Abstract: An elongated gauge support body plate is provided including opposite side longitudinal margins equipped with opposite end abutment blocks projecting outwardly from one side of the plate for seated engagement with a partial cylindrical surface. The plate defines a center longitudinal plane for containing the center axis of a cylindrical surface with which the abutment blocks are abuttingly engaged and along which probe-type indicators may be supported to indicate blanket cylinder height in relation to blanket cylinder end bearer height when the plate is supported adjacent one end of a press blanket cylinder.

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: An apparatus which inspects a profile of each rod of a bundle of rods assembled in a cluster includes a holding device for holding a rod, a profile detection sensor for detecting the profile of the rod, a reference position setting device for setting a reference position of the rod, a position detection device for detecting an inspection position of the rod with respect to the reference position and a signal processing and display device for processing and displaying signals from the profile detection sensor and the position detection device. Particularly, the profile detection sensor includes a cylindrical shell into which the rod is inserted, a single or a plurality of strain gauge type sensors disposed in the shell and brought into contact with an external surface of the rod to detect the profile of the rod, a drive motor and a mechanism thereof for rotating the shell about the rod and a drive motor and a mechanism thereof for slidably moving the shell in the longitudinal direction of the rod.

Abstract: A device for reading contours, as of eyeglass frames, comprises a feeler adapted to be applied to an article in order to read its contour. A carriage supports the feeler and is movable to-and-fro on a guide. A drive motor moves the carriage on the guide. A floating mounting is disposed between the feeler and the drive motor.

Abstract: An apparatus for gaging the contour of a machined part includes a rotary slide assembly, a kinematic mount to move the apparatus into and out of position for measuring the part while the part is still on the machining apparatus, a linear probe assembly with a suspension arm and a probe assembly including as probe tip for providing a measure of linear displacement of the tip on the surface of the part, a means for changing relative positions between the part and the probe tip, and a means for recording data points representing linear positions of the probe tip at prescribed rotation intervals in the position changes between the part and the probe tip.

Abstract: For a measuring device, a boom, rotatable arm, guide arm and cross beam form a parallel crank drive which is mounted so as to be swivelable about the vertical axis of a supporting column. A clamping device for the rotatable arm makes it possible to use only a single drive for both a coarse swivel motion and a precision swivel motion for precision adjustment in order to home in on the measuring position. Measuring probes are attached to measuring support bars that are mounted on the cross beam, and are movable in vertical direction.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed to rotate a gear shaft about a reference axis and to position rolling path support elements such that their centers coincide with a reference axis. Once the rolling path elements have been centered and adjusted to compensate for any offset or warp they are fixedly attached to the gear shaft and serve to accurately support the shaft in a grinding or machining device which forms internal centering chamfers. Once the centering chamfers have been formed, they may be used to support the device during its final machining. A computer is included in the apparatus and is operatively connected to rotating and feeler devices. The computer is also operatively connected to a display screen which displays a sequence of events enabling the operator to adjust the positions of the rolling path elements. The display screen may include infrared heat sensitive areas to enable the operator to input data into the computer and control the operation of the apparatus.

Abstract: The disclosed method and apparatus measures radial deviations along the axial length of a work roll with a number of axially spaced displacement detectors and at least three axially spaced motion detectors mounted ona detector mount that moves axially along the roll. A calculator responds to the motion detectors to determine errors in the motion of the mount to correct the output of the detectors and sums the deviators to generate overall deviations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring surface irregularities on articles such as curved automotive glass are provided wherein two contact points on a sensor head establish a chord at a segment of the surface and a probe measures the distance of the surface from the chord between the contact points, thereby permitting calculation of the local radius of curvature as the surface is scanned.

Abstract: In order to measure the surface profile of a workpiece, a yoke having two fixed feet is held in contact with the surface as the workpiece is rotated. A dynamic probe is mounted on the yoke by means of a transducer which outputs a signal dependent upon the position of the dynamic probe relative to a transducer datum. The fixed feet and the foot of the dynamic probe have a similar shape and size so that they detect irregularities in the workpiece surface with equal sensitivity. Fourier analysis of the signal caused by movement of the dynamic probe directly by the workpiece and also by movement of the yoke enables the profile of the workpiece to be determined. In order to improve the frequency response of the transducer output over the range of harmonics considered, the angles between the dynamic probe and the fixed probes are unequal. The apparatus does not require a precision spindle type machine to rotate the workpiece and is therefore particularly suitable for in situ measurement of workpiece profiles.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the top and the bottom surface of a metallic workpiece, such as a steel slab. The apparatus is positioned proximate to the workpiece and includes a rail beam which may be translated across the width of the workpiece. A first arm is pivotally coupled to a first end of the rail beam and a second arm is pivotally coupled to a second end of the rail beam. The two arms are pivotally interconnected at top ends thereof by a tie rod, thereby forming three sides of a parallelogram. Deflection of the first arm during translation of the rail beam across causes a similar deflection of the second arm. The deflection of the second arm may be recorded, thereby recreating the surface profile of the workpiece.

Abstract: A foot impression unit is provided with an array of gauging elements, a control mechanism for urging the gauging elements into contact with the undersurface of a person's foot to form an impression of the undersurface of the foot, a locking mechanism for releasably locking the gauging elements in place to retain that impression, and a sensing mechanism for scanning the gauging elements to produce digital signals indicative of the positions of the gauging elements. These digital signals are stored and processed by a computer to provide a stored data record serving as a digital representation of the impression of the undersurface of the foot. The computer may also be employed to provide stored additional information for modifying that data record to compensate for a perceived defect of the foot.

Abstract: A tool is shown having a cross beam assembly (15) made of beams (18, 19, 20, 21) joined by a center box structure (23). The assembly (15) is adapted to be mounted by brackets (16) to the outer end of a cylindrical case (11). The center box structure (23) has a vertical shaft (25) rotatably mounted therein and extending beneath the assembly (15). Secured to the vertical shaft (25) is a radius arm (28) which is adapted to rotate with shaft (25). On the longer end of the radius arm (28) is a measuring tip (30) which contacts the cylindrical surface to be measured and which provides an electric signal representing the radius of the cylindrical surface from the center of rotation of the radius arm (28). An electric servomotor (49) rotates the vertical shaft (25) and an electronic resolver (61) provides an electric signal representing the angle of rotation of the shaft (25).

Abstract: A method and apparatus measure or gage worn railroad wheel profiles for the purposes of ascertaining the location of the new profile relative to the worn profile. The new profile is to be produced by a reprofiling operation such as a truing. For this purpose characteristic points on the worn profile are contacted in a radial and axial direction by a sensor and the respective displacement of the sensor is measured or gaged relative to a zero or null point. The location of the sensed points is then compared in a computer with a given reference location on a corrected profile. The corrected profile is then contacted with the sensed or gaged point which will make it possible to restore a correct profile with the least possible material removal in a milling or machining operation.

Abstract: A contour and outline transducer gage assembly for selectively making outline (gap) and contour checks of parts positioned proximate thereto is provided with a slidably movable carrier arm within the gage housing in selective spring biased operative engagement with a linear potentiometer fixedly provided within the gage housing. Selective movement of the carrier arm in relation to the linear potentiometer causes a gaging electrical signal to be generated for read-out on associated data collector means. A movable cover plate is provided externally of the gage housing in fixed actuating engagement with the movable carrier arm. An adjustable contour check pin support assembly is provided on the movable cover plate so as to provide selective horizontal, vertical and angularity adjustment of a part-engaging contour check pin mounted on the contour check pin support assembly.

Abstract: To test an aspheric lens, the lens is mounted on a base shaft having a central axis so that the center of a reference curvature radius of the lens agrees with a central axis of the base shaft. A stylus mounted on a rotary table is rotated about the lens such that its center of rotation lies on the central axis. The step of stylus is maintained in contact with the surface of the aspherical lens. As the stylus is rotated in contact with the lens, both the rotational and radial position of this stylus is monitored.

Abstract: A fastener (100) slides down a tube (12) onto one end of a channel (16) formed in a V-shaped block (14). Movement of the fastener (100) along the channel (16) is retarded by two fingers (20, 26). A blade (38) moves along a slot (18) in the bottom of the channel (16) to push the fastener (100) along the channel (16) past a feeler (56). The feeler (56) is attached to a shaft (60) of a rotary transducer (58) to pivot therewith. A linear transducer (50) is actuated by longitudinal movement of the blade (38). The output of the transducers (50, 58) is compared by a computer to a predetermined output to check the profile of the fastener (100). A carriage (68) is moved to bring the infeed end (72) of a conduit (70) adjacent to the outfeed end of the block (14). The blade (38) pushes the fastener (100) into the conduit (70).

Abstract: The present invention discloses apparatus and method for electronically determining and compensating mechanical fixture induced errors from desired object related information in a measurement system such that data acquisition is obtained with a precision very much better than the manufacturing tolerances of the mechanical fixture. In the preferred embodiment, bow and warp profiles of a semiconductor wafer are obtained with an X, .theta., and Z moveable wafer-receiving chuck that have an accuracy very much better than the mechanical tolerances of the X, .theta., and Z moveable chuck. The system provides for measurement of objectrelated information in plural orientations. Signal processing is disclosed for separating out of the object related information X and .theta. fixture induced error contributions to the data arising from mechanical tolerance of the fixture. Signal processing is disclosed for compensating bow and warp profiles of semiconductor wafers in accordance with the X and .theta.

Abstract: A gage for determining alignment of a turbine rotor blade in an assembly position on a turbine rotor. The gage includes a precision base for positioning on the rotor surface adjacent a blade to establish a tangent line perpendicular to a rotor radial line through the center of a slot in which a blade is disposed. A standard extends from the base and carries a first contact for positioning against a low portion of the blade and a second measuring contact for positioning against an upper portion of the blade. The measuring contact provides an indication of blade misalignment.

Abstract: An instrument for automating corneal surgical procedures, such as radial keratotomy and other corneal operations, which includes one or more probe sensors with extendible tips which, by measuring electrical resistivity, are responsive to contact occurring with the corneal surface. Positioning of the probe sensor(s) over various points of the corneal surface provides data signals which enable the surface topography of the cornea to be mapped by a micro-processor. A surgical knife having automatic depth control is provided whose operation is regulated in response to changes in the electrical resistivity between the knife and the human body as penetration is made into the layers of the cornea. The probe sensor(s) and knife are used with a ring-like fixture attachable by vacuum to the eye and comprised of a fixed outer ring and a movable inner ring, the fixture providing mounting and/or support for these elements while permitting their movement to different meridial locations by rotation of the inner ring.

Abstract: An inspection apparatus includes a checking fixture having an article supporting surface having a contour representative of the desired/ideal peripheral marginal edge contour of a contoured article to be inspected, such as a bent glass sheet, e.g. an automotive lite. The article is supported by the article supporting surface of the fixture. The apparatus further includes position-sensing facilities, e.g. a linear potentiometer, and facilitates, e.g. a robot, for moving the potentiometer about the periphery of the article to be inspected, to generate a plurality of signals indicative of the gap between a plurality of predetermined points around the marginal edge periphery of the article supporting surface and a corresponding plurality of points around the marginal edge periphery of the article. The apparatus further preferably includes a computer or the like for processing the generated signals to provide information about the contour characteristics of the article, e.g. bend, sag, kink, or the like.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the profile of a longitudinal portion of an elongate member such as a railway rail comprising a base frame (1), an arm (6) mounted on said base frame for privotal movement relative thereto about a fixed axis (21), the base frame being capable of being releasably secured to the elongate member with the pivot axis of the arm in a plane substantially parallel to the direction of elongation of the elongate member and inclined to said direction of elongation. The arm (6) has or is adapted to have secured thereto a ranging device (3) having a ranging line (22) so that when the ranging device is fitted said ranging line (22) intersects the pivot axis (21) of the arm within the portion (42) of the elongate member that the profile is to be determined.

Abstract: Adjustment of the force that a stylus exerts on an object in a stylus profiler is accomplished by having a magnetic core, which is operably connected to the stylus and and mounted within an electromagnetic coil. The core moves relative to the coil as the stylus moves vertically. The coil creates a uniform magnetic field within the range of movement of the core. The core is elongated to be subject to uniform fields so that the force that the core-coil combination applies to the stylus is constant irrespective of the vertical position of the stylus.

Abstract: A system for determining the precision of a numerically controlled machine ool involves setting the machine tool control to define a circular path. A circular standard is then aligned with the machine tool to sense the desired circular path. A continuous or pointwise sensing, as a function of whether a path-controlled or a point-by-point-controlled machine is being measured, of the aligned standard is performed. A faulty machine tool does not accurately cover the defined circular path. Variations from the desired circle can be plotted and used for evaluation.

Abstract: A road surface is scanned with a laser beam in a direction transverse to the road surface to pick up the scanning locus of the laser beam on the road surface in a direction inclined to a beam scanning surface so as to obtain transverse profile data. The laser light reflected from the road surface is received in a direction inclined to the beam scanning surface for obtaining crack data. The distances to the road at three points in the longitudinal direction of a measuring car are measured. The running distance of the car is measured and the measured distance data are recorded in a recording device together with crack data, transverse profile data and longitudinal profile data.

Abstract: A bridge type coordinate measuring machine (CMM) characterized by a bridge (20) that has a closed loop configuration encircling the upper surface (11) of the measuring machine base (10). The bridge (20) includes two uprights (21, 22), an upper member (23) connecting the uprights together, and a lower member (24) that connects the uprights together above the ways (12, 13) and below the upper surface (11) of said base (10). Bearings (41) acting in three perpendicular directions on each guideway (12, 13) minimize unwanted movement of the bridge (20). This arrangement increases the resonant frequency of the bridge, improves the CMM accuracy and repeatability, and provides for easy assembly of the bridge (20) onto the base (10). Bearings (41) for the bridge are offset inwardly from the vertical axis of the uprights of the bridge and a respective guideway (12, 13), along which the bearings travel, is located on each side of the base.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for measuring the wear in the cross-sectional profile of a railroad rail. A carriage is adapted for travel along the length of the rail and includes means for moving transversely with respect to its direction of travel in response to wear in the railhead of the rail. Distance sensors fixedly mounted to the carriage sense the changes in distances from the carriage to the rail as the carriage moves in a direction transverse to the direction of travel. The sensors relate the changes in these distances to wear in the top and gauge sides of the railhead.

Abstract: A measuring head comprises an integral member defining a support portion, a plurality of fulcrums and a corresponding plurality of movable arms carrying feelers. The fulcrums are aligned for defining a single axis of rotation for the movable arms. Position transducers electrically detect the positions of the movable arms. Two measuring heads are employed for realizing a snap gauge for simultaneously checking a plurality of diameters.

Abstract: A cam profile checking apparatus comprises a motor for rotating the cam and a transducer for measuring the lift of the cam as it continuously rotates with respect to a reference point. Signals from the transducer are processed in a programmed computer and plots of the cam profile, cam lift, velocity and acceleration produced by a plotter connected to the computer. By using existing data a cam error plot can also be produced. This provides relatively simple and economic apparatus and method.

Abstract: A method for compensating a profiling direction of a profiling machine which is constructed to effect the surface profiling in any angular direction includes calculating a distance or a deviation quantity between an ideal profiling locus defined from a given profiling angle and an actual machine position and adding a correction angle proportional to the deviation quantity to the given profiling angle to obtain a new profiling angle so that the new profiling angle is used to correct an angle to attain the profiling operation.

Abstract: A tube checking system is made up of a template placed on a flat metallic surface, and a series of adjustable holding fixtures places at selected positions along the template. The template has a computer aided layout of a plan view of a formed tube inscribed on a film with selected check points along the layout showing the height and angle of the tubing above the check point. Each holding fixture is adjustable as to height and angle, is indexed to align to the check point, and has a switchable on off magnet in the base to secure the fixture in position.

Abstract: A digital display measuring apparatus including a probe which is movably installed to the body and is brought in contact with an object to be measured, an encoder which converts the displacing amount of the probe into electric signal pulse to output therefrom, a presetting device which establishes a measuring standard value in accordance with the object to be measured, a counter which counts the preset value and the electric signal pulses, and a digital display unit which displays in digital representation the measured value of the object with the basis of the counted value, wherein the presetting device comprises the preset switch which is operated at the time of establishing the preset value, and the preset memory in which an optional numerical value displayed on the digital display unit is established as the preset value by the operation of the preset switch, and displays in digital representation the measured value of the object on the digital display unit with the basis of this preset value.

Abstract: A device and method for automatically pregauging cutting tools comprising means for releasable holding a cutting tool in a gauging position, and an electronic gauging means movable to contact the cutting tool in the gauging position for measuring the offsets between a master cutting tool and other cutting tools of the same type.

Abstract: A pavement deflection measurement system is disclosed which continuously and simultaneously measures both a pavement profile and its deflection under load.

Abstract: In a gear probe for testing the shape and orientation of gear flanks, a control and computer unit is used to effect the necessary positioning between the gear flank to be tested and a measuring sensor. First the gear is positioned coarsely; during this step a transmission disc and a linear transmission track are out of engagement with one another. Thereafter, the measuring sensor is advanced into the tooth gap and a fine positioning for a zero balancing of a potentiometer of the measuring sensor is effected by automatically displacing the linear transmission track with respect to the carriage on which it is mounted or by automatically changing the relative angular position between the gear to be tested and the transmission track. All displacements of apparatus components for the coarse and fine positioning as well as for the performance of the measuring process proper are automatically effected by the program-controlled control and computer unit.