Abstract: A sensor for sensing and quantifying the conformity of a workpiece surface contour to a predetermined design contour. The sensor consists of an array of capacitor elements on a surface having the negative image of the predetermined design contour, against which the workpiece is mated. In operation, each of the capacitor elements and the workpiece are connected to a corresponding oscillator circuit so that the frequency of each circuit is a function of the capacitance between the individual plate element and the workpiece, while the capacitance is a function of the distance between the individual plate element and the workpiece. Hence the overall output of the circuits is a function of the conformity of the workpiece surface contour to the contour or topology of the sensor surface.

Abstract: An orbital table assembly having a top plate which can be made to orbit or translate in a path without rotating, and having a fixed base plate under said top plate and a linkage plate between the two other plates, while an orbiting cam secured to the top plate imparts orbital motion thereto. A first set of arms is provided to secure the linkage plate to the base plate to prevent rotation of the linkage plate while permitting linear lateral movement in one direction only, and a second set of arms is provided secured to secure the top plate to said linkage plate to prevent rotation of said top plate while permitting linear lateral movement in a single direction perpendicular to the aforesaid direction.

Abstract: A structure for quickly and accurately aligning an ultrasonic tool assembly on an ultrasonic machine tool table in which a mounting is provided on said table and an engaging device is secured to said tool assembly which can be made to quickly engage the mounting to accurately align the tool assembly.

Abstract: An arrangement for a tactile sensing system involved in the determination of object shape, contour, orientation and detection of slip finding one use in real time control of robotically manipulated tools. The sensor uses contact between the object and a gripper upon which the sensor is disposed wherein the object surface forms one plate of the sensing electrode.

Abstract: An EDM apparatus for high speed machining of a workpiece and redressing of a graphite electrode by an ultrasonic machining tool or a total form machining tool. When the electrode becomes worn the workpiece clamped on a table (1) is shifted away by a slideway mechanism (4) so that a master on another table (2) confronts the worn electrode. The electrode is then redressed and the workpiece is slid back into position by the slideway mechanism (4) for more machining by the redressed electrode.

Abstract: A method is provided for making improved molded abrasive tools by applying centifugal force and/or vibratory action to the abrasive particles during the molding operation. The abrasive is thereby forced and/or sifted preferentially into a closely packed surface layer with close conformity to the mold surface.

Abstract: A mechanism for imparting relative orbital motion to at least two associated driven elements. The driven elements are driven in an eccentric path, usually with a common drive axis, where the angular displacement of each such path is controlled while relative rotation of the driven elements is precluded.

Abstract: A process for chemically deburring a workpiece, comprising the steps of: coating the workpiece with a soluble masking material, allowing the masking material to pull away from sharp projections on the workpiece, such as burrs or edges, so that the sharp projections are thinly coated or not coated, exposing the coated workpiece to a corrosive solution so that the thinly or not coated sharp projections are chemically attacked by the corrosive solution, and stopping the chemical attack of the corrosive solution. These steps may be repeated, as necessary, until the sharp projections or burrs are removed or edges are sufficiently milled.

Abstract: An improved probe is provided for surface texture capacitive gauging. One embodiment of the probe comprises a sensor assembly with a thin, flexible dielectric having a conductive coating to provide an active sensor area and integral lead-in which is durable, flexible, and constant. In another embodiment, a bladder-like flexible dielectric contains a conductive media and the bladder is appropriately confined to define the active sensor area. The probe includes a mask to further define the active sensor area and to sense proper seating of the probe on the work surface to be gauged.

Abstract: An improved probe is provided for surface texture capacitive gauging. One embodiment of the probe comprises a sensor assembly with a thin, flexible dielectric having a conductive coating to provide an active sensor area and integral lead-in which is durable, flexible, and constant. In another embodiment, a bladder-like flexible dielectric contains a conductive media and the bladder is appropriately confined to define the active sensor area. The probe may include a grounded mask to further define the active sensor area.