Abstract: A system and method is provided for measuring a physical parameter of a gear. The system and method includes moving a contact probe into a start position on the pitch circle of the gear in a gap between adjacent teeth. The contact probe is moved in a path substantially along the pitch circle of the gear until the contact probe contacts the flank of one of the adjacent gear teeth at a contact point. Spatial coordinates of the contact point are determined. A measurement of a physical parameter of the gear is determined based on the spatial coordinates of the contact point.

Abstract: A gear cutter is provided. At least one cutting insert is mounted on a body member. The cutting insert has a first end and a second end, the first end including side faces that are configured to converge inwardly toward each other as they extend to a tip portion, the side faces and the tip portion intersecting with a forward face so as to define a first cutting edge. The second end including side faces that are configured to converge inwardly toward each other as they extend to a tip portion. The side faces and tip portion intersect with the forward face so as to define a second cutting edge. Each of the cutting edges has a full involute configuration that matches a desired configuration of a gap between adjacent teeth of a gear.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for measuring a physical parameter of a gear. The system and method includes moving a contact probe into a start position on the pitch circle of the gear in a gap between adjacent teeth. The contact probe is moved in a path substantially along the pitch circle of the gear until the contact probe contacts the flank of one of the adjacent gear teeth at a contact point. Spatial coordinates of the contact point are determined. A measurement of a physical parameter of the gear is determined based on the spatial coordinates of the contact point.

Abstract: A fixture assembly for a work piece is provided. The fixture assembly includes a strap assembly including a plurality of straps. One or more parameters associated with each of the plurality of straps is configured to be dynamically adjusted in such a manner that the plurality of straps cooperatively interact with a surface of the work piece. The strap assembly is configured to secure the work piece by providing a clamping force thereon based on an arrangement of the strap assembly.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a gear-cutting tool is disclosed. The gear-cutting tool includes a base portion and cutter teeth extended from the base portion. Each cutter tooth includes a cutting tip portion. The method initiates with hardening the gear-cutting tool with a first hardening process. Thereafter, coating the cutter teeth with a wear resistant material and then hardening the cutting tip portion of each of the cutter teeth with a second hardening process. In the second hardening process, the heat treat is directed to penetrate through the wear resistant material. This process imparts the heat treatment to the wear resistant material and the cutting tip portion of the cutter teeth of the gear-cutting tool.

Abstract: An automated path compensation system for a material dispensing unit is provided. The automated path compensation system includes a material dispensing tip. The automated path compensation system also includes a movement control module coupled to the material dispensing tip. The movement control module is configured to identify at least one of an external feature and an internal feature of an intended geometry of an object. The movement control module is also configured to determine a path compensation for the material dispensing tip based on the identification and one or more parameters associated with the material dispensing tip. The movement control module is further configured to control a movement of the material dispensing tip based on the determination.

Abstract: A runout calibrator for use in measuring runout of a spindle of a machine tool using at least one hydrodynamic bearing includes a head assembly with a shaft adapted at a first end for mounting in a chuck of the machine tool and a head mounted to a second end of the shaft. The head has a reflective surface and at least one line of symmetry coincident with the centerline of the shaft. The runout calibrator also includes a sensor assembly with one or more optical sensors mounted orthogonal to each other for measuring a distance between each of the one or more sensors and the head.

Abstract: A gear cutter is provided that includes a body member that is configured to be rotatable about a rotational axis. A plurality of cutting inserts are mounted to the body member. The cutting inserts are arranged in a first row and a second row, the first and second rows being spaced apart from each other in the direction of the rotational axis of the body member. Each of the first and second rows of cutting inserts extends around the perimeter of the body member. Each cutting insert includes a forward face, a rear face, a base and first and second side faces, the first and second side faces being configured to converge inwardly toward each other as they extend away from the base toward a tip portion that interconnects the first and second side faces.

Abstract: A laser receiving depth sensor is attached to the stick of an excavator or backhoe. A mounting bar is magnetically mounted to the stick and the sensor is adjustably slidable along said mounting bar when fixed at selected one of a plurality of positions along the mounting bar.