Article Support Integral With Measuring Means Patents (Class 33/712)
  • Patent number: 12152875
    Abstract: A tool for identifying a correct belt for a system of pulleys from a plurality of prefabricated belts having different lengths is disclosed. The tool may include a belt track attached to a first end portion of a measurement belt. The measurement belt may be wrapped around the system of pulleys. An opposed second end portion of the measurement belt may be disposed adjacent to the belt track which may include a reference indicator. The reference indicator will be aligned to one of a plurality of measurement markings on the second end portion which indicates the correct belt to order from among the plurality of prefabricated belts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2024
    Assignee: ZPE LICENSING INC.
    Inventor: Andrew Jason Zimmer
  • Patent number: 11802811
    Abstract: Belt tensioning monitoring device for monitoring the belt tensioning of a belt of a belt drive system having a driving pulley and a driven pulley rotated by the driving pulley. The belt tensioning monitoring device is configured to determine the belt slip effect with at least one mark provided on the belt and a sensor configured to detect the mark and to send a signal to an electronic control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget SKF
    Inventors: Thomas Frost, Andreas Karlsson
  • Patent number: 9513099
    Abstract: A device and method of checking wear on roller chains enables a quantitative statement to be made about the state of wear of a fitted roller chain. A device for tensioning a portion of the roller chain with a defined measuring load and a device for measuring the spacing between a given number of chain links are provided, the device for measuring the spacing having two contact pins, each of which is configured for positioning between two rivet heads or on a rivet head of a link plate, and a device for measuring and displaying the distance between the two contact pins. An accurate, quantitative measurement of the wear on a roller chain in the fitted state is obtained quickly and easily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Inventors: Glenn Hoebel, Reiner Bayer
  • Patent number: 8850711
    Abstract: A mounting device for mounting a length measuring system extending in a measurement direction, the mounting device including a basic body, a steadying device attached to the basic body and a retainer attached to the basic body. A length measuring system that extends in a measurement direction is fixable on the basic body by clamping between the steadying device and the retainer, wherein the basic body and the retainer are embodied for guiding the retainer on the basic body longitudinally in a manner fixed against relative rotation in a direction of the steadying device by an adjusting element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Dr. Johannes Heidenhain GmbH
    Inventors: Oliver Schenk, Tarek Nutzinger
  • 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.
  • Publication number: 20130126541
    Abstract: A system for holding an item comprises a magnetic item comprising one or more magnets and a universal base comprising a magnetically attractable surface and for removably coupling with the magnetic item. In some embodiments, a shape of the one or more magnets is selected from a set comprising a strip, a ball bearing and a disc. In some embodiments, at least one of the one or more magnets comprise one or more of a neodymium magnet and a ceramic magnet. In further embodiments, the magnetic item is a holder comprising an aperture for receiving an additional item. In some embodiments, the universal base removably couples with an additional article. In some embodiments, the magnetic item is a tape measure. In further embodiments, the magnetic item and the universal base comprise interlocking geometry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: AAW Products, Inc.
    Inventor: AAW Products, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8297842
    Abstract: An air guide includes a slide member and a guide track. The guide track defines a guide hole slidably receiving the slide member. The guide track defines an air intake in an outer surface, a plurality of air outlets in an inner surface opposite to the sliding member, and a plurality of guide holes therein. The guide holes communicates the air intake with the air outlets. The guide track further defines a plurality of guide grooves in the inner surface, communicating with the air outlets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Fa-Ping Xia
  • Publication number: 20120266479
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable measuring instrument, comprising: a main body including a pair of measuring holders and a pair of handles, wherein the measuring holders have respective tips which are brought closer to one another or are spaced apart from one another, the measuring holders face each other to accommodate or release an object to be measured, and the handles enable the measuring holders to be spaced apart from one another; a rotating shaft which couples the measuring holders together such that the measuring holders are rotatable; and a measuring tape which passes through the tips of the respective measuring holders such that the measuring tape is wound/unwound onto/from the main body, wherein the measuring tape is coiled along the circumference of the object to be measured when the measuring holders are brought closer to one another or are spaced apart from one another, so as to measure the size of the object to be measured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Inventor: Se Beom Park
  • Patent number: 8161659
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a measurement device for measuring a work piece defining a first circular hole and a second circular hole. The measurement device includes a base, a location member fixed on the base, a fixing pin fixed on the location member, and a measuring pin slidably positioned on the location member. The fixing pin and the measuring pin are configured for being received in the first circular hole and the second circular hole of the work piece, respectively. A diameter of the measuring pin is substantially equal to a standard diameter of the second circular hole minus doubled tolerance. The distance between axes of the fixing pin and the measuring pin is substantially equal to a standard value of the distance between centers of the first and second circular holes of the work piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Bing-Jun Zhang
  • Patent number: 8065810
    Abstract: Elongation measurement apparatuses and systems comprise at least two Linear Variable Differential Transformers (LVDTs) with a push rod coupled to each of the at least two LVDTs at one longitudinal end thereof. At least one push rod extends to a base and is coupled thereto at an opposing longitudinal end, and at least one other push rod extends to a location spaced apart from the base and is configured to receive a sample between an opposing longitudinal end of the at least one other push rod and the base. Nuclear reactors comprising such apparatuses and systems and methods of measuring elongation of a material are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC
    Inventors: Joy L. Rempe, Darrell L. Knudson, Joshua E. Daw, Keith G. Condie, Carl M. Stoots
  • Patent number: 8028436
    Abstract: An apparatus for evaluating the condition of a lift sling. The apparatus includes a body with an upper section and a lower section. The lower section includes a cradle member with a load bearing surface that engages an inner surface of a connecting link at one end of a sling. The apparatus includes an engagement section that receives and positions the end of a measuring device so that it is in tangential alignment with the load bearing surface of the cradle member. In use, one end of a sling is positioned on the load bearing surface of the cradle member and one end of a measuring device is positioned on the engagement section of the apparatus. The apparatus is then raised so that the sling and the measuring device are hanging freely. The reach of the sling is then measuring using the measuring device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Machining and Welding by Olsen, Inc.
    Inventors: David Camp, Darin Young
  • Publication number: 20110235055
    Abstract: A system for determining a thickness of a photovoltaic module may include a first displacement sensor and a second displacement sensor along a shared axis. The system may also include a support structure that supports the first and second displacement sensors and locates the sensors on either side of the photovoltaic module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventors: Pat Buehler, David Kahle
  • Publication number: 20110214306
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a measurement device for measuring a work piece defining a first circular hole and a second circular hole. The measurement device includes a base, a location member fixed on the base, a fixing pin fixed on the location member, and a measuring pin slidably positioned on the location member. The fixing pin and the measuring pin are configured for being received in the first circular hole and the second circular hole of the work piece, respectively. A diameter of the measuring pin is substantially equal to a standard diameter of the second circular hole minus doubled tolerance. The distance between axes of the fixing pin and the measuring pin is substantially equal to a standard value of the distance between centers of the first and second circular holes of the work piece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2010
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicants: HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD, HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: BING-JUN ZHANG
  • Patent number: 7853426
    Abstract: A device for determining the category of mail of a mailpiece, which device comprises: an stand designed to receive said mailpiece; at least one gauge fastened to said stand and provided with a slot of predetermined length and of predetermined height, which length and which height are suitable for defining a determined maximum width and a determined maximum thickness for the mailpiece; means for automatically estimating a length of the mailpiece depending on its position on the stand, and relative to the gauge; and means for acting, on the basis of that single estimate of the length of the mailpiece, to deliver, to a franking machine, information about the category of mail to which said mailpiece belongs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: NEOPOST Technologies
    Inventor: Michel Fajour
  • Publication number: 20100092113
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a static pressure slider including a stationary member 2, and a movable member 3 configured to be movable relative to the stationary member 2 under a condition that a static pressure fluid layer is provided between the stationary member 2 and the movable member 3. The static pressure slider further includes a first conductive layer 25 (26-28), and a second conductive layer 31A (32A-34A) with a distance at least in a portion relative to the first conductive layer 25 (26-28) configured to be changeable by an electrostatic force imposed between the first and second conductive layers 25 (26-28) and 31A (32A-34A). The present invention further relates to a transferring device and a processing device both provided with the static pressure slider.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2007
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Applicant: KYOCERA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takeshi Muneishi
  • Patent number: 7502703
    Abstract: A method of calibrating once-around and harmonic errors of encoded nips is provided. An encoder with an index pulse is used to measure the velocity and rotation of the driven wheel or idler. The geometry of the drive train and wheel and idler is chosen so that their once around and harmonic frequencies are unique such that no other drive errors will generate these frequencies. The method includes running the idler or wheel at substantially constant velocity for N revolutions. Each index triggers the collection of velocity data, which is averaged for N revolutions. This process detects drive train motion errors that are periodic with respect to the timing of the index pulse (i.e., once per revolution of the wheel or idler). Once the velocity errors have been measured, corrections are made. This method may be incorporated in xerographic machines as part of a setup or calibration procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Joannes N. M. DeJong, Lloyd A. Williams
  • Patent number: 7121015
    Abstract: A linear measuring device including a housing fastened to a first machine element and a scale within the housing, wherein the scale is fastened extending along the housing in a measuring direction. A scanning device for scanning a scale. A linear guide device including a guide rail, which is rigidly assigned to the housing; and a guide carriage, which is guided on the guide rail along the housing in the measuring direction, and includes a fastener to fasten the guide carriage rigidly on a second machine element. The housing is structured so that during measuring operations it is deflected perpendicular to the measuring direction, so that in the course of movement of the guide carriage in a direction perpendicular to the measuring direction the housing is taken along in the direction perpendicular to the measuring direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Dr. Johannes Heidenhain GmbH
    Inventor: Ludwig Böge
  • Patent number: 6901676
    Abstract: A device and method are provided for inspecting an eccentric bushing having interior and exterior surfaces. The device includes a fixed roller and a pair of movable rollers disposed in a triangular configuration. The eccentric roller is disposed between the fixable roller and the movable rollers such that the fixed roller is disposed against an interior surface of the bushing and the movable rollers are disposed against the exterior surface of the bushing. A contact element of a gauge is disposed between the movable rollers and against the exterior surface of the bushing. Rotation of the eccentric bushing moves the contact element, which causes a display of the gauge to provide readings showing changes in the distance between the interior and exterior surfaces of the bushing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: David Macke
  • Patent number: 6785979
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for measuring cables of varying diameters to be used in a wire bundle. The apparatus involves a support platform having a groove formed therein which is laid out to have at least one U-shaped turnaround portion. The groove is further canted such that it opens at an angle of about 4.85° away from an interior area defined by the U-shaped arc. This allows cables of varying diameters to be placed in the groove during measuring and automatically compensates for the differences in diameter of the cables. Thus, each cable laid into the groove and measured in accordance with the length of the groove will have the same length, regardless of differences in the diameters of the cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Thomas M. Wachtler
  • Publication number: 20030024132
    Abstract: A cargo handling vehicle comprises cargo carriers 21, a lift unit 1, a vehicle main body 24, and a running system 3, and the cargo handling vehicle further comprises a lift height detecting section 2 for detecting the vertical position of the cargo carriers 21, a traveling distance measuring section 4 for measuring a forward distance S1 covered by the vehicle main body 24 which starts its forward movement after the cargo carriers 21 are started to be raised and a rearward distance S2 covered by the vehicle main body 24 which starts its rearward movement after having completed its forward movement, and a movement control section 9 for prohibiting the lowering movement of the cargo carriers 21 until a rearward distance to be covered by the vehicle main body 24 which starts its rearward movement in a state in which the vertical position H2 of the raised cargo carriers 21 exceeds a preset reference height H1 becomes equal to or greater than the forward distance covered by the vehicle main body 24.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2001
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Applicant: NIPPON YUSOKI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kazumasa Kokura, Tsutomu Fujita, Toshihiro Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6314655
    Abstract: The ball sizing device has an angularly disposed support which defines a square-shaped space for receiving a dimpled golf ball. The two lowermost walls defining the space receive the ball in point-to-point contact. Each of the two opposite walls has a gauge mounted thereon with a spring loaded pin for engaging the ball in point-to-point contact. Each gauge serves to measure a deviation of the diameter of a ball from a standard diameter. The readings from the gauges are processed in a central processing unit in order to obtain a statistical average of the diameter of the ball. A standardizing cylinder is separately mounted on the sizing device in order to calibrate the two gauges to a zero reading and to provide a standard diameter value to the central processing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: United States Golf Association
    Inventors: Steven J. Quintavalla, Henry Thumm-Borst
  • Patent number: 6217077
    Abstract: The invention is of a kit or system useful for guiding and facilitating the taking, tabulation and processing of measurements as pertain to scoring game animal according to established scoring rules. The kit or system includes a flexible cable which is used to record absolute lengths or distances needed for a proper scoring. The cable lacks cumulative length indicia or unit indications, but rather includes equally spaced incremental indicia which are used (by multiplying the number of indicia as rest between measurement endpoints) as part of the ultimate determination of length according to standard measurement units. A reusable score card is also provided which includes spaces for recording measurements and indicia for indicating the proper measurements to be taken as well as the sequence thereof and prescribed calculations to be made therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Inventor: Michael E. Priebe
  • Patent number: 6178657
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the relative differential length of a sample of a web or sheet material. The apparatus includes a substantially flat surface adapted to support the sample. Air is removed between the sample and the substantially flat surface to position the sample in an unrestrained state. A translation member translates a plurality of non-contact sensors in a first direction along the length of the sample, whereby the plurality of non-contact sensors sense the distance from a reference plane to the sample and generate a signal representative of the distance sensed. A data collection system collects the generated signals and determines a relative differential length of the sample from the generated signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Ernest A. Graff
  • Patent number: 6134798
    Abstract: A device for facilitating measuring and cutting conduit. The device includes two end plates sized and configured for receiving conduit while being provided with a surface for resisting rotation of the conduit as it resides upon and is supported by the end plates. A planar ruled member is attached to and supports both of the end plates preferably at a distance so that the device can be supported by the circumference of a standard five gallon bucket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: E-Ticket Enterprises, LLC
    Inventors: Scott E. Duncan, Ronald A. Cox
  • Patent number: 6092296
    Abstract: A scale or scanning unit of a measuring instrument for measuring the relative motion of two objects movable toward one another is secured to the one object and cooperates with a scanning unit or a scale to detect the relative location of the object. According to the invention, the scale or the scanning unit has means for at least one interlocking connection with the object, which is embodied along the longitudinal extent of the scale or the scanning unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: Dr. Johannes Heidenhain GmbH
    Inventor: Gunther Nelle
  • Patent number: 6035541
    Abstract: A hemispherical dynamic pressure bearing comprises a bushing in which a hemisphere/shaft unit is mounted with clearance, enabling the unit to move relative to the bushing between first and second terminal positions. In order to measure the size of the clearance, the bearing is inserted into a body, and a retainer disposed in the body is actuated for keeping the bushing stationary. An adjusting mechanism disposed in the body is actuated for displacing the hemisphere/shaft unit vertically relative to the bushing between the first and second terminal positions, wherein the hemisphere/shaft unit projects from an end of the bushing by first and second heights, respectively. Those heights are measured and a difference therebetween is determined, which difference corresponds to the clearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jin-Seung Choi
  • Patent number: 6021580
    Abstract: The instrument comprises two rigid yokes 1 and 2 capable of sliding one with respect to the other in the direction of the clearances to be measured between two components (R, 5) and 8. First of all, using an operating member 3, enough force to bring the ball R against the stop b1 of its socket is exerted on the component 5 by means of a spring 10. The comparator 9 is zeroed. Enough force is then exerted on the component 5 to bring the ball R to rest on the opposite stop b2 of its socket, this being done using an operating member 4 that acts in the opposite sense, the clevis mount 8 still being held between two resting faces 6, 7 of the yokes 1, 2. The clearance of the ball R in its socket is then read directly off the comparator 9. Application to measuring clearances in ball joints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Assignee: Eurocopter
    Inventors: Thomas Pierre Louis Manfredotti, Christophe Georges Barucchi, Philippe Maurice Paul Antomarchi
  • Patent number: 5873173
    Abstract: A device for measuring length and vertical clearance of engine connecting rods comprising a base which is attached to an upstanding member in a hinged fashion. A vertical guide slot of substantial length is disposed within the upstanding member along a longitudinal center axis and distal to the base. A wrist pin mandrel comprising a guide slot receiving member is disposed on the upstanding member such that said guide slot receiving member is engaged in the vertical guide slot. Positioned at the top of the upstanding member is a dial indicator within a mount. A plunger projecting downward from said dial indicator rests upon the top of the mandrel's guide slot receiving member. Proximally to the base of the measuring surface is a standard mount which engages a standard. The standard is vertically slidable and adapted to be locked at adjusted elevations within said mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Inventor: David W. Redmond
  • Patent number: 5845411
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for the centering of objects by positioning a slider that is not only movable within a base but also moveable therebeyond in opposite directions in relation to stop members for holding an object at a centering position where a projection extending from the slider is used to mark the center with reference to markings along the base at the slider and on the stop members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Inventor: Dennis E. DeCoff, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5837981
    Abstract: A signal outputting device of optical ruler is disclosed. It includes a first guide seat formed with an internal axial chamber for receiving a reflecting plate therein, a second guide seat including a slide block axially movable within the chamber and a resilient lever having a fixed end disposed on the slide block, and a sensor disposed on outer side of the slide block. An inner side of the sensor abuts against a free end of the resilient lever. The slide block is disposed with two first stopper sections spaced from each other by a certain distance. The sensor is positioned between the first stopper sections. A section of the sensor, which contacts with the free end of the resilient lever, is formed with a guide channel axially parallel to the moving direction of the slide block. In the case of change of the distance between the first and second guide seats, the accuracy of the optical ruler for measuring length will not be affected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Inventor: Chin-Yuan Wang
  • Patent number: 5791059
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for measuring circumferential surface dimensions of workpieces. A circular table is mounted with its upper surface in a horizontal plane for both rotational and reciprocal vertical movement. A plurality of through slots in the table extend radially with respect to its central axis of rotation. A like plurality of gripper fingers having both vertical and angularly disposed edges are affixed to a common cable for radial movement with respect to the table axis. When the table is in its upper position the fingers are positioned below corresponding ones of the slots, and when in the lower position portions of the fingers extend through the slots. As the fingers are moved toward the workpiece it is engaged by and rides up the angularly disposed edges until it abuts the vertical edges of the fingers. While the workpiece is supported above the table surface, one or more wheels rotatable about vertical axes are moved to engage the surface to be measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Bartell Machinery Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael P. Vaccaro, Kenneth B. Turvey, Christopher L. Johnson, Robert C. Sandore
  • Patent number: 5768796
    Abstract: A roller measurement fixture is comprised of a series of small in-line rollers mounted in one or more rows, forming a receiving cradle device. An extruded part to be measured is cradled in a semi-circular arrangement of the rollers and straightens as it settles under its own weight. The cradle device will accommodate many different cross-sections of extruded seal. The rollers are free to rotate as the part is placed into the fixture and properly located. Friction front these rollers is negligible, therefore the part remains in, or attains, its free state, without internal stresses, throughout the loading and measurement process. Thus, the extruded part is limp within the cradle, being loaded so as to contact a head or alignment stop at one end of the cradle. A floating stop riding on the rollers engages the other end of the part and cooperates with a scale on the cradle as a means of acquiring the measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: Cooper Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventor: Richard Malik
  • Patent number: 5758558
    Abstract: A precision measuring mechanism includes a precision threaded rod member and an indicating element mounted to move along a linear graduated scale upon rotation of the precision threaded rod member. A circumferential scale has a plurality of marks spaced from a circumferential zero point to indicate a preselected fractional amount of rod member rotation between adjacent circumferential marks. The linear graduated scale includes a plurality of rotation counting marks spaced from a linear zero point and laterally spaced with respect to each other along the linear scale for a linear distance that corresponds and is equal to a complete rotation of the precision threaded rod member. The precision measuring mechanism is also usable with a work operation tool machine which fixes a workpiece on a workpiece supporting table that moves along both an x-axis coordinate and a y-axis coordinate such as a milling machine, drilling machine, mill-drill machine, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Inventor: Richard D. Squires
  • 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: 5423128
    Abstract: Provided is an apparatus which allows for the facile and accurate measurement of the recess of a cylindrical core of filter tow which is surrounded by a paper wrapper which extends beyond the core to form the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1995
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Jack S. Moore, Jr., Richard L. Steffen
  • Patent number: 5224275
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for measuring the distance an optical fiber terminated in a connector protrudes from a component of the connector such as a ferrule or the like. A fixed abutment member defines an abutment surface against which the connector component can be moved into engagement. A movable measuring member is mounted for movement relative to the fixed abutment member and is engageable by a distal end of the optical fiber as the connector component is moved into engagement with the abutment surface of the fixed abutment member. Therefore, the amount of relative movement between the movable measuring member and the fixed abutment member directly corresponds to the distance the optical fiber protrudes from the connector component. Calculating electronics are operatively associated with at least the movable measuring member for calculating its amount of movement and, thereby, the protruding distance of the optical fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1993
    Assignee: Molex Incorporated
    Inventor: Jose B. Salzberg
  • Patent number: 5182866
    Abstract: In an automated production process it is essential that individual workpieces 2 should be in their accurate positions when being fed into the machining facility which follows. It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a method and an apparatus for identifying the lateral position of a workpiece, especially a ball hub 2. In carrying out the method in accordance with the invention, first the presence of the workpiece 2 in its position when measured is identified by the reaction of a stationary sensor 17, subsequently the contour of the workpiece is scanned by at least two movable, spaced sensors 22, 23, and the position of the workpiece is identified by determining the difference in travel between the sensors 22, 23.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1993
    Assignee: GKN Automotive
    Inventor: Norbert Heymann
  • Patent number: 5148611
    Abstract: A compact, highly flexible but accurate multimeasurement gauge assembly facilitates many of the measurements required for an automated three piece can manufacturing operation using one gauge. The gauge assembly includes a gauge block having left, right, front and back edge bordering a top reference surface. A measurement well is formed in the top surface adjacent the left edge and slidably receives a digital measurement indicator that may be latitudinally positioned at any one of a plurality of different measurement positions. At least one longitudinally extending track having a slidable reference post is disposed opposite one of the measurement positions to enable measurements using the post as a mechanical stop for positioning a partially manufactured can at various stages in the manufacturing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1992
    Assignee: Beatrice/Hunt-Wesson, Inc.
    Inventor: David W. Raetzel
  • Patent number: 5121328
    Abstract: In a fee calculating apparatus for calculating a delivery fee, when weight data obtained by measurement in a weight measuring section such as an electronic scale, length data obtained by measurement in a length measuring section such as an automatic measure, and area data input by area data input means are all supplied to the calculating means, a delivery fee is calculated from the data by the calculating means in accordance with fee tables such as a parcel rank conversion table and a fee conversion table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1992
    Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tohru Sakai, Hanzou Tsuzuki, Tutomu Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 5105545
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the width dimension of a helical surface of an endmill. The apparatus includes a workholder capable of supporting an endmill in such a position as to optically magnify the surface of the endmill to be measured. The workholder further includes an index arbor capable of rotating the endmill to a selected helical surface. The workholder is slidably connected to an arcuate guidetrack mounted on a microscope platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1992
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: John R. Fletcher
  • Patent number: 5037045
    Abstract: A conveyor comprising a plurality of self-propelled carriers with each carrier having a distance sensor for stepwise detecting the distance between each carrier and a preceding carrier, and a device for controlling the speed of each carrier to maintain the distance within a predetermined range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1991
    Assignee: Nakanishi Metal Works Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takao Wakabayashi
  • Patent number: 4993167
    Abstract: A dressing tool gauge for positioning the cutting tool in removable head type dresser devices for grinding wheels. The dressing tool gauge will indicate the proper position for the cutting tool to dress a predetermined shape on the grinding wheel. A member is placed at the position and the cutting tool is slid into engagement with the member. The cutting tool may then be secured in its holder in that position and placed on the dresser device to be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1991
    Assignee: Susan M. Durfee
    Inventor: David L. Durfee, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4939849
    Abstract: A device for measuring infants has an elongated measuring base having at least one sequence of linear measuring indicia thereon extending from one end of the measuring base parallel to the axis of elongation. The base has a pair of opposed channels extending substantially the length of the measuring base parallel to the axis of elongation. A fixed end stop extends upward from the one end. A measuring stop is slidably connected between the pair of opposed channels of the measuring base. The measuring stop has a channel slide member with two opposed, parallel, channel-engaging edges that are biased to frictionally engage the interior of the opposed channels. Release means is operably connected to the channel slide member for counteracting the bias toward frictional engagement of the interior of said opposed channels. An index panel extends upward from the channel slide member and has an indicating relationship with the sequence of measuring indicia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 10, 1990
    Inventor: Diana L. Johnson