Abstract: A cutting machine for cutting a flat workpiece comprises a cutting table having a working surface for supporting the flat workpiece, a support movable parallel to the working surface, and a cutting unit mounted on the support above the working surface, the cutting unit comprising a cutting knife vertically adjustable relative to the working surface to regulate the cutting depth of the knife, a vertically displaceable carriage for the cutting knife for vertically adjusting the knife, a cutting knife holder rotatable about a vertical axis for orienting the knife in a desired direction, and drives actuatable for displacing the carriage, rotating the holder and moving the support in response to a programmable control.

Abstract: A machine shaft aligning apparatus includes electronic indicating devices for automatically outputting signals to a computer indicative of the magnitude and direction of radial displacement of two coupled shafts as the coupled shafts are rotated to 4 clock positions (i.e. 12, 3, 6, and 9 o'clock). The computer enables calculation and display of horizontal and vertical machine adjustments required to effect proper coaxial alignment of the coupled shafts of the machines.

Abstract: An angular micro-positioning system cable of readily accessing any angle within 360.degree. and thereafter precisely addressing an angular position within one ten-thousandth of a degree. The device is suitable for use in test equipment or any equipment requiring extremely precise angular positioning. The device includes a rotary motor which is mounted to a secondary frame which is pivotally mounted to a flexibly mounted main frame. The drive shaft of the rotary motor is biased in to engagement with the output wheel. A linear micro-positioner is mounted to the main frame and its drive shaft is coupled to the rotary motor frame to pivot same. The rotary motor is first rotated with the linear micro-positioner locked in place to provide coarse angle positioning. Thereafter, the drive shaft of the rotary motor is locked and the motor frame is pivoted by the linear micro-positioner which provides extremely fine angular adjustment.

Abstract: A goniometric device for measuring an angle such as the angle of rotation of the steering wheel in a motor vehicle is useful for providing a backlash-free reduction ratio of the angular movement to be measured. For this purpose an elastic torque rod is used to one end of which the angular movement is applied and the other end of which is rigidly fixed. The angular movement of a tap is taken off at a tap location between the two ends. The reduction ratio depends on the ratio between the two distances from the tap to both ends of the torque rod.

Abstract: In order to provide an protractor with an electronic, digital display instead of a vernier angle scale, each section (6 and 10, and 8) of the capacitive element of a measuring device is connected to one of the arms (1, 3). Since the parts of this capacitive element must not be pressed against one another by the pressing together of the arms (1, 3) of the protractor, a clamping element (20) is required which can form a mechanical connection between the two arms (1, 3) through central bores (6a, 10a, 21a-c) in these parts when said arms (1, 3) are locked together in such a way that they cannot rotate relative to one another, by means of tightening a locking nut (4) on a central shaft (12).

Abstract: A motion sensor which includes, in a basic embodiment, two sensing elements of any type disposed so as to detect the relative passing thereby of perturbations. The sensing elements are disposed so that they are offset with respect to the perturbations, such that the sensing elements cannot both be activated simultaneously. When one sensing element is activated, thus indicating motion, timing means starts counting and, if the other sensing element is activated within a predetermined length of time, the sensor infers that purposeful motion has been detected and may, for example, activate a power steering assist unit. The spacing of the perturbations determines the minimum degree of motion required for the motion sensor to provide an output and the timing mechanism determines how rapidly that degree of motion must occur for the motion sensor to provide the output. Thus, the spacing and time parameters may be set so that purposeful motion may be discriminated from random motion such as vibration.

Abstract: Angle transducer unit of the multiturn measuring type for absolute measurement of the angular position of a rotatable shaft. A first transducer (10) of the absolute angular measurement type with a drive shaft (3) is non-rotatably mounted on the rotatable shaft. A second angle transducer (11) of the absolute angular measurement type has a driven shaft (4). There are gear wheels (1,2) mounted on the drive and driven shafts, these gear wheels being mutually in mesh to form a gear for up or down gearing of the rotational rate of the drive shaft. The two angle transducers, e.g. resolvers, are intended for being conventionally connected to an apparatus for measuring the differential angular position of the shafts. Novel to the angle transducer unit is that the gear wheels include an internally toothed gear wheel (2) and an externally toothed gear wheel (1).

Abstract: A detent capture (26) is connected to the input shaft (16) of a position indicating transducer (10). A pair of leaf spring detents (24) are carried by a mounting base portion (14) of transducer (10). The leaf spring transducers (24) have at-rest positions in which they are received in, and interlock with, recesses (64, 66) formed in the detent capture (26). The leaf spring detents (24) serve to couple the detent capture (26), and hence the input shaft (16), to the transducer housing (12). This coupling occurs at a predetermined position in which the input shaft (16) is properly indexed to the electrical output of the transducer (10). The leaf spring detents (24) have outer end portions which contact a mounting member (22) as the transducer (10) is being installed onto the mounting member (22).

Abstract: Two members 21,22 are relatively displaceable along a linear or circular path. One member 21 provides a plurality of coil portions along the path. Their individual inductances are dependent on the configuration of the second member 22. For example, the first member 21 may be an annular stator with inward radial projections k,l,m . . . on which the coil portions are wound, alternately in different senses so that the flux path tends to loop in and out. The second member 22 may be an annular rotor, one section 23 being ferromagnetic and the other section 24 being non-ferromagnetic and/or having a conductive screening layer. Alternatively the second member may be mercury 42 half-filling an annular conduit 40 which surrounds a static ferromagnetic core 44 (FIG. 9). A particular characteristic is that for any relative position of 21 and 22, half the coil portions of 21 have a different inductance from the other half.

Abstract: A rotary displacement transducer comprises a shaft rotatably supported in a housing, and to which the rotary displacement to be sensed is applied. The shaft is axially fixed in the housing, and has a precision screw thread formed over part of its length. An internally threaded sleeve coaxially surrounds the shaft in threaded engagement with the precision screw thread, the sleeve carrying a collar having two diametrically opposed radial projections. The first projection carries a roller which engages in a slot in the housing to prevent the collar and sleeve rotating as the shaft is rotated, so that rotation of the shaft causes the sleeve and collar to move axially of the shaft by an amount dependent on the rotary displacement to be sensed. The axial movement of the collar is sensed by a linear displacement transducer of the LVDT type coupled to the other radial projection on the collar.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an angle sensor for musical tone control which controls a musical tone in response to changing angles at an articulation of the human body. Both ends of a pair of plate members are coupled pivotally and movably around an axis parallel to both faces of plate members. This pair of plate members are attached on the interior side of articulation of the human body by attaching means to generate a signal in response to the bending motion of the articulation. Thus, a musical tone control signal in response to the bending angles is outputted from detecting means which is placed on the plate members to control musical tone.

Abstract: A position measuring device including an adjusting device for a sensing device of a graduation. The sensing device is adjustable relative to the graduation by the adjusting device. For the adjustment, the sensing device has three oblong holes whose longitudinal axes extend perpendicularly to each other. A cylindrical pin fixed in the adjusting device engages in one of the oblong holes. Two adjusting screws which have eccentric portions and engage in the oblong holes are used for adjusting the adjusting device in radial and tangential directions, so that the sensing device can be adjusted exactly relative to the graduation of the position measuring device.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a coordinate measuring apparatus which includes an elevation measuring device. The elevation measuring device is connected with a stationary granite table via one or several linkage arms for determining the planar coordinates. Transducers for detecting angular values or pull-out lengths are arranged with respect to the joints or pull-out members of the linkage arms from which these planar coordinates can be computed by a computer. A method of determining the coordinates is also disclosed.

Abstract: A new drive system bidirectionally "interconverts" (directs and receives in equal amounts) linear and rotary motions permitting precision linear measuring over long distances. The "convex" surface of coilable rack 30 interlocks with rotatable coupling 262 attached to encoder 32 digitizing electrical signals computer converted to precision linear measurements. Coupling rotations cause perforations in the rack to tightly engage sprockets 304. Many such engagements assure positive motion interconversions thus repeatability of precision linear measurements synchronized with the international standard of length. A second encoder 82 may be used to digitize lateral rotations of the above permitting precision polar or Cartesian coordinate measurements produced over large surfaces.

Abstract: A digital inclinometer for detecting the angular orientation of a structure includes a rotatable encoding disk on which is mounted a horizontal tilt sensor. The inclinometer electronically measures, by angular indices on the encoding disk, the difference between the angular orientation of the device and a horizontal orientation. In another embodiment, the encoding disk is rotated by a stepper motor and the number of steps are electronically counted to determine the angular orientation. The inclinometer has a digital display.

Abstract: A clinometer includes a cylindrical cavity having a conductive cylindrical wall and a vertical annular wall having a high resistance resistor uniformly distributed thereon. A freely moving, heavy conductive ball, which may be solid or liquid such as mercury, seeks the lowest point in the cavity. The conductive ball contacts both the conductive cylindrical wall at a point along the resistor, thereby defining the resistance between a terminal connected to one end of the resistor and another terminal connected to the conductive cylindrical wall. This resistance is a function of the inclination of the clinometer. A reference voltage is applied to the end terminal of the resistor. The terminal connected to that conductive cylindrical wall may be coupled to a circuit that converts a voltage across the resistance into a digital voltage that represents the inclination of the clinometer.

Abstract: A web sensor for sensing the edge of a web in a feather like action is disclosed which includes a feeler (10) carried by rotary disk (12) which fits into a pair of housing sections (20, 24) and is coupled to the housing by means of weighted balls (32, 34, 36). The weighted balls are carried in a circumferential slot (42) with a clearance (44). The weighted balls extend into arcuate slots (38, 40) in the housing sections and dampen rapid oscillations in the pendular motion of feeler (10). Turning of rotary disk (12) interrupts a pair of energy beams which may be light (50A, 52A) or an air jet (124, 126). Depending upon which energy beam is interrupted, the web is moved accordingly until feeler (10) resumes its neutral position.

Abstract: A device for obtaining numerical coordinates of a point or a set of points comprises two stretched strips having a common end attached to a stylus which is placed on a point or moved over a set of points. Each of the other ends of each strip is supplied from a strip reserve consisting of pulleys connected to a restoring spring for applying tension to the strips. Variations in length of the strips are measured in discrete values by a mechanism associated with a computer for correcting the effective length of each strip.

Abstract: A sensor for resolving the left-right ambiguity encountered in horizontal line hydrophone arrays consists of an orthogonal pair of dipole hydrophones, a monopole hydrophone, and a tilt sensor, the tilt sensor connecting the dipole hydrophones so as to provide a single dipole hydrophone which is always oriented horizontally. The tilt sensor consists of two variable capacitors made from hollow cylinders of high permittivity dielectric material, partially filled with a quantity of liquid mercury which forms the variable inner electrodes of the capacitors. The outer electrodes of the capacitors, on the outside of the cylinders, having a sinusoidally-shaped perimeter and being oriented at right angles to each other, are connected to the crossed dipoles in order to provide the required horizontal dipole hydrophone.

Abstract: A telescope (10) is precisely pointed by a detent mechanism (32) in a sighting direction (18) after a motor (22) generally positions the telescope. The detent mechanism includes a roller assembly (60) precisely journalled at one end of an arm (38) which is biased into contact with a precisely formed V-groove (36) on the telescope by a spring 72.

Abstract: A clinometer includes a cyclindrical cavity having a conductive cylindrical wall and a vertical annular wall having a high resistance resistor uniformly distributed thereon. A freely moving, heavy conductive ball seeks the lowest point in the cavity. The conductive ball contacts both the conductive cylindrical wall and a point along the resistor, thereby defining the resistance between a terminal connected to one end of the resistor and another terminal connected to the conductive cylindrical wall. This resistance is a function of the inclination of the clinometer. A reference voltage is applied to the end terminal of the resistor. The terminal connected to the conductive cylindrical wall is coupled to a circuit that converts a voltage across the resistance into a digital voltage that represents the inclination of the clinometer.

Abstract: An electromagnetic drive system drives the oscillating secondary mirror or wobble mirror of a reflecting telescope. The driving force of the drive system is directly proportional to the current and the drive system is digitally controllable. By incorporating a tachometer generator and a contactless operating position measuring unit, it is possible to select such function curves for the leading and trailing edges of the wobble function which will permit a jolt-free drive of the mirror.

Abstract: Each movable member (1) has a disk (6) which is mounted free to rotate about an axis (5) and which includes an annular area (7) of radial stripes (8) together with three concentric coding and read areas (9, 10, 11) having holes therethrough. The read station is equipped with a compressed air blast nozzle (15) for rotating each disk (6) presented thereto, together with a branch (17A) having suitable detectors (18, 19, 20) for detecting said holes and connected to electronic decoding circuits.

Abstract: An angle finder (10) and level (40) are disclosed. The level (10) and angle (40) have digital displays (17) which provide a visual, numerical representation of the angular alignment of a reference surface in relation to a gravitational vector. Angle finder (10) and level (40) are controlled by a microprocessor (19). A disc enclosure (18) contains a rotatably mounted disc (23) on which is mounted a weight (26). Weight (26) keeps disc (23) in a relatively constant position relative to the gravitational vector. Also mounted in the disc enclosure (18) are photodetectors (27), (28) and (29). Disc (23) contains markings (30) which, in the disclosure of this application, each represent two degrees of arc. The three photodetectors (27), (28) and (29) sense the movement of markings (30) and by logical computation microprocessor (19) determines the angular alignment of the reference surface.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for a perforated rack that is thin, normally curved in cross section, rigidly straight but coilable, and containing perforations adjacent at least one of its longitudinal sides. A new system for the interconversions of linear and rotary motions is then made possible with the perforated rack and a sprocket wheel coupling, and this new system is used for digitizing linear and also polar measurements. When the rack is radially bent toward its normally convex surface, and rotated upon the sprocket wheel coupling aligned with sprockets, the perforations of the rack fall upon and ring fit the sprockets. The sprocket wheel coupling is connected with a shaft position encoder, whereby, the rack motions and encoder signals are proportional relative to linear measurements made finite over relatively long distances of many feet. The rack is also made rotational about a vertical axis connected with a second shaft position encoder having its signals proportional with rotational motions.

Abstract: A surveying instrument for measuring a rotation angle in which a rotation angle is measured from a reference direction and is displayed. The reference angle is set by zeroing the displayed angle. The display is zeroed only if a reset button is operated twice within a fixed period.

Abstract: A galvano-plastically produced graduation carrier comprising fine perforations located within a perforation zone wherein stability enhancement regions in the form of prominences and depressions in the embodiment are located outside the perforation zone. The stability enhancement regions enhance the ability of the graduation carrier to be self-supporting. The area of the graduation carrier within the perforation zone can therefore be made thinner than other areas of the graduation carrier. This provides a graduation carrier which not only has improved edge sharpness and fineness of the perforations but also a high bending rigidity and improved handleability.

Abstract: A system to move an object in space. The system includes a structural mechanism having interconnected structural beams for applying translational forces and movements to position an object held by the structural mechanism. The system has a measuring mechanism to determine, with precision, the actual position and orientation of each structural beam with respect to its attached neighboring structural beam. The structural mechanism includes at least one structural beam and an associated measuring beam. The measuring beam is in contact only with its associated structural beam, the contact being effected through support devices that provide the only physical contact between the structural beam and the associated measuring beam.

Abstract: A position measuring instrument comprising a graduation unit and a scanning unit. The graduation unit comprises a centering flange, a graduation carrier and a measuring graduation located on the graduation carrier. The scanning unit comprises a scanning component which comprises a scanning graduation and a stop. During assembly, the scanning unit is positioned radially with respect to the graduation carrier by positioning the stop against the centering flange. The scanning component may then be moved along a guide towards the measuring graduation. As the scanning component is moved towards the measuring graduation the stop no longer contacts the centering flange. A spacing foil removably sandwiched between the measuring graduation and the scanning graduation is used to position the scanning graduation at a predetermined distance from the measuring graduation. A locking means is then used to prevent further movement of the scanning component along the guide.

Abstract: A coupling device for connecting a standard incremental angular motion transducer with two objects to be measured wherein the transducer is of the type comprising a measuring scale with at least one reference mark and a scanning unit operative to scan the measuring scale. The coupling device enables the transducer to be calibrated while the two objects are stationary. The calibration process is performed using a motor which engages and rotates a gear wheel connected to the measuring scale. The rotation of the measuring scale is conducted against the force of a spiral spring until the reference mark is scanned by the scanning unit and a reference pulse generated. The measuring scale is then returned to its momentary position under the influence of the spiral spring and the motor disengaged.

Abstract: A single turn absolute position encoder is disclosed capable of being manufactured in extremely small size while maintaining high resolution. An indented version having a discrete position output signal is disclosed as well as a non-indented continuous position output device having an index for coarse position location as well as apertures for fine position location. This device may be designed for extremely high resolution in a single turn device, or may be geared to further improve resolution.

Abstract: A transit includes a first rotational member provided with a collimator and supported on the transit for rotation about a predetermined axis, a second rotational member supported on the transit for rotation about the predetermined axis, a detector for generating a pulse in accordance with a predetermined angle of displacement between the first rotational member and the second rotational member, a first counter for counting the number of pulses from the detector, the maximum countable pulse number of the first counter corresponding to the angle of 360.degree., the first counter generating a pulse in accordance with its counting of the maximum pulse number, and a second counter for counting the pulses from the first counter means up to a predetermined number.

Abstract: A transducer for sensing the angular position of a shaft over a limited angle (e.g., .+-.30.degree.) uses a printed circuit board mounted perpendicular to the shaft between capacitor plates of a bifurcated vane clamped to the shaft. The board has two pairs of symmetrical capacitor plates, one pair on each side with each plate of a pair located symmetrically with respect to the midposition of the vane plates, and corresponding plates of each pair connected together at a junction to place the two corresponding variable capacitors in parallel. Circuitry produces a Mark-Space signal proportional to the position of the bifurcated vane. Using the total Mark-Space period to continually derive a midposition reference, and comparing that midposition reference to any deviation of equal Mark and Space periods provides a position signal proportional to deviation from midposition of the bifurcated vane.

Abstract: An angle measuring device operating without a graduated board and of a type including a disc rotating a constant speed having a reference point fixed on the housing of a disc, an angle measuring arm concentric with the disc and rotatable, and a measuring point provided on the arm. In accordance with the invention, the ratio of an angle measuring time required for the disc to turn from the reference point to the measuring point to a one-revolution time of the disc is multiplied by 360.degree. to obtain an angle which is determined by the reference point, the center of the disc and the measuring point. This is effected with an angle measuring time integrating device for integrating data points corresponding to one-revolution time for each revolution of the disc, and an arithmetic unit for calculating a measured angle according to the ratio of the integrated value of the angle measuring times to the integrated value of the one-revolution times after the disc has made a predetermined number of revolutions.

Abstract: An apparatus for converting angular position to a linear voltage. A continuous element dual wiper potentiometer provides triangular waveforms 90.degree. apart to a waveform conversion circuit which generates a linear positive going ramp waveform in response to the angular position of the potentiometer wipers.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a rotation of, for example, an automotive steering wheel has comprises a rotary plate fixed to a shaft and rotatable in accordance with a rotation of the steering wheel, an electric circuit for detecting a rotation of the rotary plate; a rotary member rotatable in accordance with a rotation of the shaft; a first opening for detecting a reference position signal provided in the rotary plate, a second opening for detecting a reference position signal provided in the rotary member, a reduction gear mechanism for reducing the rotational speed of the rotary member such as to allow the first and second signal detecting openings to be aligned with each other once in a plurality of rotations of the shaft, and photo electro transducers for detecting a reference position disposed in a line passing through the first and second signal detecting openings.

Abstract: An improved angle measuring device in which rotational irregularity in the form of two cycles or more per rotational cycle of the motor driving device is compensated for completely. A period of time T.sub.1 required for a cutout formed in the periphery of a rotor rotating at a constant speed to make one revolution starting from a stationary reference point, and a period of time T.sub.2 required for the cutout to move between the reference point and an angle measuring point are obtained to evaluate 360.degree..times.(T.sub.2 /T.sub.1) to obtain the angle under measurement. The cutout has an angular width of approximately 90.degree., although angular widths in a range of 5.degree. to 355.degree. can be used as the situation demands.

Abstract: An elevation angle measuring device is designed to compensate for a slight inclination of the device. A vertical hanging member having a slit is arranged such that the slit acts as a photoelectric passage mask for a detector when the device has an inclination angle substantially equal to zero. The device is disabled by the vertical hanging member when the inclination angle of the device is not substantially equal to zero.

Abstract: The apparatus senses the absolute elevation and azimuth of a device, such as a gun in an arcade target shooting game. The gun is fixed to a shaft which is pivotable about horizontal and vertical axes and which is connected by two linkage assemblies, respectively, to two rotatably mounted encoder plates for rotating them, respectively, in response to pivoting of the gun about the two axes. Each plate has a plurality of apertures arranged in seven concentric rings in accordance with the Gray code, the arcs respectively intercepting seven light beams which are directed to seven photodetectors. At different rotational positions of the plate, different ones of the detectors will sense light. The apertures are arranged to produce discrete coded indications of each one-degree increment of movement of the gun over a range of about 90.degree..

Abstract: A three dimensional graphics tablet for determining the three dimensional coordinates of points on an object placed on a supporting plane. The apparatus includes an articulated arm having at least two link elements connecting a contacting tip element to the support for rotational movement about a plurality of mutually angulated axes. By means of the arm articulation, the contacting tip element can be moved to arbitrary locations within a defined volume. Potentiometers are provided for measuring each of the angles of rotation about the mutually angulated axes. These potentiometers generate signals which collectively determine the coordinates of the location of the tip element. Embodiments are disclosed having three and four degrees of freedom and a portable embodiment including a clamp or bracket are disclosed.

Abstract: A rocking rotational angle altering system is equipped with an improved output rotational angle indicating device. The device includes a movable block and a cam rod brought into engagement with each other in rolling contact. The movable block has rolling elements mounted to act as a unit therewith and the cam rod is formed with a flat cam surface engageable with the rolling elements of the movable block.

Abstract: A hand held device for taking measurements. The disclosed invention has particular utility for use in taking measurements for tailoring an article of clothing such as a suit. Two embodiments of the device are disclosed. One takes only length measurements and a second takes both length and angle measurements. Each includes a frequency modulated transmitter for sending signals corresponding to the measurements to a separate receiver and storage unit where the measurements are stored for later use in the tailoring process. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the storage unit comprises a personal computer with a visual display that can prompt a user into taking the measurements in a predetermined sequence.

Abstract: An angular position sensor comprising a generator coil driven by an oscillator to provide an alternating magnetic field which is symmetrical about an axis, an annular rotor of electrically-conductive or magnetic material such that it distorts the magnetic field around it and arranged so that it is asymmetrical about its axis of rotation and lies outside the equatorial plane of the magnetic field and two sensing coils disposed within the magnetic field. As the rotor 16 rotates about its axis the emfs induced in the sensing coils vary in dependence upon the angular position of the rotor relative to the axis of the undistorted magnetic field.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for absolute position measurement for numerically controlled machines is provided. The invention produces a unique measurement signal for all locations within the range of a movable machine member using two measuring devices. Each measuring device produces a unique measurement signal within a portion of the range of motion that cyclically repeats over the entire range of motion. The measuring devices are so arranged that the measurement signal of one completes no more than one more cycle over the range of motion than the measurement signal of the other. The difference between the two measurement signals is unique for all locations and is used to produce an absolute position signal.

Abstract: A seam welding apparatus is provided which automatically senses and adjusts the position of a welding torch in triaxial X, Y and Z directions and controls the position so as to maintain a predetermined position of the torch with respect to an irregularly shaped workpiece such as elliptical shapes. The apparatus also provides for continuously sensing and adjusting the surface speed of the workpiece so as to maintain a predetermined constant speed. A slope/speed sensor is also provided for sensing surface speed and slope of the workpiece. A method of continuously sensing triaxial position and surface speed of the workpiece adjacent the torch and adjusting the position of the torch and speed of the workpiece so as to maintain a desired position and speed is also provided.

Abstract: A revolving wheel measures the horizontal length of travel of a moving flat material by contact with the material and connection to an instrument which counts the revolutions of the wheel and converts to length. The wheel is mounted on an arm which in turn is so mounted on a linkage as to maintain uninterrupted contact of the wheel in spite of deviations in the travel. Dashpots are employed to absorb the shock of such deviations which may be lateral or vertical.

Abstract: The invention relates to a knee laxity evaluator which consists of an instrumented seat, a restraint means for restraining the thigh of a patient to the instrumented seat, a motion module for measuring motion of the unrestrained part of the leg relative to the thigh of the patient, and processor means for analyzing outputs of the instrumented seat and the motion module to provide indications of applied force and relative motion. The invention also relates to a specific motion module/digitizer combination which can be used as a part of the knee laxity evaluator, or which can be used independently or in alternate systems. The invention also relates to a novel dynanometer for use in the knee laxity evaluator which includes a triple beam arrangement.

Abstract: A calibration process and apparatus are disclosed for allowing a reference position to be determined at any time, independent of the momentary position of the two objects movable relative to one another to be measured. One of the two objects to be measured is decoupled from the measuring device and then either the scanning plate or the measuring graduation of the measuring device is moved until it comes into alignment with a reference mark. This scanning of a reference mark causes a counter included in the measuring system to be set at a predetermined value such as zero. From this point up to the point the scanning plate or measuring graduation is returned to the momentary starting position, the grid lines of the graduation on the graduated plate are counted. In this way, the absolute position of the momentary starting position is determined.

Abstract: The position of the moving section in a robot is accurately and easily adjusted to a position of the origin by: setting a moving section being rotatably secured to a reference section through a rotary shaft in a manner that the axis of the rotary shaft is disposed horizontally; mounting an angular sensor for detecting an inclination angle of the moving section with respect to the origin, such as a level, on the moving section at a predetermined position thereof with respect to the axis of the rotary shaft; and rotating the moving section about the rotary shaft in response to a detected inclination angle. The apparatus therefor includes the angular sensor, such as a level, disposed on a mounting member and held in a position by a positioning member, and a rotating member for rotating the moving section about the rotary shaft in response to a detected inclination angle.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the angular displacement of two objects relative to each other. The apparatus includes a graduated plate which is attached to a rotatable shaft which is rigidly secured to a first object to be measured. The annular displacement of the graduated plate is measured by a scanning unit. The scanning unit and graduated plate are enclosed within a housing which is rigidly secured to a second object. The scanning unit is supported upon the rotatable shaft and secured by a coupling system to the housing so that it will not rotate with the shaft. The coupling system allows translational movements of the scanning unit with respect to the housing in planes perpendicular to the axis of the shaft without impairing the measurement accuracy of the scanning unit.