Abstract: Enclosure door status may be detected. Light may be transmitted from a first component. The light may be received at a second component when a door is in a substantially closed position. The door may be mounted on a structure wherein an angle of incidence between the light transmitted from the first component and the second component increases proportionally to an angle of incidence between the door and the structure. The door may be determined to be in an open position when a light intensity received at the second component is less than a predetermined light intensity value that corresponds to a predetermined angle of incidence between the door and the structure. The first component may comprise a low divergence light emitting diode (LED) transmitter that may be configured to transmit light at a wavelength of approximately 950 nm. The second component may comprise a low profile silicon photodiode.

Abstract: An image is recorded of the edge of a moving object, in particular a sheet, in a machine processing printing material. The illumination is carried out with an illuminating device, and an image is recorded of at least one part of the edge with an image recording device. The use of the illuminating device and/or the image recording device is substantially synchronous with the movement of the object and substantially parallel to the direction of movement of the object. A preferred illuminating device has a row or array of light sources which in each case are switched on and off synchronously with the movement of the object. The constant shadow or shadow strip produced by the illumination moves with the object and ensures adequate contrast between the brightly illuminated object and the dark background, so that the object can be segmented reliably, at least in the region of the edge, and its position, orientation and movement can be determined.

Abstract: The invention provides sample tracking systems and methods. A sample tracking system can comprise a plate having a plurality of sample wells and an apparatus for illuminating each individual sample well, wherein the manner with which the sample well is illuminated can track the loading of the sample components to the sample wells.

Abstract: A transparent-front vending machine includes an optical vend-sensing system with an article sensing subsystem arranged athwart a vend space. The article sensing subsystem has two emitter/detector arrays, each having at least one emitter and a plurality of detectors. The emitter/detector arrays are arranged so that at least some electromagnetic radiation emitted by an emitter of the first array can be detected by at least two active detectors of the second array, and at least some electromagnetic radiation emitted by an emitter of the second array can be detected by at least two active detectors of the first array so that articles falling through the vend space will interrupt electromagnetic radiation between an emitter and at least one detector. At least two emitters are active at one time.

Abstract: A system and method for calibrating a vending apparatus is provided. A vertical base reference position of a selector arm is stored, wherein the vertical base reference position corresponds to one of a plurality of rows in a cylindrical storage device. A horizontal base reference position is stored, wherein the horizontal base reference position corresponds to a compartment identifier identifying a compartment within each of the plurality of rows. A position of the selector arm corresponding to a media storage compartment is also stored, wherein the position comprises a vertical position and a horizontal position. A motor is initiated to move the selector arm along a vertical axis, wherein a movement of the selector arm results in one of an increment and/or a decrement to the vertical position of the selector arm.

Abstract: An optical anti-tamper system including a light emitting layer located within a chassis, a light detecting layer located within the chassis and one or more detectors optically coupled to the light detecting layer. The one or more detectors are in communication with an alarm. The alarm is operable to transmit a tamper-event warning signal if an increased light level is detected by at least one detector.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for detecting ink errors in optical disk printing are provided. The apparatus, system and method include a sensor mount structure and a plurality of optical sensors mounted on the mount structure and in registration with a print table. A controller selectively activates the optical sensors in accordance with a relative motion between the optical sensors and the printing station such that the optical sensors each scan an assigned region of the print table to detect ink outside of an area where an object to be printed is placed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting the passage by a vehicle of a determined point for monitoring on a road, wherein from a remotely situated location a laser beam is transmitted continuously to the point for monitoring, reflections from the transmitted laser beam are received at the remotely situated location, and it is determined from the received reflections that the vehicle is passing the point for monitoring. The laser beam can be transmitted at right angles to the travel direction of the passing vehicle. The detection can be used to activate a red-light camera, to measure the speed of the vehicle or measure the traffic intensity, without sensors, for instance induction loops, having to be arranged in the road for this purpose. The invention further relates to a system for performing this method.

Abstract: An optical anti-tamper system that includes at least one array of light sources located within a chassis and at least one array of photosensitive elements located within the chassis. The array of photosensitive elements are in communication with an alarm. The alarm is operable to transmit a tamper-event warning signal if an increased light level is detected by at least one array of photosensitive elements.

Abstract: For ensuring that a vending machine motor will continue to operate until a product has descended through a vending space or an established time interval has elapsed, an optical beam is established across the vend space through which a product must drop. A change in beam intensity is detected. By preference infra red light is emitted at one focal point of an elliptical reflector, and detected at the other focal point. The light is emitted in pulses in the preferred embodiment, and the optical sensing system has automated calibration and error detecting functions.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a variable such as torque relating to a rotating member comprises a source of optical energy for emitting optical energy from a stationary measuring station. A transducer which is mountable on the member in use modulates optical energy received from the source in accordance with changes in the variable. An optical transmission system which is provided between the source and the member enables transmission through free space of optical energy between the member and the station, so that the modulated energy may be analyzed to monitor the variable.

Abstract: A sensor for a height control system uses a transducer to detect changes in position of an arm relative to a vehicle and sends a proportional signal to a microprocessor that, in turn, actuates a pneumatic valve operably connected to an air spring between the arm and the vehicle. The transducer includes an optical bridge, a variable capacitor, or a flexible variable resistor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus senses light reflected off of a surface of an object at angles with respect to incident light.

Abstract: A lite-counting apparatus counts lites in a longitudinal array. During a traversal by the apparatus of a peripheral portion of the array, a beam of radiation is passed from at least one source to at least one detector. Based upon changes in the relative path taken by the beam, the articles may be counted.

Abstract: A folding apparatus (30) having at least one conveyor belt (10) which is used to convey signatures (64) at least on a section of a path (66, 68) of the signatures (64) through the folding apparatus (30). The folding apparatus (30) features at least one monitoring device (12) with which the conveyor belt (10) is associated. The monitoring device (12) contains a detector (20) for radiation (22) scattered from at least a part (24) of the conveyor belt (10). The condition of the conveyor belt (10) can be determined and classified in an advantageous manner so that the machine operator can receive a signal for timely replacement so as to avoid an unexpected breakage of the conveyor belt (10).

Abstract: A durable unitary lens filter is provided for use with a touch sensitive display device for associated control process equipment. A front cover secures the unitary lens filter to the machine. The lens assembly includes a mounting bezel that supports an intermediate lens securing an integral rear lens filter through which a responsive display shows process information to an operator. The front cover captivates the integral bezel to secure the lens to the associated process device. The lens is molded from a semi-rigid material composition including glass fibers. An internal retainer compressibly captivates the bezel against the front cover. The bezel periphery extends substantially beyond the outermost peripheral edge of the rear lens so that forces thereto are transferred and dissipated to the machine housing.

Abstract: This invention has as an object thereof to provide an overhead-traveling carrying apparatus which is capable of inexpensively incorporating countermeasures for detecting the presence of an obstacle such as a human being or a carelessly placed object during the lowering of an object to be carried onto the load port of a semiconductor manufacturing device prior to the contact of the obstacle with the object to be carried, thereby avoiding such contact. A structure is adopted in which obstacle detecting sensors which scan the raising and lowering path between a carriage and the load port of each semiconductor manufacturing apparatus, and which detect the presence of obstacles, are provided on the carriage with attached hoist.

Abstract: For ensuring that a vending machine motor will continue to operate until a product has descended through a vending space or an established time interval has elapsed, an optical beam is established across the vend space through which a product must drop. A change in beam intensity is detected. By preference infra red light is emitted at one focal point of an elliptical reflector, and detected at the other focal point. The light is emitted in pulses in the preferred embodiment, and the optical sensing system has automated calibration and error detecting functions.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for detecting the early signs of cycle-induced fatigue and thereby predicting failure of the rotating disk in turbo-machinery. It identifies change in shape of the entire disk in radial, tangential and axial directions. It examines these deformations as a function of rotational velocity and compares them to a data base of deformations due to cracks in the rotor. Blade-tip measurements are processed through specialized algorithms to detect such asymmetry during operation, providing a real-time, non-destructive method of prediction. The sensors can be housed within the machinery case, and are capable of operating in harsh environments while maintaining adequate stand-off distance, making the entire apparatus robust enough for conditions in high-speed turbo-machinery.

Abstract: A safety system for an overhead transport (OHT) vehicle. In one embodiment, the safety system may include a pair of safety panels provided on opposite sides of the load and unload ports on a tool or stocker. An overhead sensor is provided on the OHT and is operably connected to a light curtain on the tool. In the event that the overhead sensor detects an obstruction in the travel path of the OHT during loading of a pod or cassette into the tool or stocker, the light curtain transmits an emergency stop signal to the tool or stocker controller, which terminates further loading operation of the OHT. In another embodiment, the light curtain assumes the look-down sensing function of the overhead sensor in the event that tool components interfere with the look-down function of the overhead sensor.

Abstract: An optical input device for an apparatus generates input signals by moving the device and an object (15) relative to each other and measures the movement by the effects of self-mixing in a diode laser (3, 5) and Doppler shift caused by the movement. For each measuring axis (X, Y, Z), radiation from a diode laser (3, 5) is converged on a window (12) across which the object (15) moves. Part of the radiation scattered by the object, whose frequency is Doppler-shifted due to the movement, re-enters the laser cavity (20) and causes a change in cavity properties. By measuring such a change, for example, by a photo diode, information about the movement is obtained. As the input device is small and cheap, it can be used in a number of different consumer apparatus.

Abstract: This invention has as an object thereof to provide an overhead-traveling carrying apparatus which is capable of inexpensively incorporating countermeasures for detecting the presence of an obstacle such as a human being or a carelessly placed object during the lowering of an object to be carried onto the load port of a semiconductor manufacturing device prior to the contact of the obstacle with the object to be carried, thereby avoiding such contact. A structure is adopted in which obstacle detecting sensors which scan the raising and lowering path between a carriage and the load port of each semiconductor manufacturing apparatus, and which detect the presence of obstacles, are provided on the carriage with attached hoist.

Abstract: Novel method and apparatus are disclosed for inspecting a wafer surface to detect the presence thereon of exposed conductive material, particularly for determining the integrity of contact holes and vias, in semiconductor wafer manufacturing. The method comprises the steps of irradiating a spot of the wafer surface with a beam having a wavelength sufficiently shorter than the working function of the metal, such as deep UV light beam, collecting the electrons released by the irradiated wafer, generating an electrical signal that is a function of the collected electrons, and inspecting the signal to determine whether the contact holes or vias within the irradiated wafer spot are open. The apparatus comprises a vacuum chamber having therein a stage and chuck for supporting the wafer. An illumination source generates irradiating energy which is formed into a beam using appropriate optics so as to obtain the desired beam spot of the wafer's surface.

Abstract: For ensuring that a vending machine motor will continue to operate until a product has descended through a vending space or an established time interval has elapsed, an optical beam is established across the vend space through which a product must drop. A change in beam intensity is detected. By preference infra red light is emitted at one focal point of an elliptical reflector, and detected at the other focal point. The light is emitted in pulses in the preferred embodiment, and the optical sensing system has automated calibration and error detecting functions.

Abstract: A system and a method for determining the density in which fibers are disposed along a planar surface employs a source of irradiance and a detector of irradiance in optical communication. A planar surface is positioned slightly below the optical path between the source and the detector. The fibers disposed along the planar surface interrupt the transmission of irradiance between the source and the detector. This interruption causes a decrease in the quantity of irradiance reaching the detector, resulting in a corresponding drop in the detector's output voltage. The density in which fibers are disposed along the planar surface can be determined by comparing the detector's voltage output with a pre-established baseline relating voltage output to fiber density.

Abstract: A method of determining an object's position and associated apparatus provides positional information in a form that may be conveniently communicated to a computer to calculate the object's position. In a preferred embodiment, representatively incorporated in a computer keyboard, a method of determining an object's position includes forming an optical grid of reflected beacons and detecting an obstruction of the reflected beacons. The preferred embodiment apparatus utilizes a single light source and a single light sensor to detect an object's position in two dimensions.

Abstract: A safety-related control system (SRCS) designed to safeguard personnel operating hazardous production equipment. The SRCS integrates the safety-related part of a machine into one homogenous system for the purpose of increasing safety. In so doing, the SRCS monitors the machine, the operator, and itself for safe operation. The SRCS utilizes a non-material barrier to sense the intrusion of a person's body into a hazardous area of a machine. The SRCS uses machine feedback and/or operator interface to determine whether a hazardous condition is present. If such condition is present, the hazard is rendered harmless by the time the intruding body member can reach the potential danger area. The system includes separable means for stopping motion of the moving parts of the equipment, starting movement of the movable parts, and detecting faults in sections of the system.

Abstract: An optical proximity sensor generates information indicative of a distance to an object in a field and in some embodiments also generates information indicative of a spectral reflectance characteristic of the object. The information indicative of the spectral reflectance characteristic can be used to determine whether the object in the field is a living plant or another object such as soil. Light emitted from the optical sensor for reflection off the object is modulated so that reflected light from the optical sensor can be discriminated from reflected ambient sunlight. The optical sensor is scanned over the field to map objects in the field and/or to determine the location of rows of crop plants. A sensor in accordance with the present invention has many uses in agriculture including spraying, cultivation and vehicle guidance.

Abstract: A method of scanning and mapping the outer contour of a three-dimensional object, for example a person's foot, by locating a plurality of radiant-energy sensors in a circular array around the object, rotating a transmitter about the object to transmit radiant energy to the sensors of the circular array except those shadowed by the object, and utilizing detected changes in state of the sensors, and the instantaneous positions of the transmitter when a change in state is detected, for mapping the outer contour of the object.

Abstract: A plurality of radiation receiving elements disposed outside a pipe at equal distances from the axis thereof so that radiation from a radiation source is received through the pipe wall. As the thickness of the pipe wall varies, the received radiation varies accordingly. If the received radiation fluctuates in excess of the allowable range, the thickness of the pipe wall is judged to be outside the allowable range. When the fluctuation of the received radiation is within the allowable range, the thickness of the pipe wall is within the preset tolerances.

Abstract: An obstacle detecting apparatus including a light projecting assembly for projecting the laser light generated in a laser light emitting element through a light emitting path, a light introducing assembly for introducing the laser light reflected by an obstacle into a light receiving element through a light receiving path, and a driving motor for driving the light emitting assembly and at least a portion of the light introducing assembly. The light path in the light projecting assembly is different from the light introducing path, and a distance to the obstacle is obtained based on a propagating delay time from emitting the laser light by the laser light emitting element until receiving the laser light by the laser light receiving element.

Abstract: A method is for inspecting a vial in the course of conveying the vial by a rotary table, comprising the steps of inspecting the vial's lower half at a station of the vial's lower portion while the vial is rotated from above with its head being chucked, inspecting the vial's upper half at a station of the vial's upper portion while the vial is supported and rotated from below by a rotary belt adapted to be brought into contact with the vial, and combining these inspections of lower and upper halves to inspect the whole vial from its head to its bottom.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for counting products (1) that are thin, stacked side by side and arranged edgewise in trays (2) packaged under a translucent shrink-on film, characterized in that it comprises:means (7) for illuminating the tray;means (91) for detecting the positioning of a tray on a mobile shuttle (81, 21) driven with a displacement movement;means (4, 5, 6) for performing multiple scannings of the tray by a linear reading beam of a linear camera during the displacement in a direction that is perpendicular to the linear beam;means for storing the light data contained in the linear beam, andcounting means for each scanning of the number of products.

Abstract: All critical wheel wear measurements on a static or in-motion train wheel are taken using a non-contact method/system. The train wheel is measured using a modulated point beam of energy impinging the wheel surface from an orthogonal direction, moving the point beam across the wheel surface, and sensing the unique modulated reflection of the wheel using energy sensors that produce analog signals. The analog signals are digitized and processed to produce all critical wheel wear measurements without removing the wheel from the train.

Abstract: A photo-optical detector for use in a multi-chromatic sorting machine, each detector including at least two separate photodiode materials responsive to a different spectral range and a multi-peak optical filter having transmission response characteristics that are respectively defined in a frequency spectrum of the respective spectral ranges of the materials. The sorting machine using such detectors can be selectively programmed using the various resulting signals from the detectors after appropriate amplification and threshold detection to cause resulting ejection mechanism activation.

Abstract: A light beam such a laser beam is used to scan the surface of an egg for flaws such as pin holes, cracks, thinned shell regions, etc. The light beam is vibrated with a rocking/rotating movement to describe a closed curve such as a circle, ellipse or an ellipse so narrow that it is effectively a straight line. The utilization of such a light beam allows identification of types of flaws due to the character of the progression of light emanating from the egg. The invention includes apparatus for rotating the egg about its longitudinal axis in the path of the beam or beams. The apparatus also includes apparatus for forming the vibrating beam such as mirrors vibrated by out of phase electro-magnetic vibration or piezo electric actuators.

Abstract: In order to perform all-around inspection of vials in particular, it is proposed that said vials (1) be dynamically mounted in an air-cushion bearing (13) with bearing shells (21a, 21b), that they be rotated with the air of a suction cup (15) that is radially rubber-elastic, and that the vial walls be inspected with the air of a scanning device such as a line camera using working beam (29).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic detector for a control device for controlling the flying state of a remote-control toy airplane, which can provide automatic correction to maintain the remote-control toy airplane in a flying state in a level or horizontal manner. The detector is a digital or analogic device located at a proper position within the housing of the airplane. The detector includes a device locating plate, fixing racks, a suspension cord, a movable light-obstructing sheet or a movable light-permeable sheet, light emitting element, and one or more detecting elements the light-obstruction sheet is swingingly mounted on the suspension that in turn is connected to the cord fixing racks. When light emitting element emits light and the airplane maintains a horizontal or level attitude, the effect of gravity on light-obstruction sheet will cause it to obstruct light.

Abstract: A photo-optical detector for use in a multichromatic sorting machine, each detector including at least two separate photodiode materials responsive to a different spectral range and a multipeak optical filter having transmission response characteristics that are respectively defined in a frequency spectrum of the respective spectral ranges of the materials. The sorting machine using such detectors can be selectively programmed using the various resulting signals from the detectors after appropriate amplification and threshold detection to cause resulting ejection mechanism activation.

Abstract: An exposure apparatus and an exposure method capable of performing high-precision superposition exposure by preventing the thermal deformation of a position measurement target, for controlling positioning of a moved member, from influencing the correction of an error in the positioning of the moved member. The exposure apparatus projects an image of a pattern, formed on a mask, onto a photosensitive substrate through a projection optical system. A stage, on which the photosensitive substrate is mounted, is movable in at least X-axis and Y-axis directions in an imaging plane of the projection optical system. Position measuring devices measure the position of the stage in each of the two directions and are disposed so that the Abbe error is substantially zero with respect to the position at which the substrate is exposed to the pattern image.

Abstract: A machine for inspecting a container has an inspection conveyor for gripping and conveying containers delivered thereto at one speed. A feed conveyor delivers containers to the inspection conveyor at a slower speed. A container sensed on the inspection conveyor is brought to a stop at a selected location so that an inspection can take place.

Abstract: A plurality of light-emitting/receiving sections respectively include light-emitting sections arranged to correspond to substrates to be detected and light-receiving sections for receiving beams from the light-emitting sections. The substrates to be detected are a predetermined number of substrates arranged and accommodated at predetermined intervals in a substrate accommodating section. A moving section relatively moves the plurality of light-emitting/receiving sections and the substrates to be detected in directions cross or perpendicular to each other.

Abstract: Viewer apparatus for object sorting machines and illumination system for such viewers, the viewer in one embodiment having a housing with a viewing device and a light source mounted therein and an opening through which objects to be sorted pass, with one or more reflectors disposed in the housing to reflect light onto portions of the object.

Abstract: This invention relates to a confocal laser scanning transmission microscope including a deflecting element for deflecting a light beam at a set scanning frequency in a main scanning direction and an auxiliary scanning direction perpendicular to the main scanning direction to irradiate the light spot to a specimen, and the microscope further comprises an infinity compensating objective lens for collecting a transmitted light through the specimen to form into a parallel beam and a cube-corner-reflector disposed on the opposite side of the specimen across the objective lens and on the exit pupil position of the infinity compensating objective lens.

Abstract: An opto-electronic device for accurately defining the position of a pendulum in libration, is disclosed. The chief use intended by the inventor is to enable accurate passive determination of the beat rate of a newly installed or repaired pendulum type clock. The device is easy to use and does not perturb the pendulum. A novel circuit configuration automatically recognizes an edge of a pendulum for production of a defining electronic pulse.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reconstructing the surface, i.e the third dimension, of a three-dimensional object from two-dimemsional information includes projecting radiant energy, such as light, from a substantially parallel ray source at said object at a number of different angles relative to a reference surface with respect to which the object is placed. The lengths and locations of shadows cast by the object are measured as a function of the angle of the light rays. The location of the surface of the object relative to the reference surface is determined from the shadow lengths and locations from the angles at which the respective shadow lengths are created. Preferably, the shadow lengths and locations are measured by an electronic camera that generates electrical signals indicative of the shadow image. These signals are preferably received by a computer that determines the location of the surface of the object relative to the reference surface.

Abstract: A hinge construction having radiative emitter and detector concealed within the body of the hinge's knuckles so as to be in communication with each other when the hinge leaves, and therefore the door, are in a closed position. This communication is permitted through an opening in a notched collar which is juxtaposed between the emitter and detector elements, the notch being aligned with the emitter and detector when the hinge is closed. The opening of the hinge leaves rotates the collar to misalign the collar notch with the emitter and detector elements, thereby causing an electronics circuit module to form a change of state signal which may then be reported to an external monitoring or alarm system. Closing the hinge leaves to realign the notch with the emitter and detector elements will result in the sensing means being reset.

Abstract: An X-ray thickness monitor is mounted on a moveable carriage which also supports a duty cycle sensor and a shoulder find sensor. The duty cycle sensor is aligned to scan the same portion of a terminal strip as that which passes under the X-ray beam. The duty cycle sensor is used to measure the ratio between the widths of individual terminals in the terminal strip and the period between adjacent terminals. This duty cycle is then used as a correction factor to correct the measured thickness value in order to compensate for gaps between adjacent terminals. The shoulder find sensor monitors the duty cycle at a shoulder on the terminal and moves the carriage as necessary to maintain the shoulder find sensor in position over the shoulder, thereby maintaining the X-ray beam and the duty cycle sensor in position over the crown to be measured. The X-ray monitor is automatically standardized periodically in order to ensure the accuracy of the measurement.

Abstract: A lean detector comprises a first light source for determining the time of arrival of a container at an inspection site, a second light source for determining the time of arrival of a portion of the container at a predetermined position at the inspection site and a third light source for determining the time of arrival of another portion of the container at another predetermined position at the inspection site. The second and third light sources are perpendicular to each other. A guide rail laterally positions the container at the inspection site. Before real containers are inspected, a non-leaning test container is passed through the inspection site and the times of arrival of the corresponding second and third portions of the test container relative to the time of arrival of the container at the inspection site are determined to serve as reference values.

Abstract: A method of selection and/or manipulating graphic objects such as may appear on a computer video monitor is provided as is associated apparatus. A frame member cooperates with a plurality of optical sensors and a plurality of light occluding objects which tend to obstruct a portion of the light normally received by the optical sensors. The sensors are preferably dynamic RAM sensors. Determination of the position and orientation of the light occluding objects and, if desired, the velocity of the same, permits identification of or alteration of graphic objects. Fingers may be employed as the light occluding objects. This approach eliminates the need for burdensome identification of and changes to graphic objects through a computer keyboard or by means of a "mouse".