Abstract: The invention concerns a movement transmission unit and a movement transmission apparatus employing the same. The movement transmission transmits at least two movement components, each possessing one degree of freedom of movement, from an input-side (6) to an output-side (82, 84), which movement then has at least two coupled degrees of freedom of movement, or vice versa. The invention also concerns one transmission unit (2) per input-side (6) degree of freedom of movement, i.e multiple transmission units (2), which are functionally bound together in parallel by means of their respective output sections (8). Each transmission unit (2) possesses an immobile, solidly fixed first section (4). Its input facility is a second section (6), which is bend linked to the fixed first section (4) by means of a unified linkage structure encompassing parts (22, 26, 34; 28, 36) and forming what becomes known as a first “parallelogram linkage”.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for measuring the amount by which the centerline of a shaft disposed in a vessel is offset from the central vertical axis of the vessel, and for measuring the height of such shaft above the inside bottom of the vessel. Apparatus includes a shaft centerline offset measurement device, a shaft height measurement device, and a control/display console. Each measurement device includes a transducer or optical encoder for sensing a displaced position of a biased plunger to which a code strip is mounted. The devices may be combined into a single shaft offset and height measurement device. Improved methods include calculating shaft offset based on a plurality of readings from the transducer, and applying trigonometric relationships. The apparatus and methods are particularly useful in the verification of paddle or basket shafts utilized in dissolution testing stations, so that the dissolution testing protocol complies with government agency guidelines.

Abstract: Mountable element is provided for measuring, or determining the position of, a hole or bolt constructed on a component, particularly of a welded bolt or a threaded bolt. The element is placed on a first side of the component on a component surface surrounding the hole or the bolt. The mountable element has an internal thread which can be screwed together with a fixing screw, which can be introduced into the hole from a second side of the component, for fixing the mountable element on the component while clamping the component between the mountable element and the fixing screw. Alternatively, the mountable element, or a fixing bush arranged in the mountable element, is adapted to an outer diameter of a bolt constructed on the component.

Abstract: A self-centering device for assuring that two plates that are rotatable with respect to one another will automatically align in one of two-stable positions. The device includes an O-ring entrained about two spaced posts located on the upper face of a bottom one of the plates and a roller depending from the bottom face of the upper one of the plates into a circumscribed space defined by the O-ring. When an external rotatable force is applied to the upper plate, an elastic force is applied to the roller such that when the external force is removed, the roller will move into one of the two stable positions.

Abstract: A locating device for attaching a fixture level on a wall is disclosed. The device includes an elongated body having a rear side. A first trammel is slidingly mounted on the elongated body and includes a first marker extending from the first trammel in a direction away from the rear side of the body. A second trammel is also slidingly mounted on the elongated body and includes a second marker extending from the second trammel in a direction away from the rear side of the body. A first securing device is attached to the first trammel to secure it in a desired position. A second securing device is attached to the second trammel to secure it in a desired position. A level is mounted to the elongated body and has a predetermined orientation relative to an imaginary line connecting the first marker and the second marker. A side of the elongated body may include graduated markings which can be used as a guide to position the trammels.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for installing a part such as a gear into an assembly such as a gear set with low-stiffness and low inertia comprises an insertion mechanism that is connected to a controller at one end, and that is connected to the part at a second end. In one embodiment, the insertion mechanism at least permits rotational compliance about the z axis with respect to the controller independent of compliance in the x, y, and z axes to permit the part to mesh with the assembly during the installation process. In another embodiment, the insertion mechanism is compliant only along the x, y, and z axes.

Abstract: This invention is a gage for aiding a lathe or milling machine operator in determining whether the centerline of the lathe tool is in alignment with the workpiece. The gage is inserted in the lathe tool holder and pressed against a test bar installed in the lathe. If any gap exists between the test bar and one of the sloping surfaces on the front face of the gage, the gage and test bar centerlines are not in alignment. The gap is equal to the variation between the centerlines because of the geometric relationship established between the angle between the sloping front surfaces and the test bar. This gap is measured with a conventional automotive type feeler gage and the lathe tool is adjusted vertically by this amount using pre-cut shims supplied with the gage.

Abstract: An alignment system has one or more paired tabs and slots. The tabs are located on one component and the slots are located in another component to provide alignment between the components in three dimensions even if the tabs and slots are beyond the view or not visible to the user. The tab is a flat protrusion having short side edges and tapered front edges that converge to a central tip. The slot is a large, generally diamond-shaped aperture with rectangular slits on two opposed corners. Initially, the tabs on the first component are misaligned in three dimensions relative to the slots in the second component. As the tips of the tabs move into the slots, the tips make contact with the diamond-shaped apertures. The large size and shape of the slots allow for a significant range of misalignment between the components. After initial capture, the tapered front edges of the tabs slide along the apertures to provide coarse deflection and centering.

Abstract: A hole alignment device for aligning holes to be drilled in a joist. The hole alignment device includes a laser light emitter device. The laser emitter includes a first end, a second end and a peripheral wall extending therebetween. In an embodiment the laser emitter emits a laser light from the first end. The invention also includes a mounting member for removably mounting the laser emitter in the hole of a joist. The mounting member includes a first end, a second end and a peripheral wall extending therebetween. The first end includes a hole extending therein and extending through the second end. The laser emitter includes a size designed for removably positioning in the hole of the mounting member.

Abstract: A hole center detecting apparatus for positioning the hole of a spool and a cord accurately by determining the coordinates of two points of intersection between the inner circumference of the spool hole and a virtual straight line to compute the coordinates of the center of the hole and by moving the cord according to the computed coordinates of the hole center. A straightness measuring apparatus for measuring the curvature of a cord automatically by detecting the coordinates of three longitudinal points of the cord. A measurement apparatus for measuring a residual torsion automatically by measuring the rotation angle of the end portion of the cord before and after clamped, electrically.

Abstract: An intersection between a first circular arc traced around a given measuring point on a toroidal surface on one side by the extreme end of a segment with a length equal to the curvature radius of traction surfaces of discs and a second circular arc traced around a given measuring point on a toroidal surface on the other side by the extreme end of the segment is obtained in a cross section along the central axis of the power roller. A plurality of intersections are obtained by repeating the process for obtaining the intersection for each of different measuring points on the toroidal surfaces. That specific one of the intersections which is situated nearest to the reference surface of the power roller is selected and it is concluded that the selected intersection is the tilting center of the discs.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for measuring the amount by which the centerline of a shaft disposed in a vessel is offset from the central vertical axis of the vessel, and for measuring the height of such shaft above the inside bottom of the vessel. Apparatus includes a shaft centerline offset measurement device, a shaft height measurement device, and a control/display console. Each measurement device includes a transducer or optical encoder for sensing a displaced position of a biased plunger to which a code strip is mounted. The devices may be combined into a single shaft offset and height measurement device. Improved methods include calculating shaft offset based on a plurality of readings from the transducer, and applying trigonometric relationships. The apparatus and methods are particularly useful in the verification of paddle or basket shafts utilized in dissolution testing stations, so that the dissolution testing protocol complies with government agency guidelines.

Abstract: A device for positioning and centering, particularly for automobile body work pieces, comprises a body 1 with an actuating means 2 to actuate centering means 3 adapted to move between a near disengagement position and a spaced centering position, the centering means 3 being displaced by slidably mounted elements 7, 8 and forming an angle with the direction of movement of the actuating means 2.

Abstract: A device for centering tools, such as saw blades, rotary cutters and the like which are circular and which have bores of different sizes, on processing machines such that they can be positioned about their center axes. The device includes a mounting plate adapted to be attached to such a machine, a first and second bearings on the plate, and a third bearing mounted for movement on the plate selectively toward or away from the first and second bearings. The first, second and third bearings being engagable with the bore of the blade such that the bore is centered on the machine and the blade is rotatable about its center axis.

Abstract: A remote center compliance system having a variable center having an upper plate and a lower plate, and a plurality of elastic bodies installed between the upper and lower plates, includes a plurality of lower rotary plates, each having a rotation axis parallel to a center axis passing the center of the lower plate and the center of the upper plate, and coupled to a lower end of each of the elastic bodies and coupled to the lower plate to be capable of rotating, and a plurality of upper rotary plates, each being coupled to an upper end of each of the elastic bodies and concurrently coupled to the upper plate to be capable of rotating about the rotation axis of the lower rotary plate, in which a center axis of each of the elastic bodies is inclined with respect to the rotation axis of the lower rotary plate to which each of the elastic bodies is coupled.

Abstract: A self-centering arbor adapted to locate a hole in a mechanical object having coaxial openings, such as brackets, bushings or the like, with vastly improved accuracy and repeatability. The self-centering arbor comprises two opposite free floating, spring biased, coaxial, tapered pins mounted in a housing member for engagement with the openings in the axle bracket or the like. The housing includes opposite first and second housings interconnected by a mandrel shaft. Furthermore, two spherical locating members are secured to the housing member and are oppositely aligned on an axis of the tapered pin.

Abstract: A centerline detector for a tubular knit fabric lay cutter table. The apparatus includes a nearside side edge compressor for determining the position of the nearside edge of the fabric lay and providing a signal representative of the nearside edge. The apparatus also includes a farside side edge compressor for determining the position of the farside edge of the fabric lay and providing a signal representative of the farside edge. A controller is connected to the nearside side edge compressor and the farside side edge compressor for receiving the signal representative of the nearside edge and the signal representative of the farside edge and calculating a first centerpoint of the fabric lay. In the preferred embodiment the centerline detector makes at least two measurements along a length of the fabric lay.

Abstract: A first mounting plate (4) is formed with a ring-shaped projection (6) on its undersurface, facing a through hole (5) in the center. An outer peripheral wall (61) of the projection (6) is finished into the shape of a perfect circle. In mounting a motor (2) on the first mounting plate (4), the position of a motor shaft (3) is adjusted on the basis of the outer peripheral wall (61) of this perfect circle. On the other hand, the upper part of the inner peripheral wall of a second mounting plate 10, which faces a through hole 5 in the center, is formed into an expanded portion (71), and the inner peripheral wall of the expanded portion (71) is finished into the shape of a perfect circle. In attaching a housing (9) of a machine tool to the second mounting plate (10), the position of a main spindle (1) is adjusted on the basis of the inner peripheral wall of this perfect circle.

Abstract: A bore centering apparatus includes an elongated level having a laser beam generator at one end insertably received into the center of a centering cone placed within a hole in a wall. Adjustment of the level is made by turnbuckles which adjustably connect the level to the front face of the wall into which the centering cone is placed. The laser beam generator transmits a beam through the centering cone along its central longitudinal axis and therefore is coincident with the central longitudinal axis of the hole so that the beam terminates at a remote or spaced-apart intended target. Offset lines in degrees are carried on the external surface of the centering cone so that layout directions can be derived quickly. A protractor plate may be incorporated into the assembly at the base of the centering cone to set the desired degree of offset. By combining a 45 degree or 30 degree offset mark on the bore cone, the bore assembly is tilted accordingly to show compound angle layouts or directions of mechanical runs.

Abstract: The center locator tool has a flat, rectangular case with a top wall, a bottom wall, and two opposing side walls. The interior of the case houses a spur gear rotatably mounted on a center post extending through the center of the case, the center post having a bore defined axially therein. A pair of arms are mounted so that the arms are slidable through the case on opposite sides of the spur gear, each arm having a rack defined in its edge which engages the spur gear so that when one arm is extended from the case, the other arm is extended an equal distance in the opposite direction. Each arm has a groove defined in its bottom surface for engaging a guide projecting from the bottom wall of the case. The end of each arm has a work engaging plate forming a "V" shape, the opening of the "V" facing towards the center of the tool, the plates depending from the ends of the arms and being adapted for engaging a square or circular workpiece.

Abstract: In an adaptor for fixing at least one measuring means to a motor vehicle wheel, for example when measuring the wheel position, a carrier carrying the measuring means is centered on the vehicle wheel by way of fixing means mounted displaceably with respect to the carrier, upon displacement of the fixing means.

Abstract: A gauge is disclosed to grid in the location of sprinkler lines above grid type suspended ceilings. The gauge is used after the grid is installed but before the overhead sprinkler system is completed and before the ceiling tiles are installed. The gauge includes a plurality of arms, preferably three which have lengths approximating 1/2 of the grid opening dimension and are all pivotal and extendable, if necessary to engage the grid system and locate a central body to which the arms are secured. When extended, the arms define the center of the grid opening. An extendable arm is secured to the central body and may be manually extended upward to locate the center of the grid opening at the structural support for the sprinkler distribution system. A drop branch line from the distribution system at the location identified by the gauge is installed and a sprinkler head attached to the drop branch line.

Abstract: A tape measure is provided in which orientation of the primary indicia are varied to allow reading of measurements from either side. A centering strip is provided which gives fractional values corresponding to the primary indicia, thus allowing easy calculation of certain fractions of a given measurement. Other visual aids for improving ease of use are provided, such as stud centering marks, distinct colors and variations in numeral and hatch mark sizing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a passive multiple remote center compliance (MRCC) device that serves as a mechanical wrist for a robot arm. Such a multiple remote center compliance device comprises a translational structure and a gyrational structure serially interconnected between an operator member and a mounting member for enabling translational and rotational motion at, near or beyond the remote compliance center, that is, the functioning end of the operator member. The translational structure is securely connected to the mounting member (such as the end effector of a robot arm) and is provided with a translational block therein so as to furnish lateral compliance and orientational compliance. The gyrational structure is connected and operated by an operating member (such as the gripper of the robot arm) and moves relatively to the translational structure.

Abstract: A bore gauge centralizer comprising a frame having a pair of parallel legs connected by a cross piece. One end of the frame is pivotally mounted to the gauge head so that the legs are generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the gauge and the ends of the legs pivot in unison away from the head. A spring biases the leg ends away from the head. A roller is rotatably attached to the each leg end. The roller is a truncated solid oval so that a single contact point is made with the bore wall regardless of the position of the frame.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the centering of objects by positioning a slider that is not only movable within a base but also moveable therebeyond in opposite directions in relation to stop members for holding an object at a centering position where a projection extending from the slider is used to mark the center with reference to markings along the base at the slider and on the stop members.

Abstract: At least either of the upper and lower portions of each of a plurality of elastic bodies (30) provided between an upper structure (10) and a lower structure (20) is movable radially, simultaneously by the same distance in the longitudinal direction of the elastic bodies manually or by a driving means to change the position of an elastic center X, which exists in the axial direction of the machine body, and change the elastic force between the upper and lower structures (10, 20). Either of connections of each of the elastic bodies (30) to the upper and lower structures (10, 20) is a hinge joint or a spherical pair joint, and that of the other is a fixed joint.

Abstract: A device and method for determining the center and orientation of a circular workpiece such as a semiconductor wafer. A laser diode projects a sheet of light onto a linear array of charge coupled devices which measures light intensity as a semiconductor wafer is rotated with its outer periphery intersected by the sheet of light. From a plot of light intensity data versus position at the wafer edge, a derivative of such plot can be calculated to locate an orientation notch or flat in the edge of the wafer. Also, from the plot of light intensity versus edge position it is possible to locate the center of the wafer relative to a rotation axis of a spindle on which the wafer is supported.

Abstract: A centering jig assembly for centering guide holes for a drill provides an improved adjustment feature, which avoids reliance on fasteners to fix the position of the screw device with respect to the clamp jaws. The jig assembly includes a first holding element having a first threaded bore extending therethrough and a first bearing face bearing against a first engagement surface of a work piece and a second holding plate member having a second bearing surface and a second bore extending therethrough for alignment with the first bore, the second bearing surface bearing against a second engagement surface of the work piece. A center axis of the first bore and a center axis of the second bore are collinear defining an axis of travel. The first and second plates are adapted to translate generally parallel with respect to each other along the axis of travel.

Abstract: A centering device and method includes a sensor for sensing the center of a bore preformed in a workpiece, and a remote output unit for outputting the positional signal generated by the sensor. The sensor in held within a spindle of a machine tool and includes a stylus which contacts the inner surface of the bore, a local oscillator and modulator and an RF oscillator and antenna. The stylus oscillates a linear proximity sensor. The proximity sensor outputs a proportional DC voltage which is input to a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) which outputs a square-wave with a frequency which is a function of the stylus position. The RF oscillator and antenna includes a radio transmitter and antenna and receives the square-wave output of the VCO, converts the square-wave to a modulated RF signal and transmits the modulated RF signal to the remote output unit. The remote output unit includes an RF receiver and demodulator, and a signal processor and output and display.

Abstract: A powered reel-type tape measuring device that has a reel of flexible metal measuring tape rotatably mounted on a shaft in a housing with measuring indicia on the tape. An electric powered motor is coupled to a flexible drive roller for pulling the tape from the housing and to the reel itself for pulling the tape into the housing and rewinding it on the reel. A switch having first and second contacts is operatively coupled to the electric power device for energizing the power-driven device to selectively rotate the flexible roller to pull the tape in a forward direction out of the housing with activation of the first switch contact and to drive the reel to pull the tape into the housing for rewinding when the switch is activated in the second position.

Abstract: A centering apparatus and method is provided which automatically measuring the radius or radius deviation of a large cylindrical bore, and shorten the time required for centering. The inspection apparatus is supported on a rise and fall base which is horizontally supported on a top portion of the large cylindrical bore in such a manner that it is allowed to vertically move in parallel with a fine wire which is hung perpendicularly from the center of the top portion. The inspection apparatus having a non-contact type two-dimensional position sensor for detecting the relative position of the fine wire to the cent-er of the inspection apparatus. The inspection apparatus is positioned at an arbitrary height.

Abstract: A diameter-measuring gauge for measuring the diameter of rods, pipe and the like comprised of a thin panel having a V-shaped recess formed in one of its side edges. The recess extends through the panel which carries a plurality of oppositely disposed shoulders along opposite recess-defining portions of the panel, the distance between said opposed shoulders being one of the standard diameters of rods, pipe, or the like. The distance between the shoulders of each pair is less than the distance between the shoulders of the adjacent outwardly disposed pair. Suitable indicia is carried at the surface of the panel to appropriately indicate the diameter of a rod or the like, which bears against the adjacent pair of shoulders. The gauge is simple, easy to use, and highly practical. In addition, it is inexpensive to manufacture and, as a consequence, is readily adaptable for use as a give-away advertising item, as well as a standard item in a worker's tool box.

Abstract: The invention is a device used to mark a point in connection with the installation of an indoor sprinkler system in a ceiling or wall such that the device is connected to installed sprinkler system piping and the telescopic pointer is extended to the necessary length to mark a point in the ceiling or wall where the sprinkler head should be installed or where connector piping should be installed.

Abstract: A bolt hole alignment pin for assisting in aligning mating flanges in piping systems comprises a head, a first portion for slip fit with the bolt holes in the flanges, a second portion for centering a gasket between the mating flanges, and a third portion offset from the second portion for providing a cam action when the head is turned to bring the flanges into exact alignment.

Abstract: An improved self centering guide pipe axis laser guide is based on the use of three parallel links spaced 120 degrees apart which are engaged to be expanded or contracted. When expanded the links contact the inside diameter of the pipe which accordingly establishes the center axis of the pipe. The links are actuated for expansion or contraction by mounting a spring base spider element in association with a spider lever element on a smooth pipe housing, wherein the movement of the spring base spider element and the spider lever element is controlled by thumbscrews on each of the elements, the smooth pipe housing containing within, the power supply and laser module, and a removable switch assembly at the rear enabling easy access to the batteries. The laser guide can readily be withdrawn from the pipe by attaching a tether line to the front end and levels for determining the slope are mounted in slots in both the front and rear spider elements.

Abstract: This invention teaches an apparatus and method for detection and correction of eccentricity and angular misalignment of a wafer. The position of a wafer is determined while the wafer is stationary on a robot arm by position sensors that locate four points on the periphery of the wafer. A microprocessor selects and uses a specific combination of three of the four points to calculate the actual location of the center of the wafer. The microprocessor produces signals which are used to correct the wafer's eccentricity using two rotatable shafts, an inner shaft mounted inside an outer shaft. The outer shaft is rotated prior to arrival of the wafer, in order to position the inner shaft at a pre-determined location depending on the eccentricity to be corrected. After the wafer is placed on a turntable mounted on and rotatable by the inner shaft, the inner shaft is rotated by the requisite angle to eliminate the wafer's eccentricity in a single movement.

Abstract: A center finding device for locating the geometric center of a workpiece having substantially parallel side surfaces including a pair of crossed arm members pivotally secured to each other by a tubular member with a marking pin received therein and secured at one end and in slidable-pivotal relation to a longitudinal slot in each of a pair of side guide arms whereby when the guide arms are moved into engaging relation with the parallel side surfaces of the workpiece, the crossed arm members are automatically slidable into a position with the tubular member being in a geometrically centered position with respect to the workpiece. In addition, the center finding device can be used in conjunction with an accessory for locating the geometric center of a workpiece having substantially non-parallel side surfaces.

Abstract: An azimuth angle compensation device adapted for use with an assembler device for inserting an object into a workpiece, whereby the assembler device establishes a centerline corresponding substantially to an insertion axis of the object to be inserted into the workpiece. The azimuth compensation device includes:(1) a first member;(2) a second member; and(3) structure connecting the first and second members for causing the second member and the object to rotate about the centerline through at least one angle and in at least one direction when the object is brought into contact with the workpiece by the assembler device.

Abstract: An electrician's center point gauge to facilitate placing conduit holes in electrical boxes wherein a circular disc is provided having a center hole and four 90.degree., circumferentially spaced notches in its peripheral edge. A trace is made of the circumferential edge of the disc, notches and center hole. Diametrical lines are drawn through the center of the circumferential trace and notches to facilitate the positioning of a conventional knockout set on the side wall of the electrical box for pulling a hole for a conduit therethrough.

Abstract: The layout tool is used for marking the positions for building materials, such as studs, joists, rafters, trusses and rough door opening trimmer studs, before nailing in permanent position on wall plates and sill plates. The layout tool has templates that are the same width of building materials, that are attached at indicia markings, "on center", from either end of an extruded member and the interlocking design of the manufacture keeps them perpendicular. Also provided are the rough door sizes that are indicia marked and layout can be marked from either end of invention.

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

Abstract: A self centering guide pipe axis laser guide is based on the use of three parallel links spaced 120 degrees apart which are engaged to be expanded or contracted. When expanded the links contact the inside diameter of the pipe which accordingly establishes the center axis of the pipe. The driving means for the links is a rotating screw mounted in a base centrally located with respect to the three links. In the front of the base is a laser module whose beam is aligned with the center axis of the pipe once the links contact the inner diameter of the pipe. Gauges mounted in a saddle on top of the pipe determine the proper slope once the center axis has been established. A calibrated scale on the guide can be used for determining both inner and outer diameters of the pipe. While the laser guide has been illustrated in determining the center line of pipes, it also has other uses such as aligning pillow blocks to a center line.

Abstract: A centering system in a roundness measuring instrument comprises a computing section, a detecting device and a programming device. The computing section seeks an average circle of an article to be measured, a value of eccentricity and a direction of an angle of eccentricity in response to a displacement signal of a forward end element, sets an output signal of a detector so that the position of the detector at the time the measurement element is present on the arc of the average circle becomes zero, and further, calculates only a displacement value of the measurement element in a direction of an X-axis or a Y-axis to the value of eccentricity. The detecting device detects an angle of rotation of an X-Y table in a direction of an angle of eccentricity of the X-axis or the Y-axis.

Abstract: A fixture for use with a programmable coordinate measuring machine to determine the centerline of a threaded hole formed in a workpiece from a planar surface and the distance between the centerlines of two similar holes, consists of a plug having a cylindrical section threaded to mate with the hole. A cylindrical head section formed concentrically with the threaded section and of greater diameter, has a counterbore formed at one end, concentrically with the centerline if the threaded section. A probe of a programmable coordinate measurement machine may be moved into the cylindrical bore and brought into contact with three spaced points on the interior diameter of the bore with three straight line motions. A coordinate measurement machine calculates the centerline of bore and thus the centerline of the threaded hole from these three measurements.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting the location of a hole in a surface of a workpiece. The sensor comprises a sensing head having a probe adapted to engage the portion of the workpiece surface defining a hole. A housing supports the sensing head for lateral displacement in any direction from a longitudinal Z axis of the sensor in response to engagement of the hole-defining portion by the probe. A pair of displacement conversion members are supported in the housing for independent axial displacement along the Z axis corresponding in direction and magnitude to the lateral displacement of the sensing head along X and Y lateral axes, respectively. Sensing devices are disposed to respond to the axial displacement of each of the conversion members to generate a signal indicative thereof.

Abstract: An arrow balancing tool is used in establishing the optimal balance point on an arrow to produce the most efficient flight characteristics in accord with manufacturer recommendations. Assuming that the optimal balance point will fall toward the nose end of the arrow, approximately 7 to 10% of the arrow length removed from the midpoint of the arrow, the invention provides a base with a scale graduated in units equivalent to 57% of the length of the arrows being balanced. A second scale is graduated in units representative of 60% of the lengths of the various arrows to be balanced. A reference point, zero on the various scales, is established at which the nock of the arrow is positioned. A fulcrum, slidingly coupled to the tool, is adjusted until the balance point of the arrow is determined. Indices on the sliding fulcrum are positioned for a readout on each of the scales. Actual scale values reflect current manufacturer recommendations for optimal balance of an arrow.

Abstract: Precision parallel mechanical float for compliance automation gaging, parts handling, assembly and other operations involving a combination of tolerance misalignment. Parallel plates separated by three precision resiliently preloaded flat end rods provide resilient yield in a parallel plane as well as tilting under predetermined loading together with automatic recentering through restoring spring bias.

Abstract: Precision parallel mechanical float for compliance automation gaging, parts handling, assembly and other operations involving a combination of tolerance misalignment. Parallel plates separated by three precision resiliently preloaded flat end rods provide resilient yield in a parallel plane as well as tilting under predetermined loading together with automatic recentering through restoring spring bias.

Abstract: A tape measure is provided in which orientation of the primary indicia are varied to allow reading of measurements from either side. A centering strip is provided which gives fractional values corresponding to the primary indicia, thus allowing easy calculation of certain fractions of a given measurement. Other visual aids for improving ease of use are provided, such as stud centering marks, distinct colors and variations in numeral and hatch mark sizing.