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Compact optical apparatus for tracking a path of movement of a tool along a line of travel on a workpiece

  • US 4,683,493 A
  • Filed: 06/20/1986
  • Issued: 07/28/1987
  • Est. Priority Date: 06/20/1986
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. Optical apparatus for tracking a path of movement of a tool along a line of travel on a workpiece, the tool having a first side in front of the tool along the line of travel, a second side behind the tool along the line of travel, and a third side substantially perpendicular to the line of travel, comprising:

  • a light source for providing a collimated light beam, said light source being mounted on the tool adjacent the second side of the tool;

    a cylindrical reflector positioned in the path of the collimated light beam and mounted adjacent the third side of the tool, for reflecting at least a portion of the collimated light beam so as to project a light stripe on the workpiece in front of the tool, said cylindrical reflector being positioned with respect to the collimated light beam and the line of travel, so that the projected light stripe is substantially bisected by the line of travel; and

    means for generating an image of the light stripe projected on the workpiece.

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