Abstract: A measuring and/or tracing device is of the kind having a vertical column, a transverse sliding unit secured to the column and movable in a vertical direction, a cross arm held by said unit and movable horizontally, a holder on the end of the said cross arm for a measuring and/or tracing tool, and a counterweight being disposed inside the column so that it can move freely and being attached to the transverse sliding unit by a cable passing over a guide roller at the upper end of the column.

Abstract: A self contained drawing instrument which is independent of external controls is provided in the form of a movable base with wheels for moving over a sheet, and carrying a scribing instrument, a drive motor for the wheels, a drive motor for the scribing instrument, a power source for the drive motors, a microprocessor and a programmable electronic calculator providing directions to the microprocessor connected together through an interface.

Abstract: A machine for measuring the dimensions of a workpiece, comprising a base te for receiving the workpiece and a mechanical structure carrying a feeler for movement along three orthogonal axes at right angles by means providing for direct measuring of the amounts of movement of the feeler along the axes. Optical deviation measurement means determine the errors due to deformation of the components, lost motion as well as pitch, yaw and/or roll of the movable components. The corrections to be applied to the data delivered by the measuring means are computed and may be made automatically for the display to be free of errors.

Abstract: An interactive projection display system having a light pen device for use thereon is described. The projection display system has an image of a light valve on a projection screen which is formed by visible light of specified wavelengths. The projection screen also has a translatable crosswire image thereon which is formed by radiation which includes the visible light used to form the light valve image and an additional spectral component. The light pen device is sensitive to this additional spectral component. In a preferred embodiment, the image of the light valve and the crosswires are formed with white light (0.3 to 0.7 microns). The additional spectral component used for the crosswire image and the light pen sensing is a band of near-IR radiation (0.7 to 1 micron).

Abstract: A test probe positioning machine includes first and second stepper motors connected to spaced first and second vertical pivot pins extending from a support. A flat slide surface is disposed on the support adjacent and perpendicular to the vertical pivot pins. First and second elongated threaded shafts driven by the stepper motors engage first and second threaded nut blocks. The nut blocks are pivotally connected together by a vertical pivot pin and are supported upon a low friction foot element which slides along the slide surface. An insulating probe support is connected to one of the nut blocks and can be raised or lowered by a solenoid in response to a control signal received from a control system. The control system converts triangular coordinates to pulse signals which control the stepper motors to position the probe support.

Abstract: A universal parallel ruler is disclosed. It is an arm-type ruler and includes a first base attached to a drawing board, a first arm attached to the first base, a second base attached to the opposite end of the first arm, a second arm attached on one end to the second base, and a third base attached to the opposite end of the second arm. The third base includes a lead having an x-scale and y-scale attached thereto. The scales define an (x,y) coordinate system. When the x and y scales are horizontal and vertical, respectively, a point (X,Y) may be selected on a set of (x,y) coordinate axes defined by the scales. If the scales are tilted by .theta. degrees, the position of the point (X,Y) may be determined along a new set of coordinate axes defined by the tilt angle .theta. of the scales and may be identified by a new coordinate point (x,y) relative to the new coordinate axes as follows:X=L.sub.1 cos .theta..sub.1 +L.sub.2 cos .theta..sub.2Y=L.sub.1 sin .theta..sub.1 +L.sub.2 sin .theta..sub.2x=X cos .theta.

Abstract: An X-Y movement mechanism, having right-handed and left-handed lead screws arranged in parallel with each other and drive sources for individually rotating the lead screws. Gears placed over nuts engage the lead screws, the gears having teeth coaxially with said nuts. A base plate, either flat or cylindrical has a stage slidable thereon. A rack is fixedly provided on the stage to engage the gears. The gears operate as a gear transmission mechanism permitting the rack to move in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the axes of the lead screws and in the direction of the axes of the lead screws.

Abstract: A measuring machine (100) having a movable horizontal arm (130) and a vertical column (120) for mounting a probe (140) with respect to a table (110), the arm and column each including means for measuring relative displacement of the arm. The measuring means for the arm or column includes a scale (200, 400) and a vernier (300, 500) (one fixed and one movable with the arm or column), wherein the scales for the horizontal arm and the vertical column are substantially identical and interchangeable and include reference numerals (220, 420) which are positioned at an incline (or acute angle) of approximately 45 degrees with respect to the length of the scales and the arm movement. Lead lines (230, 430) having a similarly angled or inclined portion extend from adjacent each reference numeral toward a measurement division indicator (measurement indicia) (210, 410).

Abstract: A restitution instrument for measuring and evaluating picture plates. The instrument includes a mounting stage for mounting the plate. The stage has two edges forming a 90.degree. angle. A carriage means attached to the stage, is used for guiding the stage free of rotation in directions parallel to the edges, i.e., X and Y directions. A drive means is attached to the stage for driving the stage in the X and Y directions along the carriage means. The drive means includes a drive unit slidably mounted to each of the edges and a drive member driven by a drive motor. The member is mounted at 90.degree. to the edge. The member drives the stage in a line of motion perpendicular to the edge. The lines of motion of each of the members intersects at a fixed point whose projection on to the stage falls upon an image point under observation. The drive means includes a measuring means for determining the distance the stage is driven in each of the X and Y directions.

Abstract: A configured contour measuring apparatus comprising: a table movably provided on a bed; a driving mechanism for moving said table; first detecting mechanisms for detecting a value of movement of said table relative to the bed as a digital signal; a mount base provided on said table and made movable in a direction perpendicular to movement of said table; a detecting head secured to a column erected on said bed; a sliding shaft slidably provided on said detecting head and having a stylus at the lower end thereof in opposed relationship with said mount base; a balancer weight connected through a hanging line to said sliding shaft and made slightly lighter in weight than said sliding shaft; pulleys for supporting the intermediate portion of said hanging line; and second detecting mechanisms for detecting a value of movement of said sliding shaft as a digital signal.

Abstract: A device for supporting and guiding a master sheet in relation to an item of artwork comprises a carrier in the form of a rectangular frame having means for locating a master sheet on the frame, an intermediate guide which cooperates with the carrier to restrain the carrier to reciprocate in its own plane relatively to the intermediate guide solely in a first direction, which is parallel to two sides of the carrier, and means for supporting the intermediate guide upon a drawing board while restraining the intermediate guide to reciprocate parallel to the plane of the carrier relatively to the drawing board solely in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

Abstract: An inscribing system that is electronically automated for transcribing onto miniature carriers character information which will positively identify the human, animal or valuable article in which the carrier is embedded. The automated inscribing system includes a microprocessor with memory and a plurality of peripheral interface adapters for interfacing between the microprocessor and other elements of the system. In the operation of the system, the character or characters to be inscribed on the carrier are selected from a keyboard which calls into operation the microprocessor program, and which thereby converts the designated character electrical signal received from the keyboard into a coded pulse train which operates stepping motors in an inscribing assembly for the inscription of the selected character or characters on the carrier chip surface. Also, display means are provided for the visual disclosure of the character or characters inscribed on the carrier chip.

Abstract: A tooling gage for gaging the accuracy of critical surfaces on a tool. The gage is universal in the sense that it may be used to check a wide variety of tools. The gage comprises a work holder and one or more adjustable gaging devices. Means are provided for securing each gaging device in adjusted position with respect to the tool.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electronic integral drafting instrument which measures its own linear displacement and displays any desired multiple or submultiple of the actual displacement. The instrument includes a straightedged plate which houses: a displacement sensor with a driving wheel which projects beneath the plate, an electronic up-down counter and calculator type circuit, a scale factor keyboard, an electronic digital display, and a sensor which detects and annunciates if the displacement sensor driving wheel does not make proper contact with the drawing media. One embodiment of the invention is easily attached to conventional drafting machines as a replacement for regular straightedges and scales. A second embodiment of the invention may be used without a drafting machine. The leading straightedge of the instrument can be lifted or lowered into contact with the drawing media. An extension straightedge may be attached to the leading edge of the instrument.

Abstract: A digital scaler for measuring and displaying a distance on a drawing surface comprising a first triangle with a verticle straight edge and a second triangle with a horizontal straight edge slightably engaged with the first triangle along the vertical straight edge. A drive in the form of a drive wheel and pulleys are connected between the first and second triangles and can be activated to displace the second triangle with its horizontal straight edge along the vertical straight edge of the first triangle. A horizontal displacement measuring device is connected to the first triangle and engageable with the drawing surface to measure the linear displacement of the first triangle when it is drawn horizontally across the drawing surface. A vertical displacement measuring device is connected to the drive wheel and measures the displacement of the second triangle along the vertical straight edge of the first triangle when the drive wheel is rotated.

Abstract: A universal digital converter for drafting machines operable to sense and instantly display numerically on one of the machine scales incremental linear or angular movements thereof. A sensor mounted on the scale has a wheel in rolling contact with the drafting surface and generates signals proportional to the net distance moved in a selected direction and these signals are processed electronically to represent the distance travelled in any desired preselected scale ratio. The sensor is quickly positionable to measure movements of either the horizontal or vertical scales, as well as angular movements of the protractor ring of a standard drafting machine.

Abstract: A coordinate measuring machine for measuring parts using cylindrical coordinates. The machine includes a base, an articulated arm mounted to the base at its proximate end for movement within a plane, and a vertically movable probe assembly mounted near the distal end of the articulated arm. A horizontal measuring rod extends between the distal end of the arm and the base to provide a measurement of the location of the probe with respect to the base, in terms of a radius and an angular displacement. The probe assembly includes means for measuring perpendicular displacement of the probe from the plane of the articulated arm.

Abstract: A digital drafting machine for measuring and displaying a distance on a drafting surface comprising a first triangle with a vertical straight edge and a second triangle with a horizontal straight edge slidably engaged with the first triangle along the vertical straight edge. A drive in the form of a drive wheel and pulleys with a cable rapped therearound disposed in the first triangle with the cable connected to the second triangle, the drive wheel being rotatable to displace the second triangle with its horizontal straight edge along the vertical straight edge of the first triangle. An optical horizontal displacement measuring device is connected to the first triangle and includes a light sensor for sensing the passing of the drawing surface to measure the linear displacement of the first triangle when it is drawn horizontally across the drawing surface.

Abstract: A photogrammetric plotter having a photocarriage which is supported on a trolley carried by a first set of way bars which in turn are supported from the trolley element on a second set of way bars mounted on a base for viewing by binocular optical system of a pair of stereo photos on a pair of photo carriers on the photocarriage. A constraint free drive apparatus is provided for driving the photocarriage along each of the set of way bars each of constraint free drive apparatus including a drive rod supported, in a preferred embodiment on the trolley supporting the photocarriage, and at only one end of the drive rod is displaceable in a direction transverse of the longitudinal axis of the drive rod but not displaceable axially of the drive rod. A drive assembly constituted by V drive wheel and a servo motor driving the drive wheel engage the drive rod, and a clutch means constituted by a spring-solenoid controlled cam member permit the rapid engagement and disengagement of the drive rod with the drive wheel.

Abstract: A machine for production shops to make templates, the machine including a flat base having stops against which a template blank can be rested two tracks going north to south, or vice-versa, along which a first gauge carriage travels ONLY north to south, or vice-versa, and which carries also two tracks moving east to west, in which a second gauge carriage travels; the second gauge carriage also carrying a precision telescopic punch aimed against the template blank.

Abstract: A tool setting gage has a base plate with a socket for receiving the tool to be set. A horizontally movable carriage is mounted on the base plate for movement toward and away from the tool socket normal to the axis of the tool. A vertically movable carriage is mounted on the horizontal carriage for up and down movement parallel to the axis of the tool. A feeler is mounted on the second carriage for contacting the cutting point of the tool responsive to the horizontal and vertical movements of the carriages. A transducer ascertains the position of the feeler and operates a digital readout for indicating the axial and radial dimensions of the cutting point.

Abstract: A remotely controlled tri-level roller platform assembly including a base portion, an intermediate portion and a top support portion. The intermediate portion is reciprocally operable in a first linear plane, atop and independently of the base member, by means of a first reversible electric motor, with the top support portion disposed thereatop for movement therewith. The top support portion is reciprocally operable in a second linear plane, independent of the intermediate portion, at right angles to the first plane, by means of a second reversible electric motor. Remote control electric switches are provided for the first and second motors whereby the motors may be selectively operated for universal planar positioning of any desired point within a predetermined area of the top surface of the top support portion relative to the lens of a single camera in a visual aid system, including a TV monitor.

Abstract: A laser therapy apparatus comprising a radiating source, a control system of said radiating source, which system is connected to said source, a mechanical beam shifting scanner connected to said radiating source, a unit for processing and storing information on a program of exposing biological objects to irradiation, to whose output there is connected a unit control for reading out information from said information processing and storage unit, as well as an electromechanical unit whose outputs are connected to the mechanical beam shifting scanner, said electromechanical unit having a drive by means of which directional irradiation, i.e. the beam, is focused on an object exposed to irradiation and oriented in three spatial coordinates, one output of the control and information readout unit being connected to the input of the electromechanical unit, whereas its second output is connected to the input of the radiating source control system.

Abstract: A coordinate measuring machine having an automatic failsafe protection system. The coordinate measuring machine (10) includes a vertically mounted probe shaft (42) which is preferably counterbalanced by an air counterbalance system (100). The automatic failsafe protection system (200) insures that, in response to a loss of air pressure (or in response to other possibly unsafe conditions), the vertically-mounted, air-counterbalanced probe shaft (42) will be prevented from falling down uncontrollably. The failsafe protection system (200) includes a pair of members (230, 240), with each member mounted adjacent to and on opposite sides of the probe shaft (42) and urged toward engagement with probe shaft by a spring (250). Air under pressure from an air cylinder (210) also acts upon the members (230, 240) to bias the members outwardly away from engagement with the shaft when normal (i.e. safe) operating conditions exist.

Abstract: A rotary table is driven by a pair of perpendicularly disposed linear slides which are each driven by a ballscrew drive. One of the linear slides is mounted on the movable member of the other linear slide and is coupled to the rotary table by a crank stud. The linear slides are driven at speeds which vary in accordance with the sine and cosine of the table angle to translate the linear slide motion into rotary motion.

Abstract: A coordinate measuring machine (10) having a vertically mounted probe (32), the weight of which is offset by an air counterbalance system (100). The air counterbalance system is adapted to use a source of air under pressure acting upon a piston (127) coupled to the vertically mounted probe (42). A torque converter (130) is mounted between the probe (42) and the piston (127) allowing the piston (127) to have a shorter travel than the allowable vertical travel of the probe (42). The air counterbalance system (100) preferably has components selected and arranged to minimize friction and weight to avoid distorting the precision of measurements on the coordinate measurement machine.

Abstract: A cross-linear bearing unit comprising of: a bearing body having on its one surface a raceway which forms a load track and a return track and is adapted to fit a race bar therein, the bearing body further having a rail hole which forms a load track and a return track and is adapted to fit a rail therein, the rail hole piercing through the bearing body in the direction orthogonal with the raceway; balls inserted in the load track and return track; a retainer disposed in the raceway of the bearing body and serving to hold, out of the balls inserted in the groove of the raceway, the loaded balls in the manner that the balls are rolled while being kept in contact with both the load track surface of the bearing body and the load track surface of the race bar, the retainer also serving to hold the nonloaded balls in the manner that the balls are rolled freely in the return track of the bearing body; and another retainer disposed in the rail hole of the bearing body and serving to hold, out of balls inserted in the

Abstract: A system for sensing the positon in space of the outer end of an articulated fluid loading arm while it is connected to a marine tanker or other transport vessel, and for sounding an alarm if the arm's operating envelope is exceeded. The sensing system includes means for determining various angles representative of the orientation of the booms or limbs of the arm, and a microprocessor for using these angles to compute the spatial position of the arm's outboard end. The boundaries between the safe and unsafe areas of operation of the arm are stored in a digital memory and compared with the actual position of the arm. The boundaries which define the safe areas can be any desired shape, and the shape can be readily changed by storing a new set of boundary values in the digital memory. If desired, the location of the boundaries can be made to depend upon the velocity of the arm as it is being maneuvered.

Abstract: A multipurpose drafting and measuring instrument having an upright marking device mounted on a base or main frame readily maneuverable over sheet material. Mounted on the instrument main frame are one or more signal generators each having a roller in frictional driving contact with the sheet material and with their axes normal to one another and to a respective peripheral edge of the instrument base. The signal generators are connected to respective digital display panels each having a manually settable scale changer. Any of a variety of marking devices can be substituted for one another. The instrument includes various readily attached accessories for utilizing the instrument as an Y, X digitizer, a protractor, a planimeter, and both as a linear and a circular scale graduator.

Abstract: A line scanning apparatus employing a multiplicity of linear arrays, the linear extent of which is less than the length of the scan line. To permit an entire line to be covered, the arrays are offset from one another in the direction of scan with adjoining array ends overlapped. To correct for the misalignment and redundancy introduced, the image data from the arrays is buffered until a line is completed when readout, is initiated. During readout, cross over from one array to the next is effected within the overlapped areas and the redundant data discarded.

Abstract: A line scanning apparatus employing a multiplicity of linear arrays, the linear extent of which is less than the length of the scan line. To permit an entire line to be covered, the arrays are offset from one another in the direction of scan with adjoining array ends overlapped. To correct for the misalignment and redundancy introduced, the image data from the arrays is buffered until a line is completed when readout is initiated. During readout, cross over from one array to the next is effected within the overlapped areas and the redundant data discarded.

Abstract: A plotting apparatus is disclosed for use in an automatic plotting system including a first pivoted arm carried by a first pivoted support and a second pivoted arm adapted for carrying an instrument head mounted on a second pivoted support carried adjacent a free-end of said first arm. A power operated drive pivots the first and second arms through angles in response to the input of a pair of angular coordinate signals providing a high degree of resolution between points in the plotting operation.

Abstract: The invention contemplates an improved drive and measurement-scale configuration for a measuring machine of the type in which the measuring head and its work-contacting probe are carried in the arch of a gantry which is slidable along base ways (in the x-direction) on opposite sides of a workpiece on which one or more surface points are to be measured for their x, y, and z coordinates. The configuration of x-drive action and x-scale measurement is of inherent precision, with attendant minimizing of displacement error in the measurement of all three positional coordinates of a given point on the workpiece.

Abstract: A form-cutting machine is disclosed for cutting a form in a flat surface of a sheet of material such as glass in response to a numerical control signal, the shape of the form being determined by the numerical control signal. The form-cutting machine comprises a frame, sheet-support means for supporting the sheet of material to be cut, an X-direction carriage-positioning assembly, a Y-direction carriage-positioning assembly, and a tool carriage having a cutting tool mounted on it so that the cutting tool can be positioned in a plane in which the cut is to be made. Each carriage-positioning assembly includes a carriage support member which extends generally perpendicular to a direction of motion, two guide members fixed to the frame which are spaced apart from one another and extend generally parallel to the direction of motion, and two sliders connected to ends of the carriage support member and slideably mounted on the two guide members.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aligning the streets of a semiconductor wafer for sawing or scribing with a single motion control switch. One end of a street is first aligned with a reticle in the Y-direction with this motion control switch. The wafer is then moved in the X-direction while the operator with the same control switch, controls the rotation of the wafer so as to align the street with the reticle. Automatic Y-direction alignment is provided during this rotation by determining the Y-direction misalignment which occurs from the rotation, and by automatically moving the wafer saw blade assembly in the Y-direction to provide the necessary compensation.

Abstract: A joystick mechanism for transducing vector motion of an end of a joystick into its X and Y components including: an X-potentiometer having a body and a shaft, a bracket for mounting the body of the X-potentiometer to a surface, a Y-potentiometer having a body and a shaft, a rod connecting the shaft of the X-potentiometer to the body of the Y-potentiometer so that the shafts of the X and Y-potentiometers lie at right angles to each other, and a joystick having one end attached to the shaft of the Y-potentiometer and which is oriented such that its effective axis lies at a right angle relative thereto.

Abstract: The present invention relates to coordinate measuring machines which are used for determining the location of a point in the X, Y and Z axes in order to permit inspection, checking, or performing other operations on work pieces. The measuring machine includes a probe for engaging the work piece and providing position information of points on the work piece. The probe is mounted on a cantilever arm that is supported on two parallel dual granite ways or rails through air film bearings. The probe is counterbalanced in a unique manner with an air cylinder and is also mounted on air bearings on its cantilevered support arm, and the probe may be rotated 360.degree. for maximum flexibility and ease of operation.

Abstract: A low cost cam controlled mechanical positioning apparatus for automatically tracing out a predetermined path of movement for the working head of a machine tool or the like is described. The apparatus comprises a set of two large diameter disc type control-drive cams secured in parallel planes on a common drive shaft rotatably supported on a base member and driven by an electric motor through suitable gearing. Respective cam followers engage cam surfaces formed on the undersides of the large diameter control-drive disc cams and are connected to respective linkages for translating movement of the cam follower to a working head to thereby move the working head in a predetermined path of movement in an x-y plane. A working head supporting boom is secured to a transport mechanism which is movably supported on wheel and track elements and mounted for movement along respective x and y axes by the respective linkages driven by the cam followers.

Abstract: A measuring and/or tracing device is of the kind having a vertical column, a transverse sliding unit secured to the column and movable in a vertical direction, a cross arm held by said unit and movable horizontally, a holder on the end of the said cross arm for a measuring and/or tracing tool, and a counterweight to balance the transverse sliding unit, said counterweight being disposed inside the column so that it can move freely and being attached to the transverse sliding unit by a cable passing over a guide roller at the upper end of the column.

Abstract: A line scanning apparatus employing a multiplicity of linear arrays, the linear extent of which is less than the length of the scan line. To permit an entire line to be covered, the arrays are offset from one another in the direction of scan with adjoining array ends overlapped. To correct for the misalignment and redundancy introduced, the image data from the arrays is buffered until a line is completed when readout, is initiated. During readout, cross over from one array to the next is effected within the overlapped areas and the redundant data discarded.

Abstract: A line scanning apparatus employing a multiplicity of linear arrays, the linear extent of which is less than the length of the scan line. To permit an entire line to be covered, the arrays are offset from one another in the direction of scan with adjoining array ends overlapped. To correct for the misalignment and redundancy introduced, the image data from the arrays is buffered until a line is completed when readout, is initiated. During readout, cross over from one array to the next is effected within the overlapped areas and the redundant data discarded.

Abstract: A workpiece positioning assembly for a machine tool has first and second traverses mounted perpendicular to one another. The second traverse is unsupported at its ends and mounted intermediate its ends upon the first traverse for horizontal movement in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the second traverse. The second traverse has a carriage movable therealong for supporting a workpiece and effecting movement in a direction parallel to the axis of the second traverse. The workpiece positioning assembly is preferably applied to a punch press.

Abstract: A motor driven plotter has a plotting head which is translated in two coordinate directions over the work surface of a plotting table. The plotting head is mounted on a first carriage which moves in one coordinate direction and a second carriage is mounted on the first for movement in the second coordinate direction. The limits of both carriages in each coordinate direction are directed by means of a pull cord suspended in a rectangular pattern from the first carriage. A cord portion or segment is intersected and extended by a contact at each limit of travel in the coordinate directions. A switch connected to the cord produces a limit signal when the cord is extended.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring a workpiece which includes a support structure for carrying a longitudinally displaceable guide carriage, which guide carriage in turn carries a measuring feeler. To accommodate precise measurement of relatively large objects, without the requirement of an excessively large and heavy single support structure for the longitudinally displaceable guide carriage, the support structure is formed of a plurality of identical support elements. Each of the support elements are provided at the respective opposite end plates with mounting pins and recesses interengagable in a force form-fitting manner so as to align and connect the support elements in a precise location relative to one another. The end plates of the support elements are provided with grooved bracket structure to accommodate passage of the carriage past the junction of two support elements.

Abstract: A line scanning apparatus employing a multiplicity of linear arrays, the linear extent of which is less than the length of the scan line. To permit an entire line to be covered, the arrays are offset from one another in the direction of scan with adjoining array ends overlapped. To correct for the misalignment and redundancy introduced, the image data from the arrays is buffered until a line is completed when readout, is initiated. During readout, cross over from one array to the next is effected within the overlapped areas and the redundant data discarded.

Abstract: The invention discloses a device for positioning an object particularly for an accurate adjustment of semiconductor substrate discs relative to a structured mask. The object disposed on an object mount is independently displaced in x- and y-direction, and rotated in a plane defined by the x, y directions. The displacement and rotation operations and in particularly the respective paths involved do not influence each other.This is accomplished by three displacement members which directly act upon said object mount in such a manner that one displacement member is arranged in the x-coordinate direction, the point of action being in the intersection of the x, y-coordinate system.The two other displacement members act in parallel to the y-coordinate direction, their points of action lying on the x-coordinate.The inventional device can be employed with advantage when an object located in a plane has to be aligned relative to a reference object.

Abstract: An apparatus for three dimensional measurement may be fabricated by combining three pairs of beam members along three mutually orthogonal directions. Each beam member has a rack formed on the inside surface which mates with a pinion gear. The rack of one beam member engages a driving means which displaces a movable member which is disposed on the pair of beam members. The rack of the other beam member engages a measurement device which records the amount of displacement. Thus, an apparatus for measurement of three dimensions may be fabricated which is stable, resistent to wear and easy to operate.

Abstract: A method of preparing a program for numerically controlled machine tools is disclosed involving the use of an aid comprised of a model representing the workpiece to be machined and the tooling to perform the machining process, mounted to have a capability for relative movement along axes corresponding to the relative movement occurring during the machining process. Standardized preset tools and tool holders are established for use in the actual machining processes and corresponding model representations of such standardized preset tools and tool holder combinations are provided which can be located in the model in the same relative position as the corresponding actual tools and tool holders will be located in the machine tool. In preparing the NC program, a machinist prepares a machining process, selecting tools and holders from the available standardized preset tools, and specifies the various machining steps, spindle speeds, in-feed rates, etc. to be utilized in machining the workpiece.

Abstract: The stylus of a work piece measuring probe is supported for movement in three dimensions by three pairs of leaf springs connected in series and arranged as if lying at the six sides of a rectangular box.

Abstract: A system for sensing the position in space of the outer end of an articulated fluid loading arm while it is connected to a marine tanker or other transport vessel, and sounding an alarm if the arm's operating envelope is exceeded. The sensing system includes means for determining various angles representative of the orientation of the booms or limbs of the arm, and means for deriving from these angles an indication of the spatial location of the arm's outer end.