Abstract: A layup mandrel including a rib structure comprising ribs defining a lofted surface; and a skin attached to and supported by the rib structure. The skin has a surface having a curvature of the lofted surface; the ribs are disposed to at least partially shape the curvature molding a part pressed against the surface during curing of the part; and the part comprises or consists essentially of a composite material.

Abstract: A device to verify main rotor swashplate positioning includes an inner surface of a first section and a gradient surface of a second section. The gradient surface of the second section may have a plurality of graduation indications. In one implementation, the inner surface of the first section at least partially defines a travel arc that is parallel to and concentric with the inner surface. In such an implementation, the device may be configured to move along the travel arc as it rotates about a collective sleeve to contact a swashplate lug.

Abstract: A fish measurement device including a hinged rigid bump board in combination with a slidably engageable cradle and a method for verification of fish measurement when using the device. The device having a QR tag used during the verification method authenticating fish size during a Catch, Photo, Release fishing tournament using a Tournament Management System.

Abstract: An apparatus for calibrating an air gap sensor of a machine tool can include a gauge block and a plurality of magnets. The gauge block can have a plurality of gauge grooves. Each of the gauge grooves can have a unique gauge depth that corresponds to a respective one of a plurality of predetermined calibration values for the air gap sensor. Each of the magnets can be embedded in the gauge block. A method of using the apparatus for calibrating an air gap sensor can include attaching the apparatus to a machine tool using only magnetic force to keep the apparatus in place.

Abstract: A device to verify tail rotor cross-head positioning is disclosed. The device comprises a first portion and a second portion. The second portion may be adjoined to the first portion and comprises maximum and minimum surfaces configured to determine whether a yoke-measuring surface of a tail rotor yoke may be positioned between respective geometric planes of the maximum and minimum surfaces.

Abstract: A device to verify main rotor swashplate positioning includes an inner surface of a first section and a gradient surface of a second section. The gradient surface of the second section may have a plurality of graduation indications. In one implementation, the inner surface of the first section at least partially defines a travel arc that is parallel to and concentric with the inner surface. In such an implementation, the device may be configured to move along the travel arc as it rotates about a collective sleeve to contact a swashplate lug.

Abstract: The present invention is a device for measuring an aquatic being. The device comprises a chamber and a semi-circular scale extending from the chamber. The chamber has a viewing window for allowing the user to visually inspect whether the nose of the fish is touching the base of the chamber. Scales are provided on the outer surface of the chamber to facilitate the measurement of the aquatic being placed within the chamber of the device. If the length of the aquatic being is longer than that of the chamber, another scale is provided on an inner surface of the semi-cylindrical scale, which facilitates the measurement of the aquatic being whose length extends beyond that of the chamber.

Abstract: A “step shim” for positioning a fixture in a precise location relative to an adjoining support structure includes an elongated member having: (a) two, side surfaces, (b) a flat, bottom face, (c) a top face that includes a plurality of flat, adjoining segments, each of which is separated from an adjoining top face segment by a boundary line that extends across the top face (d) front and back ends, and (e) wherein this member has a configuration adapted to allow it to be broken apart along the member's boundary lines into a plurality of member segments that each correspond to one of the top face segments, and (f) wherein the distance between the bottom face and the segment of the above top face defines a member segment's height, each of which is progressively taller from the member's front to back end.

Abstract: Disclosed is a measurement device including a first measurement element including a base surface and an upper surface, the upper surface of the first measurement element spaced apart from the base surface of the first measurement element by a first height; and a second measurement element including a base surface and an upper surface, the upper surface of the second measurement element spaced apart from the base surface of the second measurement element by a second height, the second height greater than the first height and the second measurement element attached to the first measurement element. The measurement device can function as a spacer to gauge short distances such as when installing trim around a window or door casement or when installing cabinetry, tile, or siding.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for installing alignment of fastener assemblies. The method comprises placing an alignment tool on a reference datum. The method also takes pitch, roll, and yaw readings from an instrument associated with the alignment tool. Further, the method positions the alignment tool relative to a number of holes. Still further, the method adjusts the alignment tool based on pitch, roll, and yaw readings. The method also installs a first fastener assembly relative to a first hole of the number of holes.

Abstract: A bucket tip shroud measurement fixture includes a frame extending from a first end to a second end through an intermediate portion having a first surface and an opposing second surface, a first tip shroud fixing member extending from the second surface of the frame at the first end, and a second tip shroud fixing member extending from the second surface of the frame at the second end. The first and second tip shroud fixing members are configured and disposed to retain and establish an orientation of a bucket tip shroud relative the frame. A plurality of reference points are provided on the frame. The plurality of reference points are configured and disposed to receive a coordinate measuring machine (CMM) probe.

Abstract: A device for measuring the length of a fish that includes fastener and a measuring tape, the fastener including a distal end and a proximal end, opposite to the distal end, and that is attached to a proximal end of the fish, the measuring tape being coupled to the fastener and having a proximal end, a distal end, and a length separating the proximal and distal ends, with the distal end of the measuring tape being located at least at a distal end of the fish to expose a fish length, the measuring tape also having distance indicators along the measuring tape length and extends downward and away from the distal end of the fastener.

Abstract: A mechanical spacing apparatus for placement between a vertical dry wall member and a horizontal flooring panel. The flooring panel and the dry-wall member meet at right angles. The spacing apparatus comprises a horizontal front projecting element for placement on the top surface of the flooring panel joined to a vertical upwards projecting element for abutting adjacent to the vertical dry-wall member. The spacing apparatus comprises horizontal and vertical elements at right angles. Projecting vertically downwards from the right angle join between the horizontal and vertical elements is a spacing element having a predetermined thickness for creating a suitable spacing distance between the inward edge of the flooring panel and the bottom of the vertical dry-wall member thereby accommodating a suitable expansion distance for the flooring installation. The apparatus is easily installed and removed by hand by a flooring installer.

Abstract: A calibration artifact includes an elongated body made substantially entirely of ceramic material and having a direction of elongation. A plurality of measurement elements comprising the ceramic material are integrally formed with the elongated body, each measurement element comprising a first planar measurement surface facing in a first direction. The first planar measurement surface of each measurement element is parallel to the first planar measurement surface of each of the other measurement elements of the plurality of measurement elements. The calibration artifact may be a unitary step gauge formed with a single piece of ceramic material.

Abstract: A material measure for use in evaluating the performance of a measuring instrument for measuring surface texture includes: a measurement area having a plurality of grooves in a predetermined direction. With the configuration, each of the grooves has a simple cross-sectional shape at a cross-section along the predetermined direction; and a length of the cross-sectional shape in the predetermined direction is different for the predetermined number of adjacent grooves in the predetermined direction.

Abstract: A tape measure calibrator includes a base with a slot with a pull reference surface and a push reference surface, the slot being configured to receive an end hook of a tape measure. The base also includes a pull calibration band on the base with a centerline of the pull calibration band indicating a first distance from the pull reference surface. The base also includes a push calibration band on the base, a centerline of the push calibration band indicating a second distance from the push reference surface, n which the first distance and the second distance are substantially equal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an “S” shaped detection test piece for comprehensively detecting the precision of the numerical control milling machine and the detection method thereof. The detection test piece consists of an “S” shaped equal thickness edge strip (1) and a rectangular base (2), respectively forming two “S” shaped curves in two different planes and the projections of which in the base plane (3) cross each other and have open and close angle (?) states formed at the intersection.

Abstract: A tape measure calibrator includes a base with a first reference surface and a second reference surface. A pull calibration mark is made on the base which indicates a first distance from the first reference surface. A push calibration mark is also made on the base which indicates a second distance from the second reference surface, in which the first distance and the second distance are substantially equal.

Abstract: An angle jig for positioning a work article accurately on a machining bed of a milling machine may include a block having a linear array of apertures positioned along a top surface of the block and located parallel to a first longitudinal edge of the block. The block may further include a plurality of curvilinear arrays of apertures positioned along the top surface thereof and located adjacent to a second longitudinal edge of the block. A plurality of dowel pins may be removably interfitted within selected ones of the linear array of apertures as well as selected ones of the curvilinear arrays of apertures. The linear array of apertures may further be used as a guide and cooperates with the curvilinear arrays of apertures to define an angle between 1° and 45° along the top surface of the block.

Abstract: A marking tool comprising bottom, base and top polyhedral shaped portions integrally joined such that the top and bottom portions are skewed with respect to each other and the base, such that a plurality of selected spaced distances are defined between adjacent walls of the top and bottom portions relative to walls of the base portion.

Abstract: The calibrating gauge for calibrating a Vernier calliper has at least one calibrating face for calibrating a measuring surface for internal measurement, at least one calibrating face for calibrating a measuring surface for external measurement (3) and at least one calibrating face for calibrating a measuring surface for depth measurement (4), the calibrating gauge (1) being in the shape of an at least partly hollow cylinder, on the generated surface (6) of which is provided the calibrating face for calibrating the measuring surface for the external measurement and on the inner surface (10) of which is provided the calibrating face for calibrating the measuring surface for the internal measurement, and the calibrating face for calibrating the measuring surface for the depth measurement being provided on at least one of the end faces (5) of the cylinder.

Abstract: An inspection device designed for a large number of consecutively attached metal elements punched and processed into a specified shape and for inspecting clearance between said metal elements of a continuously variable transmission belt which are assembled to support a laminated band of a metal stepless belt; a wedge-shaped inspection jig, for example, used for inspecting quantitatively the clearance value with an inspection jig structure of a modified hexahedron having six surfaces containing an upper surface and a lower surface opposing four side surfaces of which both of two side surfaces are a rectangle and the remaining two side surfaces are a wedge-shape which becomes gradually narrower in width from an upper part to a lower part.

Abstract: An alignment device eases installation of computer assemblies, such as drives, into a corresponding chassis. The alignment device includes one or more planar areas located and oriented so as to be substantially alignable with one or more computer assemblies to be mounted to the chassis. The computer assembly has a user-visible surface which is moved until it is co-planar with a corresponding planar area of the alignment device. When positioned in this co-planar configuration, the computer assembly is correctly positioned relative to the chassis to be mounted thereto. The alignment device can be located on the computer chassis between mounting locations for two computer assemblies, such as a 5¼-inch drive and a 3½-inch drive and, in such application, can be provided with two planar areas at two different heights, one corresponding to the alignment position for one of the computer assemblies, the other corresponding to the alignment position for the other of the computer assemblies.

Abstract: Reference gauge for calibrating measuring machines whose reference dimension can be measured both on its inner size and by its outer size, thus making it possible to keep the reference dimension less than 15 millimeters, even for calibrating measuring machines equipped with probe tips having a diameter greater than that dimension. The calibration method with the aid of such a reference gauge comprises in certain cases the measuring of the calibrated distance between two outer surfaces of a protruding volume.

Abstract: A go no-go gauge and method for verifying whether a process kit part used within a plasma chamber of a plasma processing tool has accumulated excessive wear or deposits. The gauge includes a component for verifying whether a dimension of a process kit part feature violates a prescribed size tolerance, the violation indicating that the process kit part has accumulated excessive wear or deposits.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for preventing damage to a chamber wall by a baffle plate in a semiconductor fabrication system during a semiconductor fabrication operation is disclosed herein. An electrostatic chuck is associated with the semiconductor fabrication system. A gauge for measuring a gap between said baffle plate and the chamber wall can be utilized to prevent damage to the chamber wall by the baffle plate during a movement of the electrostatic chunk during the semiconductor fabrication operation. Such a semiconductor fabrication operation can comprise, for example, a wet cleaning semiconductor operation.

Abstract: The body tool has a rectangular shape with two projections and a central passage for a Pinewood Derby® car body. The holes in one projection align with the other projection. A child places a car body into the passage so the kerf for an axle aligns with the holes in the projections. Alternately, the body alignment tool has two jaws upon a threaded rod closed by a wing nut that grasp a car body. The child then drills through the holes and the car body to straighten the kerf to accept an axle. The child then removes the car body from the body tool and inserts an axle into the new kerf.

Abstract: The caliper gauge has a V-shaped gauge body. The V-shaped gauge body has stepped pairs of measuring surfaces both externally and internally of the V-shaped gage body. The pairs of measuring surfaces are a known distance apart for setting external and internal calipers. The gauge body may rest against a back plate, which prevents the caliper from being dislodged from the measuring surface. Indicia are provided for both the external measuring surfaces and internal measuring surfaces on the gauge body.

Abstract: A multi-functional measuring device made of lightweight material planed on one edge in a succession of ascending steps representing dimensional increments. Successive steps ascend over one-half the length of the device and, at the mid-point, level off and begin to descend in dimensional increments for the remaining length, providing a visual image and tactile profile for the user. Centerline notches are cut on both the upper and lower edges, and are used to locate the center point of an object High and low profiles are cut into specific locations to allow for visual and tactile determination of specific subdivision dimensions. A notch is provided at each end of the device to accommodate linear measurements exceeding the length of the device. The lower face surface is punctuated with a series of holes. Small diameter holes, marking dimensional increments, are arranged in a straight line parallel to the lower edge, opposite the ascending and descending steps.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fixture, system, and method for automatically and quickly indicating a condition of a the trunnion axis A of a computer numerically controlled (CNC) machine and optionally an alert to a machine operator. The fixture has a body preferably constructed of parallel first and second walls and a third wall disposed between, at right angles to, and connected to the first and second walls all mounted on a base. First, second, and third probe blocks are mounted on the body at first, second, and third angular positions, respectively, along an arc circumscribed by a radius about an axis of rotation. The first, second, and third blocks are mounted on an outer surface of one of the first and second parallel walls, the outer surface facing away from an other of the first and second parallel walls. The blocks include preferably co-planer respective first, second, and third flat surfaces with respective normals parallel to the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A coordinate measuring apparatus includes a bending-resistant measuring table configured as a ribbed hollow body.

Abstract: A method for determining the axis of rotation (AR) of an object (12) mounted to a rotary stage or platform (10) in a gauge measurement system by estimating a transformation (&dgr;) between multiple views or measurements of the object (12) obtained at different poses.

Abstract: A gauge block, which has excellent abrasion and corrosion resistances without time-dependent changes in dimension and which can be produced inexpensively; created using a raw steel material, heat treating at least one reference surface, then finish polishing it, and ion plating a super thin DLC film over its surface.

Abstract: A solid core fixture for measuring a workpiece and a method for making the same. The solid core fixture includes a solid core made of a homogeneous material, a skin layer covering the solid core, and a surface material covering a portion of the skin layer. The surface material is machined for measuring the workpiece. The skin layer preferably includes an inner skin covering the solid core, a skin core attached to the inner skin and an outer skin attached to the outer surface of the skin core, the three layers being molded in a single process and cured together. A method of making the solid core fixture includes the steps of fabricating a plug core from a homogeneous material; attaching the plug core to a base; applying a skin layer to the plug core and the base; curing the skin layer; covering a portion of the skin layer, after curing, with a surface material; and machining the surface material for measuring the workpiece.

Abstract: A ball step gauge includes a gauge framework that is H-shaped in cross-section and has a horizontal frame. A plurality of holes are formed at predetermined intervals in the horizontal frame in an axial direction of the horizontal frame. A plurality of grooves are formed around each of the holes. A plurality of balls are inserted under pressure in the holes, with centers of the balls existing on a neutral axis of moment of inertia of an area of the gauge framework. Since the ball intervals are less liable to change, the ball step gauge can be used as a reliable standard gauge for calibrating coordinate measuring machines.

Abstract: Attachment ears for use with a predetermined assembly of Johansson blocks, with the ears disposed at opposite ends of the assembly, for measurement of an inclination between spaced-apart surfaces of a workpiece. An indicator gage has a stationary stylus to contact a surface of one ear, and an indicator stylus to contact the inclined surface of the other ear and moveable thereon to define an arc with the stationary stylus as a fulcrum to establish an apex reading of the indicator. The gage is transferred to the workpiece with the stationary stylus and the indicator stylus contacting the two spaced-apart surfaces, and the indicator gage is moved about to provide a gage reading to determine a thickness of material to be removed from the workpiece.

Abstract: A calibration assembly and method for calibrating the device pick-up heads used in multi-head IC handlers such that all of the device pick-up heads are reliably calibrated to a consistent optimal calibration position. Gauge blocks are provided that greatly simplify the calibration process by holding the movable portion of a device pick-up head in an optimal calibration position relative to the base structure of the device pick-up head while the collar is secured. Each gauge block has base portion for supporting the base structure of the device pick-up head, and a flat contact surface against which the lower surface of the movable portion is pressed. The contact surface is a predetermined distance from the base portion such that when the device pick-up head is mounted on the gauge block, the movable portion is maintained in an optimal calibration position relative to the base structure.

Abstract: A weld support gauge block for setting a fused distance between a plate portion and a hat portion of a planetary gear carrier is provided, which includes a first side plate for insertion into and removal from a window cut out in a cylindrical wall of the carrier, a second side plate parallel spaced from the first side plate, a body juxtaposed by the side plates, the body having an interior cavity and a front face and a rear face, the body having a generally central longitudinal bore with a counter bore on a rear end of the body, a first roller juxtaposed between the side plates, and a second roller positioned above the first roller.

Abstract: A gauge block, which has excellent abrasion and corrosion resistances without time-dependent changes in dimension and which can be produced inexpensively; created using a raw steel material, heat treating at least one reference surface, then finish polishing it, and ion plating a super thin DLC film over its surface.

Abstract: A gauge block which has excellent abrasion and corrosion resistances without time-dependent changes in dimension that can be produced inexpensively. A method of producing the gauge block using raw steel and processing it into a gauge block body, then finish polishing it, and ion plating a super thin DLC film (2) over its surface.

Abstract: A tool is provided for facilitating angular alignment of a hydrofoil coupled to a mounting block having a flat bottom surface area. The mounting block is pivotally coupled to a cylindrical strut having a longitudinal axis. The tool has a saddle for engaging the cylindrical strut and a plate coupled to the saddle. The plate has an alignment edge that, when positioned by the saddle beneath the flat bottom surface area of the mounting block, forms a desired angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical strut.

Abstract: Method of measuring and/or controlling flatness during rolling, in which the flatness errors are broken down into independent components.

Abstract: A calibration standard for calibrating an eddy current inspection probe sized and shaped to inspect a preselected non-planar feature of a manufactured part. The feature extends in a longitudinal direction and in a lateral direction. Further, the feature has an end profile as viewed in the longitudinal direction having a substantially invariant shape and orientation. The calibration standard includes a body having a non-planar surface extending in a longitudinal direction and in a lateral direction. The standard also has an end profile as viewed in the longitudinal direction of the surface substantially identical to the profile of the feature. The surface of the body has an elongate narrow opening extending into the body substantially normal to the surface and traversing the surface of the body at a substantially constant angle with respect to the longitudinal direction of the surface as viewed normal to the surface.

Abstract: A method and a laminated member for measuring the dimension of a gap for passing a card therethrough are provided. A pressure measuring film is superposed on an elastic mat that gradually becomes thinner in the card-inserting direction, and passed through the gap so as to determine the dimension of the gap from the position where the pressure measuring film has started to develop a color. As the elastic mat, one that has a thickness changing in steps may be used. An alternative embodiment uses a pressure measuring board in place of the pressure measuring film, the pressure measuring board having plural pressure sensors for electrically detecting pressures applied in the direction of width.

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: A gauge block holder that greatly reduces measurement error in calibrating wafer thickness test equipment is described. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the gauge block holder is compatible with present thickness measurement equipment and provides a central region specially configured for holding a prior art gauge block in a manner that ensures precise, parallel alignment thereof with the equipment and thus precise perpendicular alignment with the equipment's opposing contact pins. Preferably a gauge block-sized and shaped recess and aperture are provided centrally in the holder such that the gauge block rests immobile on and parallel with the precision-machined, planar upper surface of a metal plate of the thickness tester while the thickness tester is being calibrated for a given wafer thickness measurement. The recess and aperture in accordance with their preferred embodiment are rectangular, and the invented gauge block preferably is securely fastened to the metal plate, e.g.

Abstract: The invention relates to a low-cost, low-weight, highly stable reference object, easy to handle, for the measurement of the errors of geometry of coordinate measuring machines and machine tools. The reference object consists of an array of probing elements in the form of rings, spheres, or flats, each representing reference points by means of their surface geometry. The probing elements are glued between two panes of a geometrically stable material, establishing a firm connection between these panes. Holes in the panes enable the measuring probe of the machine under inspection to probe the reference elements' surfaces. The resulting box-type structure of the reference object gives it the said advantages of low weight, low price, and high stability.

Abstract: An apparatus for certifying or calibrating a coordinate measuring machine. A plurality of elongated linear gage blocks, each of said gage blocks which have been certified as conforming in accuracy to a specified accuracy grade by a qualified measuring laboratory are mounted in a positioning device for selectively rotating the gage blocks about a vertical axis within a measurement volume of a coordinate measurement machine and selectively rotating the linear gage blocks about a horizontal axis within the measurement volume. The positioning device has a base for supporting the apparatus in the measurement volume, an upward extending column mounted on the base for rotating the gage blocks about the vertical axis, a holding device mounted on an upper portion of the column for mounting said gage blocks in the positioning device and rotating the gage blocks about the horizontal axis.

Abstract: A calibration apparatus and method for shot blast intensity measuring gages uses a calibration block which is placed upon the measuring surface of the gage. The calibration block has a zero datum surface with a notch cut into the zero datum surface at a predetermined calibration depth. The measuring block is sufficiently shorter than the test strips such that the measuring block can be shifted between a zero datum reference position in which the flat surface is supported over the plunger which operates the read-out display. The measurement block is then shifted relative to the measurement surface to a second position in which the plunger or feeler of the display engages the notch to permit a calibration reading to be taken.

Abstract: A fastener measurement system includes a number of gauge blocks, each having a tapered bore disposed therein. Each gauge block has a number of conical inserts that fit within the tapered bore. The inserts have a central bore of varying sizes to receive fasteners of different shank diameters. The gauge block includes a beveled surface at the point where the bore meets a top surface of the gauge block. The beveled surface reduces wear and allows the gauge block to be easily calibrated. A computer system receives measurements made by a linear transducer that measures the height of the fastener above the surface of the gauge block a correction factor .delta. is added to the height measured to produce an indication of the true head height of the fastener. The computer system prompts the user to test the head heights of a random sample of fasteners and prints a report of the head heights as well as an indication of whether the sample of fasteners meets engineering specifications.