Abstract: This invention pertains to an electro-optical digital precision micrometer and gages wherein one embodiment utilizes a tape carried in a frame and moved with the movable anvil portion of the apparatus. This tape is directed to and around a precision gage roller which carries a radially inscribed interrupter disc, wherein the lines on the disc cut a ray of light provided by a light source. This interruption of the ray of light is read by photosensors with the resulting pulses being converted into electrical signals which are fed to a digital counter and readout. In another embodiment the tape is carried and is moved with the movement of the movable anvil whose support also carries the precision roller whereby as the anvil is moved the tape is also moved at twice the rate of travel of the movable anvil.

Abstract: This invention pertains to an electro-optical digital precision micrometer in which a precision lead screw is carried by the frame in precision bearings mounted in supports in the frame and is carried by and in precise alignment with the movement of the movable anvil. A precision nut such as a ball nut is mounted on this precision screw and is carried by the movable anvil so that as it is moved the lead screw is caused to be rotated in response to the movement of the anvil. A rotatable interrupter disc is carried by and on the end of the lead screw and interrupts a light beam so that electrical pulse signals are fed to an encoder. In this embodiment the linear motion of the movable anvil or member is converted into electrical pulse signals in such a way that both the displacement and the direction of motion can be displayed.

Abstract: This invention pertains to an electro-optical digital precision micrometer and gages wherein a precision scale is carried in a frame and is moved with the movable anvil portion of the apparatus. The precision glass scale has a determined number of lines engraved thereupon and as the movable anvil is moved the lines are caused to be passed in front of a grating. A light source feeds a beam of light through the scale to a reading device whereby electrical pulses are converted into signals which are fed to a digital readout. A dash pot system is provided to restrict the speed of movements of the movable and the supported glass scale so that the lines of the scale as they cut the beam of light passing through the scales are positively detected by the photosensor. In addition to using this system in a micrometer, one or more of these systems may be used in a height gage and in a linear digital gage.