Abstract: A device and a related method of operation of the device for continuously monitoring the progress of a steeping beverage during the steeping process is disclosed which provides an indication to the user when the steeping beverage has reached an adjustable, desired level of steeping to thereby enable the making of a consistently steeped beverage without requiring the steeping operation to be timed or otherwise closely monitored. The device optically monitors the steeping beverage by using a photo diode to detect light from an LED which passes through a fixed measurement aperture immersed in the steeping beverage. By determining when the passage of light through the measurement aperture has decreased to a predetermined level indicative of both the color and the strength of the steeping beverage, an alarm may be provided to indicate that the beverage has steeped to precisely the strength desired.

Abstract: A metal detection device is disclosed and includes a housing defining a central aperture. An induction member is mounted to the housing and surrounds the aperture for generating an output voltage in response to the presence of a metal object near the induction member. A mechanism is provided for calibrating the induction member by comparing the output voltage to a reference voltage to establish a threshold voltage which is unaffected by transient fluctuations in the output voltage. A mechanism is also provided in the housing and spaced about the aperture for selectively sensing an object passing through the aperture. The sensing mechanism generates a detection signal in response to passage of an object through the aperture only upon activation of the sensing mechanism. A mechanism activates the sensing mechanism upon generation of an inductive member output voltage above the threshold voltage. Finally, a device is provided for triggering an alarm in response to the generation of the detection signal.

Abstract: An integrated optoelectronic substrate is provided. A molded optical substrate having a surface, a core region having a first optical surface, and a cladding region is formed with the core region being at least partially surrounded by the cladding region. An interconnect board having a first surface and a second surface is disposed on the molded optical substrate, thereby operably coupling the molded optical substrate to the interconnect board.

Abstract: A real time directional orientation apparatus is disclosed for use in a two pi (2.pi.) geometry. The apparatus is to be affixed to an object which translates in space. A cylindrical disk is suspended in a fluid in concert with a magnet. The cylindrical disk is disposed inside a cylindrical housing. A light source is in communication with the disk and the light is propagated through the disk where it is finally projected from the disk in a radial fashion. The light beam projected is detected by a bank of photon sensitive detectors lining the interior of the cylindrical housing. The light source is propagated through two coplanar, orthogonal light channels which emanate from the center of the disk in a radial fashion. The photon sensitive detectors register the orientation of the light channels against a known starting value.

Abstract: A preexposure device having a linear LED arrangement for preexposing printing forms over their full area. The linear LED arrangement comprises at least two rows of LED modules which are offset with respect to one another. Each module is made up of a plurality of light-emitting diodes. The linear LED arrangement is disposed within a housing which is closed off at the bottom by means of a light scattering plate.

Abstract: A photoelectric transfer device includes at least one photoelectric transfer cell having the following elements: A photoelectric transfer element generates a photoelectric current based on a quantity of incident light. An amplifier element includes first FET and functions as a source follower in which a source voltage of the first FET is varied so as to follow up a gate voltage thereof. A read unit outputs, as an output signal, the source voltage of the source follower. The photoelectric transfer element is connected to a gate and source of the amplifier element so that a voltage between the gate and source of the amplifier element is applied across the photoelectric transfer element.

Abstract: An optic fiber payout test system and apparatus is disclosed which is adad for simulating the payout of fiber at high speeds. This optic fiber payout test apparatus is comprised of a projectile, a source of fiber attached to the projectile, and a pneumatic propulsion system to propel the projectile and initiate the payout of the fiber. The fiber payout test apparatus further comprises a projectile track system as well as a braking system which allows the projectile to be used safely within a laboratory environment. The optic fiber payout test apparatus also provides a means for testing the payout of fiber optic cable in a manner that simulates the high rate of speed and high accelerations encountered during free flight. This capability is important for the development of launched fiber optic guided weapons systems and in particular, air launched optic guided weapons systems.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus for in-situ evaluation of the light flux of narrow and intense light beams, in particular those from the beacon lights of airport runways and taxiways. It comprises a closed box mounted in a pod placed on a moving chassis, the box has a translucent front face that diffuses the light flux from the beam to be measured omni-directionally inside the box, and another face having high diffusing reflection power that closes the box and provides both reflection and diffusion of the light in uniform manner towards a photoelectric sensor whose sensitive portion is disposed close to the front face, but facing said diffusing reflection face.

Abstract: A system for heating water using solar energy comprises a photovoltaic array, a water heater comprising a variable resistive load, and a controller for varying either the load characteristics of the resistive load or the power generating characteristics of the photovoltaic array, or both, to ensure maximum power transfer efficiency.

Abstract: A remote control system in particular for locking and unlocking the doors of motor vehicles, the system being of the type including light source forming means associated with optical means adapted to configure the beam generated by the light source, wherein the optical means associated with the light source are adapted to define a transmission lobe centered on an aiming axis and comprising a first component of long range and small beam width together with a second component of shorter range and greater beam width.

Abstract: A connector/cable identification system comprises a plug having an extension and a female housing having at least two pairs of optical emitter/sensors. Each emitter/sensor pair detects whether the extension is therebetween. Because different extensions have different lengths or aperture configurations, the type of connector (and thus associated cable) can be determined. Voltage isolation between the cable (i.e., a common carrier transmission line) and the apparatus receiving the cable (i.e., a personal computer) is maintained by physically separating the transmission circuitry from the identification circuitry.

Abstract: A device for measuring photoinduced electrical properties at a semiconductor sample surface. The device includes an analysis probe having a means for directing a light beam to a defined portion of a semiconductor substrate surface. A probe electrode is provided for detecting a photo-induced electrical signal from the defined portion of the semiconductor substrate, and a light blocking means is carried by the probe for substantially blocking stray light from the defined portion of the substrate surface. A positioning means for positioning the semiconductor and device with respect to each other for measurement of the photo-induced electrical property at a desired defined portion of the semiconductor substrate surface. The positioning means may be adapted to position respectively the wafer and probe without contact between the wafer and probe and to position the wafer with respect to a chuck without contacting the chuck.

Abstract: A gas contamination measuring apparatus is equipped at the front side of the light path for detecting whether environmental contamination is present. The gas contamination measuring apparatus includes a nitrogen injecting inlet, a nitrogen exiting outlet, the quartz plate, an inside contamination detecting light emitting element and a photoreceiving element detecting light emitting element and a photoreceiving element and an outside contamination detecting light emitting element and a photoreceiving element.

Abstract: A photoacoustic cell, including a light guide having a fiber portion consisting of a bundle of a number of optical fibers and a covering portion by which the side surface of the fiber portion is covered, the covering portion of the light guide extending beyond the fiber portion in a manner that when a first end of the light guide is brought into contact with the surface of a material to be measured, a closed space is defined by the end surface of the fiber portion, by the inner wall of the covering portion, and by the surface of the material to be measured; a pipe having a first end that is open in the closed space and a second end that penetrates through the covering portion and is open toward the outside of the covering portion; and a microphone that is coupled to the second end of the pipe, and a photoacoustic measuring device including this photoacoustic cell.

Abstract: An exposure system for electrophotographic apparatus having an aperture plate for masking one or more laser beams. The plate contains one or more apertures which have irregular edges to form a gaussian light distribution for the light beams passing through the apertures. A saw-toothed edge is used with a predetermined amplitude ratio to predictably attenuate the light at the edges which correspond to the process or in-track direction in the exposed image. The gaussian distribution is more tolerable of spacing changes in scan lines and improves the continuity of process direction lines in the finished image.

Abstract: A golf training system for detecting unwanted golfer's head displacement during a golf swing includesa support assembly having a vertically adjustable assembly;a first motion detecting device being operable for detecting golfer's head displacement and for generating a signal indicative of such displacement, said first detecting device being an electromagnetic motion detecting means;a second motion detecting device being operable for detecting a golf club head travelling in a preselected zone which zone is inclusive of where a golf ball would be during a swing and for generating a signal indicative of a golf club travelling in said zone and impacting a ball; anda display unit responsive to said signals of said first and second motion detecting devices for indicating unwanted golfer's head displacement prior to a golf club head travelling in said zone and for indicating when a golf club head travels in said zone prior to golfer's head displacement for indicating unwanted golfer's head displacement.

Abstract: A theft prevention device includes an optical sensor for detecting a level of ambient light and a vibration sensor for detecting a vibration of a protected article. The theft prevention device further includes an alarm circuit operatively coupled to the optical sensor and the vibration sensor for providing an alarm when the optical sensor detects a change in the level of ambient light from relative brightness to relative darkness and the vibration sensor detects a vibration of the protected article. The theft prevention device may further include a disconnection sensor for detecting a disconnection of a member attached to the protected article, whereby the alarm circuit activates the alarm upon such disconnection. The theft prevention device may further include a microswitch which is automatically activated upon removal of the protected article from an article casing.

Abstract: A first ohmic electrode of a light emitting diode is put into contact with an electrode plate, and a second ohmic electrode of the same is put into contact with a mesh electrode formed by a metal net. The mesh electrode is mounted on a light receiving surface of the light receiving element. When a predetermined amount of current is supplied from a power source to the mesh electrode and electrode plate, light is emitted from that portion of the light emitting diode located around the second ohmic electrode, and the light passes through the spaces of the mesh electrode, then being received by the light receiving element. The light receiving element supplies an electric signal indicative of the light to a measuring circuit, whereby the output of the light emitting diode is measured.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device is provided that is adapted to monitor an "on-line" light source and respond to on/off changes of the source while at the same time being adapted for visual inspection of the light. The device is adapted for incorporation into a remote warning system which may also be able to activate remedial measures to correct deviations signalled by a change in the "on-line" light status.

Abstract: A light-sensitive device is placed so as to receive a portion of the ambient light energy present within the mouth of the operator. The amount of ambient light impinging upon the sensing device is then modulated by movement of the lips and teeth of the operator, controlling some external process.

Abstract: A lighting peg having a solar cell and a battery installed in a casing including a number of sensors each including a photoelectric conversion element mounted on a side surface of the casing, a differential circuit provided on the subsequent stage of the conversion element, and a comparator which delivers a high level output when the output of the differential circuit exceeds a predetermined value.

Abstract: In a lighting peg with a variable pulsation rate including a square outer casing provided with a solar cell and a battery and adapted to be installed at an intersection of two roads, light emitting diodes and a photoelectric conversion element are provided on each side surface of the square outer casing. An ambient light sensor for detecting ambient light and a pulse signal generating circuit for generating pulse signals are further provided together with vehicle sensors, each including the photoelectric conversion element, a differential circuit and a comparator.

Abstract: A photodetector array which mounts to a soft hat, such as a military fatigue hat, and which includes circumferentially spaced and outwardly facing photodetectors on radial arms extending from a central hub. A radio transmitter, including an antenna, is mounted at the hub. The arms extend radially outward to the edge of the hat crown, and then extend down the sides of the hat to the band. Each arm has a proximal end joined to the hub, a radial portion extending to the edge of the hat crown, an axial portion extending towards the hatband and a distal end terminating at a photodetector. A wiring harness is molded within the arms and connects the photodetectors and antenna to the transmitter. A fastener is provided on each arm, at the intersection of the radial and axial portions, to attach the arms to the outer edge of the hat crown. At least two of the arm distal ends are provided with attachments for a chin strap.

Abstract: The main object of the invention is an array of optically-controlled elements for the diffusion of electromagnetic energy. The invention pertains to an array capable of diffracting the electromagnetic energy which illuminates it, certain elements of the said array being capable of modulation. The device according to the invention comprises photodetectors which can be used for the optical modulation of the emitting/reflecting elements, whether diffusing or diffracting. The optical modulation provides for the individual control of each radiating element up to very high frequencies. Furthermore, the device according to the invention can be used to reduce the complexity of an array by doing away with the control wiring. The invention can be applied chiefly to the making of radar-testing devices, for example the simulation of bright points, the ultra-high-frequency tomography of the human body and the making of beacons.

Abstract: An improved odor control device including a source of deodorizing olfactory stimuli, a squirrel cage fan for circulating air carrying the stimuli, an electronic circuit providing a visual indicia relating to the status of the power source. A secondary circuit controls indicia means for indicating the elapse of a predetermined span of time from initilization of control of one such span of time for the purpose of alerting the user to examine and/or replace the olfactory stimuli.

Abstract: A capacitor has a top plate 2 in the form of a photodiode array and a bottom plate 2. An RF source 3 is connected between plates 1 and 2. Insulating or semiconducting material to be tested is inserted between the plates 1 and 2 to act as dielectric. Where a printed circuit board or other conductive electrical component is to be tested it forms top plate 2. A flying spot scanner 11 produces a modulated light beam 12 which scans the top surface of plate 2. The resulting modulated photocurrent envelope is detected and displayed in a display monitor 15 in synchronism with the scanning beam.

Abstract: A position locating system for a vehicle such as a mobile robot which includes a multisector sensor for sensing the coded signal emitted by a beacon. There are means responsive to the sensor for generating a code data signal representative of the coded signal and means responsive to the sensor sectors for generating an angle data signal representative of the angle from sensor to the beacon and at least one of the azimuthal and altitude dimensions.

Abstract: There is disclosed a blind person guide device comprising a walking stick, a source mounted on a front face of the walking stick for emitting a beam of infrared radiation in a forward direction, a photoelectric element mounted on the front face of the walking stick for receiving infrared radiation reflected from an object irradiated by the beam, an electric circuit for producing information as to a distance to the object based on the illuminance or energy of received radiation on the photoelectric element, an oscillator for generating electric vibrations having a frequency and an amplitude which are dependent on the distance information produced by the electric circuit, and a vibrator vibratable in response to the electric vibrations and having a vibrating surface against which a human skin can be pressed.

Abstract: A light scattering measuring apparatus utilizes light scattering to analyze physical properties of the surface and interior of an object, and particularly converts the scattered light therefrom into molecular vibrational energy or heat energy and measures the same. The light scattering measuring apparatus is provided with light applying means for applying an intermittent light to an object to be examined, a medium for absorbing scattered light intermittently emitted from the surface of the object by the applied light in accordance with the physical properties of the object to be examined and converting the scatterd light into molecular vibrational energy or heat energy, a detecting device for detecting the information regarding the energy produced by the medium, and a measuring device for measuring the molecular vibrational energy or the heat energy on the basis of a signal produced by the detecting device.

Abstract: A model gun (MG) generates an infrared beam (L) simultaneously with ignition of a gun powder cap. The infrared beam is detected by a sensor (2) positioned in the center of a target. In response to a "hit", different forms of visual display are generated.

Abstract: An apparatus for the prevention of the unintentional exposure of photo material includes an electromagnetically locking flap on an apparatus designed as a storage chest for photo material. The flap as a cover for said chest and a photocell or the like respond to the luminosity of the environment. In the case of the prevalence of an adequate darkness a solenoid affects the magnet so as to unlock the cover.

Abstract: An automatic notcher which automatically forms a notch on a developed film is provided with a faulty frame judging device and a notcher controlling circuit. The device includes out-of-focus image judging device for making judgement as to whether or not an image on the film is out of focus. The notcher controlling circuit actuates a notcher only for frames which need to be printed on the basis of the judgement made by the out-of-focus image judging device. Accordingly, any out-of-focus image on the film is automatically judged to be one which need not be printed and a notch is not therefore formed for it.

Abstract: A projection exposure apparatus for projecting, onto a semiconductor wafer through a projection lens, an integrated circuit pattern formed on a mask or reticle. An alignment beam having a wavelength different from that for the exposure is used to achieve alignment between the mask and the wafer. A parallel flat plate is detachably disposed between the projection lens and the mask and/or the wafer to prevent a magnification error and/or a focus error of the projection lens which would otherwise be caused upon alignment due to the difference in wavelength.

Abstract: A scanning system for mapping the degree of uniformity of gas flow in the cavity of a laser includes a carriage mounted for movement along a set of parallel tracks disposed along a side of the laser cavity. The carriage mounts an infrared detector in radiation receiving relationship with the laser cavity. A screw drive mechanism is drivingly coupled to the carriage for moving it in opposite directions on the tracks. Spaced windows along the side of the laser cavity allows passage of radiation from the laser cavity to the detector. Because of the alternating relationship between transmissive windows and non-transmissive plates which defined the windows, successive portions of a voltage signal generated by the detector representing separate measurements can be easily identified with successive positions of the carriage along the laser cavity, and thus with particular successive portions of the laser cavity where each measurement was taken.

Abstract: An adjustable rear view mirror for vehicles, such as cars. This mirror comprises a vacuum box having two plates which may be tilted with respect to one another. The mirror housing is attached to one of these plates and the mirror element which is wedge-shaped in cross section, is attached to the other plate. In order to adjust the mirror element, a vacuum is produced in the vacuum box which causes a tilting movement of the plate holding the mirror with respect to a restoring spring. For automatic control, a photocell may be provided which adjusts a control valve, of the vacuum system, upon the incidence of a certain minimum amount of light. However, a mechanically actuated directional control valve may also be used for the control.

Abstract: An electrical contact unit comprises a flexible semiconductor, e.g. silicon, filament carrying contacts and having a shorted pn junction. The filament is mounted in a magnetic field. When light is directed on to the junction, e.g. from an optical fiber, the induced photo current flowing around the short circuit interacts with the magnetic field so as to bend the filament so as to establish connection with one or more adjacent fixed contacts.

Abstract: An induction heating process and apparatus for flameless heating of metallic dental laboratory tools, medical instruments, and the like. The induction heating coil is energized by placement of instruments within the annular zone formed by the windings of the coil, and differential light sensors are utilized to compensate for variations in ambient light levels.

Abstract: An optoelectronic connector assembly having electrical and optical connector parts include housings which can be resiliently engaged and manually disengaged from each other. The electrical connector part housing has a socket receiving cavity therethrough for receiving an optoelectronic transducer. The transducer can be a light emitting element such as a light emitting diode, or can be a light responsive element such as a photodiode. The two housings are engaged by means of a protuberance having an inclined ramp on one of the housings, the other housing having an interlock recess therein so that, when the two housings mate, the inclined ramp operates upon the interlock recess so as to provide for a resilient but positive and firm engagement of the two housings. The optical connector part housing has a pin contact receiving cavity for receiving a fiber optic light guide.

Abstract: An electron tube which comprises a metal vacuum envelope, a metal high energy ray input window fitted to the envelope, and photoelectric screen held in the envelope at a point close to the high energy ray input window, and which is characterized in that a semiconductor photosensor is set at that position within the vacuum envelope which lies near the peripheral edge of the photoelectric screen and to which a material constituting the photoelectric screen can be deposited, said photoelectric screen comprising a sealed container provided with a light input window and a semiconductor element received in the container.

Abstract: An alarm modification kit for adding an electrical alarm signal feature to a mechanical recording type meterorological instrument. The kit includes a counterbalanced shutter arm adapted to be secured to the output shaft of the instrument which carries the recorder pen without disturbing the output shaft in its mountings. The free end of the shutter arm is T-shaped with a notch located centrally therein. A U-shaped photo source-sensor assembly is adjustably positioned astride the free end of the shutter arm so that the cross member of the arm moves transversely between the legs of the source-sensor, preventing generation of an electrical signal therefrom until the notch of the shutter arm is moved into alignment with the source-sensor.

Abstract: System for the supplying of water for the irrigation of plants is controlled by both solar radiance and ambient temperature so that water is supplied to the irrigated plants as a better function of their needs.

Abstract: A laser output measuring device for a laser knife having a flexible manipulator in which the output power at the operating end of the manipulator is accurately displayed at all times independent of changes in the transmissivity of the manipulator. A measuring hole member is provided in a housing in which is positioned a laser oscillator, a shutter device and a power detecting device. When the end of the manipulator is inserted in the measuring hole member, the shutter is positioned such that the output laser beam is directed onto the power detecting unit while when the end of the manipulator is free, the position of the shutter is determined by a foot switch such that the output laser beam from the laser oscillator can either be directed into the manipulator or to the power detecting unit.

Abstract: A transparent continuous optical fiber is embedded in a transparent panel made of glass or plastic, with the two ends of the fiber accessible from outside the panel for coupling to a visible or invisible light source and detector respectively. By nearly matching the refractive indices of the panel and the fiber, and using good-quality material for the fiber so that it does not scatter significant amounts of the light passing through it, the fiber can be made virtually invisible although it establishes a complete light circuit. Cutting or breaking through the panel at a point intersecting the fiber interrupts the light circuit and triggers an alarm.

Abstract: A turn direction detector for detecting the turn of a steering shaft includes a first switch arrangement which is actuated in response to the clockwise rotation of the steering shaft, and a second switch arrangement which is actuated in response to the counterclockwise rotation of the steering shaft.

Abstract: The system makes it possible to accurately align the laser emission axis with that of the video image sensor by using a point light source and an associated focusing optical system. External reception is interrupted during the alignment phase. The system tracker measures the errors at X and Y of the image of the source formed on the sensor. The latter is rotated to occupy a plurality of predetermined successive angular positions. An electronic control and calculating system supplies, on the basis of successive error data, sweep correction signals at X and Y making it possible to control the center of the image coinciding then with the invariable point of the image corresponding to the rotation axis.

Abstract: An installation for vehicles moving automatically, without human intervention, between starting and arrival points along a predetermined path consisting of stops, junctions, crossings, inlets, outlets of elevators, etc.An installation in which each self-propelling vehicle is adapted to carry a load and has steering-wheels and a central driving-wheel as well as optical detectors designed to read an optical track laid out on the ground and furnishing passive driving signals, the vehicle also being provided with an ultrasonic emitter-receiver assembly working as a radar and operative to detect obstacles along the path of movement of the vehicle.

Abstract: The electromagnetic energy is captured by the antenna and changes the reftivity of a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) proportional to the field being measured. The LCD is illuminated by a fiber optic and this light is reflected from LCD proportional to the electromagnetic field. This field proportional light is captured by a fiber optic and transmitted to a photodetector where it is converted to an electrical signal proportional to the electric field. This electrical signal may then be displayed, recorded or processed with other information.

Abstract: An unmanned vehicle capable of being automatously guided towards a predetermined destination by the geometrical computation of light signals received by at least two on-board detectors which relate the direction of each signal received to the axis of the vehicle. Useful in restricted areas such as automatic warehouses and loading bays.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for storing dental handpieces which includes a support device for each of the handpieces and a switching device for creating a signal when a handpiece is disposed in the supporting devices without contacting the handpiece. In one embodiment, the sensing device utilizes a light barrier which is broken by placing the handpiece in the supporting device and in another embodiment the sensing device utilizes a coil and resonant circuit whose output is changed by the presence of the handpiece.

Abstract: A system for beaming solar energy from space to an earth location and putting it to useful work either as heat or light energy, or by converting it into some other form of energy such as steam or electrical power. In the system illustrated, a receiver satellite is in polar orbit and a relay satellite is in equatorial orbit, rotating with the earth and therefore stationary with respect to earth location. Solar energy is collected by the receiver satellite through an array of parabolic collectors and focused by a series of mirrors onto a coherent radiation energy generator, preferably a laser beam generator. The laser beam is directed by a mirror to another mirror on the relay satellite which redirects it to a selected earth location. Alternatively, the relay satellite may convert the laser beam to a maser beam to better penetrate clouds, smoke and haze at the earth location.