Machine Parts Patents (Class 33/655)
  • Patent number: 11725922
    Abstract: A length measuring jig measures the length of a tubular stud bolt with a central hole defined axially therethrough while the tubular stud bolt remains mounted on a target product such as a steam turbine casing. The length measuring jig includes a rod to be inserted into the central hole in the stud bolt, a first jaw provided on a tip end of the rod for abutting against an end face of the one side in longitudinal direction of the stud bolt, a slider on which the rod is slidably supported, a second jaw provided on the slider for abutting against an end face of the other side in longitudinal direction of the stud bolt, and a cap to be fitted in the central hole in the stud bolt and having a slit defined therein for allowing the rod to extend therethrough. The first jaw has an overall length smaller than a diameter of a minimum-diameter portion of the central hole in the stud bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Yohei Tsuchiya, Takahiro Igawa
  • Patent number: 11608755
    Abstract: An assembly or disassembly method for a casing of a steam turbine in which an inner casing is installed in an outer casing, and the inner casing and the outer casing are fixed at a fixing position, wherein when the inner casing is assembled or disassembled in a state where the fixing position and a gravity center of the inner casing are at different positions in an axial direction of the inner casing, a tilt adjusting jig is interposed between the outer casing and the inner casing so that the assembly or disassembly of the casing is performed while maintaining a tilt of the inner casing with the tilt adjusting jig.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chikara Aramaki, Asuka Nidome
  • Patent number: 11555684
    Abstract: A clutch alignment apparatus and method of aligning a dual clutch system in a continuously variable transmission that enables a user to measure the alignment of the primary clutch and secondary clutch when the system is under a load that is similar to that which is applied when the system is operating under normal operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Inventor: Timothy Lessard
  • Patent number: 10274623
    Abstract: A method for determining a displacement seismic image between two seismic images may begin with receiving a first seismic image and a second seismic image. The method may then include generating a first scaled image based on the first seismic image and a second scaled image based on the second seismic image and determining a scaled displacement volume between the two scaled images using an optical flow algorithm. The method may then involve calculating a displacement volume based on the scaled displacement volume and a scaling function used to generate the scaled images. The method may then generate a third seismic image by applying the displacement volume to the second seismic image. The method may then involve determining the difference volume between the first seismic image and the third seismic image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: BP Corporation North America Inc.
    Inventors: Qie Zhang, Bosen Du
  • Patent number: 10267178
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to the calculation of an absolute and relative axial displacement in a steam turbine between a stationary vane row and a rotating blade row steam turbine. This is achieved by using a measurement signal of an outer casing absolute axial expansion sensor, a measurement signal of an inner to outer casing differential axial expansion sensor and a measurement signal for a rotor to outer casing differential axial expansion sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Rolf Doebler, Michaela Ehrich, Thomas Schreier, Steffen Lehmann
  • Patent number: 10174676
    Abstract: In a rotary machine, a method of assembling a rotary machine, and a method of performing maintenance of a rotary machine, a combustor casing as an outer casing configured from upper and lower casings defining a half split shape, an intermediate shaft cover as an inner casing configured from upper and lower casings defining a half split shape and supporting a combustor in the combustor casing, and a pressing support mechanism configured to press and support a portion to be fit of the combustor casing and a fitting portion of the intermediate shaft cover in an axial direction of a rotor are included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HITACHI POWER SYSTEMS, LTD.
    Inventors: Shinya Hashimoto, Takuro Kameda
  • Patent number: 9957995
    Abstract: The invention relates to a power-operated tightening nut (1) for axially tightening a fastening bolt, using an adjusting system (1) for adjusting the tightening force acting on the fastening bolt (2). The invention further provides an integrated display (24) for displaying the tightening force acting on the fastening bolt (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: LUDWIG EHRHARDT GMBH
    Inventors: Nils Kolb, Thomas Willingshofer
  • Patent number: 9939244
    Abstract: A molded part made in plastic material that includes a body having a surface and two positioning relief portions formed on the surface while being spaced apart from each other along a measurement direction, each positioning relief portion having a positioning protrusion defining a measurement surface allowing the positioning of a sensor member of a distance measurement instrument along the measurement direction bearing against the measurement surface, in order to measure the distance between the positioning relief portions along the measurement direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Faurecia Interieur Industrie
    Inventor: David Magnier
  • Patent number: 9611759
    Abstract: A support assembly for externally adjusting an inner casing with respect to an outer casing for a turbomachine includes a carrier plate, a carrier block that is fixedly connected to the carrier plate, a restrictor block fixedly connected to the carrier plate, a rod coupled to the carrier plate, and a plate threadably connected to the rod. The carrier block includes an inclined side and a carrier side. The restrictor block includes a restrictor side and an inclined side. The restrictor side is generally oriented towards the carrier side. A vertical gap for receiving a support arm of an inner turbine casing is defined between the restrictor side and the carrier side. The plate may be rotated about the rod to cause simultaneous movement of the rod, the carrier plate, the carrier block and the restrictor block, thus adjusting the inner casing with respect to the outer casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: James Adaickalasamy, Pramod Akulu, Kenneth Damon Black
  • Patent number: 9068906
    Abstract: Turbine blade tip clearance is measured in a fully assembled turbine casing by mounting a non-contact displacement probe or sensor on a turbine blade that generates data indicative of sensor distance from the turbine casing that circumferentially surrounds the blade. The sensor is mounted on the blade with a sensor fixture, which includes a clamping mechanism and a sensor retention mechanism that retains and calibrates the sensor by selective movement of the sensor relative to the retention mechanism. Variations in sensor distance data are recorded when the turbine is operated in turning gear mode. Blade rotational position data are collected by a rotational position sensor. A data processing system correlates the distance and rotational position data with localized blade tip gap at angular positions about the turbine casing circumference. This method and apparatus facilitate assessment of turbine casing deformation impact on blade tip clearance and rotor/casing alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Mahmood K. Silieti, Kevin L. Hines, Abdullatif M. Chehab
  • Patent number: 8910534
    Abstract: A rotation adjusting mechanism includes a first pedestal, a first sliding block and a first adjusting member. The first pedestal defines a first sliding surface, and an adjusting hole at the side, and an elongated hole on the first sliding surface, the elongated hole communicates with the adjusting hole. The first sliding block defines a second sliding surface and includes an engaging portion on the second sliding surface, the second sliding surface moves on the first sliding surface. The first adjusting member is partially received in the adjusting hole, a portion of the first adjusting member is partially exposed out of the elongated hole and engages with the engaging portion, the adjusting member is turned by hand to rotate to enable the first sliding block to slide along the first sliding surface. The embodiment further discloses an adjusting machine using the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kai Huang, Chi-Chao Luo
  • 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: 8667700
    Abstract: A method for checking the diameter of a cylindrical part, such as a crankpin of a crankshaft, in orbital motion in a numerical control grinding machine, by means of a checking apparatus with a Vee-shaped reference device for cooperating with the crankpin, a support device movably carrying the Vee-shaped reference device, and a measuring device movable with the Vee-shaped reference device. The Vee-shaped reference device is brought, from a rest position, into contact with the crankpin, and the contact, that defines a checking condition, is maintained by gravity during the orbital motion of the crankpin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Marposs Societa' per Azioni
    Inventors: Carlo Dall'Aglio, Riccardo Cipriani
  • Patent number: 8413492
    Abstract: A cylinder sleeve surface measurement assembly for measuring a surface roughness of a cylinder sleeve, especially a cylinder sleeve formed in an engine block. The assembly includes a fixture that holds a surface profiling device. The surface profiling device is provided with a stylus that perpendicularly projects from a measuring arm, and the fixture holds the surface profiling device such that the stylus remains in perpendicular contact with the surface of the cylinder sleeve. To ensure perpendicular contact, the fixture is provided with an arcuate surface that defines an arc matching that of a portion of the cylinder sleeve. Accordingly, the arcuate surface allows the measuring arm to remain parallel to a surface of the cylinder sleeve, thereby ensuring that the stylus remains perpendicular thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mori W. Yatsui
  • Publication number: 20120151768
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventors: Linda Swadling, Bryan Hinman
  • Patent number: 7954253
    Abstract: An apparatus for checking the diameter of crankpins (18) of a crankshaft (34) in the course of the machining in a grinding machine comprises a first arm (9) rotating with respect to a support (5) arranged on the grinding-wheel slide (1) of the grinding machine, a second arm (12) rotating with respect to the first, a reference device (20) carried by the second arm and a measuring device (16, 17, 40-45) associated with a reference device. A guide device (21), fixed to the reference device (20), enables the apparatus to engage a crankpin, in the course of the orbital motion of the crankpin, and limit the displacements of the first arm and those of the second arm when a control device (28-30) displaces the apparatus to a rest position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Marposs Societa' Per Azioni
    Inventors: Carlo Dall'Aglio, Riccardo Cipriani
  • Patent number: 7787970
    Abstract: A position-measuring device having integrated function testing includes a position-recording unit, a processing unit, and a control-word generator. In a positional-data request, a positional-data word is first generated in the position-recording unit and output to the processing unit. There, the position data word is processed into a position value. Subsequently, a control-data word is generated in the position-recording unit according to the specification of the control-word generator and output to the processing unit. The processing unit processes the control-data word into a control value which has a defined mathematical relationship to the position value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Dr. Johannes Heidenhain GmbH
    Inventors: Erich Strasser, Elmar Mayer
  • Patent number: 7549233
    Abstract: An angle testing apparatus for testing a angle between a first object and a second object includes a workbench, a fixing pole, a triggering member, a pair of contact poles, a controller, and an indicating assembly. The workbench is used for loading the second object thereon. The fixing pole protrudes up from the workbench. The triggering member has a first contact portion and a second contact portion, and is rotatably mounted to the fixing pole. The first contact portion is used for contacting the mounting portion of the second object. The contact poles are fixed at a special position on the workbench according to the desired angle range, for contacting the second contact portion when the mounting angle is not in the desired angle range. The controller is electrically connected to the fixing pole and the contact poles configured to send a signal based on connecting status between the second contact portion of the triggering member and the contact poles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Bing-Jun Zhang
  • Publication number: 20090064522
    Abstract: A multi sensor clearance probe with at least longitudinally and transversely spaced apart first and second sensors operable to measure first and second distances respectively between the sensors and a longitudinally spaced apart rotating rotor. The sensors being operable to measure blade tip clearances between radially outer turbine blade tips and an annular stator shroud circumscribing the blade tips. The blade tips may be squealer tips and the sensors operable to measure the distances between the sensors and tops of squealer tip walls and outwardly facing walls within cavities of the squealer tips. The probe may be operably connected to a controller for sending signals to the controller indicating the first and second distances for controlling an air valve used for active clearance control. Two or more of the probe may be used to determine rotor centerline offset.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2007
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventors: William Lee Herron, Robert Joseph Albers, Rafael Jose Ruiz, Samhita Dasgupta
  • Patent number: 7484312
    Abstract: A punch press alignment instrument has upper and lower cylindrical components that are associated for vertical displacement relative to one another. Both components have outer tool holder engaging surfaces which are to be aligned with one another so as to in turn align the tool holders of the punch press when the upper and lower components themselves are in alignment. Alignment elements, e.g., ridges and grooves provided on mating surfaces of the components confronting each other are brought into contact with one another to move the components of the instrument into mutual alignment. An alignment control member, e.g., a screw is preferably provided for progressively bringing the upper and lower components toward one another and an indicator such as a lamp, a dial indicator or an audible indicator is provided for denoting the spacing between the upper and lower components to thereby confirm the alignment of the tool holders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Mate Precision Tooling, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher D. Morgan
  • Patent number: 7343765
    Abstract: A method and device for checking clearance between a stamping die includes a template representative of relative movement between the stamping die and end tool. A template including a surface representing movement of the end tool relative to the stamping die is positioned relative to the stamping die. The position is indicative of a location of the end tool during operation of the stamping die. Contact between the template and the stamping die along the surface representing movement indicates potential contact between the end tool and the stamping die during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Syron Engineering & Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventors: Scott McCallum, Paul Kleine, Rick Hurst
  • Patent number: 7296365
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Robert T. St. Louis, Tyler Jacobs, Elias Marquez, Heidi Channell
  • Patent number: 7228643
    Abstract: A system to replace or augment the common manual cone-gage method with a method that is highly automated on a CNC machine. Two cone-gage fixtures are employed, getting clamped into the gear and pinion workholding fixtures, respectively. But instead of mechanical contact, dial indicators, or other methods, a precision electronic touch probe is employed that, together with the CNC motion-controlled machine axes, can be used to measure and position gage fixture surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: The Gleason Works
    Inventor: William D. McGlasson
  • Patent number: 7194820
    Abstract: A punch press alignment instrument has upper and lower cylindrical components that are associated for vertical displacement relative to one another. Both components have outer tool holder engaging surfaces which are to be aligned with one another so as to in turn align the tool holders of the punch press when the upper and lower components themselves are in alignment. Alignment elements, e.g., ridges and grooves provided on mating surfaces of the components confronting each other are brought into contact with one another to move the components of the instrument into mutual alignment. An alignment control member, e.g., a screw is preferably provided for progressively bringing the upper and lower components toward one another and an indicator such as a lamp, a dial indicator or an audible indicator is provided for denoting the spacing between the upper and lower components to thereby confirm the alignment of the tool holders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Mate Precision Tooling Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Schweiger, Todd M. Knetsch, Phillip R. Lysdahl, Christopher D. Morgan, Joseph C. Schneider
  • Patent number: 7040128
    Abstract: A method and device for checking clearance between a stamping die includes a template representative of relative movement between the stamping die and end tool. A template including a surface representing movement of the end tool relative to the stamping die is positioned relative to the stamping die. The position is indicative of a location of the end tool during operation of the stamping die. Contact between the template and the stamping die along the surface representing movement indicates potential contact between the end tool and the stamping die during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Syron Engineering & Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventors: Scott McCallum, Paul Kleine, Rick Hurst
  • Patent number: 6848193
    Abstract: A method of measuring a clearance distance between a first member and a stationary member is provided. The method includes measuring the clearance distance using a first probe that is removably coupled at least partially within a mounting adapter, determining a first probe calibration based on the measured clearance distance, measuring a gauge clearance distance using a second probe, and modifying the first probe calibration based on the gauge clearance distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Joseph Dmitry Kirzhner
  • Publication number: 20040083801
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for inspecting a dovetail slot of a gas turbine engine disk, including: a first pin member fixed in a stationary position; a second pin member having the ability to move between a first position and a second position, wherein the second pin member is oriented substantially parallel to the first pin member; a member actuable between a first position and a second position, wherein the member functions to automatically position the first and second pin members in a predetermined position within the dovetail slot when in the second member position; a first probe for measuring a distance between the first and second pin members when in the predetermined dovetail slot position; and, at least one plate member forming a base to which the first pin member, the second pin member, the actuable member, and the first probe are assembled in a predetermined manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Douglas Raymond Smith, Stefan Andreas Moser, Daniel Edward Jones
  • Patent number: 6490806
    Abstract: A gear positioning system comprising a first and second gear retention member each has an exterior surface formed with a plurality of recesses. Each of the recesses is similarly configured essentially in the shape of a gear tooth with sidewalls there between. Each of the sidewalls has a central line of symmetry and with the mid-point of the central lines located within the recesses is in an arcuate configuration having a center of curvature of rotation coincident with the center of curvature of a received gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Inventor: Christopher H. Stone
  • Patent number: 6438861
    Abstract: A radial clearance measurement device includes a pair of opposed drive heads, connected by an adjustable strut. Each drive head is fitted with a radial distance measurement device including a plate adapted to slide within a dovetail groove in a radial stator core slot, a spring-loaded plunger adapted to engage a surface of an armature bar located in the radial stator slot, and a linear voltage displacement transducer for measuring distance between the dovetail groove and the armature bar. The device is adapted to move through the bore of the stator, with the plungers engaged with armature bars in diametrically opposed radial stator core slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Kenneth John Hatley, Richard Michael Hatley, Michael John Bousquet, Alan Michael Iversen, William Gene Newman
  • Patent number: 6389705
    Abstract: An optical calibration plate and the assembling method for the same are disclosed. The optical calibration plate is assembled on a cover of an optical apparatus, the cover has a clamping means and the optical calibration plate is locked on the clamping means. The assembling method comprises following steps: (1) clamping one side of the optical calibration plate on a clamping means of a cover of an optical apparatus; and (2) clamping another side of the optical calibration plate on another clamping means of the cover. The optical calibration plate has less contamination because the operator will not touch the optical calibration and the processing time and cost are reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Silitek Corporation
    Inventor: Kun-Shiang Tsai
  • Publication number: 20020020075
    Abstract: An apparatus for checking the diameter of crankpins (18) of a crankshaft (34) in the course of the machining in a grinding machine comprises a first arm (9) rotating with respect to a support (5) arranged on the grinding-wheel slide (1) of the grinding machine, a second arm (12) rotating with respect to the first, a reference device (20) carried by the second arm and a measuring device (16, 17, 40-45) associated with a reference device. A guide device (21), fixed to the reference device (20), enables the apparatus to engage a crankpin, in the course of the orbital motion of the crankpin, and limit the displacements of the first arm and those of the second arm when a control device (28-30) displaces the apparatus to a rest position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2001
    Publication date: February 21, 2002
    Inventors: Carlo Dall'Aglio, Riccardo Cipriani
  • Patent number: 6108925
    Abstract: A length measurement system for measuring the relative position of two objects in a given measuring direction comprises a scale carrier which carries a measurement scale and which is fastened to a first of the two objects and a scanning head which scans the measurement scale at a scanning location and is fastened to the second of the two objects. The scale carrier is constructed so as to be stiff in the longitudinal direction but can deflect in a springing manner vertical to the measuring direction and is fastened by only one of its ends to the first object, while its other end projects freely. The scale carrier is positively guided in the region of the scanning head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Dr. Johannes Heidenhain GmbH
    Inventor: Hans-Joachim Freitag
  • Patent number: 6067721
    Abstract: An apparatus for checking the diameter of crankpins (18) of a crankshaft (34) in the course of the machining in a grinding machine comprises a first arm (9) rotating with respect to a support (5) arranged on the grinding-wheel slide (1) of the grinding machine, a second arm (12) rotating with respect to the first, a reference device (20) carried by the second arm and a measuring device (16, 17, 40-45) associated with a reference device. A guide device (21), fixed to the reference device (20), enables the apparatus to engage a crankpin, in the course of the orbital motion of the crankpin, and limit the displacements of the first arm and those of the second arm when a control device (28-30) displaces the apparatus to a rest position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: Marposs Societa' per Azioni
    Inventors: Carlo Dall'Aglio, Riccardo Cipriani
  • Patent number: 5992816
    Abstract: An engine mount includes an inner member and an outer cylinder having a circumferential position around a central axis of the engine mount, the circumferential position being changeable relative to the inner member. A bracket fixed to the inner member supports an engine on the engine mount, the bracket having a circumferential position around the central axis of the engine mount which is changeable relative to the outer cylinder. A stopper of an elastic material is provided on one of the outer cylinder and the inner member, the stopper contacting the other of the outer cylinder and the inner member when a change in length of one of the outer cylinder and the inner member relative to the other exceeds a reference level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Nobuya Yoshida, Shingo Suzuki
  • Patent number: 5649369
    Abstract: In a device for measuring the radial blade clearance between the moving-blade tips (6) and the blade carrier (4) of thermal turbomachines with the use of a measuring needle (7) which is guided along in an opening (16) in the blade carrier (4), is accommodated by the blade carrier (4) in a seat (8), projects radially opposite the moving-blade tips (6) into the flow duct (17) and can be abraded, the measuring needle (7), at its end remaining in the blade carrier (4), is fastened to a flexible guide part (10) projecting from the machine, the other end of the guide part (10) being connected to components (11), for example a screwed socket or a hydraulic cylinder. The components (11) permit a linear movement of the guide part (10), which is surrounded outside the outer casing (5) by a flexible tube (12), and between outer casing (5) and blade carrier (4) by a rigid guide tube (14). The device is especially suitable for measuring the transient blade clearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Assignee: Asea Brown Boveri AG
    Inventor: Kjell Thoren
  • Patent number: 5629479
    Abstract: The present volume monitoring device (40) includes a cylindrical portion (66) having a piston assembly (100) therein. The cylindrical portion (66) having a measuring device (48) attached thereto at one end (46) and a readout gage (44) attached thereto at an other end (50). The measuring device (48) including a plurality of plungers (181) which when the volume displacement monitoring device (40) is positioned within an opening activates a flow of fluid to move the piston assembly (100) and establishes a readout on the readout gage (44). The volume displacement monitoring device (40) provides an economical way of monitoring the size of an opening. Furthermore, the volume displacement monitoring device (40) can be used in the field and does not require additional environmental protection to remain within safety standards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Assignee: Solar Turbines Incorporated
    Inventor: Mark S. Paulson
  • Patent number: 5566464
    Abstract: A shaft extension gage is provided at the rotor/rotor shaft insertion station in an electric motor production line. The gage includes a locating plate above which a partially assembled electric motor is positioned, a rotor shaft receiving assembly defining a chamber into which the rotor shaft is inserted, an indicator secured to the rotor shaft receiving assembly which measures shaft extension, and a display which the operator may read to determine if the shaft extension is within limits. The gage allows an operator to measure and correct both the rotor shaft's extension and end play without removing the motor from the assembly line and before the motor's end shields are attached to the motor shell to secure the rotor and rotor shaft in the shell. The gage may also be used to determine if the rotor shaft diameter is too large.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventor: Wendell Davis
  • Patent number: 5566463
    Abstract: A servo system includes a driven body (C), a hydraulic driving unit (A) for moving the driven body (C), a mechanical hydraulic servo valve (1), a sheave (31), a flexible measuring tape (33), a rotary driving source (M) and an adjusting unit (4,5,6,7). The servo valve (1) includes a spring-biased movable spool (11) and can activate the driving unit (A) to move the driven body (C) when the spool (11) is moved. The sheave (31) is mounted on the driven body (C) and has an outer peripheral surface. The measuring tape (33) has a first end portion secured to the sheave (31), a second end portion (331), and an intermediate portion wound on the sheave (31) along the outer peripheral surface of the sheave (31). The rotary driving source (M) is coupled operably to the sheave (31) and is operable to rotate the sheave (31) in order to wind and unwind the measuring tape (33).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Assignee: Waysia Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Fu L. Chang
  • Patent number: 5542188
    Abstract: A measuring apparatus checks crankshafts 6 and has a rotatable workpiece holder (4, 5), a first group of bifurcated measuring devices (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) for measuring the main bearings of the crankshaft and a second group of bifurcated measuring devices (19a, 19b) for measuring the connecting-rod bearings. Each bifurcated measuring device of the second group has several measuring sensors and its own drives for moving the bifurcated measuring device in the plane perpendicular to the axis of the crankshaft. When the crankshaft 6 is rotated, each bifurcated measuring device of the second group is either controlled on desired paths in accordance with the stroke of the connecting-rod bearing or is following up the movement of the connecting-rod bearing according to the signals of the measuring sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: Zeiss Messgeratebau GmbH
    Inventors: Friedrich Ertl, Hans-Ulrich Bertz
  • Patent number: 5533274
    Abstract: A gauge for releasable attachment to internal combustion engines at the starter motor mounting point for determining proper positioning and selection of starter motor housings for the individual engine. The gauge includes a housing with a base surface portion having a configuration defining a gauge mounting pad, along with bores to receive bolts for attachment of the housing to the engine block. A pivot pin mounts an elongated lever within the housing for pivotal rotation about the pin, and a reference scale is attached to the housing so that the position of the lever arm within the housing is ascertainable by the scale. A pinion mounting yoke is mounted on the opposed end of the lever and is arranged to appropriately position the pinion in proper and standard engagement with the teeth of the ring gear on the engine flywheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Inventor: John Westling
  • Patent number: 5457892
    Abstract: A gauge for determining pertinent dimensions to which portions of die keeper pin assemblies are to be machined prior to insertion of the latter into a stamping die assembly. The gauge includes a body having a partial circular extension formed on one end thereof, a rod having one threaded end freely mounted through an axial passageway and threadedly connected to threads formed at the end thereof, a hole formed in the non-circular portion of the extension, a spring-loaded pin slip-fitted in the hole adapted to being secured in any axial position by threading the rod into engagement with the pin. The gauge is inserted through a passage formed through a wall of a stamping die body so as to position the pin in the path of a movable die pad, while the rod is out of contact with the pin. After the pad is caused to travel to its lowest position, urging the pin inwardly, the rod is threadedly extended into engagement with the pin to hold its depressed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventor: Peter Birschl
  • Patent number: 5233761
    Abstract: A method for aligning at least one machine unit (36) on a base (42) comprises the steps of installing alignment markers (28) on the parts (12, 14) of a machine unit (36) to be aligned, and correcting the locations of the alignment markers (28) to effect a correction in the locations of the parts (12, 14) on which they are installed. The alignment markers (28) are installed in positions which have precise relationships to the positions of function specific openings (20) in the parts (12, 14) which are preferably formed in metal cutting machining. A correction in the locations of the alignment markers (28) thus effects a correction in the locations of the function specific openings (20). The alignment markers (28) enable an alignment of parallel parts (12, 14) of a single machine unit (36) as well as alignment of several machine units (36, 38, 40) arranged one after the other in series.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1993
    Assignee: Heidelberg Harris, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn A. Guaraldi, Michael L. Newsky, Robert R. Giordano, Ornberg, John H.
  • Patent number: 5175939
    Abstract: A device for accurately setting the cutting height of a grass mower, especially a golf green mower in the field is described. A semi-rigid bar is placed between the rear fixed roller and the front adjustable roller of the mower and locked into place with a height adjusting screw which is set to a selected height-of-cut and releasably attached to the bed knife intermediate the front and rear rollers. A rigid bar is secured at the rear-end of the semi rigid bar and extends forwardly past the front roller. A spring loaded dial indicator is mounted at the forward end of the rigid bar and contacts the semi rigid bar so as to provide a reading of deflection of the semi rigid bar as the front roller is adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1993
    Inventor: Herbert Wolfram
  • Patent number: 5105649
    Abstract: A progressive former having quick-change tooling provides tooling supports with means for adjusting the tools. The tooling is mounted so that the tooling and the structure for adjusting the tooling can be removed as units without loss of the fine-tuning of the adjustments and so that reinstallation does not require readjustment of the tooling. A transfer also provides adjustable cams for opening and closing gripper fingers which transport workpieces from one work station to the next. The adjustable cams are removable with the dies as units and can be reinstalled without further fine-tune adjustment. With the invention, entire tool sets can be changed in a very short time to eliminate loss of production capacity of the machine. Similar sized machines are provided with a fixed spacing between the locating surfaces for the stationary dies and the reciprocating tools so that tool sets having adjustments fine-tuned in one machine can be installed in a similar machine without further retuning of the adjustments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1992
    Assignee: The National Machinery Company
    Inventors: William H. Hite, Gene E. Allebach
  • Patent number: 5040272
    Abstract: A carding machine comprises a main carding cylinder and parts which are adjustable relative thereto, such as a licker-in, a stationary flat, a revolving flat and a doffing cylinder, such parts preferably having a nominal spacing relative to the main carding cylinder. For checking a spacing, namely an existing spacing or an already adjusted spacing between the main carding cylinder and the aforesaid parts arranged opposite thereto, there is provided a sensor at at least one end or end portion of the main carding cylinder, but preferably at each one of the two ends or end portions thereof, such sensor or respective sensors being connected to an electronic evaluation unit by means of a coupling device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1991
    Assignee: Rieter Machine Works Limited
    Inventor: Peter Fritzsche
  • Patent number: 5031335
    Abstract: An apparatus for precision measurements of the clearance between the blades of a lawn mower and the ground. The apparatus includes a groomer gage and bed knife gage mounted on a plate and adapted to be positioned against the rollers of a mower during the taking of measurements. The plate, when positioned against the rollers simulates the position of the ground. The gages on the plate are positioned on the plate in a manner allowing the respective shafts of the groomer gage and bed knife gage to contact the groomer member and bed knife, respectively. The distance the respective shafts are displaced to cause contact with the groomer member and the bed knife corresponds to the ground clearance of the groomer member and the bed knife, respectively. The respective distances corresponding to the ground clearance of the groomer member and the bed knife are displayed by the groomer gage and the bed knife gage, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1991
    Inventor: David B. Kimmelman
  • Patent number: 4969274
    Abstract: A displacement measuring and remote control apparatus includes a sheave having a helical groove therein, a flexible belt wound on the sheave along the helical groove and connected securely to a movable member, an azimuth identification device connected to the sheave for indicating the rotational angle of the sheave. The rotational angle of the sheave can be realized by the azimuth identification device so that it may be converted into the displacement of the movable member. The belt is continually tensed by a tensing device. The apparatus can be used in a hydraulic servo system for the purpose of remotely controlling the movement of a hydraulic driving unit and a driven body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 13, 1990
    Inventor: Fu-Rong Chang
  • Patent number: 4964224
    Abstract: A shaft alignment apparatus is set forth utilizing a "W" shaped yoke securable over a first shaft wherein the yoke includes an upwardly extending support rod with a first clamp secured thereto to coaxially align a second clamp and enable positioning an associated dial indicator `micrometer` to an adjacent shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 23, 1990
    Inventor: Lawrence B. Jackson
  • Patent number: 4936023
    Abstract: A method of mountng a measuring device for measuring the relative positions of two objects, such as, the bed and the carriage of the machine, wherein a graduation of an embodiment of measure is scanned without contact by a scanning device. The embodiment of measure is initially aligned and mounted on the first of two objects. The scanning device is mounted on an auxiliary device and is exactly calibrated relative to the graduation of the embodiment of measure. The scanning device is displaced guided on the embodiment of measure by means of the auxiliary device until a stop surface of the second object is reached. The scanning device is fastened with the intermediate arrangement of an attachment device on the stop surface of the second object in such a way that the calibration of the scanning device relative to the graduation is maintained. The auxiliary device is then loosened and removed from the scanning device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 26, 1990
    Assignee: Dr. Johannes Heidenhain GmbH
    Inventor: Peter Pechak
  • Patent number: 4930226
    Abstract: A gauge includes a hollow ferrule which slidably receives a pin member therein. The gauge is inserted into a housing bore so that the pin engages an actuating member. The pin moves relative to the ferrule and separates a pair of abutment surfaces thereon by a distance which represents a number of shims or spacers required for proper positioning of a switch or sensor to be mounted in the housing bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 5, 1990
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Aloysius C. Shindelar