Abstract: Disclosed is a joystick apparatus for effecting a plurality of variable voltage changes using one or more partial spheres concentrically mounted on the joystick shaft having longitudinally or latitudinally variable, light-detectable surfaces. A first light emitter/detector combination senses a first Cartesian coordinate axis tilting movement of the joystick control shaft and a second light emitter/detector combination senses a second Cartesian coordinate axis tilting movement of the control shaft to produce corresponding first and second voltages indicative of joystick position in the respective Cartesian coordinate directions. A handle portion of the joystick is rotatable and connected for carrying, in the preferred embodiment, a second spherical surface concentric with the first, and having a latitudinally variable, light-detectable surface. A third light emitter/detector combination senses the rotational movement of the shaft to produce a corresponding third voltage output.

Abstract: A focus detector of image correlation type projects an image of an object onto a first and a second array of photoelectric transducer elements. Each of the transducer elements produces an output in accordance with the distribution of light intensity of image incident thereon. A characteristic point is retrieved from the distribution of outputs from the first array, and a corresponding characteristic point is retrieved from the distribution of outputs from the second array which corresponds to the first mentioned characteristic point. An in-focus condition is detected on the basis of the relative position between those transducer elements which produce outputs for these characteristic points.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and an apparatus for detecting the leading edge of a sheet which is on the way to the scanning-and-reading station of an image read-out system. Detection is performed by exposing, just ahead of the scanning-and-reading station, the traveling sheet to the same scanning beam of light as used at the scanning-and-reading station, and by detecting the sudden change in the amount of reflection on arrival of the sheet at the station due to the difference between the reflection coefficients of the sheet and the underlying conveyer belt. Preferably, the scanning for detecting the leading edge of the sheet is at a higher frequency and smaller amplitude than the scanning for reading an image on the sheet.

Abstract: This invention describes a code system using a plurality of liquid crystal and other optical codes particularly suited to sorting conveyors. The codes are preferably (but not necessarily) of the binary type and form a set of indicia to accompany each article to be sorted. The code can be set and reset remotely either by a beam of light or by other non-mechanical means. Recognition of a particular code is detected by an optical detector.

Abstract: The machine comprises a device for shifting the track which is controlled by a device for the detection of its geometrical defects.The detection device comprises three rail feelers spaced apart from each other and to which there are connected a light-ray emitter (17), a screen (18) having two parallel delimiting edges (19, 20), and a receiver (21) having two identical photovoltaic cells (22, 23) arranged in such a manner that the sum of their irradiated surfaces (u+d) is a constant and their difference (u-d) is proportional to the displacements of the screen respectively.The signals emitted by the two cells are processed in an electronic circuit comprising a calculation unit (30) delivering a signal for the control of the displacement device representative of the quotient (u-d)/(u+d) of the difference divided by the said sum so as to make this signal independent of variations in irradiation of the two cells.

Abstract: In order to regulate the absorptance of an electrochromic layer, the absorptance of the layer is measured optically. The signal derived therefrom is compared with a guide value and fed to a controller which has a dead zone between two hysteresis regions (at switch points), and charges are fed to or removed from the layer as required. Preferred fields of use are lenses, particularly eyeglass lenses, filters and dimmable mirrors to which an electrochromic layer is applied with provision for controlled change of its absorptance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for statically aligning, checking or monitoring the alignment of a first shaft with a second shaft, one shaft being preferably chosen as a reference shaft to which the other shaft is aligned, the apparatus comprising a first mount means mounted on the first shaft and having mounted thereon a first dual-axis radiation sensing means and means for providing a first radiation beam, a second mount means mounted on the second shaft and having mounted thereon a second dual-axis radiation sensing means and means for providing a second radiation beam, the first radiation beam oriented to impinge upon the second dual-axis radiation sensing means to generate a second signal, the second radiation beam oriented to impinge upon the first dual-axis radiation sensing means to generate a first signal, and readout means having defined alignment conditions responsive to the first signal and the second signal for visually displaying shaft alignment, with alignment of the two shafts indicated by the first s

Abstract: A method of detecting the condition of a rectangular sheet (8), comprising feeding the sheet, e.g. by belts (2, 4), through a checking station (adjacent to II--II), the direction of feeding (6) being along the length or the width of the sheet; deflecting, e.g.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically adjusting the characteristic of a deflection unit, illustratively of the type used in laser recording equipment. A reference value for the deflection unit is conducted to a first input of a multiplier, the second input of which is connected to the output of a first memory. The output of the multiplier is connected to a first input of an adder, the second input of which is connected to the output of a second memory. In addition, a comparator is provided which compares the position of the deflection unit with two adjustment reference values. The content of the second memory is varied in response to a zero-adjustment command until, for a predetermined reference value zero, the deflection unit has assumed a zero position. Upon the issuance of a slope-adjustment command, the content of the first memory is varied until, for a second adjustment reference value, the deflection unit has assumed its desired position.