Abstract: The trunk cover of an automobile is mounted via two four-joint hinges, positioned a certain distance from one another, such that it can pivot. Each of the four-joint hinges has a receptacle component, fixed to the vehicle body, to which first and second pivoted levers are mounted such that they can pivot. A bearing component, to which the trunk cover is fastened, is linked to the opposite end sections of the hinges. Further, a receptacle pin, which supports a leg spring, is fastened to the receptacle component. This spring includes a first spring leg attached to the receptacle pin such that it cannot rotate and a second, prestressed spring leg which lies adjacent to a tensioning pin of the second pivoting lever. Immediately after the trunk cover has been opened, an open end of the cover, which faces the vehicle body, is shifted upward.

Abstract: A magnetic hinge defining a hinge axis includes first and second hinge plates of non-magnetic material and first and second magnets disposed therein, respectively, for movement therewith. The plates are generally parallel and independently pivotable about the hinge axis between a closed orientation, wherein the plates are essentially superposed, and an open orientation, wherein the plates are essentially not superposed. The first and second magnets are essentially superposed, generally coaxial with the hinge axis, and in the same magnetic orientation.

Abstract: In a hinge device, an elongated main frame extends along a first axis. A hinge unit includes an elongated pivot rod that extends along the first axis and that has a pivot end portion coupled pivotally to a stationary fixing block such that the pivot rod is rotatable axially about the first axis, and a connecting end portion connected to the main frame. A pivot unit includes an elongated pivot shaft that extends along a second axis transverse to the first axis. The pivot shaft has an upper end portion opposite to a lower end portion, which is coupled to the main frame, and projecting from the main frame. A pivot member is coupled pivotally to the upper end portion of the pivot shaft. A positioning unit is mounted on the main frame and is operable so as to prevent axial rotation of the pivot member about the second axis.

Abstract: In a hinge device for a foldable electronic apparatus, an elongated main frame extends along a first axis. A hinge unit includes an elongated pivot rod extending along the first axis and having a pivot end portion coupled pivotally to a stationary fixing block such that the pivot rod is rotatable axially about the first axis, and a connecting end portion connected to the main frame. A pivot unit includes an elongated pivot shaft extending along a second axis transverse to the first axis, and a pivot member coupled pivotally to the upper end portion of the pivot shaft, and adapted to be mounted on a cover member of the electric apparatus. A positioning unit is mounted on the cover member and is operable so as to engage the elongated main frame for preventing axial rotation of the cover member about the second axis.

Abstract: A tie for bundling a plurality of elongated objects is formed in a generally arcuate configuration from a material having shape retaining memory properties. Complemental teeth on two opposed surface lock the two surfaces together to form a closed loop.

Abstract: This invention relates to a cufflink that can be attached on a casual shirt of a type comprising a cuff, a cuff button and only one cuff button hole. The cufflink comprises a pair of legs joined by a spring, an attachment means, which is either a hook or a cup-shaped member for placing on top of the cuff button and an impingement knob biased against the attachment means by the spring.

Abstract: A fastening spring that includes a tolerance zone and a restraint zone. The tolerance zone has a steep incline and the adjoining restraint zone has a flat incline. This allows for tolerance compensation that is increased by the disassembly strength. Furthermore, the fastening spring can be easily manufactured and allows for a damage-free disassembly and assembly of a first component into a second component.

Abstract: A fastening strap system, particularly of the hook-and-loop variety (with hooks on one side of the strap and loops on the other side), for selectively and independently binding and/or releasing a plurality of sets of essentially longitudinal objects, such as wires, from one another. Each system includes at least two attached straps which each independently of the other may be used to loopably bind objects. A preferred aperture between the straps permits cinching of each strap. A continuous strip of such two-sided material may be stored on a reel and is designed so that a user may select a preferred length and configuration for a particular use by making a single cut of the material strip from the reel-strip end.

Abstract: A slider (10), a slider insertion apparatus (50) and a method for inserting the slider (10) on an interlocked fastener or zipper (25) of a reclosable bag (44). A loading rack (58, 72) feeds individual sliders (10) to the slider insertion apparatus (50) wherein the slider (10) is inserted on the interlocked profiles (24, 28) being held by a zipper guide (56). After insertion, a keeper (15) and retaining shoulders (19, 20) of the slider (10) secure an interlocking member (22) of the profile (24) from unintentional engagement with an interlocking member (26) of the opposing profile (28). A positioner (200) is used to move the inserted slider (10) and/or to move the attached reclosable bag (44) in conjunction with driving rollers (217) of a vertical form-fill-and-seal machine.

Abstract: A zipper (10) having interlocking profiles (16, 20) wherein the male profile (16) has at least two male ribs (26, 30) bordering a male rib (28). The male profile (16) is engagable with a female profile (20), wherein the female profile (20) includes grooves (38, 48). The grooves (38, 48), attached to each other by a bridge (54), engage the male ribs (26, 32). With the profiles (16, 20) engaged, the male rib (28) pushes against the bridge (54) and thereby pushes the bridge against the packaging film during attachment such that the profiles (16, 20) are stabilized during sealing to the packaging film. As part of a pre-made zipper (10), the male rib (28) can be attached to the bridge (54) to form a barrier seal within the zipper (10).

Abstract: A snap-hook comprising a fixed hollow C-shaped body, a mobile finger pivoting around a spindle, and an operating ring mounted around the finger between a first locked position for positive locking of the finger in the closed position, and a second unlocked position enabling the finger to move to the open position. The operating ring is equipped with a bar salient from the lateral surface to come, in the first locked position, up against the part of the fixed body situated facing the finger arranging two openings in the body. In the second unlocked position, the bar is situated in a different plane from that of the body and defines a single opening in the snap-hook.

Abstract: An article for tightening together the ends of a lace includes a lace end receiving device having a pair of flexible, tubular members joined together lengthwise, each member including a lengthwise retaining passage therein. The end of the lace is received within, looped through and held within the tubular members of the lace end receiving device. By employing two lace end receiving devices, one at each end of the lace, the devices may be tied together, whereby the lace is tightened without the lace itself touching.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ringless eyelet (10′) comprising a plate (11) arranged on the display side (23) of the carrier strip (20), and a tube-shaped collar penetrating the hole in the carrier strip. The hem of the collar of the eyelet element (10′) is supported on the rear side (24) of the carrier strip (20). The aim of the invention is to connect the eyelet to the carrier strip (20) faster and in a more cost-effective manner. In order to achieve this, the free end part of the collar of the eyelet element (10′) is provided with projections (16). An essentially closed ring profile (50), into which the collar projections (16) are integrated, is created when the collar is hemmed. After hemming, pressure points (40) are created on the carrier strip (20) between the collar projections (16) and the abutment surfaces (49) formed by the plate (11), said pressure points reliably holding the carrier strip (20).

Abstract: A disaster relief coffin box made of moisture resistant corrugated cardboard that may be shipped and stored in a flattened condition and erected at the point of use to form a container having a bottom portion and a top or cover. The bottom portion and cover are each made of a single blank of material, and include interlocking panels that retain them in their erected and sealed condition without requiring the use of tape, glue, stitching or other fasteners. Gusset corner panels ensure a leak-proof structure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring a substrate between a first environment having a first pressure and a second environment having a vacuum pressure is provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a chamber body having a first port disposed in a first wall and a second port disposed in a second wall that seals the chamber from the first and second environments. A cooling plate, a first substrate holder and a second substrate holder are disposed within the chamber body. The cooling plate is disposed at the bottom of the chamber body. The first port and the second port are sequentially opened and the pressure within the load lock regulated to allow substrate to pass through the load lock. A window is disposed in the top of the chamber body that allows a metrology device to view the chamber volume.

Abstract: A cutting tool includes a holder and at lest two first cutting inserts. The holder has a number of insert pockets in order to receive those cutting inserts. The cutting inserts are mounted in the holder such that their radially outermost portions lie substantially in an imaginary circle. The circle constitutes an effective diameter of the cutting tool. The cutting tool, in addition, includes at least one second cutting insert provided for a machining operation different from that of the first cutting inserts. The second cutting insert is spaced radially inwardly from the circle.

Abstract: A swaging tool for applying an assembly force on a fluid connector includes a tool main body, a first fluid connector holding section attached to the main body, a second fluid connector holding section attached to a piston, and a sensing system to determine when the fluid connector is in the proper position for assembly. The assembly tool applies an assembly force on the fluid connector when the fluid connector is in the proper position for assembly. In a preferred embodiment, the sensing system includes a fluid passage formed in the main body leading to a fluid port where the fluid port is positioned to be covered by the fluid connector when the fluid connector is in the proper position for assembly. The swaging tool applies an assembly force on the fluid connector when the fluid port is substantially covered by the fluid connector.

Abstract: A method of retrofitting a probe station having an original head plate, so that the probe station may be easily configured to mate with a probe card dish and any tester out of a set of testers. First, the original head plate is removed from the probe station and a replacement head plate, including head plate-tooling plate attachment region alignment items, is attached to the probe station. In addition, a set of tooling plates is provided, each having fastening and alignment items adapted to easily mate to the head plate-tooling plate attachment region fastening and alignment items. Also, each tooling plate defines an aperture designed to engage a probe card dish and includes docking equipment adapted to facilitate docking to a tester out of the set of testers. Furthermore, the set of tooling plates includes, for each particular tester out of the set of testers, a tooling plate adapted to facilitate attachment to the particular tester.

Abstract: An inspection and sorting system for part repair includes at least one sensor for inspecting a part. The sensor is configured to obtain inspection data for the part. A comparison module is configured to receive the inspection data, to generate a repair profile for the part using the inspection data, and to compare the repair profile with a baseline to arrive at a repair recommendation for the part. A method includes inspecting a part with at least one sensor to obtain preliminary inspection data for the part. The method further includes generating a preliminary repair profile from the preliminary inspection data, comparing the preliminary repair profile with a baseline, and arriving at a repair recommendation for the part based on the comparison.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a fatigue life enhanced product from a plurality of workpiece parts. At least one fatigue enhancing operation is performed on a first workpiece at a first work station. At least one fatigue enhancing operation is performed on a second workpiece at a second work station. The first and second workpieces are transferred to a first assembly station, where the workpieces are joined to form a fatigue life enhanced product. Aerostructures manufactured according to the method may include components fabricated at different locations to have fatigue life enhancing properties, especially in bounding material adjacent to holes designed to accommodate fasteners. By use of the method, the final assembly step can thus avoid the necessity to include the processing of holes to enhance fatigue life, since this step has been performed prior to bringing components into position to be joined in the final shape or assembly of the airframe.

Abstract: A ring installation method and a ring installation jig which are capable of performing an installation operation with high efficiency in which an anti-slip-off ring made of an elastic metal material is uniformly expanded to be fitted on a pin's end and pushed to an engagement position to be mounted thereon. The jig has (i) an expansion guide member which has, at its front, a working face to be brought into contact with an end of a chain-coupling pin for positioning and has a ring expansion guide section on its outer periphery and to which a propulsive force is applied; (ii) an expansion claw fitted on the expansion guide member for expanding and supporting the anti-slip-off ring and moving it to the pin's end; (iii) an elastic body for applying a pressing force to the expansion claw; and (iv) a pusher for pushing the anti-slip-off ring which has been expanded by the expansion claw into an annular space defined by a link of the chain and the pin.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of a rack-and-pinion steering housing (1) that surrounds a gear rack in the form of tube, said gear rack serving to transmit steering power. The housing also comprises at least one pinion engagement section (2) by means of which a pinion unit (9) can be mounted for longitudinal movement of the gear rack. Said housing is initially produced from a tubular starting workpiece made of steel, which is processed by means of internal high pressure molding in a forging die with the aim of completely shaping the contour of the rack-and-pinion steering housing. The production method involves: pressing the steering rod guiding elements (4a, 4b) on both open end areas of the rack-and-pinion steering housing; expanding both end areas (3a, 3b) while simultaneously performing the above-mentioned pressing step.

Abstract: A rivet and method for riveting metal members, and particularly, metal sheets is disclosed. The apparatus includes a rivet assembly for driving a piercing rivet into stacked metal sheets and a die for assisting in supporting the sheets during driving of the rivet and for assisting in securing the rivets to the sheets. The rivet of the invention includes an adhesive that is forced through passages in the rivet for assisting in fastening the rivet to the sheets and for assisting in fastening the sheets to each other with greater strength.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for riveting metal members, and particularly, metal sheets is disclosed. The apparatus includes a rivet assembly for driving rivets into stacked metal sheets and a die assembly for assisting in supporting the sheets during driving of the rivets and for assisting in securing the rivets to the sheets. The rivet assembly, the die assembly or both in combination provide energy to at least a portion of the metal sheets prior to riveting. In turn, the energy elevates the temperature of the portion of the sheets such that the rivets can be more effectively driven into the sheets and such that the sheets are fastened to each other with greater ease and consistency.

Abstract: A method of positioning dies on the bed of a press is disclosed which comprises providing a support plate to overlie the surface of the bed of the press and having through apertures in alignment with anchoring holes formed in the bed of the press. Individual dies are placed in desired positions over the support plate and anchored to the bed at the same time as the support plate by inserting and tightening dogs into the aligned apertures in the support plate and anchoring holes in the bed. After the correct dies have been correctly aligned on the bed, they are secured to the support plate by means of screws. The dies remain attached to the support plate after they have been removed from the bed so that when a new run is required there is no need to repeat the alignment procedure.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for attachment to pipe handling arm, comprising a clamp for gripping a tubular and a guide for aligning said tubular with another tubular prior to connection thereof, characterized in that said clamp and said guide are movable relative to each other in a direction longitudinal of the tubular, the arrangement being such that said tubular can be brought closer to said another tubular in a direction longitudinal of the tubular.

Abstract: A method and a corresponding apparatus provide for both the automatic lacing of a toroidal coil of a stator of a dynamo-electric machine, and the knotting of the end lacing terminal of the lacing cord, by using the same needle and the same thread-guide tube. The apparatus for lacing and knotting comprises an automatic control system that, accomplished the whole lacing operation on the coil, stops the rotation movement of the stator and drives the lacing needle according to a sequence of movements in order to form a plurality of linked rings closed one on the other for obtaining a closing chain on said end lacing terminal. A particular cutting system allows not generating scrap, i.e. undesired cord portions, accelerating the production process and increasing the system reliability.

Abstract: A problem associated with current bottom spin valve designs is that it is difficult to avoid magnetic charge accumulation at the edge of the sensor area, making a coherent spin rotation during sensing difficult to achieve. This problem has been eliminated by introducing an exchange coupling layer between the free layer and the ferromagnetic layer that is used to achieve longitudinal bias for stabilization and by extending the free layer well beyond the sensor area. After all layers have been deposited, the read gap is formed by etching down as far as this layer. Since it is not critical exactly how much of the biasing layers (antiferromagnetic as well as ferromagnetic) are removed, the etching requirements are greatly relaxed. Whatever material remains in the gap is then oxidized thereby providing a capping layer as well as a good interface for specular reflection in the sensor region.

Abstract: A major problem in Lead Overlay design for GMR structures is that the magnetic read track width is wider than the physical read track width. This is due to high interfacial resistance between the leads and the GMR layer which is an unavoidable side effect of prior art methods. The present invention uses electroplating preceded by a wet etch to fabricate the leads. This approach requires only a thin protection layer over the GMR layer to ensure that interface resistance is minimal. Using wet surface cleaning avoids sputtering defects and plating is compatible with this so the cleaned surface is preserved Only a single lithography step is needed to define the track since there is no re-deposition involved.

Abstract: By using a winding type electrode plate assembly resistant to displacement by wind-up and buckling and thus integrated at the time of the completion thereof, a lithium ion secondary battery, capable of suppressing deterioration in cycle characteristic and storage characteristic caused by expansion and shrinkage of the electrode plate due to charge/discharge cycles or by generation of gas during storage at high temperatures or the like, is accomplished.

Abstract: An automatic piston installation apparatus according to the present invention includes a block positioning mechanism for positioning a cylinder block in a working area separated from a conveying line by moving the cylinder block in vertical and horizontal directions and by rotating the cylinder block around the crankshaft, a piston positioning mechanism for positioning the piston at an insertion position by moving the piston to the working area, a piston inserting mechanism for inserting the piston into a cylinder bore from above in the vertical direction, a cap positioning mechanism for positioning the connecting-rod cap by moving the connecting-rod cap to a fastened position in the working area, and a fastening mechanism for fastening the connecting-rod cap from below in the vertical direction. Thereby, the piston can be installed in various engines, such as inline-type and V-type engines, automatically, with a high degree of accuracy, and reliably, and productivity can also be improved.

Abstract: A multilayer integrated substrate includes breaking grooves arranged in a grid pattern so as to section the main surface of the substrate into a plurality of blocks, and also includes fracture-preventing conductor films arranged so as to cross the breaking grooves. The fracture-preventing conductor films contain a metal component that prevents undesirable fracturing of the multilayer integrated substrate along the breaking grooves.

Abstract: A method for attaching an electronic die to a substrate is disclosed. Preferably, the method includes fixing the die to the substrate, interconnecting the electronic die to an at least one bonding pad on the substrate to form an electrical connection, coating the interconnects and the electronic die with an electrically insulating coating, and covering the electronic die with a low temperature melting metal. Thus, the method of the present invention improves the reliability of the electronic die.

Abstract: A method and assembly for terminating premises automation equipment wiring by mounting premises automation components in readily available holders. A mount for premises automation system components is provided using a punchdown block holder. Opposing tabs of the punchdown block holder bias a printed circuit board (PCB) or a mechanical adapter plate against the holder's top surface. The PCB or mechanical adapter are sized and shaped so that the PCB or adapter snaps in between the tabs and is held against the block holder. An additional PCB may be mounted on top of the first PCB or adapter using coaxial holes and fasteners. The planimetric shape of the first PCB or adapter may vary so long as it snuggly fits in the punchdown block holder, and the second PCB may have the same planimetric shape as or vary from that of the first PCB or adapter.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for providing a redistribution metal layer in an integrated circuit. The redistribution metal layer is formed from the last metal layer in the integrated circuit during manufacture of the integrated circuit before final passivation is applied. The last metal layer provides sites for solder bump pads used in flip chip interconnection. The redistribution metal layer can be (1) a flat layer deposited over the next to last metal layer through an opening in a dielectric layer, or (2) deposited over an array of vias connected to the next to last metal layer. Space between the solder bump pads is deposited with narrower traces for connecting active circuit areas below. A final passivation layer is deposited to ensure product reliability.

Abstract: The invention is a method and apparatus for encapsulating semiconductor dies via stencil printing in which, after the dies have been stencil printed with encapsulant and prior to removal of the stencil from the dies, the edges of the encapsulating material are partially cured in order to prevent or minimize slump of the encapsulant in the time period between removal of the stencil and full curing of the encapsulant. In particular, the stencil can be provided with a plurality of light pipes that terminate at the edges of the apertures within which the dies are placed. Ultraviolet (UV) or other curing light is provided through the light pipes to the edges of the encapsulating material. Some general or localized heating can be provided to enhance or accelerate the light curing of the edges of the encapsulant, but without substantially curing the remainder of the encapsulating material.

Abstract: A base layer, which is supposed to be burnt off by baking, is formed on an unbaked member such as ceramic green sheet or laminated ceramic green sheets. This base layer improves ink acceptability of the unbaked ceramic member particularly for low viscosity ink such as jet-ink, and prevents oozing, draining, uneven thickness. This structure thus allows the inkjet to form a precise pattern. The base layer is burnt off at the baking step in the manufacturing process of electronic components, thus it does not adversely affect the reliability of the electronic component.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for connecting two shafts which may be of dissimilar materials from each other. A stub shaft of ceramic material is attached to an impeller shaft via a support hub and a steady bearing radially restrains the stub shaft.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for repairing turbine engine components, such as vanes and blades, which have airfoils. The method broadly comprises removing oxidation debris from portions of the component by blending areas exhibiting thermal barrier coating spall and/or oxidation damage, removing a ceramic insulating layer from the component, and blending surfaces of the component where nicks, dents, and/or cracks are located. If the component has a depleted aluminum zone, the depleted zone is either removed or replenished. Further, a tip portion of the component, if damaged, is restored and tip abrasives are applied to restore the component's cutting ability. Thereafter, a ceramic coating is applied to the component.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an ink jet head, characterized in having the steps of: bonding a nozzle plate and a support member by heating to make a composite member; forming nozzle holes in the nozzle plate of the composite member; and bonding the composite member having the nozzle holes formed to an actuator by heating with the use of a thermosetting adhesive, in such a manner that the support member side of the composite member comes to be in contact with the actuator.

Abstract: What is proposed is an electrically operated hair removing device, such as shaver, hair/beard clipper, epilation device or the like, having an operating system—connected to a housing—for clipping and/or plucking hair, which system has at least two operating elements which are movable relative to one another and at least one of which is driven, and having at least one illumination device for illuminating or transilluminating the operating system, at least one illumination device being integrated in at least one of the operating elements.

Abstract: A safety razor provided with an elongate handle and first and second blade supports at opposite ends of the handle, one of the blade supports being substantially smaller than the other blade support to allows shaving patterns of small contours into a beard.

Abstract: A hand-operated pruner for trimming vegetation includes a main body having a cutting member and cutting blade mounted at a forward end thereof and a finger grip lever pivotably mounted at a rearward end. A linkage structure extends through a cavity in the main body and operatively interconnects the lever with at least one of the cutting member and the blade.

Abstract: A blade clamp device for jig saws includes a drive shaft with a holder connected to a lower end of the drive shaft. A recess is defined in an outer surface of the holder for receiving a blade. A lug extends radially outward from the holder. A C-shaped clamp member is pivotally connected to the lug and a torsion spring is mounted to the pin, one end of the spring is engaged with the lug and the other end of the torsion spring is engaged with an inside of the clamp member. A pressing member extends from an inside of the clamp member so as to contact the blade in the recess.

Abstract: A guide plate assembly for a chain saw includes a middle plate that is sandwiched and fixed between two side plates so as to define a guide groove among outer peripheries of the middle plate and the side plates. A saw chain can run within the guide groove. The middle plate has a plurality of first holes formed therethrough. Each of the side plates has a plurality of second holes formed therethrough that are aligned and communicated with the first holes in the middle plate.

Abstract: A saw blade clamping arrangement for a power tool includes a clamp support, a biasing member and an actuation member. The clamp support is interconnected with the drive shaft for reciprocating motion with the drive shaft relative to a housing of the power tool. The clamp support is configured to selectively receive a saw blade of the power tool in various orientations. A release lever is carried by the housing and is manually rotated to move a control member between a first position in which the saw blade is coupled to the drive shaft and a second position in which the saw blade may be displaced from the drive shaft. In at least one of the orientations, the saw blade is positioned offset from the drive shaft and proximate one of the side walls of the tool housing to allow for flush cutting of a work piece.

Abstract: A razor assembly is provided that includes a handle having a cavity, a razor cartridge attached to a razor cartridge holder, and a shaving aid body. The razor cartridge holder is slidably received within the cavity of the handle. The shaving aid body is attached to the handle, and includes a contact surface and an aperture disposed in the contact surface that is sized to receive the razor cartridge. In some embodiments, one or more biasing members act between the handle and the razor cartridge holder.

Abstract: First slits constituting a first slit array are formed in a circumferential side portion of a cylindrical code plate so as to be arranged in the circumferential direction of the code plate. Second slits constituting a second slit array are also formed in the circumferential side portion. The first slit array and the second slit array are arranged along the rotation axis of the code plate. First and second detecting units are provided for the first slit array and a third detecting unit is provided for the second slit array. In the first and second detecting units, a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element are disposed so that part of the circumferential side portion is interposed in between. The positions of the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element are set identical when measured along the circumference of the code plate, and a dimension &bgr; of the light-emitting element that is located inside the code plate is set smaller than a dimension &ggr; of the light-receiving element.

Abstract: An improved structure of a leveling instrument comprised of a frame, a central fixation axis, a pendant and a lid; a leveling meter provided at the center on the outer surface of the frame; the central fixation axis penetrating through a hole in the center of the leveling meter to secure the pendant; a ball being disposed at the lower end of the pendant and a lateral bar above the ball being inserted into the pendant at a right angle to define a cross; a corresponding cross mark provided on the outer surface of the lid; the frame sealed with the lid; and the leveling of the object measured is told by the meter for the inclination then adjusted for the pendant to point to zero degree while the cross defined by the lateral bar and the pendant perfect match the cross mark provided on the lid.

Abstract: A portable coordinate measurement machine comprises an articulated arm having jointed arm segments. The arm includes joint assemblies which include at least two read heads in communication with a periodic pattern of a measurable characteristic, the pattern and read heads being positioned within the joint so as to be rotatable with respect to each other.