Abstract: A position sensing device for indicating the relative position of the device with respect to an external surface. A main support member houses a plurality of angular position sensing probes which are each associated with transducers that provide an indication of the relative position of each probe to the support member so that when the probes engage an external surface, information is provided which can be used to indicate the relative position of the device with respect to the external surface. An additional lateral position sensing probe can also be mounted in the support member to indicate exact axial alignment with a hole or other discontinuity in the external surface.

Abstract: An angle measuring device for establishing a position of a frame member in two orthogonal planes or in an azimuth plane, relative to a reference plane, comprising a frame member supporting a plurality of equally radially and angularly spaced linear potentiometers having rods which engage a base plate and are pivotally connected thereto to permit the frame to be swiveled in any location about the base plate. The potentiometers are calibrated to provide an indication of the position of the frame relative to the base plate as a result of movement of the rods within the potentiometers. A torque and thrust sensing device is utilized in conjunction with a rotatable shaft supported in the frame coaxially with the positions of the potentiometers and rods to analyze the torque and thrust applied to the shaft as well as the angle of the shaft relative to the base plate.

Abstract: An angle measuring device for establishing a position of a frame member in two orthogonal planes or in an azimuth plane, relative to a reference plane, comprising a frame member supporting a plurality of equally radially and angularly spaced linear potentiometers having rods which engage a base plate and are pivotally connected thereto to permit the frame to be swiveled in any location about the base plate. The potentiometers are calibrated to provide an indication of the position of the frame relative to the base plate as a result of movement of the rods within the potentiometers.

Abstract: A position sensing device having a plurality of angular position sensing probes movably mounted within a support member for simultaneously engaging a surface when the support member is moved into proximity with the surface. Transducers associated with each of the probes sense movement thereof and provide electrical output signals indicative of the positions of the probes relative to the support member. The relative separation between the support member and the surface is determined through the calibrated movement of at least one of the probes as indicated through the signals of the associated transducer. Lateral position sensing is provided through a central probe mounted in cantilevered fashion to the support member, with two transducers positioned in orthogonal planes on the lateral position sensing probe which provide an indication in which direction the sensing device must be moved in order to eliminate sideway forces acting on the lateral position sensing probe.