Abstract: In an industrial robot including a fixed base, a first arm rotatably attached to the fixed base, a second arm rotatably attached to the front end portion of the first arm, and a wrist portion provided with a wrist base and a movable flange attached to the front end portion of the second arm, determination of the reference position of the wrist portion is carried out individually or independently between the wrist portion and the second arm, and determinations of reference positions of the first and second arms, with respect to the fixed base are carried out by way of a positioning jig attached to the fixed base. Since an approach is employed to individually or independently carry out determination of a reference position or positions of one axis or plural axes including the front end axis of the wrist portion of the industrial robot, determination of reference positions can be carried out in the state where the tool is attached to the wrist front end portion.

Abstract: Apparatus which can be used to calibrate a machine or as a machine itself includes two structures, each with three supports spaced in a triangular array thereon. The supports may be balls or sockets. The structures are interconnected by six members, and each support has the ends of two members connected to it. When used as a calibration device, the members are passive extensible measuring bars and the structures are respectively connected to fixed and movable parts of a machine so that movement of the machine parts causes relative movement between the structures and varies the lengths of the measuring bars. From measurements of the lengths of the measuring bars the actual movement of the machine part can be calibrated. When used as a machine, the members are powered struts by means of which one of the structures, which carries a tool or a probe can be manipulated relative to the other, to position the tool or probe relative to a workpiece.

Abstract: Devices for verifying the dimensional accuracy of a measuring instrument are provided. In one embodiment, a verification block has a substantially planar surface and a known nonplanar surface adjacent thereto. During verification, a probe attached to the CMM moves along the nonplanar surface while simultaneously contacting the planar surface and measures the features of the nonplanar surface. Any difference between the measured features and the known features of the nonplanar surface is an indication of inaccuracies in the CMM. Other embodiments of the invention include structures which compare CMM measured readings with known readings by an encoder as it moves along a linear scale. In another embodiment, the measured readings are compared to readings provided by opto-electric switches. In still another embodiment, a cam is rotatably mounted to the end of the probe of the CMM and moves the probe along the z axis as the cam moves along a surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring fuel assembly bow and twist comprising a fixturing apparatus, a reference device and an ultrasonic measuring device.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for calibrating a coordinate measuring apparatus which has a probe 10. The probe 10 is movably guided in a plane (x, y) via two parallel pivot axes (6, 8) which are arranged one behind the other. For calibrating the primary dimensions (R1, R2, .phi.0, .psi.0, dT) of the coordinate measuring apparatus, contours or geometric elements are contact scanned on a calibration body with the probe. The contours or geometric elements are so selected that the diameter dT of the probe ball 12 attached to the probe enters into the measuring result for the geometric elements or their spacing with different weight or sign. Thereafter, the primary dimensions (R1, R2, .phi.0, .psi.0, dT) are determined from the measured values obtained by contact scanning the contours for the position of the probe 10 in the plane (x, y) and from the known dimensions of the geometric elements.

Abstract: An automatic ball bar for a coordinate measuring machine determines the accuracy of a coordinate measuring machine having at least one servo drive. The apparatus comprises a first and second gauge ball connected by a telescoping rigid member. The rigid member includes a switch such that inward radial movement of the second gauge ball relative to the first gauge ball causes activation of the switch. The first gauge ball is secured in a first magnetic socket assembly in order to maintain the first gauge ball at a fixed location with respect to the coordinate measuring machine. A second magnetic socket assembly secures the second gauge ball to the arm or probe holder of the coordinate measuring machine. The second gauge ball is then directed by the coordinate measuring machine to move radially inward from a point just beyond the length of the ball bar until the switch is activated.

Abstract: A method for the dimensional measurement of a piece to be checked is disclosed, wherein a comparison sample and a reference sample are employed, respectively of a material which is coherent with that of the piece to be checked and of a material having a low thermal expansion coefficient. Through the comparison between the two samples the relative thermal expansion is determined, and same is then related to the measurements carried out on the piece to be checked so as to determine the dimensions thereof as if the measurement were performed in a controlled temperature environment. The reference sample for carrying out the method is preferably made of a composite material.

Abstract: A linear test gage for testing the accuracy of machine tools is operable for out of roundness measurements as well as long-range linear measurements. The test gage consists of a linear guide assembly, first and second reference elements, and a long-range linear measurement device. The linear guide assembly includes an elongated guide profile, a guide rail secured to the guide profile, and a slide which is slidably movable relative to the guide rail. The first reference element is attached to the first end of the guide profile and the second reference element is attached to the slide so that the reference elements are relatively movable over a length of about 30-40 inches. A first knuckle assembly secures the first reference element in a fixed position relative to the machine tool. A second knuckle assembly secures the second reference element to an active element of the machine tool.

Abstract: A device for measuring the force exerted by a spring of a supporting grid on a fuel rod passing through the grid has an elongate body connected by two flexible blades that are parallel to the long direction to two respective beams insertable in a cell. At least one of the beams carries a force sensor designed to be pressed against the spring. A unit is slidable in the body along the body between a position in which it moves the beams apart while keeping them parallel to give them a spacing that corresponds to the nominal diameter of a fuel rod, and a position in which it allows the flexible blades to move the beams towards each other. The unit is movable at will between the two positions.

Abstract: A method and a gage for testing uncoupling tools to ensure proper operation prior to use. The uncoupling tool gage simulates the actual conditions under which the uncoupling tool is expected to perform. The gage has a cylindrical guide for slidably receiving a magnet housing. The guide is supported such that it is concentric with respect to the probe of an uncoupling tool to be checked. The magnet housing is placed inside the cylindrical guide and then moved toward the bottom thereof. When the magnet moves into proximity with a switch in the uncoupling tool probe, an indicator lamp in the uncoupling tool illuminates. If the face of the magnet housing is within a range band on the outside of the guide when the indicator is illuminated, then the uncoupling tool is operating properly.

Abstract: A tool for checking the length of a control rod drive measured from the top of the control rod drive flange to the end of the uncoupling rod. The tool is a GO--NO--GO gauge with tight tolerance. The top of the tool supports a gage which has an arm that pivots about an axis parallel to the tool axis. The arm has a stepped notch with a predetermined height equal to the length tolerance range (e.g., 0.0625 inch). The length is considered acceptable when the gage is rotated and the first edge of the stepped notch on the arm just clears the end of the uncoupling rod but the second edge stops the gage from pivoting any further. The length is not acceptable if the first edge of the stepped notch on the arm abuts the uncoupling rod, preventing the gage from pivoting any further, or if the gage misses the uncoupling rod entirely.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for certifying a coordinate measuring machine includes a certified ballbar, having a pair of spherical surfaces connected with a bar and having certified diameters separated by a certified distance, that is positioned with a positioning device. The positioning device includes a bar support that supports the ballbar at a midpoint of the bar between the balls, wherein the ballbar is supported free of attachment to the balls. The positioning device includes a first rotational assembly for rotatably supporting the ball support for rotation motion about a horizontal axis and a second rotational assembly for rotatably supporting the bar support about a vertical axis. The first rotational assembly provides rotation of the bar support in a clockwise direction to position the ballbar in a first set of angular orientations and in a counterclockwise direction to position the ballbar in a second set of angular orientations.

Abstract: Accurate measurements of production parts are obtained from a system which includes a first measuring apparatus in a laboratory, and a second measuring apparatus which is in a non-laboratory environment where it is subjected to greater temperature fluctuations than in the laboratory. A reference part of substantially the same size and shape as the production parts is inspected by both measuring apparatuses, and the production part is inspected by the second measuring apparatus. While being inspected, both parts occupy substantially the same location on the second measuring apparatus. Results of these inspections are processed by a computer to provide (1) target values which the shop machine would perceive when inspecting a perfect part as specified by the part drawings, or (2) values which indicate what the laboratory machine would perceive for the production part.

Abstract: A manually guided probe of a coordinate measuring device is mounted by two rotary shafts arranged one behind the other and a spring parallelogram for nearly reaction free movement in several spatial directions. The device has a workpiece table that is rotatable and tiltable about at least two shafts.

Abstract: A probe is mounted on a machine head which has mobility and readouts in three linear coordinate directions. The probe carries a stylus with a tip which has mobility relative to the head in three nonlinear coordinate directions which are nonaligned with the axes of head movement. A mathematical model, produced by a calibration technique before measurements are taken, translates readouts of the stylus tip's position in the nonlinear coordinates into values which are aligned with the coordinate axis system of the machine head. The probe has three flex wire motion guiding devices connected together in series, and each of these devices has a second member movably supported on a first member by flexible wires arranged in two nonparallel sets of parallel wires. The second member is thus constrained to movement in a single arcuate path which lies transverse to the longitudinal axes of the wires in both sets.

Abstract: A checking fixture for checking the accuracy of manufactured parts has a base with origin surfaces or tooling balls defining an orthogonal plane system. A series of net pads, clamps and pins formed on or in the base supports a manufactured part to be checked in a known position relative to the plane system. A plurality of data collection device holders are attached to the base. Each holder has a datum element such as a bushing or the like. The exact positions of the datum elements relative to the plane system are measured and stored in a data storage device. A computer is programmed to accept data from the data collection devices and compensate for variations of the known datum element positions from theoretically perfect positions.

Abstract: A coordinate measuring machine test standard apparatus and method which iudes a rotary spindle having an upper phase plate and an axis of rotation, a kinematic ball mount attached to the phase plate concentric with the axis of rotation of the phase plate, a groove mounted at the circumference of the phase plate, and an arm assembly which rests in the groove. The arm assembly has a small sphere at one end and a large sphere at the other end. The small sphere may be a coordinate measuring machine probe tip and may have variable diameters. The large sphere is secured in the kinematic ball mount and the arm is held in the groove. The kinematic ball mount includes at least three mounting spheres and the groove is an angular locating groove including at least two locking spheres. The arm may have a hollow inner core and an outer layer. The rotary spindle may be a ratio reducer.

Abstract: A gage block is designed as a stepped sine block to produce commonly used angles when used with a conventional sine bar without the use of conventional gage blocks. Reference surfaces parallel to one or more bases are provided to produce the desired number of commonly used angles.

Abstract: The invention provides a system, method, and computer program for automatically evaluating the linear displacement and inclination of the centerline of a piece of hardware to be machined on a computer numerically controlled (CNC) machine relative to an axis of rotation of the machine about which the hardware will be rotated. The invention also provides a compensation for correcting for any hardware axis misalignment.

Abstract: A three-dimension measuring apparatus having a probe, such as non-contact optical probe, is used to measure the surface of an object, such as an aspherical lens. Initially, the apparatus is used to obtain reference probe measured values of a reference spherical surface having a concave surface and a convex surface. The thus obtained reference probe measure values are compared with data denoting an ideal spherical surface to determine measurement errors corresponding to inclinations of the surface of an object to be measured. Then, the apparatus is used to measure the object to obtain respective probe measured values. The previously determined measurement errors are subtracted from the measured values of corresponding inclinations, thereby compensating for the measurement errors during measurement of the object surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to the construction of specimens for coordinate measuring instruments. According to the invention, these consist of touchable reference elements, and rods, in particular of ball-rod structures, balls and rods being held in contact by spring forces, and the contact surfaces of the rods being adapted to the radius of the balls. This construction enables the specimens to be disassembled. It guarantees a high reproducibility of the dimension embodied by the center-to-center distance between the balls in conjunction with ease of disassembly of the complete specimen The advantages are that one-dimensional specimens of very great length can be formed by joining to one another rods and interposed balls, while in the case of two- and three-dimensional specimens the transport volume is substantially reduced. The calibration of the reference object is possible in a simple and accurate fashion via the separate one-dimensional calibration of the segments.

Abstract: A ball-bar 26 for calibrating machine tools and coordinate measuring machines comprise a unit 30 containing a displacement transducer 34 for measuring axial displacement of a precision ball 28. The ball 28 is pivotably located on the head or spindle 12 of the machine, which is driven in a circle about a ball 22 mounted on the bed or table 10 of the machine at the other end of the ball-bar in order to perform a calibration. The ball-bar has a modular construction, its various components such as the unit 30, extension bar 40, magnetic sockets 24,29, supporting device 14 and magnetic clamp 16 being connected together via M6 screw-threads, e.g. at 18,42,44. This enables the unit 30 to be connected to the various other components in a variety of configurations, e.g. for use as an electronic dial gauge.

Abstract: An automatic inner diameter measuring apparatus which includes an inner diameter measuring gauge head having at least one contacting element capable of being inserted into bores of an object to be measured and moving in a radial direction of the bore. A stocker is provided which is capable of holding a plurality of inner diameter measuring gauge heads corresponding to different diameters. A three-dimensional moving instrument is provided for detachable coupling with the inner diameter measuring gauge head to facilitate a three-dimensional movement with reference to the object to be measured and the inner diameter measuring gauge. A drive device for the three-dimensional moving instrument is provided. A plurality of master ring gauges supported on a ring gauge support are provided to set an inner diameter measuring gauge head attached thereto to zero.

Abstract: A core 4 is mounted on a machine tool for indexable rotation about an axis 2A, so as to bring respective cassettes 10 into position where they can be operated on by tools held in the machine tool spindle 6. The cassettes 10 may hold workpieces 14,14A for machining. After machining, the workpiece 14A is measured by a probe 20 held in the machine tool spindle 6. A pre-calibrated artifact 26 held on another cassette 10 is then indexed into the same position as previously occupied by the workpiece 14A, and comparative measurements are made of the artifact. The accuracy of these comparative measurements is increased because the artifact 26 resides on the machine tool in the same thermal environment as the workpiece during the machining, and because the measurements are made in the same position within the working volume of the machine tool, so that the same regions of the machine tool's measurement scales are utilized.

Abstract: Telescopic ball bar 24 has a male member provided by a sphere 22 at one end and a female member provided by a pair of forks 30 at the other. The ball bar is attached to the spindle 10 of a machine tool by a universal pivotal coupling between the sphere 22 and a magnetic socket 14 retained on the spindle 10. The ball bar 24 is attached to the table by a further universal pivotal coupling between a sphere 28 retained on the table 12 in a clamping device 40, and the forks 30. In use, the spindle is operated to move in a circular path about a center defined by the center of the sphere 28. Any deviation of the spindle movement from such a circular path will be detected by a transducer 36, provided in the bar 24, which bears against the surface of the sphere 28. The position of the center of the sphere 28 is determined by bringing the sphere 28 into engagement with the socket 14, and measuring the position of the spindle 10 at that point.

Abstract: A coordinate measuring machine capable of selectively setting the origin of measurement by origin point blocks each of which are provided on the base plate of the coordinate measuring machine. In a condition where dust becomes attached to the origin point block, the origin of measurement is missed and the accuracy of the measurement is therefore unreliable. The machine in this invention is arranged to employ cover devices (40A, 40B, 80) to enclose origin point blocks (50A, 50B, 70) respectively and to occasionally expose a portion thereof by an opening and closing motion. That is, only when setting the origin of measurement is the cover opened. This prevents the origin point block from collecting dust thereon suspended in the air. In this end, the origin of measurement can be set precisely to execute an accurate measurement of the object to be measured.

Abstract: The detection device comprises a support to be introduced concentrically into the tube, a feeler mounted on the support for movement between a position of rest in which it projects radially beyond the inner wall of the sleeve, and a position retracted inwards in relation to the wall, the feeler being resiliently biased towards its position of rest, and a sensor of the position of the feeler. The invention is used for fitting a tube of a steam generator of a pressurized-water nuclear reactor with a sleeve.

Abstract: A geometric simulator apparatus is provided for testing the measurement accuracy of coordinate measuring machines, including the software therefore. A three-tiered cylindrical solid structure includes two differently sized cylinder diameters. A pair of parallel flat planar surfaces is formed perpendicular to the planar flat top surface. The bottom surface is a flat annular-shaped surface that defines a cavity which can be used to support the apparatus during storage or transport. A separate attachment is provided for introducing error measurements into the testing of the coordinate measuring machine. The attachment includes a flexible thin plate of predetermined thickness and having an elastic strap attached to each end to hold the plate against one of the cylindrical outer surfaces of the simulator apparatus.

Abstract: A softened section of length of a glass tube is expanded in a dimensionally accurate mold until it has assumed the dimensions of the mold, the mold being made of a material of lower thermal expansion than that of the glass, so that, after cooling, the calibrated section of tube can be released from the mold without any problems. A block of a .alpha.-o glass ceramic with a calibrated mold bore is preferably employed as the mold. It is possible for the first time to avoid a material-removing machining step, which causes damage to the glass surface, yet to be able to produce sections of the tube with a calibrated outside diameter of a dimensional accuracy which could previously be attained only by cylindrical grinding.

Abstract: This invention is a computer aided kinematic transducer link system with associated software for the assessment of contouring accuracy of N.C. machine tools, which have been developed and evaluated by testing of various N.C. machine tools. The invention relates to a system for the assessment of contouring accuracy of N.C. machine tools by using a computer aided kinematic transducer link system, and to a method for analysis and evaluation of different sources of machine tool errors. The design of the measuring system is based upon a pseudo kinematic link which orients two displacement transducers between two master spheres and moves in a circular path. Since it is computer aided, the errors during contouring motion are automatically recorded and the analysis for complete circular profiles and partial arcs is carried out using a least squares criterion. The present computer aided assessment system is designed for the measurement of contour motion accuracy and analysis of error origin of N.C. machine tools.

Abstract: A device and method for checking the roundness of ball-point type contacts associated with a measuring device and used to engage a threaded surface of a specific thread type to facilitate measurement of critical dimensional parameters of a threaded member. The device consists of a hard, wear resistant, and dimensionally stable material having formed thereon a reference groove and a comparison groove adjacent flat surfaces. The reference groove conforms in profile to the profile of the thread type while the comparison groove is square-shouldered and wider than deep. The depths of the reference and comparison grooves are selected such that a perfectly round ball-point type contact is insertable into each to the exact same depth relative the respective adjacent surfaces. The method requires attachment of the contact to a dial gage capable of measuring the distance to which the contact extends below a reference plane.

Abstract: An inspection apparatus for measuring a surface contour on a workpiece, such as a groove in a pilgering roller die, includes a supporting mechanism for rotatably clamping the die so as to orient the groove thereon in a measurement position, an elongated contact member having a pair of arms with end elements extending in opposite directions, a pair of measurement devices each including a displaceable contact probe and electrical circuitry for measuring the displacement of the contact probe, and a spindle mounting the contact member in a generally vertical orientation and for movement about a vertical axis. End elements on the contact member arms are movable along orthogonally-disposed axes lying in horizontal planes and are respectively placed in contact with a contour of the die groove to be measured and the displaceable contact probes such that displacement of the probes permits measurement of the radius of the groove contour.

Abstract: To measure the gaps between fuel rods in a fuel assembly, a feeler gauge is provided with a pair of resilient arms having elongated electrical resistance strips carried by their confronting surfaces and extending from terminations adjacent the free ends of the arms through a contact point of electrical inter-engagement. The strip terminations are wired into a metering circuit including a current source and an ammeter. When the arm free ends are positioned in a rod gap, the position of the contact point relative to the strip terminations determines the magnitude of resistance included in the metering circuit, and the meter registers the gap dimension.

Abstract: Apparatus for positioning a mast for the inspection and/or repair of a core shroud of a water-cooled nuclear reactor, heretofore have had television cameras directed at centering pins and bores from the side. Due to the inclined direction of surveillance, the alignment produced therewith has been inaccurate. In order to achieve a precise positioning, according to the invention a marking element which is provided between the television camera and the support plate has markings which can be brought into alignment with a marking made on the support plate. The centering pins and the bores are disposed concentrically to one another once they have been brought into alignment.

Abstract: A testing device for testing the setting accuracy of a machine by measuring the spacing of a first machine locus with respect to a second machine locus at at least two points on a circular arc, comprises a first, ball-ended probe adapted to be fixed to one part of the machine with the center of the ball representing said one locus. A second such probe is adapted to be fixed to another part of the machine with the center of the ball representing the second locus, interconnecting means for interconnecting said ball ends at a predetermined spacing in mountings permitting relative rotation of the ball ends with respect to the interconnecting means, at least one single axis transducer for sensing the displacement of one ball end, and computing means for calculating from the transducer output the deviation from a precise arcuate path of the first ball-ended probe.

Abstract: An X-control gage for measuring the X-dimension of hydraulic tube fittings comprises a pin slidably engaged in a body part. In use, a lowermost end of the pin makes contact with the tube stop of the fitting port while the body part makes contact with the inner taper of the fitting along a circle having a specified "B"-diameter. An upper end of the pin extends beyond an upper end of the body part, and measurement of the distance of extension is simply related to the X-dimension of the fitting using a calibrated overall length of the pin and a calibrated dimension of the body part. Methods of calibrating and using the X-control gage are presented, as well as a method of connecting two hydraulic tubes so that there is no loss of hydraulic liquid or pressure at the connection.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring ripple spring deflection to determine stator wedge tightness in an electric generator without removing the rotor includes a low profile carriage insertable in the gap between the rotor and stator. A probe is aligned longitudinally and laterally with holes in the stator wedges with the aid of a miniature television camera on the carriage and extended through an aligned hole to contact the ripple spring. The probe is connected through a cable to the core of a linear variable differential transformer mounted on the carriage which provides an accurate measurement of probe extension. The probe is extended and retracted by an arrangement of cables and springs providing a lost motion coupling which accommodates for seating of the probe against a ripple spring at less than full extension.

Abstract: To measure the dimensional characteristics of elongated flow channels for nuclear fuel rod assemblies at the manufacturing site, an upender is utilized to swing a flow channel from a horizontal loading orientation to an upright pre-measurement position and then to shift the flow channel laterally into a measurement position where it is engaged and held by reciprocatingly mounted upper and lower endplugs while its dimensional characteristics are acquired by a measurement carrige mounted for vertical scanning movement along the entire flow channel length.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a probing device for a coordinate measuring apparatus. The probe is exchangeable automatically via a probe changing device. The probing device has a temperature sensor which is in thermal contact with the material of the probing device. The connecting terminals of the sensor are applied to contacts on the exchange face of the probing device. In this way, it is possible to immediately determine the position of the sensing ball of the probe from the calibration data obtained at other temperatures after each probe exchange.

Abstract: In a boiling water nuclear reactor having its core, fuel support casting, and control rod guide tubes removed to expose the core plate, an apparatus for the repair and replacement of the control rod drive housing at the bottom extremity of the reactor vessel is disclosed. The apparatus registers to a hole in the core plate and its corresponding guide pin. A mating fixture on the depending extremity of the shaft of the apparatus precisely fits and mates to the top of the control rod drive housing. The alignment device includes cross electronic levels sealed for submersion which levels remotely transfer through attached wiring the precise angularity between the top of the control rod drive housing on one hand and the corresponding and overlying hole in the core plate on the other hand.

Abstract: An alingment adjusting mechanism secures and adjusts the alignment of a magazine (10) which retains a plurality of sensing elements (12) within the working area of a coordinate measuring machine) relative to the bed of a machine on which the magazine is mounted. The mechanism comprises a plate (20), rigidly connected to the bed, and a base (18), which supports the magazine (10) secured to the bed of the machine via the plate (20); the base (18) is resiliently secured to the plate (20) by bolts (26), washers (27) and disc springs (30). The bearing end of a grub screw (40) engages a conical recess (46), thus providing a pivot point for pivoting of the base (18) relative to the plate (20). Two further pairs of grub screws (34) and (48) bear against the plate (20). Adjustment of the attitude of the base (18) about the axes (56) (the roll), (54) (the pitch), and (58) (the yaw) is achieved using the grub screws (34, 40, 48).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for calibrating a jig bore is provided. An angle iron is provided having a sine bar and a portion, which is disposed at an acute angle to a plane parallel to an x-y axis, disposed integrally thereon. The angle iron is designed to calibrate the jig bore with a minimum of time and set-ups.

Abstract: A method for determining and correcting positional errors or deviations which occur when measuring the position of a point in space, or when positioning to a point which has a specific position in space, where the position refers to a specific coordinate system, such as a rectangular coordinate system. The method comprises making a comparison between a multiple of measured values and at least one reference, and determining a correction on the basis of this comparison, wherewith a positionable member, such as a contact probe, a tool holder or corresponding device (1, 13) is moved to a given position in space during the measuring or positioning process. The method is particularly characterized in that the reference consists of a geometry of known kind, and in that the measured values are correlated to a geometry of known kind, this correlation being used to calculate corrections for the coordinate axes of the system. There is also an apparatus for carrying out the method.

Abstract: A calibration-test member in the form of a ball plate fixedly mounts a plurality of precision balls arrayed in spaced relation in a single plane. The ball plate is of symmetrical construction with respect to this plane, the balls being so mounted within one or more cutouts of the plate or on the edge of the plate, with ball centers in the plane of symmetry of the plate, that contacting of the balls is possible from both sides.

Abstract: A tester for use in testing coordinate measuring devices includes a hub having a generally tubular body portion, an outer ring, and a plurality of spokes connected to the hub and to the outer ring, each of the spokes having a generally tubular body portion and extending radially from the hub. A plurality of holders are connected to respective ones of the plurality of spokes, and elements respectively supported by the holders are provided which are adapted for use in testing the coordinates of a measuring device. The generally tubular body portion of the hub and the generally tubular body portion of each of the spokes is composed of a bonded fiber material in which layers of circumferential windings alternate with layers of helical windings, and wherein the helical windings are wound of a fiber which has a negative coefficient of thermal expansion.

Abstract: A testing device for use in determining the uncertainty of measurement of a coordinate-measuring instrument comprises a support which can be placed on the measurement table of the coordinate-measuring instrument; the support contains a plurality of locating fastening elements which receive a test standard in different orientations within the measurement range of the coordinate-measuring instrument. The test standard is a ball rod which has a ball fixed to the opposite ends of an elongate body. One end of the ball rod is mounted to the support in a pivot/swivel bearing that is so structured as to permit free measuring-probe access to contact the ball at the thus-mounted end of the ball rod.

Abstract: For setting the cutting tip (30) of a cutting tool (32) of a lathe, a tool-setting probe (10) has a stylus tip (18) for contacting the tool tip (30). The stylus tip (18) is generally cube-shaped. In addition to a conventional vertical datum surface (36) for setting the tool in the horizontal direction (arrow A), it has a 45.degree. sloping datum surface (38). The tool is touched in the direction of arrow A against both surfaces (36,38). The horizontal difference between the two contact positions is a measure of the height of the tool tip (30), enabling it to be set in the vertical direction.

Abstract: A device for remotely measuring the diameter of wire rope. The device includes a linear variable differential tansducer, a mechanism to guide and clamp the rope in relation to the anvil of the transducer, an elongated handle for manually manipulating the transducer and the guide and clamp mechanism.

Abstract: Present invention is a manufacturing gauging system for statistical process control including a gauging fixture for holding a manufacturing part in a fixed location and orientation and for positioning a transducer probe in a predetermined relationship to a manufactured dimension of the part, a non-volatile memory for storing a set of tolerance dimensions relative to the manufactured dimensions of the part and a data processing system which receives sequential signals from the transducer probe relating to measurements of manufacturing dimensions of the part and stores them in the non-volatile memory. The gauging fixture includes a plurality of zero-based measurement stations. Each zero-based measurement station enables positioning of a transducer probe in a predetermined location and orientation relative to the part for providing a reference to a specified measure of the manufactured dimension of the part.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for assisting the loading of a reactor core with new and/or irradiated elongated fuel assemblies which includes inserting a fuel assembly with a fuel assembly carrier from a storage pit into a grid position of a reactor core with a refueling machine having propelling equipment, supplying an actual position of the fuel assembly carrier to the propelling equipment of the refueling machine during movement of the refueling machine between the storage pit and the reactor vessel, comparing the actual position of the fuel assembly carrier with a desired position of the fuel assembly carrier to find a deviation, and carrying out a correction of the deviation in the travelling movement of the refueling machine based upon the comparison.