Inspection Patents (Class 33/1BB)
  • Patent number: 5913585
    Abstract: A measurement device such as a sheet dimension gauge and a method of constructing a gauge which does not require recalibration. The preferred embodiment includes a frame having a transparent top wall with overlaid measurement lines thereon, a measurement guide, a light source, a heater, a thermostat, and a fan. The frame and the transparent top wall are constructed of a material whose dimensions are not susceptible to changes in humidity, but are susceptible to changes in temperature. Therefore, a temperature control system is used during manufacture and operation of the gauge to ensure that the sheet dimension gauge is properly calibrated. A fan, a thermostat, and a heater are mounted within the frame to maintain a uniform temperature inside of the frame slightly above the highest anticipated ambient temperature created by the lights. A one piece measurement guide, which is used to hold the sheet of paper being measured, is rigidly attached to either the frame or the transparent wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Assignee: Intectron, Inc.
    Inventor: Jon Pelland
  • Patent number: 5859783
    Abstract: In a method for measuring the flatness of a floor with an inclinometer, the relative elevation of the floor is determined at the beginning and end of a survey line, and then a plurality of inclinometer measurements in one direction along the survey line are performed. The difference in relative elevation at the beginning of the survey line and the end of the survey line is then used so as to correct for accumulated offset errors in the inclinometer measurements. The use of such elevation differences to correct the accumulated offset errors in the inclinometer measurements eliminates the need to perform inclinometer measurements in a reverse direction, and thereby reduces time required for the performance of such measurements. The accuracy of the device is improved by reducing the distance between measurements and by averaging a plurality of consecutive measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: Ytterberg Scientific Inc.
    Inventors: Robert F. Ytterberg, Krag Wheeler
  • Patent number: 5768791
    Abstract: A ruler assembly comprises a transparent overlay, an L-shaped flange having transverse and parallel legs, and fasteners for attaching the overlay to the flange. The overlay is attached to the parallel leg of the flange such that the edge of the overlay along its length is adjacent to the transverse leg of the flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: The Fastalign Ruler Company
    Inventor: Jay Clark V
  • Patent number: 5625958
    Abstract: An axial flow, turbofan gas turbine engine, generally, has a fan section, a compressor section, a combustor section, and a turbine section. An axially extending flow path for working medium gases extends through these sections. The compressor section includes an upstream low pressure compressor and a downstream high pressure compressor. The high pressure compressor is formed by a stator assembly and a rotor assembly. The rotor assembly has a plurality of airfoils or blades which extend radially outward from a rotor disk. During operation, the fan section draws in the working medium gases, as well as, sand. The sand abrades the blades and causes the blades to erode. In an effort to determine the service life remaining in a blade after erosion damage has been done, the present invention relates to a method and a gauge for measuring the service life remaining in a blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan M. DeCoursey, Roland E. Morrissette, Fritz K. Smakula
  • Patent number: 5564169
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for simulating an appearance of a moire fabric on a textile fabric having a number of filling yarns per inch utilizing a substantially transparent sheet having a number of lines per inch which substantially corresponds to said number of filling yarns per inch in the textile fabric to be viewed. The lines are aligned substantially parallel to the filling yarns of the textile fabric thereby simulating the appearance of a moire fabric. When the textile fabric has a lateral shifting of the filling yarns, then the lines on the substantially transparent sheet are straight and if the filling yarns of the textile fabric are not yet shifted, then the lines on the substantially transparent sheet are curved in accordance with the proposed filling yarn shift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: Milliken Research Corporation
    Inventor: Howard C. Willauer, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5564195
    Abstract: A chair measurement device includes a base configured to stably engage a chair seat in a manner simulating a person sitting on the chair, and further includes an upright member pivotally mounted on the base for simulating the person leaning against the chair back. The upright member includes an upper section having an arcuately shaped rear surface, and an elastic member is extended between the upper section and the base for engaging the chair back to facilitate positioning the device on a chair. The upright member is lockable on the base to facilitate initial positioning of the measurement device on the chair, but is releasable and movable against the chair back to facilitate taking measurements. The base and the upright member include planar surfaces for supporting measurement taking tools, and further include slots for locating the tools in square and predetermined positions on the measurement device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: The Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Association
    Inventors: Douglas D. Kokot, Mary Beth Van De Riet, Paul F. Allie, Steven F. Trinkel, James M. Williams, Randy J. Ruster, James K. G. Suzuki
  • Patent number: 5564655
    Abstract: Apparatus, method and an arrangement for rigging an aircraft wing flap are provided. The apparatus (27) is for measuring horizontal and vertical positioning of a trailing edge (21) of a wing flap (14, 15) relative to a flap track beam (6) upon which the flap (14, 15) is mount for deployment movement. The flap track beam (6) is affixed to a wing main torsion box (1) behind which the flap (14, 15) is deployable. The apparatus (27) engages the trailing edge (21) of the flap (14, 15) to allow accurate horizontal and vertical positional measurement of the trailing edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: British Aerospace Public Limited Company
    Inventors: Philip H. Garland, Michael J. Conner, Peter R. Gill
  • Patent number: 5392527
    Abstract: Measuring device for quickly and accurately determining the thickness of an annulus between two cylindrical members, such as the catalyst retaining screens of a radial flow reactor, at any point along its length or circumference, comprises a wheeled cart having two sets of angularly mounted wheels which straddle the inner screen and a pair of spring loaded plungers with ball shaped contacts which contact the outer screen. As the device is lowered into an annulus with a cable, a pair of ultrasonic transducers positioned inside the cart direct opposed beams radially of the annulus to permit the radial distance between the screens to be measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1995
    Assignee: Wheelabrator Engineered Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph R. Ziskovsky, Leslie A. Hassler
  • Patent number: 5163232
    Abstract: The planarity of semiconductor device pins is measured simultaneously by multiple pneumatic comparator circuits by detecting pressure changes proportional to pin position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1992
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: David Gonzales, Jr., Anthony M. Chiu
  • Patent number: 5088207
    Abstract: An electronic saddle micrometer to measure the differential diameter and the profile of cylindrical rolls used in flat rolled product mills, which permits continuous and accurate measurement and recording of profile data over the entire length of the roll without repositioning the measuring arm assembly, by means of a dual set of measuring arm assemblies, one at each end of the saddle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1992
    Inventors: Harry E. Betsill, Bruce E. Bresnick
  • Patent number: 5065518
    Abstract: A measuring device for allowing a user to rapidly determine that an article such as a tortilla is properly sized and shaped. The measuring device consists of a transparent disc that is supported by a handle. The transparent disc includes a minimum size line and a maximum size line such that the user may place the transparent disc over the tortilla and then rapidly verify whether or not the edge of the tortilla falls between the minimum and maximum lines. The device may further include an optimum size line. The central portion of the disc is preferably transparent so that the user can inspect the surface of the tortilla. However, the central portion of the disc may also be opaque so that the user may focus his attention on whether or not the edge of the tortilla lies between the minimum and maximum lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1991
    Inventor: Michael L. Herrera
  • Patent number: 5060388
    Abstract: A measuring strip for evaluating the quality of photographic half tone images which contains on a transparent base a test field (F) divided into at least two sub-fields, wherein (1) a first sub-field (F.sub.1) contains a plurality of individual areas each containing a group of opaque dots, wherein each individual area has dots of substantially equal size uniformly distributed in a transparent background area, and wherein (2) a second sub-field (F.sub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1991
    Assignee: Agfa-Gevaert N.V.
    Inventor: Pierre H. Nys
  • Patent number: 5060389
    Abstract: A semiconductor device inspection template for use in visual inspection of semiconductor die or packages includes a selectively patterned transparent film mounted in a sleeve adapted for rapid placement and removal from an optical inspection instrument's optical tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1991
    Inventor: Thomas J. Frederick
  • Patent number: 5038489
    Abstract: A hand held instrument for determining the degree of angular deviation of a line between selected points on a subject from a gravity-dependent reference, including a transparent base through which the selected points may be viewed and a gravity-dependent indicator mounted on the base for free rotation under the influence of gravity. The base includes indicia complementary with the gravity-dependent indicator to provide an indication of the degree of deviation between the gravity-dependent indicator and the line between selected points on the subject when the instrument is held in a substantially upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1991
    Assignee: Novel Products, Inc.
    Inventor: James A. Muehlenbein
  • Patent number: 4936016
    Abstract: A template for use in evaluating the dispersive condition of a lubricating oil is provided. A method employing the template and an absorbent material onto which a sample of oil is placed, and measuring undispersed components of the oil on the absorbent material, is described. A kit which comprises the template and the absorbent material for use in the method of this invention is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 26, 1990
    Assignee: The Lubrizol Corporation
    Inventor: George Simpson
  • Patent number: 4896428
    Abstract: A gage for use by collectors of picture cards of sports celebrities adapted to gage the uniformity of margins on such cards without damage to the edges or the corners thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1990
    Assignee: Mint Finder Inc.
    Inventor: John R. Peterson
  • Patent number: 4793070
    Abstract: A measuring plate (10) supports successive rows of perforation fingers (24i-k) on its upper side, the spacing and diameter of which respectively correspond to the perforations of a postage stamp. By laying .the postage stamp on a row of perforation fingers (22i), the conformity of the postage stamp perforations and measuring perforations can be checked in a tactile manner. The measuring plate (10) is connected by way of a hinge (30 to 34) to a trough-like lid member (12), which can be used for checking water-marks. The measuring plate (10) and lid member (12) together form a flat carrying case for postage stamps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1988
    Inventor: Horst Hohner
  • Patent number: 4774768
    Abstract: A coplanarity tester for surface mounted devices is disclosed. The coplanarity tester provides an electromechanical means and method for assuring the coplanarity of surface mounted devices to be within any given specification. The tester measures the coplanarity of a surface mounted device where the plane is defined by the three longest leads of that device. The present invention provides an indication of whether a surface mounted device has coplanarity within a predetermined thickness. The present invention can be utilized with any surface mounted device such as a gull-wing or j-bend type device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1988
    Assignee: AllTeq Industries
    Inventor: Lawrence J. Chiponis
  • Patent number: 4771549
    Abstract: Deviations in flatness on a horizontal surface are measured by running over the surface, at a constant driven speed, an instrument sensitive to slope and which generates a continuous voltage signal corresponding to a continuous slope measurement. The continuous voltage signal is filtered to remove extraneous high frequency voltage signals thereby to produce raw continuous analog slope data which is digitized and calibrated to provide calibrated digital slope data from which other flatness data is computed. Procedures are described for calibrating the instrument and for eliminating or compensating for distortions in the measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1988
    Assignee: The Austin Company
    Inventors: Donald R. Shelangoskie, Arthur A. Huckelbridge, Jr., Dario A. Gasparini, James T. Wright, Barry A. Rogers, Stephen Marine
  • Patent number: 4748748
    Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus and methods for measuring height variations on a floor surface to test for floor flatness sufficient for automated high level warehousing applications. An inclinometer mounted on a trolley set to follow a reference line produces signals indicative of the floor profile. A computer samples the sensor output at selected intervals and calculates floor height at the data points relative to a reference level. The floor profile data may be stored for subsequent use or it may be printed to form a plot or graph of the floor profile along the reference line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1988
    Assignee: Kalman Floor Company
    Inventor: Thomas Kirven
  • Patent number: 4697346
    Abstract: The invention features a device for gauging the category to which a length of yarn belongs. The device comprises a flat sheet having a plurality of elongated transparent regions. Each region corresponds in width and contour to a length of yarn from a specific category of yarn, when the length is pulled to lie in a straight line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1987
    Inventor: Tessa E. Warburg
  • Patent number: 4689892
    Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus and methods for measuring height variations on a floor surface to test for floor flatness sufficient for automated high level warehousing applications. An inclinometer mounted on a trolley set to follow a reference line produces signals indicative of the floor profile. A computer samples the sensor output at selected intervals and calculates floor height at the data points relative to a reference level. The floor profile data may be stored for subsequent use or it may be printed to form a plot or graph of the floor profile along the reference line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1987
    Assignee: Kalman Floor Company
    Inventor: Thomas Kirven
  • Patent number: 4663850
    Abstract: A moire simulator comprises a moire detecting pattern constituted by grating patterns having equal grating constants and equal grating shapes, and an angle scale. The moire detecting pattern and the angle scale are positioned on at least one transparent plate. The moire simulator is superposed on an original and rotated thereon to read a rotation angle with respect to the original, at which the extent of generation of a moire pattern is the lowest, by using the angle scale. A setting angle of a screen during screening at which the extent of generation of a moire pattern is the lowest is then calculated before a screening process is started.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1984
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1987
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yujiro Kaneko, Eiji Tadano
  • Patent number: 4607433
    Abstract: A transparent plastic mark locator for determining compliance of indicia with postal specifications. The locator is a rectangular transparent plate with three perpendicular locating edges. Indicia on the plate define areas for location of postal specification information and codes including three alternative Facing Identification Mark patterns for use in a defined "FIM" print area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1986
    Assignee: American Envelope Company
    Inventor: David M. Meeker
  • Patent number: 4559712
    Abstract: A portable measuring device includes a template for measuring the width of an associated cutter tip. A plurality of spaced width indicator marks of different sizes are provided on the template member. A magnifying member is provided for magnifying at least one of the plurality of width marks. A housing member is provided for slidably supporting the magnifying member on the template member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1985
    Inventor: William T. Kubetin
  • Patent number: 4464841
    Abstract: A dimension board for gauging the dimensions of cutsize paper with holes includes a generally planar measurement surface, first and second guides attached to the measurement surface and having respective first and second abutment surfaces intersecting the measurement surface along respective, perpendicular, first and second lines of intersection. A plurality of sets of gauge lines may be disposed along the first line of intersection beyond the first guide, along the second line of intersection beyond the second guide, and at the intersection of a pair of lines extending parallel to the first and second lines of intersection but separated therefrom by the desired dimensions of the sheet of paper, whereby when the sheet of paper is placed in abutment with the first and second abutment surfaces, the dimensions of the sheet of paper can be checked against the sets of gauge lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1982
    Date of Patent: August 14, 1984
    Assignee: Champion International Corporation
    Inventors: Johnny A. McCay, Arthur H. Owens, Fred N. Jackson
  • Patent number: 4422241
    Abstract: A mark locator has a transparent plate with edge surfaces depending from the lower surface of the plate. Indicia is provided on the plate at predetermined locations relative to the edge surfaces. When the mark locator is placed upon the surface of an article having indicia, the mark locator visually indicates whether the indicia on the article is in compliance with the appropriate specifications therefor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1982
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1983
    Assignee: Champion International Corporation
    Inventor: David M. Meeker
  • Patent number: 4389782
    Abstract: A decubitus ulcer, more commonly referred to by a layman as a bedsore, is brought on by continued pressure of a body area where the overlying skin in the area is poorly padded. The most vulnerable areas are the elbows, tailbone, hips, knees, ankles, heels and shoulder blades. The only evaluation of the existence of such an ulcer is solely by record keeping of "eyeball" evaluation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1982
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1983
    Assignee: Nomode Incorporated
    Inventor: David F. Webster
  • Patent number: 4387511
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for identifying automotive brake spiders is disclosed. These spiders are of the type having two anchor pin holes which extend between a first and second side of a boss on the spider. An axle spindle hole, capable of receiving the automotive axle therethrough is centrally provided in the spider. A single actuator rod hole is provided and extends from a first to a second side of the spider and is located at the end of the spider opposite the end containing the anchor pin holes. The anchor boss is offset from the first and second sides of the spider. The spider has an axis running through the centers of the actuating rod hole and the spindle hole which perpendicularly bisects a line between the centers of the anchor pin hoels. The apparatus itself has cylindrical posts which engage the actuator hole and the anchor pin holes to support and position the brake spider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1981
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1983
    Assignee: Rockwell International Corporation
    Inventor: Jon H. Wong
  • Patent number: 4353988
    Abstract: This invention relates to an improved grid for use in counting the bacterial colonies present in defined areas of a spirally-deposited liquid sample containing steadily decreasing concentrations of a chemical to be tested, such grid being characterized by a transparent overlay upon which is imprinted a spiral defined by outlining the side margins of its convolutions while leaving the area therebetween blank, the spiral including at least two complete revolutions with common margins therebetween positioned to overlie the deposition spiral, the convolutions of the grid spiral being of constant width and not less than approximately three combined deposition spiral convolutions, the rate of divergence of the grid spiral convolutions being greater than those of the deposition spiral such that the former intersect the latter at least twice each revolution, and with at least a portion of the grid spiral being segmented to divide same into a plurality of discrete areas positioned to overlay areas of the deposition pa
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1980
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1982
    Inventors: Nancy L. Couse, Jeannette W. King
  • Patent number: 4325570
    Abstract: An identification system for individuals which provides a three point identification check at point-of-transaction to assure accuracy is disclosed. The system utilizes an individual fingerprint and an identifier which can be correlated to the fingerprint and to a listing of valid identifiers. In carrying out the system, an identification card is used which has the individual's fingerprint, a grid superimposed over the fingerprint, and an identifier printed thereon. The identifier is made-up of a series of individual designations or symbols, with each individual designation representing a selected fingerprint characteristic in respective squares of the grid. A data bank for individuals in the system contains a listing of valid identifiers for correlation and validation purposes. The identifier may be made up of alpha, numeric, or alpha numeric designations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1980
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1982
    Inventor: Carlos I. Estrada
  • Patent number: 4259784
    Abstract: The four sides of a rectangular piece of screening are secured into an open frame to form a grid. Opposite lengthwise sides of the frame are grooved on the edges to make a track along which a separate piece can slide. This piece consists of a long, rectangular, magnifier lens, of a length equal to the width of the grid screen, bonded at each end into a framework the total length of which extends over the two sides of the grid frame hooking into the two side grooves of the grid frame. Height of the lens framework is dependent upon distance necessary for maximum magnification of lens. The grid frame is placed over a picture or design to be copied and, as the lens is slid along the grid frame vertically, a graph of the design is magnified for reproduction square by square into any material compartmentalized to receive the graphic presentation. The invention is particulary adapted for needlepoint rendering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1977
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1981
    Inventor: Ruth B. MacPherson
  • Patent number: 4131998
    Abstract: A device for measuring growth of tumors includes concentric rings on a carrier, the radial spacing of the rings from one another progressively increasing in a radially outward direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1977
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1979
    Inventor: Colin P. Spears
  • Patent number: 4103428
    Abstract: A pipe joint alignment tool comprising a segment of a clear plastic cylinder which, when placed on the surfaces of opposing pipe joint flanges, allows the measurement of twist, parallelism, face to face dimension, and lateral displacement between the pipes at the joint by visual inspection of the position of the pipe flanges relative to lines scribed on the surface of the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1977
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1978
    Inventor: Lawrence L. Guzick
  • Patent number: 4021200
    Abstract: A viewer, with electronic digital read out display, and calibrated to measure either a radial immunodiffusion or an electrophoresis rocket type protrusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1975
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1977
    Inventor: Walter Farris
  • Patent number: 3959884
    Abstract: A method for identifying fingerprints is disclosed; the method produces a descriptor code which is uniquely related to a given fingerprint impression. A fingerprint pattern is transformed into an informational model which represents the relative location of all data points with respect to selected groups of other data points. The method comprises the steps of transforming the fingerprint impression into a representation of a three-dimensional surface wherein the Z-axis coordinate has a value dependent upon the frequency of occurrence of ridge lines at a specific set of X-axis and Y-axis coordinates when the origin is taken at multiple positions over a prescribed part of the fingerprint impression, determining the values of local spatial derivatives, such as the surface curvature of a plurality of different areas of the three-dimensional surface, and concatenating the values in a predetermined order to construct a descriptor code for the fingerprint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1975
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1976
    Assignee: First Ann Arbor Corporation
    Inventors: Gene M. Jordan, Robert G. Eisenhardt, Dean Z. Douthat