Abstract: Imaging systems and methods are disclosed that use multiple illumination pulses to irradiate a scene of interest. An example system includes optics to receive a sequence of returned light pulse portions scattered or reflected from the scene. A modulator is configured to modulate the intensity of the returned light pulse portions to form a sequence of modulated light pulse portions. A means of selectively exposing a sensor during a sequence of exposure periods is also included, so that each modulated light pulse portion is received by the sensor during one of the exposure periods, respectively. The sensor is configured to generate a sequence of sensor signals as a result of receiving the modulated light pulse portions and to accumulate the sensor signals to form a sensor output signal. A processor may read the sensor output signal and process the image based on that signal.

Abstract: An electro-optic modulator (EOM) includes a first electro-optic (EO) material configured to receive light. The first EO material has an optic axis that is not parallel to the optical axis of the EOM. The optic axis indicates the direction through the first EO material along which a ray of light passing through the first EO material experiences no birefringence. The EOM also includes a polarization rotator that receives light output from the first EO material. The rotated light passes through a second EO material. The second EO material is positioned in the EOM such that its optic axis is not parallel to the optical axis of the EOM. The second EO material compensates for the birefringence and/or higher-order optical effects of the first material, thus reducing optical transmission errors of the EOM. The EOM may provide a wider field of view for imaging systems.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing background light in an image are disclosed. The system includes a sensor and a processor. An illuminator may illuminate a scene with emitted light. The sensor outputs one or more images in response to received light. The processor processes images from the sensor to reduce or eliminate ambient light in a captured image. The processor may do this by causing the sensor to capture a first image of the scene, where the first image includes background light and portions of the emitted light reflected or scattered from the scene. The processor also causes the sensor to capture a second image of the scene, where the second image includes background light with no contribution from the emitted light. The processor subtracts the second image from the first image to produce a third image of the scene predominately illuminated by the emitted light.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing the deleterious effects of specular reflections (e.g., glint) on active illumination systems are disclosed. An example system includes an illuminator or light source configured to illuminate a scene with electromagnetic radiation having a defined polarization orientation. The system also includes a receiver for receiving portions of the electromagnetic radiation reflected or scatter from the scene. Included in the receiver is a polarizer having a polarization axis crossed with the polarization orientation of the emitted electromagnetic radiation. By crossing the polarizer with the polarization of the emitted electromagnetic radiation, the polarizer may filter out glint or specular reflections in the electromagnetic radiation returned from the scene.

Abstract: A blood pump may be provided that includes an inlet, an outlet and a rotor for delivering fluid from the inlet to the outlet, wherein the rotor is suspended within the blood pump by radial passive magnetic forces and axially is preloaded in one direction at least by way of passive magnetic forces so that, during a fluid-delivering rotation of the rotor, the axial thrust of the rotor acts counter to the magnetic attraction acting axially in the direction of the outlet.

Abstract: The methods and systems disclosed herein improve upon previous 3D imaging techniques by making use of a longer illumination pulse to obtain the same or nearly the same range resolution as can be achieved by using a much shorter, conventional laser pulse. For example, a longer illumination pulse can be produced by one or more Q-switched lasers that produce, for example, 5, 10, 20 ns or longer pulses. In some instances, the laser pulse can be longer than the modulation waveform of a MIS-type imaging system and still produce a repeatable response function. The light pulse generation technologies required to achieve longer pulse lengths can be significantly less expensive and less complex than known technologies presently used to generate shorter illumination pulse lengths. Lower-cost, lower-complexity light pulse sources may facilitate lower-cost, commercial 3D camera products.

Abstract: The methods and systems disclosed herein improve upon previous 3D imaging techniques by making use of a longer illumination pulse to obtain the same or nearly the same range resolution as can be achieved by using a much shorter, conventional laser pulse. For example, a longer illumination pulse can be produced by one or more Q-switched lasers that produce, for example, 5, 10, 20 ns or longer pulses. In some instances, the laser pulse can be longer than the modulation waveform of a MIS-type imaging system and still produce a repeatable response function. The light pulse generation technologies required to achieve longer pulse lengths can be significantly less expensive and less complex than known technologies presently used to generate shorter illumination pulse lengths. Lower-cost, lower-complexity light pulse sources may facilitate lower-cost, commercial 3D camera products.

Abstract: A 3D imaging system includes an optical modulator for modulating a returned portion of a light pulse as a function of time. The returned light pulse portion is reflected or scattered from a scene for which a 3D image or video is desired. The 3D imaging system also includes an element array receiving the modulated light pulse portion and a sensor array of pixels, corresponding to the element array. The pixel array is positioned to receive light output from the element array. The element array may include an array of polarizing elements, each corresponding to one or more pixels. The polarization states of the polarizing elements can be configured so that time-of-flight information of the returned light pulse can be measured from signals produced by the pixel array, in response to the returned modulated portion of the light pulse.

Abstract: The methods and systems disclosed herein improve upon previous 3D imaging techniques by making use of a longer illumination pulse to obtain the same or nearly the same range resolution as can be achieved by using a much shorter, conventional laser pulse. For example, a longer illumination pulse can be produced by one or more Q-switched lasers that produce, for example, 5, 10, 20 ns or longer pulses. In some instances, the laser pulse can be longer than the modulation waveform of a MIS-type imaging system and still produce a repeatable response function. The light pulse generation technologies required to achieve longer pulse lengths can be significantly less expensive and less complex than known technologies presently used to generate shorter illumination pulse lengths. Lower-cost, lower-complexity light pulse sources may facilitate lower-cost, commercial 3D camera products.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided to form a single coherent beam of light from a plurality of smaller beams of light. In one implementation a beam combiner comprising a beam director is configured to direct a seed beam of coherent light and a plurality of pump beams of coherent light; and a nonlinear converter is configured to combine the seed beam and the plurality of pump beams directed by the beam director to produce a substantially coherent wave front.

Abstract: A resilient guide for the brake housing of a floating caliper spot-type disc brake for automotive vehicles in which the brake carrier is integrated into the steering knuckle. A resilient spring for a brake housing (1) of a floating caliper spot-type disc brake with a brake carrier integrated into the steering knuckle is provided.The spring arrangement comprises at least one spring (2, 7) secured to the brake housing (1) at predetermined points (A, B). The spring (2, 7) in its unloaded condition, is premounted on brake housing (1) and after assembly of the brake housing (1) is loaded on the manufacturing belt to preload the brake housing (1) against the brake carrier arms (6). Loading of the spring (2) is effected such that the center is moved toward the wheel axle, and is fixed to projections (4) of the brake housing (1) and is then supported, with extensions (5), to arms (6) of the brake carrier. The entire mounting operation advantageously can be performed by an industrial robot.

Abstract: An adjusting device for a disc brake comprised of a brake piston which, for the actuation of a brake shoe, is slidably arranged in a brake cylinder and which is actuatable by way of a hydraulic and a mechanical actuating device. Between the brake piston and the mechanical actuating device an adjusting member is provided which is composed of two adjusting elements interconnected by way of a thread without self-locking engagement. The adjusting member comprises a friction clutch having conical friction surfaces for fixation of one of the adjusting elements on mechanical actuation; and includes a spring which is supported on a stop formed fast with the housing and on a roller bearing seated on one of the adjusting elements. For the improved manufacture of the parts and in order to improve and facilitate the assembly, the accommodation sleeve comprises at least one groove extending substantially in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the accommodation sleeve.

Abstract: A disc brake, especially for use with automotive vehicles is disclosed including brake housing staddling the rim of a brake disc, brake pads disposed on either side of the brake disc and a spring supported on the brake housing and on the brake pads to load the same with respect to one another. To attain an adequate preloading force and to insure the required stroke, it is provided that the spring includes two circumferentially extending U-shaped spring arms that are capable of being placed into abutment with a supporting face on the brake pad. Another section of the spring abuts on a supporting face formed on the brake housing. The spring arms form an obtuse angle relative to a central section of the spring.

Abstract: An automatic adjusting device for a disc brake having a brake piston displaceably arranged in a brake cylinder for the purpose of actuation of a brake shoe. This device which is actuatable by means of a hydraulic and a mechanical actuating device, includes an adjusting member between the brake piston and the mechanic actuating device which member is composed of two adjusting elements, an adjusting spindle and adjusting nut interconnected via a thread without self-locking engagement. It further comprises a friction clutch having conical friction surfaces for fixing one of the adjusting elements in position on mechanical actuation. One of the conical friction surfaces is on one of the adjusting elements and the other friction surface is on a mechanically actuatable clamping member. It also comprises a bowl-type (cup-shaped) spring retainer which is secured to the brake housing by means of an accommodation sleeve.