Holometrics, Inc.

Datapower, Inc.

Other

Tek Tron Enterprises, Inc.

Francis H Gerhard

Gerald A Felper

Johnny L Berg

Ewing D Nunn

A laser scanner sensor for measuring the spatial properties of objects in a scene within a range less than a predetermined maximum object distance. Applications of the laser scanner system includes measurement of the dimensional weight of parcel(s) being transported by a moving forklift. In the laser scanner sensor, a laser diode supplies a laser beam that is intensity-modulated by a reference waveform from a waveform generator. A variation of the optical scanning sensor system scans a field of measurement which the moving forklift traverses. The forklift has at least three retroreflectors attached to act as calibration targets within the viewing field. The scanner system intensity-modulates the laser beam, and receives reflected intensity-modulated light and supplies it to an optical processing system that includes an aperture that transmits a first percentage of light reflected from the maximum object distance and a second, lesser percentage of light reflected from objects closer than the maximum object distance. A photodetector receives the processed light and converts the energy into an amplitude-modulated range signal. Range values are then determined about every 0.1-inches along a scan line. A number of scan lines are assembled in the computer and displayed on a screen as a 3-D image. The 3-D image is then analyzed by the computer to extract the volume of the objects carried on the forklift tines. The volume is then converted to Dimensional Weight (DIM WT) which is used by the shipper to determine tare.

Laser scanning system and applications

A laser scanner for measuring the spatial properties of objects in a scene within a range less than a predetermined maximum object distance. A laser diode supplies a laser beam that is intensity-modulated by a reference waveform from a waveform generator. An optical scanning system scans the scene with the intensity-modulated laser beam, and receives reflected intensity-modulated light and supplies it to an optical processing system that includes an aperture that transmits a first percentage of light reflected from the maximum object distance and a second, lesser percentage of light reflected from objects closer than the maximum object distance. A photodetector receives the processed light and converts the energy into an amplitude-modulated range signal. A mixer down-converts the frequency into an IF frequency, and a first circuit converts the range signal to the form of a square wave. A phase comparator receives the processed range signal and the reference waveform and outputs a highly accurate signal indicative of the phase difference therebetween. In some embodiments a calibration target may be situated within the scene having a plurality of steps with predefined distances to use as a calibration for measurements of the spatial relationships within the scene.

Laser scanning system

A circuit for controlling low wattage gas discharge lamps comprised of a inductive coupling device, e.g., a transformer, a switching transistor, a current sensor, a comparator receiving a signal from the current sensor and driving the switching transistor, and a protective clamp circuit. The primary winding of the inductive coupling device receives a DC voltage and is also connected to the transistor. The transistor allows current to flow through the primary winding causing energy to be stored therein until the current sensor signals the comparator that a first threshold has been reached, the comparator then turns the switching transistor off and the inductive coupling device then enter a fly-back mode where the stored energy is applied to the lamp for a set period of time. The transistor then turns back on and this process is repeated so that the lamp receives a high frequency alternating voltage. The clamp circuit senses the voltage produced when the inductive coupling device enters the fly-back mode and, when this voltage reaches unsafe levels, the clamp circuit limits the energy stored in the inductive coupling device and thereby limits the voltage to a safe level. In one configuration, a boosting circuit is used to increase the first threshold to permit more energy to be stored in the primary winding and thereby increase the voltage applied to start the lamp.

Closed loop feedback control circuits for gas discharge lamps

A distinguishable siren sound pattern is produced within an emergency vehicle by automatically alternating the siren sound pattern from among a plurality of distinguishable types of separate siren sound patterns. One of said plurality of distinguishable type of sound patterns may be continuously generated or alternatively through momentary contact in a horn switch, automatically swept among a plurality of the distinguishable siren sound patterns according to a predetermined pattern. In the illustrated embodiment wail, yelp, high-low or hetro siren sound patterns are producible either through microprocessor control or through discretely switched waveform generators. The siren sound pattern is automatically alternated between wail and yelp or between high-low and hetro according to manually switch configurations and momentary activation of a horn ring switch. Repeated activation of the horn ring switch toggles the circuit between a selected continuous siren sound pattern such as a continuous wail or high-low and between an alternating sound pattern as is described.

Circuit and method for automatically sweeping through a plurality of

A gas discharge lamp is connected across a step down auto transformer and in series with a solid state switching device and a resistor, and this combination is connected across a rectified AC voltage source. This switching device is controlled by a monostable multivibrator, the input of which is connected to the output of a comparator amplifier sensing the difference between the voltage drop across the above-mentioned resistor and a voltage which may be selected to vary light intensity. A starter aid conductor is placed adjacent the lamp and connected to the grounded side of the voltage source. This results in an efficient, high frequency operation of the lamp wherein the voltage gradient inside the lamp during starting ignition of the lamp is greatly increased to facilitate ignition despite the presence of the step down auto transformer, thereby permitting a decrease in the minimum fly back voltage necessary to start the lamp. As a result, reliability is increased.

Variable intensity control apparatus for operating a gas discharge lamp

A gas discharge lamp is connected in parallel with an inductor and in series with a solid state switching device and a resistor, and this combination is connected across a rectified AC voltage source. This switching device is controlled by a monostable multivibrator, the input of which is connected to the output of a comparator amplifier sensing the difference between the voltage drop across the above-mentioned resistor and a voltage which bears a predetermined relationship to the rectified AC signal of said source. This results in a high frequency operation of the lamp wherein the lamp current level is controlled or modulated in accordance with the rectified AC supply voltage, providing a high power factor lamp circuit without the normal heavy lamp ballast. In addition, a circuit is disclosed which prohibits the lamp from exhibiting a high resistance when the AC voltage is at a zero crossing point, protecting the solid state switching device and stabilizing the high frequency.

A gas discharge lamp is connected in parallel with an inductor and in series with a solid state switching device and a resistor, and this combination is connected across a DC voltage. This switching device is controlled by a monostable multivibrator, the input of which is connected to the output of a comparator amplifier sensing the difference between the voltage drop across the above mentioned resistor and the voltage of a variable reference voltage source. When the current through the inductor has increased to a point where the voltage drop across the resistor exceeds the voltage of the reference source, the comparator amplifier triggers the monostable multivibrator causing the solid state switching device to be turned off. This acts to collapse the magnetic field in the inductor thereby causing a large voltage to appear across the gas discharge lamp sufficient to light the lamp. At the end of the predetermined time period of the low output state of the monostable multivibrator, its output turns the solid state switching device on, allowing current to flow once again from the power supply through both the inductor and the lamp. The current flow through the lamp when the solid state switching device is on is in the opposite direction from the current flowing through the lamp when the solid state switching device is off. Thus, the lamp current is an alternating current. The intensity of the lamp is varied by varying the level of the reference voltage supplied to the comparator amplifier.

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San Juan Capistrano, CA, United States of America

Francis H Gerhard