US3864043A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Angular deviation measuring device and its method of use
Assignee: United States Department of the Interior
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Filing: 1973-11-30
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Granted: 1975-02-04
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Expires: 1993-11-30
Abstract
Abstract A high resolution measuring device and its method of use that utilizes a spatially modulated beam, like a laser beam, to determine orientation deviations of a device. The angular deviations are determined by comparing prior preestablished standards for specific orientation settings with subsequent readings for the same settings. A reference phase detector determines the modulation intensity phase for both readings. Thereafter, a reference mask with a second detector detects the intensity of the beam after it is reflected from the device. A phase meter then compares these two detector readings for each angular device orientation. By comparing different sets of readings for the same specific orientations variations for correction purposes may be noted.
Inventors
- 👤 James T Russell
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 23:16
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03F; G03F9/00; G03F9/70; G01; G01B; G01B11/00; G01B11/26
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
175 words
A system for determining angular deviations of a device comprising: a source of a spatially modulated electromagnetic beam that has its intensity modulated substantially perpendicular to the transmission path of the beam: a reference detector placeable in the path of the beam for determining the spatial modulation phase of a beam section; a deflector placeable in the path of the beam for directing the beam through various angular orientations corresponding to specific orientation settings of the deflector; means placed in the beam path for diverting a first portion of the beam after it is deflected; a reference mask with at least one beam transmitting area; means for transmitting the first portion of the beam through the mask transmitting area; a reference mask detector for detecting the spatial modulation phase in the beam after the first portion passes through the mask; and means for comparing the phase difference between the reference detector and mask detector to allow for the determination of the angular deviation of the deflector from a prior reading for the same deflector setting.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
175 words
A system for determining angular deviations of a device comprising: a source of a spatially modulated electromagnetic beam that has its intensity modulated substantially perpendicular to the transmission path of the beam: a reference detector placeable in the path of the beam for determining the spatial modulation phase of a beam section; a deflector placeable in the path of the beam for directing the beam through various angular orientations corresponding to specific orientation settings of the deflector; means placed in the beam path for diverting a first portion of the beam after it is deflected; a reference mask with at least one beam transmitting area; means for transmitting the first portion of the beam through the mask transmitting area; a reference mask detector for detecting the spatial modulation phase in the beam after the first portion passes through the mask; and means for comparing the phase difference between the reference detector and mask detector to allow for the determination of the angular deviation of the deflector from a prior reading for the same deflector setting.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 1 wherein the source comprises a laser source whose intensity is modulated by rotating members in the beam''s path.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
The system of claim 1 wherein the deflector comprises a mirror whose reflected angle may be varied in the horizontal and vertical plane by motor means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
The system of claim 3 wherein the motor meAns comprises two separatably operable motors each of which operate a screw member that moves the mirror.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
36 words
The system of claim 1 wherein the reference mask has a plurality of beam transmitting areas arranged in rows and columns and the means for transmitting the first beam portion through the mask comprises a lens.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system of claim 5 wherein the transmitting areas are holes through a solid mask surface.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system of claim 1 wherein there is only one beam transmitting area associated with a single deflector setting.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
123 words
A method for determining the angular deviation of a beam comprising the steps of: generating a beam that is spatially modulated substantially perpendicular to its direction of transmission; detecting the modulation phase of the beam; impinging the beam on a beam deflector for a specific setting of the deflector; directing a first portion on the beam impinged on the deflector to a reference mask; detecting the spatial modulation phase of said first beam portion after it is transmitted through the mask; determining the phase difference between the modulation phase and the phase of the first portion of the beam; and comparing the phase difference obtained with prior phase differences obtained by the same method for the same deflector setting to determine any deviations.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
123 words
A method for determining the angular deviation of a beam comprising the steps of: generating a beam that is spatially modulated substantially perpendicular to its direction of transmission; detecting the modulation phase of the beam; impinging the beam on a beam deflector for a specific setting of the deflector; directing a first portion on the beam impinged on the deflector to a reference mask; detecting the spatial modulation phase of said first beam portion after it is transmitted through the mask; determining the phase difference between the modulation phase and the phase of the first portion of the beam; and comparing the phase difference obtained with prior phase differences obtained by the same method for the same deflector setting to determine any deviations.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 8 wherein the step of generating a beam further includes the step of generating a parallel light beam.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-02-03 | 1978-08-05 | 1979-02-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-02-03 | 1982-08-05 | 1983-02-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-02-03 | 1986-08-05 | 1987-02-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |