Abstract: An optical device for detecting the printing media in printers includes an element pivoting on two rotation pivots which are incorporated therein a certain distance apart and which are guided in respective independent curved grooves. The pivoting element includes two extensions which point outwards from the central portion of the element, and of which one is intended to receive, at its front and rear edges, the end edges of the laminar printing media during its forward and rearward movements towards and away from the input rollers of the laminar substrate in the printer. The second extension of the pivoting element can move into and out of an opening of the optical detector in a manner corresponding to the rotary movements of the pivoting element brought about by the movements of the printing media.

Abstract: An illumination optical apparatus includes a light source emitting an illumination light beam, the illumination light beam being directed along a predetermined optical path, a variable optical filter disposed on the predetermined optical path of the illumination light beam for controlling the intensity of the illumination light beam, a transmissivity of the variable optical filter with respect to the illumination light beam being continuously variable, and an optical integrator receiving the illumination light beam that has passed through the variable optical filter to form a plurality of images of the light source.

Abstract: A potentiometer includes a shaft, a base including a printed circuit board on which are fixedly mounted a light emitter and a light receiver arranged opposite to and spaced from the light emitter, the light emitter being supplied with steady voltage to emit light and provide working voltage to the light receiver, a circular seat formed with an opening and fixedly mounted on an upper end of the shaft, a plastic film arranged on an outer edge of the opening and disposed between the light emitter and the light receiver, the plastic film being provided two end portions which are opaque and an intermediate portion which decreases in transparency from one side to another side thereof, and a cover fixedly mounted on the base to enclose the circular seat, whereby the potentiometer is of high sensitivity, durable in use, low in cost, easily converted from a conventional rheostat and fit for mass production.

Abstract: An optical switch assembly for a two-way radio has electrical and mechanical subassemblies. The electrical portion consists an IR emitter (12) and a pair of IR receivers (14,16) strategically positioned upon a printed circuit board (10). The mechanical portion consists of a rotatable interposer mechanism (20) interconnected to a knob (35) on the radio via a shaft (28). The interposer has inner (22) and outer (24) concentric cylindrical walls. The outer wall controls the light transmitted between the emitter and one of the receivers (16), ultimately controlling the On-Off state of the radio. The inner wall has an integrated gray-scale graphic which controls the transmission of light between the emitter and the other IR receiver (14), ultimately controlling the audio output of the radio.

Abstract: An optical position sensor comprises a linearity correction circuit 20 having ROM 22 in which a corresponding table between compensation values and respective rotational angular position of a rotational disk 51. The compensation values are obtained such that an actual relationship is measured between the rotational angular positions of the rotational disk 51 and the output B of a semiconductor position sensing device 54, deviation of the output B of the device 54 from a predetermined linearity relationship (A) is calculated, and compensation values are determined for eliminating the deviation of the output B of the device 54 at respective rotational angular positions of the rotational disk 51. The linearity correction circuit 20 retrieves a compensation value E from ROM 22 based on the output B of the device 54, and compensates the output A so as to produce the sensing output E which has a linearity relationship to the rotational angle of the rotational disk 51.

Abstract: A selector assembly for use in avionic multifunctional displays to perform quadrature and push button functions is described herein. The selector assembly utilizes two sensors and a cylindrical band with an encoder pattern having three distinct zones to sense either direction of rotation (quadrature) of a knob or its push motion. The pattern can include regions that are absorptive and reflective to infrared (IR) energy. The selector assembly uses the two sensors to sense a pattern rotation or a push motion of the pattern, thereby reducing the number of mechanical and sensing components and simplifying the wiring associated with the assembly. The encoder pattern is molded either directly on the inside of the knob or on a label that is adhered to the interior surface of the knob. The physical components and the sensors of the encoder mechanism are also placed within the knob of the selector assembly, thereby optimizing the useable glass surface area available for avionic displays.

Abstract: The quasi-absolute encoder module determines absolute position within one mechanical rotation. The encoder module includes a three channel position encoder and detection circuitry that includes a read-only memory (ROM). There are three channels: A, B, and I. Channels A and B have four periods and channel B is offset from channel A by 90.degree. in phase. Channel I has a unique sequence. The address generated by sampling this unique sequence corresponds to an address in ROM. The address indicates the position of the rotating shaft on which the codewheel is attached.

Abstract: A spacecraft telescope door (10) adapted for use with remote sensing devices requiring optical and infrared calibration. The door (10) includes a first calibration surface (24) disposed on a first panel (14) for providing a radiant temperature reference for infrared calibrations. A second calibration surface (26) is disposed on a second panel (12) for providing an absolute radiance reference for optical calibrations. A panel hinge (16) controls the relative position of the panels (12,14) with respect to each other, and an aperture hinge (20) controls the relative position of the panels with respect to the aperture (28). In a specific embodiment, the first surface (24) is painted with chemglaze Z306, a highly emissive paint with a low reflectance for facilitating infrared calibration. The second surface (26) is painted with YB71, a diffuse reflective paint for facilitating optical calibration.

Abstract: Methods for wavelength determination of a monochromatic beam are described. The methods involve a detector unit containing at least one variable filter and at least one pair of photo detectors. The detectors have photo sensitive regions with their areas varying with the position in one direction. The wavelength for maximum transmission of the variable filter varies in the same direction. By comparing the photo current values from the two detectors, wavelength of the incident beam is determined. Methods to construct wavelength discrimination junction photo detector pair and double barrier photo detector pair are also given.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for providing instantaneous real-time information concerning the attitude of an object. When the speed of the object to which the apparatus is attached is known, a real-time three dimensional velocity vector is determinable. The apparatus includes a plate mounted for rotation in a first axis nested within a gimbal means which is also mounted for rotation in a second axis, the first axis and the second axis being orthogonally oriented. The plate may mount a compass, gyroscope or laser. The rate of change of the angular position of the compass, gyroscope or laser is determinable. The rotation of the plate and the gimbal means are ascertained with precision by a novel sensor means. The sensor means determines the rotation by measuring the intensity of radiation (photoemission) passing through a disk with a variable width aperture circumscribed about the disk's circumference.

Abstract: Optical encoder apparatus and methods are provided for converting the cyclic motion of an electro-mechanical machine, such as an electric motor, into at least one electrical signal having a predetermined waveform. The apparatus may include at least one photo-detector which is responsive to at least one pattern of incident radiant energy. An optically programmed system is optically aligned with the detector, and configured to be actuated by the cyclic motion of the machine. The system modifies at least one pattern of incident radiant energy at the detector, in a plurality of directions, in accordance with an optical function which includes graphical function. The graphical function may be a transform of a waveform function. The system includes an optical element, such as an optical encoder disc, which contains at least one optically detectable graphical pattern. The system also includes a mask containing at least one aperture which permits a pattern of radiant energy to pass to the detector.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for measuring rotation of a shaft with extreme precision. The apparatus includes a housing enclosing a slotted disk wherein the slot is continuously varying about the circumference of the disk. The housing is cylindrical and includes a tubular side portion intermediate a first and second circular face. The two circular faces and the slotted disk have a center. The shaft passes through the center of the two circular faces of the housing and the slotted disk. The slotted disk is fixed to rotate with the shaft. The housing includes a rotation means which permits the shaft to freely rotate in the housing. A first aperture is located outside the housing on the first circular face and a second aperture is located outside the housing on the second circular face, both first and second apertures being co-linear with the slot of the slotted disk and defining a channel. An emission source is located over the first aperture and an emission detector is located over the second aperture.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the dimensions of a stack of sheets in the tray. An optical sensor is arranged so that movement of the sheet guides in a paper tray causes a variably graduated scale to be moved past the sensor. The sensor may either be a transmissive or reflective type analog sensor in which the strength of the signal generated by the sensor is converted into a position of the side guides and as the analog scale is continuously variable, there is no need for separate discrete sensors or switches and sheet sizes of any dimension can be accommodated. A recalibration process is used to prevent contamination of the gauge and the associated change in signal strength by this sensor from causing the size determinations to be inaccurate. Alternatively, a digital sensor in cooperation with a digital bar code or other digital scale can be utilized to determine the variable sheet size, which digital sensor and variable scale are insensitive to contamination by dirt or paper particles, etc.

Abstract: The assessment of clearance conditions in an operating turbine structure has provide difficult to achieve. The invention provides apparatus which enables the clearance between seal fins on rotating blades and adjacent fixed structure, to be observed during rotation, and comprises refracting prisms (30, 32) on the fixed structure arranged so as to straddle sealing fin (14) on the blades. The stage of blades on their associated disc are moved towards the fixed structure and light which is refracted through the prisms is obscured by the fins. In one embodiment, the ratio of obscured to unobscured light is utilised to generate electrical signals, which are then manipulated so as to indicate the magnitude of the clearance.

Abstract: A reflective shadow sensor is disclosed for use in detecting the position of a moving object by directing a flow of light towards that object and detecting the amount of light reflected by a surface of the moving object.

Abstract: Method for compensating an output signal of a photoelectric sensor having a drift due to aging a drift in temperature and a signal in absence of optical excitation (dark signal), in an electrical proportional remote control apparatus of the manipulation or analog type comprising an actuation member or actuation part for progressive displacement functionally associated to at least one photoelectric sensor adapted to generate an electrical signal of which one parameter is representative for the displacement and/or the position of said actuation member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical rotary encoder for detecting a position optically. In the optical rotary encoder of the invention, a light beam reflected by a half mirror enters a deflector, whereby it is reflected while being deflected in a certain direction. The reflected light beam again enters the half mirror. Transmitted light from the half mirror enters a position detector, in which a light spot is formed on an annular photodiode. The path of the reflected light from the deflector forms a cone having a vertical angle which is twice the angle of deflection of the deflector. The position detector is disposed perpendicularly to the optical axis of the reflected light in the case of the deflection angle being 0.degree. and with the center of the annular photodiode made coincident with the said optical axis. A suitable distance between the deflector and the photodiode is selected so that a light spot is radiated onto the photodiode.

Abstract: An actuator having an optical position sensor is disclosed. The sensor remotely provides via a single optic fiber light having two spectral frequencies of about equal intensities to two inversely acting linear optical attenuators that attenuate light in response to the intensity of a magnetic field varied in relation to the movement of the actuator. The attenuated light from each attenuator is filtered producing two attenuated light signals of the two frequencies that are combined in another single optic fiber and then processed into voltages indicative of their intensities. The position of a moving object attached to the attenuators is derived from the difference of the two signals relative to their combined value, minimizing errors associated with obstructions the optical couplings. The attenuators may be orthagonal strips that slide in unison in slots in an elongated rod containing light transmitters and receivers. Light transmittance of the strips varies along their length.

Abstract: The invention relates to optical devices, particularly to an optical displacement transducer for detecting a light flow received by a light sensor and subsequent determination of the amount of force applied to an object within which the optical displacement transducer is mounted. The transducer utilizes a light source which is mounted within a housing having a translucent face, and a light sensor mounted in a body having a corresponding translucent face. The light flow which travels between the translucent faces is intermittently blocked by a shadow rod moving between the light source and the light sensor in response to an external force applied to the shadow rod.

Abstract: An optical displacement sensor is disclosed for use in robotic applications. The sensor can be used to examine the shape and surface texture of an object. In the embodiment which includes a compressible means of known spring constant, the sensor can be used to measure contract force. The position sensor uses an electro-optical displacement transducer to convert a displacement into an electrical output. The sensor utilizes a phototransistor to measure light emitted by an infrared light emitting diode. The amount of light received from by the phototransistor is varied by the displacement of the contact probe, or shadow rod.

Abstract: A particle detector for detecting ionizing particles incident on the detector which form electron-hole pairs upon penetrating the detector, the detector comprising a substrate, a first electrode formed on the substrate, a body portion supported by the first electrode, a second electrode formed over the body portion, and a voltage source for applying a forward bias voltage across the first and the second electrodes. The body portion includes two monolithic, contiguous amorphous silicon regions. A first region is doped to be of a first conductivity type, and a second region is an intrinsic region. The applied forward bias voltage must be greater than the flat band voltage of the detector and sufficient to bias the detector into the space charge limited regime so that charge carriers, injected at the first electrode, are blocked by a potential barrier formed near the interface between the first and the second regions.

Abstract: A variable control fader with provisions for outputting a fader start signal upon movement of the fader from a position corresponding to the faders maximum attainable resistance value. This fader start signal can be utilized to initiate the activation or deactivation of the operation, or function, of other devices such as, for example, tape recorders, cart machines, or outboard signal processing equipment.

Abstract: An actuator having an optical position sensor is disclosed. The sensor remotely provides via a single optic fiber light having two spectral frequencies of about equal intensities to two inversely acting linear optical attenuators. The attenuated light from each attenuator is filtered. The two attenuated light signals of the two frequencies are combined in another single optic fiber and then processed into voltages indicative of their intensities. The position of a moving object attached to the attenuators is derived from the two signals.

Abstract: A control knob assembly primarily for use with devices utilizing flat panel display technology, each assembly having means for manipulating the electronic apparatus by using remote sensing capability to transfer control knob input into a control signal. The assembly is mounted on a bezel, affixed to the front side of the flat panel display and cooperates in conjunction with a plurality of photodiode devices located near the back side of the flat panel display. Photodiodes are located with respect to knob location so as to be able to detect knob adjustment by monitoring a reflected signal that is alternatively disrupted by knob adjustment. The photodiode devices may be infra-red light emitting diode as are well known in the prior art. Circuitry to the photodiode device is used to transmit detected knob adjustment to the appropriate device control circuitry.

Abstract: An object of this invention is to provide a position detecting apparatus which can accurately detect an angle of rotation of a rotary board mounted on a rotary shaft even if the former is not coaxial with the latter, or there is a play between the rotary shaft and its bearing. In a position detecting apparatus, a detecting transparent slit is formed in it in such a manner that the distance between the slit and the center of rotation of the rotary board changes with the angle of rotation .theta. of the rotary board, and a reference transparent slit having a predetermined radius is also formed in it. LEDs are arranged on one side of the rotary board, and PSDs are arranged on the other side of the rotary board in such a manner the formers are confronted through the transparent slits with the PSDs, respectively. The PSDs detect light beams passed through the transparent slits, to output light reception signals.

Abstract: An optical position sensor comprising an encoder plate (52) that includes a variable density code pattern (54) is disclosed. Disposed in contact with the encoder plate is a bearing plate (58) having a read head (60) rigidly mounted thereto. The encoder plate (52) is coupled by a flexible aligner (62) and a shaft (64) to an object whose position is to be sensed such that the bearing plate (58) remains in contact with the encoder plate (52) as the object moves. Thus, no gap occurs between the read head and the encoder plate. A series of channels (70) disposed in the bearing plate contain a lubricant having approximately the same index of refraction as the encoder plate (52) and bearing plate (58). The lubricant reduces abrasion between the encoder plate and bearing plate as well as reduces reflective losses.