Patents by Inventor Robert J. Rucha

Robert J. Rucha has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Apparatus and method for measuring a contoured surface
    Patent number: 6637123
    Abstract: A contact gauge for measuring a contoured surface on work piece is presented having a matching contoured profile and multiple sensors inserted in a gauge body. The gauge body uses bores filled with spherical balls. At least one ball from each bore contacts the contoured surface, which causes displacement of the ball. The displacement is transferred to and recorded by the sensor. The layout of the gauge permits multiple sensors to be mounted in a compact gauge housing and the gauge housing, in turn, may connected to a robotic arm for rapid and repeated use as an automated measurement apparatus for a component assembly line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: ABB Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Rucha, Daniel W. McGillis, Peter J. Deir
  • Apparatus and method for measuring a contoured surface
    Publication number: 20030074802
    Abstract: A contact gauge for measuring a contoured surface on work piece is presented having a matching contoured profile and multiple sensors inserted in a gauge body. The gauge body uses bores filled with spherical balls. At least one ball from each bore contacts the contoured surface, which causes displacement of the ball. The displacement is transferred to and recorded by the sensor. The layout of the gauge permits multiple sensors to be mounted in a compact gauge housing and the gauge housing, in turn, may connected to a robotic arm for rapid and repeated use as an automated measurement apparatus for a component assembly line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2001
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Applicant: ABB Automation Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Rucha, Daniel W. McGillis, Peter J. Deir
  • Method and system for determining proper assembly of engine components
    Patent number: 6185995
    Abstract: Apparatus and a method for testing for improper assembly of moving parts features the use of a plurality of vibration sensors placed on predetermined locations of an external surface of a device housing the moving parts. A computing element analyses the sensor outputs to determine whether an assembly error exists, the nature of the error and its location within the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: ABB Flexible Automation Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen F. Kovacs, II, Robert J. Rucha