Straightness, Flatness, Or Alignment Patents (Class 33/533)
  • Publication number: 20080178485
    Abstract: A positioning structure of a magnetic induction ruler comprises a base, an induction ruler and a fixing assembly. In one end of the base is formed a first positioning portion, one end of the fixing assembly is formed with a second positioning portion, and the other end of the fixing assembly is formed with a restriction portion. The positioning member of the second positioning portion of the fixing assembly is inserted in the positioning hole of the first positioning portion, enabling both ends of the induction ruler to be fixed to the base by the pressure of the restriction portion of the fixing assembly. Thereby, the magnetic member and the metal members of the induction ruler can be stuck to each other firmly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventors: Ming-Chih Huang, Chih-Mao Shiao
  • Publication number: 20080166229
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a nozzle segment for use within a turbine nozzle assembly. The method comprises providing a nozzle segment including an outer band, an inner band, and at least one vane extending there between, wherein at least one of the inner band and the outer band is formed with a transition piece groove defined therein, positioning an inspection tool in contact with the nozzle assembly such that the inspection tool is aligned relative to the nozzle segment using at least one datum, and verifying an alignment of each transition piece groove using the inspection tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Inventors: Graham David Sherlock, Christopher Edward Thompson
  • Publication number: 20080155846
    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: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicants: SHENZHEN FUTAIHONG PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., SUTECH TRADING LIMITED
    Inventors: LEI LI, ZHI CHENG, PING CHEN, JI-WEN YANG, LIN-SEN DONG, CHANG-FA SUN
  • Publication number: 20080127502
    Abstract: The present invention is a low-cost tile installation surface level gauge. The tile installation surface level gauge aims to fill the gap in existing tile flooring tools. The tile installation surface level gauge is used in putting all installed tiles on the same level accurately without repeated and time consuming adjustment. The tile installation surface level gauge includes a disk, a reeling thread, a base, and a thread reel tackle. One end of the reeling thread is attached to the middle of the disk. The thread reel tackle is installed onto the base. The process of using the tile surface level gauge is as follows: 1) once one tile is installed, slide the disk under one of the corners of the installed tile and leave the reeling thread uncovered. The installed tile covers about a quarter of the disk. 2) Install a second tile covering about a quarter of the disk and leave the reeling thread uncovered. The second tile shall align with the first installed tile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventor: Bofu Feng
  • Patent number: 7381904
    Abstract: A printed circuit board on which multiple component-dedicated alignment line indicators including parallel lines may be used to facilitate the evaluation and segregation process during the production of printed circuit board assemblies based on the alignment characteristics of mounted disk drive electrical components with respect to these parallel lines. Each electrical component defines a perimeter with edges defining a first and second lateral distances and corners defining a diagonal distance. The alignment line indicators include first and second inner line segments spaced apart a first inner spacing at least the first lateral distance and less than the diagonal distance. The alignment line indicators include third and fourth inner line segments spaced apart at least the second lateral distance and less than the diagonal distance. The alignment line indicators include first and second outer line segments spaced apart more than the first inner spacing and less than the diagonal distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Raffi Codilian
  • Publication number: 20080120861
    Abstract: A testing apparatus (200) for testing coplanarity of workpieces (50) having protuberant structures (53) includes a working plane (21) and a groove (23) defined on the working plane. The groove is configured to movably receive therein all protuberant structures of the workpieces. A testing method employing the testing apparatus to test coplanarity of workpieces having protuberant structures is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2007
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Applicants: SHENZHEN FUTAIHONG PRECISION INDUSTRIAL CO,.LTD., Sutech Trading Limited
    Inventors: Jie Ren, Albert Chiu, Wee-Peng Tay
  • Patent number: 7356939
    Abstract: A system for measuring the height of a wind deflector mounted to the roof of a vehicle. A longitudinal base has a first end, an opposing second end, a generally planar top surface and a generally planar bottom surface. An adjustable stop is proximate the first end of the base and extends away from the bottom surface. A level indicator is affixed to the top surface of the base. An arm is spaced apart from the top surface of the base, and a displacement indicator is affixed to the arm. The displacement indicator displays information relating to the height of the wind deflector above the roof when the second end of the base contacts the wind deflector proximate the roof, the level indicator indicates that the base is on a level plane, and the displacement indicator is in contact with a top edge of the wind deflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Samuel R. McCrary, Ann Marie Fredelake, Stanley R. Egbert, II, Justin R. Titus
  • Publication number: 20080083129
    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: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Publication date: April 10, 2008
    Inventors: Torben Allert, Jens Kruger
  • Patent number: 7343690
    Abstract: A shape-measuring device 1 measures the shape of a object to be measured 1 in which segments are arranged and bonded in rows while relatively moving the object 1 in one direction. The shape-measuring device includes rollers 31 provided corresponding to the rows of segments and displaced to follow unevenness of an end face 1a of the object while being rotated on the end face 1a due to the relative movement, detection means 35 provided corresponding to each roller 31 and detecting the amount of displacement of each roller 31, and calculation means 37 for calculating shape data of the object 1 based on the amount of displacement of the roller 31 detected by the detection means 35. The shape-measuring device 1 can accurately and promptly measure the shape of the object such as a DPF in which segments are bonded in rows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Sato, Tadayoshi Yasui, Akihiro Mizutani
  • Patent number: 7345773
    Abstract: In a flatness measurement apparatus, a sensor unit having a flatness-detection sensor is slidable along the linear guide rail. A support system supports the linear guide rail such that the linear guide rail is rotatable in a horizontal plane, whereby a surface of a wafer stage to be measured is scanned all over with the sensor unit having the flatness-detection sensor so as to ensure a flatness measurement of the whole surface of the wafer stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: NEC Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Katsuhiro Yano
  • Patent number: 7340843
    Abstract: An exemplary verticality examining apparatus (1) includes three first sensors, two second sensors, and a plurality of sensor-indicators. Outmost extremities of the first sensors cooperatively define an imaginary single plane, and are configured for physically contacting a first side of an object to be examined. The second sensors are configured for simultaneously physically contacting a second side of the object when the first side of the object contacts the first sensors if the object has verticality as between the first side and the second side thereof. The sensor-indicators are electrically connected to the first and second sensors and are configured for indicating states of the first and second sensors with respect to any physical contact with the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignees: Innocom Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Innolux Display Corp.
    Inventors: Bing-Jun Zhang, Yu-Ping Wu
  • Patent number: 7335280
    Abstract: A method in the measurement of the flatness of the flow surface of a headbox of a paper machine is disclosed. The flatness is determined by placing a measuring tool on the flat surface formed by the flow surface and measuring the position of the measuring tool at each point. A measuring sensor is arranged in the measuring tool, in order to determine the distance between the measuring tool and the flat surface. In addition, the dimensions provided by the measuring sensors are read and the position of the measuring tool and the dimensions from the measuring sensors are combined, in order to determine the values of the measured points. The invention also relates to equipment in the measurement of the flatness of the flow surface of the headbox of a paper machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Metso Paper, Inc.
    Inventors: Petri Lampi, Jukka Sallinen
  • Patent number: 7322229
    Abstract: The invention provides a surface profile measurement device for use on rigid or semi-rigid substrates, such as floors. The device includes (a) a beam; (b) at least one beam support mounted on the beam; (c) a sensor assembly slidably connected to said beam and adapted for measuring the distance to the surface; and (d) a transducer assembly adapted for measuring the position of said sensor assembly along said beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Justin W. Wilhelm
  • Patent number: 7313872
    Abstract: A board alignment tool includes a first plate having a bottom end and a top end. The bottom end is pointed. A second plate has a first end and a second end. The first end is pivotally coupled to the first plate. A catch is attached to the second plate adjacent to the second end. The catch extends in a substantial same direction as the bottom end when the second plate is oriented perpendicular to the first plate. The bottom end is extendable into a first board and the catch is extended into a second board. The top end is urged away from the second board and the second board pulled toward and against the first board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Inventor: Thomas R. Nygard
  • Patent number: 7308766
    Abstract: An alignment device and method for aligning an antenna with a satellite. The device includes a grooved cylindrical sleeve inserted into a ridged cylindrical sleeve, a raised azimuth indicator ring and a magnetic or digital compass mounted upon the grooved cylindrical sleeve, and a bubble level mounted on a capped cylindrical sleeve that fits over the grooved cylindrical sleeve. A known value of optimal azimuth alignment is offset from the North Magnetic Pole so that a reference and alignment mark may be placed on the antenna mounting pole. This alignment device and method eliminate the need for two technicians and eliminate the need for a signal strength measuring device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Inventor: Rodney Leroie Wallace
  • Patent number: 7299563
    Abstract: The device 1 for positioning the measuring element of a measuring apparatus comprises a traverse 14 on which the measuring element is arranged. The device further comprises a track 11 on which bearings 12, 13 run, and on which the traverse 14 is held by means of bearings 124, 125. The measuring element of the measuring apparatus can be positioned radially in relation to the track 11 and along the track 11. The traverse 14 comprises multiple components, wherein the components 141, 142 of the traverse 14 are interconnected with one or several bearings 143, or the components 141, 142 of the traverse 14 are held inside each other so as to be telescopically slidable. Radial positioning takes place in that the angle ?14 between the components 141, 142 of the traverse 14 is changed or in that in the case of a telescopic traverse 14, which constitutes a chord in the track 11, the length is altered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Hch. Kuendig & Cie. AG
    Inventor: Kurt Glanzmann
  • Publication number: 20070240322
    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: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Publication date: October 18, 2007
    Inventors: LEI LI, Zhi Cheng, Ping Chen, Ai-Ge Sun, Xue-Liang Zhai, Chang-Fa Sun
  • Patent number: 7275331
    Abstract: A tool for indicating the flushness between a vehicle body roof panel and a sunroof panel that is adjustably mounted within a sunroof opening of the vehicle body roof panel. The tool will signal a vehicle assembly operator in the event that the sunroof panel needs to be vertically adjusted up or down. The tool includes a housing that sits on the roof panel. A lever is pivotally mounted on the housing and has a feeler extending from the housing to contact with the sunroof panel so that the pivotal position of the lever relative the housing is determined by the degree of flushness or lack of flushness between the two panels. An indicator is associated with the lever to indicate to the vehicle assembly operator whether or not the sunroof panel needs vertical adjustment relative to the roof panel to obtain an acceptable degree of flushness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin T. Mills, Craig A. Rodriguez
  • Publication number: 20070220768
    Abstract: An exemplary verticality examining apparatus (1) includes three first sensors, two second sensors, and a plurality of sensor-indicators. Outmost extremities of the first sensors cooperatively define an imaginary single plane, and are configured for physically contacting a first side of an object to be examined. The second sensors are configured for simultaneously physically contacting a second side of the object when the first side of the object contacts the first sensors if the object has verticality as between the first side and the second side thereof. The sensor-indicators are electrically connected to the first and second sensors and are configured for indicating states of the first and second sensors with respect to any physical contact with the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Inventors: Bing-Jun Zhang, Yu-Ping Wu
  • Patent number: 7267018
    Abstract: A steering lock system includes at least an ignition switch and a locking mechanism capable of inhibiting the turning of a steering shaft. In a state in which the steering lock system is retained by a retaining means on a support table, a movable table is moved toward the support table, a turnable shaft which includes a key chuck means retaining a key at its tip end is rotatably driven by a driving means, thereby rotatably driving a rotor of the steering lock system. By examining the change in the switching mode of the ignition switch in accordance with the turning of the rotor by a switch signal checking means and examining the operational state of the locking mechanism by a locking operation examining means, the inspection can be conducted continuously and automatically on the operation of at least the ignition switch and the locking mechanism of the steering lock system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Honda Lock
    Inventor: Mitsuhiro Kai
  • Patent number: 7246445
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an alignment device for aligning an object in a plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Inventor: Erich Thallner
  • Patent number: 7210238
    Abstract: A fiber stacking or aligning apparatus is described. In an embodiment, the apparatus includes a first component and a second component. The first component is configured to permit the introduction of a plurality of fibers into an opening that defines a through hole through the first component. The second component is rotatably coupled to the first component, wherein the second component is configured to permit the introduction of the plurality of fibers that have passed through the through hole into an area in the second component that includes an alignment surface which limits the travel of the plurality of fibers so as to align the plurality of fibers, wherein the second component is further configured to be rotated away from the aligned plurality of fibers to expose the aligned plurality of fibers without disturbing them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Inventor: John Nicosia
  • Patent number: 7210242
    Abstract: A detection method for measuring lift guide rail perpendicularity and an apparatus for practicing the method. The detection method includes the following steps: selecting several monitoring points on a working surface of the lift under testing, measuring seriatim the position coordinates of each monitoring point in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail and the distance between two adjacent monitoring points, measuring seriatim the included angle between the line connecting the two adjacent monitoring points and the plumb line (or the horizontal line), plotting a graphic chart of the perpendicularity error data to obtain the perpendicularity curve for the lift guide rail. The apparatus includes an instrument frame, several detector heads, a displacement sensor, an inclination sensor, a microprocessor and a power supply unit installed on the instrument frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Inventors: Lixin Sun, Yajuan Sun
  • Patent number: 7197828
    Abstract: A lithographic apparatus comprising a first frame and a second frame, the first frame and the second frame being moveable in a first direction relative to one another. The first frame is provided with a ruler having distance indicators disposed in the first direction for monitoring by an associated ruler monitoring sensor. The second frame is provided with a second sensor arranged to measure the distance between the second sensor and the ruler in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, using the ruler as a reference surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: ASML Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Joeri Lof, Jeroen Hendrik Gerardus Christiaan Rutten
  • Patent number: 7197830
    Abstract: An alignment tool includes a base, a column, and a ball. The base is manufactured from a material with a high material density and includes a crosshair. The column is machined out of an optical transparent material and is attached to the base. The ball is positioned within the column at the end opposite to the base and above the center of the crosshair. The alignment tool may not only be used to properly align a radiation source with an area of interest of a part to be inspected but also as an alignment quality indicator providing information of proper alignment to an interpreter of the radiograph taken. Therefore, the need to take multiple exposures can be eliminated. The alignment quality indicator is suitable for, but not limited to, applications in the aerospace industry, such as nondestructive testing and evaluation of airframes during aircraft manufacturing, maintenance, and repair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Christopher M. Vaccaro
  • Patent number: 7191539
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an ice-skate blade edge squareness verification device comprising an indicator element with a plurality of squareness indicia on its face and a verification element removably mounted across a skate blade's edges for verification of squareness of those edges in conjunction with the squareness indicia of the indicator element. The indicator element includes a mounting means comprising a magnet for removably mounting this element onto an ice-skate's blade such that the squareness indicia are perpendicular to the blade's side. The mounting means have a configuration allowing the indicator element to be easily placed and removed from the blade while the blade is held inside a sliding carriage provided to hold an ice-skate during sharpening. The mounting means also allows for continuous visual verification of squareness of a blade edge substantially along the entire length of the blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Inventor: Seymour Zukerman
  • Patent number: 7155834
    Abstract: Laser alignment methods and apparatus are disclosed whereby pipe and similar materials may be aligned. The methods and apparatus are adapted to be utilized on the end of pipe or other material and thereby using as a reference point that pipe or other material with the reference beam generated by the laser providing a center reference point from the pipe on which the laser is mounted. In a preferred embodiment, the laser apparatus mounting is threaded so as to be used in mating relationship with the ends of complementarily threaded pipes. A preferred embodiment has a mounting adaptor for the laser that either has tapered steps or is shaped like a tapered cone so that a single adaptor can be friction fitted into pipes of different diameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Inventors: Charles E. Palumbo, III, Edwin A. Ohl
  • Patent number: 7131209
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a horizontal level of a wafer chuck, including a measuring part for contacting the wafer chuck to measure a horizontal level, a mounting part on which the measuring part is mounted, and a supporting part for supporting the mounting part. The measuring part may include a center gage and a plurality of edge gages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Young-Jong Kim
  • Patent number: 7093372
    Abstract: A tool for use by a machinist in testing the accuracy of a workpiece has an edge to be abutted against the workpiece to be tested and an encased light source connected by a plurality of passages extending within the member to conduct light emitted from the source to an array of apertures spaced at intervals in a bevel of the edge. The array of apertures directs the light at the workpiece on one side of the edge so that defects in accuracy are illuminated to the machinist viewing the workpiece from the other side of the edge. Preferably, a plurality of fiber optic cords extend in the passages from the light source to the apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Inventor: Michael L. Creekmore
  • Patent number: 7024780
    Abstract: A method and a device for determining the rectilinearity of guide rails wherein a guide rail is oriented substantially parallel to a reference axis. At least one light beam is emitted along the reference axis by a light source and is detected by a light detector. When the light source or the light detector is displaced along the guide rail, warping and twisting of the guide rail can be detected as changes in the spacing between the guide rail and the reference axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Inventio AG
    Inventor: Erich Pfenniger
  • Patent number: 7013573
    Abstract: A hole center detecting apparatus for positioning the hole of a spool and a cord accurately by determining the coordinates of two points of intersection between the inner circumference of the spool hole and a virtual straight line to compute the coordinates of the center of the hole and by moving the cord according to the computed coordinates of the hole center. A straightness measuring apparatus for measuring the curvature of a cord automatically by detecting the coordinates of three longitudinal points of the cord. A measurement apparatus for measuring a residual torsion automatically by measuring the rotation angle of the end portion of the cord before and after clamped, electrically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Kinoshita, Yoshiki Mizuta, Takahiro Yamada, Shogo Ueda, Eiji Kudo, Yuichi Kimura, Yukio Sangawa
  • Patent number: 7010864
    Abstract: A terminal examination jig 10 includes a jig body 12 having a gauge receiving portion 13 and a terminal holding portion 20, and a limit gauge 28 releasably supported pivotally on a support pin 14 extending through the gauge receiving portion 13 in a bridging manner. The terminal receiving portion 20 has a fixing surface 23a against which a bottom surface of a terminal (an object to be examined) is adapted to abut, and a fixing screw 25 for pressing the terminal against the fixing surface 23a to hold the terminal is provided at the terminal receiving portion 20. The limit gauge 28 has an opening portion 30 which is formed into a shape corresponding to the shape of an electrical contact portion of the terminal. Whether or not the bending of the terminal is within a tolerance is judged by checking whether or not the electrical contact portion can pass through the opening portion 30 without interference when the limit gauge 28 is pivotally moved about the support pin 14.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Takao Murakami
  • Patent number: 6926627
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining compliance of a lacrosse stick head with dimensional specifications that require a minimum allowable width between the two sidewalls of the head as measured at a designated distance from the stop member of the head. The apparatus has a width equal to the minimum allowable width of the lacrosse stick head, and a length perpendicular to the width. The length is equal to the designated distance. The apparatus is adapted to simultaneously measure the designated distance and the minimum allowable width. In a specific implementation, the apparatus has an upper rectangular portion connected to a lower triangular portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: STX, LLC
    Inventors: Laura E. LeMire, Robert E. Griebe
  • Patent number: 6871416
    Abstract: A wobble and eccentricity sensing device is provided for use with a planter blade. The device includes a stand having a shaft adapted to mount the planter blade thereon for rotational movement of the planter blade about the shaft. A wobble indicator is coupled to the stand to measure the concavity of the planter blade as the planter blade rotates at least one revolution about the shaft. The wobble indicator is adapted to contact a face of the planter blade. An eccentricity indicator is also coupled to the stand and is adapted to contact an outer edge of the planter blade to measure the eccentricity of the planter blade as the planter blade rotates at least one revolution about the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: Canyon Street Crossing, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph W. Leja, Louie R. D'Orazio
  • Patent number: 6873420
    Abstract: An automated lane surface measuring device comprising a controller for operating a drive mechanism for propelling the measuring apparatus and one or more sensors operated by the controller to measure topographical parameters of the bowling lane surface. In one embodiment the apparatus measures bowling lane surface elevation by measuring bowling lane height with respect to the measuring apparatus in selectable increments along the surface of the bowling lane. The measuring apparatus may also measure crosswise tilt along the width of a bowling lane in selectable increments. The measuring apparatus may also measure lengthwise tilt of the length of the lane surface in selectable increments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: Kegel, LLC
    Inventors: Dennis Davis, Anthony Crews, John Davis, Mark Davis
  • Patent number: 6870382
    Abstract: A system includes a support member and a computer system. The support member holds and retains a probe card, which has an array of probe tips extending therefrom. The computer system includes a software program. The software causes the computer system to perform a method including the following. A position where electrical contact occurs between at least some of the probe tips of the probe tip array and a selected surface is determined through testing. Data for the positions where electrical contact occurs is recorded. The recorded data is sorted for a shortest distance where electrical contact occurred between each probe tip tested and the selected surface during the testing. The sorted data group is plotted on a three dimensional cartesian coordinate system. The system may be used for evaluating the planarity of the probe tip array and parallelism of the probe tip array relative to the selected surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventor: Michael P. Harris
  • Patent number: 6810600
    Abstract: The present invention provides a fixture, system, and method for automatically and quickly indicating a condition of a the trunnion axis A of a computer numerically controlled (CNC) machine and optionally an alert to a machine operator. The fixture has a body preferably constructed of parallel first and second walls and a third wall disposed between, at right angles to, and connected to the first and second walls all mounted on a base. First, second, and third probe blocks are mounted on the body at first, second, and third angular positions, respectively, along an arc circumscribed by a radius about an axis of rotation. The first, second, and third blocks are mounted on an outer surface of one of the first and second parallel walls, the outer surface facing away from an other of the first and second parallel walls. The blocks include preferably co-planer respective first, second, and third flat surfaces with respective normals parallel to the axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Unova IP Corp.
    Inventors: William A. Horwarth, Walter S. Howard
  • Patent number: 6792691
    Abstract: A gage assembly for measuring a distance d from an end edge of a blade segment to a center location of a groove formed in the segment comprising a gage body having at least two reference surfaces adapted to engage edges of the segment; a dial indicator gage having a dial and a stem, the stem passing through a portion of the gage body; and a slide gage adapted for insertion into the groove, the slide gage fitted with an element that, in use, aligns with the stem of the dial indicator gage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Shawn Gregory Genal, James Philip Stanley, Lynn Charles Gagne, Stewart William Beitz
  • Patent number: 6792688
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process and device for determining the alignment, with respect to a reference direction, of a cylindrical body (10) mounted to rotate around its lengthwise axis (22). The device including a position measurement probe (20), which is calibrated to the reference direction, being attached on the end face (12) of the body or on a surface essentially parallel to the end face, which probe gathers measurement data in at least three measurement positions around the lengthwise axis each position of which differs from the other by an angle of rotation of the body, such that one position measurement at a time is being taken. Then the alignment of the body with respect to the reference direction is computed from the determined measurement data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Prüftechnik Dieter Busch AG
    Inventors: Dieter Busch, Helmut Ambros
  • Patent number: 6789328
    Abstract: A semiconductor load port alignment device has a housing with a registration face and an alignment measurement face. A plurality of sensors are contained in the housing near the alignment measurement face. A processor is connected to the plurality of sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Brooks Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Gordon Haggott Beckhart, Patrick Rooney Conarro, Kevin James Harrell, Kamran Michael Farivar-Sadri
  • Patent number: 6782631
    Abstract: A movable platform is provided for use with a surface profiling system. The platform eliminates all errors associated with wheel inconsistencies. A frame is supported above a surface by, among other supports, three supports arranged in a linear alignment that defines a direction of travel for the frame. The three supports are defined by a front support, a rear support and a center support centered between the front support and rear support. The center support is a floating support capable of substantially vertical movement. At least two of the front support, rear support and center support are wheels configured to roll in the direction of travel defined by the three supports that are linearly aligned. These wheels are coupled to one another for synchronizing rolling movement thereof on the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Allen Face and Company LC
    Inventor: S. Allen Face, III
  • Patent number: 6775914
    Abstract: A surface profiler comprises at least one mass resiliently supported in relation to the frame of the profiler to exert a downward force opposing upward movement of the frame when the wheels pass over an obstacle. Two such masses may be constrained for substantially vertical movement by tie rods extending from pivoting suspension bars secured on distal portions of the frame. A pivoting bracket optionally connects to a handle or to a motor drive unit for propelling the apparatus. The bracket is pivoted about the center point of a line joining the centers of the wheel axles to avoid any torque on the apparatus as a result of operator manipulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Inventor: Paul Toom
  • Patent number: 6769194
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for providing nanometer precision motion are provided. According to the invention, a parallel kinematic micromanipulator is formed using at least three kinematic links. The kinematic links may include a high resolution, non-contact encoder to provide position information. Movement of the micromanipulator is effected using piezoelectric linear actuators provided in connection with each of the kinematic links. The combination of a parallel kinematic structure and piezoelectric linear actuators provides a micromanipulator capable of positioning components or instruments with high accuracy or repeatability. In accordance with the present invention, kinematics of three and six degrees of freedom may be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Inventor: C. William Hennessey
  • Patent number: 6732441
    Abstract: A leveling device for a construction material surface surrounding a drainpipe presents an elongated beam having a central seat therein for reception of the end of a drainpipe therein. Upon a seating of the drainpipe, a pair of opposed inclined surfaces contact the construction material surrounding the drainpipe. Rotation of the beam about the drainpipe presents a smoothed, inclined surface about the drainpipe with the excess poured material being collected in pockets in a sidewall of the device. The depth of the inclined surfaces below the drainpipe top can be regulated. Bubble levels assure a proper orientation of the beam during rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Inventors: Dale J. Charay, Jeff W. Berberick
  • Patent number: 6729757
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of and a device for detecting the flatness of a metal band product at high temperature, using a measuring roll (1) having a cylindrical external face (13) comprising an angular contact sector with the band and a free sector. According to the invention, the roll (1) is cooled down forcibly by circulating a heat exchanging fluid along at least one portion of the free sector of the external face (13) of the roll (1) and one determines the parameters responsible for the cooling efficiency such as the opening angle (B) of cooling sector, the temperature and the circulation flow rate of the heat exchanging fluid, so that the external face (13) of the roll (1) is brought back, at each revolution, to a pre-set equilibrium temperature. The invention applies especially to the hot rolling of ferrous and non-ferrous metals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Vai Clecim
    Inventors: Jean-Paul Faure, Thierry Malard
  • Patent number: 6711828
    Abstract: A method for measuring the height variability of a stack of materials comprises placing a stack of materials onto a holder that comprises a base and at least two sides extending from the base such that the stack of materials rests on the base and is generally flush with the sides. A distance of a top of the stack of materials relative to a fixed plane is measured at various locations along the top of the stack of materials. The height variability of the stack is determined based on the measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: First Data Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew S. McCune, Sandra S. Yates, Clarence A. Ussery, Gil V. Fuentes
  • Publication number: 20040055171
    Abstract: A surface profiler comprises at least one mass resiliently supported in relation to the frame of the profiler to exert a downward force opposing upward movement of the frame when the wheels pass over an obstacle. Two such masses may be constrained for substantially vertical movement by tie rods extending from pivoting suspension bars secured on distal portions of the frame. A pivoting bracket optionally connects to a handle or to a motor drive unit for propelling the apparatus. The bracket is pivoted about the center point of a line joining the centers of the wheel axles to avoid any torque on the apparatus as a result of operator manipulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2002
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Inventor: Paul Toom
  • Patent number: 6707310
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of inspecting the electrical characteristics of a to-be-inspected object formed on a wafer under the state that the wafer chuck having the wafer placed thereon is overdriven by a lift mechanism, wherein measured is the sinking amount of the wafer chuck caused by the needle load applied from a plurality of probes of a probe card to the wafer chuck. Also disclosed are a needle load measuring method for measuring the applied needle load from the sinking amount, a needle load setting method, and a needle load detecting mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventor: Kiyoshi Takekoshi
  • Patent number: 6694634
    Abstract: Disclosed is a position error evaluating method of a moving device, which includes the following steps. Specifically, in a moving device which moves a movable body in two axial directions or in three axial directions orthogonal to each other, a straightness error curve indicating a state of change in a position error of the movable body along a uniaxial direction out of predetermined two axial directions is obtained by a sequential two-point method, the position error being related to a direction orthogonal to the predetermined two axial directions out of the biaxial or three axial directions. Then, the above step is repeated for the other uniaxial direction out of the two axial directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Educational Foundation Chuo University
    Inventors: Hisayoshi Sato, Kazunori Umeda
  • Publication number: 20040025577
    Abstract: A system and method for characterizing and measuring hydrodynamic grooves made by ECM processes is disclosed. The method includes a procedure for alignment of the work piece to the measurement apparatus as well as a technique for accurately reliably measuring the erosion pattern quickly. Additionally, the invention provides a system for characterizing and measuring the erosion of these grooves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventors: Mysore Venkatachalan Ananda, Steve G. Gonzalez, Christopher Rowe Hakes