Abstract: An improved drive system for machines incorporating air bearings is disclosed. The drive system eliminates backlash, introduces no vibrations or noise into the moving structures, requires no lubrication and excells in being compact and simple. The drive system essentially includes a stationary bar mounted in one axis of motion of the machine, a wedge member mounted for drivingly engaging the bar on one side, a preloader mounted for operatively engaging the bar on the opposite side, and a pair of springs urging the preloader to urge the wedge member into driving engagement with the bar. The drive system is coupled to a positioning servo system, which provides control of the drive system's position and speed. Preferably, the wedge angle of the wedge member is from about 15.degree. to about 30.degree.. Preferably, both the bar and the wedge member are formed from a group of materials possessing at least about 65 Rockwell hardness.

Abstract: An improved system for guiding one part relative another in an accurately defined path, both planar and linear, is disclosed. The improved system eliminates friction associated with heretofore moving parts, is characterized by simplicity and cost effectivness, and comprises a first part having a primary reference surface prepared to close tolerances and accurately defining a predetermined path and an opposed parallel secondary surface, and a second part designed for guidance by the primary surface. A fixed air pad is adjustably mounted on the second part adjacent the primary surface. A second air pad is resiliently mounted on the second part adjacent the opposed secondary surface. The resilient mounting includes a bellows. Fluid under pressure is admitted to both air pads, directly to the first and indirectly via the bellows to the second. Preferably, the fluid is compressed air.

Abstract: An improved system for guiding one part relative another in an accurately defined path, both planar and linear, is disclosed. The improved system eliminates friction associated with heretofore moving parts, is characterized by simplicity and cost effectiveness, and comprises a first part having a primary reference surface prepared to close tolerances and accurately defining a predetermined path and an opposed parallel secondary surface, and a second part designed for guidance by the primary surface. A fixed air pad is adjustably mounted on the second part adjacent the primary surface. A second air pad is resiliently mounted on the second part adjacent the opposed secondary surface. The resilient mounting includes a bellows.

Abstract: A surface finish, displacement and contour scanner is disclosed which effectively protects its stylus from damage even if the stylus meets an obstacle, such as a wall, a major ridge or a crack. The surface finish, displacement and contour scanner further includes a unique transducer designed to provide true displacement transducer operation with or without traverse, a magnetic attach-release mechanism disposed median between the stylus and a transducer, and a ball-and-notch seating structure formed about the point of flexing of the stylus support.

Abstract: A measurement instrument in the form of a bore gage comprises a tubular casing within which there is centered a longitudinal member, one end of which transmits its movements to a gaging device, and the other end of which is coupled to contact elements that move transverse to the casing. The contact elements are characterized as having at least a hemispherical end which engages a pair of cylindrical segments that are cut into opposed V grooves on the other end of the longitudinal member.

Abstract: A bore gage that is used for determining the diameter of a bore or hole is provided with a measuring head comprising a cylindrical housing. Within the housing is an electrical measuring member or transducer that can take the form of a linear voltage differential transformer. Contact points or probes are connected to each of the moving elements and pass through bearing members on the surface of the housing which retain the transducer therein.