Abstract: A control system for processing the signals sensed by a continuous cell target in a laser measurement system is disclosed involving electronic circuitry and components for indicating incidence of the beam on the target, for shifting the electrical sensing center of the cell to the center of the target housing, and for compensating for variations in laser beam intensity.

Abstract: A laser apparatus for projecting the axis of rotation of a rotating member is provided. The apparatus includes a lasing element mounted in a housing for projecting a high resolution laser beam. The housing also has a mounting stud extending therefrom substantially colinear with the laser beam but extending from the opposite end of the housing. The mounting stud is adapted to be mounted in a rotating member such as the chuck of a rotating tool. Rotation of the rotating member with the laser apparatus therein causes the laser beam to generate an annulus on an object spaced therefrom. The center of the annulus defines the true axis of rotation of the rotating member. The rotating member and/or the non-rotating member then can be realigned with respect to one another to accurately position the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A technique for measuring the distance between two points on an object along a laser beam axis, along with devices and methods of reducing measurement errors in such laser measurement systems are disclosed. The laser measurement system includes a source laser, a rotatable penta-prism for reflecting the source through 90.degree. and for generating a plane perpendicular to the source upon rotation thereof, and a carriage upon which the penta-prism is mounted to allow the penta-prism to be moved parallel to the source. The position of the penta-prism along the source is adjusted until alignment with the two points on the object is detected, at which time the positions of the penta-prism which produce the alignments are noted on a scale parallel to the source.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of sweeping a substantially flat optical plane substantially perpendicular to an incident laser beam is disclosed. A penta-prism, optical detector and adjustment means are disposed in a housing adapted to be mounted on a rotatable spindle. When so mounted, the penta-prism is disposed a predetermined distance from the point of intersection of the axis of rotation of the spindle and the axis of a properly oriented laser beam. The optical detector determines whether the axis of the incident laser beam intersects the point of intersection and the adjustment means translates the incident laser beam until its axis substantially intersects the point of intersection in response to the output of the detector means. When this is accomplished, the penta-prism will produce a substantially flat optical plane when the housing is rotated on the spindle.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for sweeping a flat optical light plane perpendicular to a primary input laser beam for use in precise alignment applications includes rotatably mounting a penta prism onto a spindle such that the laser beam intersects the entrance face of the penta prism. In addition, the path of the laser beam intersects the actual axis of rotation of the spindle at a designated point which is positioned as a function of the geometry of the penta prism, and the first relfecting surface of the penta prism is located intermediate the laser device and said designated point. In operation, rotation of the penta prism about the spindle results in the development of a flat, true optical light plane.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for sweeping a flat optical light plane perpendicular to a primary input laser beam for use in precise alignment applications includes rotatably mounting a penta prism onto a spindle such that the laser beam intersects the entrance face of the penta prism. In addition, the path of the laser beam intersects the actual axis of rotation of the spindle at a designated point which is positioned as a function of the geometry of the penta prism, and the first reflecting surface of the penta prism is located intermediate the laser device and said designated point. In operation, rotation of the penta prism about the spindle results in the development of a flat, true optical light plane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus in the form of a holder for hard mounting an optical member to a rigid base in order to maintain the relative spatial alignment of the assembly in the presence of differential thermal expansion of the elements of the assembly. The apparatus or holder comprises a tubular member terminating at one end with a base for attachment to the mounting structure for the assembly, while at its opposite end the holder has flange portions for engaging the optical member. The longitudinally extending portion of the holder comprises thin wall, spring finger members which are disposed to establish bilateral symmetry in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the holder, which bilateral symmetry assures the maintenance of the spatial alignment of the members of the assembly. The optical member is hard mounted to the flange of the assembly by a suitable rigid epoxy.