Abstract: A compact, highly flexible but accurate multimeasurement gauge assembly facilitates many of the measurements required for an automated three piece can manufacturing operation using one gauge. The gauge assembly includes a gauge block having left, right, front and back edge bordering a top reference surface. A measurement well is formed in the top surface adjacent the left edge and slidably receives a digital measurement indicator that may be latitudinally positioned at any one of a plurality of different measurement positions. At least one longitudinally extending track having a slidable reference post is disposed opposite one of the measurement positions to enable measurements using the post as a mechanical stop for positioning a partially manufactured can at various stages in the manufacturing process.

Abstract: A device for simultaneously holding and measuring the length of a fish, generally comprising a rectangular tray open at one end, the tray having a bottom, two side walls and one end wall, and a preferably hinged lid with a releasable latch. The length of the tray is made equal to the minimum legal length established for the type of fish with which the device is to be used. The length of the lid is less than the length of the bottom of the tray and the lid is disposed on the tray with one end of the lid generally aligned with the closed end of the tray, such that a portion of the bottom of the tray adjacent to the open end is not covered by the lid. A fish is placed in the device with its nose against the end wall at the closed end of the tray, and the lid is closed to loosely retain the fish the device. If the tail of the fish extends outwardly beyond the open end of the tray the fish is of legal size and may be retained by the fisherman.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an adaptor device suitable for use with a measuring apparatus to determine the centrality to the centerline of a Woodruff keyway in a shaft. The adaptor allows the measuring apparatus to rest on the top surface or outside diameter of the shaft so that the measuring apparatus can be used to measure the centrality of the side walls to the centerline of the keyway. Accordingly, the measuring apparatus can operate without reference to the bottom of the keyway due to the use of the adaptor of the present invention which is connected to the measuring apparatus. The adaptor can be structured so that it is usable with a measuring apparatus to measure keyways of varying sizes in shafts of varying sizes.

Abstract: Checking apparatus comprising a support (1); sensing means (19; 71) adapted to provide signals depending on the features of the checked parts (3) with reference means (41, 42; 70) adapted to cooperate with the parts; and connection means (30; 66; 93) with resiliently deformable portions (34, 35; 69, 69' . . . ; 94, 94', . . . ) for connecting the sensing means to the support and enabling the reference means to properly cooperate with the parts through substantially rotary displacements about parallel geometric axes. In order to diminish the influence of plays and frictions and enable checkings--possibly combined checkings--featuring high accuracy and repeatability, the connection means comprise an element (30; 66; 93) having two legs (31, 33; 67, 68; 93), the element being substantially rigid, apart from a plurality of integral zones having reduced thickness, that define said resiliently deformable portions.

Abstract: A device for recognizing different type parts, each type having a predetermined dimension, comprises an abutment against which one side of the part is positioned, a mobile feeler including a mobile abutment adapted to be brought into contact with the other side of the part and a sensor comprising at least one masking member fastened to the feeler and at least one fixed sensor. The device is adapted to be fitted to a machine for processing window or French-window frames to determine the type of frame to be processed.

Abstract: A gauging plate for measuring fastener dimensions includes a rotatable plate having a plurality of openings for measuring fastener dimensions. The plate is rotatable to permit alignment of openings with a measuring member to enable the measurement of dimensions of a wide variety of fasteners. The plate preferably includes at least one slot in the periphery to receive fasteners to have dimensions measured. In the plate at least some of the openings extend throughout the thickness of the plate. The plate includes rotational means to rotate the plate to a plurality of dimension measuring positions. At least one adjusting screw is provided extending through the plate. The adjusting screw is adjustable to selected distances above the plate to enable adjustments of tolerance limits of the dimensions to be measured.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the length, lie and loft of a golf club includes a base having a flat top surface and a pivot plate which is pivotally mounted relative to the base for pivoting movement about a pivot axis which lies in the plane of the flat top surface of the base. The shaft of the club is held by the pivot plate so that the centerline of the shaft is perpendicular to the pivot axis and passes through the pivot axis.

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: An apparatus for checking features of workpieces with rotational symmetry defining a geometrical axis, which includes a base, rest devices fixed to the base for supporting the workpiece with the geometrical axis horizontally arranged, and a support structure coupled to the base for rotation about a horizontal axis. A counterweight and sensor are coupled to the support structure and movable with the support structure from a rest position, allowing loading of the workpiece to be checked onto the rest devices to a working position where the sensor is brought into cooperation with the workpiece. The axis of rotation of the support structure is arranged below the axis of the workpiece, in correspondence to a vertical geometrical plane passing through the workpiece geometric axis when the workpiece is positioned on the rest devices.

Abstract: The measurement volume A of a given coordinate-measuring machine is increased by a device which consists (i) of a support plate (15) which can be displaced on the surface of the machine table (1) into at least two defined positions and (ii) of a device (16a-c, 17a-c) for measuring the position of the support plate in these different positions. The workpiece to be measured is clamped on said support plate (15) and can then be measured, section by section.

Abstract: An apparatus for checking linear dimensions and other features of workpieces (42) comprises a support structure (2) carrying reference and support devices (40) adapted for supporting the workpiece to be checked (42). A linear support frame (210) carrying measuring heads (230) is connected to the support structure (2) through a coupling device (88) directly coupled to the support frame (210), substantially in a single limited zone for preventing deformations of the support frame (210).

Abstract: A multipoint measuring system with measuring mechanism for fast exchanging of chucking appliance and automatic material withdrawal, comprises several slide guides arranged respectively at two side plates to use the three dimensional space to build several sets of measuring components so as to meet the requirement of measuring dimensions synchronously; the measuring implement for fast changing of chucking device and easy operation has a micro adjustment set which is provided at the end of a measuring base, and the said micro adjustment set can make further suitable adjustment to the position of measuring base by means of turning the bolt rod which is arranged on the measuring probe unit, so that it will be more easy, convenient and accurate during resetting operation; an automatic material withdrawal device consists of one set of rocket arm pin and the objects to be measured can be withdrawn to the measuring position by means of the oscillation motion of the said rocker arm pin.

Abstract: In a co-ordinate measuring machine a base structure (10) supports guideways and carriages providing for movement of a probe adapted to contact a workpiece, and a separate structure (20) is provided for supporting the workpiece itself. The structure (20) can be supported directly on a foundation (16) by an arrangement of bars (54) capable of restraining all six degrees of freedom of movement of the structure (20), i.e. straight line movement in each of the X, Y and Z directions and rotation about each of the X, Y and Z axes. Each bar (54) is stiffened in the direction of its own axis but enables compliance in all directions normal to this axis to accommodate small movements of the structure (20) without stress or strain. The base structure (10) is mounted on the workpiece structure (20) by a similar arrangement of the bars (54) which thereby restrain all 6.degree. of freedom of movement of the base structure (10).

Abstract: A frame for supporting operative means includes two first, parallel metal beams arranged side by side and having the ends coupled to two second, parallel metal beams arranged perpendicularly to the first beams. In order to provide a rigid frame structure easy to manufacture depending on the features of the relevant apparatus and permitting quick coupling of the operative means in desired positions, the first beams are arranged to define a through slot for the passage of coupling elements coupling the operative means to the frame and for providing a guide for positioning the operative means in desired positions with respect to the frame. The second beams are welded at relevant ends of the first beams. The invention can also be applied for manufacturing frames including two pairs of parallel bars defining two guides, in particular frames of gauges for checking linear dimensions of parts.

Abstract: An apparatus for gauging the height and outer diameter of a collar in a heat exchanger plate fin. The apparatus comprises a vertically displaceable carriage overhanging a base on which a plate fin can be mounted for measurement. On the carriage are mounted two displacement indicators, in the preferred embodiment electrical linear gauges. One indicator is oriented so that its indicator probe measures vertical displacement and, through the configuration of the apparatus, produces an output that can be translated to a measure of the height of the fin collar. The other indicator is oriented so that its indicator probe measures horizontal displacement. The independent but concerted positioning of two measuring blades to contact diametrically opposite points on the fin collar is resolved into an output from the horizontal indicator that can be translated into a measure of the outer diameter of the fin collar. In a preferred embodiment, the outputs of the two indicators are read on electrical digital readouts.

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: A fastener dimension measuring machine is disclosed including a rotatable plate containing a series of openings in the plate of different sizes and diameters to allow insertion of a wide variety of different size and shaped fasteners. Flat head protrusion, outside diameters, head heights, lengths and tolerance compliance may be measured in the machine. A measuring member is located above the plate, and is movable vertically between a fastener measuring and a fastener insertion or removal position. The measuring member is manually movable laterally relative to the plate to the measuring position, and is electrically connected to a digital recording member, which records and displays the measurements made. A foot pedal is provided to activate recording of the data, which then may be printed out in a desired manner.

Abstract: The apparatus of this invention comprises parallel table surface portions with an elongated slot therebetween. A carriage mean is mounted below the two table surfaces and has an upstanding pin extending therefrom and extending into the slot and slightly above the table surface. A spring extending from a support arm through which the pin extends and a washer affixed to the pin normally causes the pin to be in its uppermost protruding position. A lever is affixed to the lower end of the pin to compress the spring to cause the pin to retract within the slot. An elongated straight gauge member extneds across the table surface portions to serve as a measuring reference point.

Abstract: An apparatus for checking the overall lengths of workpieces or the lengths of portions of workpieces, particularly shafts or the like, includes a base in the form of a profiled rod (12). The base has two clamping faces (18, 20) which are oriented at a right angle (22) to one another and to the workpiece (14) to be checked. The base has T-shaped grooves (24, 26) which open onto the clamping faces (18, 20). Each of the clamping faces (18, 20) is provided with a respective clamping strip (30, 32) which is guided longitudinally in the respective T-groove (24, 26) by a respective protrusion (29) and which can be fixed by screws (31) in any desired position on the respective clamping face (18, 20). The clamping strips (30, 32) can be equipped with measuring devices (34), for example measuring sensors, and/or with supporting elements (36). The workpiece (14) may also be clamped into spindle sleeve mounts (46) which are mounted via the T-grooves (24, 26).

Abstract: A plurality of adjustable feelers are mounted to a gage head in front of relatively delicate sensing fingers. The feelers will contact the part before the sensing fingers in the event of part abnormality or improper positioning of the part within the gaging apparatus. In such manner, further movement of the gage head relative to the part can be stopped before the sensing fingers crash into the part thereby preventing damage to them.

Abstract: A fixture comprising a number of rearrangeable elements; a hand operated by a robot and designed to position the aforementioned rearrangeable elements on a reference table; and a number of part supporting and clamping means. The aforementioned rearrangeable elements comprise a tubular casing sliding on an air-cushioned pad; and a rod designed to slide axially inside the aforementioned tubular casing and on to the top portion of which are secured the aforementioned supporting and positioning means. (FIG. 1).

Abstract: For use in a machine capable of forming integrated circuits or the like on an odd-shaped, odd-sized semiconductor wafer, an improved chuck assembly, for increasing the rotational adjustment capabilities of the chuck assembly and a semiconductor wafer supported thereon. The chuck assembly comprises a mounting ring having a circular configuration formed of a plate and a peripheral wall forming a circular recess extending from a surface of the mounting ring. The chuck assembly also comprises a chuck plate having a circular configuration adapted to be received within the recess of the mounting ring. A lever extends radially from one edge of the chuck plate through an opening in the side wall of the mounting ring. An adjusting bracket is secured to the exterior edge of the mounting ring.

Abstract: A system for locating and positioning wafers includes a wafer shuttle, a spindle, and a position sensor. The wafer shuttle retrieves wafers from a storage location, typically a wafer cassette, and transports the wafers to the spindle. The wafers are then incrementally rotated on the spindle, and the distance between the center of rotation and the periphery of the wafer along a linear path is measured. By using three such measurements, the distance and angle with which the center of the wafer is offset from the center of rotation may be calculated. The wafer can then be centered on the spindle by rotation and translated a proper distance by the wafer shuttle. Usually, the wafers will be further rotationally oriented so that the crystal lattice lies in a desired direction.

Abstract: A device for indicating the size of an object, particularly a kinescope, includes a pivotal sensing-indicating arm. A sensing portion of the arm is urged by a lever which centers the kinescope on a temporary holding fixture. An indicating portion of the arm moves in response to the motion of the sensing portion and moves into alignment with one of a plurality of sensors to indicate the size of the object.

Abstract: A metrological instrument includes an inductive transducer having a stylus, all being disposed within a protective housing. Upon initiation of the measuring operation, the transducer is moved so that the stylus moves round an endless path such that the stylus is first projected at a high speed from the housing, is thereafter moved to engage the workpiece surface, is then moved at relatively slow speed across the workpiece surface for performing the measurements, and, following completion of the latter movement, is retracted at a high speed into the housing. These movements are effected by a series of cams driven by a single motor. Such an instrument may be located next to a production line without risk of damage and may used for the checking of each of a multiplicity of identical components produced in a mass production process.

Abstract: A method and device for measuring clearance between gears of an internal gear having an inner gear and an outer gear. With the inner gear fixed, the outer gear is set around the inner gear and brought into abutment with the inner gear at one side. The outer gear is then moved in the opposite direction to butt the inner gear at the outer side. The clearance between the two gears is determined by measuring the distance for which the outer gear moves. This method is much simpler and time-saving than a conventional method using clearance gauges.

Abstract: In a metrological or other sensitive apparatus, the transducer or other operative member (22) is mounted on a support structure (14 to 18) which is carried on a chassis (2) by a first set of dampers or isolating means (10) and the chassis (2) is mounted on the floor by a second set of dampers or isolating means (6). The two sets (10, 6) have different natural frequencies and the first set (10) is arranged so that any vibration of the support structure tends to be rotational centered in the zone of operation (21) of the transducer or other member. This is achieved by arranging that the stiffness of the first set of dampers (10) is higher in the direction (24) passing through the zone of operation (21) than in the transverse direction.

Abstract: A device for measuring the periphery of the kinescope panels of various sizes includes an elongated measuring member for each panel size. A gauge is associated with each elongated measuring member and is set to zero to get an optimum peripheral measurement. The elongated measuring member is tensioned about the panel and the gauge reading is the difference between the actual panel periphery and the optimum panel periphery.

Abstract: An apparatus for checking linear dimensions of mechanical parts comprises a bed, a longitudinal slide and two transverse slides arranged on the longitudinal slide and carrying relevant sensing elements adapted to touch the part to be checked. In order to obtain flexibility and quickness of operation, first and second reference rests for relevant parts are positioned on the bed and the transverse slides carry sensing elements having an arrangement substantially symmetrical with respect to a transverse symmetry plane. The apparatus is particularly suitable for checking parts after a first and, respectively, a second machining operation.

Abstract: A component inspection apparatus includes a component holder mounted on a compound slide structure. Two arrays of gauging elements are provided on a mutually perpendicularly movable slide. These arrays can be adjusted on the slide and each array includes a plurality of separate gauge elements movable by contact with the work and at least one linear transducer connected to each gauge element. In use, the slides are moved to a plurality of predetermined positions in a sequence. The displacements of the probe elements at each position are noted and compared with displacements obtained when the same sequence of positions is followed while a master componet is in the holder.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the wall thickness of a workpiece in the form of a half cylinder in which inaccuracies in measurement due to variations in height among workpieces are eliminated. The workpieces are mounted with the inner side fitted around a support member in such a manner that the lower legs of the workpiece are separated from the underlying work table. When the workpiece has been so positioned, upper and lower measuring units are moved into abutment with opposite surfaces of the workpiece. Movements of the measuring units are sensed by respective differential transformers, and a thickness measurement is provided accordingly.

Abstract: Measuring apparatus for determining the position of a point in a measuring volume relative to a datum point at which three mutually perpendicular axes intersect, includes a probe member supported for movement within that volume. Errors due to rotations about the various axes are corrected by providing additional transducers on each axis, there being (n+1) transducers where n is the number of rotations for which correction is required. The embodiments described have three X-axis transducers X.sub.1, X.sub.2 and X.sub.3 and three Y-axis transducers Y.sub.1, Y.sub.2 and Y.sub.3 which, with the appropriate circuitry correct for pitch and yaw errors about the two axes. For the Z-axis only two transducers, Z.sub.1 and Z.sub.2, are required. The circuit means combines the various transducer outputs to derive corrected values of the three co-ordinates.

Abstract: Apparatus used for dimensional inspection of a pipe spool, and further for marking or cutting and finishing of the both ends by means of laying at least an end tangent horizontal and having each center of the cutting end section in a line which is parallel to a base frame.

Abstract: A measuring process for evaluation of the machining capability or quality of multi-spindle rotary machining or turning unit utilized for the production of preferably rotationally-symmetrical workpieces which are to be finished on both sides, and for the intermediate and/or final evaluation of workpieces which are finished in that manner. Furthermore, the invention also relates to a measuring installation for the implementation of this measuring process.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring dimensions, in particular diameters and axial dimensions of parts with rotational symmetry, comprises a support, a system of slides movable with respect to the support, motors for displacing the slides, transducers adapted to provide signals indicative of the positions of the slides and measuring means carried by the system of slides. In order to perform, accurately and quickly, measurements on different types of parts, the system of slides comprises a longitudinal slide and two slides movable simultaneously and symmetrically along the same transversal directions. The measuring means comprise two measuring heads each of which is fixed to a relevant transversal slide and adapted to measure both in longitudinal and transversal directions. The measurements of the parts are obtained by combining the signals of the transducers and those provided by the measuring heads.

Abstract: A universal dowel pin system (10) for properly aligning any one of a plurality of workpiece fixtures (12) relative to a machine tool table (14) comprises a dowel pin (20) which has a square-shaped base section (22) adapted to be dimensionally customized so that the width dimension thereof is substantially the same as the width dimension of the space defined between the sidewalls (18) of the machine tool table T-slot (16), while the upper pin section (24) of the dowel pin (20) has a diametrical dimension which is substantially the same as the uniform or standardized diametrical dimension of a bore (30) which may be defined within an insert (28) or directly defined within the particular workpiece fixture (12).

Abstract: Measuring apparatus for determining the position of a point in a measuring volume relative to a datum point at which three mutually perpendicular axes intersect, includes a probe member supported for movement within that volume. Errors due to rotations about the various axes are corrected by providing additional transducers on each axis, there being (n+1) transducers where n is the number of rotations for which correction is required. The embodiments described have three X-axis transducers X.sub.1, X.sub.2 and X.sub.3 and three Y-axis transducers Y.sub.1, Y.sub.2 and Y.sub.3 which, with the appropriate circuitry correct for pitch and yaw errors about the two axes. For the Z-axis only two transducers, Z.sub.1 and Z.sub.2, are required. The circuit means combines the various transducer outputs to derive corrected values of the three co-ordinates.

Abstract: A probe for manually decoding a lock of the wafer combination type having an elongate body to slideably engage the keyway, the body comprising at least two hollow tubular members. Within the hollow members are rotatably disposed detecting members which detect, by means of physical contact, certain identifying portions of wafers therein which form the combination of the lock. An indicator on the outside of the probe, responsive to the detecting members, indicates the presence, type, and orientation of the wafers. The same method may be practiced without the use of the probe by viewing the interior of the lock slightly off center with a pencil beam of light to determine the same characteristic wafer portions.

Abstract: The apparatus of this invention comprises parallel table surface portions with an elongated slot therebetween. A carriage mean is mounted below the two table surfaces and has an upstanding pin extending therefrom and extending into the slot and slightly above the table surface. A spring extending from a support arm through which the pin extends and a washer affixed to the pin normally causes the pin to be in its uppermost protruding position. A lever is affixed to the lower end of the pin to compress the spring to cause the pin to retract within the slot. An elongated straight gauge member extneds across the table surface portions to serve as a measuring reference point.