Abstract: A probe assembly for use at a test station for contacting a target on an electrical circuitry component. The probe assembly includes an elongate tubular housing with a base of insulative material rigidly supported in the housing adjacent one end thereof. An interior beam assembly connects a contact block to the base with this beam assembly including a relatively flexible cantilever beam. A relatively rigid second beam assembly extends from the contact block beyond the other end of the housing and holds a probe point for contacting the target. The probe assembly also includes an upper contact held by the housing and extending into the housing cavity toward the contact block, and a lower contact held by the housing and extending into the cavity toward the contact block. The spacing between the upper and lower contacts is greater than the height of the contact block and the surfaces of the contact block facing the contacts are conductive.

Abstract: Integral sharp tips on thin film cantilevers are produced by forming a rectangular silicon post on a (100) silicon wafer. Etching the top of the post leaves sharp silicon tips at the corners of what remains of the silicon post. A silicon dioxide cantilever with an integral tip is thermally grown over the silicon wafer and the sharp silicon tips.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring surface irregularities on articles such as curved automotive glass are provided wherein two contact points on a sensor head establish a chord at a segment of the surface and a probe measures the distance of the surface from the chord between the contact points, thereby permitting calculation of the local radius of curvature as the surface is scanned.

Abstract: In a length measuring apparatus, a measurement probe includes a core and is movable in an axial direction of the probe. First to third coils are arranged in an order in a moving area of the core in accordance with the movement of the probe. In the B-phase, the first and second coils are primary and the second and third coils are secondary. In the A-phase, the second and third coils are primary and the first and second coils are secondary. CPU first sets a switch in the B-phase and then in the A-phase. A moving amount of the core is calculated from secondary voltage data in both the B-phase and the A-phase.

Abstract: An apparatus 1 to measure and/or check the spatial position and angular orientation of characteristic spots or areas 3 in mechanical structures or members, particularly in motor-vehicle structural components such as bodies or wheels. The apparatus substantially comprises an articulated arm 4 provided with a number of pivot points 5 and carrying, at a free end thereof, a tracer point 10 adapted to be positioned close to the characteristic spots or areas 3 of the structure to be measured or checked. Located at the pivot points 5 of the articulated arm 4 are displacement transducers 16 which send electrical signals to a computer depending upon a variation in the configuration taken by the pivot points 5 as compared with corresponding reference configurations.

Abstract: Measuring the length of a human limb by compressing body tissue at the ends of the limb a prescribed amount and then making the length measurement while the body tissue is compressed the prescribed amount.

Abstract: A multiple axis displacement sensor is provided for sensing displacement of two relatively movable parts in a plurality of degrees of freedom. There are a plurality of displacement sensing units, each unit including at least two magnetic poles mounted on one of the parts, and at least two Hall Effect devices mounted on the other of the parts, and disposed relative to the poles so that relative displacement of parts in at least one degree of freedom causes at least one of the poles to move toward a respective said Hall Effect device and at least one other of the poles to move away from another respective Hall Effect device. The outputs of the Hall Effect device are differentially combined to produce a signal linearly representative of displacement of the poles relative to the Hall Effect devices.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for use in determining information relating to the plane of rotation of an object, particularly a vehicle wheel. The apparatus includes a probe that is maintained at the same contact point relative to the wheel during the rotation of the wheel. The position of the probe is monitored and position-related data is analyzed by a processing system. The processing system implements a least squares method for defining the plane of rotation utilizing a number of the position-related data points, which were obtained during rotation of the wheel. In one embodiment, the probe is connected to a pivotable wobble plate for use in maintaining a predetermined position of the probe relative to the wheel during rotation thereof. A carriage assembly also acts to maintain the predetermined position of the probe. In another embodiment, instead of a carriage assembly, rotatable arms and counter-weight are employed so that the probe moves as a direct result of rotation of the wheel.

Abstract: A contact sensing probe is disclosed for use with a measuring machine or machine tool for measuring the dimensions of a workpiece. The probe comprises a housing within which a stylus holder is mounted on a kinematic support. A spring urges the stylus holder into a rest position on the support and yieldingly resists tilting or lifting of the stylus holder from the support when the stylus engages a workpiece. A sensing device in the form of an accelerometer is supported within the housing on the stylus holder to sense one of the effects of stylus engagement with the workpiece, and to produce a signal which is used to stop the machine and read the signal and read the coordinates of the instantaneous stylus position. The effects sensed in different embodiments of the invention are, sudden lifting of the stylus holder due to physical displacement of the stylus, or the shockwave produced in the stylus on contact with the workpiece.

Abstract: A measuring and sensing head (6, 30, 50) is moved under computer control in engagement with right and left flanks of gears. These may be internal or external gears. The head is moved in a tangential direction with respect to the base circle of the gear and, in accordance with the invention, additionally in a radial direction with respect to the axis (3) of the gear (2), in such a manner that, when setting right and left flanks, respectively, of a gear tooth, the paths of the measuring and sensing head form straight lines which intersect at intersection points (43, 53) outside of the base circle (32, 52) of the gear. The movement of the sensing head is controlled by a computer (C) in accordance with an involute mathematical function following the involute curve of gear teeth. Other curves, similar to an involute curve, may be controlled by the computer.

Abstract: Electrical-lead connections between stationary and movable parts of a probe head are rendered virtually insensitive to stress by wrapped development of the lead connections along the length of a spring connection between the stationary and movable parts.

Abstract: Present invention is a manufacturing gauging system for statistical process control including a gauging fixture for holding a manufacturing part in a fixed location and orientation and for positioning a transducer probe in a predetermined relationship to a manufactured dimension of the part, a non-volatile memory for storing a set of tolerance dimensions relative to the manufactured dimensions of the part and a data processing system which receives sequential signals from the transducer probe relating to measurements of manufacturing dimensions of the part and stores them in the non-volatile memory. The gauging fixture includes a plurality of zero-based measurement stations. Each zero-based measurement station enables positioning of a transducer probe in a predetermined location and orientation relative to the part for providing a reference to a specified measure of the manufactured dimension of the part.

Abstract: A metrological instrument includes an inductive transducer having a stylus, all being disposed within a protective housing. Upon initiation of the measuring operation, the transducer is moved so that the stylus moves round an endless path such that the stylus is first projected at a high speed from the housing, is thereafter moved to engage the workpiece surface, is then moved at relatively slow speed across the workpiece surface for performing the measurements, and, following completion of the latter movement, is retracted at a high speed into the housing. These movements are effected by a series of cams driven by a single motor. Such an instrument may be located next to a production line without risk of damage and may used for the checking of each of a multiplicity of identical components produced in a mass production process.

Abstract: An improved measuring device for determining both major and pitch diameters of screw threads, gears, splines and the like, wherein attractable magnetic members attached to a movable spindle and fixed anvil serve to attract and retain gauging wires in their proper positions. An adjustable screw and spring assembly biases the spindle toward the anvil with a predetermined and readily adjustable pressure.

Abstract: In the work-contacting probe head (or on the suspension of the deflectable work-contacting probe head) of a coordinate measuring machine, an electromagnet is provided to trigger a mechanical impact blow or vibration if the switch-contact circuit in the three-point mounting of the probe pin remains open for a predetermined short period of time after completion of a cycle of coordinate measurement of a given work-contacted measurement location. The delivery of the impact is sufficient to overcome any residual mechanical friction that may have interfered with return of the probe to its calibrated at-rest position, at completion of the measurement cycle.

Abstract: A machine measures an object of generally circular cross-section by superimposing on the subject a cylindrical coordinate system having five axes, namely a vertical measuring axis Z, three radial axes R0, R120, R240 emanating at a common point along the measuring axis Z, and a rotational axis .theta. having its center at the measuring axis Z. The machine includes an elevating unit which supports the object with its axis generally parallel to the measuring axis Z and is further capable of moving the object parallel to the measuring axis Z as well as rotationally about the measuring axis Z along the rotational axis .theta.. A measuring device monitors the linear position of the object along the axis Z while another measuring device measures the angular position of the object along the rotational axis .theta..

Abstract: Gauge for checking linear dimensions of mechanical pieces comprising a support, two arms movable with respect to the support, two feelers respectively fixed to the arms for contacting the piece to be checked and a position transducer having two mutually movable elements respectively fixed to the movable arms. Each feeler is fixed to the relevant movable arm by screw, nut-screw coupling and between the screw and the nut-screw there is arranged a thread insert, having at least one polygonal coil, which permits adjustment of the position of the feeler, while assuring a stable adjustment.

Abstract: Plural switch-type probe heads used in a coordinate-measuring machine are electrically connected in parallel, and each probe head contains a resistor (106) which is series-connected to its switch contact (103/110). In addition, each probe head has a measurement resistor (108) which is independent of switch contacts, and the measurement resistors of all probe heads are also connected in parallel. The operative work-contacting switch signal is produced from a comparison of the currents flowing through the measurement resistors (108) and the series resistors (106).

Abstract: An intelligent Tool System used with Computer Numerical Controlled machining centers consisting of a method of establishing tool presence and type of tooling device and a method of eliminating any error due to thermal growth.The spindle mechanism provides CNC Communicating and Operating means with spindle mounted devices for establishing tool presence and type of tooling for eliminating error due to thermal growth and for determining the function of tooling devices such as telescoping tool holders for determining work surface location with random length tools and for sensing tool condition; automatic boring tools for high precision boring and contouring; probing devices for work surface location, measurement and definition; combination boring and probing tools for boring and measuring a hole without removing the tool from the spindle.

Abstract: A contact sensing probe is disclosed for use with a measuring machine or machine tool for measuring the dimensions of a workpiece. The probe comprises a housing within which a stylus holder is mounted on a kinematic support. A spring urges the stylus holder into a rest position on the support and yieldingly resists tilting or lifting of the stylus holder from the support when the stylus engages a workpiece. A sensing device in the form of an accelerometer is supported within the housing on the stylus holder to sense one of the effects of stylus engagement with the workpiece, and to produce a signal which is used to stop the machine and read the signal and read the coordinates of the instantaneous stylus position. The effects sensed in different embodiments of the invention are, sudden lifting of the stylus holder due to physical displacement of the stylus, or the shockwave produced in the stylus on contact with the workpiece.

Abstract: Various techniques are disclosed for controlling the operation of a workpiece inspection procedure using a battery operated probe to contact the workpiece and transmit information back to a controller in a machine tool system. In one embodiment, battery power is applied to the probe transmission circuitry in response to a flash of infrared radiation. In another embodiment, the probe is turned on by touching the probe against a reference surface. In both embodiments, a timer is provided to automatically disconnect the batteries after a predetermined time period. In such manner battery life is prolonged.

Abstract: The control device according to the invention comprises three controlling elements secured to a structure or frame and each comprising a fixed guide, a movable tubular socket and a feeler rod or probe connected to a core of a displacement sensor of which the body is integral with the tubular socket, the tubular socket and the rod being applied by springs against G2 and the cathode respectively.

Abstract: A tool (10) is used for detecting whether material (14) on a reference surface (12) has exceeded a predetermined height. The tool (10) includes a housing (32) having a bottom surface with at least one opening (34) therein for receiving the material (14) whose height is to be tested. A probe means (44) is slideably mounted within the housing (32) and has one end located in the opening (34) for contacting the material (14). A circuit (18, 22) includes a pair of contacts (30) spaced a given distance from a predetermined portion of the probe (44). An indicator (66) is coupled to the circuit for signaling that the height of the material (14) exceeds the predetermined height when the probe (44) slide a sufficient distance so that the portion thereof closes the contacts (30).

Abstract: A measuring device for a machine tool comprises at least one sensor mounted on a supporting arm which is movable with the help of a carriage. To perform an exact measurement of the distance between two diametrically opposed points on a work piece, the supporting arm with the sensor is slidably and/or pivotally mounted on the carriage to displace the sensor in a transverse direction over the machine tool turning center. A folding in and out of the supporting arm which is mounted on a holder on the carriage occurs during insertion into and withdrawal from a storage pocket of a tool magazine. Air cleaning means and cooling means for the sensor and the workpiece are provided. In another embodiment of the measuring device the supporting arm can be approximately U-shaped mounted on a shaft with a sensor on the end of each U-leg for a two point workpiece measurement, can be slid along the holder for the supporting arm and is pivotable about 90 degrees.

Abstract: The probe has a piezo-electric sensor (22A) for determining initial contact of a stylus (16) with a workpiece (4). It also has a kinematic support (18) made up of confronting electrical contacts (19, 20) which are connected to indicate displacement of the stylus from a rest position and correct reseating on the kinematic support. The sensor (22A) and the electrical contacts (19, 20) are connected to an electrical circuit (24) within the probe. The circuit (24) has only two terminals connecting it to an external interface (9), which both receives the signals from and supplies power to the sensor (22A) and the contacts (19, 20). This enables the receipt of a signal from the contacts (19, 20) to provide a fail-safe backup to the signal from the sensor (22A) and to indicate correct reseating of the probe, while maintaining the interface (9) compatible with prior art probes having only one workpiece-engagement sensing arrangement with two terminals.

Abstract: The device is intended for an independent measuring apparatus which can be displaced on a measurement plane on which a part to be measured is immobilized. This device comprises a slide which is displaceable along a slideway of the apparatus perpendicular to the measurement plane, a carriage mounted for displacement in said same direction against opposing forces of two springs intended for the applying of a sensing force, and a support bearing a probe which is mounted for displacement on the carriage in a direction perpendicular to that of the vertical slideway. Upon the search for the point of regression of the probe which is necessary for the detection of the two diametrically opposite points of a bore of the part to be measured, the entire apparatus is immobile on the measurement plane and only the feeler support is displaced on the carriage. Automation of the search for the point of regression is also shown.

Abstract: Apparatus for inspecting the coplanarity of surface mounted integrated circuit components including a housing for containing necessary electrical circuitry and indicators, a socket assembly for receiving one electronic circuit package at a time and for contacting each lead of the package that is within acceptable coplanarity limits, and means for indicating those leads that are out of predetermined limits. The device also includes a spring loaded plunger assembly for facilitating insertion of a packaged IC device into the inspection socket and for applying appropriate loading force to the top surface thereof.

Abstract: A probe having a stylus spindle mounted in a machine tool for locating an object in relation to the stylus measurable along two axis perpendicular to the centerline of the stylus or in the plus and minus direction parallel to the center line of the stylus. The probe provides a discreet signal on contact or a signal level proportional to deflection of the stylus through interfacing with the machine computer numerical control by a machine mounted transducer unit.

Abstract: A tool measuring apparatus for a machine tool is provided with a plunger (16) mounted to move along an axis (22) to vary the spacing between the end of the plunger and an inductive element (26) of an inductive displacement measuring device (24). Device (24) generates a signal V.sub.y which varies as a function of the spacing between the plunger (16) and device (24). Spindle (14), engaging a tool (12), is moved to a position M located a known distance from inductive element (26). As the spindle is moved to position M, tool (12) engages plunger 16 and moves the plunger to decrease the spacing between the plunger and the element (26) to a value S.sub.3, corresponding to an unknown length d of tool (12). Levels of V.sub.y corresponding to spacing S.sub.3 and to S.sub.2, representing a known nominal value N of tool length, are coupled to a processor 32 and a control 30 to determine tool offset e, i.e., the difference between actual length d and nominal length N.

Abstract: The measuring system of the gear measuring feeler contains, as a Hall-effect sensor, two Hall-effect sensor elements which are arranged in opposing relationship to each other in the magnetic field. The differential output signal of this dual Hall-effect sensor is processed in a matching circuit which is designed as a differential amplifier circuit, to yield a measuring voltage with respect to zero volt. This measuring voltage is twice as high as in the case where only one Hall-effect sensor element is used as the Hall-effect sensor. Furthermore, the matching circuit is of a simpler structure and the measurement is substantially more precise since there is not required any reference voltage source in the matching circuit.

Abstract: A contact sensing probe is disclosed for use with a measuring machine or machine tool for measuring the dimensions of a workpiece. The probe comprises a housing within which a stylus holder is mounted on a kinematic support. A spring urges the stylus holder into a rest position on the support and yieldingly resists tilting or lifting of the stylus holder from the support when the stylus engages a workpiece. A sensing device in the form of an accelerometer is supported within the housing on the stylus holder to sense one of the effects of stylus engagement with the workpiece, and to produce a signal which is used to stop the machine and read the signal and read the coordinates of the instantaneous stylus position. The effects sensed in different embodiments of the invention are, sudden lifting of the stylus holder due to physical displacement of the stylus, or the shock-wave produced in the stylus on contact with the workpiece.

Abstract: A touch signal probe for electrically detecting the contact of a touch pin with a work to be measured in all three-axes directions. The apparatus can be attached to a three-dimensional coordinate measuring system to automatically detect electrical touch signals indicative of the contact with the work. The internal structure of the probe case is constructed such that a three dimensionally movable support can be attached thereto to provide a touch pin base which is movably supported on seats fixed on the probe case which carries the touch pin by means of a Z-axis movable support mechanism. The Z-axis support mechanism consists of a pair of diaphragms fixed on the upper and lower ends of the touch pin base at their peripheries respectively and a support shaft rigidly connected with the central portions of the diaphragms and holding the touch pin at its lower end.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method of testing the operability of probes used in performing workpiece probing operations. According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the probe has a first circuit for generating a first signal, the first signal inducing the probe to generate a second signal. A second circuit is provided for receiving the second signal. The second circuit is adapted to generate a third signal indicative of the operability of the probe when the second signal is received. In the preferred embodiment, an infrared signal is delivered by the apparatus to the probe causing the probe to emit an infrared signal. The infrared signal emitted by the probe is then used by the apparatus to generate an electrical signal indicative of the operability of the probe.

Abstract: Automated gaging apparatus for use with a machine tool system is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus is adapted for use with a touch probe and includes circuitry for frequency shift keying a subcarrier signal responsive to contact occurring between the touch probe and a workpiece. The subcarrier is used to switch a source of microwave radiation, such as a Gunn diode oscillator, on and off at the shifted frequency. The microwave signal is detected by a remote receiver, and the detected signal is coupled to the controller for the machine tool system for use in gaging the workpiece.

Abstract: Provision is made in a battery operated probe for detecting and wirelessly transmitting information to a remote receiver indicating that the battery power in the probe is low. In the preferred embodiment, both probe stylus position information and low battery information are transmitted by way of at least one infrared optical transmission device in the probe. A pair of phase locked loop circuits in the remote receiver are used to discriminate stylus position information from low battery condition information in the optical transmission.

Abstract: A tread depth probe for measuring the depth of a tread groove in a tire comprising a retaining and release mechanism to retain the probe pin in a retracted position when not in use and a release mechanism to release the probe pin when in use and having a measuring system permitting multiple tire groove depth readings while permitting the tread depth probe to be in the released position.

Abstract: A golf club loft and lie calibration machine has a fixture with a cavity that exactly matches the back of the golf club head for clamping the golf club head. A pin with a tapered end is inserted into the bore of the golf club's hosel. The angular displacement of the pin is mechanically converted into two components of angular displacement which components are then converted to electrical signals. The electrical signals are processed to determine the deviations from the specified loft and lie angles. The deviation is used to activate hydraulic rams distributed around the fixture to bend the golf club head's hosel and bring the golf club back to specification.

Abstract: A multiple-coordinate scanner having regulated scanning force for scanning objects, and preferably for length- and gear-measuring machines, is disclosed. The scanner detects the scanning force via a multiple-coodinate force measuring device and uses it to regulate the scanning force, in that corresponding straight-line guides in the multiple-coordinate scanner are deflected by drive units such that the resultant measuring force corresponds to a predetermined magnitude, regardless of the direction and magnitude of the multiple-coordinate scanner deflection.

Abstract: A touch probe construction that enables it to be used in place of tool holders used in existing turning centers to perform workpiece inspection operations without requiring modification of the machine. The probe housing is designed to generally correspond in shape to the tool holders and includes a self-contained battery power supply and transmission circuitry for radiating an infrared signal to a remote receiver head when the probe stylus contacts an object such as a workpiece surface. The probe circuitry is designed so that current drain on the battery is minimized.

Abstract: A multicoordinate sensing head is disclosed in which a sensing pin is secured in the interior of a sensing head housing by means of a flange which is rigidly secured to the pin. The flange rests on precisely formed bearing balls which are distributed uniformly around the circumference of an opening in the bottom of the housing through which the pin passes. A rim on the flange extends around the bearing balls to grip the balls and prevent radial shifting of the sensing pin. In the rest position, into which the sensing pin is pressed by the action of the spring operating via a sensor probe, the free end of the sensing pin is precisely positioned in a predetermined orientation with respect to the housing in a repeatable and accurate manner. When the sensing pin is deflected, the flange tilts around one or two of the balls and thereby moves the sensor probe axially to allow a measurement system to sense deflection of the sensing pin.

Abstract: The measuring arm of a multiple coordinate measuring machine has two horizontal arm portions and a vertical arm part. The vertical part free end has a chuck for rigidly connecting a probe member to the measuring arm. The arm part and arm portions comprise pairs of parallel bender bars having rectangular cross-sectional configurations. A corrugated tube can surround the bars to increase the torsional stiffness of the measuring arm. Non-bendable bars freely project between each bender bar pair and carry at their free ends capacitor plate pairs forming differential capacitor primary elements. The outer electrode pairs fixed to the bender bars. Geometrical measurement with respect to the coordinate axes can be performed with two pendulums by movement of the measuring slides of the measuring machine carrying the measuring arm. The test signals of the primary elements are generated by bending movements of the measuring arm in the respective coordinate directions.

Abstract: In a multi-coordinate measuring machine, a contact pin is movable relative to an upper part of a measuring head, in the X, Y and Z directions. The contact pin must be mounted so as to be displaceable from its zero position, and blockable in position in each of these directions. To simplify the construction, the mechanism for displacing and blocking the movements of the pin are combined in the form of an electrodynamic transducer for each of the three directions. The transducer is formed of a pair of aligned coils which are each associated with a permanent magnet.

Abstract: For the accurate setting of machine tools, mechanically and electromechanically operating feeler devices are used, for example optical display means, which light up at the moment of touch contact with a surface to be machined. The accuracy of setting using these devices does not, however, satisfy the required setting accuracy in many cases. A method is provided, by means of the invention, in which a feeler head is slowly approached towards the surface or edge to be touched until the contact of the rotating feeler head with the surface or edge corresponds to a feeler head rotational angle (.alpha.) which is greater by a predetermined safety value than 180.degree. but is smaller than 300.degree.. The device for this purpose consists of a housing with an electrical voltage source and circuitry equipment for optical display elements, the housing being penetrated by a hollow shaft connected with one pole of the voltage source.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a linear variable differential transformer (LVDT) probe utilizing a core mounting upon a sensing rod axially translatable with respect to a coil. The coil is movably supported for initially aligning the core and coil in a predetermined relationship to produce a desired electrical situation, such as a null condition, and the probe utilizes alignment means for quickly initially aligning the core and coil.

Abstract: A measuring device is disclosed which contains a sensor fastened to sensor holding elements (4, 5, 6, 7, 8) and suspended so as to be displaceable in relation to a frame (1) in three orthogonal directions (x, y, z).For each direction of displacement, two parallel moving bridges (11 and 12, 20 and 21, 28 and 24) are provided which are hinged on rigid connecting elements (13, 14, 22, 25). The device permits the return of the sensor to its reference position in the first two directions of displacement (x, y) by gravity or by centering elements provided for that purpose.

Abstract: A probe for sensing the position of a workpiece comprises a housing adapted to be secured to a coordinate measuring machine. A stylus projecting from the housing is engageable with the workpiece for sensing the position thereof. The stylus is secured to a moveable member supported within the housing by three bellows having mutually perpendicular axes and each secured to the moveable member and the housing in position therebetween. Since a bellows is inherently stiff in torsion about its axis but is flexible axially and transversely, the bellows cooperate to constrain the stylus for parallel motion. More particularly, any one first bellows can expand or contract to accommodate movement of the stylus in the direction of the axis of that the first bellows, a second one of the bellows prevents tilting of the stylus by virtue of its torsional stiffness. At the same time both the second and third bellows flex transversely to accommodate the expansion or contraction of the first bellows.

Abstract: There is disclosed an electromechanical device which uses a digital depth ge micrometer with a probe in combination with a read-out voltmeter to provide automatically recordable profiles of impacted crater sections. The circuit electrically connected to the voltmeter has a Zener circuit which transposes the mechanical movement of the probe to readable and recordable electronic signal information. In one example of its use the recorded data refer to the profile of an exploded metallic crater formed by the impact of a shaped-charge ballistic warhead.