Opposed Contacts Patents (Class 33/783)
  • Patent number: 11774230
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a flexible method and apparatus for thickness measurement. The apparatus includes seven parts: a measurement host, an etalon, a tested piece, a test piece positioning support, a driver, and a digital controller. The measurement host includes a rack, a coding lead screw, and a dual-acting cantilever sensor. The coding lead screw includes a micro-metering lead screw and a tri-state encoder. The tri-state encoder includes a fluted disc and four pairs of cantilever sensors. The dual-acting cantilever sensor includes left and right mobile cantilever sensors with a pair of clipping pin. The digital controller contains system measurement software.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Yantai Unversity
    Inventors: Shuying Qu, Jianglong Wu, Yang Lu
  • Patent number: 11573081
    Abstract: Method for measuring a workpiece, comprising the method steps of: providing a workpiece, wherein the workpiece has a surface with a surface structure; predefining a geometric measured variable of the workpiece, wherein the geometric measured variable is a diameter of the workpiece and wherein the geometric measured variable and a nominal-actual deviation of the geometric measured variable are defined in a reference plane; predefining a measuring path; tactile sensing of measured values on the workpiece by bringing a measuring probe into contact with the surface of the workpiece and the measuring probe scans the workpiece in contact with the surface along the predetermined measuring path; computational determination of the geometric measured variable and the nominal-actual deviation of the geometric measured variable from the measured values within the reference plane; wherein the predefined measuring path lies at least partially outside the reference plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: KLINGELNBERG GMBH
    Inventor: Benjamin Merkert
  • Patent number: 11491662
    Abstract: An automobile vehicle flexible robot door hinge installation system includes a hinge servo-linear positioning device. The hinge servo-linear positioning device includes at least one servo-motor and at least one hinge effector releasably holding and positioning a vehicle door hinge. A fastener servo-linear installation device is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Dooil Hwang, Frederick G. Landry, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11419595
    Abstract: An interspinous, interlaminar space expander and measurement instrument for preparing an interspinous, interlaminar space between adjacent vertebrae to receive an implantable interspinous, interlaminar stabilization device is provided. The instrument includes an indicator which measures both height of the space and applied force to maintain that height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: PARADIGM SPINE, LLC
    Inventors: Markus Salvermoser, Stephan Eckhof
  • Patent number: 10760891
    Abstract: Surface measuring apparatus for measuring a surface of a workpiece has a probe including a probe arm bearing a probe element for contacting workpiece surface to be measured. Surface measuring apparatus also has a feed apparatus for moving probe element relative to workpiece to be measured. Probe arm is detachably connectable or connected to a movable part of feed apparatus via a mechanical interface having a first part and a second part, which in installed position of probe arm are connected to one another with static determinacy on movable part of feed apparatus, and one of the parts is associated with probe arm and the other part is associated with feed apparatus. At least one alignment protrusion is on first part as an installation alignment aid, which in installed position of probe arm contactlessly or essentially contactlessly engages in an alignment recess formed on second part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: JENOPTIK Industrial Metrology Germany GmbH
    Inventor: Philipp Steuer
  • Patent number: 10153606
    Abstract: A method of crimping wires includes positioning a wire/terminal combination between first and second crimp forming tools. A force is applied to the crimp forming tools to deform the wire/terminal combination. The method further includes measuring ultrasonic energy that is transmitted across the wire/terminal combination as the terminal is being deformed. A rate of change of the magnitude of the ultrasonic energy is also determined as the terminal is being deformed. The crimping process is terminated if the rate of change of the magnitude of the ultrasonic energy falls below a predefined threshold level. Data gathered during the crimping process can also be utilized to determine if a faulty crimp has occurred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE ADMINISTRATOR OF NASA
    Inventors: Karl Elliott Cramer, William T. Yost, Daniel F. Perey
  • Patent number: 9441937
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring thickness of an object is provided. The apparatus includes a compression control system which further includes a movable platform, a compression sensor, and a switching device operatively coupled to the compression sensor. The apparatus also includes a measurement system operatively coupled to the switching device for receiving a signal representative of a toggle event at the switching device and configured to measure a gradient. The apparatus also includes a processing circuit operatively coupled to the switching device and the measurement system for measuring a thickness of the object upon receiving the signal representative of the toggle event at the switching device by using the gradient and a communication circuit for transmitting a measured thickness of the object to a remote database.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Yakov Polishchuk, Robert William Tait, William Judson Hendrix, Jr., Michael Francis Strong
  • Patent number: 9377288
    Abstract: A dendrometer comprises a dendrometer band whose length is extendable for encircling a tree trunk. The dendrometer further comprises an elongated electronic component that is closely or contiguously attached to the dendrometer band for moving along with the dendrometer band in order to follow length extension of the dendrometer band. Length variation of the dendrometer band is configured to be converted to electronic signals by the electronic component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: GLOBAL CHANGE SOLUTIONS LLC
    Inventors: Evan H. DeLucia, Timothy A. Mies
  • Patent number: 9032640
    Abstract: A measurement gauge, comprising a pair of jaws biased in a closed position; a normalizing member surrounding one of the jaws when the pair of jaws is closed, the normalizing member biased in an extended position; a handle coupled to the pair of jaws and normalizing member such that movement from an extended handle position to an retracted handle position opens the pair of jaws and moves the normalizing member to an retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Physical Optics Corporation
    Inventors: David Harold Miller, Christopher Thad Ullmer, Edward Matthew Patton
  • Patent number: 9021715
    Abstract: An electronic caliper generates power for measurement operations. The caliper comprises a scale member, a slider, a signal processing portion configured to measure a displacement between the scale member and slider, a power generating arrangement attached to the slider comprising a gear assembly configured to rotate in response to a force provided through a power generating handle to the gear assembly by a user moving the power generating handle relative to the gear assembly, and a power generator coupled to the gear assembly and configured to rotate in response to force provided by the rotating gear assembly and provide power to the signal processing portion. The power generating arrangement generates power as the user moves the power generating handle, and the power generating arrangement contributes a motion resistance force component of at most 20N as the user moves the power generating handle with a maximum manual acceleration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Mitutoyo Corporation
    Inventors: Casey Emtman, Michael Nahum
  • Patent number: 8893946
    Abstract: A surgical instrument having opposed jaws that can be selectively moved between open and closed positions. Various embodiments include components for measuring the thickness of tissue clamped between the opposed jaws. Some embodiments are configured to ascertain the amount of compressive force that is being applied to the tissue while the thickness of the tissue is being determined. The tissue thickness data is displayed on the instrument itself and/or on a display that is remote from the instrument. The various embodiments may comprise different types of surgical instruments such as surgical staplers and graspers. A jaw arrangement with jaws shaped to define a cradle that corresponds to a cross-sectional shape of an object is also disclosed. The components that generate the thickness data may be electrically or mechanically actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Chad P. Boudreaux, Eugene L. Timperman, Leslie M. Fugikawa
  • Patent number: 8881417
    Abstract: An angle measuring device 2 is configured to detect an angle formed between a measured line LX connecting a first position PL and a second position PR and a predetermined reference plane. The angle measuring device 2 includes: a case 10; a first pointing mechanism 30L for pointing the first position PL; a second pointing mechanism 30R for pointing the second position PR; moving mechanisms 60L and 60R that allow at least one of the first and second pointing mechanisms 30L and 30R to be movable; and a turning member angular scale mark 72 that indicates a moved amount of at least one of the first and second pointing mechanisms 30L and 30R by the moving mechanisms 60L and 60R. The moving mechanisms 60L and 60R move the first pointing mechanism 30L and the like so that a line segment connecting the first pointing mechanism 30L and the second pointing mechanism 30R includes the measurement reference plane or becomes parallel to the measurement reference plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Yuki Trading Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Koji Sano
  • Patent number: 8826557
    Abstract: A caliper for measuring the size of an object, especially the thickness of an object with non-planar surfaces. After measured, the caliper can be removed from the object without changing the measured value. The caliper includes a scale ruler, a vernier slidably disposed on the scale ruler, a first jaw fixedly connected to the scale ruler and a second jaw pivotally connected to the vernier. In normal state, the second jaw is kept in a position in alignment with and in parallel to the first jaw, whereby the caliper can be used to measure the object in a common manner. After measured, the second jaw is rotated to another position, permitting the caliper to be removed from the measured object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Inventor: Jen-Yung Yang
  • Publication number: 20140196300
    Abstract: A gauge for measuring the headspace dimension of a firearm chamber. The gauge includes a first member coupled to a second member in a telescopic fashion. The first and second members may be positioned in an open firearm chamber. With the firearm chamber subsequently closed, the first and second members are moved into a position that gives the actual headspace dimension and locked in that position. The gauge may then be removed from the chamber and measured to give the user the actual headspace dimension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: LONG-SHOT PRODUCTS, LTD.
    Inventor: Warren P. Williamson, IV
  • Patent number: 8732971
    Abstract: A thickness detection device comprises: a feed roller (130), a thickness detection unit (110,210) and a thickness measurement unit (120,220).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: GRG Banking Equipment Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wenqing Wu, Weiping Xie, Wei Zhang, Yi Tao
  • Patent number: 8640352
    Abstract: A superior measuring system comprises three sidewinders and a cobra measure which allows the users to take inside measurement with the assistance for one else. Sidewinders are use to measure distance between 2? to 23? and comprise a casing, an upper blade, and a bottom blade. The cobra measure comprises a main body, a single blade and a hood. The sidewinders have three extending blades which extend from the front and the back sides. The both blades can be locked from a locking mechanism so the blades do not move freely. The cobra measure comprises an angle control which control the angle that the single blade so accurate measurements. The single blade in the cobra measure is a curved shaped blade which provides better stability when measurements are taken.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Inventors: Fedele Anthony Porreca, Paul Vincent Porreca
  • Patent number: 8567082
    Abstract: A method of monitoring wear of a slew bearing system includes steps of assembling a slew bearing system having a first bearing ring and a second bearing ring concentrically positioned relative to each other forming at least upper and lower raceways, a plurality of bearing rollers positioned in each raceway between the first bearing ring and the second bearing ring, and an index system having a first reference connected with the first bearing ring and positioned relative to a second reference on the second bearing ring to provide a measurable distance between the first reference and the second reference, where the measurable distance changes with wear of the slew bearing system; and monitoring a change in the measurable distance between the first reference and the second reference to monitor wear of the slew bearing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Nucor Corporation
    Inventors: Cory Mecham, Jeff Craig, Jeff Blankenship, Randall J. McNeil
  • Publication number: 20130185950
    Abstract: There is provided a separation distance derivation system and a thickness gauge. The separation distance derivation system has a thickness gauge that includes: a plurality of blades having first ends inserted between objects; and RFID tags respectively fixed to part of the blades and storing readably thickness information corresponding to the thickness of the respective blades. The separation distance derivation system has also a reading device that includes an RF receiver for establishing contact-less communication with the RFID tags and reading the thickness information, and a controller for summating the thicknesses of the blades, as denoted by the read thickness information, to derive thereby a separation distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Inventor: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
  • Publication number: 20130139399
    Abstract: A measuring fixture is used with a slide caliper for measuring dimensions of workpiece; the measuring fixture includes a first measuring portion and a second measuring portion. The first measuring portion defines a plurality of first measuring grooves thereon. The second measuring portion defines a plurality of second measuring grooves thereon corresponding to the plurality of first measuring grooves respectively. The measuring fixture defines a receiving portion thereon between the first and the second measuring portions. A pair of measuring jaws of the slide caliper are capable of sliding and receiving in a first measuring groove and a corresponding second measuring groove respectively to measure linear dimension or size of workpiece received in the receiving portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2012
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Inventors: YUN-YU CHOU, KO-HUA CHEN
  • Patent number: 8438748
    Abstract: Caliper mounts are provided that include a shallow channel for receiving a caliper scale bar, a retainer with a stepped cone washer positioned adjacent one side wall of the channel, and one or more shelves cantilevered over an opposite side wall of the channel. The shelves and retainer cooperate to retain the scale bar of a conventional sliding caliper in the channel. One caliper mount is formed as a rectangular miter slot base configured for insertion into the miter slot of a saw or router table. Another caliper mount is formed as cylindrical housing that incorporates a permanent disc magnet. Container shells and molded platforms adapted to mount a sliding caliper perpendicular to an elongated miter slot are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: MAG-ORO, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles W. Moon
  • Publication number: 20130067760
    Abstract: A manual gauge measures a specimen's thickness by pressing surface contactors against its opposing surfaces. A rigid C-frame has upper and lower jaws providing a means for engaging a specimen and for gauging its thickness using a linear probe that is caused to move linearly between the jaws by a handle assembly. The handle assembly is joined with the C-frame at a point that is co-linear with a force vector of the probe against a workpiece resting on one of the jaws. The force of the probe is transmitted through the specimen to the jaw. The handle leverages from this jaw so that there is no force applied between the jaws thereby avoiding error due to the varying hand pressure by the operator and the resultant strain in the C-frame during measurements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventor: Ernie Husted
  • Patent number: 8397399
    Abstract: An illustrative mailing machine is provided including at least one adjustable optical media width sensor that may be reconfigured for differing postal rating requirements. The media width sensor subassembly has a narrow linear sensor window that is positioned perpendicular to the path of travel of the mail piece. The media width sensor subassembly includes a sensor carriage mount and width measurement scale for facilitating the accurate placement of the adjustable, but secure when placed, sensor carriage. The sensor carriage slidably engages a mount and is spring biased into a locking mechanism in the underside of the media width sensor locating scale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Chiping Sye, Walter J. Kulpa, Christopher Mallick
  • Publication number: 20120324749
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring a space between parts having restricted access is disclosed. An apparatus may comprise an elongate member, a flange, and a measurement system. An end of the elongate member is configured to move through a hole in a first structure into a space located between the first structure and a second structure. The flange extends from the elongate member. The elongate member is configured to expand after the flange exits the hole in the first structure such that the flange is unable to pass back through the hole. The measurement system is configured to measure movement of the end of the elongate member to identify a length of the space between the first structure and the second structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Paul Gregory Kostenick, JR., Darrell Darwin Jones, Tracy Edward Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 8326411
    Abstract: A trunk width measuring unit including a first contact portion attached movably in the vertical direction relative to a unit main body, the first contact portion to be brought into contact with an upper surface of a trunk of a subject, second and third contact portions attached movably in the horizontal direction relative to the unit main body, a vertical width detection encoder for detecting a lowering distance of the first contact portion from an original position on the upper side of the trunk of the user to a contact point with the upper surface of the trunk, and a horizontal width detection encoder attached movably in the horizontal direction relative to the unit main body by the same distance as a moving distance of the second contact portion, the horizontal width detection encoder detecting a moving distance of the third contact portion relative to the second contact portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Omron Healthcare Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiromichi Karo, Takehiro Hamaguchi, Tomoya Ijiri, Yasuaki Murakawa, Shojiro Oku
  • Patent number: 8272141
    Abstract: An exemplary probe apparatus includes a fixture, a first probe assembly, a motor, a lead screw, two guide members, a second probe, and a reduction gear unit. The first probe assembly is fixedly attached to the fixture and includes a first probe. The motor has a drive shaft attached to the fixture. The lead screw is coupled to the fixture. The two guide members are attached to the fixture and parallel to the lead screw. The second probe assembly is moveably attached to the lead screw and the at least one guide member, and includes a second probe. The reduction gear unit is coupled to the drive shaft and the lead screw to transmit power from the motor to the second probe assembly through the lead screw. The second probe assembly is configured for moving the second probe towards or away from the first probe along the two guide members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shen-Chun Li, Shou-Kuo Hsu, Hsien-Chuan Liang, Ying-Tso Lai
  • Patent number: 8261464
    Abstract: A device comprising a swivel mount and its method of use are described. The device can be used in pairs with a variety of different power tools useful for working on metal or wood. The purpose of the tool is to insure a precise linear alignment between the measuring device and the moving part of the power tool that removes material from the wood or metal. The swivel mount includes a mounting block, a ball shank, and a swivel body mounted on the ball of the shank. The swivel mount attaches to one portion of the measuring device that is linearly adjustable with respect to the material removing part of the power tool. A second swivel mount attaches to a portion of the power tool that maintains a fixed distance with respect to the moving part of the power tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Inventor: Denis R. Wisen
  • Patent number: 8256128
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an improved chainsaw measuring devices that allows a user to accurately and quickly measure the necessary widths and angles required for sharpening a chainsaw chain cutting tooth. The device comprises a caliper capable of measuring the width of the top plate and includes a built-in gauge for measuring the angle of the top plate cutting edge. This allows a user to individually and accurately sharpen a chainsaw chain without relying on a professional sharpening service.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Inventor: George Kozykowski
  • Publication number: 20120096731
    Abstract: A thickness detection device comprises: a feed roller (130), a thickness detection unit (110,210) and a thickness measurement unit (120,220).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: GRG Banking Equipment Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wenqing Wu, Weiping Xie, Wei Zhang, Yi Tao
  • Patent number: 8146263
    Abstract: A bench top vernier caliper clamp includes a weighted base supporting a vertically extending section having a lower end integral with said base. An angle plate is removably secured to the vertically extending section adjacent a distal end of its vertically extending section, wherein the angle plate has a fixed lower jaw with a face. A loosening knob is provided for rotating the angle plate on the vertically extending section and for locking the angle plate with the lower jaw in any preselected rotated position. An upper jaw is provided having a face directly opposite the respective face on the lower jaw. A clamping knob moves the upper jaw toward and away from the lower jaw to clamp a portion of either end of the vernier caliper in place between the faces of the and lower jaws, whereby the vernier caliper remains fixed in place while measurements are being recorded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Inventor: Hyman Jack Kipnes
  • Patent number: 8141263
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring an inside diameter of hole of a workpeice comprises a main body, two probing legs, two pressure sensors, a controller unit, a display unit, and a step-motor. The two probing legs have a first end and a two second end. Two pressure sensors are respectively mounted on the second end and configured from generating a pressure signal in response to a reacting force applied thereon by an inner wall in the hole. The step-motor is configured for driving the two probing legs to rotate so as to enable the pressure sensors to about against the inner wall. The controller unit is configured for controlling the step driving the probing legs to rotate in response to the pressure signal and computing a rotation angle of each probing leg. The display unit is configured for display the inside diameter of a the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chien-Feng Huang
  • Patent number: 8127454
    Abstract: A rod cutter and method of measuring rod length and then cutting, and including two telescoping handles operable with only longitudinal force on the handles. The cutting precision is effective by a gauge that aligns with the cutting line on the rod and then positions the rod in the cutter according to that alignment. Storage for the gauge is provided on the cutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Bradshaw Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Hua Gao
  • Patent number: 8024869
    Abstract: A digital sizing tool for obtaining tooling measurements and requirements comprising: a pair of fingers, where said fingers are adjoined at one adjoined end and create an opening at the opposite end; a flexible resilient means, where the flexible resilient means adjoins the pair of fingers; and a digital readout, where said digital readout provides a means to display a measured distance between the pair of fingers at the opening end and the digital readout attached to a measurement rod, where said measurement rod extends between the pair of fingers. In one exemplary embodiment, each finger may include at least one gripping surface. In another particular embodiment, the flexible resilient means includes a piston and spring assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Inventor: Leo Duarte
  • Publication number: 20110214307
    Abstract: A caliper of a type used in measurements in which the invention comprises including offset measurement jaws deployed at an angle to the main plane of said caliper for measuring dimensions offset from the main plane of said caliper. Said caliper may also include means for measuring both internal dimensions and external dimensions, and may further include a readout, such as digital or analog readout means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Inventor: David Tom
  • Patent number: 7997001
    Abstract: The telescopic ball bar gauge provides a pair of movable test measuring points that are spaced apart a known distance so that the points may be contacted by a machine probe of a coordinate measuring machine or the like to generate test data. This allows varying inaccuracies within the machine to be detected and accounted for during normal operation of the machine. The telescopic ball bar gauge includes a plurality of telescoping segments forming at least one linear variable differential transformer. The at least one linear variable differential transformer is used to measure the linear distance between two balls mounted on opposed ends of the ball bar gauge. A transmitter in communication with the at least one linear variable differential transformer transmits a measurement signal representing the linear distance between the two balls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals
    Inventor: Samir Mekid
  • Patent number: 7823296
    Abstract: A depth gauge for measuring the depth of blind holes in bones and/or nails inserted into bones. The measurement tool comprises: a probe with an abutment at its end to engage against the distal edge of the blind hole; a tubular body; and a grooved insert. After the probe, lying into the tubular body, is positioned through the blind hole to be measured, the grooved insert is slid forward inside the tubular body, surrounding the probe, and pushing the probe sideward, towards the blind hole wall. When probe and groove insert are retracted together, they firmly engage against the distal bone wall. The tubular housing is then pushed forward until it abuts against the proximal bone wall, allowing even in small diameter holes, an accurate reading of hole depth on the scale located at the rear end of the probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Synthes USA, LLC
    Inventor: Alberto A. Fernandez Dell'oca
  • Patent number: 7735236
    Abstract: A multifunctional gauge with data and method for changing airflow volume. The gauge has a pair of adjustable opposing fingers for measuring the operating position of a variable pitch pulley and belt width and for verifying the use of a proper belt. The gauge consists of reference charts for use in determining the new operating position of the sheave to change the existing air volume produced by a fan driven by the pulley to a desired air volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Inventor: Pius O. Ileogben
  • Patent number: 7735237
    Abstract: Several caliper accessories are provided that make a conventional caliper suitable for more sophisticated applications traditionally reserved for more expensive measurement devices. One of these accessories, a magnetic caliper mounting device, has a shallow scale-bar-mounting channel for receiving the scale bar of the caliper, a retainer adapted to releasably secure the scale bar of the caliper within the channel of the caliper mount, and a magnet associated with the caliper mount to secure the apparatus to a planar metal surface. Another accessory, a caliper jaw extender, is either incorporated into a magnetic caliper mounting device or provided as a spring pack accessory to a magnetic caliper mounting device. The caliper jaw extender has a spring-biased retractor that hooks onto a caliper's movable frame and biases the frame toward an extended position. Kits are also provided comprising various combinations of a conventional caliper and accessories.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: C.M. Engineering, LLC
    Inventor: Charles W. Moon
  • Patent number: 7721455
    Abstract: A measuring instrument includes a detector that outputs a measured value, a digital display unit, an analog display unit having a plurality of display segments, and a display controller. The display controller includes: a tolerance range display unit that lights or blinks display segments corresponding to a preset tolerance range relative to a preset value; a first determiner that obtains a difference between the present value and a present measured value and determines whether the difference is within an analog display range wider than the tolerance range; a difference display unit that lights a display segment corresponding to the last one or the last two digits of the present measured value when the first determiner determines that the difference is within the analog display range; a second determiner that determines whether the difference is within the tolerance range; and an acceptance or rejection display unit that displays a result determined by the second determiner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Mitutoyo Corporation
    Inventors: Sadayuki Matsumiya, Mikio Suzuki, Shuji Hayashida, Yoshiaki Shiraishi, Nobuyuki Hayashi
  • Patent number: 7681325
    Abstract: An erosion gauge for measuring a chord length of an eroded turbine blade in a steam turbine that may include: a jaw that includes a lower jaw that includes a lower jaw surface and an upper jaw that includes an upper jaw surface such that the lower jaw surface and the upper jaw surface oppose each other; a sliding scale that connects the lower jaw to the upper jaw, wherein a first end of the sliding scale is fixed to the lower jaw and a second end of the sliding scale slides through the upper jaw such that the distance between the lower jaw surface and the upper jaw surface may be varied; and an electronic depth gauge that determines the distance between the lower jaw surface and the upper jaw surface. The lower jaw surface may include a valley insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: John Sassatelli, Mark McPhilmy, Timothy McMurray, Eloy Emeterio
  • Patent number: 7665224
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a metal terminal includes a crimping unit which crimps core wire crimping piece portions to a core wire of a sheathed electric wire to form a core wire crimping portion and crimps sheath crimping piece portions to a sheath portion of the sheathed electric wire to form a sheath crimping portion, a gripping member which grips the core wire crimping portion in a direction perpendicular to an extending direction of a base plate portion of the metal terminal, and a measuring unit which measures a dimension of the core wire crimping portion and a dimension of the sheath crimping portion. A height of the sheath crimping portion is measured in a direction intersecting with or parallel to the direction of gripping of the core wire crimping portion in a state that the core wire crimping portion is gripped in a direction perpendicular to an extending direction of the base plate portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Satoshi Yagi, Osamu Murata, Tetsuro Ide, Hideto Kumakura, Kenji Suzuki, Koji Higuchi
  • Patent number: 7637025
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a thickness of a lens includes a plurality of first touch heads, a base, a plurality of second touch heads and a driving mechanism. The first touch heads each has a first curved contact surface for coming into contact with a first surface of the lens. The first curved contact surfaces have different curvatures for being selectively mated with the first surface of the lens. The base is configured for selectively mounting one of the first touch heads thereon. The second touch heads each has a second curved contact surface for coming into contact with a second surface of the lens. The second curved contact surfaces have different curvatures for being selectively mated with the second surface of the lens. The driving mechanism is configured for driving the mounted second touch head to move relative to the mounted first touch head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chun-Yu Lee
  • Patent number: 7600328
    Abstract: An automated system for accurately measuring the thickness of a sample quantity of small items such as oat flakes. The system picks individual oat flakes from a hopper using a vacuum and passes them between two precision rollers. One roller is fixed and has vacuum ports to pick up the flake from the hopper. The second roller is floating. As the flake passes between the rollers, the flake is flattened and the second roller is deflected by an amount equal to the thickness of the flake. A vision system comprising a video camera, a light source and a computer measures the deflection of the floating roller. The vision system obtains an image of the curvature of the floating roller at the point opposite the pinch point of the two rollers. Data from the measurement may be recorded on the computer and processed as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: The Quaker Oats Company
    Inventor: Gangadhar Rao Vemuganti
  • Patent number: 7559150
    Abstract: A depth gauge for measuring the depth of blind holes in bones and/or nails inserted into bones is provided. The tool includes a probe with an abutment at its end to engage against the distal edge of the blind hole; a tubular body; and a grooved insert. After the probe, slidably disposed within the tubular body, is positioned through the blind hole to be measured, the grooved insert is slid forward inside the tubular body, surrounding the probe, and pushing the probe sideward, towards the blind hole wall. When probe and groove insert are retracted together, they firmly engage against the distal bone wall. The tubular housing is then pushed forward until it abuts against the proximal bone wall, allowing even in small diameter holes, an accurate reading of hole depth on the scale located at the rear end of the probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Synthes USA, LLC
    Inventor: Alberto Fernandez
  • Patent number: 7533474
    Abstract: A caliper gauge (1) includes a feeding mechanism (12) that moves a slider (11) along a main scale (10), in which the feeding mechanism (12) includes: an outer roller (121); an inner roller (122) provided in a manner rotatable around a rotary axis of the outer roller (121) to be in contact with the main scale (10); and a constant-pressure unit (123) that transmits the rotation of the outer roller (121) to the inner roller (122) and allows free rotation of the outer roller (121) relative to the inner roller (122) when more than a predetermined load is applied on the inner roller (122), the constant-pressure unit (123) including: saw-toothed projections provided on an inner circumference of the outer roller (121); and a plate spring fixed on an outer circumference of the inner roller (122) at a midsection thereof and contacted with the saw-toothed projections of the outer roller (121) on both ends thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Mitutoyo Corporation
    Inventors: Osamu Saito, Masamichi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7509754
    Abstract: A caliper includes a first leg and a second leg pivotably connected together at first ends thereof. First and second abutting portions are respectively formed on second ends of the first and second legs. First and second slots are respectively defined in the first and second legs and between the first and second ends thereof. An indicator is slideably received in the first and second slots. The indicator is slideable along the first and second slots to move the first and second abutting portions toward each other until the first and the second abutting portions respectively abut against two opposite sides of an object to be gauged by the caliper. The size of the object is indicated by an indicating portion of the indicator that points to a scale on one of the first and second legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Inventor: Bobby Hu
  • Patent number: 7475493
    Abstract: A caliper-like instrument for measuring tree diameters, includes a straightedge on which there is placed a first leg and a second leg. The instrument further includes a recording unit adjacent the first leg for recording and storing tree diameter measurements. The first leg is fixedly placed along the straightedge, and the second leg projects out from a slide displaceable along the straightedge, with the legs and the straightedge located in mutually the same plane. The first leg can be lowered in the plane and is pivotally fastened to an attachment on the straightedge, and the second leg can be lowered in the plane and is pivotally attached to the slide. The first leg has a first fastener intended to be hooked into the attachment and the second leg has a second fastener intended to be hooked into the slide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Haglof Sweden AB
    Inventor: Stefan Haglöf
  • Publication number: 20080229603
    Abstract: An erosion gauge for measuring a chord length of an eroded turbine blade in a steam turbine that may include: a jaw that includes a lower jaw that includes a lower jaw surface and an upper jaw that includes an upper jaw surface such that the lower jaw surface and the upper jaw surface oppose each other; a sliding scale that connects the lower jaw to the upper jaw, wherein a first end of the sliding scale is fixed to the lower jaw and a second end of the sliding scale slides through the upper jaw such that the distance between the lower jaw surface and the upper jaw surface may be varied; and an electronic depth gauge that determines the distance between the lower jaw surface and the upper jaw surface. The lower jaw surface may include a valley insert.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2006
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Inventors: Peter King, Amir Kumar Paspulati
  • Patent number: 7426789
    Abstract: A measuring apparatus for measuring an object includes a base member including a portion having a medial cavity and an extendible member that slidably engages the medial cavity of the base member. The extendible member includes a medial member having a mid point indicator defined by an elongate medial passageway, and a point locator defined by a passageway formed through an end portion thereof. The extendible member also includes a pair of opposing flexible members connected to the medial member. Each one of the pair of opposing flexible members have point locators defined by passageways formed through end portions thereof. The measuring apparatus also includes an intersection member connected to the point locaters on the pair of opposing flexible members, and a plurality of sets of measurement marks carried by at least one of the base member and the extendible member relating to a predetermined measurement of the object to be measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Engineered Devices & Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew Patrick Kraus, David Michael Peltz
  • Patent number: 7421794
    Abstract: A device and method for measuring the mouth of an animal are provided. The device includes a gripping handle and rod coupled to a first endpiece. The rod is threaded along at least part of its length. The device includes a second endpiece that includes a threaded hole. The second endpiece is rotatably threaded onto a threaded portion of the rod. The threads of the rod and threaded hole cause the second endpiece to move laterally along the threaded length of the rod when the second endpiece is rotated about the rod. By placing the rod adjacent to the mouth of an animal and rotating the second endpiece until the first and second endpieces are located adjacent to boundaries of dimension of the animal's mouth that is to be measured, the desired dimension of the animal's mouth can be determined from the distance between the first and second endpieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Newell Products, LLC
    Inventor: Danny Leon Newell
  • Publication number: 20080172898
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a metal terminal includes a crimping unit which crimps core wire crimping piece portions to a core wire of a sheathed electric wire to form a core wire crimping portion and crimps sheath crimping piece portions to a sheath portion of the sheathed electric wire to form a sheath crimping portion, a gripping member which grips the core wire crimping portion in a direction perpendicular to an extending direction of a base plate portion of the metal terminal, and a measuring unit which measures a dimension of the core wire crimping portion and a dimension of the sheath crimping portion. A height of the sheath crimping portion is measured in a direction intersecting with or parallel to the direction of gripping of the core wire crimping portion in a state that the core wire crimping portion is gripped in a direction perpendicular to an extending direction of the base plate portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2008
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: YAZAKI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Satoshi YAGI, Osamu MURATA, Tetsuro IDE, Hideto KUMAKURA, Kenji SUZUKI, Koji HIGUCHI