Micrometer Patents (Class 33/813)
  • Patent number: 11839386
    Abstract: An osteotome guide is provided. The osteotome guide includes a handle, a shaft within the handle and slidable to a selected longitudinal position with respect to the handle, a tool coupler attached to a distal end of the shaft for receiving a working tool, and a lock assembly to lock the shaft into the selected longitudinal position with respect to the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: Shukla Medical
    Inventor: Zachary Robert Sweitzer
  • Patent number: 11038231
    Abstract: An exemplary battery assembly includes an endwall, an endplate, and a flange secured within a recess to secure the endwall relative to the endplate. One of the endwall or the endplate provides the flange, and the other of the endwall or the endplate provides the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Scott Benedict, Brent Zapczynski, Michael Reibling, Eid Farha
  • Patent number: 9297628
    Abstract: A primer pocket gauge tool for handloading ammunition is provided, in which the size of the pocket can be verified prior to installation of a specific primer thereinto. The device comprises an elongated member having a first end and a second end, the first end adapted to verify that the pocket meets the minimum dimensions for a specific primer, and the second end adapted to verify the pocket is below the maximum diameter for the same primer. The first end has a diameter and a depth marker to measure the diameter of the primer pocket and its depth, while the second end has a diameter equal to the maximum allowable primer pocket diameter for the given primer. The user verifies the pocket tolerances for a specific primer prior to installation. Also contemplated are individual maximum and minimum gauge members, and incorporation into a swage tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Inventor: John Lang Sluder, III
  • Patent number: 9163926
    Abstract: A first reception wiring and a first magnetic flux coupler form a first track having a shape periodically changing in a rotation direction of the rotor at a first pitch. A second reception wiring and a second magnetic flux coupler form a second track having a shape periodically changing in a rotation direction of the rotor at a second pitch. The first reception wiring and the second reception wiring are stacked via a first insulative layer in a direction in which a rotation shaft extends. The first magnetic flux coupler and the second magnetic flux coupler are stacked via a second insulative layer in a direction in which the rotation shaft extends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Mitutoyo Corporation
    Inventor: Kouji Sasaki
  • Patent number: 9027255
    Abstract: A micrometer includes: a frame; an anvil; a spindle; an encoder; a display; a strain gauge that detects a deformation of the frame; a storage that stores a change amount of the detection value (a displacement of the spindle detected by the encoder) per a unit deformation detected by the strain gauge, as a compensation factor; and a compensator that compensates the detection value based on a difference between a zeroset-time deformation that is detected by the strain gauge when a command for zeroset is given and a measurement-time deformation that is detected by the strain gauge in measurement, and based on the compensation factor stored in the storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Mitutoyo Corporation
    Inventor: Shozaburo Tsuji
  • Patent number: 8997369
    Abstract: A micrometer drive configuration for a handheld micrometer comprises: a frame; a spindle; a linear displacement sensor that senses a displacement of the spindle; a threaded spindle drive having a relatively coarse thread pitch, wherein the threaded spindle drive is attached to a spindle drive gear; a planetary drive gear that mates to the spindle drive gear; a ring gear surrounding and mating to the planetary drive gear; and a thimble generally surrounding the spindle drive gear, the planetary drive gear, and the ring gear. The thimble is coupled to drive the spindle drive gear through the planetary drive gear, and the planetary drive gear is sized and mounted such that the spindle drive gear turns faster than the thimble.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Mitutoyo Corporation
    Inventor: Benjamin Keith Jones
  • Publication number: 20150082650
    Abstract: A device and system for precise measurement of a thickness and determination of a profile of a slider row bar. The device includes a bar mount fixture having a structure for supporting the row bar by an edge, a first probe and a second probe on either side of the row bar, each probe being a non-contact sensor with a measurement precision of 0.5 micrometer, with each of the probes laterally moveable in relation to the bar mount fixture. Also included are methods of using a device for precisely measuring of a thickness and determining of a profile of a slider row bar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Applicant: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Leping Li, Sarah R. Marotz, Kara L. Maytag
  • Patent number: 8707573
    Abstract: A device, system, and method for generating low clearance slidably mated parts. In an exemplary embodiment, the system includes a measurement device having a non-contact micrometer capable of coincidentally indicating opposing edge data, rotational and linear air bearing slides, and a holding device. The non-contact micrometer allows for measurement of a plurality of parameters of a first part including the diameter and the difference between an edge of the first part and a reference point. The coincidental measurements are used to determine the size and geometric errors associated with the first part after suitable error elimination. In an exemplary system, a processing machine may be instructed by the measurement device to remove material from a second part so that the first part and the second part when mated together have a very low clearance tolerance level, e.g., as little as 0.00005 inches or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Sonnax Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: William M. DeRoche, Garry J. Emge
  • Patent number: 8413348
    Abstract: A displacement measuring instrument includes a spindle screwed to a stationary sleeve, a thimble, an operation sleeve, and a constant pressure mechanism. The constant pressure mechanism includes: a rotary driving element rotatable together with the operation sleeve; a rotary driven element coupled to the rotary driving element in such a manner as to be rotatable together with the rotary driving element but not to be rotatable when a predetermined or more load is applied to the spindle; and a rotation transmitting mechanism transmitting a rotation of the rotary driven element to the spindle. A male thread portion with the same pitch as that of a male thread portion of the spindle is formed on the outer circumference of the stationary sleeve. A female thread portion is formed on the inner circumference of the thimble and screwed to the male thread portion of the stationary sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Mitutoyo Corporation
    Inventor: Shozaburo Tsuji
  • Publication number: 20120324749
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring a space between parts having restricted access is disclosed. An apparatus may comprise an elongate member, a flange, and a measurement system. An end of the elongate member is configured to move through a hole in a first structure into a space located between the first structure and a second structure. The flange extends from the elongate member. The elongate member is configured to expand after the flange exits the hole in the first structure such that the flange is unable to pass back through the hole. The measurement system is configured to measure movement of the end of the elongate member to identify a length of the space between the first structure and the second structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Paul Gregory Kostenick, JR., Darrell Darwin Jones, Tracy Edward Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 8296966
    Abstract: A micrometer includes: a body; a fixed sleeve that is fixed to the body; a spindle that is screwed to the fixed sleeve; a thimble that is rotatably fitted to an outer circumference of the fixed sleeve and has an outer end connected to the spindle; an operation sleeve fitted over a range from an outer circumference of the thimble to an outer end of the spindle and being rotatable relative to the thimble; and a constant pressure mechanism that is disposed between the operation sleeve and the spindle, the constant pressure mechanism transmitting a rotation of the operation sleeve to the spindle and allowing a free rotation of the operation sleeve against the spindle when a predetermined or more amount of load is applied on the spindle. Ball bearings are disposed between the thimble and the operation sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Mitutoyo Corporation
    Inventors: Shuji Hayashida, Yuji Fujikawa
  • Patent number: 8033032
    Abstract: An inside diameter measuring tool includes: a main body; an axially moving spindle having a male screw to be screwed to the main body; a plurality of contact pieces provided on the main body, the measuring pieces moving in a direction substantially orthogonal to the axial direction of the spindle; and a conical member interposed between the contact pieces and the spindle, the conical member advancing and retracting the contact pieces in the direction substantially orthogonal to the axial direction of the spindle. The lead of the male screw of the spindle is 1.0 mm or more and the cone angle of the conical member is less than 53 degrees. Preferably, the lead of the male screw is 2.0 mm and the cone angle of the conical member is approximately 28 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Mitutoyo Corporation
    Inventors: Yuji Fujikawa, Masahiko Tachikake, Kouji Matsumoto, Shuji Hayashida
  • Patent number: 7877894
    Abstract: A digital displacement measuring instrument includes a spindle screwed into a body to be axially advanced and retracted relative to the body; and an encoder that detects a displacement of the spindle. The encoder includes a rotor and a stator. The rotor is supported by a rotor bushing. The rotor bushing includes an engaging key engageable with a key groove axially provided on the outer circumference of the spindle, and is displaceable in the axial direction of the spindle via a position adjusting screw. The stator is fixed to the body via a stator bushing in the vicinity of the spindle so as not to be displaceable in the axial direction of the spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Mitutoyo Corporation
    Inventors: Shuji Hayashida, Nobuyuki Hayashi, Shozaburo Tsuji, Yasuhiro Tsujimoto, Masahiko Tachikake, Yuji Fujikawa, Takashi Komori, Junji Masui
  • Patent number: 7841102
    Abstract: A measurement apparatus for measuring a distance between a base surface and an upper surface of a stepped structure of a workpiece. The measurement apparatus includes a supporting member having an upper surface for supporting the workpiece, a holding member fixed on the top surface, and a micrometer. The holding member includes a reference platform and a depression formed on the reference platform and facing the upper surface. The micrometer is fixed to the holding member and includes an extendable measuring shaft with a contacting portion extending out of the reference platform. The distance is measured by pushing the workpiece into the depression until the base surface make contact with the reference platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shi-Xin Xiao, Chung-Yuan Chen, Long-Fong Chen
  • Patent number: 7790229
    Abstract: A method for adjusting a spacing of a leveling plate from a chamber body comprises attaching a mounting stud that includes a stud threaded surface to the chamber body. An adjustment screw is provided that has a first threaded surface threadingly engaged with the stud threaded surface. A bushing is provided that has a bushing threaded surface threadingly engaged with a second threaded surface of the adjustment screw. The bushing is movably coupled to the leveling plate. Coarse adjustment of the spacing between the leveling plate and the chamber body is made by rotating the adjustment screw with respect to the mounting stud. The bushing is fixed to the leveling plate. Fine adjustment of the spacing between the leveling plate and the chamber body is made by rotating the adjustment screw with respect to the mounting stud and the bushing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventor: Kirby Floyd
  • Patent number: 7584551
    Abstract: An absolute position measuring apparatus includes a first rotary encoder that detects a rotation of a spindle as a phase signal which varies in a first cycle and a second rotary encoder that detects the rotation of the spindle as another phase signal which varies in a second cycle. A rotation of a first rotor of the first rotary encoder is transmitted to a second rotor via a relay gear that is meshed with a first gear provided on an outer circumference of a first rotary cylinder and a second gear provided on an outer circumference of a second rotary cylinder. Thus, an absolute position of the spindle is calculated on the basis of two phase signals that are different in cycle. Further, it is not necessary to provide a conventionally-known spiral key groove so that the apparatus can be easily downsized. Manufacturing costs can be also reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Mitutoyo Corporation
    Inventors: Masamichi Suzuki, Shuji Hayashida, Shozaburo Tsuji
  • Patent number: 7484314
    Abstract: A micrometer screw gauge comprises a divided measuring spindle. The gauge's front part representing the measuring screw is secured in a torque-proof manner in a guide element. The rear section configured as a threaded spindle has the same diameter. In so doing, it is coupled in an axially rigid but rotatable manner to the measuring screw. This measuring spindle may replace a conventional, rigid, continuous measuring spindle of a micrometer screw gauge and, in so doing, results, without substantial design change, in a micrometer screw gauge comprising a non-rotatable measuring spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Carl Mahr Holding GmbH
    Inventor: Hansjörg Weissinger
  • Patent number: 7467480
    Abstract: A rotation transmitter (44) includes a rotor support member (440) provided on an outer circumference of a spindle (2), a rotary piece (45) provided with an engaging portion (46) that is adapted to be engaged with an engaging groove (23), and a coil spring (48) provided between the rotary piece (45) and the rotor support member (440). The rotary piece (45) is supported by the rotor support member (440) in a manner rotatable in a circumferential direction of a rotation shaft (441) provided parallel to the axis of the spindle (2) and the coil spring (48) biases the engaging portion (46) onto the engaging groove (23) via the rotary piece (45).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: Mitutoyo Corporation
    Inventors: Shuji Hayashida, Shozaburo Tsuji
  • Patent number: 7321231
    Abstract: A measuring instrument has a phase signal transmitter that transmits, in accordance with a rotation of the spindle, a phase signal that differs corresponding to the rotation angle of the spindle, and an arithmetic processor that arithmetically processes the phase signal to obtain the absolute position of the spindle. The phase signal transmitter transmits the phase signal at a predetermined pitch. Since the phase signal differs corresponding to the rotation angle of the spindle, a rotation angle of the spindle is uniquely determined by the phase signal. Unlike an increment type measuring instrument, since there is no concern that the signal will be skip-read, the spindle can be rotated at high speed, so that operational performance of the micrometer can be improved. Further, since there is no concern that the signal will be skip-read, the phase signal can be minutely varied with respect to the rotation of the spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Assignee: Mitutoyo Corporation
    Inventors: Shuuji Hayashida, Shozaburo Tsuji, Yuji Fujikawa
  • Patent number: 7266906
    Abstract: A measuring tool has a slider (3) supported to a body frame (1) and a feeding mechanism (4) for moving the slider in axial direction. The feeding mechanism includes: an outer roller (41) rotatably supported to the body frame (1); a forward feed roller (42) disposed between the outer roller (41) and the slider (3) at a position closer to a forward side of the slider (3) relative to the outer roller (41); a reverse feed roller (43) disposed at a position on a reverse side; a roller holder (45) supporting these feed rollers to allow them to move along the circumference around the axis of the outer roller; a first leaf spring (44) that biases these feed rollers toward the slider side; and a power transmitter (46) connecting the outer roller (41) to these feed rollers to transmit the rotation of the outer roller to the feed rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Mitutoyo Corporation
    Inventor: Masamichi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7111413
    Abstract: A distance measuring instrument has a measuring axis; a measuring spindle disposed rotatably and shiftably in a housing such that a rotary motion of the measuring spindle results in a corresponding shift of the measuring spindle along the measuring axis; a stationary sensor element which is immobile relative to the housing and a movable sensor element which is connected to the measuring spindle to rotate therewith and which is shiftable relative to the measuring spindle along the measuring axis; and a guiding device for guiding the relative shifting motion between the movable sensor element and the measuring spindle, and having a guiding sleeve connected to the movable sensor element for rotation therewith; the guiding sleeve has an inner groove which extends parallel to the measuring axis and a guiding member which is connected to the measuring spindle for rotation therewith and which projects shiftably into the inner groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: Carl Mahr Holding GmbH
    Inventor: Wolfgang Seibold
  • Patent number: 7043852
    Abstract: A measuring instrument that includes a tube 21 having a female thread 211 and a spindle 3 having a lead screw 31 screwing with the female thread 211 and capable of being advanced and retracted in an axial direction along with rotation around the axial center, and measures dimensions etc. of a workpiece according to displacement in an axial direction of the spindle 3 based on a rotation amount of the spindle 3. According to this measuring instrument, a pitch P of the lead screw 31 is twice as large or more than the difference between an external diameter R and a core diameter r thereof, and the difference between the external diameter R and the core diameter r is one-fifth or less of the external diameter R. Because of the lead screw 31 with the large pitch, the spindle 3 can be moved at high speed, thus enhancing operational performance of the measuring instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Mitutoyo Corporation
    Inventors: Shuuji Hayashida, Yuji Fujikawa, Yuichi Ichikawa, Osamu Saito, Nobuyuki Hayashi, Takahiro Nakamura, Yuuzou Hashimoto, Tomio Omori
  • Patent number: 7020979
    Abstract: A stator (42) is hooked in a frame body (10) away with a prespecified space from a spindle (2), so that it is not necessary to fix the stator with a screw. The stator (42), therefore, can easily be mounted, and further as it is not necessary to provide a screw hole in the frame body (10), so that the need for waterproofing processing associated with a screw hole is eliminated. Further the stator (42) is hooked in a protrusion (53) of an electronic unit (50) inside the frame body (10) away with a prespecified space from the spindle (2), so that a rotation thereof in the peripheral direction of the spindle due to play and rattle is small and a measurement error can be suppressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Mitutoyo Corporation
    Inventors: Shuuji Hayashida, Yuji Fujikawa, Yuichi Ichikawa, Osamu Saito, Takahiro Nakamura
  • Patent number: 7013576
    Abstract: Provided is a measuring device 1 for measuring the size of an object comprising a body 2, and a spindle 3 which is screwed into the body 2 and axially advances and retracts by screwing with respect to the body 2, the measurement being based on the axial displacement of the spindle 3 effected by the revolution of the spindle, wherein the spindle is screwed into the body 2 via a multiple-start thread 31. Therefore, it is possible to displace the spindle 3 at a high speed, which improves the operability of the measuring device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Mitutoyo Corporation
    Inventors: Shuuji Hayashida, Kouji Sasaki, Yuichi Ichikawa, Osamu Saito, Seigo Takahashi, Masamichi Suzuki, Tetsuya Nakadoi, Masahiko Tachikake, Takahiro Nakamura, Masafumi Okamoto, Yuuzou Hashimoto
  • Publication number: 20040250439
    Abstract: A stator (42) is hooked in a frame body (10) away with a prespecified space from a spindle (2), so that it is not necessary to fix the stator with a screw. The stator (42), therefore, can easily be mounted, and further as it is not necessary to provide a screw hole in the frame body (10), so that the need for waterproofing processing associated with a screw hole is eliminated. Further the stator (42) is hooked in a protrusion (53) of an electronic unit (50) inside the frame body (10) away with a prespecified space from the spindle (2), so that a rotation thereof in the peripheral direction of the spindle due to play and rattle is small and a measurement error can be suppressed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2004
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Applicant: MITUTOYO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shuuji Hayashida, Yuji Fujikawa, Yuichi Ichikawa, Osamu Saito, Takahiro Nakamura
  • Patent number: 6802214
    Abstract: A unit for evaluating various properties of a paper envelope. The unit is capable of examining an envelope and determining key features of the envelope, such as the amount of front seal adhesive present, the tear strength of the side seams and the presence of properly printed graphics. The unit comprises a) a housing having either a touch screen video display unit or another source of data entry; b) a front seal control portion that contains linear encoders to determine the amount of adhesive on the seal; c) a side strength control portion that contains blades used to measure the force needed to burst the sides of the envelope: and d) a print design quality feature that is utilized to confirm the quality and location of any printing on the envelope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: National Starch and Chemical Investment Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Kebart, Jeffrey Reed, George Pesansky, Preston Burton
  • Publication number: 20030121169
    Abstract: Provided is a measuring device 1 for measuring the size of an object comprising a body 2, and a spindle 3 which is screwed into the body 2 and axially advances and retracts by screwing with respect to the body 2, the measurement being based on the axial displacement of the spindle 3 effected by the revolution of the spindle, wherein the spindle is screwed into the body 2 via a multiple-start thread 31. Therefore, it is possible to displace the spindle 3 at a high speed, which improves the operability of the measuring device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2002
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Applicant: Mitutoyo Corporation
    Inventors: Shuuji Hayashida, Kouji Sasaki, Yuichi Ichikawa, Osamu Saito, Seigo Takahashi, Masamichi Suzuki, Tetsuya Nakadoi, Masahiko Tachikake, Takahiro Nakamura, Masafumi Okamoto, Yuuzou Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 6553685
    Abstract: A measuring instrument includes a spindle (11) provided to a body (1), a sleeve (31) movable in the same direction as the spindle and stoppable at a desired position, a connector (41) for connecting the sleeve and the spindle and allowing relative movement of the sleeve and the spindle in the moving direction thereof by a predetermined stroke; a pressure spring (61) accommodated in the sleeve for biasing the spindle in a direction for the spindle to abut to the workpiece through the connector, and a biasing force indicator (71) for indicating the pressure spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Mitutoyo Corporation
    Inventors: Shingo Nishina, Masahiko Tachikake, Yoshiaki Shiraishi, Rie Tanaka, Shuuji Hayashida, Yoshitaka Kuji, Osamu Saito, Tetsuya Nakadoi
  • Publication number: 20030037455
    Abstract: An inside micrometer including an inside micrometer body (1) with a first spindle (11) screwed in an advanceable and retractable manner in an axial direction, to which anvil (30) having different length in increments of a predetermined dimension and an extending collar (40) interposed between the anvil (30) and the inside micrometer body (1) are selectively attached to adjust the measurement range, has an extending rod (50) selectively attached to the inside micrometer body (1) in an attachable and detachable manner and having a second spindle 58 which is advanced and retracted together with the first spindle (11), so that the length of the second spindle (58) is added to the measurement range extended from one of the anvils (30) as well as the length of the extending collar (40), thereby reducing the number of the anvils (30).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2002
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Applicant: Mitutoyo Corporation
    Inventors: Katsunobu Terui, Tadashi Konishi, Minoru Shibahashi
  • Patent number: 6519867
    Abstract: A micrometer comprising a thimble made, at least in part, of a translucent material, a vernier scale on an inner circumference of the thimble along the circumferential direction and a vernier numeral on an outer circumference of the thimble along the circumferential direction, whereby reading error during measurement can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Mitutoyo Corporation
    Inventor: Akitomo Saeki
  • Patent number: 6505414
    Abstract: A comparator (1) has: a frame (2); a spindle and an anvil (4) supported by the frame (2) to be advanceable and retractable in the axial direction thereof; a biaser (39) for biasing the anvil (4) toward the spindle; a release (6) for retracting the anvil relative to the spindle against the biaser (39); an indicator (7); and an indicator driver (8) for transmitting the movement of the anvil (4) to the indicator (7), where a seal member (40, 43, 47) provided on the border between an outer surface of the frame (2) and at least one of the anvil (4), the biaser (39), the release (6) and the indicator (7) and a biasing force adjuster (5) for varying the biasing force of the biaser (39) are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Mitutoyo Corporation
    Inventor: Yuji Fujikawa
  • Patent number: 6354014
    Abstract: A micrometer (1) includes an anvil (3) and a spindle (4) having a flat plate-like distal end. The anvil (3) includes a small-diameter pin (3C) of a predetermined length formed on a distal end portion of a rod-like anvil body (3A), and a detection portion (5) of a tubular shape fitted on the anvil body (3A) to be slidably moved along the anvil body (3A), a distal end of the detection portion (5) being formed into a plate-like shape, a pin insertion hole being formed in a central portion of the distal end of the detection portion (5), and the pin being inserted in the pin insertion hole. The anvil (3) further includes a dial gauge (10) which is contacted at its distal end with the detection portion (5), and indicates a plus value and a minus value in accordance with the movement of the detection portion (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Nobuaki Yamakawa, Shigeji Kudo
  • Publication number: 20010052191
    Abstract: A comparator (1) has: a frame (2); a spindle and an anvil (4) supported by the frame (2) to be advanceable and retractable in the axial direction thereof; a biaser (39) for biasing the anvil (4) toward the spindle; a release (6) for retracting the anvil relative to the spindle against the biaser (39); an indicator (7); and an indicator driver (8) for transmitting the movement of the anvil (4) to the indicator (7), where a seal member (40, 43, 47) provided on the border between an outer surface of the frame (2) and at least one of the anvil (4), the biaser (39), the release (6) and the indicator (7) and a biasing force adjuster (5) for varying the biasing force of the biaser (39) are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Applicant: MITUTOYO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yuji Fujikawa
  • Patent number: 6286227
    Abstract: A micrometer system includes a motorized drive for repeatedly advancing and retracting the micrometer barrel, and a touch sensor for sensing when the barrel tip has just touched the target surface. The drive is preferably mounted on the micrometer body. By performing a measurement repeatedly, a series of readings can be obtained which cumulatively increases measurement accuracy, especially when contact must be made to a compliant surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Nelson Raymond Corby, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6276066
    Abstract: A positioning device is provided with a spindle and a spindle nut cooperating therewith for the conversion of a rotary motion into a linear motion for a coarse adjustment, and a piezoelectric linear positioning element arranged in series with the spindle and spindle nut for fine adjustment. The piezoelectric linear positioning element is relieved of transverse forces and moments by a cardan joint that is arranged between an object seating and the spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung
    Inventors: Lothar Scheibl, Albrecht Hof
  • Patent number: 6260286
    Abstract: A micrometer includes: a main body having an anvil at one end thereof, a spindle having a screwed portion engaging an opposite end of the main body and being displaceable in an axial direction and with respect to the anvil in conjunction with rotation of the spindle, and an encoder detecting an axial displacement amount of the spindle from a rotation amount of the spindle, so that a measurement value based on an output signal of the encoder is digitally displayed. The micrometer includes a thimble provided on the opposite end of the main body and the thimble is rotatable about the axis of the spindle at a predetermined position in the axial direction of the spindle. The thimble is formed with a guide groove parallel with the axial direction of the spindle in an inner peripheral surface thereof. The spindle includes an engagement pin located in the spindle and slidably engaging with the guide groove of the thimble.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Mitutoyo Corporation
    Inventors: Masamichi Suzuki, Shuuji Hayashida, Seigo Takahashi
  • Patent number: 6219927
    Abstract: A differential gear housing includes grooves into which retaining rings are fitted which engage on races of tapered roller bearings. The width of the securing rings is determined in accordance with the desired tooth flank clearance between a ring gear and a bevel drive pinion and with a desired prestress in the tapered roller bearings. Preliminary to selecting the retaining rings, devices are used which engage with a tensioning bush in the grooves and have a pressure member movable axially inside the tensioning bush and supported on the respective tapered roller bearing race. The pressure member is then suitably moved in relation to the tensioning bush to a position where the desired prestress and tooth flank clearance have been reached. The desired retaining ring axial width can then be read off from the device followed by selection and insertion of the desired retaining rings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Fritz Westermaier
  • Patent number: 6176021
    Abstract: A micrometer includes a main body holding an anvil at one end portion and a spindle at the other end portion through an inner sleeve is formed with a frame which is made by placing a pair of frame elements, which are formed by bending metal plates, one upon the other to reduce weight while ensuring rigidity. The outside of the frame is covered with resin to reduce the weight, enhance the rigidity, and prevent the influence caused by the heat of hand when the frame is gripped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: Mitutoyo Corporation
    Inventors: Hajime Sato, Kiyohiro Nakata, Chikashi Hamano, Toshihiko Mishima, Tohru Fujimitsu
  • Patent number: 6119360
    Abstract: A device that is both square and multi-sided in configuration. At equally spaced intervals a variety of hole sizes (A,B,C,D) are drilled through the base (8). The base (8) is coupled to a L-shaped ratchet mechanism (6). The ratchet mechanism (6) rotates in both directions about the base (8). The ratchet mechanism (6) provides selective positioning about the base (8). A micrometer (4) is attached to the ratchet mechanism (6). A scale of measurement is provided on the micrometer (4). The base (8) surface represents the zero measuring point. The object being measured is interposed into the appropriate diameter through the base (8). The object is pushed through the base (8) until contact between the object and the micrometer (4) shaft occurs. Adjusting the micrometer (4) clockwise moves the objects grinding taper flush with the base (8) surface. The value measured on the micrometer (4) represents the angle of the object being measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Inventors: Kevin Huddleston, Curtis Harreld
  • Patent number: 6115934
    Abstract: A thimble 61 formed with graduations 65 and numerals 67 on the outer circumference thereof at predetermined intervals is molded by double-color molding using two kinds of resin 62, 63 with different colors. After a molding product having the graduations 65 protruding outwardly on the outer circumference of a base tube 64 is formed of the resin 62, an outer skin 66 covering the outside of the base tube 64 except for the graduations 65 is formed of the resin 63. Thereafter, the numerals 67 is formed on the outer skin 66 by means of laser marking. Similarly, an outer sleeve is formed with graduations and numerals on the outer circumferential surface along the axial direction at predetermined intervals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Mitutoyo Corporation
    Inventors: Hajime Sato, Kiyohiro Nakata, Chikashi Hamano, Toshihiko Mishima, Tohru Fujimitsu
  • Patent number: 5829155
    Abstract: A main scale graduation, an auxiliary scale graduation or the like provided in a conventional micrometer is omitted, and a thimble 71 is provided at a regular position in the axial direction of the spindle 61 through a sleeve 51 in a frame 1 to rotate about the axis of a spindle 61. Between the thimble 71 and the spindle 61, a rotation transfer means 81 for transferring the rotation of the thimble 71 to the spindle 61 and allowing the spindle 61 to displace in the axial direction of the spindle 61. As the rotation transfer means 81, a ratchet system 82 is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Mitutoyo Corporation
    Inventors: Seigo Takahashi, Masamichi Suzuki, Masahiko Tachikake
  • Patent number: 5463818
    Abstract: A device for measuring a dimension of an object includes a platform with a contact surface and a measuring device. An object to be measured is placed on the platform between the contact surface and the measuring device and held flat by a clamping wedge. In order to obtain a variance of said dimension with respect to a nominal value, a standard having a known length is first placed on the platform and the measuring device is calibrated using the standard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1995
    Assignee: Cold Metal Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles H. Hughes
  • Patent number: 5421101
    Abstract: The measurement tool of the present invention includes a movable spindle and an anvil between which the object to be measured is placed. The anvil is formed to have opposing sloping edges leading to an anvil measurement apex, and the spindle is formed to have first and second measurement sites, where the first measurement site includes a conical portion of the spindle having a spindle measurement apex, and where the second measurement site includes a block portion of the spindle having a generally flat surface aligned generally tangential to the anvil measurement apex.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Assignee: UT Automotive, Inc.
    Inventor: James S. Rank
  • Patent number: 5414646
    Abstract: A digital optical micrometer for mounting on an optical instrument and having an optical flat plano-parallel window which is connected to a micrometer drum. The drum can pivot or incline the optical plano-parallel window to cause displacement of a line of sight. The digital optical micrometer further has an LCD read-out that indicates the amount of displacement of the line of sight, a circuit that is connected to the optical plano-parallel window and provides an electrical signal having a signal property which varies in proportion to the inclination of the line of sight, and an analog-to-digital converter that is connected to the circuit and converts the electrical signal to a digital word having a binary value representative of the inclination of the line of sight. The optical micrometer further has a computer which has a clock input that provides for an automatic power down of the micrometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1995
    Assignee: Brunson Instrument Company
    Inventors: David L. Sanders, Timothy J. Rolbiecki
  • Patent number: 5299609
    Abstract: A positioning device is disclosed that positions and guides a nominally hand-held router or other machine tool for machining with respect to a workpiece that is used as a reference. A novel configuration is employed in which a main body holds a centrally located lead screw and attached micrometer dial. Two guide shafts are disposed flanking the lead screw. A transversely disposed yoke bar spans the lead screw and both guide shafts; these can each be locked in place by knurled thumscrews threaded into the yoke bar. A vernier adjustment knob rotating the lead screw drives the yoke bar and provides fine position adjustment that is both accurate and repeatable, and which can be locked by a knurled thumbscrew threaded into the yoke bar. The guide shafts accept the coarse adjustment by sliding through the yoke bar, where they can be locked in place by a pair of knurled thumbscrews threaded into the yoke bar to retain the coarse adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1994
    Inventor: Richard L. Wedler
  • Patent number: 5052121
    Abstract: A computerized gauge measures dimensions, typically in the range of 6.1865" to 6.1917" accurate to .+-.0.001", typically the diameter of a steel railroad car axle. The gauge simultaneously senses the temperature, typically within a range of -20.degree. F. to 100.degree. F.+1.degree. F., of the axle workpiece. In consideration of the predetermined coefficient of expansion of the workpiece, the gauge calculates the dimension that the workpiece would exhibit should it be thermally brought to a predetermined, 59.degree. F. by convention, reference temperature. From the workpiece-temperature-compensated dimension resulting from such calculation, the axle may be recognized as being (i) oversized but repairable, (ii) within an acceptable size range, (iii) undersized but repairable, or (iv) undersized and unrepairable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1991
    Assignee: Albion Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: William R. Wachtler
  • Patent number: 4986323
    Abstract: Apparatus, having a principal body portion which is in the form of a box-like configuration, and a screw member threadably engaged into a port in the face of the body portion. The screw member includes a four flat sided body portion on its end, with a portion of the body portion threaded to threadably engage into the body of the apparatus. There is further included a spring loaded second screw member on a second face of the body meeting said perpendicular to the setting of the first screw, so that the end portion of the spring loaded second screw makes contact with the four flat sided body of the principal screw member. The four flat sided body is so calibrated so that as one complete turn of the principal screw is made, the screw either moves inward or outward 1/16 of an inch. Furthermore, each time one of the four flat faces of the body is moved to make contact with the second screw member, the screw has moved in or out a distance of 1/64 of an inch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1991
    Inventor: Albert L. Lemaire, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4979312
    Abstract: A method and device for measuring torque in a rectangular or square orthodontic arch wire wherein the orthodontic arch wire is held relative to the torque indicator scale in such a manner that the presence and amount of torque in the orthodontic arch wire can be determined directly from the torque indicator scale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1990
    Inventor: Arthur L. Wool
  • Patent number: 4922307
    Abstract: This invention provides apparatus and method to increase the direct measurement accuracy of a rotary encoder type of micrometer 10. To overcome a maximum measurement accuracy of 100 microinches there is provided a laser displacement meter which includes a laser head 24 which is coupled to a micrometer bed 12 by a pair of of clamps 26a and 26b and by a magnetic plate 28. Laser head 24 has an output display 30 associated therewith for indicating the magnitude of the measurement made by the laser head 24. Laser head 24 is operable for providing an output chirped laser beam 32 and for receiving a reflected output beam 34. A corner cube reflector 36 is mounted by an arm 38 to a headstock spindle 18. The reflected return beam is detected and processed by a phase demodulator and converted into pulses. The pulses are counted and converted to distance and displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1990
    Assignee: Hughes Aircraft Company
    Inventor: Michael J. Schaffer
  • Patent number: 4821421
    Abstract: The apparatus according to the invention essentially comprises a pistol-shaped body provided with a trigger connected to a mobile carriage carrying a piston. A measuring piece may be adapted to a fixing head provided with a surface plate constituting a reference surface. A pressure spring connected to a slide ensures the displacement of the carriage and the piston, to act upon a sliding rod accomodated within the measuring piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1989
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Girardier, Raymond Girardier