Abstract: A linear encoder for measuring a relative position of two objects and including a scale having a coefficient of thermal expansion between 2.5.times.10.sup.-6 K.sup.-1 and 3.5.times.10.sup.-6 K.sup.-1 approximately, and attachable to one of the objects, and a device for scanning the scale and attachable to the other of the objects.

Abstract: A method for compensating sliding temperature influences on workpieces during a dimensional measurement process. For this purpose, the workpiece temperature and the relative position of the workpiece in relation to the measuring apparatus are recorded at the start and at the end of the actual measurement. By use of the recorded values, the temperature of the workpiece can be calculated at each instant of the dimensional measurement and the relative position of the workpiece in relation to the measuring apparatus and therefore the corrected scanning point can thus be determined. Thus, in the dimensional measurement of workpieces, while taking into account the temperature influences, the temperature straight line in the time interval from the start of measurement to the end of measurement is divided by intermediate measurements into part intervals, within which interpolation can be carried out.

Abstract: A length measuring system comprises an elongate scale member adapted to be scanned for generating measured-length signals, a tubular scale member carrier defining an internal cavity housing the scale member and including a mounting wall, a connection of the scale member to the scale member carrier, the connection permitting a longitudinal movement of the scale member relative to the scale member carrier, and end blocks rigidly connected to the scale member carrier at both ends thereof, the end blocks defining recesses and having opposite sides.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a temperature measuring head for rapidly measuring the temperature of a workpiece on a coordinate measuring apparatus. To rapidly measure the temperature of the workpiece, the coordinate measuring probe element is exchanged for a temperature measuring head which operates pursuant to the principle of a switching probe head. The measuring head supplies a contact signal after contact with the workpiece takes place. From this time point on, the temperature variation is measured by the temperature measuring head and the determined values are stored in the computer of the coordinate measuring apparatus. The temperature of the workpiece is extrapolated via a numerical evaluation method from a specific measurement interval. After the necessary measurement interval, the temperature measuring head is exchanged for the needed probe element combination. The invention is also directed to a temperature measuring head for carrying out the method of the invention.

Abstract: A computerized gauge measures dimensions, typically in the range of 6.1865" to 6.1917" accurate to .+-.0.001", typically the diameter of a steel railroad car axle. The gauge simultaneously senses the temperature, typically within a range of -20.degree. F. to 100.degree. F.+1.degree. F., of the axle workpiece. In consideration of the predetermined coefficient of expansion of the workpiece, the gauge calculates the dimension that the workpiece would exhibit should it be thermally brought to a predetermined, 59.degree. F. by convention, reference temperature. From the workpiece-temperature-compensated dimension resulting from such calculation, the axle may be recognized as being (i) oversized but repairable, (ii) within an acceptable size range, (iii) undersized but repairable, or (iv) undersized and unrepairable.

Abstract: Precision measuring machine (10) has a bed (12) with a tailstock (14) and headstock (16) mounted thereon. Anvils (36, 42) are respectively mounted on the tailstock and headstock. Duct walls enclose the lower portion of the bed so that fan (62) can move air therepast. Cap shrouds (72, 82) receive air from fan shrouds (68, 84) to flood air over the tailstock and headstock. Anvil shrouds (76, 90) respectively cover anvils (36, 42) and receive air through tubes (80, 92) to also flood the anvils with air. In this way, the precision measuring machine is bathed in ambient air to reduce dimensional changes due to temperature changes.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting temperature of an object to be measured such as a workpiece mounted on a coordinate measuring apparatus having a movable measuring arm. The measuring apparatus includes a sensing pin or complete sensing head as well as a temperature sensor. For measuring temperature, the sensing pin or sensing head is exchange for the temperature sensor having the same kind of holder as the sensing pin. Thereafter, the temperature sensor is moved to the object by the measuring arm of the apparatus and is placed in contact therewith. The registered temperature measurement values are used to correct the lengths and spacings measured with the coordinate measuring apparatus. The entire temperature and coordinate measuring operation is carried out completely automatically by the CNC control of the apparatus without the aid of operating personnel. A temperature sensor for carrying out the method of the invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device and method for measuring the deformations of a sample, which deformations particularly result from the relaxation of the stresses to which the samples was previously subjected. The device and method include the use of a cell inside which the sample is placed with the cell containing a thermal mass whose heat capacity and/or thermal conductibility are appreciably greater than those of air under normal temperature and pressure conditions.

Abstract: A method for detecting temperature of an object to be measured such as a workpiece mounted on a coordinate measuring apparatus having a movable measuring arm. The measuring apparatus includes a sensing pin or a complete sensing head as well as a temperature sensor. For measuring temperature, the sensing pin or sensing head is exchanged for the temperature sensor having the same kind of holder as the sensing pin. Thereafter, the temperature sensor is moved to the object by the measuring arm of the apparatus and is placed in contact therewith. The registered temperature measurement values are used to correct the lengths and spacings measured with the coordinate measuring apparatus. The entire temperature and coordinate measuring operation is carried out completely automatically by the CNC control of the apparatus without the aid of operating personnel. A temperature sensor for carrying out the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention concerns a measuring transducer, of the type comprising a rigid support case, a rule in the form of a thin steel tape, pretensioned and suspended at its ends in the support case and having etched thereon the graticule of a measuring scale, as well as a rule reading head mounted in the case slidable along the tape. According to the invention, at least one tensioning bar is fixed to the case at a single point and is freely expansible in respect thereof for the remaining part, through the effect of temperature, the ends of the thin tape of the rule being anchored to the ends of said bar.

Abstract: A device for the temperature-responsive adjustment of the measuring points of two relatively movable machine tool parts, the device comprising a rule mounted for limited movement on a first machine part, a scanning head mounted on the second machine part, and at least one transverse rod which is disposed for axial movement in a portion of the movable machine part that is particularly subject to being heated. The transverse rod, which extends right into the heated zones at least with its inner end portion, has its outer end connected to the rule by means of a reversing drive such that elongations of the transverse rod caused by heating are converted to a horizontal shifting movement of the rule. In an alternative embodiment, a bimetallic element performs the function of the transverse rod.

Abstract: The amount of flexure of a heating wall of a coke oven is determined during operation of the coke oven by providing an observation hole through the oven roof into a heating flue, the observation hole having an axis. On at least one of the binder walls defining the heating flue is formed a vertical measuring strip extending throughout substantially the entire height of the binder wall at a position to be visible through the observation hole. The measuring strip defines, prior to heating during operation of the coke oven, a rectilinear reference line extending parallel to and spaced from the axis of the observation hole. Upon operation of the coke oven, during which time the heating wall is heated and flexes, the degree of such flexure is determined by measuring through the observation hole the extent of deviation of the measuring strip from the reference line.

Abstract: A vessel for enclosing fluid, particularly a vessel adapting itself to the expansion and/or contraction of fluid for preventing the occurrence of air-bubbles in the fluid enclosed in the vessel.