Abstract: A laser apparatus and method for aligning a horizontal metal extrusion press. The apparatus comprises a scanning laser and scanning laser target, one or more spindle lasers and spindle laser targets, a data acquisition station and adapters for mounting the lasers and targets. The method comprises the steps of leveling and aligning the components of the horizontal extrusion press in parallel, square and aligned relationship with respect to each other. Alignments are preferably performed with the extrusion press at its operating temperature. The selections as to which press members are used for locating the lasers and targets are necessary requirements for proper alignment of the press members.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for a precision alignment of parallel fixed and movable platens of a machine, including a laser emitter for transmitting a narrow collimated laser beam having a control surface which is orthogonal to an axis of the laser emitter; a target for receiving the laser beam and producing an output voltage which is proportional to the displacement of the laser beam from the center of the target, and a pair of adapters for rotatably mounting the laser emitter on a fixed platen and the target on a movable platen of a machine. The adapters have control surfaces which are precisely orthogonal to axes of rotation of the emitter and target and a stud for tightly pulling together the orthogonal control surfaces of the emitter and target against the control surfaces of the adapters. Voltages from the target are processed in an electronic console and displayed on a display unit in alphanumeric form.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the ovality, concentricity and runout of an engine valve seat which is comprised of a datum plate, an air gage head, a pot master, a compressed air source, a signal processing device, and a display unit. The compressed air source, signal processing device and the display unit are conventional. One characteristic feature of the invention is the datum plate for limiting the angular displacement of the air gage head during a measurement of an engine valve seat. A second characteristic feature of the invention is that the air gage head "floats" in the air gage body if a measurement is within an established limit for the measurement. A third characteristic feature of the invention is a self-aligning pilot at an end portion of the gage head.

Abstract: A laser apparatus for inspecting machine tie bars. The apparatus broadly comprises a laser emitter, a photocell target, a control unit, a computer, a display unit and precision adapters for mounting the emitter and target. The laser emitter is mounted on a fixed platen and oriented substantially square to a surface of the fixed platen. The target is mounted on the tie bar and intercepts a laser beam from the emitter to generate voltages which are processed in the control unit and computer. Angular and lateral deviations of the laser beam from a rotational axis of the target, which are indicative of tie bar straightness and squareness, are displayed on the display unit.

Abstract: A noise resistant laser system for machine alignment comprised of a semiconductor laser for producing a narrow collimated beam; a photodetector target for receiving the beam and producing four trains of output pulses which are indicative of the horizontal and vertical displacements of the laser beam from the center of the target; a crystal controlled oscillator for generating pulses at a frequency which is distinguishable from the frequencies of noise generated by industrial power supplies, industrial lighting and their harmonics; a closed loop control circuit for pulsing the laser at the distinguishable frequency; and a sample and hold circuit for sorting out components due to the beam displacement and suppressing components due to the industrial power supplies, industrial lighting and their harmonics. The closed loop control circuit is comprised of an interrupter, a feedback control circuit and a laser current control circuit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for aligning a crankpin grinding machine of the type having a pair of opposite facing workheads for mounting a crankshaft on its end journals and rotating the crankshaft about an axis passing through selected crankpins during the grinding of the selected crankpins and an indexing device in one of said workheads for indexing the crankshaft about the axis of the end journals to position and grind other selected crankpins. The apparatus is comprised of a laser for projecting a narrow collimated beam of light, a photoelectric target to intercept the target and produce an output which is indicative of where the laser beam intersects the target, an input-output unit to process the output of the target and display information to an operator; and special adapters to mount the laser and target on the crankpin grinding machine to align the workheads, workholders and indexing device of the machine.