M&m Precision Systems Corporation

Apeiron, Inc.

Glen M Castore

Barry L Drake

Frederick A Treiber

A method and an apparatus for a precision optical distance measuring device which can be used to determine both external and internal target geometries. The beam from a frequency modulated laser diode is split into reference and target beams. A closed loop control system modulates the amplitude of the reference beam to maintain a balance between the power in the target return beam and the reference beam. This enables the sensor to operate with targets of widely varying reflectivity and across a broad range of angles of incidence of the target beam to the target. The reference and target return beams interfere at a detector producing a beat wave. The beat frequency is linearly related to the distance of the target from the sensor. The frequency of the beat wave is determined to high precision, thus giving the position to high precision.

Mixed frequency and amplitude modulated fiber optic heterodyne

A non-contact laser-based sensor guided by a precision mechanical system scans a thread form producing a set of digitized images of the thread form. The digitized images are analyzed to derive quantitative information about thread characteristics such as pitch, lead, root radius, flank angle, surface roughness, helix variation, and pitch diameter. Thread form data may be stored and later retrieved in order to provide traceability and verification of thread form measurements to a predetermined thread form specification. The apparatus and method of the invention can measure characteristics for shapes similar to threads, such as gears and dies used for cold forming processes. The thread measurement system can be mounted on thread making machines and used for on-line monitoring and control of the thread forming process.

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Roseville, MN, United States of America

Glen M Castore