Straightness, Flatness, Or Alignment Patents (Class 33/533)
  • Patent number: 8417423
    Abstract: A defined vehicle path emulator system is described, which system can be used for measuring the F-min values and profiles for a path on a concrete floor traversed by a vehicle with a specific wheelbase. The defined vehicle path emulator is an autonomous robot that guides itself down the selected path. The F-min values are used to calculate the deviations away from zero planar infinity while traversing the path for a tall mast carried by an emulated vehicle. This invention's systems are distinct from the (FF/FL) floor flatness and floor levelness measuring systems in the literature as prior art. The floor can be marked for deviations from flatness by means of a laser etching system activated by the emulator's software system. The emulator can also signal an operator when it detects itself veering off of the defined path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Inventor: David G. Fudala
  • Patent number: 8407906
    Abstract: A portable device for measuring deflection of a surface, comprising an elongate frame having a first end and a second end and a first datum surface, a first removable reference assembly adjacent the first end, a second removable reference adjacent the second end, a deflection gauge attached to the elongate frame between the first removable reference assembly and the second removable reference assembly, and wherein the deflection gauge engages and measures a deflection of the surface relative to the first removable reference assembly and the second removable reference assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Cunningham Lindsey U.S., Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Heyer
  • Publication number: 20130077160
    Abstract: An alignment marker unit for an object holder for microscopic imaging of an object with a microscope, wherein the alignment marker unit can be removed from and remounted on the object holder, wherein the alignment marker unit has at least one alignment marker for microscope-supported detection, and wherein the alignment marker is designed to determine a coordinate system for the object holder which allows for the microscope-supported calibration of the object or an area of the object relative to its position to the object holder and the position of the object holder relative to the microscope. Furthermore, an object holder system including an object holder and an alignment marker unit as described above is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: CARL ZEISS MICROIMAGING GMBH
    Inventors: Heino HEISE, Ulrich KOHLHAAS
  • Publication number: 20130008042
    Abstract: In a parallel slider device, the two sliders are allowed to move in a smooth manner without interfering with each other. A same position command is given to a front servo controller for a front linear servo motor and a rear servo controller for a rear linear servo motor, and the front servo controller and the rear servo controller are provided with mutually different control gains.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: KURODA PRECISION INDUSTRIES LTD.
    Inventors: Kaoru Naoi, Yoichi Ishizaki, Tatsuhito Inouchi, Masahiro Iwasaki
  • Publication number: 20130000137
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a base, a cover and a rotating shaft. The base includes a platform formed on the base for placing a workpiece, a supporting post protruding from the platform, and a pair of opposite connecting seats protruding from an end of the base. Each connecting seat defines a pin hole. The cover includes a board portion defining a positioning hole corresponding to the supporting post, a hollow rotating portion defining a through hole, and a connecting portion interconnecting the board portion and the rotating portion. The rotating shaft extends through the rotating portion with two ends received in the pin holes, rotatably interconnecting the cover to the base. The radius of the through hole is larger than that of the rotating shaft. When the board portion presses on the workpiece, the supporting post lifts the board portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicants: FIH (HONG KONG) LIMITED, SHENZHEN FUTAIHONG PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: XIN-YAN WANG
  • Patent number: 8272139
    Abstract: A curvature examining jig for examining the curvature of a circuit board quickly and accurately includes a platform and a carrier. An examining region is defined on the platform so as for the circuit board to be disposed flatly within the examining region. A recess is disposed in the examining region and configured to receive a protrusion of the circuit board. The carrier is slidably coupled to the platform, configured to move along the margin of the circuit board, and provided with a plurality of plug gauges facing the platform closely and configured to move to the examining region along with the carrier. Accordingly, the curvature examining jig is convenient in holding a circuit board having a protrusion, quick and accurate in examining the curvature of the circuit board, and effective in enhancing the efficiency of production lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Askey Computer Corp.
    Inventors: Jia-Chun Zhang, Ching-Feng Hsieh
  • Patent number: 8230612
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for assessing the straightness of a flight control rod installed in an aircraft. The apparatus including a solid straight bar with a first end and a second end and two rod fixtures. The bar removably attachable to the rod fixtures that are in turn removably attachable to a flight control rod. The flight control rod may be removably inserted into rod fixture rod slots such that there is a measurable gap between the bar attached to the rod fixtures and the flight control rod to which they are attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventors: Jarrod Williams, Robert Posey
  • Patent number: 8196306
    Abstract: A method and device for analyzing a formed weld of a wind turbine system is disclosed. The device includes a gage for measuring a distance, a first member configured for receiving the gage, a second member attached to the first member, the second member being configured to releasably attach to a first surface on a first side of the formed weld, a third member attached to the first member, the third member being configured to releasably attach to a second surface on a second side of the formed weld, and the gage being positionable at a plurality of locations on the first member, the plurality of locations including a first location being proximal to the second member and distal from the third member and a second location being proximal to the third member and distal from the second member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Kurt Sieber
  • Patent number: 8104187
    Abstract: A portable device for measuring deflection of a surface, comprising an elongate frame having a first end and a second end and a first datum surface, a first removable reference assembly adjacent the first end, a second removable reference adjacent the second end, a deflection gauge attached to the elongate frame between the first removable reference assembly and the second removable reference assembly, and wherein the deflection gauge engages and measures a deflection of the surface relative to the first removable reference assembly and the second removable reference assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Inventor: Daniel Heyer
  • Patent number: 8079154
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring an angle of inclination of a tangent to a centerline curve of a tube includes a shuttle and a clinometer rotatably fixed to the shuttle. The shuttle comprises a pair of circular end plates and a shaft that joins the end plates. A carrier is attached to the shaft and the clinometer is fixed to the carrier. The shaft is rotatable with respect to the end plates, or the carrier is rotatable with respect to the shaft. The method of determining curvature of a tube having a centerline curve comprises measuring angles of inclination of the tangent to the centerline curve at a plurality of axial locations along the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: David F. Finlayson
  • Patent number: 8065812
    Abstract: A detecting apparatus for detecting linearity of an object includes a platform, a slide rail vertically extending from the platform, two standard units slidably mounted to the slide rail, and a detecting unit. The detecting unit includes a mounting block slidably mounted to the slide rail, a test dial indicator fixed to the mounting block and including an elastically extendable spindle, and a detecting bar slidably mounded to the mounting block via a resilient member. The standard units are used to abut against the object to cooperatively define a detection reference plane. A first end of the detecting bar abuts against by the spindle of the test dial indicator, and a second end of the detecting bar is used to contact the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Bing-Jun Zhang
  • Publication number: 20110206496
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for aligning containers (1) comprising at least one detection system (7). In order to be able to apply identically orientated and aligned labels even to containers without embossings, the invention proposes that at least one detection system (7) is configured as a cover detection system (7) and is disposed so that a closure element (4) disposed on the container (1) can be detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: KHS GmbH
    Inventors: Jan Peter Hecktor, Marius Michael Herrmann
  • Publication number: 20110185585
    Abstract: An alignment device which comprises an alignment member, and a measuring mechanism for measuring the orientation of the alignment member. The measuring mechanism is retained by the alignment member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2009
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Inventor: Cathal Leonard
  • Patent number: 7987609
    Abstract: A measuring device includes a transfer sleeve, an assist assembly, and a caliper gauge. The transfer sleeve includes two end surfaces and a side surface; the sleeve defines a transfer hole along the longitudinal direction thereof and perpendicular to the end surfaces, and the transfer hole passes through two end surfaces; the transfer sleeve defines a screw hole along the transversal direction thereof in the side surface and communicates with the transfer hole. The assist assembly is screwed in the screw hole, and includes a screw rod, a spring element, and a ball; the screw rod defines a receiving hole therein; the spring element and the ball are inserted into the receiving hole in sequence. The caliper gauge includes a base plate and two side plate extending upright from opposite edges of the base plate correspondingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Bing-Jun Zhang
  • Publication number: 20110153268
    Abstract: A method for determining an object angle, especially for a driver assistance system in a motor vehicle, includes the steps of determining directional angles of the object with respect to two sensors, determining the object angle based on the directional angles, determining a cross-misalignment angle as the difference of the determined directional angles, determining a validity signal indicating the validity of the object angle based on the cross-misalignment angle and compensating for the influence of a relative misalignment of the sensors on the determined object angle based on the cross-misalignment angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventors: Ruediger Jordan, Iris Nadine Reiter
  • Patent number: 7938706
    Abstract: A device for inspecting a spark plug insulator for bending, the spark plug insulator including a cylindrical body having a radially enlarged flange at an axially intermediate portion thereof, and a through hole formed in the body along an axial direction of the body. The inspection device includes an insulator supporting means for supporting the spark plug insulator so as to be slidable in an axial direction of the spark plug insulator, a linear inspection pin that is to be inserted into the through hole of the spark plug insulator supported by the insulator supporting means, and a detecting means for detecting a sliding movement of the spark plug insulator when the spark plug insulator is caused to slide in the axial direction thereof by the inspection pin by the inspection pin prevented from completely penetrating the through hole of the spark plug insulator owing to bending of the spark plug insulator which exceeds a predetermined tolerance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshitaka Honda, Hirokazu Kurono
  • Patent number: 7918035
    Abstract: A gauge is disclosed for measuring squareness of a skate blade that has a pair of parallel side walls and a pair of bottom blade edges. The gauge includes a squaring frame that has a vertical blade contact surface fixed to a gauge plate. The gauge plate has a horizontal top surface. The vertical blade contact surface is selectively fixed to one of the side walls of the blade with a magnet having at least two parallel faces. Such a magnet is fixable between the skate blade and the blade contact surface. The gauge further includes a blade angle indicator having a flat lower surface and a parallel flat upper surface. Preferably the squaring frame of the gauge further includes an oblong vertical pivot aperture therein and the blade angle indicator includes an aperture therein, such that the squaring frame and the blade angle indicator may be pivotally fixed to each other with a pivot means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Inventor: Brian Jarczewski
  • Patent number: 7908750
    Abstract: The system and method for decorating cakes and confections includes an adjustable stand for a laser, which is used to project cake decorating guidelines. The stand includes a base member and a removable vertical rod member that extends from the base. A generally horizontal rod may be attached to the vertical rod by an adjustable clamp or other device, so that it may be secured to the vertical rod at any point, so that the height of the horizontal rod above the base may be adjusted to any desired position. Further, the clamp for the horizontal rod may pivot, so that the horizontal rod may be rotated angularly from the vertical rod upwardly or downwardly, as desired. A laser line generator includes a clamp member, or similar device, so that the laser may be positioned along either the vertical rod or the horizontal rod in any desired position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Inventor: Sharon Ree Goick
  • Patent number: 7905030
    Abstract: Straight tracks are formed in a first direction on a base. The top surface of a platform is formed so as to be flat to mount a wafer having an Ori-Fla, and the platform is moved in the first direction by being engaged with the straight tracks via engagement means. A block having a flat face against which the Ori-Fla of the wafer abuts and which is parallel with the first direction is installed with a first clearance L being provided with the straight track in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. Wafer fixing means for fixing the wafer in a state in which the wafer is mounted on the platform is provided in the platform, and a measurement device having a probe opposed to the straight track and capable of being displaced in the second direction is installed on the base with a second clearance M being provided with the block in the first direction. When a clearance between the tip end of the probe and the straight track is taken as N, the relationship of 0 ?m<L?N?100 ?m exists.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignees: Sumco Corporation, Sumco Phoenix Corporation
    Inventors: Cindy Kohanek, Gary Babb
  • Patent number: 7905029
    Abstract: In an adjustment device for the alignment of supporting parts on structures having inherent dimensional tolerances, in particular in an aircraft fuselage, by means of joining surfaces, the joining surfaces form positive shapes and negative shapes corresponding with one another in a form fit. The positive shapes and the negative shapes in each case are arranged in a cross grid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Airbus Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Torben Allert, Jens Krüger
  • Publication number: 20100313435
    Abstract: A method of determining an alignment of a floating seal for a turbo machine, including establishing a reference surface on a rotor of the turbomachine that is essentially perpendicular to an instantaneous centerline of the rotor, establishing a control surface that radially aligns a floating seal member that surrounds the rotor, providing an inflatable member arranged between a stationary portion of the turbomachine and a surface of the floating seal, inflating the inflatable member such that the inflatable member urges the floating seal firmly against the control surface, measuring an axial distance between the floating seal and the reference surface at a plurality of locations, determining a parallelism between the facing surfaces of the floating seal and the rotor based upon the plurality of measured axial distances, comparing the determined parallelism with a predetermined threshold, and adjusting an orientation of the control surface based upon the comparison.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventors: Randy E. Whitener, Terrell H. Yon, III, William G. Morgan, JR.
  • Publication number: 20100212173
    Abstract: A detecting apparatus for detecting linearity of an object includes a platform, a slide rail vertically extending from the platform, two standard units slidably mounted to the slide rail, and a detecting unit. The detecting unit includes a mounting block slidably mounted to the slide rail, a test dial indicator fixed to the mounting block and including an elastically extendable spindle, and a detecting bar slidably mounded to the mounting block via a resilient member. The standard units are used to abut against the object to cooperatively define a detection reference plane. A first end of the detecting bar abuts against by the spindle of the test dial indicator, and a second end of the detecting bar is used to contact the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2009
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Applicants: HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD, HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Bing-Jun Zhang
  • Patent number: 7779550
    Abstract: A measuring system (100) for flatness degree measurement includes a measuring instrument (10) and a processing device (20). The measuring instrument has a base (12), a guide column (14), a sliding member (16), a digital micrometer (18) and a holding member (19). The guide column is vertically attached to the base. The sliding member is moveably attached to the guide column. The digital micrometer is firmly fastened to the sliding member. The holding member is configured for fixing a workpiece (40) and has a reference-standard surface formed thereon. The processing device electronically connects with the digital micrometer. The processing device receives a plurality of measured values from the digital micrometer and displays a testing result after processing the measured values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignees: Shenzhen Futaihong Precision Industry Co., Ltd., FIH (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventors: Lei Li, Zhi Cheng, Ping Chen, Ji-Wen Yang, Lin-Sen Dong, Chang-Fa Sun
  • Patent number: 7779551
    Abstract: A testing apparatus for testing perpendicularity of an end surface of a workpiece is disclosed. The testing apparatus includes an electrically conductive first reference piece defining two guide holes, and two testing units. The testing units are slidably engaged in the guide holes, so as to form two testing circuits. At a normal state, each testing circuit is closed, and each testing unit extends out of the guide hole for a distance, wherein the distance corresponds to an allowable perpendicularity tolerance. Each testing unit can be pushed to retract back to the guide holes by the end of the workpiece to cause the testing circuit to be opened. The opened state or closed state of each of the testing circuits will help show the status of the perpendicularity of the end surface of the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Bing-Jun Zhang
  • Patent number: 7774950
    Abstract: A leveling device comprises a generally horizontal frame configured to hold a number of parallel, closely spaced support legs in a generally vertical configuration. The support legs are slidably mounted in collars formed in the frame such that the legs may slide up and down within the collars. The support legs are configured to move independently of one another and to be locked into place using a locking mechanism configured to frictionally or mechanically engage the support legs once the legs are positioned to match the contour of the ground or other uneven surface. Multiple embodiments of the locking mechanism are disclosed. The leveling device of the present invention not only may be used to level an object on an uneven surface, but also can be used to adjust the height of an object on a even or uneven surface by adjusting the length of the support legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Inventor: Matthew W. Lasley
  • Patent number: 7765705
    Abstract: A measuring device comprising a base, feet connected to the base, and an inclinometer mounted on the base is used to characterize a surface. The feet are placed in direct contact with the surface at a predetermined position. The inclinometer measures the angle of the surface relative to gravity at the predetermined position. In some embodiments, multiple measuring devices are connected to an arm, in order to measure different positions on the surface simultaneously. The arm may be moved by an actuator to the next predetermined position on the surface. In some embodiments, multiple measuring devices are connected to a frame that is substantially the same size as the surface to be characterized, such that the entire surface can be characterized without moving the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Areva Solar, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew J. Lawrence, Alexander F. Hoermann, David R. Mills, Scott P. Phillips, Scott J. Sharpe
  • Publication number: 20100180458
    Abstract: A linear guiding mechanism includes a fixed member, a moving member, a first double parallel leaf spring mechanism and a second double parallel leaf spring mechanism arranged between the fixed member and the moving member and configured to movably support the moving member. The first double parallel leaf spring mechanism and the second double parallel leaf spring mechanism are arranged at an angle other than 180° (for example, 90°) about an axis of movement of the moving member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Applicant: MITUTOYO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Atsushi Shimaoka, Takeshi Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 7743525
    Abstract: An exemplary apparatus for testing planeness of a workpiece is provided. The apparatus includes a platform for supporting the workpiece thereon, a bracket vertically mounted to the platform, and a testing system mounted to the bracket for testing the workpiece. The testing system includes a testing member, a test dial indicator having a sliding pole, and a fine-tuning member for controlling the movement of the testing member. One end of the testing member is connected to the sliding pole. When testing, the fine-tuning member drives the testing member to move toward the workpiece, until the testing member contacts the workpiece. The sliding pole extends together with the testing member. A value is shown by the test dial indicator that indicates the moving distance of the testing member. A distortion value of the workpiece can be obtained according to the value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Bing-Jun Zhang, Lian-Zhong Gong
  • Patent number: 7726035
    Abstract: A measuring device, includes a guiding rail, a sliding unit levitatedly slidably engaged with the guiding rail, and a measuring unit fixed to the sliding unit and comprising at least one dial gauge mounted thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chih-Kuang Chang, Sen Zhang, Jin-Kui Zeng
  • Patent number: 7707735
    Abstract: An embodiment of a hole angularity gage includes a gage body and a contact disc positioned within the gage body. The contact disc includes a central opening defined by an inner edge. The gage also includes a center pin that extends through the central opening, and a hole probe adapted to rotate the center pin from a primary gage axis toward the contact disc's inner edge. The gage also includes an indicator adapted to activate when the center pin makes contact with the contact disc. Another embodiment of a hole angularity gage includes a hole probe and a circuit. The circuit includes an indicator and a switch, which is adapted to close when the hole probe is rotated by an angle greater than a gage setting angle. The indicator is adapted to activate when the switch is closed. Other embodiments include methods for using and manufacturing hole angularity gages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Kin Y. Wong, Lewis J. Sprague
  • Patent number: 7703215
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Inventor: Alfredo Rangel Sanchez
  • Publication number: 20100093246
    Abstract: A device for inspecting a spark plug insulator for bending, the spark plug insulator including a cylindrical body having a radially enlarged flange at an axially intermediate portion thereof, and a through hole formed in the body along an axial direction of the body. The inspection device includes an insulator supporting means for supporting the spark plug insulator so as to be slidable in an axial direction of the spark plug insulator, a linear inspection pin that is to be inserted into the through hole of the spark plug insulator supported by the insulator supporting means, and a detecting means for detecting a sliding movement of the spark plug insulator when the spark plug insulator is caused to slide in the axial direction thereof by the inspection pin by the inspection pin prevented from completely penetrating the through hole of the spark plug insulator owing to bending of the spark plug insulator which exceeds a predetermined tolerance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2008
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Inventors: Toshitaka Honda, Hirokazu Kurono
  • Patent number: 7690128
    Abstract: A tool is disclosed for alignment of forks in a wheeled vehicle. The tool includes a plurality of connecting members, each having a receiving cup, which is configured to receive the curvature of fork tubes of the forks of the vehicle, and a slide bar which attaches to a portion of the receiving cup. The connecting members are held in slidable relation to each other by at least one fastener when the fastener is loosened. The fastener can be tightened to lock the connecting members in fixed position relative to each other to capture the spatial separation dimension between the forks at a point along their length. Also disclosed is a method for achieving parallelism of forks in a wheeled vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Motion Pro, Inc
    Inventor: Bob Thompson
  • Publication number: 20100064537
    Abstract: A first plate includes an opening configured to be placed over a blade of a first rotor. A second plate includes an opening configured to be placed over a blade of a second rotor. Each plate includes a first pin configured to contact a leading edge of a blade located on one side of the blade in the opening and a second pin configured to contact a leading edge of a blade located on an opposite side of the blade in the opening, and a third pin configured to contact a leading edge of the blade in the opening. An indicator line is marked on the first plate and a pair of boundary lines marked on the second plate are spaced apart a distance indicative of an acceptable range for blade clocking between the first and second rotors when the indicator line is located between the boundary lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Robert Michael Petroskie, Creston Lewis Dempsey, Roberto Anthony Nunez
  • Publication number: 20090277030
    Abstract: A testing apparatus for testing perpendicularity of an end surface of a workpiece is disclosed. The testing apparatus includes an electrically conductive first reference piece defining two guide holes, and two testing units. The testing units are slidably engaged in the guide holes, so as to form two testing circuits. At a normal state, each testing circuit is closed, and each testing unit extends out of the guide hole for a distance, wherein the distance corresponds to an allowable perpendicularity tolerance. Each testing unit can be pushed to retract back to the guide holes by the end of the workpiece to cause the testing circuit to be opened. The opened state or closed state of each of the testing circuits will help show the status of the perpendicularity of the end surface of the workpiece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicants: HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: BING-JUN ZHANG
  • Patent number: 7587835
    Abstract: A device for examination of the straightness of diagnostic and therapeutic needles (11), of the kind which are, with a high grade of accuracy, adapted for selection of samples from, injection of therapeutic preparations into or mounting at target areas positioned deep in tissue. The device has a support (1) in which a needle (11) to be examined is rotatably mountable by means of at least one holding fixture (6), such that the needle being rotatable in the support for allowing examination of the needle in all directions. Also, a method for performing such an examination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Elekta AB (Publ)
    Inventor: Marianne Plantz
  • Patent number: 7584546
    Abstract: Device for checking the alignment of a water jet in a water-jet cutting system, comprising means for positioning an annular element at the outlet of a focusing tube, at some distance from this outlet and aligned with respect to the axis of this focusing tube, this annular element having an internal diameter equal to that of the internal channel of the focusing tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventors: Jean-Francois Laurent Chabot, Alexis Perez-Duarte, Kadour Raissi
  • Patent number: 7584550
    Abstract: A device and a method for measuring and quantifying waviness of sheet materials such as paper. The device in accordance with one embodiment comprises a base having a planar, smooth, and level upper surface for supporting a stack of sheets thereon, a plate-shaped weight for placing atop the stack of sheets, and a measuring device for measuring a vertical distance between a datum surface defined by the weight and a datum surface defined by the base. The measured distance is an indication of the height of the stack. In a preferred embodiment, the device also includes a programmed processor operable to calculate a “Wavy Ratio” based on the measured actual height H of the stack and a calculated “ideal” height of the stack, as Wavy Ratio=H/(n·t), where n is the number of sheets and t is the average caliper of the sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Edgar Robert Campbell, Robert Shean Cumbee, Jeffrey Thomas Moffat
  • Publication number: 20090193367
    Abstract: Implementations are presented herein that relate to a standard cell including a measuring structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Applicant: INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES AG
    Inventors: Roswitha Deppe, Walther Lutz, Erwin Ruderer
  • Publication number: 20090144998
    Abstract: A bracket locator for use with a fixture. The bracket locator including a main body, a swinging arm and a plurality of alignment protrusions. The swinging arm is rotatably connected to the main body. The plurality of alignment protrusions include a first protrusion and a second protrusion. The first protrusion extends from the main body. The second protrusion extends from the swinging arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Inventor: Geza T. Lanczy
  • Publication number: 20090106995
    Abstract: An exemplary apparatus for testing planeness of a workpiece is provided. The apparatus includes a platform for supporting the workpiece thereon, a bracket vertically mounted to the platform, and a testing system mounted to the bracket for testing the workpiece. The testing system includes a testing member, a test dial indicator having a sliding pole, and a fine-tuning member for controlling the movement of the testing member. One end of the testing member is connected to the sliding pole. When testing, the fine-tuning member drives the testing member to move toward the workpiece, until the testing member contacts the workpiece. The sliding pole extends together with the testing member. A value is shown by the test dial indicator that indicates the moving distance of the testing member. A distortion value of the workpiece can be obtained according to the value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Applicants: HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY(ShenZhen) CO., LTD., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: BING-JUN ZHANG, LIAN-ZHONG GONG
  • Publication number: 20090021447
    Abstract: A tool and method for aligning directional antennas quickly and accurately in azimuth, tilt and roll. The tool includes a housing, mounting brackets for securing the tool to an antenna, a data storage device including predetermined alignment information, a GPS system for measuring azimuth, and inclinometers for measuring tilt and roll. The tool also includes displays for displaying the measured values of the azimuth, tilt, and roll relative to the predetermined parameters. As a result, a user can easily align an antennas based on the azimuth, tilt, and roll information measured and displayed by the tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Applicant: SUNSIGHT HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Wayne Austin, Gregory A. Mercier, Bruce Weddendorf, Landon P. Eason
  • Publication number: 20090007448
    Abstract: A tool for qualitatively measuring a feature of a skate blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventor: James McKenna
  • Publication number: 20080313914
    Abstract: A fixture for positioning an ATD relative to a vehicle includes a housing attached to the vehicle having a first end and a second end. A locator is mounted on the housing and is movable along the housing between the first end and the second end to identify a position of the ATD relative to the housing. A target is disposed on the ATD and is spaced apart from the housing for alignment with the locator. A first measurement device outputs an angle of the housing that identifies an angular position of the target relative to a plane extending through the first end of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventors: Artur Verdiyan, Richard M. Hackman, Craig G. Hysong, Kristy Svatek-Whitson, Theresa L. Reilly
  • Patent number: 7467477
    Abstract: A rear derailleur hanger alignment tool is provided with hanger attachment structure, an elongated main arm, a movable body, an indicator and an indicator positioning structure. The hanger attachment structure is attachable to a rear derailleur hanger. The movable body is movably coupled to the elongated main arm between first and second ends of the elongated main arm to slide axially along a longitudinal axis of the elongated main arm and to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the elongated main arm. The indicator is movably coupled to the movable body to move perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongated main arm. The indicator positioning structure is operatively formed between the movable body and the elongated main arm to selectively maintain the indicator in a predetermined angular position with respect to the longitudinal axis of the elongated main arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Brett Flemming
  • Patent number: 7443157
    Abstract: A device for testing planeness of an electrically conductive workpiece includes a platform for supporting the workpiece, a testing box movably fixed above the platform, an indicator, and a power supply. The testing box has a contact pin fixed on a bottom surface of the testing box. The contact pin is electrically wired in series with one electrode of the power supply. The platform is electrically wired in series with the other electrode of the power supply. The indicator is electrically wired in series with a testing circuit, which is made up of the power supply, the platform, and the contact pin. The contact pin is capable of movement above the platform at a distance which is equal to the sum of a thickness of the workpiece and a desired tolerance of the planeness, wherein if the planeness of the workpiece between the contact pin and the platform is out of tolerance, the testing circuit is closed, conducting power to the indicator, which will then indicate that the workpiece is ineligible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Bing-Jun Zhang, Lian-Zhong Gong
  • Patent number: 7430887
    Abstract: In the case of a measuring roller for determining flatness deviations when handling material in strip form, for example when rolling metal strip, the stress distribution is measured over the width of the strip with the aid of piezoelectric sensors, which are arranged in longitudinal recesses of a solid roller at a distance from the casing surface and are wedged there
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: VDEh-Betriebsforschungsinstitut GmbH
    Inventors: Gerd Mücke, Eberhard Neuschütz
  • Patent number: 7428783
    Abstract: A testing system for testing flatness of a surface of a workpiece includes a testing apparatus (10) and a processor (20). The testing apparatus includes a testing box (12) and a measuring apparatus (14). The testing box includes a plurality of holders (122); the holders define a datum plane. The measuring apparatus comprises a plurality of movable testing poles (142) extending out of the testing box and a plurality of gauges (141) configured for measuring distance of the testing poles retracting into the testing box. Ends (1421) of the testing poles away from the testing box are located at the datum plane and configured for supporting the surface of the workpiece thereon to allow the gauges measuring retracting distance of the testing poles under the pressure of the workpiece. The retracting distance of the testing poles is equal to distances between testing points on the surface of the workpieces and the datum plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Assignees: Shenzhen Futaihong Precision Industry Co., Ltd., Sutech Trading Limited
    Inventors: Lei Li, Zhi Cheng, Ping Chen, Ai-Ge Sun, Xue-Liang Zhai, Chang-Fa Sun
  • Patent number: 7421797
    Abstract: A positioner for positioning a partition or a divider at a predetermined position in a cabinet, such as for mounting a pair of drawers. The cabinet includes left and right side walls. A partition holder mounted on a frame holds the partition parallel to the left and right side walls. A left slider, slidingly mounted to the frame, includes a left jaw, and a right slider, slidingly mounted to the frame, includes a right jaw. The sliders are coupled such that longitudinal sliding movement of either slider moves the other slider an equal and opposite distance and such that positioning the left jaw to abut and align with the left side wall and positioning the right jaw to abut and align with the right side wall positions the partition holder at a predetermined holding position between the left and right side walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Inventors: Juvenal Servin, Brian Taber
  • Publication number: 20080201973
    Abstract: Device for checking the alignment of a water jet in a water-jet cutting system, comprising means for positioning an annular element at the outlet of a focusing tube, at some distance from this outlet and aligned with respect to the axis of this focusing tube, this annular element having an internal diameter equal to that of the internal channel of the focusing tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: SNECMA
    Inventors: Jean-Francois Laurent CHABOT, Alexis Perez-Duarte, Kadour Raissi