Abstract: A slave manipulator manipulates a medical device in response to operator manipulation of an input device through joint control systems. The stiffness and strength of the slave manipulator are adjustable according to criteria such as the mode of operation of the slave manipulator, the functional type of the medical device currently being held by the slave manipulator, and the current phase of a medical procedure being performed using the slave manipulator by changing corresponding parameters of the control system. For safety purposes, such changes are not made until it is determined that it can be done in a smooth manner without causing jerking of the medical device. Further, an excessive force warning may be provided to surgery staff when excessive forces are being commanded on the slave manipulator for more than a specified period of time.

Abstract: In order to improve a method for positioning a centre point of a second machine tool unit of a machine tool on a geometric axis of a first machine tool unit of the machine tool, wherein the second machine tool unit has a circular path concentric with the centre point, and wherein the first machine tool unit has a component that is rotatable about the geometric axis, in such a way that said method can be performed by an operator easily, reliably and within a short timeframe, it is proposed that a measuring unit is arranged in a defined manner relative to the geometric axis and the position of the circular path relative to the geometric axis is established using the measuring unit, that the position of the centre point of the circular path in the geometric plane relative to the geometric axis is calculated, and that adjustment paths in the geometric plane, which are associated with the adjustment directions, for positioning the centre point on the geometric axis are calculated, and that the machine tool units a

Abstract: An edge finder to locate a work piece, work-holding feature or cutting tool with respect to the spindle of a machine tool includes a shank, a body and an indicator. When the shank is attached to the machine tool spindle, the longitudinal axis is coextensive with the spindle axis of rotation. The indicator measures the location of a work piece, work-holding feature or cutting tool with respect to the shank longitudinal axis. The indicator is rotatable so that a machinist may read the indicator from any direction.

Abstract: The illustrative embodiment of the present invention uses a tangible three-dimensional structure as a fiducial mark, which structure is, at least partially, tolerant of dimensional variations in the article. The illustrative embodiment uses three such tangible three-dimensional structures: (1) a portion of a tangible conical surface, (2) a portion of a tangible spheroidal surface, and (3) a portion of a tangible pyramidal surface.

Abstract: A workpiece holder comprises: a holding table including: a chuck mechanism holding the workpiece; a positioning mechanism moving the chuck mechanism in a direction orthogonal to the rotary axis while supporting the chuck mechanism to locate the workpiece; and a rotary mechanism rotating the positioning mechanism about the rotary axis to rotate the workpiece held by the chuck mechanism about the rotary axis; an alignment imaging part capturing an image of the outer peripheral portion of the workpiece held by the chuck mechanism; a misalignment detector detecting misalignment of the symmetry axis with respect to the rotary axis based on the captured image while the workpiece is rotated by the rotary mechanism; and a workpiece position correction part correcting the position of the workpiece to match the symmetry axis with the rotary axis by moving the chuck mechanism using the positioning mechanism to eliminate the misalignment.

Abstract: A transmission controller comprises an actuator which changes a roller position of a toroidal CVT to adjust the tilt motion angle of a power roller; a tilt motion angle information generation unit which generates information of the tilt motion angle; a position estimation unit which derives an estimated value of the roller position; and a position control unit which derives an operation command value of the actuator so that a deviation between a command value of the roller position and the estimated value of the roller position is cancelled. The position estimation unit is configured to derive the estimated value based on the information of the tilt motion angle which is generated by the tilt motion angle information generation unit, and the operation command value, and to compensate the estimated value based on an environment parameter which affects an operation of the power roller.

Abstract: A welding gun alignment detection device is provided. The device includes an upper block, a lower block, a housing, and a side pressure sensor. The upper block includes a central portion that has an upper tip insertion bore opened upward. The lower block is disposed under the upper block and has a central portion with a lower tip insertion bore opened downward. The housing includes the upper block and the lower block disposed therein and includes inner sides each facing outer sides of the upper block and the lower block. The side pressure sensor is configured to detect a force transferred to the inner side of the housing due to a movement of the upper block and the lower block.

Abstract: A method for forming a plurality of aligned holes includes aligning a first surface defining a first hole with a second surface defining a second hole, wherein the first hole at least partially aligns with the second hole to form a gap. A virtual hole diameter is measured, wherein the virtual hole diameter is a diameter of a virtual hole through the gap and the virtual hole diameter is a smallest bisector of the gap. Responsive to the virtual hole diameter having a first virtual hole diameter, a first cleanup hole having a first cleanup hole diameter is formed through the gap, wherein the first cleanup hole is concentrically aligned with the virtual hole. A first fastener having a first size is inserted into the first cleanup hole, and the first surface is attached to the second surface using the first fastener. Additional implementations are described.

Abstract: A sensing and positioning device adapted to be mounted on a spindle of a machine tool including: a fixing element; and at least three sensing elements adapted to be connected operationally to a programmable control unit of a machine tool. The sensing and positioning device is adapted to be used with a machining tool mounted on the spindle. A machine tool including a workpiece table, a machining head, and movement means adapted to move the machining head above the workpiece table. The machine further includes the device described above. An associated machining method is also described.

Abstract: A tram adapter apparatus, kit and method is used with an alignment tool to check the alignment of the spindle and the table of a machine tool. The alignment tool has two or more indicators retained in a spaced apart relation to the spindle of the machine tool. A tram adapter body is interposed between the indicator body and the stop of one of the indicators, moving the indicator tip to a retracted position. The other indicator remains in the deployed position and may be used to tram the table of the machine tool to check the alignment between the table and spindle.

Abstract: A control device of robot arm including a pressure sensing module and a control module is provided. The pressure sensing module, disposed on an operating portion of a robot arm, has a touch-sensing surface for detecting an operation command applied to the touch-sensing surface. The control module receives at least a pressure sensing signal outputted by the pressure sensing module and outputs a motor driving signal to the robot arm in response to the operation command. The touch-sensing surface includes a first touch-sensing region and a second touch-sensing region. The first touch-sensing region is for defining a first reference coordinate system satisfying a translational motion mode. The second touch-sensing region is for defining a second reference coordinate system satisfying a rotational motion mode. The control module controls the robot arm according to the operation command.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and method for producing at least partially closed profiles from metal sheet, having a first tool part, a second tool part, and at least one supporting core. The insertion movement of the supporting core between the bending jaws is limited by a stop and, in its insertion position limited by the stop, protrudes with respect to the bending jaws in the direction of the die, in that the supporting core is arranged on a carrier that is movable relative to the die, and in that the bending jaws are assigned at least one displacement element connected rigidly thereto, the displacement element coming into contact with the carrier when the bent metal sheet portion engages around the supporting core.

Abstract: Provided are self-retractable centering assemblies and methods of using these assemblies for alignment of parts having determinant assembly alignment holes. An assembly includes a center pin having a threaded portion threadably engaging a drive component. The assembly also includes a puller bushing rotatably coupled to the drive component. The center pin protrudes through the puller bushing and can slide with respect to the puller bushing when the drive component is rotated relative to the center pin. The sliding distance is controlled by a limiter disposed within the cavity of the puller bushing. During operation, a portion of the center pin extends from the puller bushing and is inserted into alignment holes of parts being aligned. The drive component is rotated relative to the center pin resulting in the center pin being pulled out of the alignment holes while the puller bushing is being pressed against the parts.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a dynamically directed workpiece positioning system may include a transport, a sensor positioned to detect a workpiece on the transport, a cutting member positioned along or downstream of the transport, and a computer system. The sensor may scan the workpiece as the workpiece is moved relative to the transport by a human operator or a positioning device. Based on the scan data, the computer system may generate commands to guide the human operator or positioning device in moving the workpiece to a desired position corresponding to a cut solution for the workpiece. Optionally, the computer system may cause the cutting member to be repositioned while the workpiece is being moved relative to the transport. Once the workpiece is in the desired position, the transport may be used to move the workpiece toward the cutting member. Corresponding methods and apparatuses are also disclosed.

Abstract: An adjustable template includes a template base member defining at least one opening which extends through the template base member. The adjustable template further includes a locater guide member associated with the at least one opening, wherein a width dimension of the locater guide member is smaller than a width dimension of the at least one opening permitting the locater guide member to move within the at least one opening. An opening defined by the locater guide member extends through the locater guide member wherein a central axis of the opening extends in a direction parallel to and offset from a central axis of the locater guide member. A method of locating a position in alignment of a blind hole defined by a first member is also included. The method includes the steps of positioning a template base member and positioning a locater guide member.

Abstract: A drill hole repositioning tool has a handle or head for holding the tool, and an elongate drill bit guide having a crescent-like cross-section. The elongate drill bit guide is inserted in an existing drill hole with the convex side of the elongate drill bit guide butting on a side of the existing drill hole. The concave side of the drill bit guide guides a drill bit for drilling a new drill hole. The new drill hole is displaced from the existing drill hole by the thickness of the elongate drill bit guide. A set of drill hole repositioning tools may have a range of thicknesses of the drill bit guides to cater for a range of drill hole repositioning displacements, a range of diameters to cater for a range of standardized drill bit sizes, and a range of insertion lengths to cater for a range of drill hole depths.

Abstract: A chromatic confocal point sensor (CPS) system and associated methods are provided for measuring holes. A CPS optical pen includes a beam dividing deflecting element that directs measurement light simultaneously along at least three directions to the interior surface of the hole. A CPS electronics portion comprises a light generator, a spectrometer, and a signal processor. In operation, the CPS pen directs measurement light to the interior surface along the at least three directions, and the spectrometer receives measurement light reflected from those directions back through the pen and provides a spectral intensity profile comprising spectral peak components corresponding to distances to the interior surface along those directions. The hole characteristic may be determined based at least partially on those distances. The CPS pen may be used as a probe on a coordinate measuring machine (CMM). The CPS pen does not require rotation in a hole to measure the hole.

Abstract: The invention relates to an intermediate element for the arrangement of a probe pin with respect to the probe pin carrier of a coordinate measuring machine, having a single-piece base body with a probe pin end and a machine end. It is provided here that the machine end is provided with a coupling element and with a means for ensuring a reproducible rotational alignment, and the probe pin end has a bearing face which is inclined in a fixed manner with respect to the axis of the coupling element, is provided on a general ball segment form which is flattened by the bearing face, and is configured with a positively locking means and/or frictional means for the positively locking and/or frictional engagement with a fastening end of the probe pin in contact with the bearing face.

Abstract: A centerline marker holder used for engaging and sliding along a portion of two intersecting walls and sliding along an exterior or interior rounded or bull nose corner between the walls. The marker holder uses a pencil for drawing a centerline along a length of the corner. The marker holder includes a flat, first wall engaging member attached at an angle to a flat, second wall engaging member. Along a length of an intersection of the first and second wall engaging members is a centerline hole. The centerline hole is dimensioned to receive the pencil therethrough for marking the centerline. The marker holder also includes a plurality of offset holes from the centerline hole for drawing parallel offset lines at a selected distance from the centerline.

Abstract: An apparatus for locating a central axis of a spinal column and method of using the same is disclosed. The apparatus and method includes one or more members capable of spanning a center line which may then be identified by at least one additional member positioned therebetween. Furthermore, the device may contain or be capable of accommodating various additional tools for marking the location of the central axis of a spinal column.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus and a method of testing one of aerodynamic and acoustic characteristics of a vehicle is described. The method includes measuring a vehicle center using a gauge. The gauge includes a carrier section from which a pair of arms extend in opposed directions. Each of the arms has an axle center locator. The carrier section has a vehicle center marker. Upon determination of the vehicle center, the vehicle can be located in a wind tunnel at a predetermined location and exposed to an enhanced air flow.

Abstract: An alignment system and method for aligning a hole-making device for forming a hole in the ground. In one example, the alignment system includes an alignment template selectively securable to the ground; and a centering plate positionable within the alignment template, the centering plate having a hole adapted to be positioned on a survey pin or nail or other mark. The alignment template is aligned relative to desired marked hole location, and the hole making device is aligned relative to the template, which thereby aligns the hole making device relative to the marked hole location.

Abstract: A combination square for usage with a grooved blade, comprising: a straight component having a first straight edge and a second straight edge perpendicular to the first straight edge; an angled component having a third straight edge and an angled edge; a marked scale comprising degrees; a marker, wherein the square is configured to allow indication by the marker of angles on the scale; a slot configured to allow accommodating the blade; and a locking screw configured to allow clamping the combination square onto the blade at a desired position along the blade; wherein the angled component is rotatably connected to the straight component; and the square is further configured to allow measuring a center of a circle coupled to the second straight edge and the angled edge at a second end of range of motion of the rotation by the straight component relative to the angled component.

Abstract: A reference point on a table center of an inclined rotating table in a wire electric discharge machine is obtained using a measuring jig. A biaxial rotation unit is placed on a table of the wire electric discharge machine. The measuring jig has a shape most suitable for reference point measurement using a contact sensing function of a wire electrode which a wire electric discharge machine generally has and includes a fixed section for being fixed to a work fixing section of the biaxial rotation unit, an arm section which is provided to stand on the fixed section, and a section to be measured which is provided at a distal end of the arm section and has a conductive spherical surface.

Abstract: Assemblies and methods for applying painter's tape to a wall for painting stripes and patterns on the wall wherein the assembly has a first elongated body defining a first straight outer edge and a first inner edge and having a first body length and a second elongated body defining a second straight outer edge and a second inner edge and having a second body length. The assembly also includes at least one arm having a first end rotatably coupled to the first elongated body and a second end rotatably coupled to the second elongated body, each of the arms having an arm length and configured to space the first elongated body apart from the second elongated body such that the first straight outer edge is a taping distance from the second straight outer edge.

Abstract: A press machine includes a controller including a top-dead-center detector adapted to: rotate a main shaft in a predetermined direction selected from a normal rotation direction and a reverse rotation direction to place a slide at a first position displaced relative to a top dead center of the slide by a predetermined height; while outputting and counting pulses from an angle detector, rotate the main shaft in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction to move the slide to a second position located at the same height as the first position beyond the top dead center; and rotate the main shaft from the second position in the predetermined direction by an amount corresponding to a half of the counted pulses to detect the top dead center.

Abstract: An alignment tool for a pitch link comprises first and second pitch link retainers, wherein the distance between the retainers is adjustable to accommodate the length of the pitch link; and a measurement system for measuring the displacement of a rod end from an adjustment member of the pitch link, comprising first and second measurement reference points fixedly associated with the first and second retainers, respectively. Another alignment tool for a pitch link comprises first and second retainers having an adjustable distance there between; and a stabilization mechanism for stabilizing the tool on a surface. A method for adjusting and aligning a pitch link, in part comprising the steps of securing the pitch link to the alignment tool; measuring and recording a baseline length displacement of the pitch link; loosening the pitch link jam nuts; and adjusting the pitch link on the alignment tool to match the previously recorded displacement.

Abstract: Method and apparatus (1) for measuring a manufacturing deviation in an external gear (2). The gear is arranged onto a stationary central pin (3), the external diameter of which is smaller than the internal diameter of the gear so that a relative movement between the gear and the pin is allowed; a coupling member (5), preferably including a head (17) that does not rotate and is adapted to fit into the teeth of the gear, is urged with a predetermined strength against the teeth of the gear in order to mesh with the teeth and concurrently bring an internal lateral surface of the gear into engagement with an external lateral surface of the pin. The position of the central axis (A) of the gear is determined and the manufacturing deviation of the gear is determined as a function of said position. The deviation so determined can be corrected as a function of a reference distance (D) indicative of the radial dimensions of the gear.

Abstract: An apparatus for locating a central axis of a spinal column and method of using the same is disclosed. The apparatus and method includes one or more members capable of spanning a center line which may then be identified by at least one additional member positioned therebetween. Furthermore, the device may contain or be capable of accommodating various additional tools for marking the location of the central axis of a spinal column.

Abstract: A method of determining a correction parameter for use in effecting alignment of a component of a metrological apparatus in at least one direction is described which includes: positioning an artefact on a support surface of a turntable of the metrological apparatus so that a measurement surface of the artefact is asymmetric with respect to a rotation axis of the turntable in the at least one direction; using a measurement probe of the measurement instrument to make a first measurement of the measurement surface; rotating the turntable; using the measurement probe of the measurement instrument to make a second measurement of the measurement surface after rotation of the turntable; and determining a correction parameter from the first and second measurements.

Abstract: The positions of at least three points, which are circumferentially, and equiangularly, offset from each other, of a peripheral face of a workpiece set on a rotary table are measured using a position detection probe. The amount of runout of the axis of the workpiece and a phase position of the workpiece, at which the runout amount is largest, are calculated from the measured positions of the equiangularly offset points. The rotary table is turned to set the largest runout phase position of the workpiece in a position opposed to a workpiece contact of a centering apparatus. The relative positions of the workpiece and a position detection block are calculated using the position detection probe. The workpiece is centered by moving a centering shaft member of the centering apparatus such that the workpiece contact pushes the workpiece by a distance corresponding to the runout amount.

Abstract: A test device for testing whether an axis of a first portion of an article is coaxial with an axis of a second portion of the article includes a supporting member, a benchmark member fixed to a first end of the support member, and a test member slidably received in a second end of the supporting member opposite to the first end. The benchmark member includes a first test portion to position the first portion of the article that are coaxial within a coaxial tolerance. The test member includes a second test member coaxial with the first test portion. If the second portion is capable of being positioned to the second test portion, the article is qualified. If the second portion is incapable positioned to the second test portion, the article is unqualified.

Abstract: A test device for testing whether the distance between centers meets specifications includes a support member, a benchmark member set on a first end of the support member, to be positioned at the first through hole, a test member set on a second end of the support member, to be positioned at the second through hole, and a sliding member defining a receiving slot. The test member is also slidable in a direction perpendicular to the slidable direction of the test member. If the test member can enter the receiving slot, the first article is qualified, if test member cannot enter the receiving slot, the second article does not meet the required standard.

Abstract: A robot compliance device includes first and second discs (12, 30) spaced along a first axis (X). A column (24) is interconnected between the first disc (12) and a beam (14) intermediate the first and second discs (12, 30). A compliance member (40) is mounted around the column (24) between the first disc (12) and the beam (14). First and second canted resilient plates (50) are interconnected between the compliance member (40) and the beam (14) and spaced from each other along a second axis (Y) perpendicular to the first axis (X) and are at a first acute angle with and spaced from the first axis (X). Third and fourth canted resilient plates (52) are interconnected between the second disc (30) and the compliance member (40) and spaced from each other along a third axis (Z) perpendicular to the first and second axes (X, Y) and are at a second acute angle with and spaced from the first axis (X).

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (50) for centering a movable structure (4) on a stationary structure (5) of a nacelle, comprising: a centering pin (52) mounted on a pin holder (54) attached onto the movable structure (4) or onto the stationary structure (5), the centering pin (52) having a central axis (56) and a receiving bore (60) mounted onto a bore holder (62) attached onto the stationary structure (5) or onto the movable structure (4), said receiving bore (60) being capable of receiving at least the centering pin (52), characterized in that the centering device (50) also comprises a movable interface system, capable of overlapping the central axis (56) of the centering pin (52) and the central axis of said interface system or of the receiving bore (60) and capable of receiving said centering pin (52) in a central opening, and a locking means capable of locking said interface system. The invention also relates to a nacelle including such a device (50).

Abstract: A method and system of aligning a probe to wells includes holding the probe at one potential and holding the wells at a different potential, moving the probe to an estimated center position above a selected well, lowering the probe into the selected target well, moving the probe in positive and negative directions along first and second axial dimensions until changes in potential are detected at the probe to indicate electrical contact between the probe and the selected well, and calculating a center location of the selected well along the first and second axial dimensions as mid-points between the points of contact for the respective axial dimensions. The method and system further include lowering the probe into contact with a floor of the selected well and calculating a center location along a third axial dimension as a predetermined distance above the position of the probe.

Abstract: A detecting apparatus is capable of detecting a vertical distance between a first axis and a second axis on a workpiece. The detecting apparatus includes a supporting plate, a first positioning member, a second positioning member, and a measuring member. The first positioning member and the second positioning member are arranged on the supporting plate along the first axis, and fix the horizontal position of the workpiece. The measuring member is arranged on the supporting plate along the second axis, and is capable to slide along the second axis. The measuring member is able to pass a bottom hole of the workpiece if the workpiece is qualified, and is unable to pass the bottom hole if the workpiece is not qualified.

Abstract: A device locates an apparatus to the center of a hole in a structure. The device includes a hub adapted to have the apparatus mounted thereon and a plurality of locator elements spaced around the hub which extend at least partially into the hole. Means coupled with the locator elements and the hub are used to displace the locator elements outwardly into engagement with the edges of the structure and to move the hub into axial alignment with the center of the hole.

Abstract: A measuring device for determining the shortest distance between features in a structure.

Abstract: The positions of at least three points, which are circumferentially, and equiangularly, offset from each other, of a peripheral face of a workpiece set on a rotary table are measured using a position detection probe. The amount of runout of the axis of the workpiece and a phase position of the workpiece, at which the runout amount is largest, are calculated from the measured positions of the equiangularly offset points. The rotary table is turned to set the largest runout phase position of the workpiece in a position opposed to a workpiece contact of a centering apparatus. The relative positions of the workpiece and a position detection block are calculated using the position detection probe. The workpiece is centered by moving a centering shaft member of the centering apparatus such that the workpiece contact pushes the workpiece by a distance corresponding to the runout amount.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided to machine a curved surface such as an inner or outer peripheral surface of a pipe. The pipe is held stationary during machining and a rotatable spindle of a machine head moves along multiple orthogonal axes to align the rotational axis of the spindle with the longitudinal pipe axis. Preferably, the pipe axis is located by using a touch probe to engage the curved surface at multiple spots and the calculating the location of the pipe axis. The cutting tool, which is preferably a cutting tool insert, is rotated by the spindle to machine the curved surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a centering mechanism capable of improving the efficiency of centering work and reducing the work time and the cost. The centering mechanism centers an inner member located inside in a radial direction, with respect to an outer member arranged to surround the inner member in a circumferential direction, and includes a vertical-direction positioning unit which positions the inner member in a vertical direction in a non-stepwise manner.

Abstract: A detection device for detecting a distance between centers of two through holes includes a support member, a base member, and a measurement member. The base member and the measurement member are set on opposite ends of the support member. The base member is operable to enter one of the through holes. A distance between a center of the base member and a center of the measurement member is equal to a normal distance between centers of the two through holes. If an actual distance between the centers of the two through holes meets a determined specification, the measurement member will enter the other through hole. If the actual distance between the centers of the two through holes does not meet the determined specification, the measurement member cannot enter the other through hole.

Abstract: A device forming a sight-vane for a three-dimensional measuring machine. It includes a cylinder-shaped body (1), a thin part (5), and a tail (6). The part (5) and the tail (6) are provided with slots enabling the expansion or the withdrawal of the tail (6) in relation to the nominal diameter thereof. A contact face (2) is calibrated in relation to a bearing face (3). A cylinder (4) and the contact face (2) are calibrated and intended for the palpation. The exterior of the tail (6) is calibrated, the interior is provided with a conical (11) bore and the end thereof is provided with a wedge-shaped chamfer (13). The contact face (2) is provided with a countersink (9) and a threading (8) suitable for receiving an expansion screw (10) at the conical end. The device is useful as a palpation point for a measuring machine.

Abstract: Disclosed are an optical system and method for centering a tree within a tree spade apparatus that is mounted to a vehicle. Typically, the center point of the tree spade is difficult to align with the axis of the trunk of the tree. The present embodiments describe a projected pattern of light incident upon the tree trunk that assists the operator of the tree spade in centering the spade around the tree without additional assistance.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods associated with a center finder and marking tool are disclosed. A center finder and marking tool device includes a base that is configured to be positioned on a work piece surface. The base includes a bore hole. A body is disposed inside the bore hole and rotationally coupled to the base, wherein the body includes a first bore tunnel and a second bore tunnel. An optical center finder is disposed inside the first bore tunnel, and a marking tool is disposed inside the second bore tunnel.

Abstract: A remote center compliance device is provided. The remote center compliance device includes a measuring sensor disposed at a limiter, a measuring block, or an elastic body to measure a force-insertion force or a location displacement of a force-insertion apparatus.

Abstract: A method and device for effecting automatic centering of an annular workpiece on a rotating surface having a rotational center involves arbitrarily positioning the workpiece on the slowly rotating surface, applying a support for the workpiece by way of spaced apart contact members that individually contact the workpiece and are synchronously movable in a guided reciprocating manner towards and away from the rotational center of the rotating surface. The contact members are gradually retracted away from the rotational center of the rotating surface until the workpiece is unaffected by the contact members during one revolution of the rotating surface so that the workpiece is centered, and the center of the workpiece coincides with the rotational center of the rotating surface. At least one of the contact members is provided with a mechanism for counteracting a friction force acting on the workpiece.

Abstract: A flange alignment tool is provided for aligning misaligned flanges such that one worker can align the flanges, in a safe and efficient manner, with no sledge hammer involved. The flange alignment tool is simple to operate and is adaptable to various sized flange holes. The tool is operated by simple tools, such as a wrench, with no impact forces required. The tool is constructed of rigid materials to provide the strength and support for the alignment process, and has all components attached, and readily accessible, that are needed to accommodate various sizes of flange holes.

Abstract: A pipe fitting wireform which when threaded into a fitting allows a user to measure center-to-end or end-to-center of the fitting to determine the length of a pipe needed to connect a pair of pipe fittings in a pipe assembly. The fitting wireform is a coil with a free end bent laterally to form a tang. The fitting wireform having an outside diameter substantially equal to the nominal size of the pipe fitting with substantially the same number of turns per inch as the pipe fitting such that the pipe fitting wireform can be threaded into the pipe fitting.