Alignment Of Axes Nominally Coaxial Patents (Class 356/153)
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Patent number: 10926355Abstract: Device and method for laser welding around a circumference of a workpiece. A fixed, non-movable unitary optical reflector is provided, which has a pair of optical reflecting surface portions on a first side surface and a second side surface, respectively, arranged at an obtuse angle relative to each other. A workpiece is positioned and fixed in an assembly that includes the unitary optical reflector. During setup, the vertical distance is adjusted between the unitary optical reflector and the workpiece along an axis that is transverse to a longitudinal axis of the workpiece without any adjustment of the reflecting surfaces, which remain fixed during setup. The first and second side surfaces define a curve that is transverse to the longitudinal axis. Once setup has been completed, a laser beam is directed so that it moves along the optical reflector to thereby produce a 360 degree circumferential weld around the workpiece.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2019Date of Patent: February 23, 2021Assignee: Dukane IAS, LLCInventor: Alexander Savitski
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Patent number: 10919111Abstract: In one embodiment, a laser engraving system includes a laser transmitter and a lens assembly configured to focus a transmitted laser beam onto a workpiece supported by a workpiece support surface. A rail system movably supports a base which in turn supports a mirror and a camera. A controller is operably connected to the camera and is configured to execute program instructions stored in a memory to obtain first image data from the camera indicative of a first location of the laser beam on the mirror when the camera and the mirror are at a first rail system location, obtain second image data from the camera indicative of a second location of the laser beam on the mirror when the camera and the mirror are at a second rail system location, and output a mirror adjustment signal for the mirror based upon the first signal and the second signal.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2018Date of Patent: February 16, 2021Assignees: Robert Bosch Tool Corporation, Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Jeremy Rubens, Christopher R. Crowell, Robert W. Ward
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Patent number: 10710751Abstract: A rigging tool for a control surface of an aircraft, including a laser for outputting a low energy laser beam, a target assembly including a plate including a target point, and a support to sustain the target assembly on a surface of a control surface, and a laser platform provided with structure to rest on a surface of a control surface, having backward and forward extremes, the backward extreme being configured to hold the laser, and the forward extreme including a pair of holes at opposite positions aligned with the output of the laser, such that, in operation, when the laser beam passes through the holes and incises in the target point, a neutral position of a control surface is indicated.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2018Date of Patent: July 14, 2020Assignee: Airbus Operations, S.L.Inventors: Alejandro Monleón de la Lluvia Jordá, Alejandro Rosique Gómez
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Patent number: 10386549Abstract: The prism, which is used particularly for optical data communication by means of a modulated light beam, is furnished with a transmissive prism body (60) which has two triangular first side faces (69) on its outer side and a base surface (77) therebetween, and two second side faces rising up from the base surface and inclined toward one another as light incidence and light exit faces (74, 76). The two second side faces (74, 76) are inclined oppositely, relative to an axis (79) running parallel to the base surface (77) and penetrating the planes in which the first side faces (69) lie, and each run at an acute angle (78, 80) to the axis (79) such that reflection radiation is reflected to the side.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2017Date of Patent: August 20, 2019Assignee: Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt e.V.Inventors: Joachim Horwath, Dirk Giggenbach
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Patent number: 10286434Abstract: A method for determining the rolling or guiding gap of the roll stands or guide stands in a multi-stand rolling mill positions a comparison scale at at least one stand, preferably at the first and the last stand, and subsequently the rolling or guiding gap of the respective stand is determined. In this method, a camera is arranged at one of the input or output sides and a transmitter for a reference device, a reference transducer and/or a reference scale is arranged at the other of the input or output sides before the comparison scale is positioned, such that adjustment operations at the camera can subsequently be avoided.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2012Date of Patent: May 14, 2019Assignee: SMS group GmbHInventor: Mark Haverkamp
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Patent number: 10175041Abstract: A measuring head includes a light source unit, a first image pickup element, a second image pickup element, an objective optical system, an optical path splitting element, a common optical path, a first optical path, and a second optical path. The common optical path is located on one side of the optical path splitting element, and the first optical path and a second optical path are located on the other side. The optical path splitting element is disposed at a position where the first optical path and the second optical path intersect. The light source unit and the first image pickup element are disposed at predetermined positions. The second image pickup element is disposed at a position different from the predetermined positions. Each of the predetermined positions is a focal position of the objective optical system or a position conjugate to the focal position of the objective optical system.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2017Date of Patent: January 8, 2019Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATIONInventors: Kanato Adachi, Terumasa Morita
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Patent number: 9995570Abstract: Disclosed are in-line apparatuses, systems and methods for measuring a physical characteristic of a constant supply of an ophthalmic device, the apparatuses including: an interferometer; an automatic alignment system that positions the interferometer or ophthalmic device; and a central processing unit in communication with the automatic alignment system and receiving measurements from the interferometer. The in-line apparatus measures the desired physical dimensions of the ophthalmic device in real time. In-line systems, apparatuses and methods for measuring a physical characteristic of an ophthalmic device can include: a camera imaging an actual position of a feature of the ophthalmic device; a vibration resistant interferometer projecting a surface measurement beam having a wavelength that transmits through a beam splitter onto the ophthalmic device; and an automatic alignment system positioning the interferometer and the camera.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2015Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.Inventors: Catie A. Morley, Leslie A. Voss, Magnus Akerstrom, Kenneth L. Cagle, Charles Albanese
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Patent number: 9981566Abstract: An electric vehicle receives electric power, in a non-contact manner, from an electric power transmitting coil provided externally to the vehicle. The electric vehicle includes an electric power receiving unit that is disposed at a bottom of the vehicle and receives electric power from the electric power transmitting unit via electromagnetic field resonance; a camera that captures an image of the outside; and a display unit that displays an outside view from the vehicle that is captured by the camera. The electric power receiving unit is disposed at a position that is offset toward a peripheral face, on which the camera is disposed, with respect to the center of the bottom in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2015Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Shinji Ichikawa
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Patent number: 9975442Abstract: An apparatus and method for containing and charging an unmanned VTOL aircraft are disclosed. The apparatus for containing and charging an unmanned VTOL aircraft includes a post, an extended member, a cover, a fastening unit, and a charging unit. The post is placed on a ground. The extended member is connected to the post. The cover is provided on the extended member, and is configured to be opened or closed in order to contain and protect the unmanned VTOL aircraft. The fastening unit is provided in the cover, and is configured to fasten the unmanned VTOL aircraft. The charging unit is provided in the fastening unit, and is configured to charge the unmanned VTOL aircraft.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2017Date of Patent: May 22, 2018Assignee: KOREA AEROSPACE RESEARCH INSTITUTEInventors: Sang-Cherl Lee, Hae-Dong Kim, Hyeon-Cheol Gong, Gi-Hyuk Choi, In-Hee Hwang, Byong-Suk Suk
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Patent number: 9851578Abstract: Aiming systems are provided for use with a particle projection device. Such aiming systems may have a housing mountable to the particle projection device for movement therewith, a window defining a field of view when in a first orientation and a second field of view when in a second orientation. A first reticle image is visible in the window when the housing and particle projection device are at the first orientation with the first reticle image representative of a projection path of the particles in the first field of view. A second reticle image is visible in the window when the housing and particle projection device are at the second orientation with the second reticle image being representative of a projection path of the particles in the second field of view.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2016Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignee: Lasermax IncInventors: William Houde-Walter, Christopher A. Gagliano
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Patent number: 9838139Abstract: Optical communication systems and methods using coherently combined optical beams are disclosed. A representative system includes a first mirror having a first actuator for adjusting a position of the first mirror in a path of a first optical beam and a first optical detector for receiving light reflected from the first mirror. The system also includes a second mirror having a second actuator for adjusting a position of the second mirror in a path of a second optical beam and a second optical detector for receiving light reflected from the second mirror. The system includes an interferometer for measuring an interference between the first and second optical beams and a third optical detector for receiving light from the second interfered optical beam. Intensity of the first interfered optical beam is increased by the interference, and intensity of the second interfered optical beam is decreased by the interference.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2015Date of Patent: December 5, 2017Assignee: Facebook, Inc.Inventors: Kevin Michael Birnbaum, Chien-Chung Chen
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Patent number: 9766326Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a laser tracker for continuous tracking of a target, with a beam source for generating measuring radiation, a base defining a vertical axis and a support, wherein the support is pivotable by motor power about the vertical axis relative to the base and thereby a horizontal pivot angle is defined. The tracker further comprises a beam directing unit pivotable by motor power, which defines a vertical pivot angle for orienting the measuring radiation and for receiving measuring radiation, an angle measuring functionality for determining the horizontal pivot angle and the vertical pivot angle, a distance measuring functionality and a photosensitive surface detector for detecting an incidence position of the reflected measuring radiation. The base has a self-calibration unit with a first retroreflective reference target and an optical assembly functioning as a reducing lens.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2013Date of Patent: September 19, 2017Assignee: LEICA GEOSYSTEMS AGInventors: Thomas Lüthi, Manfred Küpfer
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Patent number: 9696499Abstract: Optical switch for adjustable deflection of a light beam from the direction of an input point in the direction of one of several output points. The optical switch includes a switching mirror sensitive to changes in environmental conditions, such as temperature fluctuations. Also included is a rotatable capturing mirror, two beam splitters, and two spatially-resolving detectors. Both mirrors can be rotated around respective axes. A front beam splitter for the partial coupling of the light beam at the front detector that is optically positioned between the capturing mirror and the switching mirror, while the back beam splitter for the partial decoupling of the light beam at the back detector is arranged optically between the switching mirror and each of the output positions. A control unit is adapted to control the drive of the switching mirror on the basis of a signal from the back detector.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2014Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: Carl Zeiss Microscopy GmbHInventors: Stefan Wilhelm, Michel Stutz
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Patent number: 9348111Abstract: An optical apparatus includes an image sensor, which outputs a signal responsively to an optical image formed on the image sensor. Objective optics focus optical radiation from an object so as to form the optical image on the image sensor, while superimposing a characteristic structure on the optical image. A processor processes the signal so as to generate an electronic image of the object while detecting, responsively to the characteristic structure, a deviation in an alignment of the objective optics relative to the image sensor.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2011Date of Patent: May 24, 2016Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Yohan Yehouda Cohen, Alexander Shpunt, Benny Pesach, Ronen Deitch
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Patent number: 9289833Abstract: An accessory that can be connected to a machine drill is provided. A projector is provided to project a first light spot and a second light spot to a work piece to be processed. A camera is provided to record the first light spot and the second light spot in an image. A processing device is provided to determine an incline of the machine drill in reference to the work piece, based on a first distance of the first light spot from a reference point recorded in the image and a second distance of the second light spot from the reference point recorded in the image. A display device is coupled to the processing device and displays the determined incline. The light spots may be embodied punctual or planar.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2011Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: HILTI AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventors: Peer Schmidt, Roland Schaer, Alexander Liniger, David Leuzinger
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Patent number: 9046347Abstract: The overall field of the invention is that of systems for detecting the posture of a moving object in space. The device according to the invention comprises: a fixed electrooptical device comprising a point emission source, a telecentric lens comprising a projection lens, a reception lens and a semireflective optical element and a photosensitive matrix-type sensor, the point emission source being arranged at the common focal point of the projection lens and of the reception lens by reflection or transmission through the semireflective optical element, and; an assembly comprising at least three corner cube retroreflectors which are arranged on the moving object. The main application of this device is the detection of the orientation of an aircraft pilot helmet.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2012Date of Patent: June 2, 2015Assignee: ThalesInventors: Bruno Barbier, Laurent Potin, Siegfried Rouzes
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Patent number: 9045950Abstract: A laser alignment device for a drill rig having an elongate drill rod, the laser alignment device including a head unit having at least a pair of laser emitting devices mounted independently to one another thereon, each of the laser devices movable in one plane only and oriented in substantially opposite directions to one another, an attachment means to attach the head unit to a drill rig and a length adjustable assembly to adjust the separation distance between the head unit and the drill rod, wherein the alignment device is used to align at least the azimuth of the drill rod relative to survey marks.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2009Date of Patent: June 2, 2015Assignee: PRECISION ALIGNMENT HOLDINGS PTY LTDInventor: Jordan O'Reilly
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Publication number: 20150015873Abstract: An inner diameter measuring device, comprising an image pickup unit (2) provided at a base end of a frame unit (6) and for picking up an image of a forward end side, a centering unit (4) provided at a forward end of the frame unit, a laser beam diffusing unit (5) provided on the centering unit and at a forward end side of the centering unit via a light transmitting window, a laser beam emitting unit (3) provided on a base end side of the centering unit, and a cone mirror (51) provided on the laser beam diffusing unit and having a conical reflection surface at a forward end, wherein a center line of the cone mirror coincides with an optical axis of the image pickup unit, and the centering unit is adapted to adjust a posture of the image pickup unit so that a laser beam (17) projected from the laser beam emitting unit enters a vertex of the cone mirror.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2013Publication date: January 15, 2015Inventors: Michiko Baba, Kouzou Hasegawa, Kiyofumi Fujimura, Toshihiro Hayashi, Norimasa Taga
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Patent number: 8866870Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for controlling from a first location a laser at a second location are disclosed. Laser orientation data is determined at a first location. The laser orientation data is communicated to the second location. Video data is received from the second location that includes imagery of a laser beam emitted by a laser, and the imagery is presented on a display at the first location.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2011Date of Patent: October 21, 2014Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventor: David A. Smith
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Patent number: 8848175Abstract: A test system for a multi-mode fiber comprises a launching device that is configured to generate optical pulses and has a rest position. A centering system is operable to move the launching device in a circular motion having a center corresponding to the rest position and a diameter corresponding to a core diameter of the multi-mode fiber. The centering system is further operable to adjust a position of the multi-mode fiber relative to the launching device while the launching device is moving in the circle until an optical power coupled from the launching device into the multi-mode fiber is below a threshold. The centering system optically centers the launching device with the multi-mode fiber by fixing the position of the multi-mode fiber responsive to the optical power coupled from the launching device into the multi-mode fiber being below the threshold and returning the launching device to the rest position.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2011Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: CommScope, Inc. of North CarolinaInventor: Abhijit Sengupta
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Patent number: 8842269Abstract: A beam deflection device including an aluminum disc containing a plurality of lasers, each laser projecting a laser beam substantially along one of the ‘X’, ‘Y’, and ‘Z’ axes of a structural beam to which the device is attached. Wiring is attached to each of the plurality of lasers to provide power and transmit data. Passageways are provided in the solid disc to route the wiring to the exterior. A suction cup on a surface of the device allows it to be attached to the beam by pressing the device against a flat surface area of the beam.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2011Date of Patent: September 23, 2014Inventor: Nicolai Taylor Blankers
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Patent number: 8804135Abstract: A method of measuring attitude angles of a tongue of a head suspension, the tongue including a fitting face on which a plurality of electrodes are arranged, emits a single collimated laser beam to an area of a fitting face containing at least two of electrodes, detects a reflected beam from the fitting face, extracts electrode reflective components corresponding to the electrodes from the reflected beam, and according to the electrode reflective components, measures the attitude angles of the tongue.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2012Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Assignee: NHK Spring Co., Ltd.Inventors: Akio Mashima, Kenichiro Nakano, Shinichi Gotoh, Yasushi Nasuno
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Patent number: 8760641Abstract: A method for determining the alignment of a pair of vehicle wheels includes the steps of positioning a beam projecting device consecutively on each wheel, in the same angular relationship to the wheel, and projecting a beam to a receptor, which is located in a predetermined angular relationship the other wheel. The projecting device, the receptor or both is utilized to determine the angle between the beams and the angle is related to the alignment of the pair of wheels; the receptor being maintained in the same position for each beam projection.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2010Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Inventor: Terence Peter Grogan
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Patent number: 8692995Abstract: An optical system for testing IR or UV sensors, comprises input optics, output optics having a reticule disposed on the associated optical axis, a radiation source which emits radiation in the visual spectral region and in the infrared or ultraviolet spectral regions, and a beam splitter for simultaneously visualizing an object scene illuminated by the radiation source with the reticule through the output optics into the eye of an observer. The input optics comprise a lens, the imaging properties of which in the visual spectral region are equal to the imaging properties in the infrared or ultraviolet spectral region, and the beam splitter is a dichroic beam splitter.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2009Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: EADS Deutschland GmbHInventor: Jochen Barth
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Patent number: 8665427Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are disclosed for testing the boresight of a gimbaled camera and laser system, such as an infrared countermeasures (IRCM) system, in extreme environments. Light simulating a target is reflected through an optics system to the camera, with a portion of the light reflected back from a corner cube reflector through the optics system as a reference. A laser beam from the laser is received through the same optics system, and a position of the corner cube reflected reference and laser beam are compared in order to determine whether the camera and laser are properly aligned. A spherical shell adapted to position the camera at its geometric center keeps misaligned laser pulses from reflecting back into the camera.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2013Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: DRS RSTA, Inc.Inventors: Daniel D. Young, Dharmesh G. Panchal, Alan A. Rakes
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Publication number: 20140036258Abstract: An optical transmission line connection system includes a light source unit that outputs laser light, a pump light generation unit that allows the laser light outputted from the light source unit to pass through one end of an optical transmission line and be made incident on one end of another optical transmission line as pump light, a measurement unit that measures non-linear scattered light components contained in reflected light, and a control unit that evaluates a spectrum of the non-linear scattered components observed by the measurement unit, and controls positions of optical axes of the one end of the one optical transmission line and the one end of the other optical transmission line so as to position the optical axes and maximize an intensity of the non-linear scattered light components.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 6, 2012Publication date: February 6, 2014Applicant: TOKYO INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGYInventors: Kentaro Nakamura, Yosuke Mizuno
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Patent number: 8531657Abstract: This document discusses apparatus and methods for aligning and centering an articulated laser projection system. In an example, a laser projection system can include an alignment stabilization system configured to align an optical path to a reference and a centration stabilization system configured to center the optical path within an aperture. The alignment stabilization system can have an alignment stabilization processing path configured to receive alignment information from an alignment sensor, and the centration stabilization system can have a centration stabilization processing path configured to receive centration information from a centration sensor.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2011Date of Patent: September 10, 2013Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventors: Ernest Dean Fasse, Frederick B. Koehler, Peter Val Messina
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Patent number: 8514382Abstract: A method and optical device measures the rotation of an object, including a light source emitting a collimated incident light beam, and a reflecting plane optical interface to be fastened to the object and forming a first reflected beam. The device includes a corner reflector fastened to the object, and having reflecting plane faces forming a second reflected beam, and a detection system capable of measuring the displacement ?1 of the first reflected beam, and the displacement ?2 of the second reflected beam. A processing system calculates, as a function of ?1 and of the distance D1 between the detection system and the reflecting plane optical interface, and of the measurement of ?2 and of the distance D2 between the detection system and the corner reflector, a measurement of the rotation ? of the object between an initial position and a measurement position.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2009Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies AlternativesInventor: Olivier Bach
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Patent number: 8477300Abstract: An optical device that may include a sighting portion including an optical axis; an electromagnetic beam source coupled to said sighting portion, electromagnetic beam source facilitates generating a source beam including an axis that is substantially parallel to said optical axis; an optical surface coupled to said electromagnetic beam source; and a frequency filter coupled within said sighting portion.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2011Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Assignee: Cardinal Scientific, Inc.Inventors: Stanley Albert Moroz, Duane Allen Burchick, Sr., Andrew Paul Brosky
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Patent number: 8416411Abstract: Pulley alignment apparatus for aligning pulleys when the operating position of a variable sheave pulley of a pulley system has changed is provided. The pulley alignment apparatus has an adjustable laser light unit that can be adjusted to compensate for the resulting displacement of the centerline of the variable sheave pulley when the operating position is changed. The pulley alignment apparatus also has a set of gauges for determining the operating position of a variable sheave pulley and determining if a belt is adequate for the variable sheave pulley at the operating position.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2010Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Inventor: Pius Ileogben
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Patent number: 8400625Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are disclosed for testing the boresight of a gimbaled camera and laser system, such as an infrared countermeasures (IRCM) system, in extreme environments. Light simulating a target is reflected through an optics system to the camera, with a portion of the light reflected back from a corner cube reflector through the optics system as a reference. A laser beam from the laser is received through the same optics system, and a position of the corner cube reflected reference and laser beam are compared in order to determine whether the camera and laser are properly aligned. A spherical shell adapted to position the camera at its geometric center keeps misaligned laser pulses from reflecting back into the camera.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2012Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: DRS RSTA, Inc.Inventors: Daniel D. Young, Dharmesh G. Panchal, Alan A. Rakes
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Patent number: 8395764Abstract: Device for measuring the line of sight jitter of an optical instrument mounted on an optical platform, includes: an optical measurement path primarily common with the observation path of the optical instrument, a light measurement source arranged essentially at one end of the optical observation path, a detector for measuring the optical beam coming from the light measurement source, arranged such that this beam has passed through the optical observation path at least once, at least one collimation mirror designed for the reflection of the optical beam, arranged essentially on the optical observation path, essentially at the other end of the optical observation path, relative to the light measurement source, whereby this mirror is isolated by at least one passive isolator of lateral vibrations (i.e., inducing a rotation of the perpendicular line of the mirror) generated by the optical platform in a predetermined frequency range.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2010Date of Patent: March 12, 2013Assignee: Astrium SASInventors: Ludovic Vaillon, Stephane Deyber
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Patent number: 8384913Abstract: The invention provides a measuring method for installing a measuring rod 6 in a predetermined relation with respect to a coordinate system set to a mobile object 1, for transcribing a predetermined position of the measuring rod on a ground surface where the mobile object is set, for transcribing a measuring point of an object to be measured as set on the mobile object to the ground surface, for measuring a distance on the ground surface between the transcribed predetermined position and the transcribed measuring point, for obtaining a relation between the measuring point and the measuring rod on the ground based on a result of distance measurement, and for obtaining a position on a horizontal coordinate plane in the coordinate system of the measuring point based on the obtained relation and on the relation with the measuring rod with respect to the coordinate system, and the invention also provides a method for measuring a vertical distance between the predetermined position and the ground surface and a vertiType: GrantFiled: September 28, 2010Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha TOPCONInventors: You Sasaki, Kazuhiro Ogawa, Takaaki Yamazaki, Shigeyuki Yamaguchi, Ryousuke Miyoshi
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Patent number: 8378279Abstract: A portable integrated laser optical target tracker and designator (PILOTT device) in a single housing is provided having a laser designator assembly to produce a focused laser beam that is projected from the housing. A laser energy detector is located in the housing that detects reflected laser energy from any designation source (ground or airborne based), provides steering information, decodes the laser's frequency, and is used as a range finding receiver. The location of the laser energy provides automatic field alignment of the laser designator. An optical magnification scope is mounted in the housing and has an optical field of view that is parallel to and aligned with a beam path defined by the laser beam focusing optics. Any night scope can be added to the system to provide night situational awareness by being shown in the display. A visual electronic display is overlaid with the optical field of view.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2010Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: Fraser-Volpe, LLCInventors: Edward R. Mourar, Mario Carlo, Ilias Syrgabaev
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Patent number: 8366298Abstract: An optical system includes a laser diode, a collimating lens and first and second housing parts. The first housing part retains the collimating lens therein. The second housing part engages the first housing part to retain the laser diode therebetween. The position of the laser diode is adjustable with respect to the collimating lens in X, Y and Z directions. One or more biasing members are interdisposed between the housing parts in the X direction, the Y direction, and/or the Z direction for biasing the laser diode relative to the collimating lens in the X direction, the Y direction and/or the Z direction. One or more securing members fixedly engage the first and second housing to one another and provide a compression force on the housing parts to maintain the relative position of the laser diode with respect to the collimating lens in the X, Y and Z directions.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2011Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: Garland Christian Misener, Carl Rich, Alan Papale, Roger Hale
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Publication number: 20120300199Abstract: An optical analysis method is provided for judging whether a lens and a sensing element of an image pickup device are parallel with each other. The method utilizes a tested image pickup device and a standard image pickup device to shoot an object at the same fixed shooting position to acquire a standard image frame and a tested image frame. According to the difference between the position coordinate value or the area of at least one mark of the standard image frame and the tested image frame, the method can judge whether the tested lens and the tested sensing element of the tested image pickup device are parallel with each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2011Publication date: November 29, 2012Applicant: PRIMAX ELECTRONICS LTD.Inventors: Szu-Hao Lyu, Chien-Nan Yu
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Patent number: 8275192Abstract: An apparatus for axially aligning a first coupling member and a second coupling member that can be connected so as to form a rotating assembly. The apparatus includes a measurement arrangement configured to be mounted onto the first coupling member and to be rotated therewith. The measurement arrangement includes an emitter arrangement configured to emit first and second signals in the direction of the second coupling member so as to cause at least a portion of said first and second signals to be reflected by the second coupling member. The measurement apparatus further has a capture arrangement configured to capture at least a portion of the first and second reflected signals. The apparatus includes a control arrangement configured to determine an offset in axial alignment between the first and second coupling member based on at least the first and second reflected signals.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2008Date of Patent: September 25, 2012Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Nader W. Ktami, Paul C. Pawelski
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Patent number: 8218136Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and method for recognizing a home position of a rotatable body. The apparatus includes: a tray including a support surface on which the rotatable body can be seated; a rotatable body position alignment unit for controlling the position of the rotatable body so that the rotatable body is aligned to be in a predetermined position when the rotatable body is seated on the support surface of the tray; a motor including a motor shaft that rotates by power supply, and a turntable that can be coupled with the rotatable body and rotates the rotatable body; and an encoder that is connected to the motor shaft and generates signals for measuring a rotational angle and a rotational direction of the motor shaft.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2009Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kyu-tae Kang, Jong-gun Lee
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Publication number: 20120171643Abstract: An alignment device is provided for a weapon that generates a simulation beam and an alignment beam that is used to properly align the simulation beam with the weapon's sight. The device can be secured to the weapon during the alignment process, after which it can be removed. The device includes a housing that can be mounted on the weapon so that its optical receiving port intersects both the optical alignment beam generated by the optical transmitter and the sighting axis of the weapon's sight. The optical receiving port includes an optical arrangement for receiving the alignment beam and focusing it on a projection screen located inside the housing. An image of the alignment beam on the projection screen can be viewed through the sight by a user. The alignment beam is parallel to the simulation beam. Thus, by centering the alignment beam in the sight, the alignment beam, and hence the simulation beam, will be properly aligned.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 3, 2011Publication date: July 5, 2012Applicant: LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATIONInventors: Peter Reardon, Steven Preston, Jan J. Ksel, Thomas Penner
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Publication number: 20120051057Abstract: An optical system includes a laser diode, a collimating lens and first and second housing parts. The first housing part retains the collimating lens therein. The second housing part engages the first housing part to retain the laser diode therebetween. The position of the laser diode is adjustable with respect to the collimating lens in X, Y and Z directions. One or more biasing members are interdisposed between the housing parts in the X direction, the Y direction, and/or the Z direction for biasing the laser diode relative to the collimating lens in the X direction, the Y direction and/or the Z direction. One or more securing members fixedly engage the first and second housing to one another and provide a compression force on the housing parts to maintain the relative position of the laser diode with respect to the collimating lens in the X, Y and Z directions.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 21, 2011Publication date: March 1, 2012Applicant: IDEXX LABORATORIES, INC.Inventors: Garland Christian Misener, Carl Rich, Alan Papale, Roger Hale
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Patent number: 8125630Abstract: A tracking system includes an emitter array configured to emit radiation around a subject to be tracked in at least one dimension wherein each emitter or group of emitters is modulated to permit identification of a source of the radiation. A receiver is configured to receive the radiation from the emitter array, wherein one of the emitter array and the receiver are located on the subject to be tracked. A processor is configured to interpret changes in radiation and correlate the changes to a device position to output a device position control signal.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2005Date of Patent: February 28, 2012Assignee: GVBB Holdings S.A.R.L.Inventors: Stephen Robert Wood, Robert D. Umberhant
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Publication number: 20120019811Abstract: An optical device that may include a sighting portion including an optical axis; an electromagnetic beam source coupled to said sighting portion, electromagnetic beam source facilitates generating a source beam including an axis that is substantially parallel to said optical axis; an optical surface coupled to said electromagnetic beam source; and a frequency filter coupled within said sighting portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2011Publication date: January 26, 2012Applicant: Cardinal Scientific, Inc.Inventors: STANLEY ALBERT MOROZ, DUANE ALLEN BURCHICK, SR., ANDREW PAUL BROSKY
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Publication number: 20110303820Abstract: A method for optimizing the alignment of an optical package includes directing a beam spot of a laser along a folded optical path and onto a waveguide portion of a wavelength conversion. The output intensity of the wavelength conversion device is measured as a position of an adjustable optical component is adjusted about a first scanning axis and a second scanning axis thereby traversing the beam spot along a first and second scan lines on the waveguide portion of the wavelength conversion device. The change in the output intensity of the wavelength conversion device is then determined based on the adjusted position of the adjustable optical component. The adjustable optical component is then positioned on the first scanning axis and the second scanning axis based on the determined changes in the output intensity of the wavelength conversion device such that the output intensity of the wavelength conversion device is maximized.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2010Publication date: December 15, 2011Inventors: Jacques Gollier, Garrett Andrew Piech, Daniel Ohen Ricketts
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Patent number: 8059991Abstract: A control unit calculates a difference between a displacement of a belt detected by an encoder and a predetermined target value, calculates a pulse frequency of a driving pulse signal based on a feedback control based on the difference and a feed-forward control based on a reference driving pulse frequency, sets a control range of the feedback control to be equal to or smaller than a frequency of one rotation of a driven roller, and controls driving of a pulse motor such that the belt moves at a constant speed.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2008Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Assignee: Ricoh Company, LimitedInventors: Toshiyuki Andoh, Hiromichi Matsuda, Satoru Tao, Noritaka Masuda, Yuji Uozaki, Yuichi Hirose
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Patent number: 8054456Abstract: An optical device that may include a sighting portion including an optical axis; an electromagnetic beam source coupled to said sighting portion, electromagnetic beam source facilitates generating a source beam including an axis that is substantially parallel to said optical axis; an optical surface coupled to said electromagnetic beam source; and a frequency filter coupled within said sighting portion.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2010Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Assignee: Cardinal Scientific, Inc.Inventors: Stanley Albert Moroz, Duane Allen Burchick, Sr., Andrew Paul Brosky
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Patent number: 8049876Abstract: An object, such as a robotically controlled television camera undergoes alignment with a reflective target by directing a coherent beam of radiation, e.g., a laser beam, into an opening in an enclosure having a reflective interior such that the radiation strikes a reflector in axial alignment with the enclosure opening. Upon striking the target, the beam undergoes reflection through the enclosure opening back to the object for detection. Alignment between the object and the target occurs when substantially all of the radiation undergoes reflection from the target to the object.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2007Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Assignee: GVBB Holdings S.A.R.L.Inventor: Scott Raymond Matics
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Patent number: 7960712Abstract: The switching element of the present invention includes: an ion conduction layer (4) in which metal ions can move freely; a first electrode (1) that contacts the ion conduction layer (4); and a second electrode (2) that contacts the ion conduction layer (4), that is formed such that the ion conduction layer (4) is interposed between the first electrode (1) and the second electrode (2), and that supplies metal ions to the ion conduction layer (4) or that receives metal ions from the ion conduction layer (4) to cause precipitation of the metal that corresponds to the metal ions. An introduction path (5) composed of the metal and of a prescribed width is further provided on the ion conduction layer (4) for electrically connecting the first electrode (1) and the second electrode (2).Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2005Date of Patent: June 14, 2011Assignee: NEC CorporationInventors: Toshitsugu Sakamoto, Hisao Kawaura
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Publication number: 20110102778Abstract: A geometric error measuring device includes a measuring module and at least one (quadrant) photodiode. The measuring module has an emitting deice, which may emit at least one light ray; the photodiode may receive the incident ray. Also, the trajectory of the incident ray is parallel with the direction of measurement. If there is no geometric error, the position of the incident light ray will coincide with the position of the measured light ray. If there is a geometric error, the position of the measured light ray will not coincide with the position of the incident light ray. After the data are processed and calculated, geometric errors in straightness, squareness and rotational angles (pitch, yaw and roll) may be obtained. These geometric errors may then be corrected in the setup of a machine.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2009Publication date: May 5, 2011Inventors: Wen-Yuh Jywe, Teng-Yu Yang, Tung-Hui Hsu
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Publication number: 20110032520Abstract: An optical device that may include a sighting portion including an optical axis; an electromagnetic beam source coupled to said sighting portion, electromagnetic beam source facilitates generating a source beam including an axis that is substantially parallel to said optical axis; an optical surface coupled to said electromagnetic beam source; and a frequency filter coupled within said sighting portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2010Publication date: February 10, 2011Applicant: Cardinal Scientific, Inc.Inventors: Stanley Albert Moroz, Duane Allen Burchick, SR., Andrew Paul Brosky
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Publication number: 20100315622Abstract: A lens mounting assembly includes a lens barrel with a first lens assembly. A lens mount includes an image sensor, and the lens barrel matingly connects with the lens mount in a manner which allows the first lens assembly to be moved along an optical axis to adjust a focus on the image sensor. A second lens assembly is provided for adjusting the focus on the image sensor during use of the lens.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2010Publication date: December 16, 2010Applicant: STMicroelectronics (Research & Development) LimitedInventor: Colin Campbell