Abstract: A measurement probe is carried by a carriage movable in a first direction to cause the measurement probe to traverse a measurement path across a surface of an object received by a support surface to provide measurement data representing variations in a second direction different from the first direction of surface features along the measurement path. The support surface is movable in a third direction different from the first and second directions. Measurement of a surface area is effected by controlling the carriage to cause the measurement probe to traverse a plurality of measurement paths across an area of the surface of an object mounted on the support surface and by controlling the support surface to move in the third direction after each measurement path traverse. Measurement data thus obtained for a reference sphere of previously known radius is used to determine the relative orientation of the first and third directions.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for aligning the component parts of a drum assembly are disclosed. One aspect of the invention relates to tools for measuring and aligning the component parts of the drum assembly. By way of example, the tools may include indicator tools for measuring the relative position of the component parts, as well as alignment tools for aligning the component parts in accordance with the measurements. Another aspect of the invention relates to methods of measuring and aligning the component parts of the drum assembly. By way of example, some methods may pertain to aligning the upper drum and/or the drum support of the drum assembly.

Abstract: A spherical-article measuring apparatus has first and second support arms and a size detector. The first support arm has first and second ends. The first end can be brought in contact with a first curve section of a spherical article to be measured at one end of the diametrical line in the spherical article. The second end can be located spaced apart from and opposite to a second curve section of the spherical article at the other end of the diametrical line. The second support arm has a third end which can be brought in contact with a third curve section of the spherical article. The size detector can be brought in contact with the second curve section.

Abstract: A device aids the setter of a cutter head for cutting, e.g., milling or hobbing, of spiral bevel gears to align all rod-shaped blades with their tip cutting edges to an axial height which is as uniform as possible and to move them with their profile cutting edges to a correct radial position in the cutter head so that uniform chip removal can take place. The device has a stable arm which can be moved numerically controlled axially and radially to the cutter head, with positions which are continuously measured and with which each individual blade can be automatically pushed into its chamber in the cutter head. A probe which is connected to the arm measures the axial height of the tip cutting edge of each blade before, during and shortly after each blade is pushed in.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus for a pulley which features a workpiece holding post, a slide table and a measuring post which are controlled and moved by a controlling board. A probe tip extends from a detecting head of the measuring post and, in operation, is brought into contact with the portion to be measured to carry out the copying measurement which involves one or more measurements directed at the groove diameter of the ball groove, angle of the intersection, a divided angle, over-ball diameter, between diameter, lead deviation, run-out, concentricity, tapered angle of the conical surface, straightness of the conical surface, and deviation of the conical surface.

Abstract: A fixture is provided for holding a part for a machining operation. The fixture includes a base assembly and a locator assembly. The part is placed in the base assembly and held by floating supports and spring clamps that permit a small amount of adjustment of the part in the base assembly. The locator assembly is then moved into its engaged position with the base assembly to fix the part into its machining position by adjusting the part relative to the floating supports and spring clamps. A mechanism on the base assembly is then used to fix the floating supports to hold the part in the machining position. Finally, the locator assembly is rotated into the disengaged position and the part can be machined as necessary.

Abstract: An apparatus and method involves the use of a gauge to measure the pitch and rake of a blade on a propeller. The gauge has a rotational sensor that determines relative rotation of a measurer. The measurer includes a pitch sensor and a rake sensor. The rotational sensor communicates with a display, which provides an output representative of pitch or rake of the blade based on signals received from the rotational sensor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for displacement of blocks, with a view to comparison of their dimensions by means of a measuring apparatus, which device includes a support, referred to as the measuring table, which defines a supporting and sliding plane for the blocks, a piece, referred to as the template, situated above the measuring table and bearing stops disposed in order to maintain the blocks in a predetermined position and orientation relative to the measuring apparatus, by cooperating with the lateral faces of the blocks, while preserving their free support on the measuring table, and is carried by a guide device along at least one axis parallel to the pressing plane, this device being characterized in that the template is made up of two separate parts which can be displaced separately from one another.

Abstract: An improved gemstone measuring apparatus includes a pair of linearly aligned measurement flanges used to determine the linear dimensions of a gemstone alone a plurality of axes. One of the measurement flanges is linearly moveable relative to the other. A measurement member translates the distance between the measurement flanges to display indicia responsive thereto. A rotatable support platform is coupled to the housing intermediate the measurement flanges, the axis of rotation thereof being co-extensive with a measurement flange. The gemstone whose dimensions are to be measured is disposed upon the rotatable support platform intermediate the measurement flanges. The rotatable platform is positioned to align the gemstone axis being measured with the axis of alignment of the measurement flanges.

Abstract: An automated parts assembly station comprises means (11) of positioning and mutual locking of the parts to be assembled, assembly means (13) connecting the parts, and a measurement system (24) for the position of the parts to verify whether the geometry of the assembled part is in conformity with a desired ideal geometry. The measurement system (24) comprises a plurality of relative measurement sensors (15) with each sensor being arranged and fixed in a purposeful seat in an associated appropriate geometrical solid (22). The measurement system has memories containing the position of geometrical spatial specifications of the solid with respect to a reference system chosen for the station and on the basis of the contents of the memories calibrates and sets the operational measurements of the sensors to convert them from relative to the sensor to absolute with respect to said reference system chosen for the station. A calibration and setting method is also described.

Abstract: The invention has an object to provide a substrate detecting device which is capable of detecting the presence of a substrate and the existence of the substrate's off-position by a low number of substrate sensing parts. In the substrate detecting device for detecting both presence and off-position of the substantially circular substrate W mounted on a substrate mounting part 26, the device includes the plural substrate sensing parts 50, 52 arranged somewhat inward from the outer peripheral edge of the substrate mounted on the substrate mounting part and also arranged at substantially regular intervals along the circumferential direction of the substrate and a judgement controlling unit 40 for judging the presence of the substrate and the existence of the off-position on the ground of respective outputs from the plural substrate sensing parts. Consequently, the presence of the substrate and the existence of the off-position in excess of an allowance can be detected by e.g. three sensing parts.

Abstract: An automated adjustment system that permits an operator to quickly and accurately adjust the various adjustable components in a tape path. The adjustment system comprises an automated adjustment tool connected to a processing system. The automated adjustment tool comprises a plurality of probes connected to a nest fixture. The nest fixture is configured to receive a tape drive and securely position the tape drive for adjustment of the tape path. The plurality of probes are configured to individually engage the adjustable components in the tape path and provide a computer readable output to the processing system that indicates the vertical position of the individual components. The processing system is configured to receive the computer readable output, convert the computer readable output into a measurement and display the measurement on a display for an operator.

Abstract: A wafer edge grinding or polishing machine is provided with a pair of chucks for engaging a wafer therebetween, a fixed reference surface and a sensor which is movable with a movable chuck. Measurements are made by the sensor relative to the fixed reference plane when the movable chuck is in engagement with the opposite chuck without a wafer therebetween in order to obtain a standard measurement value. With a wafer between the chucks, the sensor obtains an actual measurement value relative to the fixed reference surface. A calculator determines the difference between the standard and actual measurements values and displays the difference as the thickness of the wafer. Multiple sensors may be used to obtain multiples readings which are averaged by the calculator to obtain a thickness measurement.

Abstract: A system for part measurement and verification is disclosed. The system comprises a set of design criteria specifying a part and a fixture with gage blocks for positioning the part, where each of the gage blocks represents a known position. At least one probe is operable to measure the scalar values of the part and the gage blocks. A handheld information processor or computer is coupled to the probe for receiving the measurements and is operable to transform the measurements and compare those measurements to the design criteria to in order to verify the part. A method for part measurement and verification is disclosed. The method comprises eight steps. Step one calls for specifying the part with a set of design criteria. Step two requires storing the design criteria in a handheld information processor. Step three provides placing the part in a fixture with gage blocks at known locations. In step four, the method provides for configuring the handheld information processor to receive part measurements.

Abstract: A printed circuit board processing machine has: a table that can travel in a X-direction carrying a printed circuit board thereon; a cross rail arranged so as to straddle the table; a plurality of sliders supported for independently movement in a Y-direction by the cross rail; a plurality of spindles supported for movement in a Z-direction by the sliders; a magnetic rail of a linear-motor fixed to the cross rail; and a plurality of coils of the linear-motor fixed to the sliders so as to oppose the magnetic rail.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for checking the shape of a part having a portion which is a cylinder of revolution around an axis and a reference end face. The apparatus includes a base and a support arrangement mounted on the base for receiving the cylinder portion and comprising two V-shaped pieces. A positioning arrangement is provided for positioning the part axially with respect to the reference end face. A mechanism is provided for driving the part in rotation about the axis. The positioning arrangement comprises a rectilinear portion with an hemispheric end providing an abutment for the end face. The rectilinear portion is mounted slidingly on the base along a direction which forms, with respect to the axis, an angle corresponding to the half of the angle of the V-shaped pieces. An adjustment means is provided for adjusting the position of the rectilinear portion in a manner which maintains the abutment point of the hemispheric end with the end face on the axis.

Abstract: A test fixture for rapidly checking the measurements of identical parts at various points on the parts comprises a mounting mechanism for mounting the part securely in a predetermined position; a rail or track defining a guide path that extends past selected points on the part; a car that is positioned on the guide path for movement past the selected points on the part; and an indicator mounted on the car for detecting the position of selected points on the part relative to selected locations on the guide path.

Abstract: When a workpiece W whose bend angle is to be measured is slid and pressed on to a rotor (9) in a state where the workpiece has been caused to abut on a first supporting member (7) which is a reference face, the rotor (9) rotates about a rotation center shaft (31) provided on a second supporting member (29), so that the bend angle is measured by reading the rotation angle of the rotor 9 by a detector (39). At this time, the height position of the first supporting member (7) relative to the rotation center of the rotor (9) is adjusted so that the rotation center is positioned within a contacting range R of the workpiece W and the rotor (9). Incidentally, prior to bend angle measurement, the rotor (9) is rotated such that a projection (33) is caused to abut on a stopper (35) provided on the second supporting member (29), thereby performing a calibration. A bend angle measurement can be performed easily, quickly and accurately using a small-sized and light apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a dimension of a workpiece includes a pair of rods positioned within a channel of a baseplate. At least one wedge member is mounted between the rods and forces the rods in a direction away from each other. A guide plate is adjustably mounted with respect to the baseplate, the guide plate having a cutout positioned at least partially over the rods for accepting the workpiece. A measuring tool is adjustably mounted with respect to the baseplate for moving in at least a linear direction.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus for a power roller unit for a toroidal type continuous variable speed transmission, the power roller unit having a trunnion with concentric pivot portions at opposite ends thereof, a pair of bearings disposed around the pivot portions, a displaceable shaft rotatably supporting a pivot support shaft disposed in a hole formed in the trunnion, and a power roller rotatably supported around the pivot support shaft, the measuring apparatus comprising at least one pedestal having an upper surface adapted to support the pivot portions of the trunnion, a hold-down actuator adapted to press the bearings against the upper surface of the at least one pedestal, and a power roller hold-down actuator adapted to press the power roller toward the trunnion, a drive actuator adapted to displace at least one of the power roller and the displaceable shaft, and a measuring device that measures the displacement of the at least one of the power roller and the displaceable shaft.

Abstract: A tool and a method for indicating that a circumferential groove of a desired outer diameter has been formed in a pipe are disclosed. The tool has an arm pivotally mountable adjacent to the pipe for rotation about a pivot axis substantially parallel to the pipe's longitudinal axis. The pipe and the arm are relatively rotatable to one another about the longitudinal axis, the arm being biased toward the pipe. A feeler surface, engageable with the outer surface of the pipe within the groove, is mounted on the arm. The geometry of the arm and the position of the feeler surface is such that the arm moves to a predetermined angular position when the diameter of the groove reaches a desired value. The feeler surface is variably positionable along the arm to accommodate pipes or grooves of various diameters.

Abstract: Holding device for aligning and mounting a workpiece in an apparatus includes a receiving opening (6) provided for the holding device (20; 30), means (7) for positioning the holding device disposed in the receiving opening (6) for determination of the position of the holding device in relation to the receiving opening, wherein the holding device (20; 30) is connected with a workpiece carrier (21; 31), wherein the workpiece carrier (21; 31) is adjustable relative to the holding device, and wherein optical means (8; 11-17) are provided for viewing of the workpiece and thereby alignment of the workpiece on the holding device is performed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for high speed acquisition of the dimensional parameters of a work piece are effected by simultaneously acquiring probe positional information, converting the probe positional information to standard characteristic data, and calculating multiple dimensional geometries using the converted probe position information. Selected characteristic data may be stored for use with multiple dimensional geometry calculations, reducing the calculation time. A computer and associated software are used to convert the positional information to dimensional geometry information.

Abstract: A tapered part measuring apparatus and method measures male and female tapered or conical parts. The apparatus and method use non-contact linear measurement technology for accurate and repeatable measurements, particularly of tapered parts with large deviations from their desired measurements. The tapered part suspends in non-contact position to the non-contact linear measurement probe on a true vertical axis to accurately assume the same position on replicate measurements.

Abstract: A fish board has a platform having a measuring surface and a light that can illuminate the surface. The light is positioned so that the user can see the measuring scale in low light conditions. The power source for the light source is integrated into the design of the apparatus. The apparatus also includes holders or grippers attached to the platform, and an attached fish-holding clip.

Abstract: A measuring device for measuring the thread start distance of a thread formed on an outer surface of a container finish is provided. The measuring device includes a base having a first surface for receiving a rim of a container finish, a support member, a gauge, and a counterweight to balance the measuring device on the finish. The support member is movably attached to the base and adjacent the first surface. A side surface of the support element is in contact with the container finish. The gauge is attached to the base and a gauge actuator having a roller contact member is operatively associated with the gauge. The gauge actuator measures the distance between the rim of the container finish and a thread start point of the thread of the container finish, S-dimension, as the gauge actuator moves along an upper base line of the thread.

Abstract: A verification tool for testing the orientation of arranged items relative to a predetermined orientation pattern defined by the verification tool. The verification tool is movably engageable relative to the plurality of items mounted on a rack, hanger or similar transport device, and has a fully engaged position relative to the items. The verification tool provides a visual and physical indication that the items are in the proper orientation patterns by being fully engageable relative to the items, and the verification tool provides indication that one or more items are not properly oriented by contacting the improperly oriented items to prevent the full engagement of that tool. The verification tool also includes an opening for marking the properly aligned items with identification indicia which indicate the proper relative orientation of the item in further processing or use of the item.

Abstract: A stylus is carried at one end of a support arm mounted so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis to allow the stylus to follow a surface during relative movement between the stylus and the surface. A drive arrangement is responsive to pivotal movement of the support arm to drive the support arm to maintain the support arm at a substantially constant attitude. A measuring arrangement is provided for measuring the displacement of the stylus. The measuring arrangement uses a measuring element mounted to one end of the support arm adjacent the stylus. The measuring arrangement may be an interferometer and the measuring element a corner cube mounted so as to be aligned with the tip of the stylus.

Abstract: A method for measuring the diameter and eccentricity of a crankpin of a crankshaft which is ground on a grinding machine. A reference plate is provided on a headstock, which is disposed on a table to support the crankshaft. A measurement apparatus having a probe is disposed on a wheel head. Through movements of the table and the wheel head, the probe is first brought into contact with a reference surface of the reference plate, and is then brought into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the crankpin at outermost and innermost points. The distances between the reference surface and the outermost and innermost points are measured, and the diameter and eccentricity of the crankpin are calculated on the basis of the measured distances and the position of the reference surface.

Abstract: A multi-purpose fixture can be used as a part of, or in conjunction with, a manufacturing line to make many different items, such as telephones or other types of communication equipment. A single, multi-purpose fixture can be used to make multiple items. When one item has completed a manufacturing process a different item can be inserted into the same fixture. The fixture is then adjusted to fit the new item. Because the fixture can be used with more than one item, changeover times are reduced as are the costs of developing separate fixtures for each item. Reductions in changeover times and costs allow a manufacturing line to operate more efficiently.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for measuring the loft angle and the lie angle of a golf club. The present invention allows for comparisons to known values, and removes operator bias from the measurements. The apparatus has an encoder assembly with a loft mechanism and a lie mechanism. The encoder assembly is capable of five axial movements. The apparatus has securing means for securing a golf club in an address position during measurement of the loft angle and the lie angle.

Abstract: An inspection device for examining a piece of aperture graphite of an extraction electrode, and the aperture graphite includes a to-be-examined curve and a to-be-examined engagement portion. The inspection device includes a sidewall surface having a standard curve marked thereon, and an examination engagement portion having a predetermined positional relationship with the sidewall surface. After the to-be-examined engagement portion is engaged with the examination engagement portion, and after the to-be-examined curve is projected onto the sidewall surface, the suitability of the aperture graphite can be determined according to the amount of differences between the projected to-be-examined curve and the standard curve.

Abstract: A margin inspector for IC wafers includes an upper plate and a supporting portion. The upper plate, which is formed as a transparent plate, has a plurality of concentric circular segments thereon for establishing a set of reference lines to examine the periphery ring of the wafer located under the upper plate while in examining operation. The supporting portion connected with the upper plate is used to form a working space, between the supporting portion and the upper plate, for accommodating the wafer to be examined. By applying these inspecting lines, any deviation on the washout periphery ring of the wafer can be easily and correctly located by eyesight.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a glove fitting device and method for measuring aspects of a user's hands and recommending an appropriate glove size therefrom. The device includes a platform with left-hand and right-hand measuring stations. Each measuring station includes at least one measuring system comprising a plurality of cooperating elements, such as scales, to measure the length of at least two of a user's digits and selecting a preferred finger length value. Each of the two digits is measured, relative to a different position. The device further includes a measuring tape that allows a girth value to be obtained of user's palm. In addition, the device includes a sizing grid that allows the preferred finger length value and the girth value to be correlated with a recommended glove size.

Abstract: The ball sizing device has an angularly disposed support which defines a square-shaped space for receiving a dimpled golf ball. The two lowermost walls defining the space receive the ball in point-to-point contact. Each of the two opposite walls has a gauge mounted thereon with a spring loaded pin for engaging the ball in point-to-point contact. Each gauge serves to measure a deviation of the diameter of a ball from a standard diameter. The readings from the gauges are processed in a central processing unit in order to obtain a statistical average of the diameter of the ball. A standardizing cylinder is separately mounted on the sizing device in order to calibrate the two gauges to a zero reading and to provide a standard diameter value to the central processing unit.

Abstract: A fish tape with one-foot increments affixed to its surface using a laser. This will allow an electrician to guide the fish tape through the raceway only one time because the length of the raceway will be indicated by the one-foot increments on the fish tape and therefore eliminate many steps that electricians must currently perform because of the prior art.

Abstract: A gage device and a test system for statistically qualifying compliant or semi-rigid molded bearings and bearing sets to predetermined material conditions includes a gage body, a flanged plug, a stud used to set a first predetermined material condition, an adapter used to set a second predetermined material condition, and a test fixture. The device simulates the assembly of ball joints to determine whether molded conformal bearings or bearing sets are acceptable from a beginning of life perspective. In this way, functional acceptability of a given number of samples drawn from a production lot is proven to satisfy pre-determined maximum and minimum material conditions. A method of testing and statistically qualifying the bearings is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus holds a feeler gage. The apparatus includes a shaft having an end to which the feeler gage is attached. A fixture aligns the shaft with an opening into which the feeler gage is inserted. The opening may be a gap of a connector. A portion of the shaft is a measuring section having a plurality of markers. The markers are stripes, grooves, or lands on a portion of the shaft. The fixture comprises a channel, sleeve or bearing that guides the shaft onto the fixture. The fixture includes a ridge for insertion of the fixture onto a track. The fixture may have an alignment arm that engages a side surface of the connector. The fixture has a latch that attaches the fixture to the track. The latch of the fixture comprises two substantially parallel elongate members separated by a distance approximately equal to a width of the track.

Abstract: A gage assembly is provided that is capable of simulating the functional environment of a molded component, such as a dust boot. The assembly includes a gage body, a collar unit, and a mating boss adapter. The collar unit includes a collar that is adapted to be secured to the gage body and is adapted to secure a specimen. The collar unit includes a stud having an upper portion and a lower portion, said stud being adapted to secure the specimen being inspected. The mating boss adapter is adapted to be installed over said collar unit and secure the specimen so that a portion of the collar unit and a portion of the mating boss adapter contact the specimen and simulate the intended functional environment of the specimen. A method for forming a gage assembly in accordance with the principles of the invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: The apparatus for the positioning of a measuring device has an annular or arcuate track to which a measuring device is attached. To position the sensing head of the measuring unit radially with respect to the material under test, a crossbeam is provided which supports the measuring device. Bearings are arranged between the track and the crossbeam. In the apparatus for positioning, the position of the crossbeam with the measuring device can be changed in a radial direction to the track with respect to the track.

Abstract: A combined measuring device for indicating both the ring size of a user and the size of a gemstone, includes an elongate housing having a hollow interior and a first measurement scale located along a length of the housing. The first measurement scale includes indicia representative of different ring sizes. An indicator is slidably mounted on the housing for movement along the measurement scale, with at least a portion of the indicator extending into the hollow interior of the housing. A flexible measuring band has a first end removably connected to an end portion of the housing and a second end connected to the indicator portion within the housing. The flexible measuring band forms a measuring loop outside of the housing such that movement of the indicator along the housing changes the size of the measuring loop to thereby adjust to the size of an object to be measured. A second measurement scale is located on a length of the flexible measuring band and includes indicia representative of distance.

Abstract: A process and device are disclosed for positioning devices for temporarily fixing a workpiece in any desired angular position in a three-dimensional working space of which the coordinates are known, in particular when the workpiece requires a multidimensional support A computer-controlled machine with a tool movable in the direction of all co-ordinates is used for that purpose, together with a freely movable, vertically adjustable device or supporting column mounted on a base plate and upon which the supporting device for the multidimensional support of the workpiece is positioned. Based on the tool geometry or a C.A.D. programme, a coupling or an appropriately designed measurement head of a measurement machine is fixed on the tool with respect to a calculated plane of reference for the tool and to an axis inclined in relation thereto which cuts the plane of reference.

Abstract: A device for measuring angles, primarily for measuring bending angles attained by press brakes and similar when a piece to be worked is bent between upper and lower pressing tools (1), includes an oscillating device (6) that detects the angled position of the piece to be worked. The detection device comprises a rocker (6) that is connected directly to a detecting mechanism (12) such as, for example, a rotating potentiometer. The rocker is arranged to pivot around an axis (5) that runs parallel with the longitudinal axis of the lower pressing tool. In its turn, the axis shaft (5) is supported by a supporting and displacement device (3, 4) that can displace the axle, and thereby the rocker, towards and away from the piece to be worked at an oblique angle to the relative direction of movement of the upper and lower pressing tools.

Abstract: An accessory for aligning items parallel to the measurement axis of an outside micrometer, comprising: a platform, having a flat surface bisected by a depressed channel, the platform including a first cylindrical ring disposed at one end of the channel, the platform also including a keyed cavity beneath the channel, a second cylindrical ring, connected to a keyed rod, the rod being slidably installed into the keyed cavity, whereby the first and second cylindrical rings are maintained coaxial and parallel to the platform surface and the keyed channel, a spring, retained in the keyed cavity by the keyed rod, exerting outward force on the rod and attached ring, maintaining them in a slidably extended position, limited by protruding wedges in the keyed cavity.

Abstract: The invention is of a kit or system useful for guiding and facilitating the taking, tabulation and processing of measurements as pertain to scoring game animal according to established scoring rules. The kit or system includes a flexible cable which is used to record absolute lengths or distances needed for a proper scoring. The cable lacks cumulative length indicia or unit indications, but rather includes equally spaced incremental indicia which are used (by multiplying the number of indicia as rest between measurement endpoints) as part of the ultimate determination of length according to standard measurement units. A reusable score card is also provided which includes spaces for recording measurements and indicia for indicating the proper measurements to be taken as well as the sequence thereof and prescribed calculations to be made therefrom.

Abstract: A fixture and method for providing accurate and repeatable alignment and attachment of a semiconductor wafer to a corner cube exposure fixture includes a vacuum-assisted wafer holder of rectangular shape. The wafer holder is first placed upon an L-shaped loading fixture so that a wafer may be positioned against the front surface of the holder and manipulated until the pair of wafer flats abut each leg of the L-shaped fixture. When so aligned, a vacuum is applied to secure the attachment and alignment of the wafer vis-à-vis the wafer holder. The wafer holder is thereafter inserted in a corner cube exposure fixture, where the fixture is formed to include a right-angle bracket with alignment features formed in one leg of the angle. The wafer holder also includes alignment features in its bottom surface, where these features are formed to mate with the bracket upon attachment.

Abstract: A position sensor having a housing which defines a carriage guide, a carriage movably arranged in the guide, and a measurement probe arranged on the carriage for transmitting a measurement signal as a function of a position of the carriage. The measurement probe includes a measurement probe carrier separated from the carriage and the carriage guide and movably arranged in the housing. The measurement probe carrier is also connected to the carriage and the carriage guide so that a force can only be transmitted to the measurement probe carrier parallel to a movement direction.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for surface profile measurements of large samples. The sample is held by a stationary chuck, while a four-axis (X, Y, Z and theta axis) positioning assembly manipulates and positions an overhead scan assembly and measurement stylus to perform the profilometry. To observe the sample surface in the vicinity of the measurement stylus, an illumination and imaging capability is also provided. Backlash and error are reduced in the Z axis assembly through use of cams and cam followers, and in the scan assembly through use of multiple tensioned wires, with low-friction sliding elements. The apparatus reduces vibration and supports heavy (up to 400 kg) samples while allowing accurate profile measurements.

Abstract: Disclosed is a caliper assembly for measuring a diameter of a roll received on a roll support of a grinding machine which includes a frame positionable adjacent the roll support and a linear guide connected to the frame. A pair of measuring arms is connected in spaced relation to the linear guide. The linear guide is configured to enable each measuring arm to move relative to the frame and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the linear guide. A linear motor is connected between the frame and the pair of measuring arms. The linear motor is configured to supply to the pair of measuring arms a motive force which causes the pair of measuring arms to move together or apart. If one of the measuring arms contacts a workpiece with a force in excess of a predetermined force, the linear motor terminates supplying motive force thereto.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring flatness of a surface includes a locator element slidingly engageable with a slider element in a first direction, and a height measuring instrument having a linear probing device is mounted to the slider element. An alignment feature is used for limiting relative motion between the sliding element and the locator element to the first direction when the slider element is engaged with the locator element. An exemplary embodiment includes a locator block having a top side and a bottom side and a slider block engageable with the locator block on the top side. An elongated aperture is disposed through the locator block and is elongated in the first direction. A mechanical dial indicator with a plunger rod projecting is mounted in the slider block and the plunger rod is positionable through the elongated aperture.