Opposed Contacts Patents (Class 33/783)
  • Patent number: 5970620
    Abstract: A measuring device for measuring aquatic creatures such as fish, crustaceans and shellfish. The measuring device includes a planar element having an elongated body that extends between two ends. At least one marking disposed on said elongated body between the two ends. A predetermined distance exists between each marking and one of said ends. Each predetermined distance corresponds to the legal minimum length of at least one species of fish. Protrusions extend from the elongated body of the planar element. A predetermined distance exists between each protrusion and one of the ends of the planar element. The predetermined distance corresponds to the minimum acceptable length of either a crustacean or a shellfish. As such, the present invention measuring device can be utilized as a yes/no gauge for a plurality of different species of fish, crustaceans and shellfish without the need for adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Inventor: Michael Campbell
  • Patent number: 5918377
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for measuring the width of the mouth of a horse or other domesticated farm animal so as to allow one to select a bit of suitable width. The apparatus includes a crossbar having first and second ends, a first annular stop received on the crossbar adjacent the first end and a second annular stop received on the crossbar adjacent the second end. At least one of the stops slides along the crossbar. The width of the horse's mouth is measured by engaging a first side of the mouth of the horse with the first stop and a second side of the mouth of the horse with the second stop and measuring the distance therebetween along the crossbar. Central openings in the annular stops receive and accommodate any wrinkled flesh around the margin of the mouth are the apparatus is positioned to complete the measurement of the mouth. This insures accurate width measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Equine Oral Limited
    Inventor: Robert A. Ulrich
  • Patent number: 5888150
    Abstract: A golf ball having a would center and a dimple less outer surface having a constant diameter of 1.75 inches and a smoothness which is determined by rolling a golf ball between upper and lower parallel glass plates supported by four support legs and monitoring any changes in an amount of forced needed to roll the ball between the plates for detecting the presence of an imperfection upon the surface of the ball or an out-of-round ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Inventor: James A. Young
  • Patent number: 5873175
    Abstract: A device for taking measurements including a telescoping assembly including a first end telescoping section, a second end telescoping section, and at least one middle telescoping section telescopically connected between the first end and the second end telescoping sections. The first and second end telescoping sections and the middle telescoping sections are marked with incremental measuring markings along the lengths thereof. The far end of the first end telescoping section is provided with a first flip-out measuring stop that is pivotal between a storage position and a use position. The far end of the second end telescoping section is provided with a second flip-out measuring stop that is pivotal between a storage position and a use position. When the first and second flip-out measuring stops are in the use position, each measuring stop extends perpendicularly away from its respective end telescoping section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Inventor: Donald G. Johnston
  • Patent number: 5775652
    Abstract: A quick release clamp (10) for mounting equipment such as a lighting instrument (60) on a structural member such as a pipe (36). The clamp includes a C-shaped body (12) having a jaw portion (16), a back portion (14) and a base portion (18), the jaw and base portions extending from the back portion in spaced opposing disposition. The base portion defines an adjustment aperture (22) that is formed with an internal interrupted thread (24). An elongate tubular coarse adjustment sleeve (26) defines an internal threaded central passage (28) and an external interrupted thread (30) corresponding to the internal interrupted thread of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: A.C.T. Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan W. Crawshaw, Paul J. Katocs, Nicholas J. Watts
  • Patent number: 5735055
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for measuring the thickness of an article having upper and lower surfaces and substantial length and width dimensions, such as a sheet or plate of aluminum or another metal. A table is provided for supporting the article, and one or more openings across the length and width of the table provide access to the lower surface of the article. The table has a plurality of thickness references, each of which has an upper and a lower surface, and the thickness references are spaced across the width of the table at or near a first end. A plurality of pairs of opposed sensors are mounted at spaced intervals on a carriage that extends across the width of the table and is adapted for movement in the longitudinal direction of the table. A first member of each pair of sensors is disposed above the level of the supporting surface of the table opposite a second member that is disposed therebelow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventors: David E. Hochbein, Craig J. Kerney
  • Patent number: 5711083
    Abstract: A gage that measures the size and out of roundness of the inside and outside diameters of ring-shaped parts comprises a centerline hub body together with a free style swing gage. The centerline hub body has extensible jaws that can be adjusted to position the body within the central opening of the part. A vertically protruding cylindrical post is located at the center of the hub body and is adapted to interface with the free style swing gage. The free style swing gage comprises a pair of parallel cylindrical rods that are adapted to fit over the centerline post. On each end of parallel rods is disposed a block, each block having a probe that protrudes downward from the block and is operable to contact a surface of the part to be checked. A front block is associated with a dial indicator connected with the probe to indicate any deviations in size or diameter of the part to be checked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Assignee: Bidwell Corporation
    Inventor: Steven T. Bidwell
  • Patent number: 5697163
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for measuring the width of the mouth of a horse or other domesticated farm animal so as to allow one to select a bit of suitable width. The apparatus includes a crossbar having first and second ends, a first stop received on the crossbar adjacent the first end and a second stop received on the crossbar adjacent the second end. At least one of the stops slides along the crossbar. The width of the horse's mouth is measured by engaging a first side of the mouth of the horse with the first stop and a second side of the mouth of the horse with the second stop and measuring the distance therebetween along the crossbar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignee: Equine Oral Limited
    Inventor: Robert A. Ulrich
  • Patent number: 5596813
    Abstract: Precision measuring instruments having highly parallel and wear-resistant contact members and a method for fabricating these contact areas are disclosed. The measuring instruments preferably include two contact members each having diamond coated ceramic substrates. The method for diamond coating the contact members of the measuring instruments includes, for each contact member, preparing a ceramic substrate to high tolerance so that it has two surfaces which are parallel within 0.25 microns, diamond coating one surface of the substrate by any one of several chemical vapor deposition (CVD) techniques, and metalizing the other surface of the substrate for affixing it to the contact member of the measuring instrument. The metalized surface of the substrate is preferably affixed to the contact members of the measuring instrument by brazing, gluing or welding. Preferred embodiments of the measuring instruments with diamond coated contact areas include calipers and micrometers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Assignee: Saint Gobain/Norton Industrial Ceramics Corp.
    Inventors: Eric E. Olson, Jr., Bela G. Nagy
  • Patent number: 5592747
    Abstract: A portable precision indicator gage for measuring the distance between two contact points. The portable gage is adapted to receive an indicator device for indicating a dimension of an object corresponding to a distance between two contact points having a movable indicator pin defining one of the contact points. The portable gage has a tubular housing including a radial surface having a port for facilitating viewing of an indicator device and a proximal end portion, and spaced axially therefrom a distal end portion. An end cap is connected to the proximal end portion having an end port adapted to receive a movable indicator pin therethrough, including an anchor pin extending outwardly therefrom. The movable indicator pin and the anchor pin define a first and a second contact point, respectively. And, an adjustment mechanism is provided for adjusting the distance between the contact points, and is connected to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Inventor: Dennis B. Kessler
  • Patent number: 5519592
    Abstract: An improved lobster measuring device comprising a pair of indicator tabs formed integral with or attachable to the front end of a flashlight and projecting forward from the front end of the flashlight and spaced apart a distance equal to the minimum legal length for lobsters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Inventor: Peter M. Helms
  • Patent number: 5479720
    Abstract: A caliper measuring system is provided for determining the thickness of a moving sheet. The system comprises first and second caliper sensing heads having first and second sensing shoes positioned on opposite sides of the moving sheet for engaging the sheet. A gap sensor is associated with the first and second sensing shoes for generating distance signals representative of the distance between the first and second sensing shoes and for determining the thickness of the moving sheet based upon the distance signals. The gap sensor includes a processor which determines the thickness of the moving sheet from the distance signals, generates a count of lumps sensed in the moving web, and generates a baring profile representative of rapid thickness variations along the moving sheet in the direction of movement of the sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Assignee: ABB Industrial Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Ake A. Hellstrom, Karsten G. Koester, Thomas A. Frisco, James E. Throm, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5457893
    Abstract: Apparatus for continuously measuring the width of a continuously cast steel slab moving along a roller table including a pair of measuring rolls slidably mounted to a guide rail, one on each side of the slab, and further including an air cylinder interconnected between the two measuring rolls adapted to bias the measuring rolls towards each other sufficient to bring them into contact with, and roll against, the slab sides while the slab is in motion, so that the distance between the contacting surfaces of the measuring rolls will be a measure of the slab width. The slidably mounted cylinder permits measuring roll contact with a slab that is not travelling on center of a roller table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Assignee: Danieli United, Inc.
    Inventor: Herbert Lemper
  • Patent number: 5448505
    Abstract: A feed-through dimensional measurement system for gathering crossectional measurement data from an elongated part and correlating that data with the longitudinal position on the part from which the data was measured. The system includes a measurement apparatus supported on a part support stand having measuring instruments coupled to a central processing unit for recording and correlating the measurement data. A part drive system drives the part through a transport zone on the support stand while a clamping roller module holds the part against two orthogonal planes established by a set of rollers in the transport zone. Web thickness is measured in relation to a vertical reference plane established by one set of the rollers, and part height and warpage is measured with reference to the orthogonal reference plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1995
    Assignee: Tbe Boeing Company
    Inventor: Ronald E. Novak
  • Patent number: 5424837
    Abstract: A container of sample tubes is described with a mechanism for detecting the diameter of variously sized tubes that are placed therein. A method of detection is also described. Both the mechanism and the method rely on pairs of tube holders that are biased together with detectable ends that are spaced farther apart, the larger the tube that is held by the holders. A sensor is provided externally of the container to sense how far apart the ends are spaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1995
    Inventors: Johannes J. Porte, William D. Van Arsdale, Christopher E. Thomas, James D. Riall, Thomas A. Wertman
  • Patent number: 5402584
    Abstract: An assembly and kit adapted to receive an indicator for indicating a dimension of an object corresponding to a distance between two contact points having a moveable indicator pin defining one of the contact points, having: an elongated generally rectangular gauge body having a longitudinally extending recess; an adjustable device for fine adjustment of the depth and longitudinal position of the indicator pin extending at least partially through the recess of the gauge body; an anchor pin for extending downwardly from a gauge body defining the other contact point; and extension structure for course adjustment of the distance between the contact points a predetermined fixed amount, the anchor pin means being couplable to the gauge body or the extension structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1995
    Inventor: Dennis B. Kessler
  • Patent number: 5388707
    Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for inspecting finish dimensions of and detecting finish defects on containers moving sequentially in a predetermined path. More than one container can be inspected simultaneously. The apparatus includes one or more inspection gauges suspended above the container path. A transport system is provided for aiding in moving containers through the gauges and simultaneously axially rotating the containers about a vertical axis. Rotation of the containers allows the inspection gauges to inspect the entire circumference of the containers at one or more levels on the container simultaneously. Defective containers are detected when the relative separation distance between the gauge plates of the inspection gauge falls outside predetermined limits. If a defective container is detected, a rejection assembly may be activated to physically remove the defective container from the container path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1995
    Assignee: AGR International, Inc.
    Inventors: Lloyd Stivison, Henry Dimmick, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5385050
    Abstract: A fabrication of a shim for insertion within a gap extending in two orthogonal directions between two structural members in the building of a mechanical structure is accomplished by measuring the gap to provide a map of gap width. Variations in gap width appear in the map so as to enable machining of the shim with corresponding variations in thickness so as to fit accurately in the gap. Measurement of the gap width is attained by use of two acousto-electric transducer assemblies, each of which is constructed as an array of electrode discs produced by photolithography upon a flexible, electrically-insulating film of piezoelectric material which serves as a substrate for support of electrodes on a front surface thereof and a ground plane structure on a back surface thereof. The two transducer assemblies are secured adhesively to corresponding surfaces of structural members defining the gap, and an acoustically-transmissive gel is disposed between the two transducer assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1995
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventor: William E. Roberts
  • Patent number: 5383283
    Abstract: A device for measuring the diameter and circumference of a flexible circular object which includes two movable gauge pieces. The flexible circular object to be measured is place between the two gauge pieces and compressed thus forcing the object to be measured to conform to the shape of the gauge. The distance separating the gauge pieces is measured and is compared to the gap produced by a reference. The length of separation is converted to diameter and circumference measurements by appropriate means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1995
    Assignee: Morton International, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven L. Olsen, Kim D. Riding
  • Patent number: 5375341
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring crimp height between crimped opposite sides of a terminal which has been crimped to an element is provided. The apparatus is particularly useful for measuring the crimp height of a terminal when one or more of the crimped opposite sides has a surface profile that is non-planar, or when a soft insulation sleeve is present on the terminal in the crimp area. The apparatus includes a pair of opposed probe members which are relatively movable between open and closed positions. In the open position the probe members are spaced apart- In the closed position the probe members are biased against the crimped opposite sides by springs. The probe members are specially configured to match the surface profiles of the crimped opposite sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1994
    Assignee: The Whitaker Corporation
    Inventors: David A. College, David J. Erb
  • Patent number: 5363566
    Abstract: A clamping assembly for attaching a probe device to an attachment arm of a measuring instrument which extends from the instrument along a first axis. The probe device has a base arm positioned adjacent to the attachment arm in an axially overlapping manner. The clamping assembly includes a first annular clamping member proximate the measuring instrument, a second annular clamping member positioned axially adjacent the first clamping member, a rotatable annular clamping ring encompassing the first and second clamping members, and an arrangement for offsetting a central bore of the second clamping member relative to a central bore of the first clamping member along an axis extending perpendicular to the first axis during a relative axial movement between the clamping ring and the first clamping member. The effect is to urge the base arm into abutment with the attachment arm in a direction along the second axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Assignee: Mitutoyo Corporation
    Inventors: Shingo Nishina, Tamio Suzuki, Kazuhiko Kimura
  • Patent number: 5351410
    Abstract: The invention relates to an inspection device for inspecting the dimensions of an object, the device being of the type comprising a support-forming portion together with an elastically deformable system having two measurement arms and an element connected to the arms in such a manner as to be displaced in an axial direction for co-operating with an associated displacement sensor. According to the invention, the deformable system is in the form of a one-piece element that is generally W-shaped, with two hinged measurement arms connected together by two link arms, together with an axially movable central arm; the one-piece element is essentially flat, and it deforms in its own plane when contactors provided at the ends of the hinged measurement arms are moved apart or towards each other. The device is particularly applicable to inspecting inside or outside diameters of mechanical workpieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1994
    Assignee: Societe Industrielle de Liaisons Electriques-Silec
    Inventor: Lucien Hainneville
  • Patent number: 5313715
    Abstract: A vernier calipers incorporated height gauge including a vernier calipers, a bottom block having an elongate groove at the top into which the stationary jaw of the vernier calipers is inserted and fixed by a screw, a locating block horizontally fastened to the vernier of the vernier calipers by a screw, a marking knife, and a connecting rod having a top end connected to locating block by a screw and a bottom end connected to the marking knife by a screw. An open chamfer is made on the bottom block and detachably covered with a lid for storing the marking knife, the connecting rod, and the locating block, when the height gauge is not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Inventor: Lung Y. Wang
  • Patent number: 5309648
    Abstract: An orthopaedic gauge 1 for measuring a length dimension of an elongated orthopaedic device, such as a screw 50, 60, or 70 or a pin or other elongated orthopaedic device. The gauge 1 includes a base portion 10 having a fixed reference point thereon, such as a raised post 12, and a raised platform 20 extending from the base portion 10 and spaced from the reference point. The raised platform 20 includes a plurality of stops 22. One end of the orthopaedic device is positioned about the reference point and the device is swung through an arc about the reference point until the other end of the device abuts one of the plurality of stops on the raised platform. A suitable scale such as 38 or 39 is provided to correspond with the plurality of stops for determining a length dimension of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1994
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall N. Allard, Bradley T. Durcholz
  • Patent number: 5293695
    Abstract: The present invention instrument measures the differential distances between two adjacent surfaces. To accomplish this end, the instrument has a main body to which there is pivotally coupled a U frame whose arms extend at an angle from its base, so that as the former is pivoted in one direction, the latter will correspondingly pivot in an opposite direction. Contact points are provided to the arms and the bottom surface of the body, and the base of the U frame is biased by a spring loaded slidable element within the body which in turn is connected to a transducer. Thus, as the instrument is moved between two adjacent surfaces, the lower and upper contacts having previously been adjusted to maintain contact with the respective lower and upper surfaces, any deviation in the space between the two being measured adjacent surfaces would cause the U frame to pivotally move.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1994
    Assignee: Equipment Development Services
    Inventor: Frank A. Olshefsky
  • Patent number: 5276976
    Abstract: An interchangeable indicator tip device for a dial indicator gauge features a rotatable turret having a plurality of indicator tips. Each indicator tip is rotatable to position a selected indicator tip into a measurement position where the selected tip functions as the indicator tip for the dial indicator gauge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Inventor: Hollis D. Hawkes
  • Patent number: 5235748
    Abstract: A seal cutter for cutting seal material formed on a bottle neck, such as a wine bottle, includes a handle, a stationary jaw member and a movable jaw member. The movable jaw member is formed with a base portion slidably mounted to a track formed on the handle. A spring biased adjustment member is slidably mounted within a channel formed in the handle for adjustably locking the position of the movable jaw member with respect to the stationary jaw member. The adjustment member includes a triangular shaped tooth that mates with triangular shaped slots formed on the base of the movable jaw member to lock the position of the movable jaw member. A cutter wheel is rotatably mounted to the stationary jaw member for cutting the seal material on a bottle that is held between the stationary and movable jaw members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1993
    Inventor: Albert J. Jahn
  • Patent number: 5224274
    Abstract: A contact gage having a pair of elongated, pivotal gaging levers mounted in laterally spaced, side-by-side association and having lateral gaging contacts at the forward ends thereof. A V-shaped motion translation reed is mounted on and symmetrically between the rear ends of the gaging levers and has a central contact which moves linearly, perpendicular to the arc of relative pivotal movement of the gaging levers, to translate the relative pivotal movement of the gaging levers into linear movement of the central contact. The central contact is engaged by a linear pickup to detect the position of the contact and thereby detect the lateral distance between the gaging contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1993
    Assignee: The Edmunds Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: William J. Blaiklock
  • Patent number: 5208997
    Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for grading flowers on the basis of the thickness of the stem, wherein each flower stem is passed between a rotatable roller and a restraint. One of these two members is arranged for movement and is urged towards the other member under the influence of a force. The displacement of the rotatable roller resulting from the passage of the flower stem is a measure for the thickness of the stem. The rotatable roller is driven at a peripheral velocity which is approximately equal to the speed of the passing flowers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1993
    Assignee: Aweta B.V.
    Inventor: Adrianus W. Tas
  • Patent number: 5191720
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a spot welding inspecting apparatus for inspecting a weld between two metal plates which are subjected to spot welding without destroying the metal plates or weld. A pair of knife gauges having an interval therebetween larger than the diameter of the weld are inserted between the welded metal plates by a continuous impact of the hammer which is driven by a compressed air and pushed between the metal plates so as to clamp the weld. Thereafter, the piston is moved so that the knife gauges may approach the weld to indicate the distance between the knife gauges with the index.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1993
    Inventors: Yoshimi Miura, Masaaki Miura
  • Patent number: 5177875
    Abstract: A measuring machine for measuring an article is disclosed. The machine includes a frame which mounts a movable carriage. A vertically movable measuring assembly is mounted on the carriage. The measuring assembly includes a pair of spaced measuring arms. A drive cylinder moves the measuring arms to engage the article. A linear scale is mounted adjacent the measuring arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1993
    Assignee: Automatic Handling, Inc.
    Inventor: David J. Pienta
  • Patent number: 5174030
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the length or perimeter of an object has a main housing part provided with a main abutment and forming a main attachment location and a movable housing part provided with a movable abutment normally spaced longitudinally from the main abutment and with a movable location forming a guide. The movable part is longitudinally displaceable on the main housing part so as to displace the abutments longitudinally relative to each other and also to displace the locations longitudinally relative to each other. A flexible but substantially inextensible element has an outer end fixed to the main attachment location and an outer portion extending between the locations, passes through the guide at the movable location, has an intermediate portion guided in the movable part, and has an inner portion extending in the main portion and an inner end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1992
    Assignee: Centre Technique Cuir Chaussure Maroquinerie
    Inventors: Robert Clot, Jerome Darragon, Bernard Buffevant
  • Patent number: 5167077
    Abstract: A device for measuring a linear dimension of a component includes a shaft, a worktable base for supporting one end of the shaft, and an end plate for supporting the other end of the shaft in spaced relation to a surface of the worktable. The device also includes a saddle movable along the shaft between the worktable base and the end plate. The worktable base includes a first support table, and the saddle includes a second support table, co-planar with the first support table. Each support table has a removable measuring pin extending upwardly at an angle substantially normal to the surface of the table. The support tables have a configuration designed to support at least a portion of the component in engagement with a respective measuring pin over a wide range of pin separations. A linear scale measures the linear displacement of the measuring pins and provides an indication of the linear dimension of the component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1992
    Inventor: Howard Etchell
  • Patent number: 5154003
    Abstract: A caliper has a pair of arms which are connected for rotation about a pivot point. Each arm has a tip and a contact surface is connected to one of the arms. The caliper includes a mechanical or electronic indicator which is responsive to the relative position of the arms for providing an indication of a dimension, such as the diameter, radius, circumference, or cross-sectional area, of an object. The caliper has an extended range and can provide an indication of the dimension when the tips of the arms and the contact surface simultaneously contact nondiametrically opposed points on the surface of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1992
    Inventor: Curtis R. Moore
  • 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: 5121559
    Abstract: A device for recognizing different type parts, each type having a predetermined dimension, comprises an abutment against which one side of the part is positioned, a mobile feeler including a mobile abutment adapted to be brought into contact with the other side of the part and a sensor comprising at least one masking member fastened to the feeler and at least one fixed sensor. The device is adapted to be fitted to a machine for processing window or French-window frames to determine the type of frame to be processed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1992
    Assignee: Ferco International Usine de Ferrures de Batiment
    Inventor: Jean-Jacques Kautt
  • Patent number: 5116234
    Abstract: There is specified a measuring arrangement for rotationally symmetrical workpieces with an adjustable clamping device which carriers the workpiece, and with a movable measuring slide which carries at least one measuring head which measures the workpiece with a sensing pin in a radial direction or an axial direction or both, as the disadvantage is avoided that with a change of the measuring assignment another sensing pin adapted to the new measuring assignment must be reoutfitted in a complicated manner. To accomplish this task the measuring head is equipped with a sensing pin carrier that carries several sensing pins and is turnable. Thus, the sensing pins can be turned rapidly into the measuring position. There they are held fast by a stopping device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1992
    Assignee: Dr.-Ing. Hofler Messgeratebau GmbH
    Inventors: Hans-Ulrich Bertz, Willi Meder
  • Patent number: 5105554
    Abstract: An instrument for measuring the dimensions of a rigid object (10) comprises a fixed member (1), a mobile member (2) slidably mounted on the fixed member, means for indicating the resulting measurement, and a locking device (3) allowing the mobile member (2) to be moved on the fixed member (1) to hold two bearing points (X, X') on the members in contact with the object (10) being measured with a substantially constant bearing force. The locking device comprises a first sleeve (20) slidably mounted on the mobile member (2) under the action of springs (24), and a second sleeve (30) slidably mounted on the fixed member (1) and inside which is a tipping ring (36) connected by a rod (40) to the first sleeve. The second sleeve (30), by acting on the first sleeve (20), enables loading the springs (24) to produce the bearing force when the instrument is in contact with the object (10) being measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1992
    Assignee: Schnyder & Cie S.A.
    Inventors: Urs Schnyder, Robert Wust
  • Patent number: 5103681
    Abstract: A diametral clamp element includes a body having one end connectable to a clamping device, a contact point located on an opposite end of the body in line with a clamping force vector of the clamping device, and a centering device disposed symmetrically about the contact point for aligning the center of the substantially cylindrical member with the contact point and thus the clamping force vector and holding the alignment thereof during application of the clamping force. In one embodiment, the centering device is a pair of flexures formed symmetrically about the contact point, whereas in an alternative embodiment, the spring centering device includes a pair of spring-loaded pins, each having a rounded head for providing centering contact points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1992
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventor: Winslow K. Duff
  • Patent number: 5099585
    Abstract: An in-process gage is disclosed utilizing a four bar linkage system having a floating bar in the form of a bellcrank with an active feeler connected to the bellcrank and engageable with the workpiece surface. A fixed feeler is attached directly to the gage body. Movement of the active feeler to stay in contact with the workpiece surface as it is machined results in motion of the bellcrank relative to the gage body. This motion is transferred to an electronic position sensing transducer producing an electrical signal representing the workpiece size used to control the machining process. The four bar linkage system provides for precise rotation of the active feeler with virtually zero backlash enabling a gage to be constructed that is relatively thin to fit into narrow working envelopes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1992
    Assignee: Control Gaging, Inc.
    Inventor: Karl J. Liskow
  • Patent number: 5095638
    Abstract: A portable measuring system for making a series of thickness measurements of a material such as an aircraft skin and for determining therefrom the sizes and quantities of standard size fasteners required for fastening the material. For each measurement, a fixed probe is inserted through a hole in the material so as to engage an inner surface of the material, and a slidable probe engages an outer surface of the material to measure the material's thickness. Each measurement is compared to a table stored in associated data processing equipment to relate the measured thickness to the applicable standard fastener size. The sizes and numbers of standard fasteners required are accumulated over the series of measurements and displayed to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1992
    Assignee: Northrop Corporation
    Inventors: Donald W. David, Stephen A. Montero
  • Patent number: 5088207
    Abstract: An electronic saddle micrometer to measure the differential diameter and the profile of cylindrical rolls used in flat rolled product mills, which permits continuous and accurate measurement and recording of profile data over the entire length of the roll without repositioning the measuring arm assembly, by means of a dual set of measuring arm assemblies, one at each end of the saddle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1992
    Inventors: Harry E. Betsill, Bruce E. Bresnick
  • Patent number: 5083384
    Abstract: Device comprising a support (50) with a seat (51) housing a measuring cell (53) with a movable armset (54) having a feeler (61) adapted to contact the part to be checked. In order to reduce the overall dimensions of the device, while guaranteeing the seat sealing and the stiffness of the movable armset, the seat (51) is closed by a metal lamina (62) coupled to the support (50) and a resilient seal (64) coupled to the metal lamina (62) and the feeler (61).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1992
    Assignee: Marposs Societa' per Azioni
    Inventors: Mario Possati, Carlo Dall'Aglio
  • Patent number: 5067250
    Abstract: A measuring device is described for measuring the gap and/or flush between two parts (70,71), comprising a housing (1) having a base (13) with an application face (14) which, in use, is placed on the surface of one of the parts (70). A probe (11) projects from the housing (1) and is movable against a return force (35) in the direction of the housing (1), the probe (11) being placed in use against the other of the parts. Electromechanical transducers (2,3) are disposed within the housing (1) for detecting the displacement of the probe (11). To avoid errors caused by improper positioning of the device on the parts (70,71), the base (13) is pivotably connected to the housing (1), and orientation sensing switches (63) are provided for sensing when the axis of the housing (1) is in a predetermined orientation in relation to the base (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1991
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Willi Auweiler, Bernd Solbach, Robert Luetzeler
  • Patent number: 5063687
    Abstract: The adjustable measuring parallel has a head assembly that includes upper and lower slider blocks that are mated to each other at an incline, which may be a common transversal incline. The upper slider block is connected to a movable extender rod member which has connected to its other end a ferromagnetic core. The lower slider block is connected to a stationary extender member which is threaded to a handle that has a cavity in which a linear variable differential transformer (LVDT) is fitted. By moving the movable extender member in directions along the longitudinal axis of the instrument, the upper slider block is forced against the lower slider block such that relative movements are effected between the two slider blocks along a direction orthogonal to the parallel surfaces of the slider blocks, or the longitudinal axis of the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1991
    Assignee: Equipment Development Services
    Inventor: Frank A. Olshefsky
  • Patent number: 5056238
    Abstract: A pair of vernier calipers includes a shaft. A vernier is slidable along the shaft. A protractor has a base coupled to the vernier. A follower is pivotally coupled on the base. A spring is biased between the follower and the base so as to bias the follower to rotate in one direction relative to the base. A graduation is provided on the follower. A mark is provided on the base. When the vernier is pushed toward an object, the follower is caused to rotate so that a relative movement between the mark and the graduation indicates an angular dimension of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1991
    Inventor: Yi C. Chi
  • Patent number: 5050112
    Abstract: The Specimen coordinate Automated Measuring Machine (SCAMM) and the Fiducial Automated Measuring Machine (FAMM) is a computer controlled metrology system capable of measuring length, width, and thickness, and of locating fiducial marks. SCAMM and FAMM have many similarities in their designs, and they can be converted from one to the other without taking them out of the hot cell. Both have means for: supporting a plurality of samples and a standard; controlling the movement of the samples in the +/- X and Y directions; determining the coordinates of the sample; compensating for temperature effects; and verifying the accuracy of the measurements and repeating as necessary. SCAMM and FAMM are designed to be used in hot cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1991
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventors: Robert E. Hedglen, Howard S. Jacket, Allan I. Schwartz
  • Patent number: 5042160
    Abstract: A contacting caliper gauge for measuring the thickness of a moving sheet. The gauge has two extendible members located opposite one another on opposite sides of the sheet. Each extendible member forces a caliper pad into contact with the sheet. Each pad is connected to the extendible member so that the rear portion of the pad exerts greater pressure on the sheet than the front portion. Each pad is also preferably tapered so that the rear end surface and the sheet contacting surface form a sharp edge at the rear of the pad and an angle of 90 degrees or less. Both the shape of the pad and its positioning with respect to the extendible member act to limit build up of adhesive material on the sheet contacting surface of the pads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1991
    Assignee: Measurex Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Kasten, James Foster, Gregory Weber
  • Patent number: 5027527
    Abstract: Precision measuring machine (10) has a bed (12) with a tailstock (14) and headstock (16) mounted thereon. Anvils (36, 42) are respectively mounted on the tailstock and headstock. Duct walls enclose the lower portion of the bed so that fan (62) can move air therepast. Cap shrouds (72, 82) receive air from fan shrouds (68, 84) to flood air over the tailstock and headstock. Anvil shrouds (76, 90) respectively cover anvils (36, 42) and receive air through tubes (80, 92) to also flood the anvils with air. In this way, the precision measuring machine is bathed in ambient air to reduce dimensional changes due to temperature changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1991
    Assignee: Hughes Aircraft Company
    Inventor: Albert W. Dorris
  • Patent number: RE34078
    Abstract: The apparatus of this invention comprises parallel table surface portions with an elongated slot therebetween. A carriage mean is mounted below the two table surfaces and has an upstanding pin extending therefrom and extending into the slot and slightly above the table surface. A spring extending from a support arm through which the pin extends and a washer affixed to the pin normally causes the pin to be in its uppermost protruding position. A lever is affixed to the lower end of the pin to compress the spring to cause the pin to retract within the slot. An elongated straight gauge member extneds across the table surface portions to serve as a measuring reference point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1992
    Inventor: Dennis R. Hesseltine