Abstract: An apparatus for inspecting the configuration of terminal legs of an electronic device comprises a support base for supporting the electronic device to be inspected and a distance sensor, disposed at a predetermined distance from the electronic device, for measuring the distance to a particular point on a predetermined path across the terminal legs of the electronic device by a beam of light. The distance sensor provides an output signal representative of the distance between the sensor and the point on the predetermined path across the terminal legs. The apparatus also comprises drive mechanism for moving the distance sensor and the electronic device relative to each other at a predetermined speed along the predetermined travel path, thereby to move the beam of light across the terminal legs of the electronic device to be inspected so that the distance sensor can provide an output signal indicative of a measured profile of the terminal legs of the electronic device along the predetermined path.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided to rapidly and automatically scan the UPC, or bar code, from a series of containers and maintain tallies of the brands and types of containers processed. The containers are fed in end-to-end orientation onto the upper end of the trough between an inclined pair of parallel rollers. Both rollers are rotated in the same direction, causing each container to spin as it slides down the length of the rollers. The inclination of the rollers causes the containers to accelerate, increasing the spacing between containers as they reach the lower end of the rollers. A number of scanners are positioned above the lower end of the rollers to read the UPC from each container.

Abstract: A mirror positioning system (230) for a towed and a towing vehicle (102, 32) has a mirror (34) pivotally mounted on a support (36) for movement about a vertical axis. Stepping motor (60) pivots the mirror (34) in response to control signals from microprocessor (240). The microprocessor (240) is configured to oscillate the mirror (34) in a pivoting scanning motion. A control panel (246) is connected to enter user commands and information in the microprocessor (240). Steering wheel position sensor (232) and wheel motion sensor (234) supply input signals to the microprocessor (240) to determine an angle between the towed and towing vehicles (102, 32). This angle determines the proper position of mirror (34) for rear vision.

Abstract: A device for measuring web tension of a continually movable web transported on a rotated cylindrical roller of a printing machine includes two eccentrics connected to two ends of the roller for supporting the latter for rotation and each includng a supporting pin. The supporting pin of one of the eccentrics has its end rigidly connected to a machine frame and is able to twist proportionally to the web tension. A lever having one end rigidly connected to the twistable supporting pin has its other end positioned between a light transmitter and a light detector of an optoelectronic sensor which detects the amount of twisting of the supporting pin.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for optical inspection of transparent articles. The method and apparatus use a light beam scanning field which is separated into at least two portions. The field portions are directed at the article at differing angles of incidence such that they eliminate blind spots caused by portions of the apparatus which block the passage of the light through the article. A feature of the invention is its provision of a folded optical path to increase the length the beam travels between the beam generator and the object beyond the physical distance between the beam generator and the object.

Abstract: In a high resolution optical electronic imaging system to detect defects and dimensional changes in articles of manufacture for example, metal cutting tool inserts, a convergent blade-shaped laser light beam emitted by a laser passes through a focusing optical system and is then directed to a revolving head which contains a mirror system. The focusing and mirror system scans the apex of the blade beam along the cutting edges of an insert so that edge defects and dimensional changes cause reflection and refraction of the laser beam. High resolution and contrast television camera and optic system receives the reflections and refractions and creates an image of the device with sharply contrasted defects.

Abstract: Apparatus for sensing the passage of a gob of molten glass through a gob deflector or gob guide wherein a quick-disconnect nipple is fixed in a radial opening adjacent the lower end of the gob deflector. A hollow, quick-disconnect housing which is adapted to fit over the nipple is formed with a longitudinal passage therethrough, a washer-shaped holder lying in a plane, normal to the axis of said passage and intermediate the ends thereof serves to support a phototransistor with its leads extending into an end of the passage. A radial hole in the side of said housing has an elongated armored, stainless steel cable fixed thereto and an elongated high temperature insulating sleeve covering a pair of Teflong insulated wires extends within the cable with one of the wires connected to the emitter lead on said transistor and the other wire to the collector lead on the transistor.

Abstract: Object detecting apparatus for use, for example, upon a mobile robot to detect objects or obstacles such that the robot may navigate clear of such objects or obstacles includes a source of light for projecting a light beam (7) convergingly toward an axis (9) so as to intersect the axis. The light beam (7) is rotated about the axis (9) within a circular locus (10) while the predetermined converging angle of the beam (7) is maintained constant with respect to the axis (9) so as to generate a light beam detecting surface (8). A condensing lens (2) and light detector (3) are coaxially disposed upon the axis (9) along with the circular locus (10) of the light beam (7) so as to define a viewing field or volume (5). An object-to-be-detected (6) may therefore be detected when the same is illuminated by the projected light beam (7) and its envelope surface (8), and the light reflected from the object (6) is transmitted back to the lens (2) and light detector (3).

Abstract: A system for generating a substantially-continuous stream of binary signals representative of the presence of copper on the surface of a fluorescent substrate of a board. A beam is swept by mirror facets of a rotating mirror drum along a path on the board. When the beam strikes copper it is merely relected. When the beam strikes the substrate, a fluorescence is produced. The resultant light is gathered by cylindrical lenses and fiber optic bundles. The color of the light is blocked by filters and the fluorescence color energizes photomultiplier tubes. A threshold setting and sensing circuit senses the output of the photomultiplier tubes and controls their bias voltage to produce a constant level of output from fluorescence and then produces a stream of binary signals that are representative of the presence/absence of copper on the surface of the board. The swept beam is split to send a portion of its energy through an optical grating.

Abstract: A non-contact optical gauger for measuring glassware articles of manufacture at the hot end of an individual section machine. As the manufactured glassware is being conveyed away from the individual section machine, a light beam is direct across its path. An array of photo-sensitive sensors and a microprocessor based electronic system interpret the light beam interruptions as measurement data which are stored and can be displayed as desired.

Abstract: A laser gauge utilizing a parabolic mirror projects a plurality of laser beams parallel to the principal axis of the parabolic mirror. A plurality of reflector means, e.g., three reflector means, are established in front of the parabolic mirror and are positioned to reflect the laser beams into a plurality of groups of paths at different angles to scan across the object to be measured. Photodetector means is mounted to receive the laser beams after scanning of the multiple dimensions of any such object. Output means, including a microprocessor, is connected to receive the output of the photodetector means to determine the dimension along a plurality of crosssectional dimensions of any object in the groups of paths. When three such groups of paths are used, they may be at 120 degrees each with respect to the other to measure the cross sectional dimension of the object at three different places.

Abstract: An array of light sources transmit a series of light beams onto an object and the reflected light beams are focussed on a light responsive transducer. The output signals of the transducer are processed to determine the location and orientation of the object. The location and orientation information in turn is available to control the operation of a tool or manipulator relative to the object.

Abstract: An optical position location apparatus for locating the position of an object in one or more dimensions, which relies upon one or more sources of radiant energy and distributor devices to disburse such radiant energy over a location region or window. Integrated collector assemblies positioned opposite to the distributors receive and collect the transmission of the distributed radiant energy and through reflection or refraction, transfer radiant energy to a minimum of detection locations to monitor the absence or alteration thereof. A rotating optical scanner and a detector are utilized with a continuous stationary light source to successively monitor specific location-coordinate-related portions of transmitted radiant energy and through electronic circuitry, a signal is developed to disclose, with accuracy, the location of objects within the location region "window", as well as other parameters including object size.

Abstract: A spatial frequency filter including: an optical system having detector means and means for projecting onto the detector means an image of an object area; and means for operating the optical system alternately in a first mode to develop a first system transfer function and a second mode to develop a second system transfer function which is matched to the first system transfer function in low spatial frequencies and divergent therefrom in high spatial frequencies, for imposing on the detector means a first representation of the image in the first mode and a second representation of the image in the second mode, thereby providing a fluctuating elemental image output from each element of the detector means which derives from a high spatial frequency object; and also including means for limiting the wavelength range of input radiation to the detector means.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the size of the whole or a specified portion of a human body or like body comprises at least one light projecting means for projecting rays, light receiving means opposed to the light projecting means for receiving rays therefrom to detect an actual-size silhouette pattern of the body, a floor portion provided between the light projecting means and the light receiving means for positioning the body thereon, and a rotary member for rotating the two means around the body relative thereto intermittently through a small angle at a time while holding the two means opposed to each other. Measurements of the body can be taken by the apparatus automatically, rapidly and with the desired accuracy without permitting direct contact of any measuring element with the body.

Abstract: A system for automatically detecting dust or other minute particles on a large-area, optically unpolished surface such as a face of a glass reticle plate used in the production of microelectronic circuits. The system irradiates the surface with a narrow, high intensity beam of monochromatic radiation at a grazing angle, typically 1/2 degree with respect to the surface. An oscillating mirror scans the beam across the moving surface in a direction generally perpendicular to the direction of plate advance. A beam splitter provides separate inspecting beams for each surface of the plate. Optical systems characterized by a high numerical aperture are positioned on opposite sides of the plate to collect radiation which is scattered from the particles. The optical systems are oriented to accept scattered radiation, and typically have their optical axes at an angle in the range of 60.degree. to 160.degree. measured from the direction of advance.

Abstract: Counter for pills, including an inclined tray and a photoelectric counter serving a digital readout.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for measuring retroreflective properties of a surface are disclosed. The apparatus and methods are characterized in that the measured angle of divergence is varied while the angle of incidence is simultaneously varied.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for determining physical characteristics, such as defects, in the outer surface of an elongate object, wherein the object to be inspected passes through an aperture of a mirror surface which is a conical surface of revolution. Light directed onto the mirror surface in an axial direction is reflected by the object surface, imaged, and analyzed to determine a physical characteristic of the object surface.

Abstract: Clearance determination is made between an edge of a translating member, e.g., a rotating blade member, and a relatively stationary second member, e.g., a shroud. In one form, an optical probe is provided for directing light from a light source to the edge and for collecting light scattered back from the edge. The probe includes first and second adjacent channels, optically separated by an opaque baffle. Probe output means and signal processing means are provided for developing a stored or displayed representation of the instantaneous clearance between each of a plurality of rotating blades and a stationary member, such as the turbine blade shroud. The probe may employ a continuous or intermittent light source. Synchronization techniques are provided for use with the intermittent light source wherein the light source is turned on only when needed to make the appropriate clearance determination. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A laser beam projected through a prism in a direction normal to the surface of a circular wafer is focused into a spot area and scanned along a spiral path on this surface. The focusing means comprises a relatively large aperture lens and the prism is on the lens axis. The retroreflected specular light passes through the lens and is prevented from reaching a light detector in the image plane of the lens by the prism. When the beam illuminates a microscopic surface defect on the wafer, the light is diffracted and reflected therefrom, and the lens captures that portion of the reflected light within the solid angle subtended by the lens, and passes that portion thereof not blocked by the prism, to the light detector. The output of the detector may be employed to intensity modulate the beam of a cathode-ray tube display, the beam of which is spirally scanned in synchronism with the scanning of the light beam.

Abstract: Detection apparatus for finding holes in moving webs uses a row of individual mutually sideways displaced stepped mirror strips in combination with a scanning device which periodically scans a light beam from a laser over the individual mirrors of each strip, to generate a scanning light curtain directed at the surface of a web. A detection device comprising a row of individual Fresnel lenses and associated photoelectronic detectors is arranged parallel to the row of mirror strips to receive light transmitted through any hole present in the web. The individual Fresnel lenses focus any light received onto their associated photoelectric detectors the outputs from which signify the presence of the hole. Means are provided for introducing a degree of divergence into the beams deflected from the stepped mirrors and forming the light curtain whereby the light curtain scans a cross the web without gaps.

Abstract: A storage rack entry vehicle for transporting loads in a warehousing system includes infrared radiation source and detector units which determine the relative position of the vehicle and load. The optical axes of the source and detector are parallel and closely-spaced. When infrared radiation from the source is scattered by the load (or a pallet carrying the load), some of the radiation is reflected back to the detector along a path substantially parallel to the optical axes. The maximum range of detection is controlled by adjusting the gain of an amplifier which forms part of the detector.

Abstract: Transparent objects having at least a localized region with symmetry of revolution are optically inspected by moving them to an examining station, locally illuminating each of them at the examining station with a plurality of circularly scanned fixed light beams, and detecting light from each by a plurality of successively interrogated fixed detection areas. In a preferred embodiment, the illumination is carried out by circular scanning in successive steps about the object with a plurality of differently-oriented, fixed light beams. At least one detection area is interrogated for each illumination step.

Abstract: In order to enable a laser beam to scan the complete inside surfaces of an empty bottle or the like, two mirrors oscillating about right angular axes are employed which successively reflect the laser beam. The oscillations of the two mirrors are correlated to impart an annular or spiral scanning motion to the laser beam. Subsequently passing through a converging lens, which is focused at the mouth of the bottle being tested, the laser beam enters the bottle for point-by-point scanning of its surfaces. The presence of a flaw in the bottle is sensed from the intensity of the laser beam that has penetrated, or has been reflected from, the bottle, as by an integrating sphere and a photoelectric detector mounted in position thereon. Various other embodiments of the invention and modifications are disclosed.

Abstract: A dental mirror warmer to prevent fogging when the mirror is placed in a patient's mouth includes a housing with a cover having an opening. Below the opening is a heating well to receive the reflective end of the mirror. The well has a stainless steel wall connected to a transformer which supplies high current at low voltage to heat the wall. The supply to the transformer is controlled by a photoresponsive device responsive to insertion of the mirror and a timing circuit which permits current supply for a short heating interval. A temperature sensor shortens the interval when heating cycles are initiated frequently. The photoresponsive device is mounted in the housing in juxtaposition with a light transmissive opening in a wall of the heating well. The photoresponsive device includes a source of light arranged to direct light into the heating well through the opening and a photoresponsive element arranged to receive light reflected from the reflective surface of a mirror inserted into the heating well.

Abstract: In a process for checking the dimension of a part, the part is moved continuously through a parallel beam of light, in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the beam, and forms a moving shadow on a pair of spaced photoelectric cells. The cells are spaced apart a distance such that there is a zone in the movement of the part in which both cells are partially shadowed and the sum of the areas of the illuminated parts of the surfaces of the cells is measured at the moment when the difference between the areas of the illuminated parts of the surfaces of the cells is zero, and compared with a reference.

Abstract: A non-contacting, electro-optical system adapted automatically to measure the contours of helicopter rotor blades and other shaped objects at high speed and with a high degree of accuracy. An object to be measured is held in a fixture with its contoured surface presented to an electro-optical triangulation rangefinder assembly supported on a carriage that is caused to step incrementally from one end of the object to the other. The assembly is constituted by a pivoted laser beam illuminator and a pivoted automatic tracker mounted for rotation at spaced pivot points on a carriage beam, the line extending between these points forming a triangulation baseline. At each carriage step, the assembly is activated to cause the illuminator to swing through a sector whereby the laser beam spot scans across the surface of the object being tested from one edge to the other.

Abstract: A pick-up system includes means for recognizing the displacement of objects to be photographed relative to the optical reproduction plane. The shutter of the pick-up system is actuated according to the relative motion of said objects. In a pick-up system comprising a variable diaphragm and a replaceable film of a special sensitivity, e.g. in an automatic camera, the shutter speed, being a function of the relative motion of the objects, determines the aperture of the diaphragm with respect to the sensitivity of the film.

Abstract: A workpiece is passed through a beam of either continuous or pulsed light which is interrupted thereby. The light impinges on a phototransducer such as a phototransistor, which is connected to an evaluation circuit. The evaluation circuit evaluates instantaneous light values with respect to movement of the workpieces in the beam, that is, evaluates variations derived from the transducer which preferably are decoded with respect to threshold levels and the time between sequential level exceeding, or passing, the thresholds is sensed, for example by a counter, to provide an output representative of the occurrence of changes in the light values indicative, for example, of discontinuities in the workpiece.

Abstract: A region of a glass bottle is inspected for flaws or checks by scanning the region with a light beam. The passage of a flaw or check through the beam causes a fluctuation in the intensity of the light beam at two spaced apart locations. At each location, a sensor senses the fluctuation in beam intensity caused by the flaw or check. A difference amplifier generates a difference signal based on the sequential detection of the fluctuation in intensity of the light beam at the two locations. The difference signal is rectified and inverted. The inverted difference signal is rectified and combined with the rectified difference signal to produce a combined signal. If the combined signal exceeds a predetermined threshold value within a predetermined time interval, a reject signal is generated to operate a mechanism which removes the bottle by conventional means.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for measuring the volume and shape of a falling gob of glass. Two cameras are used to make section by section measurements of the horizontal extent of the moving gob. Timing of the measurements is controlled so as to cause measurements to be made at equal increments of the motion of the gob. The measurements are made 90.degree. apart with respect to the gob and are utilized to determine the volume of each section of the gob. The volumes of the individual sections of the gob are then summed to determine the total volume of the gob. An image of the gob is generated on a television screen to aid in the determination of the shape of the gob.

Abstract: The inspection of a cylindrical article is accomplished by scanning the surface of the article in a plane transverse to its longitudinal axis with a light beam sequentially reflected from mirrors spaced about the periphery of the article. Light that is reflected or scattered from the article's surface is detected by sensors which are symmetrically positioned on either side of the scanning plane. Intensity variations and time variations of the sensor signals thus produced are processed to extract information concerning the article's surface uniformity, cross sectional shape, longitudinal shape and length as the article is moved along its longitudinal axis through the inspection plane.An apparatus is also described for effecting such a method. The apparatus uses a rotating polygonal mirror scanner, a plurality of fixed mirrors positioned in the scanning plane peripherally around the article to be inspected and annular sensors positioned fore and aft of the scanning plane through which the articles pass.

Abstract: An instrument (reflectometer) for continuously measuring the reflectance perties of materials as a function of the angle of incidence in which a sample and a mirror are mounted on a rotating platform in such a manner that, as the angle of incidence on the sample is varied, the reflected radiation is always incident on a detector which is fixed with respect to the rotating platform. The angle of incidence on the sample is measured and used to drive an axis of an X-Y recorder. The angle of incidence on the mirror is measured and used to correct the detected signal for any errors introduced by the properties of the mirror. This corrected signal is then used to drive the other axis of the X-Y recorder to produce a plot of the reflection coefficients vs angle of incidence for the sample. For fixed angles of incidence on the sample the detector can be moved to produce a plot of the diffused reflections as a function of the angular deviation from the specular angle.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring an object comprises a rotatable fixture that holds the object to be measured with one end positioned at a fixed location spaced from the axis of rotation of the fixture and the other end projecting freely from the fixture. A scanner that generates a planar unidirectional scanning beam is positioned with respect to the fixture and object such that at one point of rotation of the object the free end of the object intersects the plane of the scanning beam, and along a subsequent portion of the arc of rotation, the entire object, in cross section, projects through the beam.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for the contact free thickness measurement of an object. A light source produces a sharply bundled light ray which is divided into two light rays and simultaneously and periodically deflected so as to scan over opposite surfaces of the object. A reference detector determines a time t.sub.O at which two rays corresponding to a zero position of the light deflector strike the object. A first detector picks up light only along a first sighting line which intersects the object at a first point on one surface thereof. This first detector detects a time t.sub.A when one of the two light rays scans across the first point. A second detector picks up light only along a second sighting line which intersects the object at a second point on the one surface thereof. The second detector detects a time t.sub.B when the one light ray scans across the second point.

Abstract: A system for efficiently scanning and processing a workpiece, particularly logs or pieces cut from logs, wherein the workpiece is first scanned by projecting at least one plane light source at a first angle and detecting the intersection line of the plane of light and workpiece at a second angle. Signals representing points on the intersection line are corrected to compensate for errors in the scanning apparatus to generate signals representing spatial coordinates of the workpiece at the intersection line. The spatial coordinate representing signals are analyzed to generate processing control signals for controlling devices acting on the workpiece, such as automatic sawing equipment.

Abstract: An object pattern to be inspected, such as a printed circuit board, and a reference pattern are scanned synchronously by respective cameras. The outputs of the cameras are compared and a fault signal is produced when the outputs do not coincide.

Abstract: A single blade proximity probe uses fiber optics to direct a laser output at turbine engine blades and to return the reflected light to an image intensifier probe which provides an output indicative of blade clearance. To enable the system to measure the clearance of a single blade tip on an operating turbine, a second light beam having a different wavelength from the laser output is directed over the laser light path to count the blades and to strobe the laser on the desired blade.

Abstract: A coin testing device for discriminating between an acceptable coin and an unacceptable coin of similar diameter but having a different edge characteristic. The device comprises a coin passageway defining a path along which coins pass through the device. A light source positioned to throw light on the edge of a coin as it passes along the coin passageway and a light sensor is positioned to receive light reflected from the edge of an acceptable coin as it moves along the coin passageway. Means are provided for examining a time-dependent quality of the reflected light received by the sensor such as the duration or the number of pulses and for comparing the value of the quality with the value for an acceptable coin.

Abstract: A bi-axial scanning device for guiding a template copier for machine tools comprises a shaft carrying a scanner with a pointer at one end and adapted to assume a zero position and follow the shape of a plane profile from the zero position. A flat disc spring supports the shaft at an intermediate point for resilient pivoting. An optical device comprises a source of a calibrated light beam and a photo-detector arranged to receive the beam. Either the calibrated light beam or the photo-detector is in a fixed position and the other is displaceable with the pivoting of the shaft in response to the pointer in contact with the template, the displacement being detected by the photo-detector and producing control signals emitted from the photo-detector. An amplifier is connected to the photo-detector to receive the control signals and an outlet transmits the amplified control signals to the machine tools.

Abstract: An automatic system for scanning a generally cylindrical member with a thin beam of light. Detectors are provided for sensing interruption or scattering of the light beam by inclusions within the member. When an inclusion is detected transverse scanning stops and the beam is fixed along a chord of the cylinder. The cylinder is then rotated to cause the inclusion to intercept the chordal beam, and the information thus generated is used to identify the type and position of inclusions within the blank.

Abstract: To measure the cross-section of an object in a contact-free manner (that is to say without contacting the object) use is made of an optical sensor system and means for causing relative movement of the sensor system and the object being measured, the sensor system comprising at least two emitters which emit respective scanning rays at an angle to one another and directed to respective receivers which supply signals to an evaluation unit upon interruption of each ray by the object and subsequent cessation of said interruption; at least two of said co-operating emitter-receiver pairs are so arranged that their scanning rays (or projections thereof on a common plane parallel to the scanning rays) cross one another and extend at angles to the direction of relative movement.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for calibrating an optical micrometer utilizes a precisely dimensioned grate which is temporarily introduced into the optical path of the instrument within its zone of measurement. A beam of light is scanned through the zone of measurement and across the grate, and the information obtained therefrom is recorded in an electronic memory. Thereafter, articles subsequently placed within the zone of measurement are scanned by the beam, and the information obtained therefrom is compared against the calibration data to provide an accurate measurement of the article.

Abstract: A beam of light angularly directed relative to a surface of an object having a dimension to be measured is intercepted by the object, which is moving at a known speed. By knowing the beam angle, the object speed, and the time lapse between the passage of the object past a reference point and the point of beam interception, the dimension of the object is readily determined.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring deflection of rotating members, such as the blades of a turbomachinery stage, are provided. The rotating member is illuminated with a high intensity light beam, such as a laser, at least one location upon the member where deflection is to be determined. Another location which serves as a reference is also illuminated in a similar manner. As the rotating member passes through the light beams, the light beams are reflected from reflective patches, thereby producing light impulses which are received by a light measuring device. The light pulses are converted to electrical impulses, the time increment between pulses being a function of the distance between the two locations and, thus, a measure of deflection. The dynamic component of blade-to-blade vibration is determined by comparing the time increments for a plurality of blades in the stage.

Abstract: Apparatus for identifying containers comprises a memory in which data relating to physical characteristics of containers is stored, a conveyor for transporting containers through a scanning station comprising a plurality of light detectors and a light source and signal generating means for generating signals distinguishing between those detectors obscured from said source by a container passing through said station and those not so obscured and means for comparing those signals with said data to identify the container. There is also disclosed a method of identifying containers utilizing such apparatus.

Abstract: Defects in the sealings of closures are located and measured by rotating the sealed closure and directing a light beam to the sealed area. The light beam reflected from the sealing mass is compared to a prespecified rated value and any deviation resulting from the comparison results in actuation of an ejecting device for ejecting the defective closure from the testing station.

Abstract: Improvement in apparatus used for the continuous inspection of the moving circle of needles of a circular knitting machine to detect faulty needles which comprises a first group of optical glass fibers to guide light from a light source to the needles and a second group of optical fibers to guide reflected light from the needles to a photoelectric sensing member, the end portions of said groups of optical glass fibers at the needles being intermingled to form a single bundle of such intermingled fibers.

Abstract: A probe assembly is disclosed carrying a grid grating and an index grating adapted to generate a Moire pattern upon relative movement in either or both of two orthogonal directions in a common plane. The index and grid gratings are supported for precise orthogonal motion with respect to each other by means of a pair of grating support assemblies mounted so that the correct index and grid grating spacing and orientation are precisely maintained, including a cross-slide assembly provided to allow movement in a plane while maintaining the proper orientation between the grating assemblies.