Abstract: A method and programmed computing system (12) that enables a college search by matching criteria of a searcher (16) to statistics (14) relevant to colleges. Criteria are compared to stored statistics by a method (30) that scores a college as to at least one specific criterion on a variable scale, such that a college that partially matches the specific criterion is awarded a score that is less than that awarded to a fully matching college but greater than that of a awarded to a less matched college as to the specific criterion. Searchers also provide Boolean criteria for colleges that are incorporated into the college scores. Searchers provide importance weightings for criteria, which are used to weight college scores and create rankings of colleges.

Abstract: A tool setter is used to locate the cutting edges of a cutting machine tool with respect to the rotational axis of a lathe's workpiece holder. One or more machine tool detecting probes are mounted on the tool setter having their styluses in predetermined registration with the rotational axis of the workpiece holder. The machine tool is moved into contact with the styluses so that the location of the cutting edges of the machine tool relative to the rotational axis may be calculated. Once the precise location of the machine tool is known, the path the machine tool is required to traverse may be accurately calculated for machining the workpiece. The tool setter is removed from the workpiece holder prior to securing a workpiece to prevent contamination from spewn cutting chips and cutting oil during the machining process.

Abstract: A device which substantially compensates for the expansion or contraction of a machining apparatus to varying temperatures in and among the components of the machining apparatus links two axes of movement of the machining apparatus by providing a measurement axis defined by the intersection of a first vertical plane passing through the cutting tip of a cutting tool and a second vertical plane passing through the workface of a workpiece to be machined, and associating one end of a temperature-insensitive member with this measurement axis, the other end of the temperature-insensitive member being in the same vertical plane as a reference point which remains stationary with respect to the measurement axis regardless of the thermal growth of the components of the machining apparatus.