Abstract: A system and method for knee arthroplasty procedures, using a novel leg rotation fixture to enable the leg mechanical axis, the tibia and the femur to be mutually disposed such that the load bearing, mechanical axis of the leg runs through the center of the knee joint. A measurement gauge is provided for mounting on the tibia and for aligning a baseplate in a known position on the tibia. This baseplate supports an X-ray target plate in a known position relative to the tibia, used in determining the mechanical axis, and an optional surgical robot, used to perform tibial and femoral cuts. The position of the femur relative to the robot may be determined from X-ray imaging of the pelvic region after attachment to the baseplate of an additional target extending to the pelvic region. The system enables improvement in the accuracy of knee arthroplasty procedures.

Abstract: An adjustable alignment apparatus for a gage that fits to a vehicle body includes a base having first, second, and third abutment faces and an adjusting plate having first, second, and third walls respectively spaced from the first, second, and third abutment faces. An adjusting bolt acts between the base and the adjusting plate to move the walls of the adjusting plate respectively toward and away from the walls of the base. A first mounting bracket engages with the vehicle body and is attached to one of the base and the adjusting plate. A second mounting bracket engages with the gage and is attached to the other of the base and the adjusting plate. A plurality of shims can be removeably installed and uninstalled between the abutment faces of the base and the walls of the adjusting plate to adjust the position of the gage relative the vehicle body.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided, for positioning a work piece, such as a piece of crown molding, through use of an apparatus including a work piece support plate pivotably attached along a pivot axis to a base. The base is adapted to rest on a horizontal reference plane, such as the table of a meter saw, for pivoting motion of the support plate about the pivot axis to a desired angle with respect to the base, while the pivot axis is simultaneously positioned to extend substantially parallel to a longitudinal line of intersection between a horizontal and a vertical reference plane, established by the table and fence of the meter saw, to hold the work piece at a desired tilt angle with respect to the vertical reference plane, so that the work piece may be cut in substantially the same orientation as it will be mounted.

Abstract: A goniometer including an arcuate rotor plate rotatable about an axis of motion spaced apart from the rotor plate for supporting a device and a base having an arcuate base plate The rotor is rotationally coupled to the base by shaft and a resilient shaft bearing mounting exerting a resilient force on the shaft to maintain a positive engagement between the roller and rotor body.

Abstract: A measuring tool for a blade cuff mounted on a rotor blade assembly includes a cam follower assembly which simulates a longitudinal profile of an ideal blade cuff within a contour plane. A cam lock locks the gauge at a desired longitudinal position along a central axis to measure a radial plane defined around the blade cuff as the blade cuff profile fixture is rotated relative the base and cam follower assembly. A master block is removably mounted to the blade cuff fixture to simulate an ideal blade cuff such that the gauge may be zeroed thereon. Once zeroed, and after removal of the master block, the cam follower assembly provides a continuous zero position for the gauge such that any deviations from the ideal profile anywhere on the blade cuff is indicated on the gauge.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rotary indexing table comprising a stationary base unit and a plate rotatably supported thereon and drivable relative to the base unit by means of a drive, in which the drive is formed by a plurality of individual drive elements arranged in the circumferential region of the plate.

Abstract: An ultrasonic-welding apparatus including: a cradle, onto which two work pieces are mounted, and which can rotate around an axis vertical to the welding surface of the work pieces; a welding horn, which carries out welding using ultrasonic energy while sandwiching the two work pieces between it and the cradle; a transmission-type laser sensor which measures the fixed part of the work pieces after welding, rotating on the cradle, in the condition that the welding horn is apart from the work pieces after welding; and an optical sensor including a light-emitting part, a light-receiving part, a connecting part on which the light-emitting and light-receiving parts are mounted, and an adjusting part that rotates the connecting part around two axes.

Abstract: In a spatial coordinate measurement system using an articulated arm and associated electronic data processor, the workpiece having locations to be measured is held by a carrier rotatively supported about an axis. An angular encoder feeds into the processor the relative orientation of the carrier about the axis. The processor virtually translates the origin or point of reference of the arm as a function of the orientation of the carrier so that the carrier and workpiece can be rotated to place the location to be measured in close proximity to the sensing probe of the arm without affecting the relative coordinate measurement. The extent of movement of the arm around the workpiece that would be necessary if the piece remained stationary throughout measurements of all locations, is substantially reduced.

Abstract: A compact stage includes a rotary driver and a vertical linear driver that are in the same horizontal plane, which advantageously reduces the height of the device. The stage may include a rotating shaft to which a chuck is mounted. A rotary drive, which may be an annular rotary drive, is coupled to and rotates the rotating shaft. A linear drive is also coupled to the rotating shaft and in one embodiment extends through the center of the annular rotary drive. The linear drive moves the rotating shaft along a vertical axis. The linear drive may be, e.g., a voice coil motor that uses a spring to bias the rotating shaft along the vertical axis.

Abstract: A goniometer comprising a rotor and a support base having therebetween three or four balls or rollers constrained to follow arcuate paths to provide rotation of the rotor, relative to the support base, about an axis of rotation external to the rotor, the balls being constrained to be spaced apart in at least two dimensions to ensure a three point spaced contact with the rotor and the support base.

Abstract: A goniometer comprising a rotor and a support base having therebetween three or four balls or rollers constrained to follow arcuate paths to provide rotation of the rotor, relative to the support base, about an axis of rotation external to the rotor, the balls being constrained to be spaced apart in at least two dimensions to ensure a three point spaced contact with the rotor and the support base.

Abstract: An angle rotating device for wheel alignment test has a disk seat, a lever bar inserted in the disk seat, a cover plate covering the disk seat, a solid rotating disk disposed on the cover plate, a ring disposed in the solid rotating disk, and a hollow disk disposed in the cover plate. The solid rotating disk has a center shaft. The ring has an annular face having a plurality of circular apertures receiving a plurality of balls. A sleeve is disposed in a center of the ring. A plurality of springs are connected to the sleeve and the ring.

Abstract: A stage apparatus having a rotary table and a method of operating the same are provided. The stage apparatus includes a base, a stage which is rectilinearly movable on the upper surface of the base, and a rotary table which is rotatable on the stage and on which a workpiece is to be placed. Therefore, a larger workpiece can be effectively manufactured using the stage apparatus.

Abstract: A goniometer arm for use in conjunction with a precision cutting apparatus comprising an arm for supporting a rotating adaptor arm which in turn supports and secures a rotating disc and a specimen holder. The goniometer arm allows a specimen to be cut along a specific plane about a specific axis.

Abstract: A machine tool has a rotatable table with a plurality of lock plates located on the underside thereof at circumferentially spaced locations, and a geneva drive mechanism arranged to coact with the lock plates in rotatably indexing the table. The lock plates are shiftable with respect to the table by means of cooperating pairs of rotatably adjustable eccentric pins. Machine screws releasably fix the lock plates at selected positions of adjustment. The lock plates are shifted and releasably fixed from above the table.

Abstract: A camera mount for taking panoramic pictures. A camera mounting plate is rotatably attached to a tripod mounting plate in a manner permitting the camera mounting plate to sweep an arc of rotation along the top surface of the tripod mounting plate. The tripod mounting plate has a convexly-curved forward edge and a protractor disposed adjacent the forward edge. A stationary detent is fixedly attached adjacent to the center of the protractor and a plurality of adjustable detents are disposed to each side of the stationary detent within respective detent slots disposed along the arc of rotation adjacent to the protractor. The camera mounting plate includes a camera mounting block that can be adjusted rearwardly and forwardly upon the camera mounting plate. A pointer integrally formed as part of the camera mounting plate includes a transparent eyeglass disposed above the protractor having a datum to facilitate alignment of the pointer with the protractor.

Abstract: A levelling apparatus utilizes a control system for obtaining the average plane of an object placed on a mounting member from the coordinates of at least three points in a specified area of the object including points which are not on the same straight line and for instructing supporting system for supporting the mounting member to control the average plane so as to have the desired attitude. In this way, three-dimensional attitude control of the object is enabled.

Abstract: A system for automatically orienting a cylinder head such that a valve guide inserted into a guide is perpendicular to the ground.

Abstract: A positioning table for locating a workpiece (17) at a predetermined position in a thin film forming apparatus. A base plate (2) movable in X-direction is supported below a workpiece placing table (12) for placing the workpiece thereon. A reference member supporting member (4) mounted on the base plate is respectively movable both in Y-direction and .theta.-direction about a predetermined shaft. First, second, and third reference members (5a, 5b, 5c) capable of contacting the workpiece by an urging device are supported by the reference member supporting member. When each reference member is moved in the X-direction or the Y-direction so as to locate the workpiece at the predetermined position, the three reference members move together with the reference member supporting member (4) in each direction. When the workpiece is moved in the .theta.-direction, the three reference members reliably rotate about the predetermined shaft and the rotational center of the workpiece is fixed.

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 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: An angular micro-positioning system cable of readily accessing any angle within 360.degree. and thereafter precisely addressing an angular position within one ten-thousandth of a degree. The device is suitable for use in test equipment or any equipment requiring extremely precise angular positioning. The device includes a rotary motor which is mounted to a secondary frame which is pivotally mounted to a flexibly mounted main frame. The drive shaft of the rotary motor is biased in to engagement with the output wheel. A linear micro-positioner is mounted to the main frame and its drive shaft is coupled to the rotary motor frame to pivot same. The rotary motor is first rotated with the linear micro-positioner locked in place to provide coarse angle positioning. Thereafter, the drive shaft of the rotary motor is locked and the motor frame is pivoted by the linear micro-positioner which provides extremely fine angular adjustment.

Abstract: A combination simple and compound mitre gauge along with a precision split fence constitute the subject matter of the present invention. Both the mitre gauge and fence are intended to be utilized with power woodworking tools. The mitre gauge constitutes both a simple and compound gauge by utilizing an elongated member which slides in a groove on the supporting table and a suppport plate coupled with the member which is movable about a vertical axis and can be held in a given position by appropriate locking means. The support plate presents a vertical surface which mounts a guide that can be moved into one of two positions to vary the length of it. The guide may also be removed and a planar surface presenting shoe pivotally coupled with the support plate. The angle of the planar surface of the shoe may be varied and means is provided for locking the shoe in any given position.

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: 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 telescope (10) is precisely pointed by a detent mechanism (32) in a sighting direction (18) after a motor (22) generally positions the telescope. The detent mechanism includes a roller assembly (60) precisely journalled at one end of an arm (38) which is biased into contact with a precisely formed V-groove (36) on the telescope by a spring 72.

Abstract: A presetting device for tools used in a press such as a platen press, including by a cradle for slidably receiving each of the tools and being mounted by a turret on a carriage which is shifted along a vertically extending column, which column can be rotated around a vertical axis on a base. The device enables positioning the height of the cradle and also rotating the cradle around both the horizontal and vertical axis to gain access to the tools during the setup operation.

Abstract: Metrological apparatus is provided with a turntable (4) which is movable horizontally and pivotally for centering and levelling. The turntable (4) is supported at three points (A,B,P), one (P) of which is fixed and the other two (A,B) of which are vertically movable by motorized jacks. Centering and levelling is achieved automatically by means of a computer (72) which calculates the required horizontal and pivotal movements of the turntable (4) from data obtained by sensing the workpiece surface with a transducer (12).

Abstract: A apparatus is described for producing optically satisfactorily laterally spaced letters which have been sequentially transferred from a dry transfer sheet. The sheet (28) is held in a holder (20) which incorporates a short free-motion linkage enabling the sheet so held to be moved horizontally over a short distance, the short distance being accurately repeated each time such movement is effected. By butting the letter next to be transferred to the letter just transferred and then moving the fixed distance away, visually pleasing letter spacing may be simply achieved without the use of extra transferable markings which need to be transferred to the working surface and subsequently removed, and without the need for excessively complex apparatus or for drawing alignment or spacing lines on the receptor.

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.