Abstract: A portable extended life metrology system is disclosed. The system is of the kind which includes means for generating an interference fringe pattern as a function of a parameter to be measured, transducer apparatus for simultaneously generating three intensity-modulated optical signals, I.sub.R, I.sub.S and I.sub.T that are related to the interference fringe pattern; signal processing apparatus for accurately determining an aspect of the interference fringe pattern form the three signals; means for accumulating phase information proportional to the aspect of the interference fringe pattern; and means for converting the accumulated phase and aspect information to desired outputs indicative of the parameter to be measured.

Abstract: A compact, efficient, self-contained dynamic surface roughness gage includes a staging frame that supports a reciprocatable arm that can be pivoted about an axis perpendicular to a V-shaped working surface at the underside of the frame between releasably fixed positions located 90.degree. apart to facilitate staging the gage on different workpiece configurations. The arm supports a probe comprising a skid and a stylus which is coupled by way of a special flexure to a stereo phonograph cartridge so that only the vibratory motions of the stylus in a direction perpendicular to the nominal plane of the frame working surface are coupled to the transducer. As the probe scans over a workpiece surface with the skid following the same track as the stylus, the two outputs from the transducer are summed to produce a single electrical analog of the vibratory motion of the stylus in that favored direction.

Abstract: An improved system for guiding one part relative another in an accurately defined path, both planar and linear, is disclosed. The improved system eliminates friction associated with heretofore moving parts, is characterized by simplicity and cost effectivness, and comprises a first part having a primary reference surface prepared to close tolerances and accurately defining a predetermined path and an opposed parallel secondary surface, and a second part designed for guidance by the primary surface. A fixed air pad is adjustably mounted on the second part adjacent the primary surface. A second air pad is resiliently mounted on the second part adjacent the opposed secondary surface. The resilient mounting includes a bellows. Fluid under pressure is admitted to both air pads, directly to the first and indirectly via the bellows to the second. Preferably, the fluid is compressed air.

Abstract: An improved system for guiding one part relative another in an accurately defined path, both planar and linear, is disclosed. The improved system eliminates friction associated with heretofore moving parts, is characterized by simplicity and cost effectiveness, and comprises a first part having a primary reference surface prepared to close tolerances and accurately defining a predetermined path and an opposed parallel secondary surface, and a second part designed for guidance by the primary surface. A fixed air pad is adjustably mounted on the second part adjacent the primary surface. A second air pad is resiliently mounted on the second part adjacent the opposed secondary surface. The resilient mounting includes a bellows.

Abstract: A surface finish, displacement and contour scanner is disclosed which effectively protects its stylus from damage even if the stylus meets an obstacle, such as a wall, a major ridge or a crack. The surface finish, displacement and contour scanner further includes a unique transducer designed to provide true displacement transducer operation with or without traverse, a magnetic attach-release mechanism disposed median between the stylus and a transducer, and a ball-and-notch seating structure formed about the point of flexing of the stylus support.

Abstract: A measurement system is provided in which a work-engaging transducer is connected by means of a cable to a remotely located display unit which is adapted to provide quasi-analog and/or digital display of measurement made by the transducer. The transducer includes an oscillator the output of which is a function of a measurement being made. The display unit presents the measurement made in quasi-analog and/or digital form either in a conventional format such as a circular dial face, in linear form such as a column 82 or in other selected formats of various geometrical configurations and/or in various mathematical progressions to suit particular applications.

Abstract: A head assembly is provided for use in a bore gauge and is adapted to actuate either a mechanical readout, such as a dial indicator, or an electrical readout, such as a linear variable differential transformer connected to a digital display. A U-shaped centralizing arm pivoted to the head body is provided with a pair of floating centralizing ball contacts. A first measuring ball contact is mounted at the outer end of a rack and pinion extensible stem adapted to be adjusted as to radial extension and a second measuring ball contact is mounted on a resiliently mounted finger which drivingly engages a transfer rod. The transfer rod is operatively connected to the readout device whether a dial indicator or an LVDT. A ball and groove driving arrangement is provided between the transfer rod and the pivotal finger.

Abstract: A head assembly is provided for use in a bore gauge and is adapted to actuate either a mechanical readout, such as a dial indicator, or an electrical readout, such as a linear varible differential transformer connected to a digital display. A U-shaped centralizing arm pivoted to the body of the head assembly is provided with a pair of floating centralizing ball contacts. A first measuring ball contact is mounted at the outer end of a threaded extensible stem bearing a graduated scale and adapted to be adjusted as to radial extension. A second sensing ball contact is mounted for adjustment on a resiliently mounted finger which drivingly engages a transfer rod. The transfer rod is operatively connected to the readout device whether a dial indictor or LVDT. A ball and groove driving arrangement is provided between the transfer rod and the pivotal finger.

Abstract: A measurement system that is particularly adapted for the use in machining of parts or measuring finished parts is disclosed. The system includes a support means upon which is movably clamped a casing, the casing having a measuring member extending therefrom that will engage the part that is being machined or measured. On the casing there is mounted a composite indicator that obtains a digital readout as well as an analog dial readout of the same units which allows a user to search for maximum and minimum readings, as well as providing for extended resolution in digital form of the interpolation between two analog scale points on the dial.

Abstract: A measurement instrument in the form of a bore gage comprises a tubular casing within which there is centered a longitudinal member, one end of which transmits its movements to a gaging device, and the other end of which is coupled to contact elements that move transverse to the casing. The contact elements are characterized as having at least a hemispherical end which engages a pair of cylindrical segments that are cut into opposed V grooves on the other end of the longitudinal member.

Abstract: A bore gage that is used for determining the diameter of a bore or hole is provided with a measuring head comprising a cylindrical housing. Within the housing is an electrical measuring member or transducer that can take the form of a linear voltage differential transformer. Contact points or probes are connected to each of the moving elements and pass through bearing members on the surface of the housing which retain the transducer therein.