Abstract: An apparatus measures displacement of a structure having a curved surface, such as a pipe, conduit, shaft or rod. The apparatus includes a support structure having opposing first and second ends, with a first laser distance measurement device at the first end and a second laser distance measurement device at the second end. The laser distance measurement devices generate dual laser beams that illuminate the curved surface of the structure, detect laser energy reflected from the curved surface of the structure, and generate distance signals based on the detected laser energy. A measurement device on the support structure measures a spacing between the two laser beams. The support structure is pivotally attached to a stabilizing base, thereby providing for the tilting of the support structure and the laser beams. An inclinometer on the support structure measures an angle of tilt.
Abstract: A computer-controlled system automatically measures and records various physical characteristics of an elongated shaft or tube, such as a golf club shaft or other structural member. The characteristics measured include the principal planar oscillation plane, oscillation frequency, stiffness asymmetry, relative stiffness, torsional stiffness, shaft length, shaft straightness and tip angle.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
October 8, 2008
Date of Patent:
October 5, 2010
Assignee:
The Richard M. Weiss Revocable Trust
Inventors:
Richard M. Weiss, Joseph H. Butler, Brian E. Townsend, David B. Nichols
Abstract: An apparatus measures displacement of a structure having a curved surface, such as a pipe, conduit, shaft or rod. The apparatus includes a support structure having opposing first and second ends, with a first laser distance measurement device at the first end and a second laser distance measurement device at the second end. The laser distance measurement devices generate dual laser beams that illuminate the curved surface of the structure, detect laser energy reflected from the curved surface of the structure, and generate distance signals based on the detected laser energy. A measurement device on the support structure measures a spacing between the two laser beams. The support structure is pivotally attached to a stabilizing base, thereby providing for the tilting of the support structure and the laser beams. An inclinometer on the support structure measures an angle of tilt.
Abstract: A computer-controlled system automatically measures and records various physical characteristics of an elongated shaft or tube, such as a golf club shaft or other structural member. The characteristics measured include the principal planar oscillation plane, oscillation frequency, stiffness asymmetry, relative stiffness, torsional stiffness, shaft length, shaft straightness and tip angle.
Type:
Application
Filed:
October 8, 2008
Publication date:
April 8, 2010
Applicant:
THE RICHARD M. WEISS REVOCABLE TRUST
Inventors:
Richard M. Weiss, Joseph H. Butler, Brian E. Townsend, David B. Nichols
Abstract: The preferred orientation, or planar oscillation plane, of a golf club shaft is located by measuring the oscillation of the shaft when a horizontal impulse is applied and from those measurements determining an orientation in which the oscillation would be substantially planar. In a preferred embodiment an iterative process is used to converge on the preferred orientation. The location of the preferred orientation may be marked on the shaft and used to assemble a golf club with the planar oscillation plane in a predetermined orientation. The assembly of the golf club can be done manually—e.g., in a refitting situation—or automatically—e.g., in a new club manufacturing setting.
Type:
Application
Filed:
January 29, 2002
Publication date:
August 8, 2002
Applicant:
Richard M. Weiss
Inventors:
Richard M. Weiss, Joseph H. Butler, Michael J. Twigg
Abstract: The preferred orientation, or planar oscillation plane, of a golf club shaft is located by measuring the oscillation of the shaft when a horizontal impulse is applied and from those measurements determining an orientation in which the oscillation would be substantially planar. In a preferred embodiment an iterative process is used to converge on the preferred orientation. The location of the preferred orientation may be marked on the shaft and used to assemble a golf club with the planar oscillation plane in a predetermined orientation. The assembly of the golf club can be done manually—e.g., in a refitting situation—or automatically—e.g., in a new club manufacturing setting.
Type:
Application
Filed:
January 29, 2002
Publication date:
July 11, 2002
Applicant:
Richard M. Weiss
Inventors:
Richard M. Weiss, Joseph H. Butler, Michael J. Twigg