Abstract: A linear measurement device having a digital readout provides rapid and direct measurement of center-to-center, center-to-edge and edge-to-edge distances. The device includes an endpiece assembly secured to an elongate beam. A slider assembly is disposed on the beam for bi-directional translation therealong and includes an electronic distance measuring and readout assembly. The endpiece assembly and the slider assembly each include portions of three sets of locating structures which cooperate to position the slider relative to the beam to effect linear measurement. A first set of locating structures comprises a pair of cones for locating the centers of circles and measuring therebetween. The second set of locating structures comprises a cone and a pin for measuring the distance of the center of a circle from an edge. The third set of locating structures includes two pairs of pins disposed in parallel spaced relationship for making edge-to-edge and diagonal measurements.

Abstract: An adjustable glass forming apparatus includes a peripheral frame having a shape which generally conforms to the shape of the glass sheet to be formed. Though preferably defining an L-shape in cross section, the frame may define other suitably rigid cross sections. A plurality of adjustable supports are disposed in close proximity about the frame. Each support includes a curved upper surface which contacts the lower face of the glass and a stanchion or shank which is received within a suitable opening in the frame. Preferably, the shank and opening define complementary male and female threads or other adjustable structures. The support may be readily adjusted up or down by rotation thereof and a jam nut maintains the support in the selected position.

Abstract: A complexly curved mold and method of fabricating same provides a highly accuate form for producing complexly curved panels such as automobile lights and the like. The mold comprises a lattice-work support or grid having one surface which conforms to the desired contour of the product. The lattice-work comprises and is assembled from a plurality of strips of a material such as stainless steel or similarly relatively high strength material which are arranged in two parallel arrays disposed normal to one another and secured together to form the lattice-work support. A plurality of plates which have been shaped by rolling, bending, or other forming means to conform to areas of the mold define the face of the mold. They are secured to the lattice-work support by suitable means such as welding. The face of the mold may also include a plurality of apertures arranged in a grid through which a vacuum may be drawn to ensure intimate contact between the product and the mold face.

Abstract: A complexly curved mold and method of fabricating same provides a highly accurate form for producing complexly curved panels such as automobile lights and the like. The mold comprises a lattice-work support or grid having one surface which conforms to the desired contour of the product. The lattice-work comprises and is assembled from a plurality of strips of a material such as stainless steel or similarly relatively high strength material which are arranged in two parallel arrays disposed normal to one another and secured together to form the lattice-work support. A plurality of plates which have been shaped by rolling, bending, or other forming means to conform to areas of the mold define the face of the mold. They are secured to the lattice-work support by suitable means such as welding. The face of the mold may also include a plurality of apertures arranged in a grid through which a vacuum may be drawn to ensure intimate contact between the product and the mold face.