Abstract: A programmable motion system is disclosed that includes a dynamic end effector system. The dynamic end effector system includes an end effector that is coupled via a dynamic coupling to the programmable motion system, wherein the dynamic coupling provides that at least a portion of the end effector may spin with respect to an other portion of the end effector.

Abstract: Provided are a vehicle body assembling method and a vehicle body assembling apparatus which allow a simple configuration in the vicinity of the connecting portion between an upper jig and a lower jig and allow an increase in the efficiency of assembling work (welding work). A vehicle body assembling apparatus is equipped with a jig for supporting vehicle body components in a preassembled position, the jig comprising an upper jig and a lower jig which are connected to each other in at least two places. Each of the connection places is provided with a connecting means for fixing a three-dimensional coordinate position while allowing uniaxial turning. The vehicle body assembling apparatus is also equipped with a conveying means for conveying the upper jig which supports the vehicle body components, and reduces the load applied to the lower jig from the upper jig when connecting the upper jig to the lower jig.

Abstract: A backpressure injection foot is provided. The backpressure injection foot includes an injection nozzle for applying an adhesive flowing therethrough onto a planar object having a core structure; and a backpressure foot attached to a distal end of the injection nozzle, wherein the backpressure foot is configured to cover a portion of a plurality of cores disposed within the planar object to facilitate application of the adhesive from a proximal surface of the planar object through to a distal surface of the planar object.

Abstract: A centerline marker holder used for engaging and sliding along a portion of two intersecting walls and sliding along an exterior or interior rounded or bull nose corner between the walls. The marker holder uses a pencil for drawing a centerline along a length of the corner. The marker holder includes a flat, first wall engaging member attached at an angle to a flat, second wall engaging member. Along a length of an intersection of the first and second wall engaging members is a centerline hole. The centerline hole is dimensioned to receive the pencil therethrough for marking the centerline. The marker holder also includes a plurality of offset holes from the centerline hole for drawing parallel offset lines at a selected distance from the centerline.

Abstract: An apparatus for locating a central axis of a spinal column and method of using the same is disclosed. The apparatus and method includes one or more members capable of spanning a center line which may then be identified by at least one additional member positioned therebetween. Furthermore, the device may contain or be capable of accommodating various additional tools for marking the location of the central axis of a spinal column.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a shaft alignment tool including a center hub and a plurality of adjustable arms. The plurality of adjustable arms are coupled to the center hub and include a proximal end section and a distal end section. The shaft alignment tool further includes one or more roller assemblies mounted on each distal end section of each adjustable arm.

Abstract: A method and system for creating a feature-based coordinate reference is provided. In one aspect, a system comprises a first, second, and third feature location block configured to engage a first, second, and third feature of an object, respectively. Each feature location block has a means for attachment to the object and a target placement feature. The target placement feature of each feature location block is configured to receive a respective target and guide placement of the respective target on the object. A target measuring system measures the locations of the targets on the object, and a coordinate system creates a coordinate reference based on the locations of the targets.

Abstract: An apparatus for locating a central axis of a spinal column and method of using the same is disclosed. The apparatus and method includes one or more members capable of spanning a center line which may then be identified by at least one additional member positioned therebetween. Furthermore, the device may contain or be capable of accommodating various additional tools for marking the location of the central axis of a spinal column.

Abstract: A hand tool comprising a longitudinal alignment edge which facilitates alignment of the hand tool with an edge of sheathing. A measurement plate extends normal to the alignment edge. At least one of the alignment edge and the measurement plate contain indicia indicating a centerline of the hand tool. The measurement plate has at least a first pair of parallel marking edges, that are equally spaced from the centerline, to facilitate marking of a pair of alignment lines for use in aligning a framing member between the alignment lines during installation of the sheathing.

Abstract: A device locates an apparatus to the center of a hole in a structure. The device includes a hub adapted to have the apparatus mounted thereon and a plurality of locator elements spaced around the hub which extend at least partially into the hole. Means coupled with the locator elements and the hub are used to displace the locator elements outwardly into engagement with the edges of the structure and to move the hub into axial alignment with the center of the hole.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (50) for centering a movable structure (4) on a stationary structure (5) of a nacelle, comprising: a centering pin (52) mounted on a pin holder (54) attached onto the movable structure (4) or onto the stationary structure (5), the centering pin (52) having a central axis (56) and a receiving bore (60) mounted onto a bore holder (62) attached onto the stationary structure (5) or onto the movable structure (4), said receiving bore (60) being capable of receiving at least the centering pin (52), characterized in that the centering device (50) also comprises a movable interface system, capable of overlapping the central axis (56) of the centering pin (52) and the central axis of said interface system or of the receiving bore (60) and capable of receiving said centering pin (52) in a central opening, and a locking means capable of locking said interface system. The invention also relates to a nacelle including such a device (50).

Abstract: A template for centering the rollers at the foot of an ingot mold which allows a quick and accurate centering of said rollers, regardless of the operator's skill and experience. There is also described a corresponding method for centering the rollers at the foot of an ingot mold.

Abstract: A tool for use in locating a blind hole defined in a workpiece is provided. The tool includes a first leg including a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and an aperture defined therethrough and proximate the first end of the first leg. The tool further includes a second leg substantially parallel to the first leg and defining a space therebetween, the second leg including a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a pin aligned with the aperture and proximate the first end of the second leg, the pin configured for insertion into the blind hole, and at least one sensor proximate the pin and configured to detect a contact with the workpiece. The tool further includes a body portion extending between and coupling the second end of the first leg to the second end of the second leg.

Abstract: A method and system of aligning a probe to wells includes holding the probe at one potential and holding the wells at a different potential, moving the probe to an estimated center position above a selected well, lowering the probe into the selected target well, moving the probe in positive and negative directions along first and second axial dimensions until changes in potential are detected at the probe to indicate electrical contact between the probe and the selected well, and calculating a center location of the selected well along the first and second axial dimensions as mid-points between the points of contact for the respective axial dimensions. The method and system further include lowering the probe into contact with a floor of the selected well and calculating a center location along a third axial dimension as a predetermined distance above the position of the probe.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (50) for centering a movable structure (4) on a stationary structure (5) of a nacelle, comprising: a centering pin (52) mounted on a pin holder (54) attached onto the movable structure (4) or onto the stationary structure (5), the centering pin (52) having a central axis (56) and a receiving bore (60) mounted onto a bore holder (62) attached onto the stationary structure (5) or onto the movable structure (4), said receiving bore (60) being capable of receiving at least the centering pin (52), characterized in that the centering device (50) also comprises a movable interface system, capable of overlapping the central axis (56) of the centering pin (52) and the central axis of said interface system or of the receiving bore (60) and capable of receiving said centering pin (52) in a central opening, and a locking means capable of locking said interface system. The invention also relates to a nacelle including such a device (50).

Abstract: A device locates an apparatus to the center of a hole in a structure. The device includes a hub adapted to have the apparatus mounted thereon and a plurality of locator elements spaced around the hub which extend at least partially into the hole. Means coupled with the locator elements and the hub are used to displace the locator elements outwardly into engagement with the edges of the structure and to move the hub into axial alignment with the center of the hole.

Abstract: The present invention provides a centering mechanism capable of improving the efficiency of centering work and reducing the work time and the cost. The centering mechanism centers an inner member located inside in a radial direction, with respect to an outer member arranged to surround the inner member in a circumferential direction, and includes a vertical-direction positioning unit which positions the inner member in a vertical direction in a non-stepwise manner.

Abstract: An anchor bolt template for use with cardboard molds used to form concrete into footings and other foundations. The template is integrally formed of plastic or some other resilient, light weight material. The most common bolt configuration includes four bolts spaced equal distances from the foundation's center. Thus, the preferred template shape is four arms extending radially from a hub. Each of the arms has bolt location markers labeled with the diameters of several bolt patterns. The arms may be generally C-shaped in cross section so that the depending edges ride on the upper edge of the mold, supporting the lower anchor bolt nut above the concrete. Notches, preferably labeled by mold size, on the bottom of the depending edges of the arms receive the upper edge of the mold so that as heavy concrete is poured into the cardboard mold the sidewall of the mold will not deform.

Abstract: A template for centering the rollers at the foot of an ingot mold which allows a quick and accurate centering of said rollers, regardless of the operator's skill and experience. There is also described a corresponding method for centering the rollers at the foot of an ingot mold.

Abstract: Disclosed are an optical system and method for centering a tree within a tree spade apparatus that is mounted to a vehicle. Typically, the center point of the tree spade is difficult to align with the axis of the trunk of the tree. The present embodiments describe a projected pattern of light incident upon the tree trunk that assists the operator of the tree spade in centering the spade around the tree without additional assistance.

Abstract: A remote center compliance device is provided. The remote center compliance device includes a measuring sensor disposed at a limiter, a measuring block, or an elastic body to measure a force-insertion force or a location displacement of a force-insertion apparatus.

Abstract: A method and device for effecting automatic centering of an annular workpiece on a rotating surface having a rotational center involves arbitrarily positioning the workpiece on the slowly rotating surface, applying a support for the workpiece by way of spaced apart contact members that individually contact the workpiece and are synchronously movable in a guided reciprocating manner towards and away from the rotational center of the rotating surface. The contact members are gradually retracted away from the rotational center of the rotating surface until the workpiece is unaffected by the contact members during one revolution of the rotating surface so that the workpiece is centered, and the center of the workpiece coincides with the rotational center of the rotating surface. At least one of the contact members is provided with a mechanism for counteracting a friction force acting on the workpiece.

Abstract: A pipe fitting wireform which when threaded into a fitting allows a user to measure center-to-end or end-to-center of the fitting to determine the length of a pipe needed to connect a pair of pipe fittings in a pipe assembly. The fitting wireform is a coil with a free end bent laterally to form a tang. The fitting wireform having an outside diameter substantially equal to the nominal size of the pipe fitting with substantially the same number of turns per inch as the pipe fitting such that the pipe fitting wireform can be threaded into the pipe fitting.

Abstract: A calibration device for a nozzle suitable for calibrating a nozzle of a semiconductor apparatus is provided. The semiconductor apparatus includes a chuck with a center hole with radius R1. A cap with outer radius R3 is disposed outside the nozzle with outer radius R2. The calibration device includes a jig including an upper portion, a lower portion and a recess in the front surface of the upper portion. The recess includes an outer portion with depth D1 and radius R4 larger than R3 and an inner portion with depth D2 larger than D1 and radius R5 larger than R2. The lower portion with a radius R6 less than R1 is connected to the back surface of the upper portion for fixing the jig in the center hole. The values of (R4?R3), (R5?R2) and (R1?R6) are in the tolerable calibration inaccuracy range.

Abstract: An apparatus to control displacement of a body spaced-apart from a surface includes a flexure system having a first flexure member defining a first axis of rotation and a second flexure member defining a second axis of rotation. A body is coupled to the flexure system to move about a plurality of axes. An actuation system is coupled to the flexure system to selectively constrain movement of the body along a subset of the plurality of axes.

Abstract: A remote center compliance device with one elastic body is provided. In the remote center compliance device, an elastic center can be formed using one elastic body and the adjustment of the elastic center is easy. Further, since the number of parts is minimized, a manufacturing cost and a manufacturing process are reduced and an efficiency of installation space is maximized, thereby improving product competitiveness.

Abstract: Method and arrangement for measuring the position of the end shields of a paper, pulp, or board reel relative to the grab (1, 2) transporting it, when an end shield is attached to the grab (1, 2). During measurement, a detector (7) is moved along such a curve of a circle that can be assumed to intersect the curve of the circle described by the edge of the object. The angular position of the detector (7) is measured using the curve of the circle over which it travels and the intersection points (x1, z1; x2, z2) of the curve traveled by the detector (7) and the edge of the object are detected. The location of the center point (x0, z0) of the object is calculated on the basis of a) the radius of the circle traveled by the detector and the location (xm, zm) of the center point of the circle, b) the location (xt, zt) of the tool point, c) the assumed radius of the object, and d) the locations (x1, z1; x2 z2) of the detected intersection points.

Abstract: A system for measuring substrate concentricity includes a substrate support member adapted to rotate a substrate around a substantially vertical axis. The substrate includes a mounting surface and a process surface. The system also includes a spin cup positioned below the substrate and a translatable arm mounted a predetermined distance above the process surface of the substrate. The translatable arm is adapted to translate along a radius of the substrate. The system further includes an optical emitter mounted on the translatable arm and an optical detector mounted on the translatable arm.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a compliant device comprising a support body, a floating body, and a plurality of flexure arms. Each of the plurality of flexure arms is connected between the support body and the floating body to transfer a load therebetween in parallel. To that end, the flexure arms have first and second sets of flexure joints. The first set of flexure joints facilitate rotational movement of said flexure arm about a first axis extending along a first direction. The second set of flexure joints are arranged to facilitate rotational movement of the flexure arm about a second axis, extending along a second direction that is transverse to the first direction. The flexure joints are resolute joints.

Abstract: An aligning apparatus includes a loading plate to load at least one alignment object; first and second alignment bars to align the at least one alignment object loaded on the loading plate, wherein the first and second alignment bars are bent by a force greater than a threshold value when contacting the alignment object; and at least one driving unit to drive the first and second alignment bars in close and open directions toward and away from each other.

Abstract: A tool system is provided for aligning and plumbing a poured concrete form (e.g., a lower vertical form portion) for forming a structural column assembly of the type used for erecting building structures and the like, such as a concrete column or footing formed in situ in an earthen hole. The system includes a center line running vertical to the length of the tool and a two-way level system incorporated therein. The tool can be used to line up the lower vertical form portion with a layout string and plumb the lower vertical form portion square. A metering pole that can be locked in place is used to lower and raise the tool into and out of the lower vertical form portion, wherein the tool is completely rotatable about the metering pole. Once the lower vertical form portion is aligned with the tool, the earthen hole is back filled, thus holding the lower vertical form portion in place in the correct position.

Abstract: A spacer device for laser-optical measurement of hollow cylinders has at least two, preferably three arms which are coupled or interlaced with one another and which can be moved relative to one another. Each of the arms has a measurement roller on one end which is brought into contact with the inner surface of a hollow cylinder to be measured and which can be rolled thereon, if necessary. An instrument platform is attached to the spacer device so that a light emitter (e.g., laser) and/or receiver or reflector can be attached at the central position of the instrument platform. The device is used to determine the three-dimensional position of the hollow cylinder to be measured.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods for indicating or gauging the position of one or more holes in a workpiece. In one aspect of the present invention reusable devices that can be removably engaged with a bore or tapped hole in a workpiece for accurately indicating the center axis of the bore or tapped hole are provided. An exemplary device in accordance with the present invention includes an expandable shank, indicating surface, and driving head. The driving head can be used to install the device into a hole in a workpiece. The expandable shank can be expanded to positively engage the device with the hole in the workpiece and the indicating surface can be referenced, with a probe, to determine the center axis of the hole in the workpiece.

Abstract: A remote center compliance device with one elastic body is provided. In the remote center compliance device, an elastic center can be formed using one elastic body and the adjustment of the elastic center is easy. Further, since the number of parts is minimized, a manufacturing cost and a manufacturing process are reduced and an efficiency of installation space is maximized, thereby improving product competitiveness.

Abstract: A system for inserting a probe into a turbomachine. The system may include a male measurement fixture having a shaft and a female portion a housing for receiving the male measurement fixture. The male measurement fixture may include: a tip portion, an indicator, and a target zone.

Abstract: An aligning apparatus includes a loading plate to load at least one alignment object; first and second alignment bars to align the at least one alignment object loaded on the loading plate, wherein the first and second alignment bars are bent by a force greater than a threshold value when contacting the alignment object; and at least one driving unit to drive the first and second alignment bars in close and open directions toward and away from each other.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the position, relative to the grab (1, 2) transporting them, of the end heads used in packing paper, cellulose, and board rolls, when the end head is attached to the grab (1, 2). When measuring, a detector (7) is transported along such a circular curve, which is assumed to be intersected by the circular curve defined by the edge of the end head. the angle position of the detector (7) on the circular curve of its path is measured and the intersection points (x1, z1; x2, z2) of the curve travelled by the detector (7) and the edge of the head are detected. The position of the centre point (x0, z0) of the end head is calculated on the basis of (a) the radius of the circle travelled by the detector and the position of the centre point (xm, zm) of the circle, (b) the position (xt, zt) of the grab's tool point, (c) the assumed radius of the end head, and (d) the positions (x1, z1; x2, z2), of the detected intersection points.

Abstract: A picture-hanging device, method, and kit enable a user to effectively mark a select vertical location and quickly hang a picture at the select vertical location. The device comprises a hanger portion and a handle portion. The hanger portion comprises an anterior surface, an elongate hanger slot, and a hanger hook, all of which depend from the handle portion. The hanger slot extends through the hanger portion adjacent the end of the hanger portion. The hanger hook extends from the anterior surface and is designed to receive and support a picture-hanging cord and its load. The anterior surface comprises certain indicia for marking the select vertical location of a superior picture portion. Together with the hanger slot, the indicia enable the user to mark the select vertical location, after which the user may hang the picture at the select vertical location upon a fixed picture anchor.

Abstract: An alignment device for measuring wheel base on a vehicle having a first axle and determining squareness thereof, the device includes at least one clamp removably clampable to the first axle and an alignment bar operably associated with said clamp in manner such that said alignment bar extends substantially in parallel alignment with a central axis of the first axle.

Abstract: Provided is a device that locates the center point of any one of a number of differently shaped objects in one manipulation. The device incorporates a bed plate and two opposing right angle sliding jaws to position a center punch or drill bit bushing to the center of the object.

Abstract: Device for coupling in a reproducible position two coupling elements, comprising a first coupling element (2) and a centering plate (4), the centering plate (4) being designed to be fastened to a second coupling element (3), the first coupling element (2) comprising at least one peg (21) comprising at least one spherical portion, the centering plate (4) comprising at least one hollow portion (41) working with the peg (21) during the coupling of said second coupling element (3) to said first coupling element (2) so as to determine the position of said centering plate (4) relative to said first coupling element (2), and equipment for pre-adjusting machine tools comprising this device.

Abstract: An end prep tool is mounted in substantial alignment with a theoretical center of a pipe and used to prepare an end of a pipe, for example, by boring and/or cutting the end of the pipe. A tool centering and mounting system comprises a clamp cage and a tool mounting member having an inner cylindrical surface. A centering tool is mounted to the tool mounting member and used to adjust the tool mounting member until substantially aligned with the theoretical center of the pipe. The end prep tool comprises a tool feed assembly that moves a cutting tool radially with respect to the axis of rotation and axially according to a predefined cutting profile.

Abstract: A hard disk balancing apparatus for a hard disk drive including an eccentricity detection unit to detect an eccentricity amount and an eccentricity position of the hard disk with respect to a rotation axis of a spindle motor for rotating the hard disk as an origin, and a pushing unit to push a circumference of the hard disk in the eccentricity position and to move the hard disk on the rotation axis of the spindle motor according to the eccentricity amount. Here, the eccentricity detection unit includes a detection sensor to detect the rotation axis of the spindle motor, and is placed coaxially with the rotation axis of the spindle motor, and at least three distance sensors that are separated from the detection sensor to be at least farther than a radius of the hard disk and to measure a distance between one point on the outer circumference of the hard disk and themselves.

Abstract: A wall fastener locating and marking tool including a generally elongate vertical member having an upper end, a lower end; a generally elongate horizontal bar attached to the upper end of the vertical member and substantially normal to the vertical member; a handle portion, and a marking tool assembly releasably connected to the vertical member and vertically slidable along the vertical. The marking tool assembly has a marking tool tip protected by a depressible collar and includes retention means for bearing an object by its wall fastener hardware during the locating, marking, and installation of the object.

Abstract: An apparatus to orientate a body with respect to a surface spaced-apart from the body. The apparatus comprises a flexure system having a first flexure member defining a first axis of rotation and a second flexure member defining a second axis of rotation. A body is coupled to the flexure system, and an actuation system is coupled to the flexure system. The body is coupled to the flexure system to rotate about the first and the second axes in response to movement caused by the actuation system. The movement of the body about the first axis being decoupled from movement of the body about the second axis.

Abstract: An instrument is adapted to be attached to a rotational member of an instrument station for obtaining information about a workpiece. The instrument includes at least one orifice adapted to be placed in selective fluid communication with a source of fluid. An instrument station may also be provided to include an instrument and a rotational member connected to the instrument for rotating the instrument about a rotational axis. The instrument station may also include a source including fluid, wherein the fluid source is in fluid communication with the instrument and a monitoring apparatus. An apparatus may also include an instrument and a source of substantially incompressible fluid wherein the source is in fluid communication with the instrument. Methods of obtaining information about a workpiece and methods for determining the center of a bore are also disclosed.

Abstract: A locator for hanging picture frames employs an arm which has a handle dispose at one end. A suspension/marker assembly is carried at a second position of the arm. The suspension/marker assembly comprises a plunger which has a point and also mounts a head which receives a frame hanger. Embodiments are disclosed for both a single mount and for a single or a dual mount application.

Abstract: An improved tool is provided for locating the corner or edge of a workpiece while setting the workpiece at a desired angle with respect to a work surface. An elongated arm member slidably engages an elongated base member at one end, allowing for the measurement of the distance between the opposite end portions of the arm and base member and calculation of the angle at which the workpiece is disposed. The base member is provided with generally opposing first and second mating surfaces for locating the corner or edge of the workpiece. Different embodiments are provided for use in finding edges of workpieces having various angles. Different embodiments further provide for the use of multiple measuring instrumentalities and calculations.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a remote center compliance device, comprising: upper and lower structures arranged in parallel to face each other; a plurality of elastic bodies coupling the upper and lower structures around a central axis of the remote center compliance; and three or more polar-type limiters of the same height installed on a first structure of one of the upper and lower structures around the central axis to extend toward a second structure of the other, wherein the limiters are arranged such that at least one limiter exists in each of both sides as to a straight line passing through the central axis on a plane vertical to the central axis, so that when a predetermined elastic displacement of an up-and-down direction occurs in the elastic bodies, the predetermined elastic displacement of the elastic bodies is restricted by supporting a contact surface installed on an end portion of the respective limiters by a bedplate installed on the second structure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for locating a discontinuity such as a hole in a work piece is provided. The apparatus includes a probe having a shaft attached to a handle for locating a discontinuity in relation to a coordinate system. The probe includes an end unit attached to an end of the shaft opposite an end of the shaft to which the handle is attached. The end unit is configured to contact a surface associated with the discontinuity and move in relation to the coordinate system to align the end unit to an axis associated with the discontinuity. At least one position sensor is located entirely within the shaft and configured to sense the position of the end unit in relation to the coordinate system. The shaft includes a plurality of bores and the sensor is located within at least one of the bores.