than the footprint of the second part such that the first part is substantially shielded from spilled liquids by the second part which is constructed to be impervious to such liquids. In particular, the first part may comprise a mounting channel extending across the counter and being substantially narrower in width than the second part, approximately one third the width. Components of the data gathering system are mounted within the channel for mechanical protection as well as protection from spilled liquids. A crowned channel cover can also be provided to prevent a substantial portion of any spilled liquids from entering the channel.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 1989Date of Patent: February 12, 1991Assignee: Spectra-PhysicsInventors: Howard H. Nojiri, Nigel G. Mills, James F. Million, David L. Latimer
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Patent number: 4989965Abstract: In an optical system having an optical element (such as a diffraction grating) mounted on a shaft which is to be affixed to the shaft of a driver such as a galvanometer, a collet assembly is used to couple the two shafts together so as to maintain the two shafts coaxially relative to each other.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 1989Date of Patent: February 5, 1991Assignee: Spectra-Physics, Inc.Inventor: Raymond G. Bryan
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Patent number: 4990250Abstract: There is disclosed herein an apparatus and method for performing liquid chromatography analysis with a stable baseline. The apparatus utilizes positive displacement means on each of two flow paths and a control system to regulate the flow such that the flow in both flow paths is identical. Only one flow path has sample injected therein. Each flow path is passed through a separate liquid chromatography column and a common detector at the output end of each column. Since one flow path contains solvent only and the other flow path contains both solvent and sample, any changes in the characteristics of the output streams of the liquid chromatography columns caused by changes in the solvent composition itself have a common mode. Therefore, only the difference signal is output from the detector which indicates changes in the characteristics of the output stream of the sample flow path caused solely by the presence of the sample components.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 1989Date of Patent: February 5, 1991Assignee: Spectra Physics, Inc.Inventor: Lance Hellinger
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Patent number: 4988447Abstract: There is disclosed herein an apparatus and method for performing liquid chromatography analysis with a stable baseline. The apparatus utilizes positive displacement means on each of two flow paths and a control system to regulate the flow such that the flow in both flow paths is identical. Only one flow path has sample injected therein. Each flow path is passed through a separate liquid chromatography column and a common detector at the output end of each column. Since flow path contains solvent only and the flow path contains both solvent and sample, any changes in the characteristics of the output streams of the liquid chromatography columns caused by changes in the solvent composition itself have a common mode. Therefore, only the difference signal is output from the detector which indicates changes in the characteristics of the output stream of the sample flow path caused solely by the presence of the sample components.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 1990Date of Patent: January 29, 1991Assignee: Spectra Physics, Inc.Inventor: Lance Hellinger
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Patent number: 4989016Abstract: A computer program for controlling an ink-jet printer-plotter having a conventional multi-jet ink-jet cartridge operates so that when the printer-plotter is in plot mode, the jets are used in sequence, instead of conventionally always using the same jet. A different jet is used each time a new graph is started. This method lengthens the life of the cartridge by reducing stress on any one of the jets.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 1989Date of Patent: January 29, 1991Assignee: Spectra-Physics, Inc.Inventors: Ronald A. Gatten, Lawrence R. Joba
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Patent number: 4988942Abstract: A DC control voltage being supplied to a pulse-width modulator in a switched resistor regulator control feedback loop is modified by addition of an AC offset voltage dither signal; the sum of the DC and AC voltages suffices to "turn on" the pulse-width modulator in some, but not all, of the periods of the output pulse train of the pulse-width modulator. The output pulse train controls the switch in a switched resistor regulator to turn on for a minimum period of time in some, but not all, of the periods of switching the resistor into and out of electrical connection. Thus the switched resistor regulator obtains an average duty cycle which is substantially less than the duty cycle which could be obtained with the minimum pulse width. In an alternate embodiment, a switched resistor regulator is controlled by a plurality of switches (e.g.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 1988Date of Patent: January 29, 1991Assignee: Spectra-Physics, Inc.Inventor: John P. Ekstrand
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Patent number: 4988193Abstract: Apparatus operable in accordance with the method of the present invention for measuring the angle of incidence of a light beam or plane relative to level comprises a photodetector array for sensing the light and a level mirror preferably comprising a pool of mercury. Optics are provided for transmitting the light to the photodetector array in alignment with the angle of incidence of the light (aligned light) and also after the light has been reflected from the mercury pool (reflected light). A shutter is provided for separating aligned light from reflected light such that distinct signals representative of the two are generated by the photodetector array. The distinct signals are processed by up-counting and down-counting a counter circuit to determine the average centers of light spots representative of the aligned light and the reflected light and the distance between those average centers which is representative of the deviation of the light beam or plane from level.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 1989Date of Patent: January 29, 1991Assignee: Spectra-Physics, Inc.Inventors: Gary L. Cain, Mark D. Sobottke, Gerald H. Church, James T. Zalusky
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Patent number: 4982078Abstract: A system for detecting position of a light beam propagating along a beam path utilizes a single variable gain preamplifier in a time shared mode for each of the outputs of a four quadrant position sensors. A detector mounted in the beam path and having a reference point, generates a plurality of signals indicating deviation from the reference in plural directions. A multiplexer is connected to the detector, and combines the plural signals into a time multiplexed output. A variable gain preamplifier normalizes the signals in the time multiplexed output to generate the normalized output. The normalized output is then supplied to a logic circuit for processing the normalized output to generate a position signal indicating the position of the light beam.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 1989Date of Patent: January 1, 1991Assignee: Spectra-Physics, Inc.Inventor: John P. Ekstrand
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Patent number: 4980843Abstract: In a time chart plotter which uses a liquid ink supply (such as an ink jet plotter) the computer program in the plotter microcontroller is modified so that for any one increment of chart movement, each point in the other dimension (i.e., the signal axis) is plotted only once. This conserves ink and also prevents heavy buildup of ink on the chart.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 1988Date of Patent: December 25, 1990Assignee: Spectra-PhysicsInventor: Lawrence R. Joba
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Patent number: 4979176Abstract: An acousto-optical device includes a solid state substrate having optical characteristics affected by an acoustic wave in the substrate, and a Z-cut lithium tantalate transducer coupled to the substrate for inducing the acoustic wave. Lithium tantalate provides the transducer with a coupling coefficient and acoustic impedance mismatch which generate a very high finesse acoustic standing wave within the substrate. The lithium tantalate also provides low shear wave components with relatively high manufacturing tolerances. The acousto-optical device with a lithium tantalate transducer is also utilized as a high Q modelocker in a laser capable of producing short pulses of laser light.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 1988Date of Patent: December 18, 1990Assignees: Spectra-Physics, Newport Electro Optic SystemsInventors: Eddie H. C. Young, James J. Jacob
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Patent number: 4977566Abstract: A tunable solid state laser having a titanium:sapphire grain medium and a birefringent filter mounted within a resonant cavity is provided. The resonant cavity is longitudinally pumped. The cavity is enclosed in a casing which has a small window admitting the pump beam into the resonant cavity, and a small window with an anti-reflection coating allowing the laser output to exit the casing. The casing is maintained at a positive pressure of nitrogen gas during operation of the laser to purge the resonant cavity of air and water vapor.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 1990Date of Patent: December 11, 1990Assignee: Spectra-Physics, Inc.Inventors: Richard L. Herbst, Anthony J. Alfrey, Shawn D. Streeby
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Patent number: 4976538Abstract: A device for detecting and displaying the relative position of a generally horizontal reference plane of light, even when partial shading of the device occurs, produces a linear response that is independent of spot size and energy distribution. The device includes a photodetector means having first and second interdigitated photodetector elements positioned adjacent each other on the device. The first and second interdigitated photodetector elements provide first and second detection signals, respectively. A circuit means, responsive to the photodetector means, determines the relative levels of the first and second detection signals such that the position of the reference plane of light with respect to the detector device is determined. A display means, responsive to the circuit means, provides an indication of the position of the reference plane of light with respect to the detector device.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 1989Date of Patent: December 11, 1990Assignee: Spectra-Physics, Inc.Inventor: DuWain K. Ake
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Patent number: 4977575Abstract: A wire, comprising a shape memory alloy, is shaped to define a perimeter of an aperture having an adjustable size. The wire is responsive to current flow through the wire to vary the length of the wire, and thereby the length of the perimeter of the aperture. A controllable power supply is coupled to the wire, for supplying a controllable current through the wire to adjust its length, and thereby to adjust the size of the aperture. The aperture is suited for controlling transverse modes in a laser by controlling diffraction losses in the laser resonant cavity. Also, the shape memory alloy aperture is suitable for mounting within a sealed cavity laser.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 1989Date of Patent: December 11, 1990Assignee: Spectra-Physics, Inc.Inventor: Mark V. Ortiz
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Patent number: 4974228Abstract: An ion laser is constructed with means for generating a magnetic confinement field operating in the cathode transition region of the laser. The magnetic confinement field is preferably generated by first and second magnetic windings, each axially aligned with the laser volume, but disposed so as to generate first and second magnetic fields which are of opposite polarity. The first and second magnetic fields of opposite polarity combine to create a region of zero axial magnetic field, which in a preferred embodiment is located substantially within the cathode transition region of the laser. In an alternate embodiment, the first and second magnetic fields are of the same polarity, and therefore generate a region of minimized axial magnetic field, preferably located substantially within the cathode transition region of the laser.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 1988Date of Patent: November 27, 1990Assignee: Spectra-Physics, Inc.Inventor: Alan B. Petersen
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Patent number: 4971440Abstract: An orthogonal light plane generator is associated with a primary light plane generator to convert a portion of a first light plane projected by the primary light plane generator into a second light plane substantially orthogonal to the first light plane. The orthogonal light plane generator comprises a diverter which defines three or more reflecting surfaces for receiving a portion of the first light plane and redirecting that portion as the second light plane. The three or more reflective surfaces are oriented relative to one another such that tilting of the orthogonal light plane generator is compensated to maintain the orthogonality between the two light planes. Tilting about one axis results in offset of the second light plane and tilting about a second axis orthogonal to the first results in a shifting of the sector within which the second light plane is projected, but tilting about either axis does not affect the orthogonality between the planes.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 1989Date of Patent: November 20, 1990Assignee: Spectra-Physics, Inc.Inventors: Peter S. Winckler, Daniel R. Klemer, John P. Dugan
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Patent number: 4972292Abstract: There is disclosed herein a modular, high power, flyback transformer based power supply with step up and step down capability. The power supply uses multiple flyback transformers having switching transistors which may be either connected to one terminal of the primary winding or which may be placed in the center of the primary winding. The switching transistors are driven by pulse trains which are out of phase with each other. This results in lowered RMS values for ripple current through the input and output capacitors. The flyback voltage transients may be used to step up or step down the input voltage by varying the pulse width of the pulses in the switching pulse trains. In embodiments where the switching transistors are placed in the middle of the primary windings, better suppression of radio frequency emissions and current in safety ground wires is achieved.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 1987Date of Patent: November 20, 1990Assignee: Spectra Physics, Inc.Inventor: Alan Petersen
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Patent number: 4971177Abstract: Housing/mounting apparatus for a data gathering system inserted into a checkout counter and including a weighing scale and an optical scanner supported thereon for scanning bar code labels and defining an upper weighing surface of the scale comprises a base supported within the checkout counter for supporting the data gathering system with the scale being secured to the base. A perimeter enclosure is secured to the base and houses the optical scanner. The scale includes a spider load receiving plate supported within the perimeter enclosure through an aperture in its floor. Locator pins and corresponding holes stably position the optical scanner on the scale load receiving plate and the optical scanner thus positioned is sized such that clearance gaps required for proper operation of the weighing scale are defined between the optical scanner and the perimeter enclosure. Leveling and fastener or clamping devices are incorporated into the base to facilitate installation and maintenance of the system.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 1989Date of Patent: November 20, 1990Assignee: Spectra-Physics, Inc.Inventors: Howard H. Nojiri, Eric L. Brandenburg, Nigel G. Mills, James F. Million, Louis J. Guzzo, Jr.
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Patent number: D312631Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 1989Date of Patent: December 4, 1990Assignee: Spectra-Physics, Inc.Inventors: Theodore H. Schorr, Phillip C. Gummeson
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Patent number: D313590Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 1989Date of Patent: January 8, 1991Assignee: Spectra-Physics, Inc.Inventor: Theodore H. Schorr