Abstract: An indicator holder for use in connection with a dial test indicator and with machine tools such as jigbore machines, milling machines and the like which is of simple construction, but yet is extremely versatile in use and enables positioning of the dial test indicator in a multitude of orientations relative to the workpiece being measured. More particularly, because of the novel design of the device, forward, backward and transverse movement of the dial test indicator relative to the workpiece can be readily achieved.

Abstract: A hand held tool for locating a tack strip proximate a wall includes a metal plate shaped to provide a head having an extending handle for manually gripping the tool. The head has a narrow edge surface which is slotted and sharpened for receiving and holding a tack strip in transverse relation to the head. The head has a spacing gage adjustably mounted thereon which projects frontally for abuttment with the wall. One embodiment of the spacing gage has a projecting end shaped to serve as an awl for locating and starting anchor nails in the tack strip.

Abstract: A compliance device for robot assemblies is provided which permits the automation of tooling operations that generate significant reaction loads, such as automatic riveting and the like. The compliance device includes a compliance control assembly and a tool isolation assembly. The compliance control assembly is an air cylinder having a tubular piston rod. An elongated shaft extends through the tubular piston rod and an axial bore in the piston of the air cylinder. The shaft is affixed to an end plate of the cylinder and includes a position locator cone affixed to its free end. The position locator cone is housed in the tool isolation assembly which is a cylindrical housing having a tool support end and a position locator end. Equally spaced-apart, radially-oriented rollers are affixed to an inside surface of the locator end of the tool isolation assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a convenient, efficient apparatus and method for aligning a workpiece with the cutting plane of a machine tool that is convenient and efficient. The apparatus comprises a spring-loaded device for aligning a workpiece with the cutting point of the spindle of a milling machine, which further comprises a dial indicator held in a movable block. The dial indicator is used to measure the desired difference in indicator readings between the front and back of a workpiece. To position the workpiece an operator pushes down on the indicator to contact the workpiece and slides it back and forth across the workpiece, which may be titled to obtain the desired difference in indicator reading between front and back.

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 modular-fixturing system utilizing machine-tool coordinate precision extended through a locating tool positioned within a machine-tool spindle nose, to accurately locate and position modular-fixturing components upon a baseplate.

Abstract: The device has a fixed rod 15 aligned with the working axis of the tool, e.g. a pistol drill. The rod 15 is in spring biassed, telescopic sliding engagement with a tube 16 fixed to an indicator head 17. The head 17 includes a universal-type pivotal coupling and bears indicia to indicate when the axis of the rod 15 is perpendicular to a work surface against which the head 17 bears. The rod 15 carries a depth gauge scale 19, and an adjustable stop 20 determines the maximum depth of penetration of the drill bit into the workpiece.

Abstract: A method and a gage for testing uncoupling tools to ensure proper operation prior to use. The uncoupling tool gage simulates the actual conditions under which the uncoupling tool is expected to perform. The gage has a cylindrical guide for slidably receiving a magnet housing. The guide is supported such that it is concentric with respect to the probe of an uncoupling tool to be checked. The magnet housing is placed inside the cylindrical guide and then moved toward the bottom thereof. When the magnet moves into proximity with a switch in the uncoupling tool probe, an indicator lamp in the uncoupling tool illuminates. If the face of the magnet housing is within a range band on the outside of the guide when the indicator is illuminated, then the uncoupling tool is operating properly.

Abstract: In a table saw having a rip fence and a miter slot, a new precision rip fence alignment gauge for quickly positioning the rip fence a precise distance from the saw blade for accurately cutting a workpiece. The precision rip fence alignment gauge comprises first and second symmetrical laterally separable gauge half assemblies. Each gauge half assembly comprises an elongated flat rod with an elongated miter slot engagable locator bar slidably connected transversely thereto such that the elongated flat rod is longitudinally displaceable relative the locator bar. The elongated flat rod is constrained to an accurate 90.degree. angle relative the locator bar with an alignment plate fixedly connected to the locator bar and slidably contacting an edge of the rod. A threaded stud projects upwardly from near an end of the locator bar and extends through a longitudinal slot through the elongated flat rod for slidably holding the edge of the rod in contact with the alignment plate.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for zeroing, calibrating and setting a surgical knife. The surgical knife includes a blade that has a tip which can move relative to a footplate that extends from the body of the knife. The apparatus includes a calibration housing that is coupled to a surgical microscope. The calibration housing has a transparent sleeve coupled to a holder, which are both adapted to receive and support the surgical knife. The calibration housing is constructed so that the knife and sleeve are in the line of sight of the microscope. The knife typically has a sensor that can sense the position of the blade tip relative to the footplate. The sensor provides an output signal to a visual display which converts the signal to a visual readout. The visual display also has an input device that allows the surgeon to zero the visual display. To calibrate the knife, the surgeon inserts the knife into the calibration housing until the footplate is parallel with a marking on the sleeve.

Abstract: An adjustable saw gauge fixture is disclosed including first and second end plates joined by two parallel guide rods and an intermediate screw rod, a movable jaw plate mounted on the parallel guide rods and the screw rod and controlled by an adjusting knob to move along the screw rod pitch by pitch in holding down the workpiece between either end plate, a bolt retained engaged with the screw thread of the screw rod by a spring in holding the movable jaw plate in place, two handles made on the end plates, a miter block made of an angle bar having one end pivoted to the first end plate and an opposite end freely moved toward or apart from said second end plate, a miter gauge having one end fixed to the miter block and an elongated groove peripherally marked with graduations movably secured to the second end plate.

Abstract: An edge finder held on the end of a spindle of a milling machine is provided with a flat on the outer cylindrical surface of the working end member thereof. When the edge of a work piece mounted on the table of the milling machine is slowly advanced by a machinist to contact the rotating end member, the flat thereon produces an audible clicking sound each revolution of the spindle. Moreover, upon contact, the flat on the rotating working end member causes it to vibrate radially thereby enhancing the sidewise jump thereof and making it easier for the jump to be observed by the machinist.

Abstract: A tool setter is used to locate the cutting edges of a cutting machine tool with respect to the rotational axis of a lathe's workpiece holder. One or more machine tool detecting probes are mounted on the tool setter having their styluses in predetermined registration with the rotational axis of the workpiece holder. The machine tool is moved into contact with the styluses so that the location of the cutting edges of the machine tool relative to the rotational axis may be calculated. Once the precise location of the machine tool is known, the path the machine tool is required to traverse may be accurately calculated for machining the workpiece. The tool setter is removed from the workpiece holder prior to securing a workpiece to prevent contamination from spewn cutting chips and cutting oil during the machining process.

Abstract: A set-up tool is provided for use with a working tool, such as a power saw, that works near a surface (18) having a miter slot. The set-up tool includes a dial indicator (6) and mounting members (2, 4) which mount the dial indicator in a measuring position above the surface. One of the mounting members (4) fits into the miter slot on the surface. The dial indicator is moveable with respect to the mounting member (4) that fits into the miter slot. A locking screw (3) is provided for selectively locking the dial indicator in a desired location relative to the mounting member (4).

Abstract: A device to accurately define the angle relationship between a peripheral grinding wheel and it's tool rest in the vertical plane. The device uses the wheel periphery and tool rest surface to control the angle between the two. It is an 400 accessory to existing grinders. It is a separate device from the grinder enabling it to be used on several machines. It is not required structure for the grinding operation.

Abstract: A hybrid die bonder has the ability to change tool holders to accommodate different die sizes. The single pick up head is selectively, magnetically, connectable to any of a plurality of tool holders. An electromagnet in the head holds a magnetic tool holder and a sealed air line is established therebetween. Prior to pick up, the head and tool holder have the same orientation so that precision locating structure therebetween will cooperate to establish a precise axis for the tool holder.

Abstract: An apparatus for ensuring parallel measuring, alignment and minimum spacing of two objects, particularly for setting a rip fence in connection with a table saw or drill press, having a first rectangular end plate provided with at least two rods perpendicularly extending from one side thereof, a second plate moveably mouted on the rods, parallel to the first end plate and capable of meeting flush therewith, the second plate is capable of being secured in position to the rods. At least one measuring scale is provided on the rods. The first plate has ribs located thereon for preventing the first plate from slipping into a miter slot, and the second plate has slots for receiving the ribs of the first plate.

Abstract: A gauge positioner used for measuring the edge portion of the surface of a workpiece held on a measuring fixture is disclosed. The positioner has a lip which rests upon the corner of the measuring fixture under the workpiece edge. The upper portion of the positioner overhangs, and is spaced above, the lip. A hole is formed through the upper portion of the positioner for receiving the barrel of a measuring gauge and positioning the tip of the gauge in measuring contact with the workpiece.

Abstract: A corner locator for aligning machine tools comprises a metal sphere with a section removed. The section has the shape of either a right angled corner, which is bounded by three mutually perpendicular planes, or a wedge bounded by two intersecting planes. The three-plane version in use fits onto a corner of a rectangular workpiece, and the two-plane version in use fits onto an edge. In either case all planes bounding the removed sections pass through the exact center of the sphere. With the locator in place, the spindle of the machine tool may be set at any angle whatsoever relative to the faces of the workpiece, and the machine tool spindle axis aligned to pass through the center of the sphere as follows: insert a dial indicator gauge into the spindle; bring the gauge arm into contact with the sphere; rotate the spindle while moving the spindle along the machine axes to locate the point of minimum runout. At this point the spindle axis points directly toward the center.

Abstract: A dressing tool gauge for positioning the cutting tool in removable head type dresser devices for grinding wheels. The dressing tool gauge will indicate the proper position for the cutting tool to dress a predetermined shape on the grinding wheel. A member is placed at the position and the cutting tool is slid into engagement with the member. The cutting tool may then be secured in its holder in that position and placed on the dresser device to be used.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for calibrating a jig bore is provided. An angle iron is provided having a sine bar and a portion, which is disposed at an acute angle to a plane parallel to an x-y axis, disposed integrally thereon. The angle iron is designed to calibrate the jig bore with a minimum of time and set-ups.

Abstract: A turret tool measuring device which includes an annular member shaped to enable it to fit easily and securely into the hub of a screw machine tool turret. A flange member formed integrally with the annular member, which together form the base element of the invention, cooperates to ensure that the annular member remains securely in the hub and the device is fully rotatable about the turret's central axis. The flange member includes the means to receive a rod member on which a guide member may be mounted. The guide member includes an opening conformed to slidably receive the rod member and an indicator arm extending therefrom. The guide member also includes a locking element adapted to fixedly secure the guide member to the rod when the device is in the process of measuring the longitudinal position of a turret tool.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring lengths, having a housing 10 which has a contact plane 20 as well as sensor pin 16 which is arranged and displaceable perpendicular thereto and is connected to an indicator instrument 28; the housing 10 having a single support foot 12 for the universal use of the instrument, the bottom of said support foot lying in the contact plane 20.

Abstract: An apparatus for finely actuating a glass electrode or the like tool includes a movable portion adapted to be vertically displaced with the aid of a vertical actuating mechanism. A Y-coordinate slider is mounted on the movable portion to slide in the Y-coordinate direction and a X-cordinate slider is in turn mounted on the Y-coordinate slider to slide in the X-coordinate direction. A Y-coordinate thrusting rod is provided in the movable portion to thrust a Y-coordinate lever rod disposed between the Y-coordinate thrusting rod and the Y-coordinate slider, while a X-coordinate thrusting rod is likewise provided in the movable portion to thrust a X-coordinate lever rod disposed between the X-coordinate thrusting rod and the Y-coordinate slider. This enables a lever ratio to be reduced to a fraction of the ratio. Two return springs are provided so as to allow both the Y-coordinate slider and X-coordinate slider to resume their original position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic measurement system and the method of employing the system with a cutting tool device. The measurement system includes a tool holder for mounting a cutting tool. A measurement probe is automatically mounted and dismounted from the tool holder without removing the cutting tool. The tool holder is preferably affixed to a work support table which is adapted to support a workpiece to be machined and measured thereon.

Abstract: For setting the cutting tip (30) of a cutting tool (32) of a lathe, a tool-setting probe (10) has a stylus tip (18) for contacting the tool tip (30). The stylus tip (18) is generally cube-shaped. In addition to a conventional vertical datum surface (36) for setting the tool in the horizontal direction (arrow A), it has a 45.degree. sloping datum surface (38). The tool is touched in the direction of arrow A against both surfaces (36,38). The horizontal difference between the two contact positions is a measure of the height of the tool tip (30), enabling it to be set in the vertical direction.

Abstract: A quick release mounting arrangement for a portable gauging sensor utilizes three locating surfaces to establish a positive, repeatable mounting for the releasable sensor at any desired number of locations on a gauging fixture. A landing pad at each mounting location provides a depressed cavity in a first face for receipt of a first locating surface carried by the sensor housing, and the landing pad further provides a grooved surface in a second face for receipt of the second and third locating surfaces carried by the sensor body. At least one of the three locating surfaces is movable under spring tension to provide a quick connect/disconnect feature to the sensor mounting arrangement.

Abstract: An angle measuring device with a digital read-out mounted in a housing with two sharp parallel feet and a bisecting spring loaded needle, the housing having forty five degree, vertical and horizontal surfaces, useful for setting doctor blades and other surfaces to proper angles.

Abstract: Complete definition of a papermachine headbox slice opening requires the measurement of three interdependent dimensions including (1) the projection distance of the slice lip edge below the slice beam, (2) the projection distance of the slice apron edge beyond the plane of the slice lip edge and (3) the slice opening distance between the slice lip edge and the upper face plane of the slice apron. A single gauging tool is provided for measuring all three headbox slice dimensions.

Abstract: A plurality of cylindrical gauges are used for presetting the position of a cutting tool along the tool axis of a machine for sizing a workpiece, such as a turret lathe. In a preferred form, the machine includes a pair of orthogonal axes, along which one axis supports a cutting tool, and a workpiece is supported along the second. To preset a tool position, a selected gauge is installed along the second axis, while the cutting tool is adjusted along the first axis to make contact with the gauge. Upon contact, the tool is secured into position, the gauge is removed, and a workpiece is substituted in place thereof along the second axis, the position of the cutting tool having been preset for subsequent sizing of the workpiece.

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: The invention relates to a device for checking for tool breakage in machine tools having a sensor for sensing a clamped tool before and after a machining operation and an electronic device for evaluation of the measurement detected by the sensor. According to the invention the sensor is constructed as a moveable feeler rod (5) and in each measuring operation is pressed against the tool tip with an adjustable force independent of the length of the tool (7) concerned. A device for determining the respective measuring position of the feeler rod (5) provides the data for the evaluation.

Abstract: The invention provides a gage for measuring the center height of a cylindrical workpiece. The gage includes an elongate body having an arcuate face portion with a plurality of numbers in sequence thereon indicating a value of the diameter of the workpiece. The face portion also includes a plurality of substantially vertical lines, each line corresponding to each one of the sequential numbers and a horizontal centerline. A plurality of horizontal indicator lines extend above and below the centerline, each line indicating a value corresponding to a distance above or below the center height of the workpiece. An indicator consisting of an indicator arm positioned along the centerline and a pair of feeler arms is pivotably mounted on the body. The gage is slidably inserted in the recess of a cut-off tool holder and moved alongside a workpiece. The indicator arm will then move upwardly or downwardly.

Abstract: A system to move an object in space. The system includes a structural mechanism having interconnected structural beams for applying translational forces and movements to position an object held by the structural mechanism. The system has a measuring mechanism to determine, with precision, the actual position and orientation of each structural beam with respect to its attached neighboring structural beam. The structural mechanism includes at least one structural beam and an associated measuring beam. The measuring beam is in contact only with its associated structural beam, the contact being effected through support devices that provide the only physical contact between the structural beam and the associated measuring beam.

Abstract: A variable compliance assembly is disclosed for use in automatic assembly operations. The variable compliance assembly includes a housing having an interior chamber; a base member, positioned on the surface of the interior chamber, moveable in a multi-directional fashion; a fluid spring operably associated with the housing and base member for controlling the multi-directional movement of the base member and for returning the base member to a normal, self-centering seating position; and a mechanism for associating a pressurized fluid source with the fluid spring to vary the amount of control exerted by the fluid spring on the base member.

Abstract: A flange alignment tool comprises a body portion having a first, relatively flat surface disposed for abutting engagement with a rear surface of a pipe flange and a second, curvilinear surface adjacent the first surface and shaped for complementary engagement with a curvilinear neck portion of the pipe flange adjacent the rear surface thereof. First and second spaced apart aligning pins extend through the body portion and include projecting flange-engaging pin ends positioned for alignment with an adjacent pair of through apertures in the flange. Resilient springs urge the aligning pins in a predetermined direction for encouraging positive engagement of the flange-engaging pin ends with the through apertures.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for locating the center of the ends of wood stock for use such as in a wood turning operation. The apparatus includes an adjustable fence and stop member, with the apparatus adapted to be mounted on a band saw or other machine tool. An additional feature includes improved adapters for use with a live lathe center in a wood turning operation. The present invention results in safer operation and also provides a substantial reduction in the time and labor required to center the ends of a piece of wood stock.

Abstract: A siding gauge for carpenters that is designed to hold a nail gun and adjust to permit accurate and fast nailing of different sizes of sidings. Primarily, the gauge consists of a main body having a pair of elevatably adjustable bars that engage with the bottom of one siding and the bottom of another siding that is to be nailed. Openings are also provided in the main body for receiving the head of the gun and the air valve of the gun, in conjunction with a nipple fitting that receives the air line of a compressed air source.