Abstract: A gage assembly for measuring a generally cylindrical workpiece. The gage assembly includes a support member and a gage block subassembly located opposite of the support member. The subassembly includes a moveable contact located in spaced relation from the support member so as to define a gaging space therebetween. A measuring device is coupled to the contact and a part handling member, coupled to an actuator, moves the workpiece from a first side of the gaging space to a position where the workpiece is in the gaging space and subsequently to a position where the workpiece is on an opposing side of the gaging space, passing the workpiece between said support member and said gage block subassembly. In its method of operation, the workpiece is dynamically gaged by the gage assembly.

Abstract: A tool for measuring an object having a circularly curved surface provides a generally rectilinear body defining a V notch having two converging sides meeting at an apex and an angulated wedge track. A wedge movable along the wedge track and across the V notch intersects a bisector of the V notch at an angle other than perpendicular. Sides of the V notch and a measuring edge of the wedge simultaneously contact the circular curve at three equally spaced apart positions along the circumference of the circular curve. Measuring indicia on the body adjacent the wedge track allows determination of the lateral movement of the wedge along the wedge track. The distance the wedge moves on the wedge track is equal to the radius of the circular curve.

Abstract: An exemplary test apparatus for a columniform workpiece includes a base plate, a support plate perpendicularly mounted to a top surface of the base plate, a shaft rotatably mounted to the support plate, a contact member mounted the support plate and perpendicularly slidable relative to the support plate, and a test meter. The shaft is configured for mounting the columniform workpiece at a side of the support plate and making the columniform workpiece perpendicularly rotate relative to the support plate. The contact member includes a first end contacting the end surface of the columniform workpiece. The test meter includes a pole with a distal end contacting a second end opposite to the first end of the contact member, the poles' length resiliently adjusting corresponding to the end surface of the columniform workpiece, and a value of the test meter changing corresponding to changes in the length of the pole.

Abstract: A linked transport mechanism and method that uses a single source of motive force to synchronously position multiple displaceable sensors of a shape-measuring assembly onto a roll received in a roll grinding machine. At least two sensors (28, 29) are mounted on linear slides on at least one measuring arm (1). The complete shape-measuring assembly includes at least three sensors (27, 28, 29) or measuring points to allow the calculation of the cross-sectional shape of the roll and the extraneous error movement of the roll. At least one measuring arm is connected to a linear guide (4) of the frame (3). The linear motor is connected between the frame and the measuring arms. The linked transport mechanism assures the synchronous accurate positioning of the sensors, each at a fixed angle through the roll center, over the entire range of roll diameters that the grinding machine may receive.

Abstract: A headwear-size measuring apparatus measures a size of a headwear, an elastic band, or the like and also measures a pressure applied to a wearer's head on wearing the headwear. The headwear-size measuring apparatus includes: a controller; a driving source controlled by the controller; an object extending unit having a diameter size controlled by an operation of the driving source; a pressure measuring unit for measuring an applied pressure of an object and provided at the object extending unit and transmitting the measured value to the controller; an input unit for receiving an established value and transmitting the received value to the controller; a standard data base connected to the controller such that data are transmitted to the controller and storing standard-object sizes and ranges of appropriate pressure applied to a head corresponding to the object sizes; and an output unit for displaying data processed by the controller.

Abstract: Method and arrangement for measuring the position of the end shields of a paper, pulp, or board reel relative to the grab (1, 2) transporting it, when an end shield is attached to the grab (1, 2). During measurement, a detector (7) is moved along such a curve of a circle that can be assumed to intersect the curve of the circle described by the edge of the object. The angular position of the detector (7) is measured using the curve of the circle over which it travels and the intersection points (x1, z1; x2, z2) of the curve traveled by the detector (7) and the edge of the object are detected. The location of the center point (x0, z0) of the object is calculated on the basis of a) the radius of the circle traveled by the detector and the location (xm, zm) of the center point of the circle, b) the location (xt, zt) of the tool point, c) the assumed radius of the object, and d) the locations (x1, z1; x2 z2) of the detected intersection points.

Abstract: Based on the proportion that exists between the length of a conductive material and its electrical resistance and using a Wheatstone bridge type circuit, with four resistances to which a given input voltage is applied, and when the bridge is in balance the output voltage is zero, consists of using as such resistances respective extension measurement bands, based on a grid (1) mounted on an electrically insulating support (2), in such a way that preferably two of said grids (1) are orientated in a principal direction of maximum deformation, whereas the other two (1?) are in a direction at right angle to the previous one, in such a way that the dimensional variations of said bands, determined by the increase or reduction in the dimensions of the tree or plant to be controlled, create an output voltage, positive or negative, which proportionally corresponds with said measurement increase or decrease.

Abstract: A linked transport mechanism and method that uses a single source of motive force to synchronously position multiple displaceable sensors of a shape-measuring assembly onto a roll received in a roll grinding machine. At least two sensors (28, 29) are mounted on linear slides on at least one measuring arm (1). The complete shape-measuring assembly includes at least three sensors (27, 28, 29) or measuring points to allow the calculation of the cross-sectional shape of the roll and the extraneous error movement of the roll. At least one measuring arm is connected to a linear guide (4) of the frame (3). The linear motor is connected between the frame and the measuring arms. The linked transport mechanism assures the synchronous accurate positioning of the sensors, each at a fixed angle through the roll center, over the entire range of roll diameters that the grinding machine may receive.

Abstract: The invention discloses differing embodiments of methods for checking the location or potential location of one or holes in structure relative to edges, fillets, and thickness changes. The area in the vicinity of the hole may be checked in order to determine whether the location or potential location of the hole meets a pre-determined threshold. If the location or potential location of the hole does not meet the pre-determined threshold, the hole may be flagged as being a potential problem. In such manner, the suitability of the hole for insertion of a fastener device may be determined. In other embodiments, apparatus are disclosed having one or more fastener devices extending through one or more holes in a structure. The location of the one or more holes may have been approved for insertion of the one or more fastener devices utilizing a pre-determined threshold standard.

Abstract: Method of detecting a potentially void inhaler can valve (30), which valve (30) is attached to a can (10) by a ferrule crimp (80), comprising the steps: placing the can (10) in a can jig (220) that is arranged to retain the can (10) at a predetermined measurement height with respect to a diameter measuring means (230), measuring the diameter of the ferrule crimp (80) at the predetermined height, and comparing the measured crimp diameter with a predefined interval of acceptance, and if the measured diameter is outside a predefined interval classifying the inhaler can valve (30) as potentially void. There is also provided a crimp diameter measuring device (200) comprising: a base (210), a diameter measuring means (230) supported by the base (210), and a can jig (220) supported by the base (210), the can jig (220) being arranged to retain a can (10) placed therein at a predetermined measurement height with respect to a diameter measuring means (230).

Abstract: A headwear-size measuring apparatus measures a size of a headwear, an elastic band, or the like and also measures a pressure applied to a wearer's head on wearing the headwear. The headwear-size measuring apparatus includes: a controller; a driving source controlled by the controller; an object extending unit having a diameter size controlled by an operation of the driving source; a pressure measuring unit for measuring an applied pressure of an object and provided at the object extending unit and transmitting the measured value to the controller; an input unit for receiving an established value and transmitting the received value to the controller; a standard data base connected to the controller such that data are transmitted to the controller and storing standard-object sizes and ranges of appropriate pressure applied to a head corresponding to the object sizes; and an output unit for displaying data processed by the controller.

Abstract: A gauging head includes a substantially closed casing, a movable arm with a first portion, partly located inside the casing and associated with a position transducer, and a second portion, outside the casing, carrying a feeler for contacting a piece to be checked, and a zero-setting mechanism for adapting the head to check pieces with different nominal dimensions. The zero-setting mechanism, located outside the casing, includes a quick locking/unlocking device between the first and second portions of the arm and a movable mechanical reference coupled with the first portion of the arm and including a reference surface cooperating with a corresponding reference surface for holding the first portion of the arm in a preset position with respect to the casing.

Abstract: A measuring device includes a receiver having a cavity with differing narrowing diameters from an opening. The receiver can be moved axially. A part is moved a predetermined fixed distance, including movement while engaging and moving the receiver. The distance moved by the receiver is sensed, and the acceptability of the dimension of the object is determined by evaluating the distance moved by the receiver.

Abstract: A feeler device (1) of workpieces being machined, in particular for measurement instruments (2) of workpieces being machined on machine tools, of the type comprising a head (7) including control and measurement members, and a pivoting arm (6) extending in an operating position between the head (7) and a workpiece (3) being machined, the pivoting arm (6) comprising a pivot (10), a base portion (11) extending between the head (7) and the pivot (10), and an end portion (12) extending between the pivot (10) and the workpiece (3) being machined, control means (13) of the pivot (10) being provided, to allow movements between the base portion (11) and the end portion (12) in the event of forcing on the end portion (12).

Abstract: The invention is directed to a gauge assembly that is used to measure parameters of camshaft journals or other objects with cylindrical surfaces. The gauge assembly includes two gauges, the first is an air snap gauge and the second a linear variable differential transducer. The air snap gauge is slidingly attached to the base and the second gauge is attached to a base as well. Air resistance measurements, taken through the air snap gauge provide a measure of diameter of the journal while relative linear motion between the base and air snap gauge, measured by the second gauge, provides a measure of journal runout relative to the center axis of the camshaft. Control logic is used to calculate other parameters such as runout of a journal relative to another journal on a common camshaft.

Abstract: According to the measuring head, the zero point and the amount of front travel settings are facilitated. Firstly, the amount of front travel is set by allowing contacts 34, 34 to abut a master 50. Then, rotating the lever 42 in a direction indicated by an arrow E, or a close position, causes the bearing member 36 to be fastened to the swinging support shaft 28. At this time, a restoring force, or a force caused by reaction, of the bearing member 36 transferred from the bearing member 36 through the arm 38, cam plate 40 and shaft 48 to the measurement lever 32 causes the measurement lever 32 to deflect by an amount that equals to the amount of front travel, and therefore from the position where the amount of front travel is set to the zero point position. This automatically sets the zero point position.

Abstract: A freestanding micrometer and method for determining the diameter of a cylindrical body, including measuring variations in diameter along a longitudinal length thereof, such as a roll used in the production of metal and paper sheet products. The micrometer comprises a housing supported on a circumferential surface of the cylindrical body. A first sensing element is movably supported by the housing and adapted for sensing a first surface point of the cylindrical body laterally spaced apart from the housing and disposed in a cross-sectional plane of the cylindrical body. A second sensing element is mounted to the housing for contact with a second surface point of the cylindrical body disposed in the cross-sectional plane of the cylindrical body. The first and second surface points locate, respectively, a terminal and midpoint of a chord lying in the cross-section plane of the cylindrical body, from which the diameter of the cylindrical body is determined.

Abstract: What is provided in one embodiment is a method and apparatus for confirming that one or more items in a universe of items fall within specified tolerances. In another embodiment various methods for determining best fit between items in a universe of items is provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and a relevant method for checking a crankpin (18) of a crankshaft (34) positioned on a numerical control grinding machine where it is worked includes a gauging head (39) with a Vee-shaped reference device (20) and a feeler (17), axially movable along a translation direction, that touches the crankpin surface, and an articulated support device (5,9,12) connected to the grinding-wheel slide (1), carrying the guaging head and allowing the reference device (20) to keep contact with the crankpin during its orbital motion around the main rotation axis (0) of the crankshaft. Rough values corresponding to a transducer (41) signals provided at predetermined angular positions of the crankshaft are stored and are processed also to compensate alterations caused both by contact between the sides of the Vee-shaped reference device and the surface of the crankpin to be checked, and by variations of the angular arrangement of the Vee-shaped reference device in the course of orbital rotations of the pin.

Abstract: A method for measuring the thickness of a tube wall comprising mounting a cut tube onto a rod is disclosed. At least two contact tips are moved into contact with the tube. The tips are imaged with an optical system when the tips are in contact with the cut tube. The optical image is converted into a measurement.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for circumferentially measuring cross-sectional characteristics of a tubular member. The apparatus includes first and second template members that cooperably define an aperture for receiving the tubular member. At least one of the template members is adjustable so that the aperture can be adjusted between open and closed positions. A measurement device can be configured to detect the relative position of the first and second template members, thereby measuring the relative adjustment of the members between the open and closed positions. This measurement is indicative of the cross-sectional size of the tubular member, e.g., for determining the diameter of the tubular member. Alternatively, multiple measurement devices can respond to a contact force between the measurement devices and the tubular member, e.g., to determine a variation in wall thickness of the tubular member.

Abstract: An apparatus for checking the diameter and the roundness of pins, for example crankpins and main journals of a crankshaft rotating about its main axis of rotation (8), includes a measuring device, coupled to a Vee-shaped reference device (20) and including a feeler (17) axially movable along the bisecting line of the Vee, or a direction slightly sloping with respect to it, and a movable support device for the reference Vee. The support device includes a support element (5) and a coupling mechanism that carries the reference Vee (20). The coupling mechanism includes, for example, two support sections (e.g. parallelogram structures) in series and enables plain translation displacements of the reference Vee. While checking an orbitally rotating crankpin, the Vee-shaped device maintains proper contact with the surface of the pin by virtue of the force of gravity, and the angular arrangement of the direction along which the feeler (17) moves remains substantially unchanged.

Abstract: A device being used for measuring the internal diameter of a pipe, which including a tape mounted into a flat elongated body having holes to allow a string to be pulled out of the flat elongated body. The tape includes hole at a first end for connecting a first end of an elastic band and the string to the tape. The flat elongated body includes a tongue having hole for connecting a second end of the elastic band. The string pulls the tape out of the flat elongated body for measuring the internal diameter of the pipe. The tape includes also hole at a second end for connecting a circular member keeping the device at a right angle in bottom of the pipe when reading the diameter of the pipe with the inspection camera, and also blocking the tape at the input of the flat elongated body when the elastic band bringing the tape into the elongated body.

Abstract: A system for measuring inner diameter of a tubular, e.g., but not limited to, a riser or a pipe, the system including at least one linear distance measuring device movable through a hollow tubular, a main body also movable through said tubular, the at least one linear distance measuring device mounted on the main body, and the at least one linear distance measuring device for producing a measurement signal indicative of a measurement of inner diameter of the tubular.

Abstract: A variable diameter cylinder made from a sheet having first and second edges that are opposite to each other and that slideably connect with each other to form a helical joint of a cylinder such that sliding the edges of the sheet along the joint varies a diameter and length of the cylinder. When marked with a scale, the cylinder acts as a measuring device that is both highly accurate and easy to use. A helical-based scale can be used alone, or a linear scale can be used in combination with a Vernier scale.

Abstract: The invention is a gauge and method for measuring any circular object, but is most useful as a precision thread gauge for objects having either external or internal threads. A fixed gauge roll is supported in a stationary position. A first and second gauge rolls are supported so that the first and second gauge rolls simultaneously move with respect to the fixed gauge roll. The fixed gauge roll, first and second gauge roll together form a triangle. The interior angles of the triangle remain unchanged for every position of the three gauge rolls.

Abstract: Ensuring that the correct wheel bearing is installed in the wheel assembly of an aircraft. A plastic mold is designed to hold only one size of wheel bearing. The mold is labeled with the wheel bearing serial number and the corresponding aircraft model number. Because only one size of wheel bearing fits properly in the mold, it facilitates identification and use of the correct size wheel bearing in the aircraft wheel assembly. The mold can be used to ship wheel bearings to air carriers and to store wheel bearings before installation into aircraft wheel assemblies. The mold also offers protection for the wheel bearing from contamination or damage.

Abstract: An apparatus for checking the diameter of crankpins of a crankshaft in the course of the machining in a grinding machine includes a Vee-shaped reference device, a measuring device associated with the reference device and including a feeler axially movable along the bisecting line of the Vee-shaped reference device, and a support device with a first arm rotating with respect to a support arranged on the grinding-wheel slide and a second arm rotating with respect to the first and carrying the Vee-shaped reference device. A guiding mechanism includes a limiting device, with mutually abutting surfaces and coupled to the support device, that guides the displacement of the reference device along a trajectory substantially parallel to the profile of the grinding wheel, allows the engagement of the reference device on a crankpin to be checked while the latter is orbitally moving, and does not interfere with the displacements of the support device caused by the orbital motion of the crankpin in the checking condition.

Abstract: A freestanding micrometer and method for determining the diameter of a cylindrical body, including measuring variations in diameter along a longitudinal length thereof, such as a roll used in the production of metal and paper sheet products. The micrometer comprises a housing supported on a circumferential surface of the cylindrical body. A first sensing element is movably supported by the housing and adapted for sensing a first surface point of the cylindrical body laterally spaced apart from the housing and disposed in a cross-sectional plane of the cylindrical body. A second sensing element is mounted to the housing for contact with a second surface point of the cylindrical body disposed in the cross-sectional plane of the cylindrical body. The first and second surface points locate, respectively, a terminal and midpoint of a chord lying in the cross-section plane of the cylindrical body, from which the diameter of the cylindrical body is determined.

Abstract: A measurement device and apparatus for measuring the out-of-roundness of a circular part. The apparatus includes a base on which a travel assembly is mounted within an elongated channel formed in the base. A recirculating ball bearing slide assembly is operatively coupled to a flat strip force spring, which is in turn coupled to ball bearing slide assembly, and which provides a constant contact force, regardless of distance, to bias the travel assembly into a 90-degree corner portion of the base assembly. A generally circular part is placed in the 90-degree corner and manually rotated while the travel assembly is in contact with an outer surface thereof. The linear movement of the travel assembly is detected by a measurement device which provides an indication of the out-of-roundness of the part.

Abstract: A measuring tape system for determining the girth or length of an object, the measuring tape system including a flexible tape containing specific measuring indicia. One end of the flexible tape is secured to and wound about a drum rotatably mounted within a housing. The drum is spring biased such that it will allow the associated tape to be paid out against the bias of the spring and upon the appropriate command is retrieved and rewound on the drum. The flexible tape is pulled from the housing through an appropriate opening in the wall of the housing and the free end of the tape is selectively placed in a receiver formed in the housing.

Abstract: A method and a gauge for measuring the sharpness of the tip of an object is provided. The method includes receiving the tip of the measured object in the end of a tube. The object deflects a plunger inside the tube a finite distance proportional to the sharpness of the object inserted in the tube. A measurement of sharpness of the tip of the object is derived by measuring the deflection distance of the plunger. The measuring method may be used to measure the sharpness of a number of objects in sequence by displaying the sharpness of the object, such as where the objects being measured are pins arranged in a matrix pattern.

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing an annular scale from a measuring strip, the ends of a measuring strip are welded together, and the shortening of the scale-division marks in the joint region caused by the welding operation is compensated by a subsequent rolling operation.

Abstract: A free-state diameter (a diameter in a state in which a residual stress has been released by cutting) of each of metal rings in a continuously variable transmission) is determined so that a predetermined compression stress and a predetermined tensile stress are applied to outer and inner surfaces of the metal ring in an endless state in which the metal ring is not cut, respectively. When the metal ring is cut in order to measure the free-state diameter, the metal ring is cut at least at two points so that cut ends do not interfere with each other in the free state, and the free-state diameter is then measured. Thus, the free-state diameter of the metal ring in a continuously variable transmission can be accurately measure.

Abstract: The peripheral surface shape measuring apparatus can simply and accurately measure a peripheral surface shape of a roll-like object. The peripheral surface shape of a roll-like object is measured by moving a displacement amount measuring device which pinches a diameter direction of the roll-like object with a sensor part and a reference point part arranged opposite to each other in the diameter direction of the roll-like object, from one end side to the other end side in an axial direction of the roll-like object by using a moving device.

Abstract: A method for measuring the diameter and eccentricity of a crankpin of a crankshaft which is ground on a grinding machine. A reference plate is provided on a headstock, which is disposed on a table to support the crankshaft. A measurement apparatus having a probe is disposed on a wheel head. Through movements of the table and the wheel head, the probe is first brought into contact with a reference surface of the reference plate, and is then brought into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the crankpin at outermost and innermost points. The distances between the reference surface and the outermost and innermost points are measured, and the diameter and eccentricity of the crankpin are calculated on the basis of the measured distances and the position of the reference surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for checking the diameter and the roundness of pins, for example crankpins and main journals of a crankshaft rotating about its main axis of rotation (8), includes a measuring device, coupled to a Vee-shaped reference device (20) and including a feeler (17) axially movable along the bisecting line of the Vee, or a direction slightly sloping with respect to it, and a movable support device for the reference Vee. The support device includes a support element (5) and a coupling mechanism that carries the reference Vee (20). The coupling mechanism includes, for example, two support sections (e.g. parallelogram structures) in series and enables plain translation displacements of the reference Vee. While checking an orbitally rotating crankpin, the Vee-shaped device maintains proper contact with the surface of the pin by virtue of the force of gravity, and the angular arrangement of the direction along which the feeler (17) moves remains substantially unchanged.

Abstract: A machine control gage system has a control unit, which analyzes roundness of a workpiece. The control unit controls a grinding machine controller in such a manner as to machine the workpiece to a desired size according to data measured by a measuring head. The control unit analyzes roundness of the workpiece according to the data measured by the measuring head and displays the roundness on a touch panel.

Abstract: Ensuring that the correct wheel bearing is installed in the wheel assembly of an aircraft. A plastic mold is designed to hold only one size of wheel bearing. The mold is labeled with the wheel bearing serial number and the corresponding aircraft model number. Because only one size of wheel bearing fits properly in the mold, it facilitates identification and use of the correct size wheel bearing in the aircraft wheel assembly. The mold can be used to ship wheel bearings to air carriers and to store wheel bearings before installation into aircraft wheel assemblies. The mold also offers protection for the wheel bearing from contamination or damage.

Abstract: A sizer for assessing the geometry of a heart valve annulus. The sizer preferably includes a circular sizing portion for measuring the diameter of the valve annulus. The sizing portion has radial spokes. The spokes are used to compare the symmetry of the commissures to the expected symmetry of a normal heart valve. The sizer preferably has one or more legs attached to the sizing portion for comparing the contour of the line of valve leaflet attachment to the expected contour of a normal heart valve having a diameter substantially equivalent to the measured diameter of the valve annulus.

Abstract: An apparatus for checking the diameter of crankpins of a crankshaft in the course of the machining in a grinding machine includes a Vee-shaped reference device, a measuring device associated with the reference device and including a feeler axially movable along the bisecting line of the Vee-shaped reference device, and a support device with a first arm rotating with respect to a support arranged on the grinding-wheel slide and a second arm rotating with respect to the first and carrying the Vee-shaped reference device.

Abstract: An adjustable gage comprises a centerline hub and a swing gage. The hub includes a body with position jaws adjustably attached thereto, and a central post. The gage comprises a pair of parallel slide bars and front and rear blocks slidable along the slide bars. A movable, spring-biased probe is slidably connected to the front block via a rail and carriage bearing apparatus. The probe is operably connected to a probe-movement indicator. The rear block has a fixed probe. Both probes have end roller bearings. In use, the part to be measured is placed within the position jaws, previously adjusted to the approximate inner or outer diameter of the part. Then, the gage is placed over the post, with the roller bearings coming into contact with the part, and the gage is rotated. The probes track along the part, with any variances in part diameter showing up on the indicator.

Abstract: A freestanding micrometer and method for determining the diameter of a cylindrical body, including measuring variations in diameter along a longitudinal length thereof, such as a roll used in the production of metal and paper sheet products. The micrometer comprises a housing supported on a circumferential surface of the cylindrical body. A first sensing element is movably supported by the housing and adapted for sensing a first surface point of the cylindrical body laterally spaced apart from the housing and disposed in a cross-sectional plane of the cylindrical body. A second sensing element is mounted to the housing for contact with a second surface point of the cylindrical body disposed in the cross-sectional plane of the cylindrical body. The first and second surface points locate, respectively, a terminal and midpoint of a chord lying in the cross-section plane of the cylindrical body, from which the diameter of the cylindrical body is determined.

Abstract: A system for measuring diameter (inner and/or outer) of a tubular, the system in at least certain aspects including at least one linear distance measuring device with respect to which a tubular to be measured is movable, the at least one linear distance measuring device including a detector for detecting a surface of the tubular, the detector movably mounted to mount apparatus, the detector movable longitudinally along the surface of the tubular and movable axially in response to variation in diameter of the tubular, a rotatable head rotatable with respect to the tubular either outside of it or within it, the mount apparatus secured to the rotatable head, at least one signal production apparatus secured to the mount apparatus or head, and in communication with the linear distance measuring device, the at least one signal production apparatus for producing a signal indicative of distance between said detector and a known point, and transmitting apparatus for transmitting said signals to processing equipment fo

Abstract: A sizer for assessing the geometry of a heart valve annulus including a handle portion for holding the sizer and a sizing portion. The sizing portion is preferably in the shape of an arch having an apex and two legs, each of which has a base adjoining the handle portion. The legs of the arched sizing portion are separated from each other by a predetermined distance that corresponds to the expected separation of commissures of a normal heart valve annulus. The height of the arch (measured from the base of each leg to the apex) corresponds to a predetermined leaflet height that approximates the expected height of a leaflet of a normal heart valve. For aortic valve reconstruction, the instrument is inserted into the opened aortic root following removal of the native valve tissue and is used to assess the distance between the commissures, the leaflet height, and the symmetry of the commissures of the exposed valve annulus.

Abstract: A spherical-article measuring apparatus has first and second support arms and a size detector. The first support arm has first and second ends. The first end can be brought in contact with a first curve section of a spherical article to be measured at one end of the diametrical line in the spherical article. The second end can be located spaced apart from and opposite to a second curve section of the spherical article at the other end of the diametrical line. The second support arm has a third end which can be brought in contact with a third curve section of the spherical article. The size detector can be brought in contact with the second curve section.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus for a pulley which features a workpiece holding post, a slide table and a measuring post which are controlled and moved by a controlling board. A probe tip extends from a detecting head of the measuring post and, in operation, is brought into contact with the portion to be measured to carry out the copying measurement which involves one or more measurements directed at the groove diameter of the ball groove, angle of the intersection, a divided angle, over-ball diameter, between diameter, lead deviation, run-out, concentricity, tapered angle of the conical surface, straightness of the conical surface, and deviation of the conical surface.

Abstract: A variety of measuring devices are provided for determining a radius of a work piece having a substantially circular cross-section without contacting opposing sides of the work piece. A guide portion includes a first side and a second side which contact two points of the work piece. A probe measures a distance to the work piece. In some embodiments, the first and second sides of the guide portion form a Vee and the probe is disposed in the vertex of the Vee. In some embodiments, the first side of the guide portion may be moved relative to the second side in order to accommodate a wide range of work piece sizes.

Abstract: A free-state diameter (a diameter in a state in which a residual stress has been released by cutting) of each of metal rings in a continuously variable transmission) is determined so that a predetermined compression stress and a predetermined tensile stress are applied to outer and inner surfaces of the metal ring in an endless state in which the metal ring is not cut, respectively. When the metal ring is cut in order to measure the free-state diameter, the metal ring is cut at least at two points so that cut ends do not interfere with each other in the free state, and the free-state diameter is then measured. Thus, the free-state diameter of the metal ring in a continuously variable transmission can be accurately measure.

Abstract: A gage assembly to measure the diameter of a piece of tubing. The gage assembly is especially configured to take measurements during the extrusion manufacture of the tubing when an eccentricity in the outer diameter of the tubing is present. The gage assembly includes a pair of contact wheels mounted such that the space between them defines a path with a diamond-shaped cross section for the tubing to pass through. Each contact wheel includes cutouts that define a pair of planar contact surfaces that are angularly disposed relative to one another. As the tubing leaves the extruder, it axially passes through the diamond-shaped path, coming in contact with the planar surfaces of the contact wheels.