US3888593A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Optical comparator and inspection apparatus
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1971-10-18
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Granted: 1975-06-10
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Expires: 1991-10-18
Abstract
Abstract An optical comparator in which images of a master component and a sample component are inspected by comparison of the images that are projected in a moving, abutting, merging, mirror image, a limited area of the components being viewed in a scanning illumination at a controlled rate for full viewing coverage. The components are held in a sliding tray with means for rapidly changing the component to be inspected, while maintaining precise alignment. A closely directed light source and efficient cooling device permits prolonged operation of the apparatus, and instant access to mark defective portions of the component is provided, without interrupting viewing. The location of each defective portion is marked on a reference chart for use in a viewer which provides a composite image of the chart and component in proper registration for easy identification of the faults.
Inventors
- 👤 Paul S Kempf
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 23:35
CPC Classifications
G; G07; G07C; G07C3/00; G07C3/14; G01; G01B; G01B9/00; G01B9/08
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
269 words
An optical comparator and inspection apparatus for comparing a sample component with a master component by comparing respective images thereof comprising, a single rear projection viewing screen, carriage means including a carriage being slidable longitudinally from front to rear for supporting a sample component and a master component in spaced relation adjacent said screen, said carriage means including positioning frame means for fixedly positioning the sample component and reference component in a common plane on said carriage, a light source, means for focusing light from said light source onto the surface of respective similar portions of the sample component and the master component, optical projection means including a lens and mirror system for each component for receiving light images reflected from the surface of each of the respective components and directing the light images, with one of the images inverted, to a common point of focus on the screen in abutting relationship with one component image being a mirror image at a given demarkation line of the other component image, light stop means for simultaneously limiting the light images to common lines of demarkation on each component, and moving means for moving the sample component and reference component on said positioning frame means and carriage means simultaneously in the common plane in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the respective lens and mirror systems on an axis longitudinal to a line between the optical centers of the two respective lens and mirror systems and past the light source and light stop means, whereby the two images converge and diverge from the lines of demarkation on the screen.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
269 words
An optical comparator and inspection apparatus for comparing a sample component with a master component by comparing respective images thereof comprising, a single rear projection viewing screen, carriage means including a carriage being slidable longitudinally from front to rear for supporting a sample component and a master component in spaced relation adjacent said screen, said carriage means including positioning frame means for fixedly positioning the sample component and reference component in a common plane on said carriage, a light source, means for focusing light from said light source onto the surface of respective similar portions of the sample component and the master component, optical projection means including a lens and mirror system for each component for receiving light images reflected from the surface of each of the respective components and directing the light images, with one of the images inverted, to a common point of focus on the screen in abutting relationship with one component image being a mirror image at a given demarkation line of the other component image, light stop means for simultaneously limiting the light images to common lines of demarkation on each component, and moving means for moving the sample component and reference component on said positioning frame means and carriage means simultaneously in the common plane in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the respective lens and mirror systems on an axis longitudinal to a line between the optical centers of the two respective lens and mirror systems and past the light source and light stop means, whereby the two images converge and diverge from the lines of demarkation on the screen.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
53 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 and including, said moving means including a drive motor coupled to said carriage means, speed and direction reversing means for controlling the operation of said motor and the movement of the carriage means, and said frame means includes a frame that is transversely slidable on said carriage means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
48 words
Apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, said frame has a pair of longitudinal tracks between which the components are held, clamp elements adjustably and movably mounted on said tracks, with portions for engaging opposite edges of the components, and said tracks have means for adjusting the spacing therebetween.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
48 words
Apparatus accordinG to claim 3, wherein, said clamp elements have adjustment means for limited longitudinal adjustment of the position of the sample component relative to the master component, and stop element means secured on said tracks with resilient portions for holding sample component against said movable clamp elements.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
120 words
Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, said light focusing means has a downwardly directed reflector extending transversely across said carriage means, the cross section of said reflector being substantially arcuate and closely equivalent to that of a pair of overlapping ellipses with a common focus, said light source being mounted at the effective position of the common focus, a secondary reflector spaced below said first reflector and defining outwardly and downwardly directed opposed openings for directing light in a line across transverse strip areas of the components, and said secondary reflector has a cross section substantially of inverted V-shape, the apex portion being arcuately concave with a center or radius spaced below the effective common focus of the first reflector.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
48 words
Apparatus according to claim 1, and including, backlighting means mounted below said carriage means at the position of the illuminated portion of the master component, and said light stop means including a light shield selectively movable to obstruct the light from said light source to the master component.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
45 words
Apparatus according to claim 1, including, a casing for enclosing the carriage means and components, said screen being mounted on the frong side of said casing, and said front side has a trap door therein providing access to the illuminated portion of the sample component.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
56 words
Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, said optical projection means includes a lens adjustably mounted above each component, and at least one mirror for each lens mounted to direct an image from each lens individually to a portion of said screen, and focusing means coupled to said lenses with control means for focusing both lenses simultaneously.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
20 words
Apparatus according to claim 8, wherein, one of said lenses has additional focusing means independent of said coupled focusing means.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
23 words
Apparatus according to claim 8, wherein, one of said mirrors has adjustable mounting means movable to shift one image laterally on said screen.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
25 words
Apparatus according to claim 8, wherein, said mirrors are arranged to project one image above the other, with one image inverted relative to the other.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
21 words
Apparatus according to claim 8, wherein, said mirrors are arranged to project one image above the other, with both images upright.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
37 words
Apparatus according to claim 8, and including, said stop means being fixed above the illuminated portions of the components to limit the illuminated areas correspondingly and provide a sharp separation of the images projected on the screen.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
55 words
Apparatus according to claim 1, and including, position identifying grid means at said screen, an inspection record form having a corresponding grid thereon on which the positions of faulty components are marked, an illuminated viewer having means for holding an inspection record form and the associated sample component, and providing superimposed images thereof in registration.
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) | 1978-06-09 | 1978-12-09 | 1979-06-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-06-09 | 1982-12-09 | 1983-06-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-06-09 | 1986-12-09 | 1987-06-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |