Alignment Patents (Class 33/645)
  • Patent number: 8870511
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a binding apparatus (10) for facilitating placement of a book block (44) in relation to a cover (16). The cover (16) has front and back panels (28 and 32) for subsequent attachment of the book block (44) to the cover (16). The apparatus (10) includes a first guiding means (46), a second guiding means (56), a first positioning element (54) and a second positioning element (62). The first guiding means (46) is adapted to guide a first edge (58) of the front panel (28). The second guiding means (58) is adapted to guide a second edge (37) of the front panel (28). The first positioning element (54) is movably attached to the first guiding means (46) and is adapted in use to abut at least part of a first peripheral surface (60) of the book block (44). The second positioning element (56) is movably attached to the second guiding means (56) and is adapted in use to abut at least part of a second peripheral surface (64) of the book block (44).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Inventor: Ron Coombe
  • Publication number: 20140298668
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a device for detecting axis coplanarity of orthogonal rotary shafts having a built-in intersection, wherein a front assembly rotary body is coaxially connected on a front assembly housing, the front assembly rotary body and a rear assembly housing are fixedly connected with each other, the rear assembly rotary body is mounted in the rear assembly housing, a first three dimension movement fine tuning mechanism is mounted at an end of the rear assembly rotary body, the first three dimension movement fine tuning mechanism is connected with a standard sphere through a connecting rod, the three dimension movement fine tuning mechanisms are provided in the horizontal direction of the standard sphere and below the standard sphere in vertical direction, and two non-contact displacement sensors are mounted on said two three dimension movement fine tuning mechanisms respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: XI'AN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Yumei Huang, Xingang Yang, Weigang Lv, Longfei Zhang, Tongqing Liu
  • Patent number: 8844147
    Abstract: An alignment tool for a steering wheel, where the steering wheel is mounted on a steering column and the tool is configured to attach to the steering wheel. The tool includes a wheel orientation mechanism including a first tilt sensor, reporting a clockwise angle of the steering wheel, and a tilt monitoring mechanism that includes a second tilt sensor to report a tilt angle of the steering column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John Wesley Wilds, Michael George Lysenko, Bruce C. Arnold, John Keller
  • Patent number: 8833036
    Abstract: A sill is aligned in the vertical direction on a laser line. The alignment of the sill in the horizontal direction is undertaken with a line set of an assembly jig. The line set includes at least two lines, for example a first line and a second line. The first line runs by a first run from the first part of the assembly jig to a third marking of the first line and from there by a second run to the second part of the assembly jig. If the lines are tightened and the marking is at one corner of the sill and the free end of the second line at the other corner of the sill, the sill is aligned in horizontal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Inventio AG
    Inventors: Karl Erny, Hans Kocher
  • Patent number: 8813380
    Abstract: Described is a trammel set tool designed to measure the center-to-center location of the bearings mounted on a pitch change link. Because pitch change links have two replaceable “lollypop” rod ends, it may be necessary at some point to replace an entire rod end, not just the bearing. The trammel set tool provides the operator the capability to remove an unserviceable rod end, and reinstall a new rod end to the same settings while taking into consideration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Walin Tools, LLC
    Inventors: Linda Swadling, Bryan Hinman
  • Publication number: 20140230262
    Abstract: A saw guide for increasing a gap between deck boards is an apparatus that includes a base panel, a blade hole, a front guide tab, a back guide tab, a binding clamp, and an alignment rail. The apparatus is used in conjunction with a circular handheld saw to more precisely widen the gap between two deck boards. The circular handheld saw is mounted onto the base panel by the binding clamp. The blade of the circular handheld saw is positioned within the blade hole, and the alignment rail is used to properly orient the blade. The front guide tab and the second guide tab are located on opposite sides of the base panel and are used to guide the cutting direction of the circular handheld saw.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Inventor: Peter Alden Lounsbury
  • Patent number: 8806764
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a collet, and a metrology target mounted at a first end of the collet. The target provides a reference point at a known distance from a reference point on the on the collet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Michael J. Tanay
  • Publication number: 20140223755
    Abstract: A deck plank spacer and fastener guide tool has a lightweight, unitary body having an elongated first bar member and a second bar member extending perpendicularly downward from the first bar member. A fastening guide member extends upwardly from and outwardly of the second bar member at an oblique angle in relation to the second bar member. An open slot extends completely through the fastening guide member for the insertion of a fastener, such as a nail or a bolt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2013
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Inventor: Mark Madrack
  • Patent number: 8793856
    Abstract: An alignment tool for a pitch link comprises first and second pitch link retainers, wherein the distance between the retainers is adjustable to accommodate the length of the pitch link; and a measurement system for measuring the displacement of a rod end from an adjustment member of the pitch link, comprising first and second measurement reference points fixedly associated with the first and second retainers, respectively. Another alignment tool for a pitch link comprises first and second retainers having an adjustable distance there between; and a stabilization mechanism for stabilizing the tool on a surface. A method for adjusting and aligning a pitch link, in part comprising the steps of securing the pitch link to the alignment tool; measuring and recording a baseline length displacement of the pitch link; loosening the pitch link jam nuts; and adjusting the pitch link on the alignment tool to match the previously recorded displacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Amanda Werner, Dominic Przano, Geoffrey Latham
  • Patent number: 8789285
    Abstract: A lens assembling method for assembling a first lens and a second lens where the first lens has a first mark on a first surface thereof and a second mark on a second surface opposite to the first surface, and the second lens has a third mark on a first surface thereof, the lens assembling method including: a first step of aligning a position of one of the first mark and second marks of the first lens with a position of the third mark of the second lens; and a second step of aligning a position of the other one of the first and second marks of the first lens with the position of the third mark of the second lens, while keeping the position alignment performed in the first step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Opto, Inc.
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Wada, Katsuki Furuta
  • Publication number: 20140202018
    Abstract: Systems and methods for performing on-machine measurements and automatic part alignment, including: a measurement component operable for determining the position of a part on a machine; and an actuation component operable for adjusting the position of the part by contacting the part with a predetermined force responsive to the determined position of the part. The measurement component consists of a transducer. The actuation component consists of a linear actuator. Optionally, the measurement component and the actuation component consist of a single linear actuator operable for contacting the part with a first lighter force for determining the position of the part and with a second harder force for adjusting the position of the part. The actuation component is utilized in a substantially horizontal configuration and the effects of gravitational drop of the part are accounted for in the force applied and the timing of the contact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Inventors: William E. BARKMAN, Thomas A. DOW, Kenneth P. GARRARD, Zachary MARSTON
  • Patent number: 8776654
    Abstract: The invention is includes a series of dimensional scales (linear measuring device) on the top surface of a miter saw table. The scales allow for measurements to be located or obtained on the saw table relative to the saw fence and relative to the saw blade. The scales may replace the need for a hand held tape measure or ruler for measuring or marking the saw table surface when cutting crown molding or other materials. The scales could be placed on or in a saw during production by a manufacturer. The scales could be placed on or in a material to be placed on a saw during production by a manufacturer. The scales could be placed on or in a material to be placed on an existing saw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventor: Timothy J. Glomb, Sr.
  • Patent number: 8776388
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a nozzle includes a stand and a first sensor in sliding engagement with the stand. The first sensor is positioned to measure a first dimension of the nozzle. A method for measuring a nozzle includes placing the nozzle in a stand, sliding a first gauge along a first surface of the nozzle, and measuring a first dimension of the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Christopher D. Higgins
  • Patent number: 8763268
    Abstract: A method of longitudinally guiding a first elongate structure for motion along a desired motion trajectory toward a target area through reference to a second elongate structure includes a guiding frame having at least one laterally offset guiding structure. The guiding frame is selectively affixed to the first elongate structure in a predetermined relative guiding configuration. The second elongate structure is placed in a predetermined targeting relationship, correlated with the desired motion trajectory, with the target area. The second elongate structure is maintained in the predetermined targeting relationship substantially lateral to the target area. The second elongate structure is brought into a predetermined guiding relationship with the guiding portion of the guiding frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: The Cleveland Clinic Foundation
    Inventors: Joseph P. Iannotti, Jason A. Bryan
  • Publication number: 20140173873
    Abstract: Disclosed is a deconstructable water storage tank assembled using modular components including wall panels, a base ring and a membrane for use in large volume fluid transfer operations such as hydraulic fracturing. Also disclosed are methods and tools for assembling the tank for use at a first hydraulic fracturing site, and disassembling and transporting the tank components for redeployment at a second hydraulic fracturing site. A fluid management system is also disclosed utilizing the deconstructable storage tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventor: Albert Eugene Butterfield, IV
  • Patent number: 8752264
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing an end effector assembly is provided. The method includes grasping a gap-setting gauge between first and second jaw members moveable relative to one another about a pivot between a first, spaced-apart position and a second position proximate tissue and setting the first and second jaw members such that in the approximated position the jaw members cooperate to define a gap distance between the jaw members equivalent to the thickness of the gap-setting gauge such that when positioning tissue between the jaw members full approximation of the jaws is limited to the gap distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Joanna Ackley, James D. Allen, IV, Ryan C. Artale, Kim V. Brandt, Dennis W. Butcher, Edward M. Chojin, Gary M. Couture, James S. Cunningham, David M. Garrison, Keir Hart, Russell D. Hempstead, Glenn A. Horner, Daniel A. Joseph, Duane E. Kerr, Dylan R. Kingsley, Peter M. Mueller, Jessica E. C. Olson, Sean T. O'Neill, Jason T. Sanders, Robert M. Sharp, John R. Twomey, Jeffrey R. Unger
  • Patent number: 8745835
    Abstract: A door lock striker alignment check fixture includes a check fixture body having a tapered region engageable with a striker receiving slot of a door latch mechanism. The check fixture body defines an elongated slot for receiving a door striker. The door lock striker alignment check fixture further includes a flange fixedly attached to the check fixture body, and which is engageable with an exterior surface of a vehicle door coupled to the door latch mechanism. The flange includes a contact surface that contacts the exterior surface of the vehicle door and which faces an insertion direction of the tapered region with respect to the striker receiving slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Cutting, Mark Brian
  • Patent number: 8745888
    Abstract: An alignment tool for use in inspecting a ring gear of a gearbox. The ring gear includes an outer surface and a plurality of gear teeth extending radially inwardly from the outer surface. The alignment tool includes a support member that extends between a leading edge and a trailing edge. The support member is removably mountable to the ring gear outer surface such that the leading edge is oriented substantially parallel to a forward surface of the ring gear. A guide member extends outwardly from the support member. The guide member includes a guide edge that is oriented with respect to a centerline of a gear tooth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: George Rowan Silliman, James Leo Gauthier, Andre Jonathan Filiatrault, Richard John Bever
  • Publication number: 20140144034
    Abstract: Various embodiments include alignment apparatuses and associated methods for use on a turbine (e.g., a gas turbine). In various particular embodiments, an apparatus for aligning an unfixed inlet guide vane (IGV) adjacent a fixed IGV in a gas turbine. In some cases the apparatus includes: a first wedge member for interfacing with the fixed IGV; a second wedge member movably coupled with the first wedge member, the second wedge member for interfacing with the unfixed IGV; and an adjustment apparatus coupled to the first wedge member and the second wedge member, the adjustment apparatus for modifying a position of the second wedge member relative to the first wedge member to actuate movement of the unfixed IGV relative to the fixed IGV.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Charles Vaughan Spanos, Jason Matthew Clark, John William Herbold
  • Patent number: 8726531
    Abstract: The invention pertains to the alignment of chucks used in the web handling industry. The device includes specialized mounting features to align a light beam with a given chuck. Two of these assemblies are positioned such that each light beam aligns with the other. In this orientation the two chucks are aligned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Inventors: Robert Clemans, Bruce Isley, Michael Payton, Peter Ackerman, Eric Koppes
  • Patent number: 8707570
    Abstract: An alignment apparatus for adjusting an image sensor is provided. The alignment apparatus includes a first stage, a second stage, a positioning aligned unit, and an adjustment unit. The second stage is floatingly disposed on the first stage. The image sensor is adapted to be disposed on the second stage. The positioning aligned unit connected between the first stage and the second stage constrains the second stage on a datum surface above the first stage. The positioning aligned unit coupled to the second stage drives the second stage to rotate along the datum surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Altek Corporation
    Inventor: Ming-Tsung Hsin
  • Patent number: 8689455
    Abstract: An alignment tool is disclosed for aligning a first shaft assembly and a second shaft assembly to be connected by a coupling device. The alignment tool includes: a housing assembly having a first end and a second end, and a front plate assembly coupled to the first end of the housing assembly. The front plate assembly forms a cavity within the housing, and the front plate assembly has a stationary support housing disposed within the cavity and aligned with the first shaft assembly in the radial direction. The alignment tool also includes a core assembly having a rotatable core shaft disposed within the support housing of the front plate assembly and aligned with the first shaft assembly in the radial direction, the core assembly configured to receive an alignment device for aligning the first shaft assembly and the second shaft assembly in the radial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Solar Turbines Inc.
    Inventors: Danny Ferrel Smith, Jack Harvey Cabeen, James Charles Burgin, Lars Roesvill Mazanti
  • Publication number: 20140090263
    Abstract: An alignment tool for aligning torque tubes of the solar collection system can include a rigid body member and two laterally extending alignment arms. Optionally, the alignment arms can include releasable clamps that can engage and disengage without the use of tools. The tool can be designed to straddle a sun-tracking drive of a sun-tracking solar system. Thus, the tool can be used both during initial construction as well as after construction is complete for alignment purposes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: SUNPOWER CORPORATION
    Inventor: Nicholas Barton
  • Patent number: 8671585
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a nozzle segment for use within a turbine nozzle assembly. The method comprises providing a nozzle segment including an outer band, an inner band, and at least one vane extending there between, wherein at least one of the inner band and the outer band is formed with a transition piece groove defined therein, positioning an inspection tool in contact with the nozzle assembly such that the inspection tool is aligned relative to the nozzle segment using at least one datum, and verifying an alignment of each transition piece groove using the inspection tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Graham David Sherlock, Christopher Edward Thompson
  • Patent number: 8671584
    Abstract: A fixture for positioning a drill, vector or the like, has a gimbal mechanism with a tubular bushing extending therethrough. The gimbal mechanism is angularly adjustable and is held by a mounting assembly which is horizontally adjustable along an x-axis and y-axis. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the mounting assembly is supported on a base which carries an x-axis mechanism for adjusting the location of the ball member along an x-axis and a y-axis mechanism for adjusting the location of the ball along a y-axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Inventor: Stephen Anthony Meisman
  • Publication number: 20130336769
    Abstract: This is a system and apparatus for precisely mounting a ring shroud to a motor vehicle cooling system and engine. A cooling fan subassembly is mounted to an engine and ring shroud subassembly containing fan braces that are mounted to the engine via mounting brackets. A mounting gap tool is inserted through apertures in the ring shroud to prescribe the radial and axial clearance between the ring shroud and the cooling fan subassembly. Once the ring shroud and cooling fan assembly are aligned to predetermined specifications for clearance, the installer secures all the fasteners in the mounting brackets and retrieves any or all the mounting gap tools.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Eugene McPeek, Brian J. Tarkowski, Sherman L. Brewer, Venkata Subba Reddy Atluri, Matthew Robert Espley
  • Publication number: 20130336784
    Abstract: Various embodiments include an alignment pin for a turbomachine. In some embodiments, the alignment pin includes a hollowed head section for engaging a diaphragm slot in the turbomachine. In these embodiments, the alignment pin further includes an expandable sleeve section connected with the hollowed head, the expandable sleeve section for engaging a casing slot in the turbomachine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Prashant Prabhakar Sankolli, Steven Sebastian Burdgick
  • Publication number: 20130326890
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventors: Sean J. Alexander, Ronald K. Johnston
  • Publication number: 20130326891
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a shaft alignment tool including a base, a rotational body mounted on the base for relative rotation with respect to the base, and an alignment meter coupled to the rotational body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventors: Sean J. Alexander, Ronald K. Johnston
  • Patent number: 8578622
    Abstract: The invention relates to an alignment device for the aligned and detachable fixing of at least one functional component (10), in particular in the form of a tool holder, to a further functional component (12), in particular in the form of a tool disk, around at least one alignment axis (14), wherein the two functional components (10, 12) have in each case at least one contact face (16, 18) for mutual contact with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Sauter Feinmechanik GmbH
    Inventor: Detlef Sahm
  • Publication number: 20130276318
    Abstract: The telescopic sight ring mounts alignment tool is an elongate, rigid, unitary, monolithic, solid bar having an outside diameter fitting closely within the mounting rings for a telescopic sight on a firearm. The tool may be used to secure dovetail mount-type scope rings to the firearm by securing the tool within each ring separately, and torqueing the tool to secure each ring in sequence. Alignment of rings of any mounting configuration with the barrel bore is checked by securing the tool within both rings and checking alignment of the beveled conical rear and the tapered front tip of the tool, respectively, with the receiver tang and the barrel of the firearm. The tool may be manufactured with an outside diameter dimensioned and configured to fit different inside diameter rings. Alternatively, different diameter sleeves may be provided to adapt a single tool for use with different inside diameter rings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventor: GERALD LEE SCHMIDT
  • Patent number: 8561313
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring film bubbles (10), includes a guide track (22) that extends in a circumferential direction of the film bubble with a constant spacing relative to the latter, the guide track guiding a carriage (20) which carries a measuring head (12) facing the peripheral surface of the film bubble (10), the measuring head (12) is connected to a free end of a cantilever (18) via an articulated joint (16), the cantilever having another end pivotally connected to the carriage (20), and a compensating drive mechanism (30) for correcting a change in the orientation of the measuring head (12) resulting from a pivotal movement of the cantilever (18) is associated with the articulated joint (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Plast-Control GmbH
    Inventors: Frank Müller, Markus Stein, Stefan Konermann
  • Patent number: 8555518
    Abstract: A method of forming a grout trough for a wind turbine foundation replaces the heavy and single piece template with a plurality of arc-shaped sections which are light weight and connected together to form the grout trough. The individual sections include mechanisms which enable the sections to be removed from the cured concrete by rotation of nuts on the anchor bolts which either pushes or pulls the template section away from the contact with the cured concrete. An embodiment of an individual section has a lifting bale which may be used to pick up an entire bolt package of up to twenty bolts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Inventor: Norman Tooman
  • Patent number: 8549767
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a planar member comprising a top side, a bottom side comprising a flat surface and at least one aperture comprising a defined shape. At least one alignment tab comprises a top portion, a middle portion and a bottom portion. The middle portion comprises the defined shape and is configured to move vertically within the aperture. The top portion comprises a hook structure being configured to engage the top side to limit a downward movement of the alignment tab. The bottom portion comprises a vertical facing side being configured to engage an edge of a flat material. The apparatus is operable to align the flat material relative to the planar member by engaging the edge of the flat material with the vertical facing side and a vertical movement of the alignment tab enables the planar member to rest flat on the first flat material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Inventor: John Brady
  • Patent number: 8539691
    Abstract: An alignment device or jig that includes a level and a rule which is used for hanging wall supported items. The device includes locator blocks with locator pins for supporting the item and stud finder sensors for locating wall studs. The locator pins extend to protrude from the back side of the jig to allow a mark to be made into the hanging surface when the jig is pressed against the hanging surface. In the event that the item requires a stronger surface to hang onto due to excessive weight, a stud finder system can be utilized. In operation, one or more of picture frames to be mounted to a wall are hung on the device on one or more hangers. The hangers are slidingly spaced along the device scale for desired picture spacing. The device with the frames is placed against the wall and pressed to the wall, wherein the marking points mark the wall at the exact desired points where permanent hangers will be driven into the wall to support the one or more picture frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Inventor: Roberto R. Daniel
  • Publication number: 20130239423
    Abstract: A system for positioning post sleeves is provided including a pair of post sleeve positioning devices and a spacing mechanism. Each post sleeve positioning device is configured to receive a respective post sleeve and to enable selective adjustment of a position and orientation of the respective post sleeve. The spacing mechanism is coupleable between the pair of post sleeve positioning devices to determine or control the position and orientation of the post sleeve received by one of the pair of post sleeves positioning devices relative to the post sleeve received by the other one of the pair of post sleeve positioning devices. Related methods are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Inventor: N. Eric Knudsen
  • Patent number: 8522447
    Abstract: A system for slidably attaching a laser device to a tape measure ruler to use in lieu of a plumb bob to assist locating points on remote surfaces. The device is easily portable and connectable to most any tape measure. The device is particularly useful for finding points on arched or curved surface out of the normal reach of just a tape measure alone. The locating system preferably comprising a portable device having at least one laser pointer in combination with at least one leveling device slidably attachable to a tape measure tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Inventor: Joshua James Novotny
  • Publication number: 20130219733
    Abstract: An alignment tool is disclosed for aligning a first shaft assembly and a second shaft assembly to be connected by a coupling device. The alignment tool includes: a housing assembly having a first end and a second end, and a front plate assembly coupled to the first end of the housing assembly. The front plate assembly forms a cavity within the housing, and the front plate assembly has a stationary support housing disposed within the cavity and aligned with the first shaft assembly in the radial direction. The alignment tool also includes a core assembly having a rotatable core shaft disposed within the support housing of the front plate assembly and aligned with the first shaft assembly in the radial direction, the core assembly configured to receive an alignment device for aligning the first shaft assembly and the second shaft assembly in the radial direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Inventors: Danny Ferrel SMITH, Jack Harvey CABEEN, James Charles BURGIN, Lars Roesvill MAZANTI
  • Publication number: 20130212853
    Abstract: An alignment tool for a pitch link comprises first and second pitch link retainers, wherein the distance between the retainers is adjustable to accommodate the length of the pitch link; and a measurement system for measuring the displacement of a rod end from an adjustment member of the pitch link, comprising first and second measurement reference points fixedly associated with the first and second retainers, respectively. Another alignment tool for a pitch link comprises first and second retainers having an adjustable distance there between; and a stabilization mechanism for stabilizing the tool on a surface. A method for adjusting and aligning a pitch link, in part comprising the steps of securing the pitch link to the alignment tool; measuring and recording a baseline length displacement of the pitch link; loosening the pitch link jam nuts; and adjusting the pitch link on the alignment tool to match the previously recorded displacement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2012
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Amanda Werner, Dominic Przano, Geoffrey Latham
  • Patent number: 8511041
    Abstract: Assembly for temporarily attaching a vertical masonry guide to an inner leaf of a cavity wall during laying of the bricks of an outer leaf of a cavity wall, comprising an inner leaf attaching part for attaching the assembly to the inner leaf, a masonry guide attaching part for attaching the assembly to the masonry guide, and a connecting part for mutually connecting the inner leaf attaching part and the masonry guide attaching part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Profileset B.V.
    Inventor: Janwillem Fransen
  • Publication number: 20130180119
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Inventor: Richard E. PRINCE
  • Patent number: 8484857
    Abstract: A shaft alignment component for aligning a rotatable shaft positioned within a housing of a driven device with a motor shaft of a motor positioned outside of the housing of the driven device is disclosed. The component includes a body portion having an opening formed therethrough to receive the rotatable shaft and/or the motor shaft therein, a first alignment feature configured to interface with an alignment hub on the motor to position the motor shaft along a centerline axis of the shaft alignment component, and a second alignment feature comprising a chamfered surface configured to interface with a countersunk feature on the housing. The chamfered surface is configured to interface with the countersunk feature to self-align the shaft alignment component with the housing such that the rotatable shaft of the driven device is positioned along the centerline axis of the shaft alignment component and aligned with the motor shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Nicholas Demianovich, II, Gregory A. Gabrysiak
  • Patent number: 8474145
    Abstract: A locking element adjustment system for cycle shoes has a base element and a receiving element. The receiving element serves for the positionally exact arrangement of the locking element in relation to the base element. Adjusting elements are provided on the base element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: RTI Sports Vertrieb Von Sportartikeln GmbH
    Inventors: Kim Tofaute, Peter Ejvinsson, Frederik Ericsson
  • Patent number: 8458919
    Abstract: A setting device for aligning a shift transmission, including, but not limited to a main bearing shaft mounted in a shift lever housing and a setting element, which can be hooked in guide means mounted on the shift lever housing, the setting element being situated along a central axis of the main bearing shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Frank Lindner, Thorsten Hahn
  • Patent number: 8443526
    Abstract: A robot compliance device includes first and second discs (12, 30) spaced along a first axis (X). A column (24) is interconnected between the first disc (12) and a beam (14) intermediate the first and second discs (12, 30). A compliance member (40) is mounted around the column (24) between the first disc (12) and the beam (14). First and second canted resilient plates (50) are interconnected between the compliance member (40) and the beam (14) and spaced from each other along a second axis (Y) perpendicular to the first axis (X) and are at a first acute angle with and spaced from the first axis (X). Third and fourth canted resilient plates (52) are interconnected between the second disc (30) and the compliance member (40) and spaced from each other along a third axis (Z) perpendicular to the first and second axes (X, Y) and are at a second acute angle with and spaced from the first axis (X).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Nexen Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin B. Weiss
  • Patent number: 8438743
    Abstract: A disclosed sensor assembly for detecting movement and a position of a wing flap includes a sensing device that generates a signal corresponding to a position of the flap. The sensor assembly includes a linkage that is attached to the movable flap for mechanically communicating movement of the flap to the sensing device. The linkage includes a first pivot shaft mounted to the flap that is disposed about a first axis and a second pivot shaft attached to the first pivot shaft for movement about a second axis transverse to the first axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory T. Wallen, James M. Regan, David J. Lang, Cory M. Crandall-Seibert, Mark D. Miller, William E. Leden, Andrew N. Baines, Jeffrey Paul Jacobs
  • Publication number: 20130091801
    Abstract: An alignment jig uses steel alignment cross members and chords to align multiple load bearing member footing legs simultaneously with great accuracy, thereby greatly speeding construction footing installation times. Using preset adjustment stops, multiple footing patterns may be readily accommodated. The entire alignment jig may be readily assembled or prepared for transport by skilled workers in an hour or less. By using the alignment jig, the speed of footing construction may be greatly increased. In some cases, footings that would have previously required four days to a week to build were reduced to a single day, with consequent cost and time savings. Although one initial use of the alignment jig is for high voltage power line tower footings with four legs, it may be used with as few as two legs, and may be used with more than four legs, and in a variety of applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: KV STRUCTURES, INC.
    Inventor: KV STRUCTURES, INC.
  • Publication number: 20130074354
    Abstract: An alignment and bracing assembly and method of using the same to erect a bucket elevator. The assembly has first and second cross braces that are attached to trunking members of a bucket elevator in spaced relation where a plate is secured to each of the cross braces. The plate includes diagonal sections for additional bracing and in addition alignment openings so that alignment pins can be disposed therethrough to align additional sets of trunking members with one another during the erection process. The alignment pins are also used for the erection of a modular tower dryer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: SUKUP MANUFACTURING COMPANY
    Inventor: SUKUP MANUFACTURING COMPANY
  • Publication number: 20130025145
    Abstract: A shaft alignment component for aligning a rotatable shaft positioned within a housing of a driven device with a motor shaft of a motor positioned outside of the housing of the driven device is disclosed. The component includes a body portion having an opening formed therethrough to receive the rotatable shaft and/or the motor shaft therein, a first alignment feature configured to interface with an alignment hub on the motor to position the motor shaft along a centerline axis of the shaft alignment component, and a second alignment feature comprising a chamfered surface configured to interface with a countersunk feature on the housing. The chamfered surface is configured to interface with the countersunk feature to self-align the shaft alignment component with the housing such that the rotatable shaft of the driven device is positioned along the centerline axis of the shaft alignment component and aligned with the motor shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Inventors: Nicholas Demianovich, II, Gregory A. Gabrysiak
  • Patent number: 8359763
    Abstract: A template is provided for positioning at least one ribbon assembly on a garment at a predetermined position relative to the pocket. The template has a template body having a generally two-dimensional profile that is removably positionable on the front of the garment at least partially above the pocket. The template also has ribbon assembly positioning guides positioned on the template body to locate a predetermined position of a ribbon assembly on the garment in spaced relation with the pocket and with the template body. The ribbon assembly positioning guide includes a protrusion extending outwardly from the template and configured to support the ribbon assembly at a position at least partly coincidental with the predetermined position of the ribbon assembly. In other words, when the ribbon assembly is supported on the protrusion, the ribbon assembly is at least partly in the predetermined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Inventor: Matthew Bridger Allen