Pitney Bowes Inc.

Bayer Corporation

Miles Inc.

Siemens Medical Solutions Diagnostics

David Kleinschmitt

Seymour Feinland

George E Zabetakis

Maroun Touma

The robot alignment system is used for establishing a predetermined alignment position between a movable robot member and an article that is processed by the robot. The system includes a laser transmitter that emits a focused laser beam and a target against which the focused laser beam is directed. The laser transmitter is preferably supported by the robot and the target is supported by the article that is processed by the robot. A signaling device cooperates with the target to produce a detectable signal when the focused laser beam is received at a predetermined location on the target. The detectable signal signifies establishment of a predetermined alignment position between the robot and the article that is processed by the robot.

Robot alignment system and method

A bubble detector/direction sensor for detecting the presence of liquid and gas in a stream of liquid and gas segments flowing through an elongated transparent tube and for sensing the direction of flow of the stream. The sensor has first and second light sources, first and second input fiber optic bundles, and first and second collection fiber optic bundles. The first and second input fiber optic bundles couple the first and second light sources to first and second sides of the tube, respectively, so that light passes through the tube. When the tube is filled with liquid, the light passing therethrough from each light source passes through first and second predetermined regions. When the tube is filled with gas, the light passing therethrough passes outside of the predetermined regions. The first and second collection fiber optic bundles are coupled to the second and first sides of the tube, respectively, outside of the predetermined regions. A circuit is provided for producing signals indicating the presence of liquid in the tube, the presence of gas in the tube, and the direction of flow of liquid and gas through the tube based upon the light received by the first and second collection fiber optic bundles.

Method and apparatus for detecting liquid and gas segment flow through a

An apparatus and method for detecting a liquid/gas interface flowing in a transparent tube comprises directing light radially through the transparent tube orthogonal to its longitudinal axis such that the radially directed light passing through the tube when filled with liquid thereat will extend substantially within a predetermined zone and when filled with gas thereat will extend beyond the predetermined zone. Light is received at a position diametrically opposite to a position from which light is directed by receiving only light passing through the tube and extending beyond the predetermined zone. An output signal representative of liquid or gas in the tube is produced in response to the amount of light received. A second light receiver disposed outside the zone is used to determine the direction of flow.

Method and apparatus for discriminating between liquids and gases

A multi-bounce, folded path scanning system, including a first and second pair of stationary tracks, the second pair of tracks being angled with respect to the first pair of tracks, and a movable carriage slidably mounted on the first pair of stationary tracks. The system further includes a first mirror fixedly mounted on the movable carriage, a second mirror slidably mounted on the second pair of stationary tracks and opposing the first mirror and forming an acute angle therewith, the mirrors being separated by a predetermined distance, whereby one end of the mirrors is more open than the other end of the mirrors, an input light ray entering at the more open end of the mirrors and incident upon the first mirror at a predetermined angle, wherein the ray is reflected off each mirror a predetermined multiplicity of times and exits the mirrors at the more open end, and means for translating the first and second mirrors, wherein the predetermined distance between the mirrors increases as the mirrors are translated while the correct angular relationship between the mirrors is maintained.

Multi-bounce, folded path scanning system

Method and apparatus are disclosed for increasing accuracy of optical phase shift in quadrature systems by varying the angle at which light is directed through pairs of diffraction gratings. A more precise adjustment of the phase angle between two adjacent index gratings is achieved after manufacturing and assembly by using a light source and diverging or converging its rays of light. The accuracy of the phase shift of resultant signals is greatly improved over methods of mechanical alignment heretofore used. The improved accuracy allows for the manufacture of a broad tolerance system, with the inherent reduction of costs.

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Bethel, CT, United States of America

David Kleinschmitt