Abstract: A laser rod surface elevation table (L-RSET) includes a sensor arm coupled to a stepper motor and a screw frame. A screw interconnects the motor and frame, while a screw carriage interconnects the screw and a sensor carriage. A laser sensor is mounted to the sensor carriage. A controller includes at least one processor operatively coupled to the sensor and motor. The processor processes measurement values in a data structure and performs functions to actuate the motor and sensor. The data structure represents a quasi-unique topographical measurement project, and is configured with the measurement values, including a radius value R which defines an area, a start point value X and a stop point value Y for positioning the screw carriage, a speed value S for speed of advancement of the screw carriage, an interval value I for measurement interval, and a points value N for points of measurement per measurement interval.

Abstract: A laser rod surface elevation table (L-RSET) includes a sensor arm coupled to a stepper motor and a screw frame. A screw interconnects the motor and frame, while a screw carriage interconnects the screw and a sensor carriage. A laser sensor is mounted to the sensor carriage. A controller includes at least one processor operatively coupled to the sensor and motor. The processor processes measurement values in a data structure and performs functions to actuate the motor and sensor. The data structure represents a quasi-unique topographical measurement project, and is configured with the measurement values, including a radius value R which defines an area, a start point value X and a stop point value Y for positioning the screw carriage, a speed value S for speed of advancement of the screw carriage, an interval value I for measurement interval, and a points value N for points of measurement per measurement interval.

Abstract: A power supply circuit (120) for supplying power to a load (130) comprises a regulator (122), a switching transistor (124) connected to the regulator; and a power transformer (126) connected between the switching transistor and the load. The regulator is of a type that requires feedback regarding the amount of voltage supplied to the load. In accordance with the present invention, a feedback signal to the regulator is generated by monitoring an input to the power transformer. In particular, a voltage signal related to a voltage on the primary of the power transformer after a voltage spike is applied as the feedback signal to the regulator. A peak detector (140) detects the to voltage spike and applies the voltage signal to the regulator. A peak detector reset circuit (142) resets the peak detector. In one example context of usage, a variable air gap exists between a stationary primary of the power transformer and a secondary of the power transformer.