Depth Of Aperture Or Groove Patents (Class 33/836)
  • Patent number: 11864802
    Abstract: A device configured to provide a faster and more accurate measurement of depths of holes for placement of bone screws and fastener for bone implant fixation procedures. The device includes a combination of a bone probe for physical examination of a hole drilled in a bone and a depth gauge member for determining a depth of the hole and providing digital measurement of the depth via a display on the instrument and/or via a wireless exchange of measurement data to a remote computing device, such as a tablet or smartphone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: EDGE SURGICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Kenneth Hoos, Robert F. Rioux, Joshua A. Rose, Grant Grummer
  • Patent number: 11614381
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a device for screening pre-filled syringes configured to determine whether a stopper position within each syringe falls within an acceptable tolerance prior to final assembly of a syringe into a corresponding autoinjector device, thereby ensuring proper fit of the syringe within the autoinjector device and further ensuring accurate delivery of a desired dose of fluid from the syringe during operation of the autoinjector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: TAKEDA PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: Chase Fetzer, Evi Shiakolas
  • Patent number: 11609080
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an assembly, adapter device, and method that utilize a standard displacement gauge or the like, well known to those of ordinary skill in the art, to measure the height of a flange, such as a flange formed via bending a planar vehicle component with a given thickness and, thus, including a radius at the bottom interior of the flange. This assembly, adapter device, and method provide consistent measurements across components, operators, education and experience levels, etc. The adapter device is designed to engage the flange being measured in such a way that consistent engagement of the adapter device with the radius, and, thus, consistent engagement of the assembly with the flange, is provided for measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: Volvo Car Corporation
    Inventors: Krister Cederqvist, Fredrik Sjöberg
  • Patent number: 11255753
    Abstract: A mechanical gauge includes a stock panel with a first measurement scale, and a slide movably arranged relative to the stock panel. The first measurement scale has a series of marks spaced apart at regular intervals within a region of interest. The slide includes a second measurement scale adapted to selectively overlie the first measurement scale within the region of interest. The second measurement scale has a second series of marks spaced apart at regular intervals corresponding to the first series of marks of the first measurement scale. An elongated measurement probe is affixed to the slide and adapted for selectively extending into a groove formed in the tread of the vehicle tire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: ITIRE, LLC
    Inventors: Alan C. Lesesky, Samuel Duke Drinkard, Ryan D. Parks, Roy Stephens Osborne, Jr., Steven A. Osborne
  • Patent number: 11168966
    Abstract: A device configured to provide a faster and more accurate measurement of depths of holes for placement of bone screws and fastener for bone implant fixation procedures. The device includes a combination of a bone probe for physical examination of a hole drilled in a bone and a depth gauge member for determining a depth of the hole and providing digital measurement of the depth via a display on the instrument and/or via a wireless exchange of measurement data to a remote computing device, such as a tablet or smartphone. The device may further be connected to a separate neuromonitoring device and be used for nerve sensing and/or nerve stimulation by way of the bone probe. For example, the bone probe may include a conductive material such that the distal probe tip acts as an extension of the neuromonitoring device and may be used to sense and/or stimulate nerves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: EDGE SURGICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Jordan N. Jacobs, Christopher Wilson, Robert F. Rioux
  • Patent number: 10942083
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method for assessing the condition of at least a portion of a pipeline to predict the possibility of occurrence of leakage from the pipeline. The method includes the steps of identifying at least one portion of the pipeline to be assessed, undertaking an assessment of the wall of the portion to identify defects located thereon and the assessment includes identifying the depth, width and length of identified defects and including reference to a value for the pressure of the fluid passing through the pipeline portion. This allows the condition of the pipeline at the portions of the same which are most critical to be identified and this is used to provide an indication of the pipeline as a whole without the need to investigate the entire pipeline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: Advanced Engineering Solutions Ltd
    Inventors: Malcolm Wayman, Richard J. Treece
  • Patent number: 10845179
    Abstract: Embodiments herein provide determining blind fastener length. One embodiment is a gauge tool that includes a base plate, and a nose piece including a hollow cylindrical member extending through the base plate and an expandable tip configured to radially expand to circumferentially contact a back rim of a hole. The nose piece is configured to slide with respect to the base plate to retract into the base plate until stopped by the expandable tip pressing the back rim of the hole. The gauge tool further includes a measurement device configured to detect a translating distance of a slidable member moving with retraction of the nose piece, and to display the translating distance for determining a fastener length for the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Edward J. Batt, Jamie E. Bigley, Mary C. Heath, Andrew Michael Huckey, Bernard K. Manderville
  • Patent number: 10578415
    Abstract: A device configured to provide a faster and more accurate measurement of depths of holes for placement of bone screws and fastener for bone implant fixation procedures. The device includes a combination of a bone probe for physical examination of a hole drilled in a bone and a depth gauge member for determining a depth of the hole and providing digital measurement of the depth via a display on the instrument and/or via a wireless exchange of measurement data to a remote computing device, such as a tablet or smartphone. The device may further be connected to a separate neuromonitoring device and be used for nerve sensing and/or nerve stimulation by way of the bone probe. For example, the bone probe may include a conductive material such that the distal probe tip acts as an extension of the neuromonitoring device and may be used to sense and/or stimulate nerves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: EDGE SURGICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Robert F. Rioux, Christopher Wilson, Victor Simoes, Tyler Wanke
  • Patent number: 10578416
    Abstract: A device configured to provide a faster and more accurate measurement of depths of holes for placement of bone screws and fastener for bone implant fixation procedures. The device includes a combination of a bone probe for physical examination of a hole drilled in a bone and a depth gauge member for determining a depth of the hole and providing digital measurement of the depth via a display on the instrument and/or via a wireless exchange of measurement data to a remote computing device, such as a tablet or smartphone. The device may further be connected to a separate neuromonitoring device and be used for nerve sensing and/or nerve stimulation by way of the bone probe. For example, the bone probe may include a conductive material such that the distal probe tip acts as an extension of the neuromonitoring device and may be used to sense and/or stimulate nerves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: EDGE SURGICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Jordan N. Jacobs, Christopher Wilson, Robert F. Rioux
  • Patent number: 10330453
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a pin, a stop, a spring, one or more flanges, a measurement device, and a transmitter. The pin comprises a first end configured for insertion in an aperture in a component. The stop is slidably engaged with the pin and configured to contact a first surface of the component as the pin is inserted into the aperture in the component. The spring couples the stop to the housing. The one or more flanges are located proximate to the first end of the pin. The one or more flanges are configured to contact a second surface of the component. The measurement device is coupled to the pin. The transmitter is communicatively coupled to the measurement device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Tyler Martin Rup, Philip Michael Chovanec
  • Patent number: 10037722
    Abstract: The disclosed subject matter relates to diagnostic procedures and related device architectures that check the operating health of a display element of a host electronic device. In certain embodiments, a display apparatus for an electronic device includes a display element, a display controller, a conductive trace, and a detection circuit. The display element has an array of pixel elements formed overlying a substrate and arranged to define a viewable display area. The display controller is coupled to control activation of the array of pixel elements. The conductive trace is formed overlying the substrate and is arranged to bypass the display controller in a layout that does not interfere with visibility of the pixel elements. The detection circuit is coupled to the conductive trace, and it operates to check electrical continuity of the conductive trace to obtain an indication of health of the display element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventor: Adam S. Trock
  • Patent number: 9719505
    Abstract: A medication pump test device and method of use including a test device for use with a medication pump and a depth indicator, the test device including: an external body portion defining a depth indicator recess operable to receive the fixed portion of the depth indicator; an internal body portion attached to the external body portion, the internal body portion defining a slide spindle passage operable to allow free axial movement of the slide spindle of the depth indicator. The test device maintains the fixed portion of the depth indicator at a fixed axial position along the central axis relative to the medication pump when the fixed portion of the depth indicator is seated in the depth indicator recess, the external contact portion contacts the medication pump, and the internal body portion is seated in the open end of the reservoir compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: MEDTRONIC MINIMED, INC.
    Inventors: Matthew A. Weiner, David L. Canfield, Carl A. Link, Edward C. Morrow
  • Patent number: 9435636
    Abstract: A computer-readable storage medium stores instructions executable by a processor to determine, based on information comprising a length measurement from a beginning of a hole on a first side of a structure to either a second side of the structure at which the hole ends or to a portion of a fastener nut disposed on the second side of the structure over the hole, at least one of: a fastener length comprising a length of a non-threaded portion of a fastener to be installed into the hole of the structure; a thread distance comprising a distance between the second side of the structure and a beginning of a fastener thread of the fastener when the fastener is installed into the hole of the structure; a number of washers to be used with the fastener; or a washer thickness to be used with the fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Mark D. Bumgardner, Charles M. Richards, Christopher M. Gorsh
  • Patent number: 9427242
    Abstract: A guide pin gauge is described for use in measuring the thickness of an object at a particular location. The guide pin gauge includes a distal cutting head, a proximal shank having an outside diameter equivalent to an outside diameter of said distal cutting head, and a reduced diameter portion extending a length between the distal cutting head and the proximal shank. A proximal facing shoulder is provided at a transition between said distal cutting head and said reduced diameter portion. Markings are provided as a scale along said reduced diameter portion. The distal cutting head may be passed entirely through the hole, and displaced to a side such that a distal extent of the hole engages with the proximal facing shoulder. The markings may then be read to determine a distance to the distal extent of the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: LINVATEC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Andrew Kam
  • Patent number: 9347760
    Abstract: A combination gauge tool and a method of measuring are provided. The combination gauge tool includes a processing module having a sensor. The combination gauge tool includes at least two of a brake pad thickness gauge, a tire treads depth gauge, and a rotor thickness gauge each coupled to the processing module at one or more inputs of the sensor and configured to provide measurement data to the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Bosch Automotive Service Solutions LLC
    Inventors: Simon M. Thorley, Darren Schumacher, Denny Hanson, Manokar Chinnadurai, Fred Kaleal, William Wittliff, III
  • Patent number: 9291441
    Abstract: A device for measuring the depth of concrete comprising an elongated spine, a stepped blade attached at the distal end of the spine and having a plurality of bi-lateral steps having a predetermined width and height tapering toward the distal end of the spine, a depth probe slidably mounted longitudinally within an internal channel of the spine and including an indicator; and a scale aligned with the indicator. The depth probe may have a pointed or beveled distal tip which is useful for penetrating concrete or other aggregate materials. The stepped blade is provided into concrete and comes in contact with the top of the rebar grid, with the steps measuring the depth of the concrete cover over the rebar. The depth probe is plunged into the concrete until the tip reaches the bottom. The scale measures the distance between a distal tip of the depth probe and the leading edge of the blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Inventor: H. Houston Spear, IV
  • Patent number: 9128019
    Abstract: The current invention relates to a method and apparatus for assessing the condition of a pipeline and also predicting the future rate of deterioration and/or possible failure of the pipeline. The method includes the steps of selecting at least one portion of the pipeline for which the prediction is to be made and, for that portion, monitoring or inspecting and assessing the condition of the pipeline wall, and typically also assessing the condition of any coating of the pipeline at said portion as well as the condition of the soil adjacent the pipeline. The measurement is performed along the length of the portion and preferably around the circumference of the pipeline at said portion. Data is collected for each cell of a grid which represents the said portion and on the basis of the measured data and, selectively, previous data and or reference data, an accurate prediction can be made as to the future condition of the pipeline and also identify potential future problems or required remedial works.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Advanced Engineering Solutions Ltd.
    Inventors: Malcolm Wayman, Richard Treece
  • Patent number: 9057593
    Abstract: An apparatus capable of measuring pin protrusion and collar swage height in a fastener assembly. The apparatus comprises: a gage body; a shaft that is translatable along its axis; an instrument that measures the absolute axial position of the shaft relative to a zero position; pin protrusion and collar swage height measurement contact members coupled to the shaft; and a slotted gage plug that is rotatable and axially displaceable relative to the gage body. The gage plug sits on the swaged collar during measurements. When the collar swage height measurement contact member is disposed in the slot in the gage plug, pin protrusion can be measured. When the collar swage height measurement contact member is not disposed in the slot and instead rests on top of the gage plug, the collar swage height can be measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Kin Yip Wong, George W. Wong
  • Patent number: 9003673
    Abstract: A depth testing device for testing depth of a screw drive includes a supporting assembly which is for supporting the screw, a calibrating assembly, and a testing assembly. The calibrating assembly includes a calibrating element which presses on the top end of the screw. The testing assembly includes a testing device and a testing probe, the testing device includes a testing member and a testing pole stretching relative to the testing member. One end of the testing probe is received in the testing pole. The reading of the testing member is reset to zero first, then the other end of the testing probe is moved and is inserted into the drive of the screw, recording the reading of the testing member. The depth of the drive of the screw is calculated by the test reading subtracted by the thickness of the calibrating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Bing-Jun Zhang
  • Patent number: 8898924
    Abstract: A test device includes a base rested on an object, an inserting member slidably mounted to the base and contacts a slanted surface of a chamfer of the object, and a test member slidably rested on the base. The base includes a positioning bar abutting a bottom end of the chamfer. A first cutout and a second cutout communicating with the first cutout and positioned in front of the first cutout are defined in a bottom surface of the testing member. A depth of the second cutout equals the tolerance of a standard depth of the chamfer. If a top surface of the inserting member can be received in the second cutout, the depth of the chamfer is qualified. If the top surface of the inserting member cannot be received in the second cutout, the depth of the chamfer is unqualified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Bing-Jun Zhang
  • Publication number: 20140338209
    Abstract: A dent measurement apparatus is presented. The dent measurement apparatus may be used in conjunction with documenting damage in objects, such as vehicles. Such damage may include dents, and the documentation process may include images or videos. To convey detail, it may be desirable to focus the images or videos closely on a damaged region and, in such cases, the dent measurement apparatus may help provide context for the size and depth of the damage. In particular, the dent measurement apparatus may removably attach to and extend from the damaged area such that the depth of damage may be determined relative to one or more markings on the body of the dent measurement apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2013
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventor: Manheim Investments, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8832957
    Abstract: A system for determining ash height in a filter is disclosed. The system may comprise a string, and a pressure source configured to propel a portion of the string down a channel of a filter. A method for determining ash height in a filter is also disclosed. The method may comprise propelling a portion of a string down a channel of a filter, and determining an ash height in the filter channel based on a measurement of the string inside the filter channel and a known length of a clean filter channel having no ash accumulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Steven Francis Meister
  • Patent number: 8672948
    Abstract: A disposable measuring device for use in measuring the width, height and depth of an intradiscal space is provided, the device including an elongated body having an upper surface, a lower surface, a proximal end and a distal end. The elongated body also has a first pair of members configured for receiving a first cursor slidably arranged for measuring a width dimension, a second pair of members configured for receiving a second cursor slidably arranged for measuring a height dimension; and a detachable stop operatively connected to the first pair of members and the second pair of members, the detachable stop insertable into at least one opening located at the proximal end of the elongated body, the detachable stop configured for measuring a depth dimension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventor: Philippe Lemaitre
  • Publication number: 20140041246
    Abstract: A test device includes a base rested on an object, an inserting member slidably mounted to the base and contacts a slanted surface of a chamfer of the object, and a test member slidably rested on the base. The base includes a positioning bar abutting a bottom end of the chamfer. A first cutout and a second cutout communicating with the first cutout and positioned in front of the first cutout are defined in a bottom surface of the testing member. A depth of the second cutout equals the tolerance of a standard depth of the chamfer. If a top surface of the inserting member can be received in the second cutout, the depth of the chamfer is qualified. If the top surface of the inserting member cannot be received in the second cutout, the depth of the chamfer is unqualified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD.
    Inventor: BING-JUN ZHANG
  • Patent number: 8572860
    Abstract: An instrument for measuring a depth of a hole in bone can comprise an instrument body having a cannulated sleeve that extends between a first end and a second end. A first reference portion can be disposed at the first end and a second reference portion can be disposed at the second end. A probe can selectively and alternatively translate in first and second opposite directions through the cannulated sleeve between a first measuring position and a second measuring position. The probe extends outwardly a distance spaced from the first reference portion in the first measuring position and extends outwardly a distance spaced from the second reference portion in the second measuring position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventor: Daniel Fritzinger
  • Patent number: 8512349
    Abstract: Apparatus for measuring bone depth for determining the length of fastener to be employed in medical treatment of the bone includes an elongated inner bone probe having a bone-engaging portion and a plurality of first manually-engageable elements secured thereto. An outer sleeve overlies at least a portion of the inner bone probe and is movable with respect thereto. A second manually-engageable element is secured to the outer sleeve. The first and second manually-engageable elements may be generally ring-shaped, so as to facilitate insertion of a user's fingers. The apparatus is structured to have the bone-engaging portion of the inner bone probe pass through an opening in the bone and engage the distal exterior surface in intimate contact as a result of the first manually-engageable elements being engaged and urged away from the bone. The outer sleeve is moved generally toward the bone so as to achieve contact between the distal end of the outer sleeve and the proximal exterior surface of the bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Inventor: Richard A. Mengato
  • Patent number: 8505211
    Abstract: A measuring device is adapted for determining a safety thread length LS of a fastener required for fastening a wheel onto a wheel hub unit. The measuring device includes an elongated measuring rod, a positioning member secured to a front end of the measuring rod and configured to abut against a circumferential abutment seat of the wheel, and a plurality of modular sleeves, each configured to be sleevably positioned on and matched up with the measuring rod. Subsequent to bringing the positioning member to abut against the circumferential abutment seat, the modular sleeve is dragged forwardly until a front sleeve end reaches an inner major surface of the wheel, and LS is determined to be equal to the distance between the front end and a rear sleeve end of the modular sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignees: Gourmet Equipment (Taiwan) Corporation, Gorilla Automotive Products
    Inventor: Peter J. H. Chang
  • Publication number: 20130152398
    Abstract: A plastic hand-held measuring device, can measure the depth of a hole or bore or the length of a fixing, having particular application with composite aircraft components. A hook or tang, at the end of an elongate portion, can engage with the far end of the bore allowing the depth ascertained from a first measurement scale. A first formation can engage with a fixing, allowing measurement of the length of the fixing from a second measurement scale. A plastic slide can abut against a portion of the component to be measured and indicate the distance on the measurement scale that corresponds to the length of the dimension being measured. The slide may be arranged to engage with successive indexed formations along the length of the device, so that it is inclined to remain in a position corresponding to an indexed formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: AIRBUS OPERATIONS LIMITED
    Inventor: AIRBUS OPERATIONS LIMITED
  • Publication number: 20130125409
    Abstract: Disclosed is a mattress measuring device for use in the accurate measurement of a sag in a mattress. The measurement device employs the use of telescoping rails, so as to allow for the universal adaptation to various size mattresses, while providing a rigid measuring base that allows for the positioning of a measuring arm that can be placed over the sag for direct measurement of the mattress sag. The use of positioning legs maintains a perpendicular placement of the cross rails, so as to provide subjective measurement of suspected sags.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Inventor: Charles Conigliaro
  • Publication number: 20130055580
    Abstract: Gardening measurement tools for determination of sowing depth and correct spread distance are disclosed herein. A first gardening measurement tool is a gauge for measuring depth by inserting the gauge into the soil. A second gardening measurement tool is a measurement tape having predetermined distance illustrations corresponding to a type of plant seed to determine the spread between seeds to be sown in the soil. On the measurement tape different icons are printed, each of which corresponds to a different vegetable, thereby allowing the handling of seeds of different types of vegetables with a single measurement tape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: GROWEAT, LTD.
    Inventor: Eyal Melyon
  • Patent number: 8365428
    Abstract: A system for determining the grip length of a hole extending through a stack of panels so that a fastener of appropriate length can be selected for insertion into the hole. A shaft carrying an array of probes is inserted into the hole and the array generates signals indicating which probes of the array are contacting an inner wall of the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Russell L. Miller, Rick A. Luepke
  • Patent number: 8336222
    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: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Paul Gregory Kostenick, Jr., Darrell Darwin Jones, Tracy Edward Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 8336225
    Abstract: A measuring apparatus for measuring a counterbore hole chamfer depth of a workpiece, includes a positioning member having a guiding hole aligned with the counterbore hole of the workpiece, a support member having a receiving hole aligned with the guiding hole, and a measuring device supported by the support member. The measuring device includes a gauge, a retractable pole connected to the gauge and extending into the receiving hole, and a measuring head portion connected to the retractable pole and movably received in the guiding hole. The measuring head portion has a cone-shaped end for abutting on an inner wall of the counterbore hole chamfer, thereby making the measuring head portion move back in the guiding hole and the retractable pole retract. The gauge is configured for calculating and displaying the depth of the counterbore hole chamfer based on the distance the retractable pole retracts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Bing-Jun Zhang
  • Publication number: 20120304477
    Abstract: A measuring apparatus for measuring a counterbore hole chamfer depth of a workpiece, includes a positioning member having a guiding hole aligned with the counterbore hole of the workpiece, a support member having a receiving hole aligned with the guiding hole, and a measuring device supported by the support member. The measuring device includes a gauge, a retractable pole connected to the gauge and extending into the receiving hole, and a measuring head portion connected to the retractable pole and movably received in the guiding hole. The measuring head portion has a cone-shaped end for abutting on an inner wall of the counterbore hole chamfer, thereby making the measuring head portion move back in the guiding hole and the retractable pole retract. The gauge is configured for calculating and displaying the depth of the counterbore hole chamfer based on the distance the retractable pole retracts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD.
    Inventor: BING-JUN ZHANG
  • Patent number: 8322044
    Abstract: A method of classifying a dent on a surface of a shipping container as being in an acceptable or unacceptable classification includes calculating at least one of an acceptable dent depth range corresponding to the acceptable classification and an unacceptable dent depth range corresponding to the unacceptable classification. The method further includes measuring a depth of the dent with a measurement apparatus and comparing the depth with the acceptable and/or unacceptable dent depth ranges to classify the dent in the acceptable or unacceptable classification. The method of classifying the dent on the surface of the shipping container is accurate and repeatable because it includes measuring the depth of the dent and comparing the depth with the acceptable and unacceptable dent depth ranges. The ability to classify dents allows recipients of the shipping containers to consistently accept or reject shipping containers having dents in the acceptable and unacceptable classifications, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Dow Corning Corporation
    Inventors: Cortney L. Gregory, Frederick Wheeler, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20120151788
    Abstract: A system for determining the grip length of a hole extending through a stack of panels so that a fastener of appropriate length can be selected for insertion into the hole. A shaft carrying an array of probes is inserted into the hole and the array generates signals indicating which probes of the array are contacting an inner wall of the hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Russell L. Miller, Rick A. Luepke
  • Patent number: 8122612
    Abstract: A system for indicating a depth of engagement of two threadably engaged surfaces of a support pedestal. The system includes at least a first thread protuberance disposed on a first threaded surface of the support pedestal and at least a second thread protuberance disposed on a second threaded surface of the support pedestal. The first thread protuberance impinges against the second thread protuberance when the first and second threaded surfaces are threadably engaged and rotated to provide sensory indication of a depth of engagement of the first and second threaded surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: United Construction Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen J. Knight, III, William E. Kugler
  • Patent number: 7997002
    Abstract: A probe capable of measuring recesses in features such as apertures and/or trench-like structures of very small size is comprised of one or more carbon nanotubes (CNTs) which is oriented at an angle and, if two or more CNTs are employed, such that they cross (with or without touching each other) at a location separated from ends of the carbon nanotubes which approximates the depth of the aperture or trench-like structure and at an angle such that the ends of the carbon nanotubes extends by a lateral distance greater than a dimension of a recess of a feature to be measured or in excess of a sidewall angle or an angle of a crystal lattice of a material in which a feature to be measured is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Wei Lu
  • Patent number: 7946047
    Abstract: A belt rib wear gauge comprising a body, an elongate member having a length and extending from the body, the elongate member having an arcuate surface, the elongate member further comprising a tactile surface cooperatively disposed with respect to the arcuate surface, and the arcuate surface having a predetermined radial dimension wherein engagement of the elongate member within a belt groove and the position of the tactile surface relative to a datum plane at a tip of belt ribs disposed immediately adjacent to the belt groove indicates a state of wear of the belt ribs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: The Gates Corporation
    Inventors: Benjamin Morgan Smith, David S. Miller, Kent Van Oort
  • Publication number: 20110094119
    Abstract: A method of classifying a dent on a surface of a shipping container as being in an acceptable or unacceptable classification includes calculating at least one of an acceptable dent depth range corresponding to the acceptable classification and an unacceptable dent depth range corresponding to the unacceptable classification. The method further includes measuring a depth of the dent with a measurement apparatus and comparing the depth with the acceptable and/or unacceptable dent depth ranges to classify the dent in the acceptable or unacceptable classification. The method of classifying the dent on the surface of the shipping container is accurate and repeatable because it includes measuring the depth of the dent and comparing the depth with the acceptable and unacceptable dent depth ranges. The ability to classify dents allows recipients of the shipping containers to consistently accept or reject shipping containers having dents in the acceptable and unacceptable classifications, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Inventors: Cortney L. Gregory, Frederick Wheeler, JR.
  • Patent number: 7913414
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a housing, a clamping unit associated with the housing, a biasing system, and a length indicator. The clamping unit can be inserted through a hole in a structure into an interior of a nut that is positioned relative to a first surface of the structure. The clamping unit can engage the interior of the nut when a portion of the housing is positioned relative to a second surface of the structure. The first structure is substantially parallel to the second surface. The biasing system can bias the portion of the housing positioned relative to the second surface of the structure and the clamping unit towards each other, while the clamping unit is engaged with the interior of the nut. The length indicator can indicate a length of a bolt when the biasing system has biased the portion of the housing and the clamping unit towards each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Mark D. Bumgardner, Terry L. Gesell, Curtis L. Chamberlin, Paul C. Buehler, Ed Vallejos
  • Patent number: 7895762
    Abstract: A digital depth gauge is provided for measuring a depth of a hole in an object. In one embodiment the gauge includes: a user interface with a display and at least one actuator; a reader shaft with a distal end and a proximal end connected to the user interface; a probe that extends from the distal end of the reader shaft and which includes a tip configured to locate a distal surface of the hole; a sleeve member with a distal end configured to abut a proximal surface of the hole, the sleeve member being coupled with the reader shaft for relative translational and rotational movement; and a sensor interposed between the reader shaft and the sleeve member for measuring relative translational movement between the reader shaft and the sleeve member. In some embodiments, the gauge may include a means for aligning elements of the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Eidosmed LLC
    Inventors: John Y.S. Kim, Artur Kaganovsky
  • Patent number: 7895767
    Abstract: A digital depth gauge apparatus is provided for measuring a depth of a hole in, or surface of, an object using a variable-resistance sensor. The apparatus comprises an elongated reader body that includes a distal end and a proximal end having a longitudinal axis and a user interface including a display and at least one actuator that controls operation of at least one of the display and the apparatus. The apparatus includes a probe that extends from the distal end of the reader body, the probe including a tip for locating a distal surface of the object. The reader body proximal end is configured to abut an other surface of the object. An electrical resistance-based sensor is provided to determine an extension distance of the probe from the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Eidosmed LLC
    Inventors: Michael Harshbarger, John Y. S. Kim, Mu-Jen Wang, Wen-Ta Chang
  • Publication number: 20100236087
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a housing, a clamping unit associated with the housing, a biasing system, and a length indicator. The clamping unit can be inserted through a hole in a structure into an interior of a nut that is positioned relative to a first surface of the structure. The clamping unit can engage the interior of the nut when a portion of the housing is positioned relative to a second surface of the structure. The first structure is substantially parallel to the second surface. The biasing system can bias the portion of the housing positioned relative to the second surface of the structure and the clamping unit towards each other, while the clamping unit is engaged with the interior of the nut. The length indicator can indicate a length of a bolt when the biasing system has biased the portion of the housing and the clamping unit towards each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Mark D. Bumgardner, Terry L. Gesell, Curtis L. Chamberlin, Paul C. Buehler, Arnold E. Vallejos
  • Patent number: 7762005
    Abstract: Embodiments of a depth gauge comprise a housing, a support structure extending from the bottom of the housing and being configured to balance the depth gauge on uneven or even surfaces, a retractable surface engaging member extending through the bottom of the housing and comprising a lower point configured to detect dents on a surface, and a gauge display coupled to the surface engaging member and operable to output depth measurements of dents detected by the surface engaging member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence John Pelotte
  • Patent number: 7752771
    Abstract: A depth checking device includes a body member, a pressing member, a checking member and an adjustment nut. The body member defines a stepped through hole forming a stopping surface inside. The pressing member includes a first end and an opposite second end. The first end includes a first end surface defining a first opening. The second end defines a second opening. The checking member is mounted in the stepped through hole and includes an indication end adjacent to the first end and a probe end. The indication end includes a second end surface. The adjustment nut is screwed on the checking member and supported by the stopping surface in a position where the first end surface is coplanar with the second end surface and the probe end protrudes from the body member with a protruding length of the probe end same as a designed depth of a fixing hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ji-Ping Wu, Chung-Yuan Chen, Long-Fong Chen, Shi-Xin Xiao, Shi-Bin Li
  • Patent number: 7743526
    Abstract: A device for checking countersink dimensions comprises a measuring head (2) associated with a spindle (3) of a multi-axis process machine (4), and a processing unit operatively associated with the spindle (3) to control spindle movements, the measuring head (2) comprising a contact element (5) that can be inserted into a countersink (101) and a comparator element (7) which, by coming into contact with the countersink and withdrawing, detects the stroke of the contact element (5) inside the countersink (101). A floating member (22) automatically corrects any alignment errors between the contact element (5) and the axis of the countersink (101).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: JOBS S.p.A.
    Inventors: Sandro Foletti, Maurizio Ferrari, Roberto Muselli
  • Publication number: 20100154238
    Abstract: A digital depth gauge apparatus is provided for measuring a depth of a hole in, or surface of, an object using a variable-resistance sensor. The apparatus comprises an elongated reader body that includes a distal end and a proximal end having a longitudinal axis and a user interface including a display and at least one actuator that controls operation of at least one of the display and the apparatus. The apparatus includes a probe that extends from the distal end of the reader body, the probe including a tip for locating a distal surface of the object. The reader body proximal end is configured to abut an other surface of the object. An electrical resistance-based sensor is provided to determine an extension distance of the probe from the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: Eidosmed LLC
    Inventors: Michael Harshbarger, John Y.S. Kim, Mu-Jen Wang, Wen-Ta Chang
  • Patent number: 7730628
    Abstract: A depth stop device for use in connection with another device or apparatus (for example, a medical device) includes a stop member slidably positionable on the device, at least one abutment member in operative connection with the stop member to adjustably contact the device to lock the stop member in a desired position relative to the device or to free the stop member to slide relative to the device, and an adjustment member connected to the abutment member to control a position of the abutment member relative to the device. The force applicable by the abutment member to the device is limited to be less than a certain force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Bayer Schering Pharma AG
    Inventor: Raymond C. Hoffman
  • Publication number: 20100137874
    Abstract: A digital depth gauge is provided for measuring a depth of a hole in an object. In one embodiment the gauge includes: a user interface with a display and at least one actuator; a reader shaft with a distal end and a proximal end connected to the user interface; a probe that extends from the distal end of the reader shaft and which includes a tip configured to locate a distal surface of the hole; a sleeve member with a distal end configured to abut a proximal surface of the hole, the sleeve member being coupled with the reader shaft for relative translational and rotational movement; and a sensor interposed between the reader shaft and the sleeve member for measuring relative translational movement between the reader shaft and the sleeve member. In some embodiments, the gauge may include a means for aligning elements of the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: Eidosmed LLC
    Inventors: John Y.S. Kim, Artur Kaganovsky