Abstract: An optical transmitter for converting a thermocouple voltage into an optical pulse train and a low pass input filter are contained in respective spaces in a soft magnetic housing. The input filter is in lead wires from a thermocouple whose hot junction is embedded in the tip of the insulator of a spark plug of an internal combustion engine. The housing itself forms part of or is connected to the H.T. lead to the centre electrode of the spark plug. The housing is surrounded by insulating material which is itself surrounded by an earthed screening casing. The low pass filter is symmetrically constructed, both electrically and mechanically.The filter prevents interference from reaching the circuitry of the optical transmitter and the housing and the casing prevents the generation and transmission of radio interference.

Abstract: A focus detecting apparatus in which a pair of bundles of rays transmitted through different portions of an exit pupil of a taking lens are transmitted through a common focus detecting zone on a predetermined focal plane of the taking lens and are then converged onto corresponding line sensors through a condenser lens. Separator lenses reform images separated from an image formed on the predetermined focal plane of the taking lens. The focus detecting zone deviates from the optical axis of the taking lens, and the condenser lens has an asymmetrical power distribution.

Abstract: A monolithic optical tamper sensor, comprising an optical emitter and detector, connected by an optical waveguide and placed into the critical entry plane of an enclosed sensitive region, the tamper sensor having a myriad of scraps of a material optically absorbent at the wavelength of interest, such that when the absorbent material is in place on the waveguide, an unique optical signature can be recorded, but when entry is attempted into the enclosed sensitive region, the scraps of absorbent material will be displaced and the optical/electrical signature of the tamper sensor will change and that change can be recorded.

Abstract: Disclosed is a position detecting apparatus for detecting a relative position of two objects which are relatively moved. The apparatus includes a probe, a probe driving device, a position detecting device and an object driving device. The probe is provided for the first of the two objects so as to face the surface of the second of the two objects, so as to read information from the surface of the second object. The probe driving device allows the probe to two-dimensionally scan the surface of the second object so that the probe reads the two-dimensional information from the surface of the second object. The position detecting device detects a relative positional relation of the two objects by comparing the two-dimensional information obtained by the two-dimensional scan of the probe by the probe driving device with reference to two-dimensional information.

Abstract: A device for optically measuring a pressure difference in a medium by means of a Fabry-Perot interferometer, comprises a transparent plate and a diaphragm block connected to the transparent plate, the diaphragm block comprising a substrate, a measuring diaphragm formed along the inner surface of the substrate, and a spacer separating the inner surface of the transparent plate and the inner surface of the substrate. A first planar mirror is disposed on the inner surface of the plate and a second planar mirror is disposed on the inner surface of the measuring diaphragm so that they constitute the Fabry-Perot interferometer. The measuring diaphragm is shiftable by a distance (H) in response to a pressure difference (.delta.p) exerted on inner and outer surfaces of the measuring diaphragm whereby the optical length (L) of the Fabry-Perot interferometer changes as a function of the pressure difference (.delta.p).

Abstract: An optical thickness measuring instrument for transparent work-piece, in particular glass plates and transparent films, consists of a scanning head (10) with a servo-controlled measuring lens (24), a mirror (12) arranged perpendicularly to the axis of the latter and means (66 to 72) for positioning the work-piece (64) in parallel above the mirror (12). The servo control adjusts the measuring lens (24) so that a measuring light source (34) is focussed on the surface of the mirror. For this purpose, the measuring lens (24) must be adjusted by the associated servo drive (18, 20) depending on the thickness of the work-piece (64). The electrically measured (40) adjustment displacement of the measuring lens (24) is a measurement of the thickness of the work-piece (64). (FIG. 1).

Abstract: An arrangement used in safing and arming a munition device. The pressure sensor responds to pressure generated by igniting propellant of the munition and displaces from a first to second position. The power supply responds to setback of the munition to generate an electrical voltage. The light-emitting device responds to the electrical voltage. The photosensitive device connected to the power supply is powered by generation of the voltage and responds to receipt of light energy. An electro-explosive actuator connected to the photosensitive device is operable in response to electrical energy to actuate a rotor of the munition fuze from an unarmed condition to an armed condition. A fiber optic routing element defines a light transmission path from the light-emitting device to the photosensitive device via the pressure sensor.

Abstract: A particle counter operates by the opacity method and has a light barrier or electric eye. The light beam of the light barrier or electric eye penetrates a measuring channel for a fluid transverse to the passage of the fluid through the channel. An electronic analysis assembly is connected in series following the receiver of the light barrier or electric eye. The light emitting surface of the light barrier or electric eye is formed by the end surface of a light-emitting fiber. The light inlet or receiving surface is formed by the end surface of a receiving fiber. The end surface of light-emitting fiber lies in a first boundary surface of the measuring channel. The end surface of the receiving fiber is concentric to the light-emitting fiber end surface and is located in a second boundary surface of the measuring channel parallel to the first boundary surface.

Abstract: A continuous flow condensation particle counter employs a working fluid to saturate a gas stream, and then condense onto particles carried in the gas stream as the stream is directed through a condenser and cooled below the supersaturation point. A porous saturation block is positioned beneath the condenser, and receives droplets of working fluid condensate and water as the droplets descend from the condenser by gravity. The saturation block is constructed of a hydrophobic material, whereby it allows the working fluid to pass through but retains water within a collection reservoir centered below the condenser. A vacuum pump and a periodically actuated solenoid valve are employed to introduce a partial vacuum to the reservoir and thereby evacuate accumulated water. The preferred working fluid is a perfluorinated hydrocarbon fluid that is substantially odorless, chemically inert and non-flammable. Water is immiscible in the working fluid, and thus readily separable.

Abstract: A system and method for optical inspection of the bottom surfaces of transparent containers comprises an image acquiring means, an illumination source and means for processing, storing and analyzing the image to search for and identify a baffle mark in the acquired image, and when found, to remove or erase the baffle mark from the image memory prior to the defect inspection process. Significant defects present in the area of the image being searched can be identified, even if the defects are located directly on the baffle mark, thus providing high sensitivity capabilities for defect detection while maintaining a low false rejection rate due to baffle marks.

Abstract: An optoelectronic apparatus where information is communicated to and from the apparatus in the optical domain, but where the apparatus includes a transmission gate advantageously interposed between successive optoelectronic gates to sequentially convey information internally in the form of electrical, rather than optical, signals. Illustratively, the transmission gate is optoelectronic and comprises two back to back p-i-n photodiodes each including a quantum well region. The first and second optoelectronic gates are S-SEEDs comprising p-i-n photodiodes also each including a quantum well region. The transmission gate is responsive to a first level of the optical control signal for substantially blocking current, and to a second level of the optical control signal for substantially passing current. Applications of the apparatus include its use in a shift register, 2.times.1 switch, 1.times.2 switch, and an exclusive OR gate.

Abstract: An improved image sensor is described. The sensor includes a photosensitive semiconductor device comprises a glass substrate, a light blocking electrode formed on the glass substrate, a photosensitive semiconductor film formed on the electrode, a transparent electrode. A light window is opened through the semiconductor device. On the light path including the light window, an uneven interface is formed in order that light rays incident on the sensor is modified and reachs the photosensitive semiconductor after reflection on an original.

Abstract: There is provided an image reading apparatus comprising: an opaque layer formed on a transparent insulative substrate; an insulative layer arranged on the opaque layer; photoelectric converting elements arranged on the insulative layer; and a transparent insulative protective layer formed on the photoelectric converting elements. The transparent insulative protective layer is formed as a multilayer structure and has a transparent conductive layer or an opaque conductive layer having a window which is samdwiched by the transparent insulative protective layer. With this apparatus, the transparent conductive layer does not directly come into contact with the surface of an original, so that the conductive layer is not abraded by the rubbing by the paper. An inconvenience due to the generation of the electrostatic charges is fairly eliminated. The reliability is increased.

Abstract: Preliminary two-dimensional scanning of a sample with a light beam is carried out before an operation for obtaining an image signal representing a microscope image is carried out. During the preliminary scanning of the sample, a direction and an amount of a deviation in position of the light beam, which has passed through the sample, from the position of a pinhole of a pinhole plate, are detected for each position which is being scanned with the light beam irradiated to the sample. A storage device stores information about the direction and the amount of the deviation and the information about the corresponding position, which is being scanned.

Abstract: A distance measuring device for use in automatic focusing of a camera combines an active system, in which light is projected onto an object and the distance of the object is measured in accordance with the received position of the reflected light on a line sensor, with a passive system in which the distance of the object is measured in accordance with a difference between the phases of two object images respectively formed in the line sensor through a pair of light receiving optical systems. The device uses both the light receiving optical systems and line sensors. Which of the active and passive system is used for measurement is decided in accordance with the light receiving position of the line sensor or the amount of the reflected projected light component.

Abstract: In a head displacement measuring apparatus, a folded optical path is used to introduce a collimated beam of light from a light source to a split photo detector, wherein both the light source and the split photo detector are mounted external of the support housing which secures and supports the flexible head assembly. A pair of optical prisms direct the light beam parallel to a head supporting blade integral with the head assembly. A Fresnel lens secured to the blade, preferably at the head end, varies the position of the path of the light beam in response to lateral displacement of the blade and head, to likewise vary the extent that the beam impinges one or the other of the photo detectors. The difference of the signals from the split photo detector provides a precise measurement of the transverse displacement of the head from a nominal centered position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for adjusting the location of the image sensor in an image reading device is disclosed. The image sensor may be adjusted around or along any of three mutually perpendicular axes which intersect the optical lens system of the image reading device.

Abstract: This is a new use for known photorefractive crystals. If input radiation taining both non-coherent and multiple-line coherent radiation is directed into such a crystal from a predetermined range of directions with respect to the C axis of the crystal, rainbow scattering of the coherent radiation occurs, whereas normal scattering of the non-coherent radiation occurs. A detector toward which input radiation is directed through the crystal is thus protected from high-power, multiple-line coherent radiation such as that provided by a threat laser.

Abstract: Alignment of two objects such as a mask and a wafer is achieved using crossed polarizer imaging and polarization sensitive targets to enhance signal contrast in proximity alignment. Two linearly polarized illumination beams with electric field polarization axes at oblique angles to each other illuminate and interact with mask and wafer marks. The marks are oriented to induce a partial depolarization of each incident illumination at each plane, i.e. the marks make some of the light visible upon passing through filters and a polarization analyzer. When marks are viewed through a polarization analyzer stray light is rejected and mark contrast greatly improved.

Abstract: A fiber optical displacement sensor having a wider range of measurable distances and displacements. The fiber optical displacement sensor includes a light source means for continuously providing a projection beam of a certain wavelength and a reference beam having another different wavelength. The projection beam and the reference beam are combined by a first photo coupler and transmitted through a projecting optical fiber. Only the projection beam is separated out by a first filter and transmitted to a vicinity of the surface to be measured. On the other hand, the reflection beam and the reference beam separated by the first filter are combined by a second photo coupler, transmitted through a receiving optical fiber, and separated out by a second filter before being processed.