Angular Measurement Patents (Class 33/1N)
  • Patent number: 6155106
    Abstract: A steering angle sensor unit includes a rotary connector 200 for electrically connecting an electric device mounted on a steering wheel and an electric device mounted on a vehicle body, and a steering angle sensor 210 for detecting information about the turn of the steering wheel. A rotor member 2 in the rotary connector 200 and a rotor member 3 in the steering angle sensor 210 are formed of separate members, one of the rotor member 2 in the rotary connector 200 and the rotor member 3 in the steering angle sensor 210 has a slot 2d extending in the radial direction, the other rotor member 2 or 3 has a cylindrical projection 3i having almost the same diameter as the minor diameter of the slot 2d, and the slot 2d and the projection 3i are engaged with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Tadashi Sano
  • Patent number: 6082019
    Abstract: A system for determining the length and angle of stair railings, which system is disclosed in the form of a kit of parts and a method. The system includes a pair of vertically adjustable, simulated post housings to be temporarily positioned at the top and bottom of the stairs, where a first housing includes a pivotally mounted, extendable tape measure and angle scale. When the respective post housings are vertically adjusted to position a slidable base member at the projected height for the railing, the tape measure is then extended to the other post housing. While extended, the railing length and angle ends may be readily determined, and the information therefrom in preparing the railing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Quallity Fencing & Supply Co.
    Inventors: John K. Lapp, Jr., Reuben B. Lapp, Lloyd J. Glick
  • Patent number: 6082009
    Abstract: Labeling equipment alignment tooling for properly adjusting the components of the label transfer system of rotary labeling equipment including a pallet timing plate, a pallet centerline locator, a gripper timing protractor, and a pallet measuring tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Anheuser-Busch, Inc.
    Inventors: James W. Tillis, Sr., Torello Tacchi
  • Patent number: 6076266
    Abstract: A theodolite that includes a stand, a telescope, a friction gear and a worm gear. The telescope is pivotally secured to the stand. The clutch plate is secured to the telescope for at least limited rotational movement upon pivoting of the telescope. The friction gear is mounted for rotation about substantially the same axis as rotation of the clutch plate. The worm gear is mounted to the stand and is in constant mesh with the friction gear so that rotation of the worm gear causes rotation of the friction gear. A device engages the friction gear with the clutch plate with a frictional force. The frictional force is adjustable to allow for adjustment of the telescope separately from the worm gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventors: Michael Beckingham, Michael C. Detro
  • Patent number: 6076270
    Abstract: An improved angle gauge comprising a plurality of upright parallel plates hingedly connected to each other, hingedly connected to a movable linear indicator member and hingedly connected to a frame. The frame is grooved to accept a sliding indicator member imprinted with an indicia. The gauge instantly translates an angle reading taken by a forward pair of parallel plates into a linear reading provided by the slidable linear indicator. The hingedly connected forward hinge plates automatically create a flush-fit between two relative surfaces and an angle reading is instantly recorded on the indicia of the linear indicator in combination with the indicia and pointer located on the frame. A finer adjustment can be made with a manual slide button located on the linear indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Inventor: Joseph Figliuzzi
  • Patent number: 6058760
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for sensing angular displacement of a rotating object. A reference object is provided that maintains an independent angular reference. An angular displacement of the rotating object may be measured with respect to the reference object. The apparatus may include a turn sensor for measuring directional changes in the heading of the object, an angular compensator, and a servomotor for maintaining the turn sensor in a same angular position. The object may be a vehicle such as a boat, car, train, airplane or any other vehicle. The turn sensor is coupled to the servomotor that may be attached to a platform of the vehicle. As the vehicle rotates, the heading of the vehicle changes. The servomotor rotates the turn sensor housing to keep the sensor at the same angular position. The heading may be determined by measuring an angular difference between the position of the turn sensor in relation to the moving object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: KVH Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Arent Kits Van Heyningen
  • Patent number: 6055737
    Abstract: A quick mount angle measurement gauge to be retro-fitted to a movable machine part provides a cost-effective, portable angle detecting system for machines including press brakes and the like. A rigid tubular housing is secured adjacent the machine being monitored by an adjustable arm fastened by a clamp. An indicator gauge at the front of the housing provides a marked dial. A pointer includes an indicator needle disposed over the dial, and an elongated shaft threadably mated to a longitudinally displaceable actuator within the housing interior. A cable couples the actuator to the movable machine part, so cable-driven actuator movement is directly proportional to the resultant rotation of the pointer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Inventor: Scylvester L. Sweaney
  • Patent number: 6016605
    Abstract: A device for contactless determination of a rotary angle has a coil body, sensor coils arranged on the coil body so that their inductivity and alternating current resistance values vary in dependence on a relative change of the size of regions of a sleeve-shaped measuring part composed of electrically conductive and/or ferromagnetic material which are associated with the sensor coils, at least one coil being formed as a wire coil which is arranged on a side of the coil body facing the measuring part. The at least one coil has several coil regions extending in a circumferential direction and parallel to an outer surface of the coil body, and in the regions of the coil a winding direction of the at least one coil changes on the catches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Hans Hecht
  • Patent number: 5950320
    Abstract: A medico-scientific measuring device of a substantially flat transparent material having a base edge and a half circle with an outer edge suitably marked for measuring angles; a horizontal plot line and a center point as a vertex adjacent to the base edge; a plurality of plot lines from the outer edge toward converging on the center point defining specific angles; a floating point indicia adjacent to, and in communication with, the center point; and a visible vertex gap axial from the floating point such that the horizontal plot lines and the converging plot lines are substantially interrupted to thereby facilitate a more accurate placement of the vertex and to provide a more accurate angle determination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Inventor: Thomas R. Dorsey
  • Patent number: 5937530
    Abstract: A kinematic restraint device and method for determining the range of motion of a total knee replacement system are disclosed. The kinematic restraint device is used as a surrogate knee that duplicates the elastic behavior of individual ligaments, tendons, muscles related to a human knee. The kinematic restraint device according to the invention includes a total knee replacement system and at least one cable or cable-spring combination representing a ligament, tendon, or muscle component of the human knee. The kinematic restraint device overcomes hurdles posed by the use of natural knees in pre-operatively determining the range of motion of a total knee replacement system. Furthermore, an outer membrane is used to simulate the viscoelastic effects exhibited by fibrous structures, fatty tissues, and muscle mass enveloping the joint on the total knee replacement kinematics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Inventor: Martin Masson
  • Patent number: 5930908
    Abstract: An alignment fixture to rotationally align driveshaft components includes a first driveshaft component having a yoke secured to it, the yoke having opposed arms with openings for receiving universal joint bearings, with the openings being aligned on a yoke axis, and wherein a cross with bearing cups is mounted within the yoke, with the bearing cups being positioned within the yoke arm openings, and wherein the first driveshaft component has splines for transmitting torque, and wherein a second driveshaft component has splines for interengagement with the splines of the first driveshaft component in a slip joint, the second driveshaft component having an alignment mark indicative of angular orientation with respect to a universal joint yoke fixed to the second driveshaft component. The fixture includes a main body having a concave surface for positive contact with the first driveshaft component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey Paul Patrisso, Albert Aiken, David W. Maxwell
  • Patent number: 5887353
    Abstract: An adjustment mechanism for a telescope of a theodolite. The mechanism includes a worm gear that is coupled to a friction gear of the theodolite. The friction gear is coupled to the telescope so that any rotation of the gear will induce a corresponding movement of the scope. The worm gear is coupled to a linear screw and an outer sleeve. The linear screw has a shaft that can push the worm gear and rotate the friction gear to provide a fine movement of the telescope. The linear screw also has a stop that engages an arm of the sleeve. Continued rotation of the linear screw rotates the engaged sleeve and the worm gear to provide a coarse movement of the telescope. The linear screw is connected to a knob which can be rotated by an operator. The operator can induce a coarse movement of the telescope by turning the linear screw so that the stop engages the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventor: Michael Beckingham
  • Patent number: 5864959
    Abstract: A drawing instrument such as a drawing triangle (2) comprising a handle (32) and rulers along edges (10, 12) which mutually form a right angle and two acute angles (6, 8). Alternatively, the drawing instrument may be a protractor (36) having a handle (48) with a circular ruler (38) along its peripheral outer edge. Both the drawing triangle (2) and protractor (36) are provided as a three-dimensional, spatial body having a handle (32, 48) formed by an upper, preferably open, part of the spatial body and having outer side edges (10, 12, 38) which preferably are provided with scales and define a common ground plane adapted to rest against a drawing plane, preferably a generally vertical black-board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignees: Joern Johansen, Nis Oellgaard
    Inventors: Joern B. Johansen, Nis Oellgaard
  • Patent number: 5855072
    Abstract: In a steering wheel rotational angle detecting apparatus, an engaging pin protrudes radially from a projected part of one of a steering wheel and an annular rotating member and includes a spherical portion. An engaging groove is formed at a position on the other of the steering wheel and the annular rotating member of a rotational angle detector corresponding to the position of the engaging pin. The engaging groove is configured to receive and hold the spherical portion of the engaging pin on two sides while allowing the spherical portion to move within the engaging groove. When the steering wheel is turned, the engaging pin or groove immediately transmits torque to the engaging groove or pin, respectively, thus enabling the rotational angle detector to detect rotational angle with high precision in either of the rotational directions of the steering wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-Seisakusho
    Inventor: Junichi Nakaho
  • Patent number: 5832422
    Abstract: A measuring device capable of being used by physicians, veterinarians, and surgeons either pre-operatively, intraoperatively, or post-operatively to determine the actual size of objects shown in images made by x-rays (and other imaging techniques). The measuring device is electronic and can also be used to measure the angle between two objects whose images are shown. The measuring device can also be used to determine the proper size and shape of implants to be surgically implanted in a living body. The device can also be used to determine the proper size and shape for templates to be used to select an implant to be surgically implanted in a living body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Inventor: Curt Wiedenhoefer
  • Patent number: 5813124
    Abstract: An angle measuring device used for measuring the pendulum angle of a cable of a lifting device comprising connection components which utilize measurement value pick-ups and are connected via a cardanic-type joint to axles which are arranged at right angles to one another. To attain high precision of discrimination in measurement, the measurement value pick-ups each comprises a Hall sensor and an associated magnetic element to create a magnetic field detectable by the Hall sensor. An angle of measurement can be attained if the lower connection component is swung and causes a shift in the joint ball around the axle. This results in a change in the position of the magnets relative to the Hall sensors. This change in position results in a change in the detected Hall voltage which after appropriate adjustment can be transformed into an angle measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: Mannesmann Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Holger Freitag
  • Patent number: 5778542
    Abstract: Apparatus is provided for giving a visual indication of increments of position over a predetermined range of positions to either side of and including a predetermined zero reference point. The apparatus includes a plurality of pattern generating units, each including first and second surfaces, each of these first and second surfaces having a plurality of spaced-apart opaque areas having translucent areas therebetween. The second surface is superimposed upon the first surface for creating a plurality of patterns in response to movement therebetween. The plurality of pattern generating units are arranged adjacent one another and are respectively configured for producing a unique and identifiable set of patterns for each of a plurality of increments over a predetermined range to either side of and including a predetermined zero reference point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Louis M. Spoto
  • Patent number: 5746005
    Abstract: An angular position sensor having high angular resolution and which provides an immediate indication of the angular position being measured upon the application of power to the position sensor is disclosed. A quadrature disk having a continuous notch or recess in the outer periphery thereof is rotatable with respect to quadrature sensors positioned in a spaced-apart relationship with respect to one another. Differing radii on the quadrature disk cause the actuation and deactuation of the quadrature sensors as the disk passes thereunder producing sharply defined output signal transitions. While this is occurring, the Hall-effect sensor produces a sine wave output. The orientation of the quadrature disk with respect to the quadrature sensors is such that the output signal transitions produced by the quadrature sensors correspond with the maximum and minimum values of the sine wave produced by the Hall-effect sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Assignee: Powerhorse Corporation
    Inventor: David E. Steinberg
  • Patent number: 5715608
    Abstract: A goniometer responsive to the direction and angularity of movement of the protruding end of a rod that is partially inserted into the female urethra following a pelvic exertion. It includes a spirit level to establish a horizontal reference axis, and angle-measurement means to show the initial angle of the rod before exertion, and the new angle caused by the exertion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Inventors: Donald R. Ostergard, Albert E. Brooks
  • Patent number: 5689892
    Abstract: An adjustment mechanism for a telescope of a theodolite. The mechanism includes a worm gear that is coupled to a friction gear of the theodolite. The friction gear is coupled to the telescope so that any rotation of the gear will induce a corresponding movement of the scope. The worm gear is coupled to a linear screw and an outer sleeve. The linear screw has a shaft that can push the worm gear and rotate the friction gear to provide a fine movement of the telescope. The linear screw also has a stop that engages an arm of the sleeve. Continued rotation of the linear screw rotates the engaged sleeve and the worm gear to provide a coarse movement of the telescope. The linear screw is connected to a knob which can be rotated by an operator. The operator can induce a coarse movement of the telescope by turning the linear screw so that the stop engages the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventor: Michael Beckingham
  • Patent number: 5664334
    Abstract: This invention pertains to a new type of ruler for measuring the angle of inclination of a portion of terrain from a topographical map. Topographical maps contain precise information relating to elevation changes and distances. These two pieces of information can be used together to devise a scale to measure the angle of inclination, or pitch, of any slope represented on the map. The invention is simply the inscription of such a scale on a straight, flat material. The invention can be made with a unique scale for any given map scale and contour interval height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Inventor: Eric Watts
  • Patent number: 5657544
    Abstract: A rotational angle detecting device includes a rotary shaft 1 having an annular projection 1c formed therein so as to extend radially outwardly therefrom, and a housing 2 rotatably supporting the rotary shaft 1. A plurality of rolling contact bearings 6 each having inner and outer races are mounted on the rotary shaft 1 under a pre-loaded condition so as to sandwich the annular projection 1 c between the respective inner races of the rolling contact bearings 6. The assembly is rotatably received inside the housing 2 to permit the rotary shaft 1 to be rotatable about a longitudinal axis thereof. A resistor element 12 is disposed on an inner surface of a housing lid 3 in concentric relation to the longitudinal axis of the rotary shaft 1. An electroconductive brush 5 is secured to an end face of the rotary shaft 1 for rotation together with the rotary shaft 1 and held in sliding contact with the resistor element 12.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Assignees: NTN Corporation, Komatsu LTD.
    Inventors: Michio Ota, Kizashi Maruyama, Masami Kitsunai, Taku Murakami
  • Patent number: 5657545
    Abstract: A fixture for identifying the phase angle relationships between two universal joints secured to the ends of a steering shaft assembly includes first and second universal joint assemblies which are connected together by a shaft assembly. The shaft assembly includes a male splitted member which is secured to a first inboard yoke of the first universal joint assembly. The male splined member extends within and cooperates with a female splined member of the shaft assembly. The shaft assembly also includes a hollow cylindrical extension member having a first end which is secured to a second inboard yoke of the second universal joint assembly. The extension member has a second end which is journalled on a reduced diameter end portion of the female splined member. Thus, the extension member and the second universal joint can be rotated relative to the female splined member and the first universal joint assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventors: John E. Haworth, Brad S. Jones, James A. Lashaway, Thomas J. Saba, Carl A. Turnwald, Dawhorng D. Wang
  • Patent number: 5610528
    Abstract: A capacitive bend sensor includes a first element having a comb-patterned portion of conducting material, and a second element having a comb-patterned portion of conducting material. A dielectric material is disposed between the comb-patterned portion of the first element and the comb-patterned portion of the second element. The first element is bonded to the second element such that the comb-patterned portion of the first element slides relative to the comb-patterned portion of the second element when the first and second elements are bent. Bend angle is measured according to the alignment of the comb-patterned portion of the first element and the comb-patterned portion of the second element. The sensor may be coupled to a human finger to measure bend angle of the finger, or may be coupled to a joint of a human body to measure bend angle of the joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: James S. Neely, Phillip J. Restle
  • Patent number: 5603236
    Abstract: A device for measuring a bending angle of a bent sheet material including a bending angle detector including first and second links arranged symmetrically relative to each other and pivotally connected with each other at one end thereof, a support mechanism for supporting the angle detector on a displaceable ram of the sheet bending press and for displacing the angle detector into an angular space defined by the bending angle of the bent sheet material, and a mechanism for biasing the first and second links into a surface contact with side surfaces of the bent sheet material defining the bending angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1997
    Inventor: Toshio Hongo
  • Patent number: 5588218
    Abstract: A protractor is disclosed that reduces the time to teach students how to measure and understand angles, and significantly improves overall student comprehension of angles. The protractor comprises two generally flat members each having a straight edge portion radial to a pivot point to which the members are rotatably attached such that the straight edges define an open sector area having an angle formed by the two edges, one member having angle indicia on a semi-circular portion thereof, and the other member having an indicator portion that intersects the angle indicia to enable the angle defined by the two straight edges to be measured. The protractor offers a significant increase in convenience in measuring and drawing angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Inventors: David Barry, Camilla Barry
  • Patent number: 5551158
    Abstract: Method for position measurement, whereby a magnetic field is generated in a measuring volume comprising one or several elongated elements of amorphous material, the magnetic properties of which being influenced by the magnetic field, is arranged in the measuring volume. The measuring volume is composed of several sub-volumes, and the extension of the sub-volumes in the desired measuring direction is chosen in such a way that the extension corresponds to the desired measuring resolution in the measuring directions. The change in magnetic or mechanical properties of the element caused by the magnetic flux intensity in the respective sub-volume along the longitudinal direction of the element is detected, the change being a measure of the position of the element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Assignee: RSO Corporation N.V.
    Inventors: Carl Tyren, Leif A. Persson
  • Patent number: 5497228
    Abstract: In a Laser Bevel Meter for measuring the angle of a bevel on a ski edge a laser beam reflects from a mirror mounted on a magnet. The mirror-magnet assembly is coupled to the ski edge and the reflected beam is coupled through a mirror tunnel to a calibrated diffuse readout screen. And according to the invention an accurate, quickly obtained measurement of the bevel angle is obtained along the length of the ski.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1996
    Inventors: Duane E. Grant, Lawrence Viele
  • Patent number: 5467538
    Abstract: An apparatus for practicing a method of determining the effective putter loft of a golf putter as swung by a particular golfer in which the putter has a curved face unit placed on the hitting surface and the putter is then swung by such particular golfer against a hitting cylinder. The location of impact between the curved face and hitting cylinder provides data from which the effective loft can be determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1995
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Arthur C. P. Chou, Steven Aoyama
  • Patent number: 5461791
    Abstract: A method for rotationally positioning a rotor for balancing procedures uses an instrument within a housing that is temporarily mounted to the axial face of a rotor for determining rotational locations with respect to a reference mark located on the rotor. The instrument has a needle indicator which is responsive to gravity, and is mounted such that it can rotate independently of the position of the housing. Tick marks representing degrees are arranged in a circle around the edge of the needle indicator. Two sets of numerical scales are provided, each in a different color, one increasing in a clockwise direction, and the other increasing in a counter clockwise direction. Two arc shaped arrows are provided, one each in the two colors used for the two sets of numerical scales. The color of the arc shaped arrow that points in the direction of incremental rotor rotation indicates that the set of numerical scales printed in the same color should be used for reading the degree of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignee: Computational Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard W. Piety
  • Patent number: 5442858
    Abstract: An automated angle encoder system for magnetic resonance (MRI) apparatus includes a removable encoder device placed on the orthopedic positioning device which is made entirely of nonmagnetic, nonmetallic materials and includes a glass disk which provides a GRAY output code to indicate absolute angle. The casing is made of Delrin plastic and the fiber optic cable includes nonmetallic TEFLON sheathing. Associated computer apparatus provides for an automatic input of an angle offset to provide for a neutral starting position and also for positive or negative angles of movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1995
    Assignee: Resonex Holding Company
    Inventors: Harrie J. M. Wolters, Philip M. Brooks, David T. H. Hung, Richard C. Motamedi, Louis S. Rosinski, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5435067
    Abstract: An attachment indexing apparatus which performs the steps of indicating an objective indexing position angle of an attachment by an indexing position angle indicating means 1, detecting the present position angle by a position detecting means 2, comparing the objective indexing position angle with the present position angle by an angle comparing means 3, determining the indexing rotation direction of the attachment by an indexing rotation direction determining means 4 in accordance with the compared result, calculating an indexing rotation angle of the attachment from the angle compared result and the indexing rotation direction by an indexing rotation angle calculating means 5, and indexing and rotating the attachment in accordance with the determined indexing rotation direction and the calculated indexing rotation angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1995
    Assignee: Toshiba Kikai Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Noboru Uchida, Tadashi Tanaka
  • Patent number: 5423638
    Abstract: A mine roof support having means for monitoring the angles made by the canopy 11 and the base 10 with respect to a datum. The angular information may be gathered in a number of different ways and the information used to control subsequent movements of the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1995
    Assignee: Gullick Dobson Limited
    Inventor: Colin G. M. Merriman
  • Patent number: 5392526
    Abstract: An angularity gauging apparatus for determining if an angle formed between two longitudinally joined cylindrical surfaces is within expected straightness tolerances without requiring a direct measurement. The apparatus includes a fixed locating member and pivotable locating member which respectively interface with the two surfaces being examined. The members are pivotally connected so that angular displacement of their longitudinal axes about the connecting point is possible. A signaling device activates to inform a user when the two surfaces under examination form an angle to each other which equals or exceeds a maximum allowable angle preset into the apparatus. A device is also incorporated for adjusting the apparatus to allow a user to change the angle at which the signaling device activates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1995
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: Lewis J. Sprague, Jerome A. Fulton
  • Patent number: 5375333
    Abstract: A device for contactless determination of a rotary angle has two bodies which are movable relative to one another, at least one sensor coil through which an alternating current flows and whose inductivity and alternating current resistance value changes due to a relative change of a size of regions of a first one of the bodies which regions are associated with the at least one coil and composed of a material selected from the group consisting of an electrically conductive material and ferromagnetic material, the first body being arranged with mechanical prestress relative to a second one of the bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1994
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Hans Hecht, Asta Reichl, Lutz Ballhause, Erwin Krimmer
  • Patent number: 5375340
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a measuring device for the bend angle of a metal sheet or plate in a press brake of the type having a reciprocable punch with a sharp bending edge, and a die having two bending edges on either side of a substantially V-shaped groove or channel, the measuring device comprising a rotatory measuring element, the cross-section of which has a circular peripheral part centered around the axis of rotation of the measuring element, and a linear peripheral part which is shorter than the diameter of the circular peripheral part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1994
    Assignee: Beyeler Raskin S.A.
    Inventor: Gerrit Gerritsen
  • Patent number: 5359884
    Abstract: A displacement sensor for an actuating drive, particularly in a vehicle, having an actuating motor and an especially power takeoff member of the actuating drive, comprising a sensor housing having an axis, a drive member drivable by the actuating motor and rotatably supported coaxially to said sensor housing, an intermediate member, rotatably supported coaxially with respect to said drive member, which intermediate member engages the power take-off member and is connected to the drive member via at least one of an overload clutch and a return stroke clutch and a rotary displacement pick-up means, arranged in said sensor housing and adapted to detect the instantaneous rotary position of the intermediate member and to output a signal indicating this rotary position. This displacement sensor is distinguished by a compact, robust embodiment and high-precision displacement detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1994
    Assignee: Fichtel & Sachs AG
    Inventors: Rainer Fey, Albert Thein
  • Patent number: 5331578
    Abstract: The calibration of time-depending measurement uncertainties of gyros and inertial systems by the differences of angular and/or velocity and/or positional measurements which are carried out and repetitiously executed with a view to undetermined reference directions and/or fixed locations varying with time. The differentiation allows to forego precise reference data. Measurement uncertainties can be corrected through calibration subsequently to the measurement process. For the measurement of spatial angles a three-axis gyro measurement package comprising a computer and the possibility of feeding or automaticly reading-in of reference data characterizing the reference directions. The reference data can be a number, a marker of the measurement point or in the case of positional measurements a terrestrial aiming point. When measuring angular characteristics, i.e. the interdependence of angles and external forces or moments, the latter are considered as references.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Assignee: Deutsche Forschungsanstalt fur Luft- und Raumfahrt e.V.
    Inventor: Bernhard F. M. Stieler
  • Patent number: 5311666
    Abstract: A rotary displacement measuring apparatus includes an axle whose rotary displacement is to be determined, with the axle being mounted to rotate about its long axis. An emitter is mounted on the axle to define a plurality of concentric tracks circumscribing the axle to rotate as the axle rotates, with each of the tracks being segmented to define a plurality of spaced-apart, conductive sections for producing electric fields when energized. Also included is a voltage source for energizing the conductive sections. A detector is disposed adjacent to the tracks of the emitter and includes a plurality of sensors, each positioned adjacent a respective track to detect the electric fields of the respective track as the axle and tracks are rotated. The detector produces signals representing the variation in the electric fields as the emitter is rotated, and these signals provide an indication of the rotary displacement of the tracks and thus of the axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1994
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Stephen C. Jacobsen, Michael G. Mladejovsky, Clark C. Davis, Roland F. Wyatt
  • Patent number: 5301434
    Abstract: A third reference pattern which can be detected by a first reference pattern formed on a first detecting member and cannot be detected by a second reference pattern formed on a second detecting member is formed at a first position on a rotatable disk, a fourth reference pattern which can be detected by a second reference pattern formed on the second detecting member and cannot be detected by the first reference pattern formed on the first detecting member is formed at a second position substantially rotation-symmetrical with the first position on the rotatable disk, a signal obtained by the third reference pattern of the rotatable disk being detected by the first reference pattern formed on the first detecting member is supplied as a first reference signal to one signal processing circuit, and a signal obtained by the fourth reference pattern of the rotatable disk being detected by the second reference pattern formed on the second detecting member is supplied as a second reference signal to the other signal p
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshinobu Imaizumi
  • Patent number: 5287626
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the rotation angle of an object includes a floating rotary support for the object. The rotary support is mounted on a frame so as to allow free lateral movement in X and Y coordinate directions. A cooperating two-point cursor and digitizer tablet are provided to identify X and Y coordinates for the object in a second, relatively rotated position. Specifically, either the cursor or the digitizer tablet is mounted to the rotary support while the other is held stationary on the frame. Additionally, a processor is provided for calculating the rotation angle of the object based upon the X and Y coordinates determined for the rotated position. A method for measuring the rotation angle is also disclosed and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 22, 1994
    Inventor: Dennis A. Reich
  • Patent number: 5285578
    Abstract: The invention relates to a gauge or set of gauges for determining whether the bend angle, bend diameter, and end extension dimensions of a bent steel reinforcing bar used in structural concrete construction are within established allowable limits. The gauge comprises at least the outer marginal portion of a section of a circular disc, the disc having an outer perimeter which defines a diameter approximating the minimum bend diameter for a particular bar size and bar bend, the perimeter taking into account the deformations on said bar and indicating the starting and ending points of the bend, i.e., the points of tangency. Also included are methods of using such a gauge to determine whether a bar bend has less than the minimum bend angle and diameter and whether the end extension of such bend is less than the minimum allowable length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1994
    Inventor: Brent Sovereen
  • Patent number: 5283754
    Abstract: The invention relates to a procedure for measuring angles and angular characteristics, i.e. the interdependence between the angular deformations or displacements of structural parts and the acting forces or torques by means of a gyro. In the procedure the measurements can be carried out by means of a single gyro and result in a high measurement accuracy. It requires a repetitious execution of a multitude of measurements and in addition to the registration of measurement data and measurement times, the registration of reference data which are in definite connection with the angles to be measured (R-data). From the differences of the gyro measurement data and the measurement times for equal R-data the gyro measurement errors are computed and compensated accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Assignee: Deutsche Forschungsanstalt fur Luft- und Raumfahrt e.V.
    Inventors: Bernhard F. M. Stieler, Volker Wetzig
  • Patent number: 5279038
    Abstract: The device includes an incremental optical encoder (3) comprising two parts, 4,5) which are displaceable in rotation within one another. One part (5) is associated with a movable component (1) and the other part (4) with a fixed component (2) and its output is connected to a device for determining the angular position of the movable component (1) relative to the fixed component (2) on the basis of the relative angular positions of the two encoder parts. The encoder (3) is carried by one of the components (1), and one if its parts (5) is connected to this component (1) while the other part (4) is connected to an optical device for slaving the encoder part in at least one specified orientation in relation to the other component (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 18, 1994
    Assignee: Framatome
    Inventor: Bernard Lhenry
  • Patent number: 5269070
    Abstract: An instrument for determining the profile of a surface. Two hinge plates are attached to each other at a hinge joint. A collimated light source on one of the hinge plates produces a spot on a position sensitive photo detector on the other hinge plate. An electrical circuit is provided to produce an electrical signal based on the relative position of the spot as the instrument flexes as it is slid along the surface. In preferred embodiments the electrical signal is a measure of the surface profile or the change in slope of the profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1993
    Inventor: Wm. H. Thurston
  • Patent number: 5263258
    Abstract: A measuring device for determining the angle of rotation has a coil body (11) having two cores (12, 13) which are approximately semicircular in cross section and are offset relative to one another in the axial direction. Further the cores (12, 13) are offset by 180.degree. relative to one another in the radial direction. A coil (20, 21) in a working connection with a measuring part (22) of electrically conductive and/or ferromagnetic material is wound on each of these cores (12, 13). The measuring part (22) is constructed as a sleeve segment and covers half the circumference of the coil body (11). The measuring part (22) is directly connected by a carrier (23) with the shaft (17) whose rotational movement is to be determined. The shaft (17) is supported in the coil body (11) along a relatively long distance. This has the advantage that the complete sensor can be mounted at a holding device. Accordingly the costly adjustment of the sensor during final assembly is dispensed with.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1993
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus Dobler, Hansjorg Hachtel
  • Patent number: 5259584
    Abstract: A camera mount for taking panoramic pictures. A camera mounting plate is rotatably attached to a tripod mounting plate in a manner permitting the camera mounting plate to sweep an arc of rotation along the top surface of the tripod mounting plate. The tripod mounting plate has a convexly-curved forward edge and a protractor disposed adjacent the forward edge. A stationary detent is fixedly attached adjacent to the center of the protractor and a plurality of adjustable detents are disposed to each side of the stationary detent within respective detent slots disposed along the arc of rotation adjacent to the protractor. The camera mounting plate includes a camera mounting block that can be adjusted rearwardly and forwardly upon the camera mounting plate. A pointer integrally formed as part of the camera mounting plate includes a transparent eyeglass disposed above the protractor having a datum to facilitate alignment of the pointer with the protractor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1993
    Inventor: Andrew G. Wainwright
  • Patent number: 5237390
    Abstract: A rotable object table which has a stator (112) a rotor (114), and positioning servo and measuring system (16). The system (16) is calibrated using an angular interferometer and an intermediate table having stator 122 and rotor 124. Values of angular displacement of stator 124 are determined by the interferometer by solving 3 orthogonal simultaneous equations derived from the equation R+R.sub.o =K sin (.THETA.-.THETA..sub.o), and are compared with corresponding angular displacement as determined by the system (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1993
    Assignee: Renishaw plc
    Inventor: Raymond J. Chaney
  • Patent number: 5218769
    Abstract: A sensor for measuring an angle of rotation, and in particular the instantaneous angle of rotation of a rotatable member such as a steering column of a motor vehicle, is especially applicable in a power steering mechanism for a motor vehicle and includes a first wheel, the movement of which serves for measuring the angle of rotation and its direction. The sensor further includes a second wheel which is mechanically linked with but movable relative to the first wheel, the displacement of the second wheel being an indication of the number of rotations effected about an axis by the first wheel, and/or an indication of the direction of the rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1993
    Assignee: Valeo Electronique
    Inventor: Georges Tranchon
  • Patent number: 5219379
    Abstract: An instrument for aligning the spindle of machine tools such as drill presses or vertical milling machines at various angles with respect to a work surface. In one embodiment the upper portion of an elongated shaft is engaged in a chuck or collet of the spindle while the lower potion is operably mounted to shaft bearings, which permits the shaft to pivot, rotate and to move vertically and horizontally with respect to the work surface of the machine tool. A displacement detector for detecting pivotal movement of the shaft is mounted on a member of the shaft bearing in fixed relation to the pivot of the shaft. A linear interface provides contact between the shaft and displacement detector and permits predictable repeatable movement of the displacement detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1993
    Inventors: John M. Good, Alvin W. Sather