Probe Support Patents (Class 33/572)
  • Patent number: 11022418
    Abstract: A form measuring apparatus that is provided with a form measuring device that includes a detection device detecting a position on a surface of an object, and a feeding mechanism that moves the form measuring device in an axis direction. The feeding mechanism includes a drive shaft provided so as to be rotatable around an axis; a traction nut that is provided so as to hold the drive shaft from a direction orthogonal to an axis line of the drive shaft, and that also can switch between a frictional contacting state frictionally contacting the drive shaft and a separation state separated from the drive shaft; and a bracket coupling the traction nut and the form measuring device. The bracket is provided with a motor that includes a rotation shaft that is inclined with respect to the axis line, and the motor rotates the drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: MITUTOYO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Toshihiro Kanematsu
  • Patent number: 10718602
    Abstract: A coordinate positioning apparatus comprising first and second relatively moveable bodies, at least the first body comprising at least one sheet or plate of material arranged to provide a load-bearing structure comprising a plurality of planar load-bearing members and on which at least one member is mounted to the first body via a mount which is coupled to at least three, non-parallel planar load-bearing members of the first body, such that the planes of said at least three non-parallel planar load-bearing members intersect each other at a common point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: RENISHAW PLC
    Inventors: Stephen Mark Angood, Hugo George Derrick, Stephen Paul Hunter
  • Patent number: 10580677
    Abstract: A workpiece positioning arrangement comprises a positioning device for positioning a workpiece as well as a decoupling device for the decoupled storage of the positioning device, wherein the decoupling device comprises a carrier element, on which the positioning device is arranged, and a base element, on which the carrier element is supported. For decoupling the dynamic reaction forces of the positioning device on the base element, the carrier element is supported on the base element so as to move freely at least in a certain range, preferably essentially free of counterforces, in a sliding manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: SCHNEEBERGER HOLDING AG
    Inventor: Martin Vix
  • Patent number: 10082379
    Abstract: Provided is a tape measure having a length marking function, in which a guide having a slide groove formed at a predetermined distance from a bottom vertically extending from a first side of the casing and an insertion gap spaced from the first side is integrally formed; a threaded hole is formed through a bottom of the guide; a locking ball partially protruding inside the guide, a compression spring elastically supporting the locking ball, and a wrench bolt preventing separation of the locking ball and the compression spring are disposed in the threaded hole; a marker is provided to mark a length of an object pointed by a scale on the metal tape drawn out from the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Inventor: Sang Yeoul Kim
  • Patent number: 9835439
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the electric control of a measurement stand (11) having a drive movement of at least one measurement probe (26) from an initial position (31) into a measurement position (32), in particular for the measurement of the thickness of thin layers in which a motor (34) is controlled for the drive movement of the measurement probe (26), said motor (34) moving a ram (23), to which the measurement probe (26) is fastened, back and forth via a drive device (35) at least for the implementation of a measurement, wherein before a first measurement with the measurement probe (26), a learning routine is carried out, and for the subsequent implementation of one or more measurements, the measurement probe (26) is transferred from the initial position (31) into the measurement position (32), and the drive path of the measurement probe (26) from the initial position (31) into the measurement position (32) is divided into a fast speed and, before the setting of the measurement probe (26) on t
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: Helmut Fischer GmbH Institut für Elektronik und Messtechnik
    Inventor: Helmut Fischer
  • Patent number: 9592602
    Abstract: Drill guides for right angle drills include an elongate base, a fore guide, a fore mount, an aft guide, and an aft mount. The fore mount and the aft mount are configured to be operatively coupled to a right angle drill, and the fore guide and the aft guide are configured to permit selective translation of the right angle drill toward and away from the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: David M. Dembeck
  • Patent number: 9494403
    Abstract: An articulated measuring head for orienting a probe relatively to a measuring apparatus, including Hirth couplings for providing a high-resolution indexing to two orthogonal rotors and an advanced guiding system to ensure a precise rotation control when the Hirth couplings are free and accurate indexing when they are clamped together. The articulated head of the invention has an embedded dynamic controller using high-precision encoders and crash detection by capacitive sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: TESA SA
    Inventors: Claude Rouge, Eric Meyer, Benjamin Vullioud
  • Patent number: 9266625
    Abstract: Systems and methods for automated non-destructive inspection scanning of the top and bottom aerodynamic surfaces or skins of an integrally stiffened wing box (e.g., a horizontal stabilizer) using surface crawling vehicles. Each system uses dynamically controlled magnetic coupling to couple an external drive tractor to a pair of passive trailers disposed in the interior of the wing box on opposite sides of a spar. The external drive tractor is also coupled to an external NDI scanner, which the tractor pushes or pulls across the surface skin being inspected. The systems allow scanning of both surface skins without turning the wing box over. Each system is modular and can be transported to and easily set up in a building or factory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: James J. Troy, William P. Motzer, Scott W. Lea, James C. Kennedy, Michael C. Hutchinson
  • Patent number: 8745889
    Abstract: The invention relates to a measurement stand for holding a measuring probe intended in particular for measuring the thickness of thin layers, and to a method for controlling the measurement stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Helmut Fischer GmbH Institut für Elektronik und Messtechnik
    Inventor: Helmut Fischer
  • Patent number: 8413492
    Abstract: A cylinder sleeve surface measurement assembly for measuring a surface roughness of a cylinder sleeve, especially a cylinder sleeve formed in an engine block. The assembly includes a fixture that holds a surface profiling device. The surface profiling device is provided with a stylus that perpendicularly projects from a measuring arm, and the fixture holds the surface profiling device such that the stylus remains in perpendicular contact with the surface of the cylinder sleeve. To ensure perpendicular contact, the fixture is provided with an arcuate surface that defines an arc matching that of a portion of the cylinder sleeve. Accordingly, the arcuate surface allows the measuring arm to remain parallel to a surface of the cylinder sleeve, thereby ensuring that the stylus remains perpendicular thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mori W. Yatsui
  • Patent number: 8020308
    Abstract: An inspection system comprises a sensor configured to acquire inspection data of the object, a motion control device, a joint assembly coupled to the motion control device, and a probe housing coupled to the joint assembly and configured to hold the sensor. The inspection system further comprises a compliant element coupled to the probe housing and configured to cooperate with the joint assembly and the motion control device to position the sensor relative to the object. A self-aligning probe assembly is also presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Byungwoo Lee, Yanyan Wu, Nicholas Joseph Kray
  • Patent number: 7681323
    Abstract: An exemplary base includes a first elastic element, a second elastic, two first adjustable spacers and two second adjustable spacers. The first elastic element includes two first spaced plates and a first connecting element for connecting the two first spaced plates. The second elastic element includes two second spaced plates and a second connecting element for connecting the two second spaced plates. The first connecting element and the second connecting element are not in a plane. Two first adjustable spacers connect the two first spaced plates and adjust a distance between the two first spaced plates. Two second adjustable spacers connect the two second spaced plates and adjust a distance between the two second spaced plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Qing Liu, Jun-Qi Li
  • Patent number: 7610690
    Abstract: A measurement stand for holding a measuring device (26), in particular a measuring arrangement (26) for measuring the thickness of thin layers, said measurement stand comprising a housing (18) in which a cam follower (23) is guided such that it can be moved up and down and the measuring device (26) is arranged at that end of said housing (18) that faces the measuring object (14), wherein a drive unit (29) with an electric drive (28) drives the lifting movement of the cam follower (23), wherein said drive unit (29) initiates in the down movement at least one first movement phase with a rapid motion and at least one further movement phase of the cam follower (23) with a creep motion until the measuring device (26) touches down on the measuring object (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Immobiliengesellschaft Helmut Fischer GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Helmut Fischer
  • Patent number: 7363181
    Abstract: A surface texture measuring instrument is provided that is capable of performing a correction operation depending on the rotation angle position of a detector even when the detector is rotated for measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Mitutoyo Corporation
    Inventors: Minoru Katayama, Takafumi Kano
  • Patent number: 7281433
    Abstract: Touch probe including a fixed part (250), designed to be fastened onto a measuring machine or a machine tool, and a contact feeler (30) that is mobile and orientable on two independent axes (211, 212) along a multiplicity of directions indexed in space. An actuator (300) comprising antifriction rollers and a ball bearing allows the rotation axes (211) to be unlocked and any orientation to be selected with minimized friction. In locked position, the actuator (300) withdraws under the action of return springs (336) so as not to influence the indexing accuracy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: TESA SA
    Inventors: Pascal Jordil, Claude Rouge, Leonard Wunderlin, Adriano Zanier
  • Patent number: 7024273
    Abstract: A probe driving mechanism for displacement measuring apparatuses, capable of carrying out a stable, constant speed probe feeding operation without additionally providing a motor rotation detecting rotary encoder and a tachometer generator. When an output from a scale varies in accordance with the power applied to a motor, the power applied to the motor is controlled in accordance with an output from the scale. When the variation of an output from the scale becomes small even though the same level of power continues to be applied to the motor, a judement that a probe contacts the workpiece is given, and the power applied to the motor is set smaller. When an output from the workpiece sensor varies, the power applied to the motor is controlled in accordance with one of an output from the scale and that from the workpiece sensor the speed variation of which is larger than that of the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Mitutoyo Corporation
    Inventors: Masashi Tsuboi, Hiroshi Yamashiro
  • Patent number: 6874243
    Abstract: Centroid moments of components of an arm (220) are calculated based on three-dimensional model data and mass of the components, the centroid moments being combined to calculate a centroid position (G) of the entirety of the arm (220). The arm (220) is adjusted and swingably supported so that a stylus (222D) provided on an end of the arm (220) being swingably supported by a support (210) that moves relative to a workpiece (1) touches the workpiece (1) with a predetermined measuring force and the centroid position (G) is located on a horizontal plane including the fulcrum when the support (210) is inclined by an angle in the middle of an angle range within which the support (210) is rotated by a moving section (130). The measuring force is hardly fluctuated when the support (210) is inclined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Mitutoyo Corporation
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Hama, Ichirou Okamoto, Hideo Tanada
  • Patent number: 6848315
    Abstract: A stylus structure (40) integrally incorporating a stylus (2), a vibrator (4), a detector (6), a first secondary magnetic circuit (12) and a second primary magnetic circuit (21), and a stylus support (30) integrally incorporating a first primary magnetic circuit (11) and a second secondary magnetic circuit (22) are mutually fittable, thereby achieving signal transmission by the respective magnetic circuits using no electrical contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Mitutoyo Corporation
    Inventors: Kaoru Matsuki, Kazuhiko Hidaka, Kiyokazu Okamoto
  • Patent number: 6799375
    Abstract: A coupling element for an angle-measuring device for connecting a first component to a second component in a radially resilient, but torsion-proof manner with respect to an axis of rotation. The coupling element including a base and a first bracket rigidly fastened on the base and the first component, wherein the first bracket has a first outer support connection location, a second outer support connection location and an inner support connection location centered in a circumferential direction with respect to the axis of rotation between the first and second outer support connection locations. One of the first outer support connection locations of the first bracket and the inner support connection location of the first bracket forms a connection of the first bracket and the base and the other of the first outer support connection location of the first bracket and the inner support connection location of the first bracket is rigidly connected with the first component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: Dr. Johannes Heidenhain GmbH
    Inventor: Johann Mitterreiter
  • Patent number: 6668464
    Abstract: A coupling for the torsion-proof, but radially resilient connection of a stator of an angle encoder with a stator of an object to be measured, the coupling includes a spring element that is either normally in a first position but when the spring element is bent out by a bending force the spring element moves from the first position through a click point to a second position where the spring element engages a portion of the angle encoder or the spring element normally is biased in a first position but when the bias of the spring element at said first position is canceled the spring element is moved to a second position where the spring element engages a portion of the angle encoder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Dr. Johannes Heidenhain GmbH
    Inventors: Johann Mitterreiter, Kurt Feichtinger, Hermann Meyer
  • Patent number: 6594532
    Abstract: A measurement probe is carried by a carriage movable in a first direction to cause the measurement probe to traverse a measurement path across a surface of an object received by a support surface to provide measurement data representing variations in a second direction different from the first direction of surface features along the measurement path. The support surface is movable in a third direction different from the first and second directions. Measurement of a surface area is effected by controlling the carriage to cause the measurement probe to traverse a plurality of measurement paths across an area of the surface of an object mounted on the support surface and by controlling the support surface to move in the third direction after each measurement path traverse. Measurement data thus obtained for a reference sphere of previously known radius is used to determine the relative orientation of the first and third directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Taylor Hobson Limited
    Inventor: Michael Mills
  • Patent number: 6530156
    Abstract: A target lens shape measuring device for measuring a target lens shape of an eyeglass lens has a measuring section including: a template feeler contactable with a periphery of a template; a first supporting base to which the template feeler is attached; a first motor and a link mechanism that move the template feeler and the first supporting base between a measuring position and a retracted position, wherein the link mechanism located between the measuring position and the retracted position is engaged with the first supporting base, and the link mechanism located at the measuring position is disengaged with the first supporting base; a second motor that moves the template feeler and the first supporting base in a radius vector direction of the template; and a first encoder that detect an amount of movement of the template feeler and the first supporting base in the radius vector direction of the template.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: Nidek Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshinori Matsuyama
  • Patent number: 6519864
    Abstract: An article includes a cylindrical object such as a linear variable differential transformer (LVDT) and a support body having a keyed slot therethrough. The keyed slot has a cylindrical aperture elongated along an aperture axis and a slot extending radially from the cylindrical aperture. A sleeve is received in the keyed slot and includes an annular segment of a hollow cylinder received within the cylindrical aperture and having a first annular end and a second annular end, an inner annular diameter DI sized to slidingly receive the cylindrical object therein, and an outer annular diameter DO sized for the annular segment to fit snugly within the cylindrical aperture. The cylindrical object is received within the annular segment of the hollow cylinder. A first tab extends from the first annular end into the slot, and a second tab extends from the second annular end into the slot and contacts a side of the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Daniel Edward Jones, Jacques Juneau, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6516669
    Abstract: A stylus 20 is mounted directly on detector 32 and the detector 32 is mounted directly on a holder 10. Thus, an vibration-type contact detection sensor 1 is formed in a state in which the holder 10 and the stylus 20 are placed out of contact with each other and the stylus 20 and the detector 32 are placed in contact with each other. Therefore, attenuation of vibration and status change of the stylus 20 by the holder 10 can be circumvented and vibration and status change of the stylus 20 can be propagated directly to the detector 32, so that the detector 32 can detect vibration and status change of the stylus 20 with high sensitivity, and contact with a workpiece can be detected with high sensitivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Mitutoyo Corporation
    Inventors: Kaoru Matsuki, Kazuhiko Hidaka, Masanori Arai
  • Patent number: 6477784
    Abstract: A coordinate measuring machine including a support platform for supporting an object. Scanning means is supported by the support platform. The scanning means includes a probe assembly and a non-contact scanner. Drive means is connected to at least one of the probe assembly and the non-contact scanner for moving the probe assembly and non-contact scanner relative to each other. The probe assembly includes a probe movably disposed in a guide tube. The probe includes a shaft and a tip integrally formed from either a fiber-optic or non-fiber-optic material. The tip extends from the guide tube so as to be detectable by the non-contact scanner. The tip may include one or more stylus. During operation the tip contacts the object and the non-contact scanner detects the tip to determine the corresponding coordinates of the object. A light source illuminates the tip for improved detection of the tip. When the probe is formed of a fiber-optic material, light is emitted through the probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Mycrona GmbH
    Inventors: Mario Schroeder, Frank Brossette, Stefan Hombach
  • Patent number: 6453566
    Abstract: The invention concerns a movement transmission unit and a movement transmission apparatus employing the same. The movement transmission transmits at least two movement components, each possessing one degree of freedom of movement, from an input-side (6) to an output-side (82, 84), which movement then has at least two coupled degrees of freedom of movement, or vice versa. The invention also concerns one transmission unit (2) per input-side (6) degree of freedom of movement, i.e multiple transmission units (2), which are functionally bound together in parallel by means of their respective output sections (8). Each transmission unit (2) possesses an immobile, solidly fixed first section (4). Its input facility is a second section (6), which is bend linked to the fixed first section (4) by means of a unified linkage structure encompassing parts (22, 26, 34; 28, 36) and forming what becomes known as a first “parallelogram linkage”.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Agie SA
    Inventors: Stefano Bottinelli, Simon Henein, Cedric Aymon, Reymond Clavel
  • Patent number: 6430828
    Abstract: A stylus is supported by an upper coupling member which is supported by a lower coupling member which is supported by a probe which is movably supported by a rail of a coordinate positioning machine. The coupling members are held together by a permanent magnet, and their relative positioning is established by first and second sets of positioning elements provided on the first and second coupling members respectively. The sets of positioning elements are mutually engagable in a plurality of angular orientations about the axis of the coupling to provide a plurality of angularly indexed positions at which the lower coupling member has stable and repeatable positions relative to the upper coupling member. The coupling is carried to the indexing dock where a carrier engages the lower coupling member, and the lower coupling member is released from the upper coupling member by energizing an electromagnet which repels the coupling members apart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Electronic Measuring Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Klaus Ulbrich
  • Patent number: 6295866
    Abstract: A surface-tracking measuring machine is provided, in which measurement range is enlarged while keeping a measuring force, responsivity, resolution thereof. For the object, the surface-tracking measuring machine has a frame (10), a probe (11) swingably supported by the frame (10) and having a tracer (15) at an end thereof, a measuring force controller (21) for controlling the measuring force applied to the probe, a displacement detector (31) for detecting a displacement of the probe, a measuring force detector (41) for detecting the measuring force applied to the probe, and a controller (51) for comparing a measuring force detected value detected by the measuring force detector and a previously commanded measuring force command value and to control the measuring force controller so that the measuring force detected value is equal to the measuring force command value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Mitutoyo Corporation
    Inventors: Takeshi Yamamoto, Takenori Akaike
  • Publication number: 20010022033
    Abstract: A coordinate measuring machine including a support platform for supporting an object. Scanning means is supported by the support platform. The scanning means includes a probe assembly and a non-contact scanner. Drive means is connected to at least one of the probe assembly and the non-contact scanner for moving the probe assembly and non-contact scanner relative to each other. The probe assembly includes a probe movably disposed in a guide tube. The probe includes a shaft and a tip integrally formed from either a fiber-optic or non-fiber-optic material. The tip extends from the guide tube so as to be detectable by the non-contact scanner. The tip may include one or more stylus. During operation the tip contacts the object and the non-contact scanner detects the tip to determine the corresponding coordinates of the object. A light source illuminates the tip for improved detection of the tip. When the probe is formed of a fiber-optic material, light is emitted through the probe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventors: Mario Schroeder, Frank Brossette, Stefan Hombach
  • Patent number: 6240651
    Abstract: A coordinate measuring machine including a support platform for supporting an object. Scanning means is supported by the support platform. The scanning means includes a probe assembly and a non-contact scanner. Drive means is connected to at least one of the probe assembly and the non-contact scanner for moving the probe assembly and non-contact scanner relative to each other. The probe assembly includes a probe movably disposed in a guide tube. The probe includes a shaft and a tip integrally formed from either a fiber-optic or non-fiber-optic material. The tip extends from the guide tube so as to be detectable by the non-contact scanner. The tip may include one or more stylus. During operation the tip contacts the object and the non-contact scanner detects the tip to determine the corresponding coordinates of the object. A light source illuminates the tip for improved detection of the tip. When the probe is formed of a fiber-optic material, light is emitted through the probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Mycrona GmbH
    Inventors: Mario Schroeder, Frank Brossette, Stefan Hombach
  • Patent number: 5870832
    Abstract: A device for positioning an elongate gravity-actuated measuring instrument, such as a goniometer, adjacent two three-dimensional objects to measure an angle between the two objects includes first and second members. The first member is joined to, and extends away from, such instrument, and positionable against a surface of one of such objects. The second member is joined to, and extends away from, such instrument, is spaced from the first member a preselected distance, and is positionable against a surface of the other of such objects. Preferably, the first member is formed as a frame that is coupled to such instrument, and the second member is formed as an elongate positioning probe that is coupled to the frame. The device may also be formed with rotational-attachment structure, both to allow attachment of the second end of the probe to the frame and, when attached, to allow rotation of the probe about an axis defined by the long axis of the probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Inventor: Barclay Slocum
  • Patent number: 5864962
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for checking the geometric characteristics of mechanical objects having rotational symmetry, such as shafts or bushings. A longitudinal support element defines a longitudinal axis and first reference surfaces, at least one modular coupling element is removably coupled to, and is adjustable longitudinally along, the longitudinal support element and provides second reference surfaces which cooperate with the first reference surfaces to align a linear guide portion transversely of the longitudinal axis. A fastener secures the modular coupling element, which removably supports a gauging device, to the longitudinal support element and a locking/unlocking device cooperates with the gauging device and guide portion for locking the gauging device to the modular coupling element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Maposs Societa' Per Azioni
    Inventor: Guido Golinelli
  • Patent number: 5771594
    Abstract: An angular encoder for determining an angular position between a stationary element and an element rotatable relative to the stationary element and including a coupling for connecting a scanning unit with a stationary element and formed of a spring material, with the coupling having at least two plates which extend transverse to each other and one of which extends parallel to a rotational axis of the rotatable element, and with each of the two plates having a plurality of leaf spring arms which are so formed and aligned that the leaf spring arms extend in directions of their respective application lines in which directions forces are applied to the coupling during rotation of the rotatable element relative to the stationary element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Johannes Heidenhain GmbH
    Inventor: Kurt Feichtinger
  • Patent number: 5758427
    Abstract: A stator of an angular-position measuring device is connected by means-of a coupling with the stationary portion of a drive device. A mounting element is screwed to the coupling, in which a coupling element is provided for radial clamping between the coupling and the stator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Dr. Johannes Heidenhain GmbH
    Inventors: Kurt Feichtinger, Johann Mitterreiter
  • Patent number: 5758431
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for checking the geometric characteristics of mechanical objects having rotational symmetry, such as shafts or bushings. A longitudinal support element defines a longitudinal axis and first reference surfaces, at least one modular coupling element is removably coupled to, and is adjustable longitudinally along, the longitudinal support element and provides second reference surfaces which cooperate with the first reference surfaces to align a linear guide portion transversely of the longitudinal axis. A fastener secures the modular coupling element, which removably supports a gauging device, to the longitudinal support element and a locking/unlocking device cooperates with the gauging device and guide portion for locking the gauging device to the modular coupling element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Marposs Societa' per Azioni
    Inventor: Guido Golinelli
  • Patent number: 5758433
    Abstract: A depth gauge used to measure a countersink of a hole drilled into a surface that is not orthogonal to the hole. The depth gauge includes a displacement indicator and an alignment device. The displacement indicator includes a main body and a displaceable member. The alignment device includes an extension member coupled to the displaceable member of the displacement indicator. The extension member is sized to extend along a radial axis of the displaceable member and has a diameter that is approximately the diameter of the hole to ensure alignment between a centerline of the hole and a centerline of the displaceable member. The alignment device also includes a swivel assembly having a fixed portion coupled to the main body of the displacement indicator and a base in rotational engagement with the fixed portion to ensure that the displaceable member is properly displaced with respect to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Daniel G. Alberts
  • Patent number: 5720209
    Abstract: A mounting device for a telescopic ball-bar has a hexagonal shank retained in jaws of a chuck on a spindle of a lathe. A supporting bracket extending from the shank carries a magnetic socket in one of a plurality of locations, and receivably mounts one end of the ball-bar for universal pivotal motion. The configuration of the bracket, the spacing between the socket and the shank, and the orientation of the socket, are such that the other end of the ball-bar, which is universally pivotally mounted to the tool post of the lathe, may execute a circular trajectory of greater than 180.degree., which trajectory intersects the axis of rotation of the lathe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Assignee: Renishaw PLC
    Inventors: Andrew M. Bailey, Mark A. V. Chapman
  • Patent number: 5647137
    Abstract: An arm 12 for holding a tool-setting probe 14 in a machine tool is rotatable between an operative position and an inoperative position. The operative position is defined by elements 48,52 which form a stop against further rotary motion beyond the operative position. These elements 48,52 are arranged as a kinematic support, so that the operative position is defined in a precisely repeatable manner. Springs 40 urge the elements 48,52 together. When the arm is in the operative position, these springs are stretched by a repeatable amount, so that they provide a repeatable force, in order to increase the precision of the operative position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Assignee: Renishaw plc
    Inventors: David R. McMurtry, Andrew J. Harding, Stephen E. Lummes, Martin P. Spivey, Jonathan S. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 5634280
    Abstract: A measuring probe has a stylus carrier supported on a fixed member in a rest position when no force acts on the stylus, the stylus carrier being deflected from its rest position to produce a signal when an external force is applied to the stylus. The support for the stylus carrier comprises two concentric rings of ball bearings of different pitch circle diameters and arranged that each ball on one of the members contacts two adjacent balls on the other member. An additional annular surface is provided on one of the members and is contacted by each of the balls on the other member. The arrangement provides that the force required to deflect the stylus is substantially equal in all directions of the force, and that the movable member is properly guided during its deflection to the point where a signal is produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Assignee: Renishaw PLC
    Inventors: Peter K. Hellier, Andrew J. Harding
  • Patent number: 5566464
    Abstract: A shaft extension gage is provided at the rotor/rotor shaft insertion station in an electric motor production line. The gage includes a locating plate above which a partially assembled electric motor is positioned, a rotor shaft receiving assembly defining a chamber into which the rotor shaft is inserted, an indicator secured to the rotor shaft receiving assembly which measures shaft extension, and a display which the operator may read to determine if the shaft extension is within limits. The gage allows an operator to measure and correct both the rotor shaft's extension and end play without removing the motor from the assembly line and before the motor's end shields are attached to the motor shell to secure the rotor and rotor shaft in the shell. The gage may also be used to determine if the rotor shaft diameter is too large.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventor: Wendell Davis
  • Patent number: 5566465
    Abstract: An assembly of a paint container, a sliding mixing gauge having graduations to indicate the quantities of ingredients to make a paint composition used for spray painting of vehicles and a slidable fastener for securing the gauge in the container and stabilizing its position when paint and other ingredients are poured into the container the mixing gauge being slidable removed from the fastener after measured quantities of ingredients have been added to mix the ingredients and at the end of a paint operation, the fastener is removed from the container and stored in a designated area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Inventors: Carl W. Zoellner, John S. Ramsey
  • Patent number: 5539988
    Abstract: A bicycle centering device consisting of a mounting assembly (5) which can be mounted on the frame or on the fork (1) of a bicycle, a pivot arm (33), which on one end is rotatably and pivotably connected to the mounting assembly (5) and which on the other end is rotatably and pivotably connected to a dial gauge (52), so that a sensor probe (53), the dial gauge (52) and the rim (2) can be brought into contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1996
    Inventor: Gert Braun
  • Patent number: 5456017
    Abstract: A dial gauge adaptor having a single shaped part forming two elastically connected legs. One leg is longer than the other one and overlaps it at its end. The tip of the longer leg is designed to receive a dial gauge, while the adaptor itself can be attached to a stand by its other end, at the base of the two legs. An adjustment rocker acting as a toggle lever is located between the two legs of the adaptor. The rocker is displaced at its longer lever end by a ball beating forming the end of a fine adjustment screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1995
    Assignee: Tekusa AG
    Inventor: Daniel Meier
  • Patent number: 5446970
    Abstract: An arm 12 for holding a tool-setting probe 14 in a machine tool is rotatable between an operative position and an inoperative position. The operative position is defined by elements 48,52 which form a stop against further rotary motion beyond the operative position. These elements 48,52 are arranged as a kinematic support, so that the operative position is defined in a precisely repeatable manner. Springs 40 urge the elements 48,52 together. When the arm is in the operative position, these springs are stretched by a repeatable amount, so that they provide a repeatable force, in order to increase the precision of the operative position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1995
    Assignee: Renishaw plc
    Inventors: David R. McMurtry, Andrew J. Harding, Martin P. Spivey
  • Patent number: 5408755
    Abstract: An apparatus and process for measuring the distance between control points on a vehicle, the apparatus including a base assembly for supporting an extendable gauge bar having pointers mounted thereon which are aligned with the control points, the gauge bar including a gauge indicating the distance between the pointers, each base assembly including a base plate and a pedestal mounted on the base plate for matingly engaging the gauge bar, the pedestal being vertically and radially moveable for adjusting the position of the gauge bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1995
    Assignee: Hein-Werner Corporation
    Inventor: H. Vernon Russell
  • Patent number: 5354157
    Abstract: A connecting device for connecting a shank 16 to a measuring probe 18 is disclosed, to enable the probe 18 to be incorporated on a machine tool for the purpose of tracing a contour of a model. The device includes first and second parts (20,22) connected to the shank and the probe respectively, retained together by a connecting bolt 50 which is spring-loaded by means of Belville washers 56. An arm 60 extends from the second part to engage the housing 14 of the spindle 10, and thereby prevent rotation of the spindle shaft 12. In the event of accidental spindle start-up the two parts 20,22 may rotate relative to each other (the shank rotating with the shaft 12); a thrust bearing 42 enabling sliding of the two parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1994
    Assignee: Renishaw plc
    Inventors: Peter J. Wells, Andrew G. Butter, Brian C. R. Henning
  • Patent number: 5335424
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring radial distances relative to the surface of a cylinder includes a chassis supported on the cylinder by at least three wheels, at least one of which is rotatable about an axis different from the axes about which the remaining wheels rotate, and all of which are spaced from one another in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cylinder. A gauge is provided for measuring radial distances relative to the surface of the cylinder when the chassis is supported on the cylinder by the wheels, the gauge being supported on the chassis in such a way as to allow adjustment both of the height of the gauge relative to the chassis and of the position of the gauge relative to the chassis in a direction parallel to the axis of the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1994
    Inventor: David Spangler
  • Patent number: 5228205
    Abstract: The sensing head of a coordinate measuring machine includes sensing pin combinations or sensing pins which are changeably fastened with high precision in respect to their spatial position. The receiver contains an isostatic three-point bearing against which the connecting body of the sensing pin is drawn by a pneumatically operated clamping arrangement. In the preferred embodiment the clamping arrangement consists of a suction cup and arresting elements for maintaining attachment of the receiving device to the connecting body when there is no subpressure acting upon the suction cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1993
    Assignee: Dr.-Ing. Hofler MeBgeratebau GmbH
    Inventors: Hans-Ulrich Bertz, Willi Meder, Albert Neuthinger
  • Patent number: 5185936
    Abstract: A probe head (10) includes a support (12) by which the probe head is retained on the quill of a coordinate positioning machine, and a rotor (14) which is magnetically retained on the support (12). The rotor (14) is rotatable between a plurality of indexed angular positions provided by a ring or balls (26) and three adjacently positioned pairs of rollers (24). A drive dog shaft (20) is linearly movable to disengage the balls (26) from the rollers (24), and rotatable to rotate the rotor (14) to a new indexed position, whereupon the drive dog shaft (20) is retracted to re-engage a set of three balls (26) with the rollers (24). Exchange of a measuring probe (16) is performed by removing the entire rotor (14), and exchanging it for a further rotor carrying a different measuring probe. The engagement elements provided by rollers (24) and balls (26) thus serve the functions of (a) indexing and (b) repeatably retaining a rotor (14) on the support (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1993
    Assignee: Renishaw Metrology Limited
    Inventor: David R. McMurtry
  • Patent number: RE35510
    Abstract: A probe head (10) includes a support (12) by which the probe head is retained on the quill of a coordinate positioning machine, and a rotor (14) which is magnetically retained on the support (12). The rotor (14) is rotatable between a plurality of indexed angular positions provided by a ring or balls (26) and three adjacently positioned pairs of rollers (24). A drive dog shaft (20) is linearly movable to disengage the balls (26) from the rollers (24), and rotatable to rotate the rotor (14) to a new indexed position, whereupon the drive dog shaft (20) is retracted to re-engage a set of three balls (26) with the rollers (24). Exchange of a measuring probe (16) is performed by removing the entire rotor (14), and exchanging it for a further rotor carrying a different measuring probe. The engagement elements provided by rollers (24) and balls (26) thus serve the functions of (a) indexing and (b) repeatably .[.retaining.]. .Iadd.positioning .Iaddend.a rotor (14) on the support (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1997
    Assignee: Renishaw Metrology Limited
    Inventor: David R. McMurtry