Abstract: Provided is a misalignment determining device having a size thereof in an axial direction being made short. The misalignment determining device includes a case, a dial gauge, a holder portion, a support portion, a pivotal portion, a lever member, and a slide member. The slide member is placed in contact with a stylus of the dial gauge. While the pivotal portion and the lever member are rotated in synchronism with rotation of the holder portion, a pivot amount of the pivotal portion is transmitted to the slide member via the lever member, and based on an amount of movement of the slide member along an axis direction, the dial gauge determines the pivot amount.

Abstract: An alignment tool for positioning and aligning the adjacent ends of pipes in optimum desired relation for joining the tubular sections by welding. The alignment tool comprises a first and second annularly shaped clamping rings and a plurality of swivel assemblies connecting and circumferentially spaced about the first and second clamping rings, wherein the swivel assemblies adjust the distance between the first and second clamping rings and adjust the first and second clamping rings transversely and axially with respect to each other. Each swivel assembly comprises a first swivel portion connected to the first clamping ring, a second swivel portion connected to the second clamping ring, and a threaded bolt extending through the first swivel portion and the second swivel portion.

Abstract: Provided is a method of aligning a gas turbine shaft. The method includes securing a laser sensor to a first shaft of a first rotary component axially connected to a rotor of a gas turbine, and securing a laser generating device to a second shaft of a second rotary component. The second shaft is axially coupled to the first shaft and has a central axis misaligned with respect to a central axis of the first shaft. A jogging assembly coupled to the first rotary component is actuated to rotate the first shaft and the second shaft. Measurements representative of a misalignment of the first shaft and the second shaft are received from the laser sensor, and based on the measurements, a central axis of the first shaft can be aligned with respect to a central axis of the second shaft.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coupling device for connecting a first shaft (10) to a second shaft (12) by means of two flanges (16, 18, 22, 24) that are meshed with one another, wherein the flanges are provided or designed with means (30, 32, 111, 211, 311, 317, 319, 321) of enabling the axial and/or radial relative misadjustment thereof due to a misalignment of the shafts to be visually observed. According to one variant, at least one of the flanges or an element (20, 26) meshed with the two flanges is provided with at least one transducer (50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 94) for generating an electrical signal and/or acoustic signal from a mechanical movement, wherein said transducer is designed to generate the signal on the basis of a periodic movement of the flanges relative to one another, at least if the relative movement of the two shafts to one another, which occurs as the shafts rotate due to misalignment of said shafts, exceeds a certain value.

Abstract: According to exemplary inventive practice, a frame has a geometric vertical axial plane and supports a receptacle, four thumbscrews, and four dial indicators. Each thumbscrew has a dial indicator associated therewith and can be turned to move along its geometric axis, perpendicular to the vertical axial plane. The thumbscrews are paired, with respective axes aligned, on opposite sides of the vertical axial plane. The frame is placed upon a base, the body is secured to the frame using the receptacle to grip a portion of the body, and the dial indicators are calibrated for matching thumbscrew displacement measurements in each opposite thumbscrew pair. The thumbscrews are moved into contact with the base and are adjusted to align the body with the base, as indicated by matching dial indicator readings in each opposite thumbscrew pair. The aligned body is affixed to the base, and the frame (with accompanying components) is removed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining if a flexible joint means is out of alignment, i.e., if excess torque or pressure has caused malformation or malpositioning of the joint means. This is accomplished by incorporating a flexible leveling means onto a visible surface of the joint means. The leveling means has horizontal and vertical markings which permit simple visible inspection of the joint and a simple determination of the position and condition of the joint.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining a closed trajectory curve (10) by a laser (12) and a laser light sensor (14) having a flat field of view (16), which includes the steps A to G, as well as an apparatus (36) for determining a closed trajectory curve (10).

Abstract: A flange bolt alignment system has an emitting unit including a beam emitting assembly adapted to emit an incident light beam and a beam reflecting assembly having a pivoting beam reflecting element continually oriented along a vertical axis by gravity; and a light reflecting surface on the beam reflecting element, the light reflecting surface positioned to receive the incident light beam and reflect a reflected light beam along a horizontal axis; and a receiving unit adapted for positioning in adjacent, spaced-apart relationship to the emitting unit. A flange bolt alignment method is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a device for detecting axis coplanarity of orthogonal rotary shafts having a built-in intersection, wherein a front assembly rotary body is coaxially connected on a front assembly housing, the front assembly rotary body and a rear assembly housing are fixedly connected with each other, the rear assembly rotary body is mounted in the rear assembly housing, a first three dimension movement fine tuning mechanism is mounted at an end of the rear assembly rotary body, the first three dimension movement fine tuning mechanism is connected with a standard sphere through a connecting rod, the three dimension movement fine tuning mechanisms are provided in the horizontal direction of the standard sphere and below the standard sphere in vertical direction, and two non-contact displacement sensors are mounted on said two three dimension movement fine tuning mechanisms respectively.

Abstract: An apparatus for aligning a wind turbine generator is disclosed. Preferably, the apparatus includes at least, but is not limited to, a support flange engaging a securement stud via a securement aperture, and a force displacement plate contacting the support flange. The preferred apparatus further includes an indexing means attached to the securement stud and force displacement plate, the indexing means configured to translate a rotational force to linear force capable of moving the support flange in relation to the securement stud.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a shaft alignment tool including a base, a rotational body mounted on the base for relative rotation with respect to the base, and an alignment meter coupled to the rotational body.

Abstract: An alignment tool for aligning torque tubes of the solar collection system can include a rigid body member and two laterally extending alignment arms. Optionally, the alignment arms can include releasable clamps that can engage and disengage without the use of tools. The tool can be designed to straddle a sun-tracking drive of a sun-tracking solar system. Thus, the tool can be used both during initial construction as well as after construction is complete for alignment purposes.

Abstract: A system for aligning and connecting components including a support structure and a measuring apparatus coupled to the support structure. The measuring apparatus is arranged to spatially analyze a first tubular component with respect to a second tubular component for determining an adjustment vector therebetween. An alignment apparatus is coupled to the support structure and in data communication with the measuring apparatus. The alignment apparatus includes a plurality of actuators operatively arranged in parallel for moving at least one of the first or second tubular components relative to the other for coaxially arranging the first and second tubular components in accordance with the adjustment vector. A connection apparatus is coupled to the support structure and operatively arranged for connecting the first and second tubular components together.

Abstract: An interface and a method for mounting a piece of equipment (5) with a rotary drive source (3). The mounting interface has a first frame (1) fastened to the drive source (3) and a second frame (2) fastened to the piece of equipment (5), the frames (1, 2) being fitted with assembly means (19) for assembling them together. Rails (22, 23) for guiding the piece of equipment (5) are removably mounted on the first frame (1) and co-operate with windows (20, 21) of the second frame (2). The windows (20, 21) are laterally open providing transverse passages for the rails (22, 23) into the windows (20, 21). The piece of equipment (5) can be moved transversely by an operator towards the rails (22, 23) in order to support it and guide it axially towards the drive source (5).

Abstract: An alignment tool is disclosed for aligning a first shaft assembly and a second shaft assembly to be connected by a coupling device. The alignment tool includes: a housing assembly having a first end and a second end, and a front plate assembly coupled to the first end of the housing assembly. The front plate assembly forms a cavity within the housing, and the front plate assembly has a stationary support housing disposed within the cavity and aligned with the first shaft assembly in the radial direction. The alignment tool also includes a core assembly having a rotatable core shaft disposed within the support housing of the front plate assembly and aligned with the first shaft assembly in the radial direction, the core assembly configured to receive an alignment device for aligning the first shaft assembly and the second shaft assembly in the radial direction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aligning an input shaft of a wind turbine generator with an output shaft of a wind turbine are disclosed. Preferably, the method includes placing a push plate of a wind turbine alignment tool into pressing contact with a selected support flange of a wind turbine generator identified by a misalignment measurement device. With the push plate positioned, an indexing means of the wind turbine alignment tool is advanced along an adjustment link member of the wind turbine alignment tool to impart an alignment force onto the selected support flange to align the input shaft of the wind turbine generator with the output shaft of the wind turbine. The method preferably concludes by rechecking the alignment of the input shaft of the wind turbine generator with the output shaft of the wind turbine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for measuring and alignment of a first component (2, 4) and a second component (3, 5) in relation to each other, where the device comprises a first detector unit (6) disposed to be mounted on the first component (2, 4) and a second detector unit (7) disposed to be mounted on the second component (3, 5) as well as a control unit (12) which is connected to the first detector unit (6) and the second detector unit (7). The device (1) comprises a first geometric pattern (16) disposed on the first detector unit (6) and a second geometric pattern disposed on the second detector unit (7). The position of the first geometric pattern (16) can be detected by the second detector unit (7) and the position of the second geometric pattern can be detected by the first detector unit (6). The invention also relates to a method for aligning a first component (2, 4) and a second component (3, 5).

Abstract: A shaft alignment component for aligning a rotatable shaft positioned within a housing of a driven device with a motor shaft of a motor positioned outside of the housing of the driven device is disclosed. The component includes a body portion having an opening formed therethrough to receive the rotatable shaft and/or the motor shaft therein, a first alignment feature configured to interface with an alignment hub on the motor to position the motor shaft along a centerline axis of the shaft alignment component, and a second alignment feature comprising a chamfered surface configured to interface with a countersunk feature on the housing. The chamfered surface is configured to interface with the countersunk feature to self-align the shaft alignment component with the housing such that the rotatable shaft of the driven device is positioned along the centerline axis of the shaft alignment component and aligned with the motor shaft.

Abstract: A method of detecting an amount of an axis displacement in a power transmission device includes, for each of the rotary shafts of the first and second drive sources, measuring an amount of an axis position variation by using non-contact sensors respectively provided to face the rotary shafts, and detecting an amount of a relative axis displacement of the rotary shaft of the second drive source relative to the rotary shaft of the first drive source on the basis of the amount of the axis position variation between before and after engagement.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for bending a guide post used in forming a template for locating dental implant hole. The guide post includes at least one face on a distal end for registering the orientation of the guide post. The apparatus includes a base plate having protractor-like indicia, a supporting block attached to the base plate, the supporting block having an aperture for receiving a distal end of the guide post, and a stylus received by a proximal end of the guide post, the stylus extending towards the protractor-like indicia.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aligning an input shaft of a wind turbine generator with an output shaft of a wind turbine are disclosed. Preferably, the method includes placing a push plate of a wind turbine alignment tool into pressing contact with a selected support flange of a wind turbine generator identified by a misalignment measurement device. With the push plate positioned, an indexing means of the wind turbine alignment tool is advanced along an adjustment link member of the wind turbine alignment tool to impart an alignment force onto the selected support flange to align the input shaft of the wind turbine generator with the output shaft of the wind turbine. The method preferably concludes by rechecking the alignment of the input shaft of the wind turbine generator with the output shaft of the wind turbine.

Abstract: A precision shaft alignment system for establishing concentric alignment of a first rotatably mounted shaft and a second opposed, rotatably mounted shaft that can be configured for stand-alone or retrofitted with an existing measuring system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aligning an input shaft of a wind turbine generator with an output shaft of a wind turbine are disclosed. Preferably, the method includes placing a push plate of a wind turbine alignment tool into pressing contact with a selected support flange of a wind turbine generator identified by a misalignment measurement device. With the push plate positioned, an indexing means of the wind turbine alignment tool is advanced along an adjustment link member of the wind turbine alignment tool to impart an alignment force onto the selected support flange to align the input shaft of the wind turbine generator with the output shaft of the wind turbine. The method preferably concludes by rechecking the alignment of the input shaft of the wind turbine generator with the output shaft of the wind turbine.

Abstract: A process and a corresponding device for determining the alignment of two rotatable machine parts, the alignment of two hollow cylindrical machine parts or for testing a component for straightness along one lengthwise side, with a first measurement unit with a light source for emitting a light beam which has been expanded in one plane, and a second measurement unit with an optical detector unit which has two linear sensors which are arranged parallel to one another, and with an evaluation unit to evaluate a light pattern which has been produced by the two-dimensionally expanded light beam for determining the misalignment of the axes of the machine parts relative to one another, or optionally, the straightness of the component, by the determination the points of incidence of the two-dimensionally expanded light beam on the sensors.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a pipe alignment tool have been described. A laser is inserted into the end of a pipe and projects a laser beam indicative of the longitudinal axis of the pipe.

Abstract: In a method and an engagement sensor device for engagement measurement for a machine tool for processing workpieces using tools or a laser the machine tool possesses a clamping device with a clamping face for clamping an object, in particular a tool or a workpiece and the engagement sensor device is provided for the measurement or engagement of a face of clamped object at the clamping face or any gap between the face of the clamped object and the clamping face. The sensor device comprises at least one engagement sensor, arranged to the side of the clamping face, with a measurement range aligned in the direction of the gap or of the clamping face for the detection of an electrical or magnetic stimulation field, such field extending between the face of clamped object and the clamping face and being able to be influenced by any gap, the measurement range extending essentially along the clamping face in accordance with a depth direction of any gap or parallel to the clamping face.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a pipe alignment tool have been described. A laser is inserted into the end of a pipe and projects a laser beam indicative of the longitudinal axis of the pipe.

Abstract: An adjustable support comprising: a first gripper, a second gripper separated from the first gripper by a distance, a first block connectable to the first gripper, a second block connectable to the second gripper, an alignment element connectable to the first block and the second block, which adjusts the distance between the first gripper and the second gripper when it is turned.

Abstract: A device and a method are disclosed for centrally tightening rotatingly drivable parts. The device comprises at least three units for clamping and adjusting a part, wherein at least two of the units comprise an actuator allowing controlled adjustment in radial direction according to a control value. A measuring device is provided to detect deviations of the part from concentricity with respect to a rotary drive axis. A computer is used for controlling the actuators to effect concentricity of the part, the computer being responsive to deviations from concentricity detected by said measuring device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a pipe alignment tool have been described. A laser is inserted into the end of a pipe and projects a laser beam indicative of the longitudinal axis of the pipe.

Abstract: A pipefitting instrument includes a main body member, a carriage slidably connected to the main body member, and a protractor member pivotally connected to the carriage. The protractor member includes a protractor scale operable to measure an angular orientation of the protractor member relative to the main body member. The instrument also includes a mounting member slidably connected to the main body member and configured to releasably attach to a pipe flange.

Abstract: A device for quantitative assessment of the orientation of two machines relative to one another has auxiliary devices in the form of extenders or holding devices (40, 50) on which displacement and/or mounting of light transmitting or receiving devices (44, 52) are mountable in a manner that makes the use of a precision pivot bearing unnecessary.

Abstract: A laser marking device includes a fixture for temporarily attaching the device in an initial cutout of a number of serial cutouts to be fabricated in adjacent assembled I-joists. Combined with the fixture is an angle gage that provides angular positioning of a marking laser. The angle gage is configured to hold the laser with its beam coinciding with the marking origin of the initial cutout, which in case of circular cutout may be the reference center at which the pilot drill of the hole saw is centered at the begin of the cutout operation. The marker laser may be horizontally and/or vertically oriented together with an eventual alignment laser and an eventual target marker temporarily affixed on the I-joist where a final reference point is determined for an axial orientation of the cutouts across the I-joists.

Abstract: A pipe fitting aligning device having at least one square block assembly slidably positioned on a reference tool. The square block assembly includes a slot with a vertical scale extending therefrom. The device may include at least one compass assembly slidably positioned on the reference tool and spaced apart from the square block assembly.

Abstract: A precision shaft alignment system for establishing concentric alignment of a first rotatably mounted shaft and a second opposed, rotatably mounted shaft that can be configured for stand-alone or retrofitted with an existing measuring system.

Abstract: In a control equipment 10, shaft-misalignment amount of a shaft 3a of a gas turbine 3 and a shaft 5a of a steam turbine 5 is measured and speed-increase ratio of rotation speed and heat soak time of the steam turbine 5 are set in accordance with the measured shaft-misalignment amount so as to have the shaft-misalignment amount stay within a permissible range when a clutch 7 connects the shafts 3a and 5a.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed to measure the angular orientation of two surfaces. The device consists of two frames which are aligned to the surfaces. A continuous string is routed between the frames and put under tension. A position indicating instrument on one mounting frame monitors the string position. The frames are then flipped over or switched between surfaces. The string is tensioned a second time. The measured change in string position is used to determine the angular orientation.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for aligning a vertical shaft or multiple axially coupled vertical shafts in a hydroelectric turbine generator or a similar vertical-shaft system, and for providing precise plumb inclination alignment of a vertical rotating shaft. Precision inclinometers attached to the vertical shaft measure plumb inclination. Proximity probe displacement devices mounted externally of the vertical shaft measure radial movement, throw, or run out at various shaft elevations as the shaft is rotated relative to a fixed point. Data acquisition devices and communication devices accumulate and transmit alignment data to a micro-computer which receives and processes such data. Methods of defining shaft plumb inclination in a static single rotational position and defining plumb inclination of the virtual centerline of a shaft's rotational throw position. A method of swinging, tilting, or adjusting a vertical shaft to a corrected or different plumb position relative to the earth's gravity.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method and apparatus for obtaining templates used in pipe end cutting essential in fabricating saddle and mitered pipe connections. The template is made by an array of z-shaped pins arranged radially to form the shape of a stepped cylinder. A flexible adjustable length track on the z shaped pins or on another set of pins forms a track for a roller on a tool to follow. This track replaces metal templates, which have to be specially made for cutting each shape and size pipe for pipe connections to other pipes or to boilers and other devices. The invention provides a large array of templates for one or more sizes of pipe eliminating the need to have a large number of templates for different pipe sizes and shapes. A miter table attachment can be used for off center pipe connection cuts.

Abstract: A device and method is disclosed that measures the angular orientation of one surface to another. The device consists of two frames with defined measuring points. The relative distances between the points are measured and then used to determine the angular orientation of the surfaces relative to each other. The measuring method is adapted for the accurate measurement of very small angular differences. The frames can be adapted to measure the angular orientation of many surfaces that are otherwise difficult to measure. The device is particularly suited to measuring small parallel angular differences between two rolls.

Abstract: An apparatus to align a propeller shaft comprises two main, parts being a first part which is attached to a skeg and which contains a laser emitter, and a second part which is attached to the power outlet of the engine and which contains a prism to deflect the laser beam to a target board, the arrangement allowing alignment between the skeg and the power outlet such that when the propeller shaft is attached the propeller shaft is in perfect alignment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for alignment of a first component (1; 25) and a second component (2; 26) in a predetermined relation to each other, comprising first measuring unit (7; 7?; 7?) arranged to be mounted on said first component (1; 25) and comprising a light-source (9) for generation of light-radiation (10; 10?) with a predetermined pattern in direction towards a second measuring unit (11; 11?) arranged to be mounted on said second component (2; 26) and also comprising a second light-source for generation of light radiation (13; 13?) with a predetermined pattern in direction towards said first measuring unit (7; 7?; 7?), were each of the measuring units (7, 11; 7?; 7?, 11?) comprises a detection device for emitted light radiation. The invention is characterized in that each of the measuring units (7, 11; 7?; 7?, 11?) comprises at least one reference component (18a, 18b, 19a, 19b) which during said alignment is connected with a predetermined position on respective component (1, 2; 26, 26).

Abstract: A process for determining the alignment of a cylindrical body with respect to a reference direction by means of a measurement device which has a first and a second attachment area and a position measurement probe which is calibrated to the reference direction and is made for detecting a first angle of rotation of the probe around a first axis fixed in space and a second angle of rotation of the probe around a second axis fixed in space. A first measurement and a second measurement is carried out at different areas of the body, the probe being swung in contact with the peripheral surface of the body relative to the first attachment area to measure a characteristic of the first and the second angle of rotation. A comparison of the characteristic of measurements is used to determine the alignment of the body with respect to the reference direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for alignment of a first component (1) and a second component (2) in a predetermined relation to each other, comprising a transmitter unit (7) arranged for mounting on said first component (1) and comprising a light source (9) for the generation of light radiation (10) with a predetermined pattern in the direction towards a receiver unit (11; 11?, 22, 27; 27?) arranged for mounting on said second component (2), where the receiver unit (11; 11?) comprises a detection device (18a, 18b; 18a?, 18b? 23a, 23b; 28a, 28b; 28?a, 28?b) for said light radiation (10). The invention is characterised in that said detector device (18a, 18b; 18a?, 18b?, 23a, 23b; 28a, 28b, 28?a, 28?b) comprises a first detector (18a, 18a? 23a; 28a; 28a?) and a second detector (18b; 18b? 23b; 28b; 28?b), respectively, which are separated depthwise in relation to said transmitter unit (7).

Abstract: A special offset calculator for determining the angle of a pipe fitting. The special offset calculator includes a background sheet having an offset value table with offset values representing various offset distances between two pipes to be connected. A transparent fitting sheet has printed lines which represent center line dimensions of fittings to be used in conjunction with an ell fitting or T-fitting with unknown angle to be determined in order to make the special offset. In use, the fitting sheet is positioned on the background sheet, with designated points on both sheets aligned with each other. After the required offset distance value is found on the background sheet, the fitting sheet is rotated or pivoted until the correct fitting size on the fitting sheet matches the offset distance value on the background sheet.

Abstract: A multiple use level having an elongated body having two flange-like legs which extend at a right angle from one another from the corner apex. An L-shaped bracket is rotatably attached to one of the legs such that it may be freely rotated to any desired angle, then locked in position. The bracket includes a bull's-eye level on a first face thereof and a center line vial level attached to a rotating dial on a second face. A sighting laser may be detachably mounted on the L-shaped bracket. The level may be attached to a pipe or other member using magnets disposed in the body thereof or with an attachment cord. A flange bracket may be removable attached to one leg allowing pipe flanges to be oriented, alternatively the flange bracket may be integrated into the leg. Methods and processes for positioning construction members are also disclosed.

Abstract: An adjustable fit laser-projecting tool used to project a light beam outward from the end of any cylindrical object for reference to the object's centerline axis or reference to points parallel to the centerline axis some distance away from the cylindrical object. The tool is comprised of a clamping means utilizing the outer surface of the cylindrical object as the contact surface. The tool contacts the outer surface of a cylindrical object as to orient the tool to the centerline of the cylindrical object. A laser diode module is mounted on a sliding centering scale, allowing the laser diode module to be moved to the centerline of the cylindrical object or another desired position parallel to the centerline axis of the cylindrical object.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in aligning the differential input shaft of a race car with the transmission output shaft includes a transmission attachment and a differential attachment, each of which is detachably mountable to the race car. Each attachment includes a laser mounted centrally in a plate which is mounted substantially perpendicular to the transmission and the differential respectively. The laser mounted to the transmission emits a light beam coaxial to the transmission output shaft and the laser mounted to the differential emits a light beam coaxial to the differential input shaft. By adjusting the differential and transmission relative to each other such that the laser beams do not intersect, the differential and the transmission are aligned for optimum performance. A camber gauge may be substituted for the laser in either plate to measure the attitude of the differential or the transmission.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and device for determining the alignment, with respect to a reference direction, of a cylindrical body (10) mounted to rotate around its lengthwise axis (22). The device including a position measurement probe (20), which is calibrated to the reference direction, being attached on the end face (12) of the body or on a surface essentially parallel to the end face, which probe gathers measurement data in at least three measurement positions around the lengthwise axis each position of which differs from the other by an angle of rotation of the body, such that one position measurement at a time is being taken. Then the alignment of the body with respect to the reference direction is computed from the determined measurement data.

Abstract: A device for aligning two machine shafts which are coupled to one another has: at least one laser light source for emitting laser light; at least one reflector for reflecting the laser light; at least one receiving device for receiving the laser light; a first arithmetic computing device for determining parallel and angular offset of the machine shafts; and an evaluation and arithmetic computing device for determining the distance of the machine mounting elements relative to the plane of symmetry which lies between the machine shafts. The plane of symmetry intersects the axes of the machine shafts essentially perpendicular to longitudinal axes of the shafts, i.e. with an angular error of less than 6°.