Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for aligning a set of connector guide pins to an optical array, The method comprises the steps of disposing the optical array on a transparent substrate such that an axis of transmission of the optical array passes directly through the transparent substrate, disposing a heatsink with a set of alignment guide pins on a rear surface of the optical array with the set of alignment guide pins extending through the transparent substrate on either side of the optical array, and slotting a set of holes where the set of alignment guide pins extends through the transparent substrate to allow for thermal expansion.

Abstract: A device (5) and a method for determining alignment of any component in a belt drive system (1) is disclosed. The device (5) is two sets (7, 8) of lines (9, 10) placed on separate carriers (11, 12). The second set (8) is placed over the first set (7) so that some of the lines (9, 10) are coincident. The second set (8) is secured to the first set (7) at one end of the device (5). To determine any misalignment, even minute misalignment, of the belt drive system (1) the device (5) is secured to the belt surface (6) of the drive belt system (1). The belt (4) is rotated until the device (5) is fed into a pulley (2). Any misalignement of the system (1) is visually indicated by the resulting misalignment of the lines (9, 10).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for aligning a housing such as a flywheel housing with a crankshaft or other rotating member. The apparatus includes a main shaft and a mount by which the main shaft is mounted to the center axis of a member rotating in a housing. A sleeve is received upon and rotates relative to the main shaft and is provided with a mount for a dial indicator. The dial indicator is positioned so that any misalignment between the rotating member and the housing is output by the dial indicator as the sleeve is rotated relative to the housing. Depending upon the output of the dial indicator, the position of the housing is changed relative to the rotating member to align the center axis of the rotating member with the center axis of the housing.

Abstract: A method for aligning optical components includes positioning a flexure having an attached first optical component with respect to a substrate having a second optical component attached thereto. The flexure has at least two legs, and each leg has a foot portion. The method further includes coupling at least one leg of the two legs to the substrate at a point of contact between the foot portion of the at least one leg and the substrate. The method further includes adjusting the alignment of the optical components by spot welding a location on the leg. Spot welding on the substrate may also be used to adjust the alignment of the optical components.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the mutual orientation of an optionally oriented hollow cylinder and a cut end of a body containing the hollow cylinder by employing a high-precision laser gyroscope. In using this method, the orientation measurements can be obtained in a more economical and time efficient manner than those employed using conventional methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to a template for renovating a first bathtub connected to an existing drain by cutting a hole in the first bathtub and inserting a second bathtub having a bowl, a deck and a drain hole, the template comprising: a reference frame; a drain locating member movable in relation to the frame; a level indicating means to indicate verticality of the drain locating member; a member contact point on the frame for contact with the drain locating member; a stencil means on the frame corresponding to at least a part of an outline of the rim of the bowl of the second bathtub; wherein the contact point and the stencil means are arranged so that when the drain locating member is vertical and in contact with the contact point, cutting the outline of the first bathtub according to the stencil will provide a hole which when the second bathtub is inserted will bring the drain hole adjacent with the existing drain.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for aligning a clamping unit and a toolholder to facilitate proper positioning of a cutting tool with respect to a workpiece.

Abstract: A customizable nest plate for securely positioning a device to be nested. An alignment device may be used to position nest pins within one version of the nest plate. In another version, several tugboat stop blocks may be adjusted and secured against a nest plate having many threaded apertures in order to secure the device to be nested. In addition, adjustable ramps may be used to adjust the height of a device to be nested above the surface of the nest plate.

Abstract: A device for micro positioning of small objects using an actively generated friction force field. Positioning is achieved by sequentially holding the object by a gripper or holding means while moving the gripper on a manipulation surface by means of piezoelectric actuators.

Abstract: A deck board spacing strap. The strap has a series of spacer bars attached thereto thereby enabling a deck builder to position, space and hold a substantial number of deck boards in place at one time before nailing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for establishing and maintaining consistent spacing between parallel forms for concrete structures. The elongated spacer includes notches at either end for flush engagement with the upper corners of the parallel forms. An angled notch may be provided for engagement with angled toeboards used in curb construction, and a level may be included for use in setting the parallel forms at a consistent level.

Abstract: A pipefitter's protractor is used to measure the angle between two separate pipes having an intersecting point. The protractor assembly includes a pipe attachment bar secured to the squared end of one pipe, with a protractor arm extending from the center of the pipe attachment bar and concentric with the centerline of the pipe. The protractor extends from the arm, with the arm and protractor rotating about the pipe attachment bar fitting to align the protractor plate coplanar with the plane defined by the pipes. The protractor is adjusted along the protractor arm to position the protractor origin at the intersection of the pipe centerlines, and a line is run from the origin to the center of the second pipe. The angle between the pipes and the distances from the protractor origin to the ends of each pipe are then used for fabricating an elbow to join the pipes.

Abstract: An intrinsic gauging device for a ferrule type tube fitting of the type having a coupling nut, a coupling body and at least one ferrule, includes a precisely formed marking on the coupling body that is visually perceptible when the coupling is in a finger tight position, and that is covered or visually imperceptible or otherwise has a predetermined relationship with the coupling nut when the fitting has been initially pulled-up. In a preferred form, the marking is realized as a precision groove or recess machined into a surface of the coupling body. The groove can be made more easily visually perceptible such as by roughening or knurling the surface, or coloring the surface, for example. The groove defines an edge at a precise position that corresponds to a predetermined axial displacement of the nut relative to the body for initial pull-up.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of alignment between sheet materials, a method of alignment, a substrate assembling method, and an aligning apparatus, which are capable of easily and surely performing highly accurate alignment and suppressing a reduction in material yield. After alignment performed based on a band-like light as a reference, alignment is performed based on a joint of a condenser lens portion of a lenticular lens as a reference. More specifically, the deviation of a liquid crystal display cell in a rotational direction is corrected by using a light emitted from a light source and condensed to be band-like at the lenticular lens as a reference. Subsequently, by changing a depth of focus of a microscope, measurement is performed for positions of a black matrix of the liquid crystal display cell and the joint of the condenser lens portion of the lenticular lens.

Abstract: The device (1) picks up and aligns a sawframe (30) for handling and aligning silicon wafers (31). The device (1) includes at least one resiliently moveable locating arm (11) which is adapted to engage co-operably with a notch (35, 36) on the periphery of the sawframe (30) when the device (1) is moved into contact therewith. The sawframe (30) is thus urged into alignment with the device (1), and may be held in position relative to the device (1).

Abstract: An alignment tool, method and system are provided for aligning a robot blade and a cassette in a workpiece handling system, in which the tool comprises a frame or fixture adapted to emulate a plurality of different types of cassettes. The frame is adapted to be supported by a cassette handler system and includes a plurality of alignment and registration surfaces adapted to emulate corresponding alignment and registration surfaces of a cassette. A removable H bar may be attached to the frame in a plurality of selectable positions to emulate one or more of a plurality of different cassette H bar positions of different types of cassettes. A kit of selectable and removable rear guide rails permit one pair of rear guide rails to be substituted for another pair of rear guide rails to permit the frame to emulate the particular rear guide rail arrangement of a plurality of different cassettes.

Abstract: An automated adjustment system that permits an operator to quickly and accurately adjust the various adjustable components in a tape path. The adjustment system comprises an automated adjustment tool connected to a processing system. The automated adjustment tool comprises a plurality of probes connected to a nest fixture. The nest fixture is configured to receive a tape drive and securely position the tape drive for adjustment of the tape path. The plurality of probes are configured to individually engage the adjustable components in the tape path and provide a computer readable output to the processing system that indicates the vertical position of the individual components. The processing system is configured to receive the computer readable output, convert the computer readable output into a measurement and display the measurement on a display for an operator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for aligning a set of connector guide pins to an optical array, The method comprises the steps of disposing the optical array on a transparent substrate such that an axis of transmission of the optical array passes directly through the transparent substrate, disposing a heatsink with a set of alignment guide pins on a rear surface of the optical array with the set of alignment guide pins extending through the transparent substrate on either side of the optical array, and slotting a set of holes where the set of alignment guide pins extends through the transparent substrate to allow for thermal expansion.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a highly reliable alignment mark in which by-products do not form at an aligning mark position during patterning. In this method, an intermediate layer is disposed on an upper layer of a first wiring to protect the first wiring. Then, a filling material is coated thereon to fill in a through hole. Thereafter, a plug is formed by etch-backing, and a second wiring is formed.

Abstract: An alignment tool for fitting a helmet to a wearer's hear and aligning helmet mounted visual display systems to the wearer's eyes in a reproducible manner. The alignment tool includes latch points that are connected to corresponding connection points on the helmet. These connection points are also the connection points for the helmet mounted visual display systems. The alignment tool allows for accurate measurement, alignment and fitting of the helmet to the wearers head based on the special relationship between the connection points and the wearer's eye. Once the helmet is fitted using the alignment tool, the helmet mounted visual display systems are connected to the helmet connection points and the wearer's eyes are substantially aligned for use with the visual display system.

Abstract: A vehicle position indicator includes one or more members defining at least two indicating zones disposed in the user's field of view for citing an external reference to facilitate the determining the position of the vehicle relative to the external reference. The vehicle can be guided in a desired path of travel relative to the reference. The member includes at least one indicia separating the zones, and the number is adapted to be fixed to a portion of the vehicle, such as the windshield or dash board, in front of the user.

Abstract: An apparatus used to align door jambs and like structures. A base member comprises a substantially longitudinal section through which a channel is formed in the top surface thereof, one end extending into a first jamb spreader. A first extension member is slidably coupled within the channel of the base member, the extended end of the extension member depending into a second jamb spreader. A second extension member is slidably coupled within the channel of the base member opposite the first extension member, the end opposing the second jamb spreader depending into a third jamb spreader. The jamb spreader of the first and second extension members include horizontal and vertical leveling members. By positioning the opposed jamb spreaders against the opposed door jambs or surfaces, the alignment of the door jambs and door frame may be determined to be in square and plumb alignment.

Abstract: A device, system, and method system for manually arranging products on a display shelf without requiring additional shelf width. The product containers, such as jars, cans, and bottles, may be pulled forward toward the front of the display shelf by pulling a front member which is attached to two slide rails which fit into the vacant spaces near the bottom of rounded container sides. In an alternate embodiment, a base is provided to elevate the containers, and the slide rails slide underneath the container. The slide rails are attached to a rear member which engages the rear of the last product container in the row, and pushes the containers forward as the front member is pulled away from the display shelf. The device may be a wire frame which may include side covers of various shapes and sizes.

Abstract: A rotary ring 3 for use in scale reading apparatus has a scale on its outer circumference and is mounted on a rotary shaft 6. To reduce error caused by the rotary ring 3 not sitting concentrically on the rotary shaft 6, the inner circumference 5 of the rotary ring 3 and the outer circumference of the shaft 6 are both tapered. To compensate for eccentricity of the shaft, mounting screws 8 are provided in holes on the rotary ring to adjust the position of the rotary ring until it is concentric with the axis of rotation of the shaft.

Abstract: A CCD laser displacement gauge is movable in three directions, that is, a vertical direction and two directions perpendicular to each other in a horizontal plane, and this gauge can be moved to a insulation displacement connecting center so as to detect a insulation displacement connecting height, the presence/absence of a wire, abnormal insulation displacement connection and a wire projecting amount. The insulation displacement connecting height, the wire presence/absence and the abnormal insulation displacement connection are detected by measuring a height of an upper surface of a wire sheath from a reference position at the position of the slot (at a middle position between two terminals if these terminals are juxtaposed). Whether or not the wire projecting amount is proper is determined by detecting the presence/absence of the wire at a position obtained by subtracting an absolute value of a tolerance from a normal projecting position.

Abstract: A semiconductor load port alignment device has a housing with a registration face and an alignment measurement face. A plurality of sensors are contained in the housing near the alignment measurement face. A processor is connected to the plurality of sensors.

Abstract: A universal differential bearing preload tool includes a pair of opposite cylindrical discs simulating differential bearing cups, a disc spreading device for adjusting a distance between the discs, and a force measuring device associated with the disc spreading device. The opposite cylindrical discs are removably fastened to the preload tool and selected from a plurality of discs having assorted external diameters simulating differential bearing cups of different sizes and manufactures. The bearing preload tool is used for mounting a differential case in a differential housing with a predetermined bearing preload.

Abstract: A method for aligning a cassette pod on the loadport of a process machine to an overhead hoist transport (OHT) system is disclosed. The method can be carried out by marking a first standard reference line on a clean room floor to which the OHT system is aligned, followed by aligning two plumb bobs at two points that are at least 5 cm apart to the first standard reference line on the floor with tips of the plumb bobs suspended over and positioned juxtaposed to the floor. A second standard reference line is then formed by interconnecting the two plumb bobs at an elevation above a top surface of the cassette pod, followed by aligning a center line of the cassette pod to the second standard reference line. The present invention novel method can therefore be executed utilizing simple mechanical equipment without the need of a sophisticated laser alignment system.

Abstract: A jig for use in measuring an accuracy with which a mounting device mounts at least one proper member on a proper substrate, the jig being set, in place of the proper substrate, on the mounting device, at least one standard chip being mounted on the jig by the mounting device, the jig having at least two reference marks at respective positions which assure that respective images of the reference marks and an image of at least a portion of the standard chip mounted on the jig are simultaneously taken by a single image taking device, so that the accuracy is determined based on the images taken by the image taking device.

Abstract: A method for aligning a cassette pod on the loadport of a process machine to an overhead hoist transport (OHT) system is disclosed. The method can be carried out by marking a first standard reference line on a clean room floor to which the OHT system is aligned, followed by aligning two plumb bobs at two points that are at least 5 cm apart to the first standard reference line on the floor with tips of the plumb bobs suspended over and positioned juxtaposed to the floor. A second standard reference line is then formed by interconnecting the two plumb bobs at an elevation above a top surface of the cassette pod, followed by aligning a center line of the cassette pod to the second standard reference line. The present invention novel method can therefore be executed utilizing simple mechanical equipment without the need of a sophisticated laser alignment system.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and a device for spatial positioning and alignment of a two-part ball and socket joint (2) comprising a socket (3) as a first part and a solid ball (4) as a second part which is received in the socket (3) such that it can be turned and pivoted.

Abstract: A tile spacer is provided which can be used to create consistent gaps between tiles in a tile floor installation. The spacer is in the form of a cross having a center and four arms extending outwardly from said center with each arm positioned at an angle of about ninety degrees from each adjacent arm, and each arm has a predetermined width for forming a space of desired width between adjacent tiles placed on a substantially flat, adhesive-coated surface which will be subsequently filled with grout, and a groove of predetermined shape connecting the diagonally opposed intersections between the arms forms a raised bead in the adhesive for providing further support for the tiles and grout once the adhesive cures.

Abstract: A positioning apparatus includes a base having a reference surface, a substage movable with respect to the base, a first actuator for moving the substage with respect to the base, a main stage movable with the substage with respect to the base, a member for transmitting a force between the main stage and the substage and a second actuator for positioning the main stage. When accelerating/decelerating the main stage, the substage is driven by using the first actuator to transmit a force from the substage to the main stage through the transmission member and when causing the main stage to move at a constant speed or to stop, the main stage is positioned by using the second actuator.

Abstract: A method for determining the position of a punch with respect to a die in a powder press with the following steps: storing a reference measure in a computer corresponding to a predetermined relatively small distance of the punch to the upper edge or lower edge of the die, storing a reference offset in the computer by counting the pulses of an incremental path sensor actuated by the punch on raising the punch from the reference measure to an index pulse, measuring the position of the punch above the reference offset using an absolute path sensor which evaluates the path of the adjusting piston for the punch and whose readings are inputted into the computer, and inputting the pulses of the incremental path sensor into the computer as soon as the actual position of the punch is equal or smaller than the sum measure of the reference offset and the reference measure.

Abstract: A portable alignment system for aligning the front and rear wheels of a motorcycle has a rear wheel assembly including rigid, longitudinally extending, first and second alignment members and a front wheel assembly including rigid, longitudinally extending, third and fourth alignment members. First and second laser units are removably mounted to the first and second alignment members, respectively. At least one measuring indicia is removably mounted to each of the third and fourth alignment members. Rear and front clamping subsystems removably clamp the first and second alignment members on either side of the rear wheel and the third and fourth alignment members on either side of the front wheel during the alignment procedure. The first and second laser units emit laser beams onto the measuring indicia mounted to the third and fourth alignment members, respectively, to provide an objective indication of the degree of alignment of the front and rear wheels.

Abstract: Mask-alignment detection structures that measure both the direction and extent of misalignment between layers of an integrated circuit using resistive elements for which resistance varies with misalignment in one dimension. Measurements in accordance with the invention are relatively insensitive to process variations, and the structures using to take these measurements can be formed along with other features on an integrated circuit using standard processes. One embodiment of the invention may be used to measure misalignment between two conductive layers. Other embodiments measure misalignment between diffusion regions and conductors and between diffusion regions and windows through which other diffusion regions are to be formed. A circuit in accordance with one embodiment includes row and column decoders for independently selecting mask-alignment detection structures to reduce the number of test terminals required to implement the detection structures.

Abstract: A positioning device for positioning a first member in a desired radial orientation relative to a second member. The positioning device includes a coupling portion for coupling the positioning device to the second member, a contact member for contacting the first member and an adjustment portion for controllably adjusting the distance between the contact member and the coupling portion. The radial orientation of the first member relative to the second member is changed by adjusting the distance between the contact member and the coupling portion. A method for taking dimensional data on a hinged subassembly is also provided.

Abstract: A template to guide wallcovering applicators, be they professional or amateur, in the matching and cutting of any patterned wallcovering used to cover electrical switch and/or receptacle plates with the same patterned wallcovering applied to the wall contiguous to said wall plates.

Abstract: To prevent process defects and wafer damage caused by improperly positioned wafers, a system and method for detecting a position of a wafer determines whether the wafer is properly positioned before executing a process. The system includes a chuck plate preferably having a supporting part configured to support a lower face of the wafer and a guide part located on a perimeter of the supporting part. A sensing unit senses a positional state of the wafer on an upper portion of the supporting part. A controller receives a signal corresponding to the positional state of the wafer from the sensing unit, and determines whether the wafer is properly positioned. The controller then sends an output control signal to an outputting unit to notify an operator of the wafer position. In this manner, process defects are avoided and a fabricating yield and operating rate of a fabrication unit increases.

Abstract: Holding device for aligning and mounting a workpiece in an apparatus includes a receiving opening (6) provided for the holding device (20; 30), means (7) for positioning the holding device disposed in the receiving opening (6) for determination of the position of the holding device in relation to the receiving opening, wherein the holding device (20; 30) is connected with a workpiece carrier (21; 31), wherein the workpiece carrier (21; 31) is adjustable relative to the holding device, and wherein optical means (8; 11-17) are provided for viewing of the workpiece and thereby alignment of the workpiece on the holding device is performed.

Abstract: A jig for aligning a wafer-handling system in a calibration location, such as a wafer pickup-dismount location, with respect to a wafer-processing tool. The jig comprises an alignment fixture adapted to be repeatably mounted on the tool and having one or more edge stops. The jig may further comprise an edge-to-center locator adapted to be mounted on the alignment fixture. The edge-to-center locator has a peripheral edge and a center marker that identifies the precise center of the calibration location when the edge-to-center locator edge is positioned in contact with the edge stop or stops. An alignment method for use of the jig is also disclosed.

Abstract: A piston ring locating system includes a resilient ring fabricated in a generally circular configuration having a short height and a length of between about 2 inches and 5 inches with overlapping free ends. One of the ends has a slight bend there adjacent for fitting inside the opposite end. The rings are outwardly biased resiliently to allow varying the circumference of the ring as a function of the cylinder in which it is to be placed. The ring thus forms an interior surface and an exterior surface positionable within the cylinder in which it is to be placed. The ring has a top edge and a bottom edge constituting an abutment surface. Projection means extends outwardly from the exterior surface to a short distance and is adapted to be located on the upper edge of the block of the cylinder with which it is to be utilized.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for accurately and repeatably positioning metallic parts comprised of variable length extrusions and shaped sheet metal in a modular die system that forms a joggle in the metallic parts. The apparatus of the present invention is comprised of a standard joggle die system that is currently in use in the art. The apparatus further includes a movable back gage assembly that works in combination with the joggle die system to allow an operator to accurately position the workpiece between the joggle dies at a preselected position. The back gage assembly is movable in both the horizontal and vertical directions. The back gage assembly moves into a stored position away from the working area of the dies to permit the joggle to be formed in the workpiece. The back gage assembly can then move back into the working area to accurately position the next workpiece without the need for further adjustments.

Abstract: A portable alignment system for aligning the front and rear wheels of a motorcycle has a rear wheel assembly including rigid, longitudinally extending, first and second alignment members and a front wheel assembly including rigid, longitudinally extending, third and fourth alignment members. First and second laser units are removably mounted to the first and second alignment members, respectively. At least one measuring indicia is removably mounted to each of the third and fourth alignment members. Rear and front clamping subsystems removably clamp the first and second alignment members on either side of the rear wheel and the third and fourth alignment members on either side of the front wheel during the alignment procedure. The first and second laser units emit laser beams onto the measuring indicia mounted to the third and fourth alignment members, respectively, to provide an objective indication of the degree of alignment of the front and rear wheels.

Abstract: An apparatus for receiving a golf club and positioning the head of the club and holding it in a predetermined position and providing a visual indication of that position at a location proximate the extending end of the golf club shaft so that an installer can properly align a grip that is to be installed on the shaft of the club. The apparatus includes a golf club holding mechanism, a club head positioning device, a club head position indicator, an aligner mechanism and a circuit by which the installer controls and monitors the operation of the apparatus.

Abstract: A deck board spacing strap. The strap has a series of spacer bars attached thereto thereby enabling a deck builder to position, space and hold a substantial number of deck boards in place at one time before nailing.

Abstract: A locating system for an adjustable clamp frame of a molding machine is disclosed. The locating system can be used to repeatably configure the clamp frame to an appropriate perimeter size for a desired mold without the use of measurements or the mold itself. The inventive locating system includes two sets of a first and a second plate, a pair of end locating members, two sets of a first and a second bracket, and a pair of side locating members. The locating members, the plates, and the brackets each include indicia to provide an assembly code that can be used to facilitate configuring the clamp frame.

Abstract: A method for acquiring misalignment information as to centerlines of first and second in-line shafts utilizing a shaft alignment system including an analyzer having a memory. A sensor head mounted on the first shaft at an initial angular position relative to the centerline of the first shaft includes a microprocessor having memory, a collimated light source emitter for transmitting a collimated light beam in a first direction corresponding to the centerline of the first shaft, a detector having a detecting surface for detecting a collimated light source from a second direction corresponding to the centerline of the second shaft, and an angular position sensor for determining an angular position of the sensor head as the head is rotated about the centerline of the first shaft. The sensor head is rotated in a first or a second rotational direction relative to the centerline of the first shaft.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for data disks adapted to compensate for effects of shock loads imparted to a disk drive which are of sufficient magnitude to cause disk shifts. A series of topographical features are formed on the disk surface or edge to cause signal fluctuation in a sensor during read-back mode operation. An initial signal profile is stored as a map indicative of track or disk alignment with respect to the actuator assembly. Selectively, such as after a known shock event, the topographical features are re-profiled. A comparison of the profiles provides a measure of any track distortion which must be compensated for in future read-write operations by adjustments to data track servo follower algorithms.

Abstract: A verification tool for testing the orientation of arranged items relative to a predetermined orientation pattern defined by the verification tool. The verification tool is movably engageable relative to the plurality of items mounted on a rack, hanger or similar transport device, and has a fully engaged position relative to the items. The verification tool provides a visual and physical indication that the items are in the proper orientation patterns by being fully engageable relative to the items, and the verification tool provides indication that one or more items are not properly oriented by contacting the improperly oriented items to prevent the full engagement of that tool. The verification tool also includes an opening for marking the properly aligned items with identification indicia which indicate the proper relative orientation of the item in further processing or use of the item.