Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining local de-focus problems on a real time basis in a wafer exposure system. The distance of a wafer from an objective lens and rotation of the wafer about two orthogonal axis at each field position is adjusted to achieve optimum focus for each field of the wafer. The rotational data is fed to a computer and analyzed to determine if any of the rotational angles or if the difference between individual rotational angle and the mean rotational angle exceed critical angles. If any of the critical angles are exceeded local de-focus will occur and the exposure system must be checked for defects. If none of the critical angles are exceeded processing continues with the next wafer. The comparison of the rotational angles to the critical angles is performed for each wafer before continuing with the next wafer so that problems are discovered on a real time basis.

Abstract: A spectroscopic fluid sample cell for the transmission and detection of radiation with the key components being a housing; a centripetal acceleration chamber formed by the housing and extending through the housing for circulating a fluid through the housing over a curvilinear flow path about a rotational axis; a pair of windows aligned along a common axis intersecting a portion of the chamber and parallel to the rotational axis; a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet in communication with the centripetal acceleration chamber; and a flow director positioned in the housing to induce centripetal acceleration on fluid passing through the chamber and establish a radial composition gradient across the fluid chamber has been developed.

Abstract: The outer appearance of a golf ball (1) having a multiplicity of dimples (9) in its surface is inspected for detecting a defect (10) on the ball surface, by illuminating light to the golf ball (1), rotating the golf ball at a constant speed in one direction, operating a line sensor camera (4) to take a series of plurality of line images of the ball surface along a line (b) perpendicular to the rotational direction (a), the camera delivering image data including the line images, constructing a two-dimensional image from the image data, converting a brightness change appearing in the two-dimensional image in the rotational direction of the ball into a variation per preset unit, and subjecting the resulting variation data to binary processing on the basis of a threshold set between the variation associated with the dimple (9) and the variation associated with the defect (10), thereby detecting whether or not the defect (10) is present.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for detecting air/cladding and core/cladding interfaces of blanks (13) used to produce optical waveguide fibers are provided. A beam of coherent light (30) is scanning across the blank (13) and spatial light intensity patterns produced thereby (FIG. 5) are detected and analyzed. Air/cladding interfaces correspond to a decrease in the width of a unimodal spatial light intensity pattern as the beam moves towards the center of the blank (FIGS. 5A and 5B). Core/cladding interfaces correspond to the onset of an at least bimodal spatial light intensity pattern as the beam moves towards the center of the blank (FIGS. 5D and 5E). By rotating the blank and repeating the measurement process at two or more angular positions, concentricity and ellipticity values for a blank can be determined.

Abstract: An optical assaying method and system having a movable sensor is described. In one aspect, the present invention is a sensing system having a rotating sensor disk coated with indicator dyes sensitized to a variety of substances. In this configuration the sensing system further includes a detector for sensing spectral changes in light received from one or more of the indicator dyes. In another aspect, the present invention is a sensing system having a surface plasmon resonance sensor disk having grooves extending radially from a center of the disk. In yet another aspect, the present invention is a sensing system including a diffraction anomaly sensor disk having a dielectric layer that varies in thickness. The present invention allows for construction of an inexpensive sensing system that is capable of easily detecting a variety of substances either in a sample or a surrounding environment.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the height and diameter of laser-zone texture bumps on a rigid magnetic disk substrate is disclosed. The apparatus has a disk holder for supporting and rotating the substrate, and an optical beam-source assembly for directing a focused laser beam on the substrate, and for shifting the position of the beam's illumination spot on the substrate in a tracking (radial) direction. An optical detection assembly in the apparatus measures the deflection of the laser beam due to specular reflection of the beam by laser-zone texture bumps, as a function of time, in both scanning (circumferential) and tracking directions.

Abstract: A spectroscopic fluid sample apparatus for the transmission and detection of radiation with the key components being a housing; a helical bore formed by the housing and extending through the housing for conducting the sample fluid through the bore to induce centripetal acceleration on the sample fluid and establish a radial composition gradient across the sample fluid in the bore; a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet each in fluid communication with the helical bore; and a spectroscopic sample interface in fluid communication with the fluid outlet has been developed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new synchronized optical method for measuring surface pressure on rotating objects such as propellers or other rotating objects. The technique is based on the phenomenon of oxygen quenching of luminescence coatings and synchronized optical imaging. A surface coating, referred to as a pressure sensitive paint (PSP), is formed by mixing photo-luminescence molecules in an oxygen permeable polymer. The luminescence excited by an appropriate light source decreases as the oxygen concentration rises due to quenching. As a result, the luminescence intensity of light emitted from the coating varies as a function of the partial pressure of oxygen. A digital camera measures the luminescence intensity distribution over the object and the pressure distribution can be computed.

Abstract: A polishing apparatus polishes a workpiece such as a semiconductor wafer while detecting a thickness or a flatness of a surface layer of the workpiece on a real-time basis. The polishing apparatus includes a turntable with a polishing cloth mounted on an upper surface thereof, and a top ring disposed above the turntable for supporting a workpiece to be polished and such workpiece against the polishing cloth. The polishing apparatus also has a thickness detector for detecting the thickness of a surface layer of the workpiece supported by the top ring while the workpiece is being polished without exposing the workpiece. The thickness detector includes a sensor mounted in the turntable and including at least one light-emitting element for emitting light toward the surface layer of the workpiece and at least one light-detecting element for detecting light reflected from the surface layer of the workpiece.

Abstract: System and method for determining displacement or alteration of flexible media under different operating conditions. The system includes a reference pattern which is projected onto the surface of the flexible media. The modes of displacement can then be visualized by viewing the reference pattern reflected from the surface of the flexible media.

Abstract: A method and structure for analysis of the size and/or distribution of low-density particles by centrifugal sedimentation in a centrifuge chamber containing a fluid where the particles to be tested are delivered to the bottom of the centrifuge chamber and allowed to float upwards in the higher density fluid within the centrifuge chamber to be analyzed.

Abstract: An analytical apparatus comprises a biosensor device (3) which forms the base of a sample chamber. A stirrer (8) extends into the sample chamber and moves within the chamber so as to homogenize a sample contained within the chamber in contact with the biosensor (3). Movement of the stirrer (8) is preferably reciprocal movement along an axis perpendicular to the surface of the biosensor (3).

Abstract: An undesirable protrusion on a golf ball is automatically detected by means of an optical system. Light (5) is illuminated to a selected position (3) on the spherical surface of a golf ball (1a) in a tangential direction. The ball (1a) is rotated in line with the light illuminating direction. A line sensor camera (6) is operated to take a line image of the spherical surface in the vicinity of the selected position and along a line perpendicular to the light illuminating direction. A two-dimensional image is constructed from image data of the camera. An abnormal brightness change which appears in the two-dimensional image as a result of an undesirable protrusion (9a, 9b) on the spherical surface shutting out the light (5) is detected, thereby detecting the presence of the undesirable protrusion.

Abstract: A striation monitor and display system (10) is provided which includes a positional location mechanism (20) for locating a substantially cylindrically contoured object such as a bullet (14). The bullet or object (14) is inserted within a collet mechanism (48) mounted above a cup member (44) containing a compliant matrix (46). A portion of the object (14) is inserted along an axis line (24) of the rotating cup (44). A line scan camera (62) is focused on a section of the object (14) and frame speed is synchronized with the rotation of the rotating cup (44). Synchronization is accomplished by a closed feedback loop between a motor/encoder integral combination (58/60) and a processor system (72) for maintaining synchronization between images photographed by line scan camera (62) and rotational speed of motor (58).

Abstract: In order to classify cylindrical nuclear-fuel pellets automatically, they are rotated about their axis. A flat beam is focused onto a nominal generatrix of the pellet. The returned light coming from an elongate zone, this being the zone illuminated on a defect-free pellet, is collected. The intensity is detected, point by point, along the zone and the defects are deduced from the variations in the intensity. To this end, the points of each zone are determined in which the intensity of the returned light lies between two adjustable normality thresholds, the transition points are stored in memory, and the limits of each defect and its type are determined by neighborhood analysis.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for the inspection of the edges of multiple semiconductor wafers at the same time. The wafers are held in a cassette and a columnar beam of light is projected tangentially to an upper edge portion of the wafers. Visual detection of back scattering of light from the edge of any of the wafers reveals the edge defect. Rotation of the wafers using the apparatus permits the entire circumference of the wafers to be inspected. The apparatus holds the wafers in such a way as to protect their polished surfaces during the inspection process.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring the de-watering performance of a forming section of a papermaking machine is disclosed which includes a laser instrument having a laser displacement meter laterally spaced and supported above an upper run of a paper forming fabric having a paper stock deposited thereon. A head box deposits paper stock consisting of a water/fiber mixture on top of the upper run. An adjustable C-shaped carrier stand has an upper leg that supports the laser instrument above the upper run of the forming fabric. The carrier stand has a lower leg to support a baseline contact device below the upper run of the forming fabric. The laser displacement meter is disposed at a laser reference position above the forming fabric so that a laser beam is reflected off of the paper stock which is deposited on top of the forming fabric.

Abstract: A device for inspecting the filter end face of a filter cigarette is provided with an optical sensor having an aperture ring for emitting a measuring light toward the filter end face and receiving the light reflected from the filter end face and outputting a detection signal corresponding to the luminous energy of the reflected light, a hood for covering the aperture ring of the optical sensor, a plurality of injection holes for injecting compressed air into the hood, and a processing unit for determining whether the filter end face is normal or not in accordance with the detection signal output from the optical sensor.

Abstract: Apparatus for testing matrixes for manufacturing optical storage media, with a holding device for the matrix displaceable in a rotary manner and an opto-electronic sensing system for reading the data stored on the matrix, where between the matrix (3) and the sensing system (4) a cover (6) configured as a rigid, transparent plate moved together with the holding device (2) and the matrix (3) is provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for the detection of surface defects on cylindrical objects which includes means for conveying the objects to be inspected one-by-one each on its end to a first inspection station, means for inspecting the free end of each object as it passes through the first inspection station, means for conveying the objects one-by-one each on its side to a second inspection station the means for tipping the objects from their ends to their sides, means for rotating each object whilst passing it on its side through the second inspection station, means for inspecting the curved surface of each object as it passes through the second inspection station, means for conveying the objects one-by-one to a third inspection station the said means including means for tipping the objects onto their end inspected at the first inspection station and means for inspecting the free end of each object as it passes through the third inspection station.

Abstract: A surface flaw detecting apparatus of workpiece fast in flaw detecting speed, significantly shortened in the line cycle time, and simple and inexpensive in structure. By means of a control device, while a work rotating device is rotating a work about its axial line, a cleaning device remove soiling from the surface of the work, and its surface is illuminated by a lighting device, and its reflected light is detected by a line sensor camera, and presence or absence of flaw on the work surface is judged by a judging device from the result of detection. This series of measuring operation is done while the work makes a full revolution about its axial line, and hence as compared with other optical measurement, the measuring time may be shortened remarkably.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring the de-watering performance of a forming section of a papermaking machine is disclosed which includes a laser instrument assembly having first and second laser displacement meters laterally spaced and supported above an upper run of a paper forming fabric. A head box deposits paper stock consisting of a water/fiber mixture on top of the upper run. An adjustable carrier stand supports the laser instrument assembly above the upper run of the forming fabric. The first laser displacement meter is disposed in a first position above the forming fabric so that a laser beam of the first laser meter is reflected off of the paper stock which is deposited on top of the forming fabric. The second laser displacement meter is disposed in a second position above said forming fabric so that a laser beam of the second laser displacement meter is reflected off of a bare edge of the forming fabric.

Abstract: In an appearance examination apparatus for solid article such as capsules, tablets and the like, the solid articles are all oriented in the horizontal direction in the same manner in a plurality of feeding lines while they are transferred from a hopper to a feeding drum, a first restriction drum and a second restriction drum. The solid articles are continuously supplied to an examination drum which intermittently rotates at predetermined time intervals. The solid articles are held in predetermined positions between first and second examination rollers and are always rotated. An image pick-up device observes the entire surface of the solid articles and the inferior articles are removed.

Abstract: A surface inspection apparatus of steel balls and other spherical matter which enables the detection of defects on the surface of the spherical matter placed on a holder 2 by means of an inspection unit 1 comprising a proper number of electromagnetic sensors. The holder 2 possesses a rotatable support 20, and an auxiliary support 23 for supporting the spherical matter together with the support 20. The support 20 possesses a receiving groove 3 formed annularly along the rotating spherical peripheral surface, and this receiving groove 3 can accommodate the vicinity of the bottom of the spherical matter, and by the rotation of the support 20, the spherical matter can be rolled within the receiving groove 3 so that the direction of the spherical matter can be changed, thereby automatically changing the inspection position of the spherical matter.

Abstract: An automated patient sample analysis instrument uses assay cartridges which are pre-loaded with all reactants needed to perform an assay. Photometric measurements are performed on the cartridges while spinning at variable speeds in a centrifuge. Both axial and transverse measurements can be made on the cartridges. Multiple optical channels can be read by single detector. The instrument is well suited for low volume and for use by unskilled individuals. The photometric measurements are made by dividing the width of a measurement window into n intervals, measuring an optical result in one of the n intervals in each of n rotations of the cartridge, repeating the measurement process x times, summing or averaging the x results for each of the n intervals and selecting y of the largest resultant averaged or summed measurements as representative of the maximum measurement for the window.

Abstract: The entire cylindrical surface of a cylindrical object such as a cigarette is optically inspected by first inspecting at least 180.degree. of the circumference of a first side of the surface, and then inspecting at least 180.degree. of the circumference of the other side. Each of the inspection stations illuminates more than 180.degree. of the circumference and images the surface from two angularly spaced directions to ensure that at least 180.degree. of the circumference is seen at each station. Any object having a defective image is automatically rejected from the apparatus, and the images and other statistical information regarding the performance of the system are displayed by the system. The images are formed in such a way as to greatly increase the speed at which the inspection system operates so that it can keep up with the very high rates at which objects such as cigarettes are made in modern machinery (e.g., approximately 10,000 cigarettes per minute).

Abstract: The inspection apparatus for determination of the degree of ellipticity of an optical fiber perform and the eccentricity of the core thereof comprises optical system 12 for projecting a light beam from light source 10 through optical fiber preform 1 to video camera 11; and signal processing circuit 17 for converting the image of the optical fiber preform 1 photographed by the video camera 11 into a numerical value and the apparatus is connected to driving device 14 for rotating the optical fiber preform 1 traversing the optical path of the optical system 12 around the central axis of the preform 1. The curve showing the external shape of the optical fiber preform 1 is represented by the formula: v=(a-b)Sin2.theta. and the line showing the external shape of the core represented by the formula: w=nU Sin.theta.+(n-1)(a-b)Sin(2.theta.+.alpha.). The eccentricity of the core can be calculated from these values.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for accurately, thoroughly and automatically inspecting an optical fiber preform for the presence of bubbles and/or inclusions are herein provided. The inspection apparatus comprises light source 2 for making light rays incident upon the end face 1a of rod-like optical fiber preform 1 as a subject to be inspected, video camera 7 for photographing the side face of the optical fiber preform 1 and image-processing circuit 11 for discriminating and detecting bubbles and/or inclusions present in the preform 1 through processing of image signals outputted from the video camera 7 and inputted to the circuit 11.

Abstract: Three non-contact type displacement sensors are positioned at the vertices of an equilateral triangle and disposed in opposition to an optical flat attached to the tip of a rotating shaft, while the optical flat is rotated at a slight tilt away from parallel. Undulation components synchronized with the rotation are detected from among signals indicating the relative displacement between the optical flat and displacement sensors during rotation, and the individual phase differences are found for two adjacent displacement sensors among the three synchronized components. As a result, three circles can be drawn through the positions of the centers of (two) adjacent displacement sensors, and the position of the center of rotation of the shaft coincides with the coordinates of the point of intersection of the three circles.

Abstract: This apparatus permits the non-destructive examination of entire surfaces for defects and contamination, and can detect microscopically small dot-shaped and linear defects and extremely fine macroscopic non-homogeneous areas. For this purpose, an astigmatic lens system (5) is placed in the optical path between light source (2) and objective (9) which produces a cigar-shaped intermediate image (31), in which the feed offset in scanning the surface (10) depends on the intermediate image (31) and is equal to the length of the intermediate image (31) projected upon this surface (10). A dark-field stop assembly (18) with an adjustable dark-field deflection system (8) is placed in the optical path between the lens system (5) and the objective (9), which projects the light beam (1) after deflection exactly centered at right angles through the objective (9) upon the surface of the object (10). The light reflected by the surface (10) and collected by the objective (9) is projected to a photo detector.

Abstract: This apparatus permits the non-destructive examination of entire surfaces for defects and contamination, and can detect microscopically small dot-shaped and linear defects and extremely fine macroscopic non-homogeneous areas. For this purpose, an adjustable lens system (5) is placed in the optical path between light source (2) and objective (9) which produces various intermediate images (31). A first cigar-shaped intermediate image is used for the first scan of the whole of the surface at a relatively large feed offset, and a second dot-shaped intermediate image is used for a second scan of partial areas of the surface at a small feed offset.A dark-field stop assembly (18) with an adjustable dark-field deflection system (8) is placed in the optical path between the lens system (5) and the objective (9), which projects the light beam (1) after deflection exactly centered at right angles through the objective (9) upon the surface of the object (10).

Abstract: The method and the device are intended to measure the geometrical characteristics of components of optical communication systems comprising a body (1) with nominally cylindrical external surface and an internal element (2) nominally coaxial with body (1). The component is placed in a V-groove (3) and rotated by 360.degree.. A TV-camera (8) detects the curve (4) described by a point of the internal element during the rotation. Numerical analysis of the curve provides, by a single operation, eccentricity of the internal element and non-circularity of the external surface of the body. (FIG.

Abstract: A rapid method for the simultaneous measurement of aggregation or agglutination in plurality of microtest wells or other sample-holding vessels comprises providing a plurality of light beams having discrete focal points adapted to be focused on the contents of a plurality of wells or other vessels and a plurality of photodetectors therefor, directing the light beams through the wells or other vessels and contents thereof, continuously agitating the wells or other vessels and contents thereof with a circular movement effective to permit aggregation or agglutination while preserving the integrity of the material, producing a plurality of output signals from the detectors are proportional to the light absorbencies of the beams as they pass through the wells or other vessels and contents thereof, repeatedly sampling the signals at a predetermined time interval and determining changes in optical densities from the signals obtained after each predetermined time interval by comparing each signal sampled after each p

Abstract: A sample of powder granules flowing through an online conveyor is removed periodically and fed to a supply hopper where a predetermined amount of granules are stored. A small portion of the granules are removed from the supply hopper and continuously fed to the upper surface of a rotary table to form a single layer thereon. The sample on the table is optically sensed to detect foreign particles. The foreign particles are removed and subsequently the good particles are removed and passed to a weighing hopper. The ratio of good product after sensing and the sample in the hopper is calculated to determine the relative amount of foreign particles flowing in the system.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for accurately determining the gel time of oxygen inhibited polymerizable compositions is provided. Gel times in these compositions are related to dissolved oxygen concentration. The inventive method and apparatus use a small diameter capillary tube filled with the composition and sealed thereafter at one end to include an air space between the end of the liquid column and the sealed end of the tube. A pulsed force of air is applied to the unsealed end of the tube which causes the column of liquid and air/liquid interface to move in accordance with the amplitude of the pulsed air force. A motion detector sensor is located at the air/liquid interface. A light source is then applied to the polymerizable column within the tube causing it to gel. Recording equipment appropriately connected to the motion detector sensor visually describes the motion of the air/liquid interface which becomes zero at the gel point.

Abstract: Pictures of an object to be measured are taken from several different positions or aspects by a video camera which is mounted via a two-axis articulating head to the measurement arm of a coordinate-measuring machine. The pictures taken from the different positions or aspects are stored and are evaluated with respect to the coordinates of characteristic points of interest on the surface of the object by the method of space intersection, known from photogrammetry. And, in this connection, the position-measurement values supplied by the scales of the coordinate-measuring machine and the angle-measurement values supplied by the articulating head are used for a calculated determination of the coordinates for each of the points of interest on the surface of the object.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for making a photometric determination regarding the contents of a sample, such as the absorbance characteristic of a blood serum sample. The improvement allows measurements to be taken after a reduced warm-up period and compensates for variations in the lamp intensity during the period over which measurements are taken. A feedback circuit is provided between a reference photodetector and the light source for causing the light source intensity to asymptotically approach a final stable value in a smooth exponential curve. Signal processing means processes outputs of the reference and sample photodetectors taken at different times so as to compensate for variations in the source intensity over the time period during which the outputs are taken. Still further, the photometer allows resonant frequency mixing of the contents of a cuvette while disposed in the photometer by causing the entire optical assembly, in which the cuvette is mounted, to vibrate at its resonant frequency.

Abstract: There is disclosed an inspection apparatus for peripheral surfaces of nuclear fuel pellets which includes a handling unit, an image pick-up device, a judging device and a sorting unit. The handling unit holds a prescribed number of nuclear fuel pellets in a line and rotates the same on their axes. The image pick-up device is disposed adjacent to the handling unit, and picks up image data as to the peripheral surfaces of the nuclear fuel pellets. The judging device is operably connected to the image pick-up device, and analyzes the image data outputted from the image pick-up device to output judging signals. The sorting unit is operably connected to the judging device and separates defective pellets from non-defective pellets based on the judging signals. The sorting unit includes a plurality of sorting members and actuators. The sorting members are disposed adjacent to the handling unit so as to correspond to the nuclear fuel pellets, respectively.

Abstract: In a method for inspecting a magnetic disk cartridge, the state, with which an adhesive agent has been applied as an annular layer onto a flange of a center hub in order to adhere a magnetic disk body and the flange of the center hub to each other, is inspected. A collimated light beam is irradiated to a cross section of the layer of the adhesive agent, which cross section is taken in the radial direction of the center hub, from a direction which is parallel to the surface of the flange and which is perpendicular to the cross section of the layer of the adhesive agent. The collimated light beam has a beam diameter such that the whole cross section may be included in the beam diameter. The amount of the collimated light beam, which has passed through the region in the vicinity of the flange, is detected. The area of the cross section of the layer of the adhesive agent is calculated from the detected amount of the collimated light beam, which has passed through the region in the vicinity of the flange.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for optically measuring the functional capacity of blood platelets and the blood clotting system. The invention includes a mechanical specimen-handling apparatus with one or more optical end-point detectors. The apparatus incubates a small quantity of diluted whole blood with added solid or liquid reagents at body temperature, and mixes the blood via rocking and rotational motions so as to expose the blood uniformly to the reagents. The optical end-point detectors then measure the activity of platelets within the blood specimen and the clotting cascade. Several intermediate measures are also available.

Abstract: An apparatus for fusion splicing optical fibers has one rotatable clamp mechanism that is manually operated and a second rotatable clamp mechanism that is operated by a motor. A three position stopper functions in the first position as a stopper against the optical fibers when the optical fibers are moved toward each other and in the second position as a mirror for reflecting an image of respective end faces of the optical fibers. A rapid fine adjustment of the alignment of the polarization maintaining optical fibers can be made.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inspecting cylindrically configured pellets for surface defects is disclosed. At least one axially extending linear portion of the peripheral surface of the pellet is optically sensed. A set of discrete digital values representative of the optically sensed linear portion of the pellet surface is generated and the set of digital values is compared to a predetermined standard. Groups of digital values representative of adjacent locations on the surface of the pellet having values greater or less than the predetermined standard are identified. The area of adjacent digital values having a value above the standard, and the area of adjacent digital values having a value below the standard are calculated and compared to a predetermined area. The pellet is rejected when the calculated area exceeds a predetermined area.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for classifying and quantifying lacquer and carbon deposits on internal combustion engine pistons. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, a piston is mounted on a rotating means and is rotated to expose the entire surface of the piston to a video imaging system. The piston is illuminated with indirect lighting in order to minimize reflections and to enhance the contrast of the video image. The video imaging system is comprised of a video camera which employs a charged coupled device (CCD) sensor and data storage for storing digital video produced by the camera. A microprocessor is operable to control operation of the camera and to process the stored data according to an algorithm to classify the video image into one of six categories.

Abstract: A positioning system is provided for positioning a part or element in different inclinations relative to a plane normal to a central axis, and for also rotating the part about the central axis. A holder supporting the part is freely pivotable about a point on the central axis. A central spindle on the axis is coupled to a concentric tiltable ring assembly that is controllable in two directions of freedom from an input device. The tilt and rotational motions of the ring assembly are translated to the part holder by a multi-element linkage mechanism having low friction bearings at each end and allowing a wide range of motion. The part may be a semiconductor wafer to be inspected for flaws on a holder comprising a vacuum chuck. Alternatively the tiltable, rotatable mechanism may be used to support an optical camera or viewing device, or a robotic mechanism, for operation within a wide field.

Abstract: The apparatus and method disclosed rely on the observation of a strip of a rotatable circular can end to be lined with gasketing composition, and the scanning head further includes a proximity detector responsive to the positioning of the can end adjacent the scanning head and connected to trigger initiation of a "scanning window" when a can end arrives concentrically in the lining chuck at the lining station, and to discontinue the "scanning window" when the can end and chuck begin to descend on departure of the can end for onward transport. The scanning operation is totally independent of time and therefore of the adjustable speed of operation of the can end lining machine.

Abstract: An image data compression apparatus, in that a component characteristic value of an AC component in a block obtained by dividing digital tonal image data is compared with a predetermined threshold value so that a frequency of an AC component at the highest frequency side having the component characteristic value over the threshold value is determined as a boundary value, and in that the AC component exceeding the boundary value is not handled as a substantial transform coefficient. When the transform coefficients in a high-frequency side in the block is cut according to an image content of the block a lower limit of a frequency to be cut is determined, so that a frequency lower than the lower limit determined may not be cut.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the cross-sectional or three-dimensional form of an object using video cameras. The object or the camera means is moved to provide a partial overlap on the measurement object, and local form segments of the object are measured and the segments are connected to synthesize a stereo image of the form of the object, unaffected by fluctuations in the motion of the measurement system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for scientific analysis of a sample under low temperature vacuum conditions uses a vacuum chamber with a conveyor belt disposed therein. One end of the conveyor belt is a cool end in thermal contact with the cold stage of a refrigerator, whereas the other end of the conveyor belt is a warm end spaced from the refrigerator. A septum allows injection of a sample into the vacuum chamber on top of the conveyor belt for spectroscopic or other analysis. The sample freezes on the conveyor belt at the cold end. One or more windows in the vacuum chamber housing allow spectroscopic analysis of the sample. Following the spectroscopic analysis, the conveyor belt may be moved such that the sample moves toward the warm end of the conveyor belt where upon it evaporates, thereby cleaning the conveyor belt.

Abstract: Apparatus for inspecting small bore ceramic laser tubes, which includes a support base with one or more support rollers. A fluorescent light tube is inserted within the laser tube and the laser tube is supported by the support rollers so that a gap is maintained between the laser tube and the fluorescent tube to enable rotation of the laser tube. In operation, the ceramic tube is illuminated from the inside by the fluorescent tube to facilitate visual inspection. Centering the tube around the axial light of the fluorescent tube provides information about straightness and wall thickness of the laser tube itself.

Abstract: A rotor, which has a center and a periphery, of a centrifuge analysis device. The rotor comprises, from the center of the periphery: central receptacles for liquids to be diluted before analysis; calibration vessels and overflow vessels disposed circumferentially adjacent to each other in respect to a circle concentric with the rotor; a mixing vessel communicating with each calibration vessel; and a plurality of measuring cells, each connected to the mixing vessel through a duct. Each calibration vessel is further provided with: a feed orifice through which it comunicates with one of the central receptacles; an exit orifice located in the wall of said calibration vessel opposite the feed orifice and permanently open; and an overflow orifice located at a position between said feed and exit orifices and through which the calibration vessel is connected to one of the overflow vessels.