Abstract: Devices for verifying the dimensional accuracy of a measuring instrument are provided. In one embodiment, a verification block has a substantially planar surface and a known nonplanar surface adjacent thereto. During verification, a probe attached to the CMM moves along the nonplanar surface while simultaneously contacting the planar surface and measures the features of the nonplanar surface. Any difference between the measured features and the known features of the nonplanar surface is an indication of inaccuracies in the CMM. Other embodiments of the invention include structures which compare CMM measured readings with known readings by an encoder as it moves along a linear scale. In another embodiment, the measured readings are compared to readings provided by opto-electric switches. In still another embodiment, a cam is rotatably mounted to the end of the probe of the CMM and moves the probe along the z axis as the cam moves along a surface.

Abstract: A rod shaped supporting part has a plurality of plates slid thereon. Each plate has at least one protrusion protruding radially outwardly. The plates are axially separated by spacers. The protrusions have a precisely machined reference surface and the protrusions are arranged so that they form a helical path on the supporting part. The plates and spacers are held to the supporting parts by end nuts. At least two of the protrusions are protruding in the same direction so that a predetermined distance is defined between the protrusions which may be used in measuring applications. The supporting part is rotatably supported by a supporting device.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for calibrating a coordinate measuring apparatus which has a probe 10. The probe 10 is movably guided in a plane (x, y) via two parallel pivot axes (6, 8) which are arranged one behind the other. For calibrating the primary dimensions (R1, R2, .phi.0, .psi.0, dT) of the coordinate measuring apparatus, contours or geometric elements are contact scanned on a calibration body with the probe. The contours or geometric elements are so selected that the diameter dT of the probe ball 12 attached to the probe enters into the measuring result for the geometric elements or their spacing with different weight or sign. Thereafter, the primary dimensions (R1, R2, .phi.0, .psi.0, dT) are determined from the measured values obtained by contact scanning the contours for the position of the probe 10 in the plane (x, y) and from the known dimensions of the geometric elements.

Abstract: A multipurpose device for marking a workpiece which has in combination a component for setting the reveal between an edge such as trim molding and the edge of a frame, a component for setting an angle from 0.degree. to 90.degree., a component for setting a space between two solid members such as deck boards or pickets in a picket fence, and a component for determining the center of a flat surface such as determining the center of the surface of a board between 2 parallel edges. Preferably the device is a three layer laminated square with the middle layer being larger in the overall dimensions i.e., length and width, which in a square, are the same dimension, are greater than corresponding dimensions of the two outer layers such that the middle layer extends beyond the edges of the outer layers.

Abstract: A method for the dimensional measurement of a piece to be checked is disclosed, wherein a comparison sample and a reference sample are employed, respectively of a material which is coherent with that of the piece to be checked and of a material having a low thermal expansion coefficient. Through the comparison between the two samples the relative thermal expansion is determined, and same is then related to the measurements carried out on the piece to be checked so as to determine the dimensions thereof as if the measurement were performed in a controlled temperature environment. The reference sample for carrying out the method is preferably made of a composite material.

Abstract: A plate-like guide for precisely positioning a plunge router for the purpose of boring a series of holes in a work piece. The plunge router is provided with a guide bushing having an outside diameter, centrally positioned in the router working face, through which the router cutter can be pushed (plunged). The boring guide is provided with a series of spaced pilot holes positioned on a center line. The inside diameters of the pilot holes are a close sliding fit with the outside diameter of the router guide bushing. The boring guide has five positioning means usable in pairs to precisely position the boring guide with respect to the workpiece. There are two groups of fence holes into which fence pins are screwed to provide a step variable fence for positioning the pilot holes with respect to the working edge of the work piece. There is a centering notch for aligning the boring guide with a centerline drawn on the workpiece.

Abstract: An improved device and system to precisely locate a point on a workpiece. The device and system is also used to precisely position a work tool with respect to the workpiece. The device incorporates a probe end and a contact end. The contact end has a bottom facing contact surface that is smooth and planar within an exacting tolerance. The probe end may be cylindrical or spherical with a precise diameter B and a rear facing portion. The contact end is slideably positioned with its bottom facing contact surface firmly against a reference surface of the workpiece. The device is positioned in order that the rear facing portion of the probe end is firmly in contact with a second surface of the workpiece. The extensions of the plane of the second surface of the workpiece and the plane of the reference surface form an intersection, either real or imaginary. The plane of the second surface forms an angle with the perpendicular to the reference surface plane at the intersection.

Abstract: A tool for gauging and adjusting an electrode gap of a spark plug, the spark plug having a center electrode and a side electrode, the side electrode having a free end and a mounted end, with a bend between the two ends. The tool includes an elongated scale portion of substantially constant thickness, having scale indicia on at least one side thereof and an inclined gauge portion extending along at least one side of the scale portion which has a progressively increasing thickness beginning near one end with the thickness of the inclined portion being indicated by the indicia on the scale portion.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the distance of a semiconductor wafer from a nozzle of an edge bead removal system. A rotationally adjustable gap gauge is placed over a vacuum chuck of an edge bead removal system. The gap gauge has a ramped surface which is located proximate to the nozzle when the gap gauge is placed over the vacuum chuck. By rotating the gap gauge on the vacuum chuck, the ramped surface is brought closer to the nozzle. When the nozzle contacts the ramped surface, the position of the gap gauge, as shown by calibration marks on the gap gauge, are recorded. The calibration marks on the gap gauge indicate the corresponding distance that will exist between the nozzle and the backside of a semiconductor wafer when the gap gauge is removed and a semiconductor wafer is placed onto the vacuum chuck. The edge bead removal system is then adjusted such that a desired distance will exist between the nozzle and a semiconductor wafer when a semiconductor wafer is placed onto the vacuum chuck.

Abstract: The invention comprises a contacting block step gage in which the individual blocks are fastened together under extremely high compressive forces by a tension tube and four individually adjustable screws. The screws can be individually torqued to compensate for bending of the gage.

Abstract: A fixture type gauge (20) includes a base (22) and a plurality of segment blocks (1-12) mounted on the base (22) configured and arranged to allow comparison of manufactured parts (46) with a reference standard. Under computer control, reference marks (36, 54, 56, etc.) and data (26) are laser etched on the gauge base and segment blocks to facilitate rapid, accurate assembly of the gauge parts and provide a permanent record on the gauge of part related information. Laser machined alignment holes (30, 32) in the gauge base establish a reference axis on the base which can then be used to physically align the gauge with an independent spatial coordinate system, such as that of a coordinate measuring machine.

Abstract: A pocket joint cutter system for forming a pocket cut and fastener bore into a workpiece. The pocket cut and fastener bore receives a fastener such as a self-tapping screw which passes through the bore and into a second workpiece for forming a Joint between the two workpieces. The head of the fastener is held within the pocket cut in order to secure the joint. In one preferred form of the present invention, a workpiece system secures the workpiece in a predetermined position and forms the pocket cut and fastener bore into the workpiece. This preferred embodiment further comprises a bench-mounting system coupled to the workpiece system for securing the system to a bench. Using this embodiment of the present invention, the system can be mounted to a bench, and the workpiece can be brought to the system and held in position while the user forms the pocket cut and fastener bore.

Abstract: An opening clearance measuring tool that functions as a combination taper gauge and parallel gauge includes a wedge-shaped "taper block", a sliding linear scale predisposed to parallel movement along an upper edge of the taper block, and a digital read-out linear scale measuring and display unit that accurately measures a translational displacement of the sliding scale with respect to the taper block and displays the displacement in millimeters. The angle between the upper and lower edge surfaces of the taper block forms the wedge of the tool and defines the particular slope or "taper" for the gauge. The slope is predetermined to incorporate a linear conversion factor between metric and English units so that the display may be used to indicate clearance measurements expressed in mils. The scale measuring and display unit is fixedly secured to the taper block and, as the linear scale slider is moved past (through) the scale display unit, the translational displacement of the slider is measured and displayed.

Abstract: A coordinate measuring machine test standard apparatus and method which iudes a rotary spindle having an upper phase plate and an axis of rotation, a kinematic ball mount attached to the phase plate concentric with the axis of rotation of the phase plate, a groove mounted at the circumference of the phase plate, and an arm assembly which rests in the groove. The arm assembly has a small sphere at one end and a large sphere at the other end. The small sphere may be a coordinate measuring machine probe tip and may have variable diameters. The large sphere is secured in the kinematic ball mount and the arm is held in the groove. The kinematic ball mount includes at least three mounting spheres and the groove is an angular locating groove including at least two locking spheres. The arm may have a hollow inner core and an outer layer. The rotary spindle may be a ratio reducer.

Abstract: A gage block is designed as a stepped sine block to produce commonly used angles when used with a conventional sine bar without the use of conventional gage blocks. Reference surfaces parallel to one or more bases are provided to produce the desired number of commonly used angles.

Abstract: An orthopaedic gauge 1 for measuring a length dimension of an elongated orthopaedic device, such as a screw 50, 60, or 70 or a pin or other elongated orthopaedic device. The gauge 1 includes a base portion 10 having a fixed reference point thereon, such as a raised post 12, and a raised platform 20 extending from the base portion 10 and spaced from the reference point. The raised platform 20 includes a plurality of stops 22. One end of the orthopaedic device is positioned about the reference point and the device is swung through an arc about the reference point until the other end of the device abuts one of the plurality of stops on the raised platform. A suitable scale such as 38 or 39 is provided to correspond with the plurality of stops for determining a length dimension of the device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gauge or set of gauges for determining whether the bend angle, bend diameter, and end extension dimensions of a bent steel reinforcing bar used in structural concrete construction are within established allowable limits. The gauge comprises at least the outer marginal portion of a section of a circular disc, the disc having an outer perimeter which defines a diameter approximating the minimum bend diameter for a particular bar size and bar bend, the perimeter taking into account the deformations on said bar and indicating the starting and ending points of the bend, i.e., the points of tangency. Also included are methods of using such a gauge to determine whether a bar bend has less than the minimum bend angle and diameter and whether the end extension of such bend is less than the minimum allowable length.

Abstract: An adjustable support fixture and method for using same with a cutting assembly for milling or grinding a flat surface on a workpiece, the fixture including a suspended platen on which the workpiece is mounted, removable apparatus for establishing the cutting plane, devices for positioning the flat surface of the workpiece against the plane-establishing apparatus, and a mechanism for retaining the workpiece in this position as the plane-establishing apparatus is removed and the cutting operation is performed.

Abstract: The invention comprises a contacting block step gage in which the individual blocks are fastened together under extremely high compressive forces and any bending of the step gage is compensated for and in which the measuring surface is on the neutral axis of the gage and accessible via probe clearance channels in the blocks.

Abstract: A method of making design models allowing for CAD data verification of interior and exterior styled surfaces comprising the following steps. Initially, the interior and exterior surfaces of the proposed design are mathematically modeled. A series of separable parts of said design are defined. At least one bench mark plane is provided within the interior and exterior surfaces of a first part of the design. An exterior surface is shaped on an exterior portion of the first part of the design. Likewise, an interior surface is shaped on an interior portion of the first part of the design. The interior portion and the exterior portion are separated from each other at the bench mark plane when the interior portion is formed. The interior portion and exterior portion are assembled together at the bench mark plane. Finally, the separable parts or modules are assembled together at the boundaries. The method further allows for the disassembly of particular modules and their modification in holding fixtures.

Abstract: A fixture type gauge (20) includes a base (22) and a plurality of segment blocks (1-12) mounted on the base (22) configured and arranged to allow comparison of manufactured parts (46) with a reference standard. Under computer control, reference marks (36, 54, 56, etc.) and data (26) are laser etched on the gauge base and segment blocks to facilitate rapid, accurate assembly of the gauge parts and provide a permanent record on the gauge of part related information. Laser machined alignment holes (30, 32) in the gauge base establish a reference axis on the base which can then be used to physically align the gauge with an independent spatial coordinate system, such as that of a coordinate measuring machine.

Abstract: A machine guard safety gauge is a single piece made up of a series of stepped cylinders having diameters equal to a maximum safe opening size from a hazard zone of a machine at corresponding combined lengths from a tip portion of the gauge. The centerlines of the cylinders share a common vertical plane and the cylinders share a common bottom edge. This design provides three dimensional structural stability and strength which allows the gauge to be used for both checking and setting up machine guards. A tapered tip design allows checking the positioning of abrasive wheel adjustable tool rests, tongue guards, and "nip points" in general.

Abstract: A coordinate measuring machine capable of selectively setting the origin of measurement by origin point blocks each of which are provided on the base plate of the coordinate measuring machine. In a condition where dust becomes attached to the origin point block, the origin of measurement is missed and the accuracy of the measurement is therefore unreliable. The machine in this invention is arranged to employ cover devices (40A, 40B, 80) to enclose origin point blocks (50A, 50B, 70) respectively and to occasionally expose a portion thereof by an opening and closing motion. That is, only when setting the origin of measurement is the cover opened. This prevents the origin point block from collecting dust thereon suspended in the air. In this end, the origin of measurement can be set precisely to execute an accurate measurement of the object to be measured.

Abstract: A manual flush control for toilets having a normally closed flapper type float valve held shut by the head of water pressure in the flush tank, and characterized by a height limiting means for said valve to cause servo closing and preempting automatic operation.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for determining present machining height during machining of a workpiece includes an analog resistive sensor, a discrete resistive sensor and a resistive integrity sensor. Analog sensor preferably has a plurality of resistive elements. Discrete sensor includes contact break points on resistive legs, each leg having a different resistive value to create a step-wise incremental change in resistance of discrete sensor as contacts are lapped away. Integrity sensor has resistive value in fixed relation to resistive value of discrete sensor such that ratio is indicative of integrity before machining. Invention enables use of electronic lapping guide with electrically conductive lap without shorting out. Discrete sensor value used to determine location of rear plane of analog sensor and analog sensor value used to confirm identity of break point as part of method for determining current lapping height.

Abstract: A gauge structure is arranged to provide for the immediate measurement of a case length prior to a reloading procedure and subsequent to the reloading procedure to measure the case length and associated bullet member seated therewithin. The structure is arranged to accommodate various calibers and bullets of various gauges and associated sizes therefore. A case housing to include positioning of various of the gauges therewithin in association with a magnification lens arranged for mounting relative to the housing for enhanced ease of visual inspection of the cases and assembled cartridges is provided.

Abstract: A geometric simulator apparatus is provided for testing the measurement accuracy of coordinate measuring machines, including the software therefore. A three-tiered cylindrical solid structure includes two differently sized cylinder diameters. A pair of parallel flat planar surfaces is formed perpendicular to the planar flat top surface. The bottom surface is a flat annular-shaped surface that defines a cavity which can be used to support the apparatus during storage or transport. A separate attachment is provided for introducing error measurements into the testing of the coordinate measuring machine. The attachment includes a flexible thin plate of predetermined thickness and having an elastic strap attached to each end to hold the plate against one of the cylindrical outer surfaces of the simulator apparatus.

Abstract: A reference master part for linear dimensions and/or geometrical and/or shape features of determined workpieces (30) comprises precision-machined surfaces having mutual spatial arrangements such as to provide known references for said dimensions, etc. For simplifying the manufacturing processes and reducing the costs, the master part is made of a support body (1; 31) of ordinary material, reference elements (7, 8; 41-46, 50, 51, 54-57, 63, 64, 70, 71), of special material for master parts, fixed in corresponding seats (4; 33-38, 58-60) of the support body, and supporting and guiding elements (63, 64, 70, 71), made of special material, fixed to the support body. During the master part manufacturing, the reference elements are adjusted and then fixed in the relevant seats.

Abstract: A device and method for checking the roundness of ball-point type contacts associated with a measuring device and used to engage a threaded surface of a specific thread type to facilitate measurement of critical dimensional parameters of a threaded member. The device consists of a hard, wear resistant, and dimensionally stable material having formed thereon a reference groove and a comparison groove adjacent flat surfaces. The reference groove conforms in profile to the profile of the thread type while the comparison groove is square-shouldered and wider than deep. The depths of the reference and comparison grooves are selected such that a perfectly round ball-point type contact is insertable into each to the exact same depth relative the respective adjacent surfaces. The method requires attachment of the contact to a dial gage capable of measuring the distance to which the contact extends below a reference plane.

Abstract: A block for positioning the wire of an NC wire electro-spark processing machine is simple in shape and easy in handling, with which an original processing point of the NC wire electro-spark processing machine may be easily obtained without cutting or breaking the electrode wire.

Abstract: A combined pipe chamfering tool and ovality gauge. One or more ovality gauge(s) is/are rotatably mounted on a chamfering tool. The gauges may serve to gauge different-size pipes to a given ovality standard or a given pipe size to different ovality standards.

Abstract: A calibration-test member in the form of a ball plate fixedly mounts a plurality of precision balls arrayed in spaced relation in a single plane. The ball plate is of symmetrical construction with respect to this plane, the balls being so mounted within one or more cutouts of the plate or on the edge of the plate, with ball centers in the plane of symmetry of the plate, that contacting of the balls is possible from both sides.

Abstract: A tester for use in testing coordinate measuring devices includes a hub having a generally tubular body portion, an outer ring, and a plurality of spokes connected to the hub and to the outer ring, each of the spokes having a generally tubular body portion and extending radially from the hub. A plurality of holders are connected to respective ones of the plurality of spokes, and elements respectively supported by the holders are provided which are adapted for use in testing the coordinates of a measuring device. The generally tubular body portion of the hub and the generally tubular body portion of each of the spokes is composed of a bonded fiber material in which layers of circumferential windings alternate with layers of helical windings, and wherein the helical windings are wound of a fiber which has a negative coefficient of thermal expansion.

Abstract: An end measure comprises at least one linear support having a longitudinal axis, and a plurality of touching surfaces extending substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the support and spaced from one another by predetermined distances, the support being formed as at least one pipe provided with a plurality of plates which are spaced from one another in direction of the longitudinal axis and form the touching surfaces.

Abstract: A position adjusting device for adjusting the position of an adjustable member with respect to a housing to which the adjustable member is mounted. The adjustable member is formed with two conical sockets having axes parallel to each other and spaced from each other in the direction of adjustment of the adjustable member. The housing threadedly receives two pins eccentrically disposed with respect to the sockets, such that threading one pin inwardly of its socket and the other pin outwardly of its socket moves the adjustable member in one direction, and threading the one pin outwardly of its socket and the other pin inwardly of its socket moves the adjustable member in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A removable and replaceable insert locating pin adapted to locate a workpiece in a tooling fixture for machining thereof. The locating pin includes a central body inserted in a precisely located aperture in the tooling fixture and an upper portion that extends into an aperture in the workpiece. Hardened inserts are selectively positioned in apertures formed in the outer periphery of the upper portion and contact the sidewall of the aperture in the workpiece for positioning the workpiece on the sub-plate in a desired direction or directions. Flexibility of the set up of the tooling for machining of workpiece is enhanced.

Abstract: A spacer for use in aligning and spacing tiles relative to each other, the spacer being cross-shaped, T-shaped, or bar-shaped, with four, three or two arms, respectively, each arm of which, in cross-section, is provided with a lower surface of tapered or contoured configuration to provide a surface in contact with the adhesive on the supporting surface of smaller area than the total arm area. The opposing vertical edges of the arms, which are in contact with the sides of the tiles are narrow in height and, while providing the desired spacing between tiles, provides a narrow area of contact between the arm and the tile to minimize frictional engagement between the abutting surfaces. At the juncture of the arms, there is provided an upwardly extending rod-like projection which serves as a handle to facilitate removal.

Abstract: A base assembly for a machine tool includes a support arrangement between a metal base and a granite worktable which eliminates distortion caused by differential thermal expansion and contraction and which isolates the base from deformation due to the weight of a workpiece. The support arrangement preferably includes three spaced-apart blocks, each with a V-groove track, attached to the bottom of the granite worktable. The axes of the V-groove tracks intersect at a common point. The metal base includes three spherical projections located for engagement in each of the V-groove tracks. The support arrangement permits the granite worktable and the base to expand, contract and distort separately, while providing vertical support and lateral and rotational restraint. Several configurations of tracks and projections are disclosed.

Abstract: A method and article of manufacture allows great accuracy in machining the edge of a face on a prism to a predetermined position respective a feature carried on the face and formed by deposition of insulating material. The preferred application for this invention is in accurately machining the transducing surface of a disk memory transducer assembly so that the throat height of the thin-film head carried on an end face of the assembly has a precise value.

Abstract: A cylindrical square for inspecting the angular relationship of a test surface to a vertical support surface on a vertical support member. The flat surface being intended to be perpendicular to the test surface, a dial indicator having a sensing member and a supporting member supported on said support surface. Said dial indicator support being adapted to have a dial indicated thereon to be slid along the top of said cylindrical surface of said cylindrical square whereby the dial indicator will indicate errors in the angular relationship of the vertical surface to the flat test surface.

Abstract: A design game comprising at least six series of at least six modules each, each of the series being constituted of the same number of modules and all of the modules having the same shape in plan, with the area in plan of the modules of each series progressing in the same way as in every other series, from the smallest to the largest, according to a definite geometric formula. Modules in the shape of a square are specifically disclosed. The modules are used to form various abstract and quasi-representational designs. At least one spacer element may be used as an aid for positioning the modules relative to each other in a desired angular relationship.

Abstract: A device and a system for ascertaining dimensions includes at least one gaging block held by negative pressure to a workpiece. The gaging block has a body with a first face and a second face. The first face includes a recess portion therein and the second face defines a measurement reference surface. The body includes a port in communication with the recess portion and adapted for communication with a negative pressure generating device such as a vacuum pump. The gaging block is held by negative pressure in intimate and highly accurate contact with a workpiece in order to provide a reference point for measurements that might for a variety of reasons be most difficult to obtain.

Abstract: A gage block case includes a plurality of gage blocks mounted within the case, each gage block having opposed gage surfaces with a nominal dimension therebetween and a known deviation from the nominal dimension. Sensors associated with each gage block sense the removal of each gage block from the case. A signal generator provides a distinct signal corresponding to which gage block is removed from the case. A memory stores the known deviation of each gage block within the case. A control unit responsive to the signal generator addresses and retrieves from the memory the known deviation for each gage block which is removed from the case, combines the known deviation with the deviations of previously removed gage blocks and outputs the total deviation to a display device. In a second embodiment, the control unit selects and indicates which gage blocks are to be removed from the case to form a specified stack height input to the control unit.

Abstract: A gage block set includes a plurality of gage blocks mounted within a case, each gage block having opposed gage surfaces with a nominal dimension therebetween and a known deviation from the nominal dimension. Sensors associated with each gage block sense the removal of each gage block from the case. A signal generator provides a distinct signal corresponding to which gage block is removed from the case. A memory stores the known deviation of each gage block within the case. A control unit responsive to the signal generator addresses and retrieves from the memory the known deviation for each gage block which is removed from the case, combines the known deviation with the deviations of previously removed gage blocks and outputs the total deviation to a display device.