Details (e.g., Spindle Or Anvil Adjustment, Material Patents (Class 33/831)
  • Patent number: 9603565
    Abstract: A device for guiding a depth gauge for measuring blind holes formed through a bone including (a) a handle having an elongated body, an upper surface of the body having a peg extending therefrom to removably engage a proximal end of a first elongated rod of the depth gauge, the handle including a first slot extending into the upper surface and open to a first elongated channel extending through the handle and (b) a first elongated shaft extending through the first elongated channel and including a first tab extending through the first slot, a range of movement of the first elongated shaft relative to the handle being limited by engagement of the first tab with walls of the first slot. In an operative configuration, the slotted tab receives a proximal end of the depth gauge to control movement of an increased diameter insert at a distal end thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: DEPUY SYNTHES PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventor: Alberto Fernandez Dell'Oca
  • 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: 20150082651
    Abstract: The apparatus of measuring a workpiece according to the present disclosure includes a base, a measuring member, an upper arm member, a lower arm member, a first pin and a second pin, wherein the upper arm member includes an upper rotation frame and the lower arm member includes a lower rotation frame. When the first pin is moved to disconnect the upper rotation frame from the lower rotation frame, the upper rotation frame is rotatable. When the second pin is moved to lock the lower rotation frame to the measuring member, the lower rotation frame is free of rotation. When the first pin is moved to connect the upper rotation frame and the lower rotation frame with each other and when the second pin is moved to unlock the lower rotation frame from the measuring member, the lower rotation frame is rotatable with the upper rotation frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventors: CHIN-CHENG YEH, TZU-HSIUNG CHOU, WEN-YU CHANG
  • Publication number: 20150059196
    Abstract: A micrometer with good usability is provided. A micrometer has a frame with an anvil at one end and a spindle at another end, the spindle moving closer to or further away from the anvil. The frame is covered with a heat shield cover. The heat shield cover has a first anti-slip part. The first anti-slip part preferably has a plurality of protrusions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Yoshiro ASANO, Sadayuki MATSUMIYA, Shigeru OHTANI, Atsuya NIWANO, Shozaburo TSUJI
  • Patent number: 8826557
    Abstract: A caliper for measuring the size of an object, especially the thickness of an object with non-planar surfaces. After measured, the caliper can be removed from the object without changing the measured value. The caliper includes a scale ruler, a vernier slidably disposed on the scale ruler, a first jaw fixedly connected to the scale ruler and a second jaw pivotally connected to the vernier. In normal state, the second jaw is kept in a position in alignment with and in parallel to the first jaw, whereby the caliper can be used to measure the object in a common manner. After measured, the second jaw is rotated to another position, permitting the caliper to be removed from the measured object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Inventor: Jen-Yung Yang
  • Patent number: 8739428
    Abstract: A micrometer, including a constant force drive spring actuator configuration, is disclosed which comprises a frame, an anvil, a spindle, a linear displacement sensor that senses a displacement of the spindle, and an actuator including a button which is configured to move the spindle toward or away from the anvil. The spindle drive is attached to a constant force spring actuator comprising at least one constant force spring coil extending toward the spindle and attached between the spindle and the frame such that the sum of their forces drives the spindle toward the anvil with an approximately constant force. In some embodiments, the constant force spring actuator comprises at least two parallel constant force spring coils, extending in parallel toward the spindle. The constant force spring may be made more compact, exert a greater force, and have an extended life relative to known configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Mitutoyo Corporation
    Inventor: Casey Edward Emtman
  • 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
  • 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: 8245413
    Abstract: Disclosed is a micrometer with an improved a heat-insulating property. A micrometer 10 with a U-shaped frame 20 supporting an anvil 12 and a spindle 14 at tip end portions thereof so that the anvil 12 and the spindle 14 are coaxially opposed to each other is provided with a heat insulating cover 50. The heat insulating cover 50 is shaped to accommodate a bottom portion of the frame 20, and is detachable with respect to the frame 20. The heat insulating cover 50 covers a bottom face 22 of the frame 20 while supporting the bottom portion of the frame 20 by sandwiching from both sides of the frame 20.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Mitutoyo Corporation
    Inventors: Shuji Hayashida, Osamu Saito, Shozaburo Tsuji
  • Patent number: 8091251
    Abstract: A high-speed measuring electronic digital outside micrometer allowing a user to make measurements quickly and effectively compared to conventional electronic outside micrometers with rotary thread spindles, which have limited measuring speed. This high-speed measuring electronic digital outside micrometer features: a linear motion digital sensor, a linear scale digital sensor, a linear motion digital sensor base, a digital display unit, an electronic processing unit, a micrometer body, a linear spindle, a linear spindle movement unit, a spindle control unit, a micrometer anvil, and retractable springs. In a stationary position, the measuring surface of the micrometer anvil and the linear spindle are in contact to the other. By operating the spindle control unit, it will create distance between the micrometer anvil and the linear spindle measuring surface. This distance is a measurable distance of the micrometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Inventors: Yanchen Zhang, Rene Roland Laferriere
  • Publication number: 20110099830
    Abstract: A system and a process are provided for positioning a tool relative to a surface. The system may include a mount fixed in location relative to the surface. A positioning assembly may be coupled to the mount that holds the tool adjacent the surface and moves the tool relative to the surface. The positioning assembly may move the tool to a reference location, identify such location, and then move to the tool to an operating position defined at a specified distance from the reference position. The positioning assembly may include a strain gauge to identify contact of the tool with the surface at the reference location via an indicator coupled to the strain gauge. The positioning assembly may also include a micrometer attached at its body to the mount and a spindle operable to move the tool. Fixtures couple the micrometer, strain gauge and tool to maintain fixed relative positions except for calibrated movement of the tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: SILTRONIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Steven Conrad
  • Publication number: 20110061256
    Abstract: Disclosed is a micrometer with an improved a heat-insulating property. A micrometer 10 with a U-shaped frame 20 supporting an anvil 12 and a spindle 14 at tip end portions thereof so that the anvil 12 and the spindle 14 are coaxially opposed to each other is provided with a heat insulating cover 50. The heat insulating cover 50 is shaped to accommodate a bottom portion of the frame 20, and is detachable with respect to the frame 20. The heat insulating cover 50 covers a bottom face 22 of the frame 20 while supporting the bottom portion of the frame 20 by sandwiching from both sides of the frame 20.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Applicant: MITUTOYO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shuji Hayashida, Osamu Saito, Shozaburo Tsuji
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20100024237
    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: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: MITUTOYO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shuji Hayashida, Nobuyuki Hayashi, Shozaburo Tsuji, Yasuhiro Tsujimoto, Masahiko Tachikake, Yuji Fujikawa, Takashi Komori, Junji Masui
  • 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: 7552544
    Abstract: A rotor bushing restrictor (50) that prevents a rotor bushing (44) from moving away from a stator (42) is provided. The rotor bushing restrictor (50) includes a fixing member (51) fixed on a body and a rotor bushing attitude retainer (52) placed between the rotor bushing (44) and the fixing member (51). The rotor bushing attitude retainer (52) includes two first abutment portions (522) contacted with the rotor bushing (44) and two second abutment portions (523) contacted with the fixing member (51). The two first abutment portions (522) are symmetrically placed to each other with respect to the axis of the spindle (2), and the two second abutment portions (523) are symmetrically placed to each other with respect to the axis of the spindle (2). The two first abutment portions (522) and the two second abutment portions (523) are placed such that a straight line connecting the two first abutment portions (522) and a straight line connecting the two second abutment portions (523) are orthogonal with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Mitutoyo Corporation
    Inventors: Shuji Hayashida, Shozaburo Tsuji
  • Publication number: 20090031578
    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: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: 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: 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: 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
  • Patent number: 6782635
    Abstract: A pair of extensions for a gauge for measuring objects is disclosed. Various construction details are developed that provide extensions that may be used to determine the size of objects, such as gemstones, that are embedded within a structure and not accessible by conventional gauges. In a particular embodiment, a pair of extensions each having a sleeve and a member extending outward from the sleeve. The sleeve fits over a finger of the arms of a gauge and includes a set screw to attach the sleeve to the finger. The members include contact surfaces to be placed in contact the object to be measured. In another particular embodiment, at least one of the extensions has a tapered cross-section such that the distal end of the cross-section is sized to be inserted within the structure surrounding the object to be measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Inventor: Frank J. Cappiello, Sr.
  • 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: 6463671
    Abstract: A thimble (5) and a spindle (4) are rotated through a first constant-force device (70) by rotating an operation sleeve (6) integrally having a first operation section (61) and a second operation section (62). When a more than predetermined load is applied to the spindle (4), the first constant-force device (70) is actuated to spin the operation sleeve (6) idly. Since the operation sleeve (6) integrally has the first operation section (61) and the second operation section (62), both double-handed operation for holding the frame by left hand and rotating the first operation section (61) by right hand and single-handed operation for holding the frame and rotating the second operation section (62) with a single-handed are possible while retaining the same operability as in conventional operation during measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Mitutoyo Corporation
    Inventor: Akitomo Saeki
  • Patent number: 6308433
    Abstract: A minimum value renewal holder (33) for renewing and displaying a detected value (D) detected by a displacement sensor (9) on a display (10) when a spindle is moving in an advancing direction relative to an anvil and for holding a displayed value on the display (10) when the spindle moves in a retracting direction relative to the anvil and a retraction amount thereof (D−Dm) is less than a set amount (&agr;), and a minimum value hold releasing potion (34) for releasing minimum value hold status when the spindle moves in the retracting direction relative to the anvil and the retraction amount (D−Dm) is not less than the set amount (&agr;) are provided. Accordingly, the displayed value can be kept even when the anvil backs unpreparedly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Mitutoyo Corporation
    Inventors: Seigo Takahashi, Tetsuya Nakadoi, Takahiro Otsuka, Shuuji Hayashida, Kouji Sasaki, Masahiko Tachikake
  • 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: 6243965
    Abstract: The electronic micrometer includes a casing defining at least an internal volume, in which are disposed a sleeve having an at least partially threaded inner surface. A screw is engaged in this sleeve and is able to be put in rotation with respect to the sleeve in such a way as to displace itself along the longitudinal measuring axis (x) of the device. There is a capacitive system of measurement for measuring the relative rotation of the screw with respect to the sleeve and for determining, starting with that measurement, the longitudinal position of the screw. The casing comprises two half-shells. At least one filiform joint allows the internal volume inside the casing to be sealed. Other sealing means are provided to prevent any infiltration of water or of dust into this internal volume. Accordingly, micrometer are protected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Brown & Sharpe Tesa SA
    Inventors: Adriano Zanier, Arthur Bovey, Lucien Borgognon
  • Patent number: 6219932
    Abstract: An accessory for aligning items parallel to the measurement axis of an outside micrometer, comprising: a platform, having a flat surface bisected by a depressed channel, the platform including a first cylindrical ring disposed at one end of the channel, the platform also including a keyed cavity beneath the channel, a second cylindrical ring, connected to a keyed rod, the rod being slidably installed into the keyed cavity, whereby the first and second cylindrical rings are maintained coaxial and parallel to the platform surface and the keyed channel, a spring, retained in the keyed cavity by the keyed rod, exerting outward force on the rod and attached ring, maintaining them in a slidably extended position, limited by protruding wedges in the keyed cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Inventor: Robert C. Whitmore
  • Patent number: 6178658
    Abstract: An inside of a U-shaped frame of a micrometer is made of a material having a smaller linear thermal expansion coefficient than an outside of the U-shaped configuration. Furthermore, a spindle can be made of a material having an extremely small linear thermal expansion coefficient. Accordingly, thermal deformation of the micrometer can be made smaller, and measurement accuracy is maintained even under a widely changing temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Mitutoyo Corporation
    Inventor: Satoshi Koga
  • 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: 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: 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: 5469629
    Abstract: A gage includes an elongate support arm at the end of a bar on which there is mounted a measurement and display module. A sliding anvil arm is spaced from the bar in parallel relationship and mounted on the module for sliding movements therewith on the bar. A right angle support arm extends from the free end of the elongate support arm, anvils being mounted on the free end support portion of the right angle support arm and at the end of the sliding anvil arm, both the anvils being arranged along a measurement axis. The support portion of the right angle support arm and the anvil mounted thereon together have a dimension along the measurement axis no greater than the smallest anticipated space between a wheel and a rotor to be measured so that the anvil may be positioned on one side of the rotor while the sliding anvil arm together with the module can be brought into abutment against the other side of the rotor to provide a reading of the thickness of the rotor without removal of the wheel from the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Assignee: Central Tools, Inc.
    Inventor: Albert C. Rogler
  • 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: 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.