Abstract: In a photo-electric smoke detector device, a first photo-detector receives the light emitted from a light emitter and scattered by smoke, and a second photo-detector directly receives the light emitted from the light emitter. The second photo-detector has an element surface on which trimmed electrodes are arranged. The electrodes of the second detector act to limit the amount of light emitted from the light emitter and transmitted to the elements of the second detector.

Abstract: An optical disk recorder focus-error system includes a so-called "knife-edge" focus detector. The dynamic range of the detector is enlarged by placing an apertured mask intermediate the knife edge and the source of the light beam being focused. The knife-edge mask and the apertured mask can be deposited opaque films on a lens.

Abstract: A two-dimensional knife edge mask comprised of an array of spaced periodic rectangular opaque regions (e.g., a chrome grating pattern layer deposited on one surface of a slide) separated by transparent different given spacing stripes between adjacent rectangular regions in each of the two orthogonal dimensions thereof, is linearly moved at a fixed velocity across an incident light spot, the direction of movement being oblique to the orthogonal dimensions of the rectangular regions and the distance of movement being sufficient to traverse at least one entire spacing strips in each of the two orthogonal dimensions. A photocell (which may be secured to the other side of the slide) senses the occulted light.

Abstract: A pulsed LED photoelectric control apparatus operates in both the proximity mode and the retro-reflective mode. Field stop elements are manually inserted for operation in the retro-reflective mode and are quickly and readily removed for operation in the proximity mode in order to enable the same photo-electric control apparatus to be utilized in both modes.

Abstract: An optical mouse for inputting a cursor position including first and second line patterns formed on opposite surfaces of a transparent substrate, with the lines of the first and second line patterns being perpendicular. The line patterns are illuminated by a light source in the movable mouse body, which also includes an optical system and detecting elements for separately detecting light reflected from the first and second patterns. Because the first and second line patterns are located at different distances from the optical system, light reflected from the two patterns can be separately focused to prevent interference between the two patterns.

Abstract: In a bag-making macine where a base is formed on an end of a tube section by folding and successively folded tube sections are conveyed transversely at intervals with the main part of each tube section flattened and its folded base perpendicular thereto, photocells are provided to scan the leading and trailing folded edges of each base. The photocells and a light source are disposed on opposite sides of each base and an arcuate disc rotatable about its center of curvature at a circumferential speed equal to the conveying speed of the tube sections bridges the intervals between the bases of successive tube sections so that the photocells remain unexposed unless the bases are deformed.

Abstract: There serves to emit light signals, more particularly infrared signals, and to receive such signals, an apparatus in which a light emitting arrangement (15) and a light receiving arrangement (20) are arranged in or behind a plate (32) which is translucent or transparent to said light signals or infrared signals. At least one surface of the plate (32) has such a finish between the light emitting arrangement (15) and the light receiving arrangement (20) that light rays are impeded or prevented from being passed on within the plate (32).

Abstract: A relatively low cost, battery powered golf swing training and practice device by which a golfer may ascertain various characteristics, such as club head speed and elapsed swing time, regarding the swing of his golf club. The present training and practice device is both compact and lightweight to advantageously permit portable operation at in and out-of-doors locations. The present device includes a unique photodetector and light trap system arranged to reliably sense the movement of a golfer's club head during a backswing and downswing. The operation of the present device is controlled by a microprocessor, so that information regarding a golfer's swing can be efficiently computed and accurately indicated at an associated printer and/or digital display.

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: Apparatus is disclosed for producing clock signals which are used to precisely control the modulation of a first light beam as it is line scanned by a moving mirror. The apparatus employs a second beam of light which is reflected from the moving mirror and is intensity modulated by a grating. A paraboloid mirror receives such intensity modulated second beam and reflects a collimated beam. A lens focuses such collimated beam to form a stationary image on the surface of a detector which produces the clock signals.

Abstract: According to the instant invention, two input light transmitting lines or paths are used which transmit the wavelength input light of the same wavelength. A detecting portion modulates the two inputs according to the physical quantity to be measured and produces separate outputs along two output transmitting paths. A processing portion processes the two outputs and calculates the physical quantity to be measured.In the detecting portion, each of the inputs is split into two separate light signals each of which varies at a different rate due to the effects of the physical quantity. The two separated light signals follow a respective output transmitting paths. As a result, two output signals are produced along the output paths for each input light applied to the detecting portion.

Abstract: Device for determining the reflective properties of objects in discrete spectral zones. The device has a housing in which there is disposed a diaphragm perpendicularly to the optical axis of the device and photosensors sensitive to light in a narrow spectral range that are connected with electronic amplifiers. The opening of the diaphragm coincides with the basic aperture of vision. Between the diaphragm and the object there are disposed supplementary diaphragms with openings coinciding with the basic aperture of vision. Each supplementary diaphragm lies in a plane determined by the intersection point of the parasitic aperture of vision of the diaphragm preceding it on the side of the photosensors and the housing. The device may be use to advantage in color discriminating systems, for example, the sorting of tobacco leaves according to their color.

Abstract: A zero-home locator includes a fixed phototransistor switch and a moveable actuator including two symmetrical, opposed wedges, each wedge defining a point at which switching occurs. The zero-home location is the average of the positions of the points defined by the wedges.

Abstract: A light beam scanning reticle having a grid pattern with transparent portions and opaque portions alternately arranged in a light beam deflection direction and having a variable period in a direction perpendicular to the deflection direction. The grid pattern is movable in the deflection direction, and irregularity in the speed of scanning a light spot on a scanning plane is corrected with a photo-electric signal which is provided through the grid pattern.

Abstract: A simplified object or piece-part positioning system for use with automated product assembly equipment for positioning piece-parts in a predetermined orientation for product assembly purposes. The system includes a support surface coupled to a drive source that is capable of moving the support surface in any direction along a given plane and/or about an axis perpendicular to the given plane in response to drive source positioning signals.

Abstract: A film scanner wherethrough light is transmitted to a photoresponsive device has an optical path whereby specularly transmitted light passes and impinges on a predetermined area of the device. Scattered light passes to the device but impinges upon the detecting surface thereof over a greater area than the predetermined area. To enhance the relative response of the device to scattered light, an attenuating filter is placed over the predetermined area of the detecting surface.

Abstract: A mounting arrangement for a photocell is disclosed which allows detection of ambient lighting. A collar is secured to a mounting surface by an integral flange and a locking collar. The photocell is fixed within a body member slidingly positioned within the collar. An adjustable aperture in the body member allows ambient light to be detected.

Abstract: A method of measuring of backlash arising in a drive mechanism comprising a screw and a nut device co-operating with the screw, the nut device being connected to a movable unit which is displaceable in opposite directions along the screw. The drive mechanism comprises a pulse generating system of which the number of pulses emitted for each displacement corresponds to the distance traveled in accordance with the method the movable unit is operated to move away from an end position adjacent one end of the screw, and when a predetermined position has been reached the pulse counter is reset while the movement continues. The movement is maintained a distance beyond the position in which the pulse counter was reset, the distance being greater than the possible maximum backlash. The drive mechanism is then stopped and operated to move the movable unit back to the end position, during which movement the pulse counter is counting backwards.

Abstract: A cordless graphics input device system for use with a computer. The device comprises an infrared emitting module useable on any surface adjacent a detector having a pair of patterned concave sensors. Coordinate information is determined via a detector contained microprocessor relative to the sensed analog position data.

Abstract: Disclosed is a linear strip mask for controlling image plane light level distribution in line scan optical imaging systems. The mask is fabricated photographically on a strip of emulsion coated mylar. The photographic image which is recorded on the mylar strip is a pattern of alternating black and clear sections, the pattern of black sections chosen to modify the non-uniform light pattern output by the system's illumination source to obtain uniform image plane illumination. Also disclosed is a line scan optical imaging system utilizing strip masks to compensate for the non-uniform light output along the length of two fluorescent tubes which illuminate the document scan line and the cos.sup.4 drop-off of the imaging system's lens. Light reflected off the document scan line is transmitted via a four bounce folded mirror system and is received by the lens system.

Abstract: A focus detecting apparatus is disclosed which includes a focusing optical system for forming an object image on a predetermined focal plane and photoelectric devices disposed before and behind the focal plane at substantially equal distances from the plane. The photoelectric devices detect the focus states of the object images formed thereon respectively. The focus state of the object image on the focal plane is detected depending on whether or not the focus states on the photoelectric devices are equal to each other. According to the invention such a focus detecting apparatus further includes a mask for gradually decreasing the quantity of light incident upon the photoelectric devices in the direction away from the center of the incident beam. Under the action of such a mask, the focus states of object images before and behind the predetermined focal plane at substantially equal distances from the focal plane are made approximately equal to each other.

Abstract: A detector of an electro-optical mouse having two linear arrays of detector cells at right angles to each other. One linear array images a line and a space in the X direction, while another linear array images a line and a space in the Y direction. Changes in contrast level indicate line crossings. Each linear array has four cells, adjacent cells being 90.degree. out-of-phase with each other. By pairing first and third cells and second and fourth cells of each linear array, then subtracting the output of these, a 180.degree. shift between the cells enhances discrimination of lines and spaces. Lines may be of two colors, or of a single color with optically contrasting line intersections, so long as a total of three contrast levels can be observed by the detector. Counting means is provided for counting line crossings so that observed detector motion on the surface can be made to correspond to cursor motion for a video display.

Abstract: The following specification discloses a Directional Optical Encoder including a track ball. The track ball is supported within a case and moves against two respective shafts for providing positive and negative X and Y movement. The shafts turn circular optical disc encoders wherein a beam of light passes through a slotted disc to be received against a sensing device, such as an optical sensor. The disc is a round disc having slots in order to provide rotationally pulsed outputs to a light sensor on the opposite side of the disc from a light source, such as a light emitting diode (LED). On each shaft, a pendulous shutter is journalled with a fractional or clutched helical spring engagement for providing movement of the shutter in either the plus direction or the minus direction respectively for the X and Y shafts. The shutters provide for shuttering of the light source to one of two light sensors to indicate minus or plus movement, depending upon which particular sensor is being covered.

Abstract: An optical document scanning apparatus of high resolution employs diaphragms defined by a line array of spaced opaque areas which are located midway between an object plane and an image plane containing a line array of spaced light sensors. The object plane is illuminated from a light source located in the image plane parallel to said line array of light sensors. The distance between object and image planes is twice the distance from the lead edge of one light sensor to another and the opaque areas defining the diaphragms are located opposite the areas between light sensors to restrict exposure of the light sensors substantially only to light diffusely reflected from the object plane which is normal to the light sensors thereby to achieve high resolution.

Abstract: A focus condition detecting device of the type in which a pair of re-imaging lenses together with a condenser lens form a pair of re-images of an object image on a linesensor, such that the distance between the corresponding points of the re-images on the linesensor varies with the focus condition of a camera objective lens has an improved construction for positioning the linesensor with respect to the device with high accuracy. A field aperture mask having a field aperture is arranged optically behind a plane conjugate with the linesensor with respect to the re-imaging lenses and the condenser lens such that a pair of defocused images of the field aperture are formed on the linesensor by the re-imaging lenses and the condenser lens with respective one side blurred borders of the defocused images overlapping one another to make a V-shaped peak or dip of illuminance on a photocell of the linesensor located on the optical axis of the device, when the field aperture mask is uniformly illuminated.

Abstract: A device for reflected-light photometry, that determines the reflectivity of a specimen area which is part of an objective area specifically dedicated for the determination of certain properties, especially those of the reaction area of a medical-laboratory test strip. The device has a light source for illuminating the specimen area, preferably with diffuse light, and a photodetector that picks up light reflected from the specimen area. There is, in accordance with the invention, an opaque diaphragm with a particular shape, position, and mounting in the path of light between the specimen area and the detector.

Abstract: In making precision measurements with a television camera tube, the inherent scan non-linearity and magnification variations are readily calibrated by painting a grid of known dimensions on the tube face.

Abstract: A lift control system includes a spatial filter producing a signal having various features, a discriminator for discriminating one or more features of the signal, and for producing a control signal when at least one of the features discriminated falls in a predetermined range, and active devices connected to the discriminator. The active devices are made active upon receipt of the control signal.

Abstract: A light sensor 10 includes two parallel, spaced mask plates 12, 14. A first mask plate 12 has nine, small, spaced holes 38a-i which are in alignment with corresponding holes 36a-i in the second mask plate 14. The light sensor 10 includes a base plate 18 having nine holes 22a-i into which photosensitive devices 26a-i are positioned and the base plate 18 is secured to the outer surface of the second mask plate 14. The photodiodes 26a-i are connected to an indicating means 32 which provides an indication of the light falling upon each photodiode 26a-i individually or upon all of the photodiodes 26a-i collectively.

Abstract: A raster input scanner of the type having a linear array for scanning a relatively moving document line by line, there being lamp means to illuminate at least a line-like portion of the document and optical means to transmit image rays from the document to the array. To provide uniform illumination and obviate illumination degradation due to the effects of cosine 4th law, flare light, lamp fall-off, etc., an apertured mask is provided between the array and the document, the mask aperture uniformly changing in size from a minimum at the array center to a maximum at the array ends. To obviate system M.T.F. degradation, the height of the mask aperture is made less than the width of the array photosites.

Abstract: An automatic liquid-crystal light shutter includes a NAND gate integrated circuit and a pair of RC oscillators operating in cooperation with two solar cells which experience internal resistance changes in response to received light. The changes in the internal resistance of the two solar cells results in a comparison signal which is applied to each of two NAND gates along with respective oppositely faced oscillator signals. When the NAND gate output signals are of different potential, the shutter passes light with little or no attenuation. If the NAND gate output signals are of the same potential, the liquid-crystal shutter becomes highly attentuated or unpassable for light. As a result, the automatic liquid-crystal shutter automatically passes low intensity light but attenuates or blocks high intensity light.

Abstract: A light measuring device for cameras with a photosensitive element positioned to receive light reflected from a film surface or shutter surface. A collection lens and a diffusion plate having a plurality of stages of different diffusing characteristics are placed between the reflecting surface and the photosensitive element. The light measuring regions can be changed over as the stages of the diffusion plate are selectively put in the path of the light traveling to the photosensitive element.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and device for detecting the focusing position in a laser processing apparatus, such as a machine for cutting plate-shaped workpieces by laser beams.The method includes the steps of placing a light shielding member and a light sensor in a path of laser light beams irradiated through a condenser lens to the workpiece to be processed; moving at least either one of the light shielding member and light sensor along the optical axis of the laser beams; and detecting the position at which electrical output of the light sensor becomes either a minimum or a maximum; whereby the focusing position is determined.

Abstract: This specification discloses an original reading apparatus for converting information such as pictures and writings on an original surface into electrical signals for reading. The apparatus comprises a carriage for moving an original in a predetermined direction, an illuminating system for illuminating a narrow line on the original perpendicular to the direction of movement of the original, a photoelectric sensor including a plurality of photoelectric elements arrayed in the direction of the illuminated line and over the width of the original, and means for reading the signals provided on each photoelectric conversion surface in the fashion of time series. In the apparatus, the illuminating system and the photoelectric sensor are made integral to form a compact head, and the head can scan the original while being in intimate contact with the original to thereby produce information signals of high resolution.

Abstract: A test device for a multiple channel infra red detector utilizing photocells comprising an aperture plate mounted on the housing member of the detector. In the embodiment described a test lamp is mounted on a surface portion of the aperture plate in fixed relationship with two openings in the plate which are concentrically disposed about the two photocells. The test system utilizes the characteristic of the dual channel detector that the ratio of the response of each of the two cells to emissions in the infra red range (as received from a fire) is a certan value. The opening associated with one of the cells is larger in the path between the lamp and that cell so that more light energy impinges on it. The electrical energy to the lamp is increased until a level is reached where the ratio of the response of the one cell to the response of the other cell simulates the responses of the two when monitoring a fire. The warning system is triggered.

Abstract: An optical sensor for sensing the radial position of a shaft. Detection of radial movement is made when a larger or smaller portion of a light beam incident on the shaft is blocked. In order to obtain a light beam of small diameter a laser light source or fiber optic system may be used. To provide long term stability the shaft is provided with a flat or with groove that is machined around its periphery to pass the entire light beam to a detector. This signal provides AGC compensation for the light source, detector and optical system.

Abstract: A rotary light tester for continuously inspecting empty cans discriminates between good cans and defective ones by judging the amount of transit light entering the interior of the empty cans. The light seal circular plate and the freely-reciprocative slide pusher which rotates with the continuous rotating star wheel face each other sandwiching each can receiving seat therebetween. The nozzle opening of the tip of the slide pusher vacuously holds the bottom end of an uncoated or unprinted bright can received in the can receiving seat one by one when the can enters into the empty can supply station just after the trimming. Then, in the light detection station, the opening end of the can is inserted into a groove of the light seal circular plate having a black non-luster surface to further the reflection attenuation of outer entry light, a trap is disposed in the deepest portion thereof, and a conical introduction arrangement makes it easy to insert the opening end therein by advance pushing of the slide pusher.

Abstract: Faults in a material web 47 are detected by scanning the web with a beam of light 37 along a line transversely to its direction of movement F and by detecting the angular ranges into which the incident light is scattered by these faults. For this purpose an elongate light receiving device 33, which is preferably a light conducting rod, extends parallel to the line of scanning on the web with the axis of the light conducting rod and the line of scanning defining a reception plane. An elongate angular range filter 34 is arranged in this plane between the line of scanning and the light conducting rod and serves to deflect beams of light 35 close to the angle of specular reflection away from the light conducting rod. Light which is scattered in other angular ranges within the reception plane is however transmitted by the angular range filter 34 to the light conducting rod and is detected by a photoelectric detector positioned at the end face thereof.

Abstract: Apparatus for precise positioning of a movable stage such as a microscope stage including a light source and a self-scanning array of photodiodes for receiving light from the light source. An opaque shade is adapted to be moved with the shade and block at least a portion of the light which otherwise would impinge on the self-scanning photodiode array. The self-scanning photodiode array is adapted to emit an electrical signal proportional to the number of photodiodes on which light impinges. A digital comparator is adapted receive this signal in digitized form and compare the same with a positioning program digital input. In the event of a difference a responsive signal is emitted to a bi-directional motor drive which effects corrective movement of the stage. The apparatus may also function as a tachometer.

Abstract: A relatively simple wavefront sensor is constructed with an astigmatic optical system which focuses an indicent wavefront to x and y focal planes, with the x and y focal planes being relatively displaced along the optical axis because of the astigmatic nature of the optical system. An x modulation reticle is positioned at the x focal plane, and an x drive tuning fork drives the x modulation reticle in linear oscillation at a frequency f.sub.x to modulate the wavefront thereat. A y modulation reticle is positioned at the y focal plane, and a y drive tuning fork drives the y modulation reticle in oscillation, substantially perpendicular to the direction of oscillation of the x modulation reticle, at a frequency f.sub.y, different from the frequency f.sub.x, to also modulate the wavefront thereat. A detector array then receives the modulated wavefront, with each detector in the array receiving and detecting a different zone of the incident wavefront.

Abstract: An opaque mask having a plurality of apertures therein for use in an auto focus circuit which includes a plurality of lenslets formed in a transparent member and a printed circuit chip which includes radiation responsive detector areas and a circuit area, the mask permitting radiation to pass through the lenslets and be focused on the detector areas but preventing light from passing through transparent areas adjacent the lenslets and striking the circuit area.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically aligning a semiconductor wafer with a mask in the manufacture of integrated circuit devices is disclosed. The mask and wafer are each provided with alignment patterns, the alignment pattern on the wafer cooperating with the alignment pattern on the mask in a unique visual mannner to signify alignment. A scanning mechanism is provided for automatically scanning the alignment pattern areas and producing output signals indicative of the relative positions of the alignment patterns on the wafer and mask. Logic circuitry is provided for operating in response to any misalignment represented by the scan output signals to compute formulae which are utilized to produce control signals for driving motor drive mechanisms to produce relative movement between the mask and wafer to bring them into alignment. Several separate alignment cycles are provided, if needed, for zeroing in on finalized alignment.

Abstract: A position control system employing a movable detector means which communicates energy to and from a pattern of passive, position-related indicia or marks on a surface. In the preferred embodiment the movable detector means includes a light source and a four-quadrant detector, with the surface having a high contrast checkerboard square pattern. The four-quadrant detector will report different states as the detector means is moved across different squares. The states are decoded in a lookup table and electrical signals are generated for controlling X and Y registers of a cursor control or the like.

Abstract: This system incorporates a uniquely coded longitudinally extending absolute distance standard or code chart. The code chart includes bars and segments of different light reflectivity characteristics which uniquely define every different distance increment along the chart. Preferably the chart is binary coded. A transducer optically detects the code at each different distance measurement increment and converts the code into electrical signals. The electrical signals operatively control a manipulator device which moves along a movement track parallel to the stationarily positioned chart. The transducer includes means for detecting the code at or near the center of each distance measurement increment, rather than at the edges of the distance measurement increments where the code on the chart undergoes transitions. A sample bar extending along the chart defines the distance measurement increments and the points at which the code at or near the center of the distance measurement increments is to be sampled.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically measuring aperture size of a slotted apertured material includes a means for supporting and transporting a slotted apertured material having a plurality of slots with each having a longitudinal axis and a comparator mask overlaying the apertured material and having alternate light transparent and opaque sectors, a light source and a light detector disposed on opposite sides of the slotted apertured material and having a light beam directed therethrough wherein a rhombic-shaped aperture controls the size and shape of the light beam impinging the detector whereby advancement of the rhombic-shaped aperture along a diagonal axis provides a reduced rate of change in light transmitted by the slots and received by the light detector whereby fluctuations in light transmission are reduced for random variations in mask placement.

Abstract: In the disclosed optical distance measuring system, a pair of mirrors spaced from each other along a base line direct light coming from a scene along two optical paths onto reflecting surfaces of a prism positioned between them and through a pair of image forming lenses positioned between the prism and the mirrors so that the prism forms images of the scene on respective photoelectric element arrays. A light baffle in front of the photoelectric element arrays forms an aperture for limiting a desired field of view and includes a light shading projection at the edge of the aperture for preventing light rays from the lenses and outside the desired field of view from impinging upon the arrays.

Abstract: A position control system employing a movable detector means which slides over a surface having passive, position related marks of two colors. In the preferred embodiment, the detector means includes a light source which sequentially alternates between one color and the other. A four-quadrant light detector is positioned for receiving the light reflected from the two groups of lines. By clocking emission of the two colors and the detector output signal, electrical outputs are obtained representing reflection from the first and second groups of lines. Such signals are used to establish line crossings, thereby deriving a position signal for a cursor or the like. In an alternate embodiment, continuous sources of the two colors are used to illuminate the lines. Two dual-segment detectors, each sensitive to one of the colors, are used to generate outputs indicative of line crossings, thereby deriving the position signal for a cursor.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for adjusting the outputs of radiation responsive detectors to correct for mismatching.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for automatically evaluating an indentation produced in a material according to the Vickers hardness testing method. A diaphragm apertured in two coordinate directions is guided over an image of the indentation, while a photoelectric receiver system produces an electrical signal representing the luminous flux passing through the diaphragm. The electrical signal is differentiated, and changes in the differentiated signal exceeding predetermined thresholds are used to indicate detection of edges of the indentation. The respective positions of the diaphragm when the indentation edges are detected, and a known dimension of the diaphragm, are used to calculate the length of a diagonal of the indentation.

Abstract: A comparator mask for use in apparatus for measuring aperture size of apertured material includes a light transparent section and at least one other section having alternate light transparent and opaque sectors whereby the comparator mask overlays the apertured material to provide an area of light transmission utilized to determine the dimensions of the aperture of the apertured material.