Abstract: Trigger(s) administration, development, distribution, coordination, registration, or coding for a software automation process or robotic process automation (RPA) is disclosed. A trigger(s) may be configured to run or execute by an outside service or component for an automation process in relation to an application and associated event(s). A definition file(s) or configuration file(s) may be created or utilized for a trigger(s) for an event. A separate or outside service or component may be configured to listen for the event in the process. Once a trigger(s) is met, an action or activity may run for the automation process on a client device using the outside service or component.

Abstract: Various implementations of the present application set forth a method comprising generating, three-dimensional data and two-dimensional data representing a physical space that includes a real-world asset, generating an adaptable three-dimensional (3D) representation of the physical space based on the two-dimensional and three-dimensional data, where the adaptable 3D representation includes a plurality of coordinates representing different positions in 3D coordinate space corresponding to the physical space, transforming the adaptable 3D representation into geometry data comprising a set of vertices, faces comprising edges between pairs of vertices, and texture data, transmitting the geometry data to a remote device, wherein the remote device, constructs, based on the geometry data, the adaptable 3D representation of the physical space for display at a location of the remote device in a remote environment, and modifies, based on an input, at least one of a dimension or a position of the adaptable 3D representa

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting structural and material defects in a fastener driven during a manufacturing process includes a driving tool capable of recording an angle-torque trace during the driving of the fastener and a machine learning engine operably connected to the driving tool for analyzing the recorded angle-torque trace. The machine learning engine can be provided with a number of sample angle-torque traces from sample fasteners and can self-determine a stored trace including tolerances for acceptable angle-torque trace data from the samples in an unsupervised learning process or protocol without the need for defined anomalous and non-anomalous samples being provided to the machine learning engine.

Abstract: A method of recording a state of an apheresis machine or a dialysis machine having a disposable component disposed thereon. The disposable component has tubing and a blood component bag. The disposable component is configured to be installed on the apheresis device or dialysis machine by a human operator. The method includes acquiring with a camera an image of a forward-facing external surface portion of the apheresis machine or dialysis machine and the tubing and the blood component bag of the disposable component. The image is acquired automatically without requiring user input. The method includes recording medical device information for the apheresis machine or dialysis machine comprising the image. The method includes generating a message comprising the image and transmitting the message comprising the image to a remote computer.

Abstract: The disclosure is provided to shorten a total allowed cycle time of insertion or a press-fitting operation. A control device of a robot performing insertion or a press-fitting operation includes: a measuring part, measuring an elapsed time from a time point of starting a correcting operation in a case where the insertion or the press-fitting operation does not end normally; a calculating part, calculating a total remaining time of the correcting operation by subtracting a time from a start to an end of the correcting operation from a preset total allowed time of the correcting operation; a comparing part, comparing the remaining time with a required operation time which is an elapsed time from the start to the end of the correcting operation; and a control part, interrupting the correcting operation before the allowed time elapses in a case where the remaining time is less than the required operation time.

Abstract: A component mounting method includes independent mounting and cross lane alternate mounting. The independent mounting performs an operation of mounting a component on a first board carried in a first board transport lane from a first component supplier, and an operation of mounting a component on a second board carried in a second board transport lane from a second component supplier. The cross lane alternate mounting alternately performs an operation of mounting the component on the first board carried in the first board transport lane from the second component supplier, and an operation of mounting the component on the second board carried in the second board transport lane from the first component supplier.

Abstract: A vehicle lighting assembly may include a housing including a lower part, the lower part defining an opening; and a lighting device arranged within the housing and configured to emit light through the opening, the lighting device including at least one circuit board and a lens arranged on the circuit board, the lighting device further including a single overmolded encapsulate configured to encase the circuit board and at least a portion of the lens.

Abstract: To control a rate of increase of a delivery flow rate of a pump for a swing operation in response to a moment of inertia and an operation amount and to achieve both energy efficiency and operability with respect to the swing operation, a work machine including a swing structure 2 disposed on an upper portion of a track structure 1, a work implement 3 disposed in the swing structure 2, a swing motor 16, a hydraulic pump 22, a regulator 24, a directional control valve 31, and an operation device 34 further includes: a target maximum flow rate calculation section 53 configured to calculate a target maximum flow rate Qmax of the pump to correspond to a swing operation amount Ps; a flow rate rate-of-increase calculation section 55 configured to calculate a rate of increase dQ of a command flow rate of the hydraulic pump 22 on a basis of the moments of inertia of the swing structure 2 and the work implement 3 and the swing operation amount Ps; a command flow rate calculation section 56 configured to calculate a com

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of controlling a movable robot manipulator for screwing in a screw at least already plugged into a thread, wherein the screw has a screw head with a tool engagement interface, the robot manipulator has at its distal end a tool designed to engage the tool engagement interface, the screw has a screw central axis, and the tool has a tool central axis about which the tool of the robot manipulator is rotatable.

Abstract: A payload retrieval system including a UAV having a payload receptacle positioned within the UAV, a payload coupling apparatus positioned within the payload receptacle, a tether having a first end secured within the UAV and a second end attached to the payload coupling apparatus, and a payload guiding member positioned on an underside of the UAV for guiding at least part of a payload into the payload receptacle during retrieval of a payload.

Abstract: An unmanned vehicle line and cable string apparatus is provided and the method of use thereof. A small drone has a shot line canister loaded with an inside wound shot line string spool. Shot line is strung between power line towers wherein the inside shot line string end is attached to a remotely controlled released shot line sinker. The sinker is deployed near the proximate tower, the drone is directed to the distal tower deploying shot line from the shot line canister. The shot line canister, having a remotely controlled jettison mechanism and an end of shot line detection mechanism, is jettisoned at the distal power line tower. As shot line is dispensed, the vehicle loses weight thereby extending the flying time, distance, and maneuverability particularly as the vehicle approaches the distal tower. Because the shot line is deployed and not dragged, the impact of inclement weather conditions is minimized.

Abstract: A method for connecting a first component to at least one second component by at least one joining element which is introduced into the components at a joining point. The joining element is pushed into the components by an industrial robot at a speed of less than five meters per second.

Abstract: Provided is a machining equipment system including machining equipment that performs machining of a workpiece; a control device that controls the machining equipment on the basis of a machining condition; a state obtaining device that obtains a state of the machining equipment during the machining; an inspection device that inspects the workpiece after the machining; and a machine learning device that performs machine learning on the basis of a result of inspection by the inspection device and the state of the machining equipment, obtained by the state obtaining device, wherein the machine learning device modifies the machining condition on the basis of a result of the machine learning so as to improve the machining accuracy of the workpiece or so as to minimize the defect rate of the workpiece.

Abstract: Device and system for characterizing samples using multiple integrated tips scanning probe microscopy. Multiple Integrated Tips (MiT) probes are comprised of two or more monolithically integrated and movable AFM tips positioned to within nm of each other, enabling unprecedented micro to nanoscale probing functionality in vacuum or ambient conditions. The tip structure is combined with capacitive comb structures offering laserless high-resolution electric-in electric-out actuation and sensing capability and novel integration with a Junction Field Effect Transistor for signal amplification and low-noise operation. This “platform-on-a-chip” approach is a paradigm shift relative to current technology based on single tips functionalized using stacks of supporting gear: lasers, nano-positioners and electronics.

Abstract: A user-powered medicament injector including a reusable, user-powered automatic injection assembly including a user energizable medicament injection subassembly and a medicament module removably insertable into the reusable, user-powered automatic injection assembly and including a module housing adapted to receive a syringe having a barrel, a needle engaged to said barrel, and a removable needle cap covering the needle; a needle shield configured to be moveable with respect to the module housing and a needle cap remover associated with the needle shield. The medicament module is configured for energizing the user energizable medicament injection subassembly by insertion of the medicament module into the reusable, user powered automatic injection assembly.

Abstract: A storage system having crash barriers is described. The crash barriers are mounted on separate structures, the structures being mounted adjacent the storage system. The separate structures include tracks such that robotic load handling devices operating on the storage system may over run without causing damage to the main part of the storage system.

Abstract: A component mounting method includes independent mounting and cross lane alternate mounting. The independent mounting performs an operation of mounting a component on a first board carried in a first board transport lane from a first component supplier, and an operation of mounting a component on a second board carried in a second board transport lane from a second component supplier. The cross lane alternate mounting alternately performs an operation of mounting the component on the first board carried in the first board transport lane from the second component supplier, and an operation of mounting the component on the second board carried in the second board transport lane from the first component supplier.

Abstract: A system for identifying a type of a power tool, the system comprising: a power tool having an electric motor; and a usage attachment configured to couple to the power tool, the usage attachment having a vibration sensor that generates vibration data when the power tool vibrates, a memory that stores the vibration data generated by the vibration sensor, and an identification subsystem that receives the vibration data from the memory, and identifies the type of the power tool by comparing the received vibration data to predetermined vibration data of a known type of power tool.

Abstract: A base configuration of a processing machine line including a machine tool loaded on a base provided with a processing module that performs specified processing on a work, and an auto loader that transfers the work between processing modules, the base being configured such that a rail member of the auto loader that has a length to match the width of the base is assembled on a front section of the base, and, when multiple bases are arranged next to each other in an adjacent position at which rail members can be connected, an additional rail member is able to be attached to and removed from an additional base.

Abstract: A method for robotic adaptive production includes modifying program instructions online while performing production activities in response to detecting a change in the production environment. A robotic adaptive production method includes modifying program instructions online while performing production activities to minimize a production task cycle time or improve a production task quality. A robotic adaptive production method includes estimating a relationship between a control parameter and a sensor input; and modifying the control parameter online to achieve an updated parameter based on the estimating. A robotic adaptive production method includes receiving sensor input relating to robotic performance during the performance of production tasks and online optimizing a process parameter based on robotic performance during the performance of the production tasks.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for inspecting a clearance size between a hole and an object inserted in the hole, includes: controlling a robot arm so that the robot arm performs a predetermined motion to move the object inserted in the hole; monitoring a response to the predetermined motion from the hole and the object; and calculating information on the clearance size between the hole and the object using the response to the predetermined motion.

Abstract: A bearing structure comprises: two bearings arranged in an axis direction and having outer rings and inner rings; and a spacer interposed between the bearings. The spacer comprises: a ring-like outer ring spacer interposed between the outer rings of the two bearings arranged in the axis direction, and having an insertion hole penetrating the outer ring spacer in a radial direction RD and into which a jig is to be inserted; and a ring-like inner ring spacer interposed between the inner rings of the two bearings arranged in the axis direction, and having an engagement part to make engagement with the jig inserted into the insertion hole. The one bearing is capable of being pulled out together with the spacer from a rotary shaft supported by the inner rings by pulling the jig in the axis direction inserted into the insertion hole and engaged with the engagement part.

Abstract: Every junction part for an airplane wing is manufactured with overmaterial. Each part is measured with a laser based interferometer or other scanning technique and the “as built” measurements are compared with a model to generate a new trajectory milling program to fill or prevent gaps between parts using a points cloud and B-Spline algorithm to generate a new surface to be milled. Once the program is generated (new trajectories) and post processed, it is sent to a milling machine to perform overmaterial milling on already milled parts with overmaterial. This technique can be used to eliminate gaps between junction parts and the corresponding need for shims.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed, which permit filling containers with a product. A filling arm is disposed within a chamber and an optical sensor is configured to sense openings of the containers within the chamber. Locations of the sensed openings are used to guide the filling arm to fill the containers with a product.

Abstract: A robot control device which controls a robot includes a sensor coordinate system calculation unit which calculates a position and an orientation of a sensor by making the robot perform a predetermined operation. The sensor coordinate system calculation unit comprises an operation parameter optimization unit which is configured to obtain a combination most suitable for calculating the position and orientation of the sensor, from a plurality of combinations of modified values of a predetermined type of operation parameters, by making the robot perform the predetermined operation, successively using each of the combinations.

Abstract: An automated system provides automated manufacturing of photovoltaic standard power modules for utilization in a space solar array, in both rolled blanket and z-folded configurations. The automated system provides robotically controlled systems for CIC-ing, glassing, stringing, laydown and acceptance testing of interconnected photovoltaic devices. A method of manufacturing the photovoltaic standard power modules includes the steps of robotic positioning of diodes, interconnects and busbars onto a SPM stringing tray followed by the robotic positioning of bare cells into position adjacent to the diodes, interconnects and busbars to form strings. The SPM stringing tray is thereafter robotically positioned adjacent to an integral welder for welding of the front side of the string. Cover glass is thereafter robotically placed over the cells. The string is flipped and the backside of the string is robotically positioned for welding.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system includes a coordinated distribution optimization (CDO) system. The CDO system includes a processor configured to coordinate execution of a plurality of independent electrical network applications. Each of the plurality of independent electrical network applications is configured to alter one or more operational parameters of a power grid based on one or more respective objectives and based on power grid operational data, and the execution of the plurality of independent electrical network applications is coordinated by the CDO system to block the power grid from entering an abnormal state. The CDO system further comprises a network interface configured to receive the power grid operational data from a controller of the power grid, and wherein the power grid operational data comprises current values for the one or more operational parameters of the power grid.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for designing a composite tool to manipulate a specific set of known fasteners in a product, the fastener(s) having a constrained access and specific torque requirements. The system comprises a display screen, a database, a means for scanning and a computing device executing at least an operating system configured to operate the display screen, the database and the means for scanning. The computing device is further configured to electronically select a virtual socket that is configured to properly engage the fastener at its driving end, virtually position at the fastener in a pre-secure and a post-secure position within a virtual constrained access, and electronically determine the existence of an interference condition at either or both of the pre-secure or post-secure position. When an interference condition exists, computing device electronically selects another socket with a different dimension and repeating the virtual positioning and electronically determine steps.

Abstract: A method of balancing a gas turbine engine rotor, including axisymmetrically removing an annular portion of the balancing flange exceeding that required to provide the unbalance correction, and creating the unbalance correction by non-axisymmetrically removing material from the balancing flange. In one embodiment, the configuration of a theoretical notch in the balancing flange that would create the unbalance correction is determined. The unbalance correction is created by removing material from the balancing flange to create a protuberance protruding radially from a remainder of the balancing flange, the protuberance having a height corresponding to the depth of the theoretical notch, a circumferential width corresponding to the arc angle of the theoretical notch, and a circumferential position diametrically opposed to the circumferential position of the theoretical notch. A gas turbine engine rotor is also discussed.

Abstract: A freezeless hydrant maintenance system for testing, troubleshooting, and repairing the functionality of a freezeless water hydrant prior to the seasonal freezing temperatures, the system comprising a pressure vessel adapted to receive and hold a fluid under pressure, an actuator adapted to release the pressurized fluid upon the user's command, at least one display and an adapter hose adapted to engage a hydrant and seal to prevent pressure loss, whereby the system is attached to a freezeless hydrant, the user opens hydrant pressurizing the vertical pipe and hydrant with water and air, observes the display determining if the freezeless hydrant drain hole is block, then operates the system applying additional pressure to clear blockage, and identifies a hydrant that needs replacement.

Abstract: Non-visible objects which differ in their physical properties from their surroundings by association with a variable strength magnetic field may be detected by a suitable array of sensors which can be moved relative to the object in question. By analyzing the signals from the plurality of the sensors in the array, the position of the object can be deduced relative to the array and the array moved to enable a machining guide thereon to be aligned with the non-visible object. The system is of particular value in locating apertures in wing spars when attempting to fix the skin of the wing on to them where it is important to be able to locate the correct point at which to drill a hole through the skin to coincide with the hole in the spar. By defining a magnetic field in the vicinity of the hole to identify the hole magnetically and using an array of magnetic field sensors in a base with an aperture, it is possible to shift the array so that the aperture is precisely aligned with the non-visible hole.

Abstract: An automated system provides automated manufacturing of photovoltaic standard power modules for utilization in a space solar array, in both rolled blanket and z-folded configurations. The automated system provides robotically controlled systems for CIC-ing, glassing, stringing, laydown and acceptance testing of interconnected photovoltaic devices. A method of manufacturing the photovoltaic standard power modules includes the steps of robotic positioning of diodes, interconnects and busbars onto a SPM stringing tray followed by the robotic positioning of bare cells into position adjacent to the diodes, interconnects and busbars to form strings. The SPM stringing tray is thereafter robotically positioned adjacent to an integral welder for welding of the front side of the string. Cover glass is thereafter robotically placed over the cells. The string is flipped and the backside of the string is robotically positioned for welding.

Abstract: A positioning apparatus and a working system which can position a workpiece with better accuracy at a lower cost and in a reduced space even when the workpiece is heavy are provided. The positioning apparatus has 3 robot arms (1)-(3) each having an arm and an actuator which drives the arm, a mounting platform (5) which is supported by the ends of the three robot arms (1)-(3), a securing jig (6) which secures a workpiece W which is mounted on the mounting platform (5) to the mounting platform (5), and a controller (9) which controls the operation of each of the actuators.

Abstract: An ergonomic auto emergency tool for alternatively functioning as a flashlight, an illuminating distress signal, a sonic alarm, a tire depth gauge, a tire air pressure gauge, a seat belt cutter and a motor vehicle window glass breaker. The auto emergency tool includes a main portion and a projecting portion extending from a joining portion and being integral with the main portion, and defining a seat belt-receiving notch therebetween. A knife blade extends across the notch proximate the joining portion. An inner main portion-facing upper surface of the projecting portion is configured to facilitate the movement of the tool towards and through a seat belt, and the bottom outer surface of the projecting portion is curved for both easy handling and for enabling a firm grip when the tool is used to break window glass. The window-breaking mechanism includes a depressible plunger cover for releasing a spring-loaded impact member.

Abstract: An improved drinking can enables a user to have fluid return into the can after drinking The improved drinking can comprises a can body comprising a contoured bottom edge immediately adjacent to a bottom recess. The can body further comprising a can top mechanically coupled to a spout. Where the spout is shaped to funnel fluid back into the can body. The bottom recess is shaped to enable a first improved drinking can to sit upon a second improved drinking can where bottom recess covers can top. This protects the drinking area from becoming contaminated during shipment, storage, and display. The can body is covered with a mural where the mural is covered by a mural cover comprising a tab such that the mural cover can be removed by applying force to the tab displaying the mural.

Abstract: A method for assembling a structure is described. The method includes locating a position in an assembly stack-up where a one-sided fastener is to be installed, drilling a hole through the assembly stack-up at the position, countersinking the hole to a specified depth, operating a calibrated probe to determine at least parameter associated with one or more of the hole and the stack-up proximate the hole, inserting the one-sided fastener into the hole, applying a rotational torque to the one-sided fastener to complete installation of the one-sided fastener, and comparing a measurement of angular displacement required to complete installation of the one-sided fastener to a range of angular displacement indicative of correct installation of the fastener.

Abstract: A method for adjusting pressure at an inlet of a blast freezer. The method includes positioning an airfoil proximate to the inlet, the inlet having a perimeter. The airfoil includes a strip of material having a length and being attached to the freezer along at least one side of the inlet, the strip of material being spaced from the perimeter of the inlet by an offset distance. The offset distance at any location along the length of the strip of material is the closest distance between the strip of material and the perimeter at that location. The offset distance varies substantially along at least a portion of the strip of material. Cold air is flowed in the blast freezer past the inlet and over the airfoil so that the flow of air past the inlet is disrupted and creates a resultant adjustment to the air pressure at the inlet.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for finding part position relations of parts of mechanical and opto-mechanical machining and quality control systems, and for recognizing these parts, is disclosed. The present invention relies on optical contactless sensing technology, with recording of optical fiducial patterns and therefrom determining positions close to the work positions without physical contact. Part positions of machines are determined by associating or mechanically integrating fiducial patterns (1) with key parts, and optically detecting the images of these patterns. Part positions and displacements according to given part position finder (6) strategies are found, by associating fiducial pattern images (14) and machine position data (17) to parts that are members of a part geometry relation (15), and under part displacement constraints (16), finding given part positions or displacements (18).

Abstract: A striker device for a motor vehicle door lock having a striker and an element made of a plastic material and equipped with a plate, which is suitable for being placed against a wall of the motor vehicle and is coupled to the striker in fixed relative position; the element has a plurality of tongues, which protrude from the plate in the opposite direction to the striker and are arranged in positions so as to engage, in use, the edges of two apertures in the wall of the motor vehicle, to keep the plate in a fixed reference position during a first fitting step; the tongues are breakable to enable changing the position of the striker device with respect to the wall of the motor vehicle in a possible second fitting step.

Abstract: It is intended to make it possible to, even in a situation where a program and/or data to be written to a memory device of an electronic control unit provided in an automatic transmission become different in content, depending on a specification of a vehicle to be mounted with the automatic transmission, manage the electronic control unit while distinguishing only by a difference in hardware configurations thereof.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for evaluating characteristics of components of a mechanically attached connection are disclosed. Characteristics that may be evaluated include, but are not limited to, the position of a conduit gripping device on a conduit, an amount of axial compression or stroke of the conduit gripping device, and an amount of clamping force applied to the conduit gripping device as the conduit gripping device is axially compressed or stroked.

Abstract: A polarizing film cutting knife includes a body portion extending in a first direction, and a knife portion connected to the body portion. The knife portion includes a first surface and a second surface. The first and second surfaces form a first angle. The first angle is about 21.8 to 22.2 degrees.

Abstract: A domestic cooking appliance includes a plurality of bays adapted to receive a plurality of different types of modules; a module connected to a bay of the plurality of bays; and a controller, wherein the controller is adapted to determine the bay in which the module is connected and a type of the module of the plurality of different types of modules. A method of controlling a domestic cooking appliance includes connecting a module of a plurality of different types of modules to the domestic cooking appliance; determining a type of the module; determining a position where the module is connected out of a plurality of possible positions; and displaying the type and the location of the module on a display of the domestic cooking appliance.

Abstract: A torque relief system dissipates a torque in a marine cable section to be used for seismic data collection. The system includes a bench having a deadman unit; a tensioning element connected to the deadman unit; a swivel bearing unit connected to the tensioning element and configured to receive a first end of the marine cable section; and at least one bearing unit configured to support the marine cable section with reduced friction so that when the tensioning element tenses the marine cable section, the marine cable section and the first end rotate freely until the torque is dissipated.

Abstract: A method for bedding a brake disc and/or pad includes monitoring the temperature of the brake disc and/or brake pad throughout the bedding process wherein the monitored temperature is utilized for adjusting the force of the brake pad on the brake disc including the steps of: raising the temperature of the brake pads and/or discs at a controlled rate to a desired bedding temperature; and maintaining the brake pads and/or discs at the bedding temperature. A machine for bedding a brake disc and/or pad is adapted to conduct the method by including at least one temperature sensor monitoring the temperature of a brake disc and/or brake pad throughout the bedding process. The machine regulates the speed of the motor, the pressure of the caliper, or a combination thereof, based on the temperature monitored by the temperature sensors.

Abstract: A seal (100) for connecting to a tube (110) having a wall, the seal comprising: •an elongated cavity (130) for receiving an end of the tube (110); •a first elastic ring (140) in the cavity (130); and •a fluid inlet (150) for radially pressing the first elastic ring (140) against the wall of the tube (110) inserted in the cavity (130).

Abstract: A method of mounting at least one pressure port in a skin of an aircraft, where the port is made with a hollow tube implanted in the skin, optimizes conditions whereby each of the tubes is made flush with the skin so that static or dynamic pressure measurements are accurate and reliable. The method includes a step of leveling each of the tubes and a step of painting the skin. To achieve satisfactory leveling conditions for the tubes on each occasion, the leveling step is independent of the layer of paint deposited on the skin.

Abstract: The application provides methods for providing a surgical guide for placement on an anatomical part wherein the guide is provided with one or more dedicated push features that can be used as pressure points for applying force onto the surgical guide. The application further provides guides comprising one or more push features which can be used as a pressure point for applying force onto said guide.

Abstract: A method of measuring the performance of a spectroscopy system including obtaining a plurality of component spectra for each component of a set of components that are to be identified by the system, the component spectra obtained for variations of at least one factor that affects the component spectrum. Sample spectra and then simulated, each sample spectrum simulated for a corresponding potential sample using at least one different component spectrum and/or a different amount of at least one of the component spectra to that used to simulate the other sample spectra. The sample spectra are analysed to obtain, for each sample spectrum, a measured quantity and/or quality for a characteristic of the corresponding potential sample and a measure of performance generated based upon the measured quantities and/or qualities. The invention also concerns apparatus for carrying out this method.

Abstract: Methods and systems for fabricating platelets of a monochromator for X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) are disclosed. For example, a method of fabricating a platelet of a monochromator for X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy involves placing a crystal on a stage of an X-ray measuring apparatus, the crystal having a top surface. The method also involves measuring, by X-ray reflection, an orientation of a crystal plane of the crystal, the crystal plane beneath the top surface of the crystal and having a primary axis. The method also involves measuring a surface angle of the top surface of the crystal by measuring a light beam reflected from the top surface of the crystal.