Abstract: A coordinate measuring machine has a single vertical column mounted to a horizontal table for moving in the x-direction, and a carriage mounted on the column for vertical movement in the z-direction. The column is moved with a motor that drives a rack and pinion. The carriage supports a y-rail that moves in the y-direction. A first damper is positioned over the z-rail in the -y direction so that the column is intermediate the damper and the probe. A second damper is positioned at an end of the y-rail near the probe. The dampers reduce both large amplitude transients, as well as steady-state vibrations that are caused by the motor cogging and gearing between the motor and the rack and pinion.

Abstract: A device 22 for measuring the curvature of an object, such as a tapered shaft 24, includes a support plate 26 and a clamping mechanism 32 for supporting the shaft at one end 34 thereof a holding mechanism 60 retains an opposite end 78 of shaft 24 in a position such that the shaft is in a curved state. The curved state of shaft 24 can be attained by physically moving holding mechanism 60 or by placing a weight 80 on the mechanism. A first transducer 82 includes a slide 88 which is movable along a guide bar 86. A second transducer 98 includes slide 102 which is movable along a guide bar 100. Guide bar 100 is connected to slide 88 for movement therewith. A locator mechanism 114 is mounted on slide 102 for movement therewith and includes a pair of spaced pulleys 144 and 146 biasingly urged against opposite sides of shaft 24 and toward the axis thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a machine frame, and particularly but not exclusively, to a machine frame for so-called coordinate measuring machines of the kind which include at least one first portal that includes two parallel, vertical first and second legs (7, 8) which are rotationally and flexurally rigid in relation to a base member (10). The legs support a horizontal beam (11) on which there is movably supported a rod, bar or the like for supporting a measuring head, tool or corresponding device. The horizontal beam (11) is connected to the first leg (8) by a pivot joint (13) which permits the beam (11) to rotate in the vertical plane of the legs (7, 8), and is connected to the second leg (7) by a connection (14) which permits the beam (11) to rotate in this vertical plane and also to move in the direction of its longitudinal axis in relation to the second leg. The invention also relates to a method of determining the geometry of the portal occasioned by deformation of such machine frames.

Abstract: A positioning staging apparatus comprises a base provided on a floor, a stage provided on the base and movable to the base, an output unit for outputting stage positioning information for moving the stage to a predetermined target position, a stage drive unit provided on the base for driving the stage and outputting the drive information, a stage control unit for controlling the stage drive unit to accelerate and decelerate the stage in accordance with the stage positioning information to stop the stage at the target position, a stage displacement detection unit for detecting the displacement of the stage driven by the stage drive unit to output the stage displacement information, and an anti-vibration unit provided between the floor and the base for applying to the base a force to suppress the vibration of the base generated by the movement of the stage. The anti-vibration unit generates the suppression force in accordance with one of the stage displacement information and the stage positioning information.

Abstract: A positioning stage wherein encoder pair means on a table which is movable on a frame by a drive and transmission system generate a signal independent of lost motion in that system so that a microprocessor can fix the position of the table in a predetermined position with respect to the frame irrespective of that lost motion.

Abstract: A gauging device for a metal working machine comprising two parallel hollow sections separated by a predetermined distance and having disposed therewith in use ball screw drives for each section having a pulley engaged with an endless belt, the endless belt (preferably a nylon covered steel core belt for example as manufactured by Breco-flex of Germany) driven by a separate servo motor having a second pulley engaged therewith, preferably the belt being engaged with an idler pulley on each side of the servo motor, whereby the one servo motor drives both ball screw drives each disposed with one of the two hollow sections. The center to center spacing of the ball drives is not as critical as with conventional known methods of linking drives, i.e. shaft and right angle gear box and drive shaft arrangements.

Abstract: The object of the of the present invention is to provide a two dimentional drive system having a small and simple structure. The two dimensional drive system comprises: a first lever whose one end is fixed to a first shaft; a second lever whose one end is fixed to a second shaft; a third lever whose one end is fixed to a third shaft; a fourth lever whose one end is fixed to a fourth shaft; a first moving guide whose one end is rotatably connected to the other end of the first lever and whose the other end is rotatably connected to the other end of the second lever; a second moving guide whose one end is rotatably connected to the other end of the third lever and whose the other end is rotatably connected to the other end of the fourth lever; and a moving body being capable of moving on the first moving guide and the second moving guide.

Abstract: A measuring system for measuring dimensions of an article such as a bottle has two opposed measuring heads each having a measuring probe, a contact identifying trigger operated by the probe, a base upon which the article to be measured stands, and first and second stepper motor assemblies. The stepper motor assemblies move the measuring heads horizontally and vertically. The base is angularly movable about an axis normal to the plane of the base so as to rotate an article standing on the base so that the different parts of the article are brought into a measuring plane defined as the plane in which the measuring heads move. The measuring probes then measure that part of the article lying in the measuring plane.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the coordinates of a vehicle seat hip pivot axis, or H-point, including a vehicle seat assembly (10) supported on a support structure (30). The support structure (30) having x and z coordinate grid lines and an alignment pick-up bar (82) for aligning the seat (10) along predetermined x and z coordinate grid lines. A seat occupant simulating manikin (32) is positioned on the seat (10) for defining the vehicle seat hip pivot axis. Measuring device (92) for aligning and measuring the hip pivot axis, or H-point, includes a guide (120) fixedly supported at predetermined x,z coordinates on the support structure (30) for guiding a housing member (94) along an x-axis. A telescoping member (96) slidably extends from the housing member (94) along a y-axis and a measuring pointer (108) extends from the telescoping member (96) along a z-axis to align with and measure the hip pivot axis, or H-point, on the manikin.

Abstract: A stop-motion mechanism utilizes rotational means for rotating a shaft having a thread with an alternating series of helical portions and arc portions. A follower is mounted for motion having a longitudinal component, and is adapted to engage the thread formed on the rotatable shaft. When the shaft is rotated, the follower thus moves in an intermittent fashion which is characterized by alternating periods of motion having a longitudinal component and pauses in motion.

Abstract: A device for displaying CAD drawings with a plotter, substantially consisting of a mounting for a plotter pen, such mounting being movably guided in accordance with a program in two coordinated directions relative to a drawing carrier. The drawing carrier is arranged in a frame and is embodied in the form of a board or foil with a surface, or layer to which the ink of the plotter pen adheres only temporarily and is removable again by means of an erasing device.

Abstract: An X-Y table apparatus comprises a base (12), an X-directional moving member (14) movable in the X direction with respect to the base, a mounting member (18) movable in the Y-direction with respect to the X-directional moving member and being capable of loading articles and displacement detecting member (20) for detecting displacements of the mounting member with respect to the base. The displacement detecting member includes a main scale (24) cooperatively provided on the center of the rear face of the mounting member and having a first matrix-shaped land lattice, and an index scale (26) provided in parallel with the base so as to be movable in directions in a two-dimensional area with respect to the main scale and having a first orthogonally cross lattice (80) and a second orthogonally cross lattice (82), such that the displacement detecting member has a simple structure and effects accurate X-directional displacement and Y-directional displacement detection.

Abstract: A gantry-style apparatus for positioning a working member with respect to plurality of "X" and "Y" coordinate positions is described which includes a pair of parallel spaced apart "X" support members defining a plurality of "X" coordinate positions and a "Y" support member defining a plurality of "Y" coordinate positions. The "Y" support member extends transversely across the "X" support members and has a first end, a second end and a mid-point between the first end and a second end. A center-pull "X" drive system is provided for moving the "Y" support member axially along the "X" support members. A working member mounting is movably secured to the "Y" support member. A "Y" drive system is provided for moving the working member mounting axially along the "Y" support member.

Abstract: A vector brush can be attached to the front face of a movable carriage of a device for cutting foil material. The vector brush includes an air brush, which can be adjusted in height, thereby adjusting the size of its atomizing cone. The motion of the air brush is controlled by the motion of the carriage in one direction and the motion of the foil strip moved underneath it in the perpendicular direction. After a pattern has been sprayed on the foil material with the vector brush, it can immediately be cut out with a cutting tool mounted on the same carriage.

Abstract: A measuring machine includes a base, a portal movable on the base along a first horizontal axis and having a cross-member extending along a second horizontal axis perpendicular to the first, a carriage carried by the cross-member and movable along the second axis on a guide formed on the cross-member, and a measuring head carried by the carriage and movable relative thereto along a third, vertical axis; the guide defines a main slide plane inclined at 45.degree.

Abstract: An assembly for supporting and guiding a movable member of a machine along an axis "X" relative to a support member of the machine. The assembly includes first and second slide surfaces on the support member lying in planes which intersect with each other and extend parallel to the "X" axis, a pair of pneumatic bearing pads are fixed to the movable member and are slidable on respective slide surfaces. A third slide surface is formed on the support member and extends parallel to the "X" axis in a plane inclined to the planes including the first and second slide surfaces. A third bearing pad is fixed to the movable member and is slidable on the third surface in an arrangement to balance the loads exerted by the first and second bearing pads.

Abstract: In order to reduce an impact noise which is made when a pen lifting rail (5) is swung up into contact with a pen support arm (4) in a writing apparatus wherein the arm is swung up and down by swinging the rail up and down, in the present invention, immediately before the pen lifting rail (5) being swung up by de-energizing a solenoid, which is energized to swing down the rail, comes into contact with the bottom of the pen support arm (4), the solenoid is instantaneously energized to slow down the upward swinging of the rail to reduce the impact noise.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for positioning a semiconductor wafer incorporates an X.Y axis drive mechanism for moving a mounting bed with a rotary part mounted on the mounting bed for supporting a wafer horizontally and rotating around the vertical axis. An edge portion distance measuring device optically measures a distance from the center position of the rotary part to the edge portion of the wafer along intervals of a definite angle. A distance and angle calculating device calculates a distance between the center position of the wafer and the rotational center of the rotary part relative to a reference line, and an angle of a line connecting the center position of the wafer and the rotational center of the rotary part with respect to the reference line. A notched portion calculating device calculates a deflection angle of the notched portion of the wafer with respect to the reference line, and a deflection amount calculating device calculates the X.

Abstract: An X-Y table assembly including a first, second and third tables all fabricated from a sheet metal by bending is provided. Each of the first, second and third tables includes a bent section formed with a guide groove, and two associated guide grooves of any adjacent two of the tables are located opposite to each other to define a guide groove in which a plurality of rolling members are provided. Thus, a linear relative motion can be provided between the first and second tables in X direction, and another linear relative motion can be provided between the second and third tables in Y direction.

Abstract: In the two dimensional drive system of the present invention, each end of a first X-shaft is connected to each first Y-guide, and the first X-shaft is capable of moving along the first Y-guides. Each end of a second X-shaft is connected to each second Y-guide, and the second X-shaft is capable of moving along the second Y-guides. Each end of a Y-shaft is connected to each X-guide, and the Y-shaft is capable of moving along the X-guides. A first moving body always locates at a cross point of the first X-shaft and the Y-shaft, and is capable of moving thereon. A second moving body always locates at a cross point of the second X-shaft and the Y-shaft, and is capable of moving thereon. An X-drive mechanism moves the Y-shaft along the X-guides. A first Y-drive mechanism moves the first X-shaft along the first Y-guides. A second Y-drive mechanism moves the second X-shaft along the second Y-guides.

Abstract: A device for providing micro positioning having an operating range in the submicron order in the X and Y directions, respectively. Positioning is achieved by depositing a pair of aluminum electrodes on a piezoelectric element bonded on a silicon wafer, vertically moving the piezoelectric element, arranging a plurality of micro actuators whose contact pin ends, formed on the aluminum electrodes, rotate on a surface as an array, and displacing in the horizontal direction a moving member arranged on the micro actuator array.

Abstract: A coordinate measuring machine wherein an X carriage and a Y carriage are rendered light in weight, and the center of gravity of the Y carriage including the X carriage and a Z carriage is disposed close to a driving source, to thereby smoothen the movements of the X carriage and the Y carriage. Driving roller portions and a pair of distributing rollers are provided on the X carriage. A first and second rollers are provided at one end portion and the other end portion of an X-axis guide, so that the wire distributed by the distributing rollers can be guided around the first and second rollers. Then, a third roller is rotatably provided at one end portion of the X-axis guide, so that the wire guided around the second roller can be guided therearound.

Abstract: A computer-operated coordinate-measurement machine has two length-measurement systems arranged in parallel for measuring the longitudinal displacement of a probe carried by the portal (3-5) of the machine, and these two length-measurement systems (13, 14) may belong to different precision classes. A computer-associated device (16) forms an absolute position-measurement value (Ym) from length-measurement signals of the more precise measurement system (13) and said device forms a dynamic measurement or instantaneous deviation value (Ys-Ym) from the difference between length-measurement signals of the respective systems (13, 14). The computer of the machine calculates the effective instantaneous position (Ym+.DELTA.y) of the probe (9a, b, c) borne by the portal (3-5), using the instantaneous value of the transverse position of the probe on the portal, in conjunction with the absolute measurement value (Ym) and the dynamic measurement value (Ys-Ym).

Abstract: Disclosure concerns a portable drawing toy comprising an openable rectangular box having manual rotatable knobs in the two lower opposite corners, which knobs move by strings and pulleys a horizontal and a vertical bar orthogonally with respect to each other. At the intersection of these bars is a socket for one of a plurality of different colored marking pens. A cover for the box comprises a framed window with flanges for holding a translucent paper on the underside of the window so that when the cover is closed the marker pen contacts the paper and rotation of the knobs causes the pen to draw lines on the paper, which lines can be viewed through the window. The translucent paper can be changed for retaining the drawing made thereon, and a magazine for different colored pens is provided in the base of the box.

Abstract: A magnetic-electronic linear measurement gage for measuring workpiece miter lengths for picture and window frames and the like includes a gage bed on which a workpiece may be removably mounted, a stop body slidably mounted on the gage bed having a stop which may butt against a workpiece mitered end, and length and width scales and scanning units associated with the gage and the stop body generating output signals in response to the scanning of the scales. The output signals are received and converted by a CPU to generate a linear measure output signal which may be inputted to a digital LED display for visually displaying the linear measure corresponding to the workpiece length so measured.

Abstract: The present invention provides a drive apparatus that is compact in size, low in cost, allows the attaining of a high degree of accuracy as well as high-speed driving, suppresses the production of noise, and demonstrates favorable ease of assembly when incorporating within machine tools and so on. The present invention is able to obtain the effects of reduction of costs, high accuracy and high-speed driving as a result providing a torque generation device on a slider guided by a track rail, attaching a drive roller to the output shaft of the torque generation device, and said drive roller rolling along the track rail. In addition, the above-mentioned effect of improved ease of assembly is obtained by attaching the torque generation device facing horizontally on the side of the slider.

Abstract: A micropositioner has a platform supported on balls positioned by inclined planes machined on plungers. The plungers are adjustable in horizontal bores in a frame which has a vertical portion with adjusting screws for horizontal positioning of the platform and rotation about a vertical axis. The micropositioner provides four degrees of freedom with four adjustable screws in one embodiment, five degrees of freedom in an alternative embodiment, and six degrees of freedom in yet another embodiment.

Abstract: A plotting system for a sheet, includes a stretching device for stretching a sheet, a plotting device, positioned at one side of the sheet for forming images on the sheet stretched by the stretching device, and a travelling hold device for holding the plotting device such that the plotting device travels back and forth in a first direction along the sheet stretched by the stretching device. The travelling hold device travels back and forth in a second direction along the sheet. A travelling pressure receiving device is positioned on another surface of the sheet, and the traveling pressure receiving device travels back and forth in the second direction at the same time as the travelling hold device travels in the second direction.

Abstract: A simple three-dimensional measuring machine 1 having a simple structure which enables the assembly thereof by the end users, and a packing case 100 for facilitating a transport of the machine 1. A pair of columns used when necessity arises and the X axis member 5 are assembled and disassembled and the X slider 6 and the Y slider 7 are also assembled and disassembled through a first means 20 for adjusting the angles therebetween. The Y axis member 8 and the Z slider 9 which has a Z axis member 11 are connected through a second means 30 for adjusting the angles therebetween. The packing case 100 for transfer has a first packing case to house the column 3 and the height adjustment pedestal 2, a second packing case to house the X axis member 5 and the X slider 6, a third packing case to house the Y axis member 8 with the Y slider 7 and the Z slider 9 with the Z axis member 11 connected through the second means 30 for adjusting the angle and a Y-Z axis cover 17, and an exterior packing case.

Abstract: A machine stand and a method of constructing it particularly a machine stand for so-called coordinate measuring machines. The machine includes one or more vertical legs, one or more horizontal beams, and a rod or bar which is mounted on a horizontal beam and intended to carry a measuring head tool or the like. At least one vertical leg is supported by a base element. The vertical leg supports at least one beam, and the rod can be moved to any selected point within the space volume defined by the stand by moving the leg, the beam and the rod relative to the base element. At least one vertical leg is mounted relative to the base element so as to be flexurally rigid and non-rotatable about its longitudinal axis; the beam or beams are not non-rotatably and flexurally rigidly connected, so that a yielding structure is obtained. Deformation of the first vertical leg is measured by measuring means, so as to be able to determine deformation of the structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tridimensional multifunction plotter, comprising a support of a tool which can move with a high precision following a predetermined tridimensional surface.The mobile part of the machine comprises a multifunction head to which several devices like laser distance measuring devices, digital and analogic probes for the surveying and digitizing of a bidimensional and/or tridimensional surface, or tools of various kinds for making a tridimensional model starting from a surface defined through a CAD system.A hardware-software subsystem is provided, parallel connected with the CPU of the machine, to obtain an integrated system which allows a direct connection of the machine with a CAD system so allowing the operator to input the various working parameters directly to the plotter, without the need of an external processing the data file generated by the CAM system, to convert it into a file compatible with the numeric controls of the machine.

Abstract: A positioning device, includes a first positioning portion for moving an article in a direction substantially perpendicular to a predetermined plane and/or in a direction inclined with respect to the predetermined plane; a second positioning portion for moving the article in a direction substantially parallel to the predetermined plane, wherein the first positioning portion is mounted on the second positioning portion; a base member on which the second positioning portion is mounted; and a position detecting system for controlling movement of the article through the first positioning portion, the position detecting system being operable to measure displacement with respect to the surface of the base member.

Abstract: A graduated, highly tensioned metallic codestrip is used in a large-format automatic image-related device such as a D-size or larger plotter, yielding positional precision even better than those of prior small-format devices. Preferably perforations in the strip are the graduations, used in determining position of a carriage that holds image transducers (e. g., pens). The strip passes through a slot (open along one edge, closed at the other) in a perforation sensor. The image transducers are very close to the slotted sensor and the strip, to minimize the effect of disturbances arising between the strip and transducers. Two unperforated portions of the strip--one relatively broad, and another relatively narrow border portion--provide very good structural stability for the tensioned strip. Stability under tension is enhanced by wrapping the strip partway around a stanchion at each end.

Abstract: This is a low-cost cursor for a digitizing tablet which provides the user with the feel of a mouse. There is a case bottom piece for sliding on the surface of the digitizing tablet and a pair of microswitches. A printed circuit board fits in the case bottom piece with the pair of switches mounted behind one another thereon. A transparent front-piece is disposed over the printed circuit board with slots therethrough through which the switches are disposed. The front-piece has a front portion extending outward from a front end and parallel to the bottom surface and has an annular armature formed thereon with a concentric pair of cross-hairs and a sensing coil of wire wound around the armature. A connecting cable of wires is connected to the sensing coil of wire and the switches. There is also a case top piece attached over the case bottom piece to form a hollow case which is tapered from back to front to give the case the feel of a mouse.

Abstract: A moving base is provided relative to a stage base fixed to a microscope's body and is movable in a linear direction with a specimen placed thereon. A drive wheel coaxial with an operation handle is mounted on the stage base such that it is rotatable. A rail is mounted relative to a mount face of a moving base with an elastic member therebetween such that it is fixed at both ends. The rail is placed in pressure contact with a V groove of the drive wheel by an elastic force of the elastic member. Even if there occur warping of the rail and eccentric state of the drive wheel, the elastic member is correspondingly deformed elastically so that the state of contact of the rail with the drive wheel is uniformly controlled by an elastic force of the drive wheel.

Abstract: A coordinate measuring machine is described including a vertical probe shaft mounted on an X-axis carriage in turn mounted on a Y-axis carriage for movement along three orthogonal axes, in which the Y-axis carriage is guided and supported on a first guide beam fixed extending along one side of a machine base with air bearings mounted to the lower end of one upright engaging all four sides of the first guide beam. The Y-axis carriage is also supported on a second guide beam fixed extending along the other side of the base, with air bearings mounted to the lower end of the other upright engaging only the top and bottom surfaces. A lower crossmember beam connects the lower ends of the upright to increase stiffness of the Y-axis carriage. A cast aluminum table is supported on the base with three cast in support features projecting from the underside, configured to minimize thermal distortion, with a steel plate bonded into a recess in the upper surface.

Abstract: A levelling apparatus utilizes a control system for obtaining the average plane of an object placed on a mounting member from the coordinates of at least three points in a specified area of the object including points which are not on the same straight line and for instructing supporting system for supporting the mounting member to control the average plane so as to have the desired attitude. In this way, three-dimensional attitude control of the object is enabled.

Abstract: A hand held printer and guiding means which maintains the printer in a fixed angular orientation with respect to an article to be printed, such as an envelope, and which constrains the printer to move linearly in a series of parallel line segments whereby an address can be printed on the envelope. Also disclosed is a printer and printer control system which utilizes a two dimensional position encoder using a ball which rolls on the surface to be printed to control the printing of data stored in a RAM memory in the printer.

Abstract: A working apparatus includes a pair of supports which are provided on a base, and a pair of parallelly disposed linear servo-motors each of which is settled on each of the supports. Sliders of the linear servo-motors support the ends of a beam so that the beam extends perpendicular to the servo-motors and is moved according to the simultaneous movements of the sliders. Another linear servo-motor is provided on the beam, and the slider of this motor bears a working head. The working head is moved along the beam in accordance with the slider movement.

Abstract: A gage assembly has a frame including a base fastened to a fixture on a table to which workpieces are to be brought for gaging. Digital electronic gages are secured to the frame and have gage-operating plungers extending in the X-axis and Y-axis directions. The plunger axes are coplanar and intersect in the center of a hole in the frame base through which a pneumatically-operated conical ended probe extends. The gage plungers are resiliently biased against a probe ring that is coaxial with the probe cone and is mounted on articulated pivot arms so that the gages are operated in response to random horizontal movement of the probe ring as the probe point enters and centers in a hole whose location in a workpiece is being checked to about a second axis parallel to the first axis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an angular initialization method for orientating a direction of a cutting edge portion in a cutting plotter which cuts out a cutting medium into a desired shape sheet, in which a cutter member is continuously shifted to cut out the cutting medium along two line segments from a first line segment to a second line segment which intersect with each other at a predetermined angle, and it is possible, when the cutter member is shifting on the second line segment, to change the direction of the cutting edge portion and to securely locate the direction of the cutting edge portion to coincide with the second line segment shortly before a cutting operation is commenced, even if the cutter member is not turned to a desired cutting direction while the cutter member has been shifting on the first line segment.

Abstract: A flexible, modular gage system is presented for statistical process control to compare the delta dimensional difference between a master part with known dimensional values to one or more manufactured production parts. A main feature of the invention is the gage that holds measurement devices, such as a transducer probe. The components of the modular auto gage allow position of analog, digital or mechanical measurement devices in virtually any position, being limited only by the part-holding device or interference with other measurement devices. Measurement devices once positioned can remain stationary or attached to a precision pneumatic slide. The pneumatic slide retracts the measurement device to allow easy loading and unloading of the part to be gaged.

Abstract: A coordinate measuring instrument, wherein a measuring element support member (1) having a measuring element (2) is movably supported on a mount plate (3), this measuring element (2) is abutted against the surface and the like of a work to be measured, which is mounted on the mount plate (3), and relative movement values between this measuring element (2) and the work are detected to measure a configuration and the like of the work. In this measuring instrument, vertical surfaces (3A, 3B, 50A and 50B) are formed on the mount plate (3) and air bearings (47, 52 and 53) opposed to these vertical surfaces are provided on legs (8 and 9) of the measuring element support member (1), so that the measuring element support member (1) can be regulated in its position in a direction of X-axis.

Abstract: A coordinate measuring machine having a gate-type slider device, which includes a pair of columns in a parallel state to each other and a beam crossing from one column to another one, the gate-type slider being movable with reference to a table, so that the coordinate measuring machine is capable of the measurement of dimensions and configuration of an object to be measured by using a measuring element which is attached to the slider device; the coordinate measuring machine having at least one driving device for moving the slider device by relating to the column, the driving device being above the table and below the center of gravity of the slider device, so that the inertia of the slider is minimized and the fine measurement is performed.

Abstract: A sheet-driven type automatic drafting machine has a drive roller or rollers and a rotary drive mechanism connected to the drive roller or rollers, a Y-axis rail extending in the Y-axis direction above the drive roller or rollers, a line-drafting head movably mounted on the rail for movement along the rail and a head driver connected to the head for driving the head along the rail, a shaft positioned above the roller or rollers and parallel to said rail, a first press roller arm pivotally mounted on the shaft for pivoting around the shaft at a predetermined position thereon, a second press roller arm pivotally mounted on the shaft for pivoting around the shaft and for movement along the shaft, the press roller arms each having a press roller at one end thereof engagable with the drive roller or a corresponding drive roller when the press roller arms are pivoted toward the drive roller or rollers for pressing a drafting sheet therebetween and enabling the drafting sheet to be driven in an X-axis direction by t

Abstract: A mechanical assembly for alternately producing displacement of a carriage with respect to a carriage track and rotation of a gear mounted on the carriage, in response to torque provided from a single drive motor including: a latching assembly, having a latched state and an unlatched state, operably associated with the carriage for preventing relative movement between the carriage and the track during the latched state; and a locking assembly, having a locked state and an unlocked state, operatively associated with the gear for preventing relative rotation of the gear during the locked state.

Abstract: A measuring machine for measuring an article is disclosed. The machine includes a frame which mounts a movable carriage. A vertically movable measuring assembly is mounted on the carriage. The measuring assembly includes a pair of spaced measuring arms. A drive cylinder moves the measuring arms to engage the article. A linear scale is mounted adjacent the measuring arms.

Abstract: A coordinate measuring machine (10) having a three point support for a work supporting table (24) mounted over a base (12) constructed of a thermally dissimilar material. A first fixed support, (26A) and a laterally compliant second support (26B) are located at the front of the machine. The second front support (26B) is comprised of a pair of webs (28) oriented to be compliant in the lateral direction to allow relative thermal growth between the table (24) and base (12) while being rigid in the longitudinal direction to prevent rotation of the table (24) about the fixed front support (26A). Stacked crossed roller bearings (38A, 38B) provide a frictionless third point of support at the rear of the table (24).

Abstract: Two toroidal magnets (221, 22) are coupled to each other by a ferrous spherical spacer (23). The spacer (23) partially engages openings (24, 25) provided in the two magnet surfaces facing each other. The facing magnet surfaces have the same polarity, repelling each other. The configuration creates a stable equilibrium by conduction of the magnetic flux through the spacer and the repulsive forces at the periphery of the magnets. This structure forms a resilient pivot joint which when capped by a spherical handle (30) attached to the upper magnet (21) becomes a multiple-axis pointng device or a tactile sensor (20).

Abstract: An X,Y, plotter for drawing drawings of great length has a plotting area over which paper is moved in one direction parallel to the length of the paper and drawing to be produced. A pen is moved in X and Y coordinate directions relative to the plotting area, by X and Y carriages, to draw on the portion of the paper currently at the plotting area. The elongated one of the two carriages extends parallel to the length of the paper and is supported by .[.at its opposite ends.]. by .[.two.]. .Iadd.at least one .Iaddend.stationary guide .[.rails.]. .Iadd.rail .Iaddend.extending across the width of the paper .Iadd.such that the range of movement of the pen in the X coordinate direction is .Iaddend..[.and spaced by.]. less than the width of the paper to allow the carriages to be made of small size and light weight. Associated means for providing precise tracking and advancement of the paper are also described.