Tapered Probe Patents (Class 33/544.4)
  • Patent number: 11808566
    Abstract: A method system of reducing operator-induced error in measurements comprises a measurement tool, such as a diameter gage, that is configured to communicate electrical signals representative of measurements to a computing device, which is configured to receive the signals and to determine a value for the measurement without the operator having to interact with the tool to zero the gage, acquire the data or transmit the data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: Gagemaker, LP
    Inventors: Eric Otten, Howard Thomas
  • Patent number: 11246385
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing, tool for manufacturing and an improved ring design and configuration having an improved anatomically correct internal shank with an internal surface having a plurality of spaced apart inwardly projecting internal structures and recessed surfaces configured for enabling the ring to pass over the knuckle at a reduced ring diameter, and having an internal portion of the ring transformed from the standard and long traditional circular shape to one that compliments the shape of the knuckle over which the ring traverses, and having a narrower diameter when placed on the ring bearing back portion of an appendage of a wearer providing an improved fit and comfort of the ring during use by the wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: JOSEPH AND JACK SOUKENIK PARTNERSHIP
    Inventors: Joseph J. Soukenik, IV, Jack Harrison Soukenik
  • Patent number: 10589811
    Abstract: A device for measuring a flange in a creased sheet of metal is provided, along with a method of use thereof. The device includes a block including at least two slots and a body extending from the block in a first direction. The device also includes at least two retractable teeth. Each tooth is mounted in a respective one of the at least two slots. Each tooth is biased toward the first direction and retractable in a second direction opposite the first direction. A foot is mounted to an end of the body and includes a groove configured to receive an edge of the sheet of metal. A free edge of the flange is received in the groove and a creased edge is retained by the teeth. The flange may be measured by inserting a depth gauge through the block to a surface of the sheet of metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD
    Inventors: Todd Michael Dobrozdravic, Scott Henry Miazga, Nicholas James Pawlikowski
  • Patent number: 9599394
    Abstract: An example functional member of a refrigerator, freezer or icemaker having two closing members intended to be separated by a first distance includes a structure to implement a function for the refrigerator, freezer or icemaker, and a gap gauge dimensioned for use in aligning the two closing members apart by the first distance. An example functional member is a divider, a hinge cover or a scoop having a gap gauge with a blade-shaped, an oval or a rectangular cross-section, where a dimension of the cross-section is the first distance. An example gap gauge may be further dimensioned for use in aligning one of the two closing members and a third closing members, or two additional closing members apart by a second different distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Duane M. Kobos, Todd J. Tunzi
  • Patent number: 9285203
    Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to a gauge for determining relative positional relationships among assembled vehicular components. The gauge can include a gauge body defining a hook configured to be retained within a ditch joint. The gauge body can also define a curved exterior surface corresponding to a contour of a portion of the exterior surface of a side panel outer that is disposed adjacent a section of the ditch joint in which the hook is retained. The gauge can also include an indicator disposed at a lower portion of the gauge body below the hook. The indicator can determine and indicate a distance separating the lower portion of the gauge body from the door sash in a direction perpendicular to the exterior surface of the door sash, the distance being indicative of an assembly tolerance of relative positions of the side panel outer and the door sash.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Bryan A. Mermoud, Eric K. Vanderpool, Joshua K. Gilley, Phillip Comstock
  • Patent number: 9074863
    Abstract: A height measuring includes a mounting base, a measuring mechanism, and a controller. The measuring mechanism includes a driving member, a measuring member, and a sensor. The driving member is mounted onto the mounting base. The sensor is positioned on the driving member. The measuring member is movably positioned on the driving member and passes through the sensor. The driving member is configured to drive the measuring member to move until it contacts a workpiece in a jig. The controller is electrically connected to the sensor and prestores a moving distance range. The sensor is configured to sense a moving distance of the measuring member and transmit the moving distance to the controller. The controller is configured to judge whether or not the workpiece reaches a proper height relative to the jig by comparing the moving distance data with the prestored distance range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignees: FU DING ELECTRONICAL TECHNOLOGY (JIASHAN) CO., LTD., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jian-Qiang Lu, Jian-Hua Xu
  • Patent number: 8978262
    Abstract: Various embodiments include alignment apparatuses and associated methods for use on a turbine (e.g., a gas turbine). In various particular embodiments, an apparatus for aligning an unfixed inlet guide vane (IGV) adjacent a fixed IGV in a gas turbine. In some cases the apparatus includes: a first wedge member for interfacing with the fixed IGV; a second wedge member movably coupled with the first wedge member, the second wedge member for interfacing with the unfixed IGV; and an adjustment apparatus coupled to the first wedge member and the second wedge member, the adjustment apparatus for modifying a position of the second wedge member relative to the first wedge member to actuate movement of the unfixed IGV relative to the fixed IGV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Charles Vaughan Spanos, Jason Matthew Clark, John William Herbold
  • Publication number: 20150020395
    Abstract: An inner diameter measuring device (4) for measuring an inner diameter by inserting an inner diameter measuring unit into an inside of a hollow member to be measured, comprises a supporting shaft (18) having the inner diameter measuring unit supported at a forward end, and a supporting mechanism unit (30) for cantilever-supporting the supporting shaft, wherein the supporting mechanism unit has a frame (31), a spherical bearing (33) and a deflection adjusting unit (35), wherein the shaft is supported by the frame via the spherical bearing, an end portion (32) of the supporting shaft is passed through the spherical bearing and is extended, and a position of an end of the end portion in vertical direction is adjusted by the deflection adjusting unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Michiko Baba, Kouzou Hasegawa, Norimasa Taga
  • Patent number: 8140178
    Abstract: In a simultaneous multi-axis measuring machine tool system including linear drive axes and rotation axes to measure a surface shape of an object to be measured by using an on-board measuring device having a probe mounted, at one end thereof, with a spherical contactor, a numerical controller controls driving of the linear drive axes and the rotation axes so that a central axis of the probe is always oriented in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the object to be measured and that the spherical contactor of the probe comes in contact with and follows a surface of the object to be measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Fanuc Ltd
    Inventors: Yonpyo Hon, Kenzo Ebihara, Akira Yamamoto, Masayuki Hamura
  • Patent number: 8061053
    Abstract: A downhole tool for measuring a diameter of a borehole that includes a mandrel and a collet is disclosed. The collet is disposed about the mandrel that includes a tapered surface formed on an outside surface of the mandrel that increases in diameter across a portion of the mandrel. The collet includes deflectable arm portions with a borehole engagement portion that are adapted to engage the borehole. The borehole engagement portions in-turn may then engage the tapered surface or the steps of the mandrel, such that the collet can move with respect to the mandrel. With this movement of the collet, the outer diameter of the collet may progressively decrease, thereby also decreasing the outer diameter of the downhole tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Peter Gillan
  • Patent number: 7983790
    Abstract: A method for modifying a component may comprise measuring the component using a modifying tool, and recording position data for the component based on the measuring. A path for the modifying tool may be provided using the position data, and the component may be modified by moving the same modifying tool based on the provided path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Phillip John Crothers, Robert Coulter Fraser
  • Patent number: 7743526
    Abstract: A device for checking countersink dimensions comprises a measuring head (2) associated with a spindle (3) of a multi-axis process machine (4), and a processing unit operatively associated with the spindle (3) to control spindle movements, the measuring head (2) comprising a contact element (5) that can be inserted into a countersink (101) and a comparator element (7) which, by coming into contact with the countersink and withdrawing, detects the stroke of the contact element (5) inside the countersink (101). A floating member (22) automatically corrects any alignment errors between the contact element (5) and the axis of the countersink (101).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: JOBS S.p.A.
    Inventors: Sandro Foletti, Maurizio Ferrari, Roberto Muselli
  • Patent number: 7383639
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a projection having a tapered end portion configured to be inserted percutaneously through tissue. A measurement member is coupled to the projection and is configured to indicate a distance between adjacent anatomical structures. In another embodiment, an apparatus includes a measurement member configured to be percutaneously inserted between adjacent anatomical structures. The measurement member includes a wedge portion that is configured to contact the adjacent anatomical structures when the measurement member is moved distally between the adjacent anatomical structures. A size indicator is coupled to the wedge portion. The size indicator has a plurality of markings and is configured to be viewed on an image of the adjacent anatomical structures with the wedge portion of the measurement member disposed between the adjacent anatomical structures to indicate a distance between the adjacent anatomical structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Medtronic Spine LLC
    Inventor: Hugues F. Malandain
  • Patent number: 7322119
    Abstract: A method for making beaded jewelry is provided. The method utilizes a megaphone shaped device having a small diameter first end and a larger diameter second end. The circumference of the first end is that of one part of the human body, such as a child's wrist. The circumference of the second end is the size of another part of the human body, such as an adult ankle. Markings on the girth of the device sequentially graduate in circumference and define graduated bracelet, anklet and other jewelry sizes. When one is making a bracelet or other article of jewelry of strung beads, the diameter of the beads affects the finished length of the article. Use of the device takes into account the diameters of the beads and thereby ensures that the finished item of beaded jewelry will fit the intended wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Inventor: Cheri Marie Haug
  • Patent number: 7188430
    Abstract: An inspection device designed for a large number of consecutively attached metal elements punched and processed into a specified shape and for inspecting clearance between said metal elements of a continuously variable transmission belt which are assembled to support a laminated band of a metal stepless belt; a wedge-shaped inspection jig, for example, used for inspecting quantitatively the clearance value with an inspection jig structure of a modified hexahedron having six surfaces containing an upper surface and a lower surface opposing four side surfaces of which both of two side surfaces are a rectangle and the remaining two side surfaces are a wedge-shape which becomes gradually narrower in width from an upper part to a lower part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Jatco Ltd
    Inventor: Hiroshi Tange
  • Patent number: 7181858
    Abstract: A method for making beaded jewelry is provided. The method utilizes a megaphone shaped device having a small diameter first end and a larger diameter second end. The circumference of the first end is that of one part of the human body, such as a child's wrist. The circumference of the second end is the size of another part of the human body, such as an adult ankle. Markings on the girth of the device sequentially graduate in circumference and define graduated bracelet, anklet and other jewelry sizes. When one is making a bracelet or other article of jewelry of strung beads, the diameter of the beads affects the finished length of the article. Use of the device takes into account the diameters of the beads and thereby ensures that the finished item of beaded jewelry will fit the intended wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Inventor: Cheri Marie Haug
  • Patent number: 7059056
    Abstract: A system and method for centered mounting of a rotating body upon a spindle shaft. The system includes a set of double low-tapers cones arranged and identified according to size. A guide is provided to identify an appropriate cone from the set for a given rotating body pilot hole diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Hunter Engineering Company
    Inventors: Michael D. Gerdes, Nicholas J. Colarelli
  • Patent number: 6901797
    Abstract: An instrument is adapted to be attached to a rotational member of an instrument station for obtaining information about a workpiece. The instrument includes at least one orifice adapted to be placed in selective fluid communication with a source of fluid. An instrument station may also be provided to include an instrument and a rotational member connected to the instrument for rotating the instrument about a rotational axis. The instrument station may also include a source including fluid, wherein the fluid source is in fluid communication with the instrument and a monitoring apparatus. An apparatus may also include an instrument and a source of substantially incompressible fluid wherein the source is in fluid communication with the instrument. Methods of obtaining information about a workpiece and methods for determining the center of a bore are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Makino Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Aaron Hyatt, David Wayne Bricker
  • Patent number: 6886267
    Abstract: A measurement gage includes a base having two scales at opposite site ends of the base for different ranges of measurement. A tapered feeler gage elements projects axially from each of the opposite ends, and a slide bar is movable along the base, with an indicator fixed thereto for each of the two different scales. Movement of the slide bar in each of two opposite axial directions is calibrated to respective thicknesses of the tapered feeler gage elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Francis Ignatius Karwowski, Peter R. Corey
  • Patent number: 6813842
    Abstract: A filler gauge with flexible measurement is disclosed in the invention. The invention provides a filler gauge that is easy to be manufactured and able to lower cost as well as increase scope of measurement. In addition, each single unit of the filler gauge is made of plastic material that is flexible, bendable, and able to be trimmed so that various objects to be measured can be measured by suitable single units. Moreover, a ruler area and an angle-measuring area are further provided on each single unit so that a filler gauge capable of doing thickness, depth, and angle measurements is completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Sun Yieh Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wen-Cheng Wang
  • Publication number: 20040083618
    Abstract: A taper gauge comprising an elongated body having a tapered length with a generally flat face. A slide element is slidingly carried on the body and has a portion which overlies the face. A plurality of measurement markings are provided on the face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventor: Michael W. Kelly
  • Patent number: 6481114
    Abstract: A finger ring shim is comprised of a member for being wedged between a loose ring and a finger. A groove on the member is arranged for cradling the ring. The groove has a width which is selected to receive a ring of a particular thickness. The member has a shim thickness which is selected to match a gap size between the ring and the finger. A tool for determining the proper groove width and shim thickness is comprised of an elongated and tapered sheet with a scale along an edge, and slots of graduated widths. The sheet is inserted between a finger and a ring until it is snug. The point on the scale under the ring is correlated with a suitable shim thickness, and the smallest slot which the ring can fit into shows the suitable groove width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Inventor: Nazaret Kalajian
  • Patent number: 6438859
    Abstract: A tool, for measuring a gap adjacent a curved surface of a workpiece, includes a curved tool body having a substantially C-shaped cross-section. The tool may further include a handle attached to the tool body. Preferably, the tool body has flattened top and bottom surfaces, which may be substantially parallel to one another. The tool body also includes curved front and back surfaces. The tool body has a relatively wide first end, and a second end which is narrower than the first end. The tool body tapers gradually and continuously from the first end to the second end, and becomes progressively narrower as it moves away from the first end. The tool body also gradually curves, as it moves from the first end to the second end, so that it is substantially C-shaped, as noted. The tool body has markings on at least one surface selected from the top, bottom, front and back surfaces, to indicate the thickness thereof at selected, regularly spaced apart intervals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Michael S. Lynch
  • Publication number: 20020095811
    Abstract: A tool, for measuring a gap adjacent a curved surface of a workpiece, includes a curved tool body having a substantially C-shaped cross-section. The tool may further include a handle attached to the tool body. Preferably, the tool body has flattened top and bottom surfaces, which may be substantially parallel to one another. The tool body also includes curved front and back surfaces. The tool body has a relatively wide first end, and a second end which is narrower than the first end. The tool body tapers gradually and continuously from the first end to the second end, and becomes progressively narrower as it moves away from the first end. The tool body also gradually curves, as it moves from the first end to the second end, so that it is substantially C-shaped, as noted. The tool body has markings on at least one surface selected from the top, bottom, front and back surfaces, to indicate the thickness thereof at selected, regularly spaced apart intervals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2001
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Inventor: Michael S. Lynch
  • Patent number: 6412186
    Abstract: A gauge system for measuring internal diameters of tubular openings is provided. The gauge includes a support shaft, a planar surface coupled to the support shaft, and an elongate holder to movably hold a pair of measuring rods having tapered gauge ends with reference measurement markings. The planar surface supports a container in an upright position. The container includes a finish having an opening with a first predetermined inner diameter and a second predetermined inner diameter wherein the second diameter is smaller than the first diameter. The holder includes collars at both ends which are adapted to receive the measuring rods and allow the rods to move parallel to the vertical axis of the system and from an initial position into an extended position. The holder is pivotally mounted on the support shaft so as to allow a user to move the holder about the support shaft and relative to the planar surface and position one of the measuring rods above the finish opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: The Clorox Company
    Inventor: James R. Keys
  • Patent number: 6205670
    Abstract: A bore centering apparatus includes an elongated level having a laser beam generator at one end insertably received into the center of a centering cone placed within a hole in a wall. Adjustment of the level is made by turnbuckles which adjustably connect the level to the front face of the wall into which the centering cone is placed. The laser beam generator transmits a beam through the centering cone along its central longitudinal axis and therefore is coincident with the central longitudinal axis of the hole so that the beam terminates at a remote or spaced-apart intended target. Offset lines in degrees are carried on the external surface of the centering cone so that layout directions can be derived quickly. A protractor plate may be incorporated into the assembly at the base of the centering cone to set the desired degree of offset. By combining a 45 degree or 30 degree offset mark on the bore cone, the bore assembly is tilted accordingly to show compound angle layouts or directions of mechanical runs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Inventor: James Webb