Abstract: A method of locating a remotely operated vehicle within a workspace includes the steps of: receiving a video feed of the workspace from a video camera; processing the video feed to identify landmarks and features of known physical structures in or near the workspace; determining a correlation between the features and landmarks and known physical structures; calibrating the video feed from the camera to the known physical structures using the correlation; determining the location in the calibrated video feed of a number of fiducial markers on the remotely operated vehicle; and determining the position of the remotely operated vehicle within the workspace using the location of the number of fiducial markers in the calibrated video feed.

Abstract: A computing device for determining effective flow areas of a turbine or turbine engine includes optically scanning and digital modeling of turbine components to produce virtual vanes, virtual vane segments, and virtual ring assemblies. The computing device determines both individual effective flow areas between vanes and the total effective flow area of a vane ring assembly. Based on the virtual vanes and determined effective flow areas, the computing device may compare one or more turbine components to a reference turbine to determine whether the turbine is out of specification and aid in repair, modification, or reassembly of the turbine or turbine engine.

Abstract: A measuring device including a base on which is mounted, to pivot about a horizontal axis, between a high position and a low position, a first end of an articulated arm having a second end provided with a pointing member. A position locking device is mounted between the base and the first end, the position locking device comprising a pawl mounted so as to oppose movement of the arm toward the low position and connected to means for disengagement of the pawl.

Abstract: A system and method for inspection and quality control for goods determines whether the goods comply with desired configurations. In an embodiment, an inspection and quality control system for a good includes a template. The template includes a template body and a positive offset. The positive offset includes a maximum length of the good and a maximum width of the good. The positive offset is configured for the good to be disposed in the positive offset when the good is less than the maximum length and the maximum width. The system also includes a negative inset. The negative inset includes a minimum length for the good and a minimum width for the good. The negative inset is configured to be disposed in the positive offset over the good disposed in the positive offset.

Abstract: A comprehensive welding gauge two or more of: a ruler, a weld height gauge, a protractor gauge, a Hi-Lo gauge, and a fillet height gauge, wherein each measurement device overlays a measurement scale on a main gauge plate and is riveted to the main gauge plate such that the measurement device may be extended beyond and retracted within the main gauge plate borders, either by sliding or rotating. The comprehensive gauge may thus be easily stored in and retrieved from a pocket by the user.

Abstract: Tools for measuring a lug pattern diameter of an automobile wheel are disclosed. The tools consist of substantially planar devices, each of which includes three sections, a first side that faces a center portion of the wheel, and a second side that faces an exterior portion of the wheel. Each tool further includes two obtuse angles located on the first side of the tool, and a first aperture or mark located in a first section and at least one aperture or mark located in a second section. Each tool further includes a third section located and integrally formed between the first and second section.

Abstract: A parallel kinematic machine has a parallel kinematic mechanism including an end effecter and a parallel link mechanism. A numerical control device controls a position and orientation of the end effecter based on kinematics of the parallel kinematic mechanism. A posture setter sets an adjustment tool on the end effecter in a known posture in a reference coordinate system defined outside the parallel kinematic mechanism based on a measurement method. A data acquirer acquires data in accordance with a measurement method selecting code for designating the measurement method used by the posture setter in setting the adjustment tool in the known posture, and defines a correlation between kinematic parameters for the parallel kinematic mechanism and the reference coordinate system. A calculator calculates the kinematic parameters based on the acquired data by using a relational expression describing forward kinematics of the parallel kinematic mechanism.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus for a power roller unit for a toroidal type continuous variable speed transmission, the power roller unit having a trunnion with concentric pivot portions at opposite ends thereof, a pair of bearings disposed around the pivot portions, a displaceable shaft rotatably supporting a pivot support shaft disposed in a hole formed in the trunnion, and a power roller rotatably supported around the pivot support shaft, the measuring apparatus comprising at least one pedestal having an upper surface adapted to support the pivot portions of the trunnion, a hold-down actuator adapted to press the bearings against the upper surface of the at least one pedestal, and a power roller hold-down actuator adapted to press the power roller toward the trunnion, a drive actuator adapted to displace at least one of the power roller and the displaceable shaft, and a measuring device that measures the displacement of the at least one of the power roller and the displaceable shaft.

Abstract: A device and method are disclosed for inspecting core laminations of an electrical machine, such as an AC induction motor. The core laminations define inner diameter and outer diameter slots preferably in a predetermined orientation with respect to one another. The inspection device of the invention includes a bed plate defining at least one key channel to align with the inner and outer diameter slots in the predetermined orientation. A first key is slidable in the key channel to engage an inner diameter slot. An outer diameter slot is engaged by a second key if the predetermined orientation has been achieved. If the predetermined orientation has not been achieved, the second key will not engage the outer diameter slot. A plurality of post members may be inserted into registered slots provided in a stack of core laminations to facilitate visual inspection of several attributes.

Abstract: An apparatus for simultaneously measuring the thickness of a bottom wall and the inside diameter of a bottoming hole. The apparatus includes a measurement auxiliary unit; a measurement head removably mounted at a lower end portion of the measurement auxiliary unit, the measurement head having an outside diameter fittable in a bottoming hole of a workpiece such as a tappet; a nozzle, provided in the measurement head, for jetting outward a compressed air supplied from an air micrometer; and an electric micrometer, provided over the measurement auxiliary unit, for detecting a vertical displacement of the measurement auxiliary unit.

Abstract: A device for measuring the gap between the opposed facing surfaces of two adjacent parts, and simultaneously measuring the contour between outwardly facing surfaces of the parts. A gap measuring element is mounted to be movable along a first path relative to a first reference member carried by the main body. The first reference member is selectively engagable with one of the parts. The gap measuring element is insertable into the gap for engagement with the other of the parts. The gap measuring element is coupled to a transducer for generating a signal representative of the relative position of the gap measuring element along its path. The signal is proportional to the gap between the opposed facing surfaces of the parts. Additionally, a contour measuring element is mounted to be movable along a second path relative to a second reference member carried by the main body. The second reference member is selectively engagable with the outwardly facing surface one of the first and second parts.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for determining the length and diameter, or ring size, of a cigar. This information, together with the manufacturer's name, permits the user to determine the size and hence the name of a particular cigar in order to facilitate the purchase of same. The apparatus disclosed may be compact and pocket-sized.

Abstract: A device for measuring the gap between the opposed facing surfaces of two adjacent parts, and simultaneously measuring the contour between outwardly facing surfaces of the parts. The device is preferably hand-held, and has a main body with a gap measuring element supported relative to the main body. The gap measuring element is mounted to be moveable along a first path relative to a first reference member carried by the main body. The first reference member is selectively engagable with one of the parts. The gap measuring element is insertable into the gap for engagement with the other of the parts. The gap measuring element is coupled to a transducer for generating a signal representative of the relative position of the gap measuring element along its path. The signal is proportional to the gap between the opposed facing surfaces of the parts. A contour measuring element is also supported relative to the main body.

Abstract: A measuring device allows simultaneous determination of the length and diameter of elongated fasteners such as bolts, screws and the like. The device has a body member with a plurality of variously-sized holes extending from a gauge surface. The body member is preferably marked to indicate the hole size. A panel member is attached to or integral with the body and defines a plane extending parallel to the hole axes and spaced therefrom. The panel member carries indicia which indicate length from the gauge surface. Insertion of a bolt into the smallest hole which will accept it identifies the bolt diameter while comparing its end with the panel member indicia indicates its length.

Abstract: A panel testing apparatus for measuring the curvature of an inner surface, the thickness of an edge portion, and the thickness of a center portion of the panel comprises a lifting device for accepting and transporting the panel to a testing position, and a panel supporting device for maintaining the panel in a predetermined position during testing. The apparatus comprises a panel inner curvature measuring device, edge thickness measuring device, and a center thickness measuring device, each of which using one or more linear variable differential transformers for the purpose of providing panel measurement data.

Abstract: An instrument for measuring dimensions of a can seam portion including a criterion measuring pin, a linear gauge provided with a measuring spindle which is so supported as to be movable along a straight line L in the direction of approaching said criterion measuring pin and in the direction of leaving said criterion measuring pin, a can cap supporting block, and a can body supporting block. The can cap supporting block holds the can such that the direction of measuring can seaming thickness T coincides with the straight line L so that the inner face of the can seam portion contacts the criterion measuring pin. The can body supporting block holds the can such that the direction for measuring the can seaming width W is identical with the straight line L and the lower face so that the can seam portion contacts the criterion measuring pin.

Abstract: A core 4 is mounted on a machine tool for indexable rotation about an axis 2A, so as to bring respective cassettes 10 into position where they can be operated on by tools held in the machine tool spindle 6. The cassettes 10 may hold workpieces 14,14A for machining. After machining, the workpiece 14A is measured by a probe 20 held in the machine tool spindle 6. A pre-calibrated artifact 26 held on another cassette 10 is then indexed into the same position as previously occupied by the workpiece 14A, and comparative measurements are made of the artifact. The accuracy of these comparative measurements is increased because the artifact 26 resides on the machine tool in the same thermal environment as the workpiece during the machining, and because the measurements are made in the same position within the working volume of the machine tool, so that the same regions of the machine tool's measurement scales are utilized.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for controlling the displacement of a steerable driven trailing machine with respect to a leading machine by measuring the separation between the machines and inputting such measurement to the trailing machine drive control, and measuring the angular disposition of the trailing machine and inputting the steering control of the trailing machine.

Abstract: An object is positioned in fixed relation to a measuring axis without regard to centering the object on the axis and at least one series of data samples correlated to the distance between the measuring axis and a series of points located at angularly spaced intervals on at least one surface feature of the object are generated and stored. To determine the center of a first surface feature, the corresponding series of samples is analyzed to identify samples therein corresponding to points lying on a maximum inscribed circle whose center corresponds to that of the surface feature. To measure a second surface feature of an object with reference to the center of a first surface feature thereof, a first signal and a second signal correlated to the distance between the measuring axis and points on the first surface feature and second surface feature, respectively are generated.

Abstract: A probe is an elongated tube with sensors positioned to match the cylinder bores with respect to number and distance apart and having radially projecting contact pins. When employed as intended, the probe rotates and slides back and forth in stationary bearings that are in turn accommodated in uprights in a stand. The probe extends through the bores of the work, which is precisely positioned between the uprights by the same bearings. A drive unit with a driveshaft in alignment with the probe and with motors that operate in conjunction with the latter to generate a translation and a rotation respectively is also mounted stationary in the stand independent of the aforesaid bearings. One end of the probe is coupled to the driveshaft such that it can neither rotate on nor slide axially along it by a universal joint that compensates within limits for angular error and radial shaft displacement.

Abstract: A multipoint measuring system with measuring mechanism for fast exchanging of chucking appliance and automatic material withdrawal, comprises several slide guides arranged respectively at two side plates to use the three dimensional space to build several sets of measuring components so as to meet the requirement of measuring dimensions synchronously; the measuring implement for fast changing of chucking device and easy operation has a micro adjustment set which is provided at the end of a measuring base, and the said micro adjustment set can make further suitable adjustment to the position of measuring base by means of turning the bolt rod which is arranged on the measuring probe unit, so that it will be more easy, convenient and accurate during resetting operation; an automatic material withdrawal device consists of one set of rocket arm pin and the objects to be measured can be withdrawn to the measuring position by means of the oscillation motion of the said rocker arm pin.

Abstract: The Specimen coordinate Automated Measuring Machine (SCAMM) and the Fiducial Automated Measuring Machine (FAMM) is a computer controlled metrology system capable of measuring length, width, and thickness, and of locating fiducial marks. SCAMM and FAMM have many similarities in their designs, and they can be converted from one to the other without taking them out of the hot cell. Both have means for: supporting a plurality of samples and a standard; controlling the movement of the samples in the +/- X and Y directions; determining the coordinates of the sample; compensating for temperature effects; and verifying the accuracy of the measurements and repeating as necessary. SCAMM and FAMM are designed to be used in hot cells.

Abstract: An apparatus for gauging the height and outer diameter of a collar in a heat exchanger plate fin. The apparatus comprises a vertically displaceable carriage overhanging a base on which a plate fin can be mounted for measurement. On the carriage are mounted two displacement indicators, in the preferred embodiment electrical linear gauges. One indicator is oriented so that its indicator probe measures vertical displacement and, through the configuration of the apparatus, produces an output that can be translated to a measure of the height of the fin collar. The other indicator is oriented so that its indicator probe measures horizontal displacement. The independent but concerted positioning of two measuring blades to contact diametrically opposite points on the fin collar is resolved into an output from the horizontal indicator that can be translated into a measure of the outer diameter of the fin collar. In a preferred embodiment, the outputs of the two indicators are read on electrical digital readouts.

Abstract: A device for measuring the centering, parallelism, and perpendicularity of the side walls of a keyway to the centerline of the keyway in a shaft is described. The preferred embodiment of the device includes a micrometer slidingly attached to the device, a horizontal indicator dial slidingly attached to the device and connected to a horizontally extending probe which is positionable in a shaft keyway, a vertical indicator dial slidingly attached to the device and connected to a vertically extending probe positionable in a shaft keyway, and two stationary legs extending downward from the device for seating in a shaft keyway. In operation, the horizontal indicator dial and horizontal probe are utilized to check the centering and parallelism to the centerline of the keyway and the vertical indicator dial and vertical probe are utilized to check the perpendicularity of the keyway side walls to the centerline of the keyway.

Abstract: An apparatus for checking the overall lengths of workpieces or the lengths of portions of workpieces, particularly shafts or the like, includes a base in the form of a profiled rod (12). The base has two clamping faces (18, 20) which are oriented at a right angle (22) to one another and to the workpiece (14) to be checked. The base has T-shaped grooves (24, 26) which open onto the clamping faces (18, 20). Each of the clamping faces (18, 20) is provided with a respective clamping strip (30, 32) which is guided longitudinally in the respective T-groove (24, 26) by a respective protrusion (29) and which can be fixed by screws (31) in any desired position on the respective clamping face (18, 20). The clamping strips (30, 32) can be equipped with measuring devices (34), for example measuring sensors, and/or with supporting elements (36). The workpiece (14) may also be clamped into spindle sleeve mounts (46) which are mounted via the T-grooves (24, 26).

Abstract: An apparatus for simultaneously measuring at least the width and thickness of a seamed portion of a can at the same point on the seamed portion. The apparatus comprises a measurement base for receiving the seamed portion of the can thereon, and a reference block secured to the measurement base the reference block including a reference contact portion to contact the outer surface of the seamed portion. A device for measuring the width of the seamed portion is mounted on the reference block and includes a measurement pin cooperating with the measurement base to clamp the seamed portion in the vertical direction. A device for measuring the thickness of the seamed portion is mounted on the reference block and includes a measurement block cooperating with the reference contact portion to clamp the seamed portion laterally. The apparatus may further comprise a device for measuring the can height and/or a device for measuring the countersink depth.

Abstract: A fastener (100) slides down a tube (12) onto one end of a channel (16) formed in a V-shaped block (14). Movement of the fastener (100) along the channel (16) is retarded by two fingers (20, 26). A blade (38) moves along a slot (18) in the bottom of the channel (16) to push the fastener (100) along the channel (16) past a feeler (56). The feeler (56) is attached to a shaft (60) of a rotary transducer (58) to pivot therewith. A linear transducer (50) is actuated by longitudinal movement of the blade (38). The output of the transducers (50, 58) is compared by a computer to a predetermined output to check the profile of the fastener (100). A carriage (68) is moved to bring the infeed end (72) of a conduit (70) adjacent to the outfeed end of the block (14). The blade (38) pushes the fastener (100) into the conduit (70).

Abstract: The spherical shaped probe for a coordinate measuring machine is modified by incorporating a pair of rods mounted in recesses formed in the center of the sphere at a side and bottom to define a straight edge whose measurement is equal to the sphere's radius measured at the tangent to the vertical and horizontal diameters. Both rods being mounted at right angles relative to each other.

Abstract: A plain grinding machine wherein the gauges which are used to monitor the diameter and the axial position of a workpiece constitute a unitary apparatus with one or two first sensors which can be moved linearly at right angles to the axis of the workpiece which is mounted in the machine tool and a second sensor which is pivotable about an axis extending at right angles to the axis of the workpiece in response to engagement with a shoulder on the workpiece. The second sensor can constitute one of the first sensors and the sensors can cause the generation of appropriate signals, denoting the diameter and the axial position of the workpiece, by a single signal generating measuring unit or by two discrete units.

Abstract: A portable precision measuring gage device for permitting rapid measurement of multiple dimensions of a work piece. The device includes a base, a plurality of guides held in an aligned position and a plurality of slides at least one of which is associated with each guide. Each slide includes upper and lower precision ground pads that are mounted on the top and bottom, respectively, of an outward extension of the slide so as to permit easy access for transfer measurement or for direct measurement of a selected dimension of a part. Each slide can be moved relative to its guide so that a dimension can be precisely transferred from a measuring standard to set the precise location of a pad, either upper or lower. The slide is then locked in position and the device can be readily hand carried to an inspection station, usually in a production area, where in-process and/or final precision inspections may be performed.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for verifying that the various dimensions and shape of the jacket for a floppy disk are correct and within predetermined tolerance ranges. The apparatus of the present invention includes instruments for determining the warpage of the jacket, the parallelism between a pair of primary fold lines of the jacket, the squareness between the first fold line of the jacket and each of the primary fold lines of the jacket, the distance from the central line of the jacket to each of the primary fold lines thereof, the width and depth of a write-enable slot and the distance of the slot to the first fold line of the jacket, the squareness of all four sides of the jacket with reference to each other, and the thickness of the regions of the primary and final fold lines.