Abstract: An aerodynamic particle size measuring device includes a laser energy source and beam splitting, shaping and polarizing optics for forming two parallel, peripherally overlapping beams. The beams are caused to intersect a gas stream perpendicular to the direction of gas flow, thus to form a measuring volume at the intersection of the beams and flow. Single particles are carried through the measuring volume with the gas flow, each particle scattering and extinguishing light according to the beam profile, as predetermined by the degree of beam overlap and the Gaussian intensity distribution of each beam. A photodetector, responsive either to scattered light or light extinction, generates a time-dependent voltage profile that tends to replicate the intensity profile. The resulting electrical signal is processed to determine an amplitude, set a threshold for minimally acceptable amplitudes, and to derive two negative-going zero crossings for an unambiguous time/velocity determination.

Abstract: Toe of a pair of wheels on the same axle is adjusted by first measuring the toe of a first wheel of the axle. A specification value for the toe of the first wheel is then subtracted from the measured value of toe for that wheel, and the difference is stored as a first toe comparison value. The toe of a second wheel on that axle is adjusted until the total toe of the wheels on that axle minus a specification value for total toe for the wheels on that axle equals the first toe comparison value. The toe of the first wheel is subsequently adjusted until the total toe of the wheels on the axle is substantially equal to the specification value for the total toe for the wheels on that axle. Apparatus which performs the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for measuring wear in the lining of a container provided with a pivoted axle and an opening, and a container. Fixing of the coordinate systems (16, 17) of a measuring device (1) and the container (6) is performed by measuring the position of fixing points (P1, P2, P3) in the coordinate system (16) of the measuring device, whereafter the i0 lining (10) on the inner surface of the container (6) is measured. The fixing is performed by measuring the position of the fixing points (P1, P2, P3) mounted in connection with the container in the coordinate system (16) of the measuring device (1) in a situation where the opening of the container faces away from the measuring device while the measuring device is directed towards the container bottom. The container (6) is rotated around its pivoted axle (11) to a position in which the opening (9) of the container (6) faces the measuring device (1). The fixing is performed utilizing the angle difference between angle data (.alpha..sub.

Abstract: A range finding device and method for determining the distance between a merged submarine and a target above the surface having a first and second periscopes mounted on a submarine with a known separation. These periscopes are rotatable and extensible above the surface and can determine the bearing from each of the periscopes to the target. A computer receives the bearings from the first and second periscopes and uses the bearings with the known preset distance between the periscopes to calculate the distance between the submarine and the target.

Abstract: A measuring section of a target tracer emits emergent light from a light source toward a reflector of a target by way of a half mirror of an optical system. The reflector has a light reflection factor increasing toward the center thereof and has areas of respective reflection factors arranged concentrically. Reflected light from the reflector passes through the mirror and is introduced to an imaging element. The imaging element scans a two-dimensional image of the reflector to generate electric signals composed of a plurality of corresponding picture elements. A threshold value comparing circuit selects those of the electric signals which are higher than a threshold value as azimuth signals. An angle calculating circuit calculates the center of the image of the reflector from the azimuth signals and calculates an azimuth angle and an elevation angle of the target with respect to the measuring section from a displacement of the center of the image from the center of a field of view of the imaging element.

Abstract: An amplitude modulated continuous wave (AMCW) laser radar (ladar) system is provided with a dual-wavelength source 10 which provides a dual wavelength signal 12 (one fixed and one chirped) which is launched down a fiber 28 to a target 38 and reflected back along the fiber 28 and the return detected by a detector 52. The transmitted signal is detected by a detector 56. The detectors 52, 56 provide an electrical return beat signal and reference beat signal, respectively, indicative of the difference between the wavelengths incident thereon. The signals are fed to a frequency mixer 60 which subtracts the two beat frequencies and signal processing logic 64 computes the distance to the target 38. Using dual wavelengths and beat frequencies provides a much broader chirp bandwidth than conventional ladar techniques, and allows for higher power sources, thereby reducing range error.

Abstract: A laser beam profile sensor system for which is capable of accurately determining distances to both close and distant objects, particles, liquid interfaces and the like and of identifying the locations of ice layers on metal surfaces. Basically, the system includes a laser diode for generating a laser beam along a selected path, a receiver spaced from the laser diode for receiving light along a receiver axis, the laser beam and receiver axis intersecting at any desired angle from nearly 0.degree. to nearly 180.degree.. The receiver comprises a linear array of light responsive elements. An optical system is provided for directing light approaching the receiver along the receiver axis to the array. An electronic circuit processes signals from the array elements and produces a display showing the distance to any target lying along the laser beam path that reflects light along the receiver axis.

Abstract: A laser rangefinder (50) having visual, transmit and receive optical channels all arranged on a common rangefinder axis (70). A laser emitter (54) located on the axis directs its light away from the rangefinder output toward a reflector surface, also located on the axis. The reflector in turn reflects the laser light back toward the output to an objective lens (52) which collimates the reflected light into a collimated output beam. A portion of the light reflected from the target is passed through the objective lens and imaged onto a reticle (66) on the axis. A dichroic reflector (62) intercepts the imaged light and refracts a portion of the light to a field stop 60 and then to a detector 58, both located on the axis. A range display (64) is located in the plane of the reticle and off the axis for display target range information. An eye piece (68) receives light passing through the reticle.