Abstract: A measuring device capable of being used by physicians, veterinarians, and surgeons either pre-operatively, intraoperatively, or post-operatively to determine the actual size of objects shown in images made by x-rays (and other imaging techniques). The measuring device is electronic and can also be used to measure the angle between two objects whose images are shown. The measuring device can also be used to determine the proper size and shape of implants to be surgically implanted in a living body. The device can also be used to determine the proper size and shape for templates to be used to select an implant to be surgically implanted in a living body.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for giving a visual indication of increments of position over a predetermined range of positions to either side of and including a predetermined zero reference point. The apparatus includes a plurality of pattern generating units, each including first and second surfaces, each of these first and second surfaces having a plurality of spaced-apart opaque areas having translucent areas therebetween. The second surface is superimposed upon the first surface for creating a plurality of patterns in response to movement therebetween. The plurality of pattern generating units are arranged adjacent one another and are respectively configured for producing a unique and identifiable set of patterns for each of a plurality of increments over a predetermined range to either side of and including a predetermined zero reference point.

Abstract: A portable tool for use by locksmiths and the like with an indexable slide having a positioning hole for nicely receiving a conventional chisel-type stamp. The tool has an adjustable clamp for releasably gripping and retaining a thin object, such as a key blank on a key bed beneath the slide and positoning hole. Spaced detents provide a guide for spacing and, by indexing the slide as desired, the stamp indicia can be applied in a neat and evenly spaced manner.

Abstract: A probe head (10) includes a support (12) by which the probe head is retained on the quill of a coordinate positioning machine, and a rotor (14) which is magnetically retained on the support (12). The rotor (14) is rotatable between a plurality of indexed angular positions provided by a ring or balls (26) and three adjacently positioned pairs of rollers (24). A drive dog shaft (20) is linearly movable to disengage the balls (26) from the rollers (24), and rotatable to rotate the rotor (14) to a new indexed position, whereupon the drive dog shaft (20) is retracted to re-engage a set of three balls (26) with the rollers (24). Exchange of a measuring probe (16) is performed by removing the entire rotor (14), and exchanging it for a further rotor carrying a different measuring probe. The engagement elements provided by rollers (24) and balls (26) thus serve the functions of (a) indexing and (b) repeatably retaining a rotor (14) on the support (12).

Abstract: An electro-optical displacement sensor comprises an optical source including a plurality of optical grating lines for producing from an incident optical signal a transmitted optical signal having a spatially periodic intensity pattern. Optical sensing means receives the transmitted signal as an input across a plurality of optical receptors, each of which receptors provides an output signal corresponding to the amplitude of the transmitted signal as sensed by the receptor. The receptors are spaced one from the other by a distance different from the fundamental spatial wavelength of the transmitted signal. Signal conditioning means derive a signal vector from the receptor output signals, the signal vector than being processed to derive first and second independent component signals. The component signals are then combined to produce an interpolated phase signal corresponding to the interpolated position of the grating lines relative to the optical receptors.

Abstract: The balance beam of a scale is provided with a series of notches. A poise, preferably a metal ball, is movable along the balance beam to be set in one of the notches and retained there without clamping. A secondary counterpoise on the other side of the pivot of the scale beam from the primary poise is comprised of the slider of a vernier. The vernier scale on the slider uses slits instead of the usual lines as graduations so the vernier body serves as a mask about the slits. There are stationary graduations on the beam. The slider has a window through which the numbers indicative of the unit weight graduations on the beam are read. Tenths of units and even hundredths of units can be read using the vernier scale. The slit on the vernier scale that is filled in the background by a graduation on the beam is the pertinent unit value to be read.

Abstract: For the mounting of measuring scales or straight-edges, they are clamped on balls (2, 6) rollably retained within small regions, which form a lengthwise guide and are fixed relative to their mounting (3) at a single point (5).

Abstract: Absolute optical encoder device using a line array detector in conjunction with a single strip of encoding bars. The bars are orthogonal to the detector array line and may be long enough to allow motion parallel to the bars without loss of measurement continuity. High resolution is achieved by combining use of a small difference between the detector element spacing and the bar spacing in selected regions to produce a vernier effect, enabling measurement to the precision of a fraction of a detector element. High resolution is further achieved by traverse of a vernier regin edge across a multiplicity of detector elements upon which adjacent vernier regions are optically superimposed, and by identification of each vernier region as a unique member of a numbered series using distinguishable patterns in the space between vernier regions or in the structure of the vernier regions themselves.

Abstract: An integrated circuit for measuring conductor misalignment comprises: a set of 2n+1 conductor pairs where n is a predetermined positive integer; each conductor pair includes a U-shaped conductor having a central axis; each conductor pair also includes a rectangular shaped conductor having a central axis and which is narrow enough to fit between the legs of the U-shaped conductor provided their central axis are aligned; and the rectangular shaped conductor of each conductor pair has its central axis a distance .delta.+k.DELTA.d from the central axis of the U-shaped conductor where .DELTA.d is a fixed increment, k is an integer between +n and -n that differs for each conductor pair, and .delta.is a misalignment between the central axis of each conductor pair.

Abstract: A beam has a slide carrying one arm of calipers to be applied diametrically to an automotive vehicle tire. Indicating means for the calipers includes a beam scale of buttress configuration and an index carried by the slide cooperating with inclined portions of the buttress scale and graduated in decimals or fractions of a unit of the beam scale.

Abstract: An electronic vernier is presented which detects and quantifies misalignment between layers of material deposited upon a semiconducting wafer. Verniers may be constructed which evaluate alignment between two conducting layers, between two conducting layers and an insulating layer and between a semiconducting layer and a capacitive layer. Circuitry is described which shows how output from a vernier may be detected and quantified in order to evaluate the amount of misalignment.

Abstract: A drawing head has a base plate which has a central bore and which is rotbly mounted on a drawing machine. A straightedge support assembly includes a straightedge support mounted on a rotatable pin in the central bore. A cover plate is nonrotatably mounted on the pin and supports a gripping knob. A spacing ring is rotatably mounted about the central axis between the base plate and the cover plate. Normal side locking means serve to releasably retain the straightedge support assembly with respect to the spacing ring, and base side locking means serve to releasably retain the spacing ring with respect to the base plate. Each of the locking means has a locking pawl which is pivotally positioned about an axis parallel to the central axis of rotation without play by means of a pivot jaw assembly and which engages and disengages a spring-loaded locking tooth against a locking disc secured with respect to the spacing ring.

Abstract: In order to correct errors in the reading of a graduated scale, especially on a compass card driven by a damped gyroscopic system, the scale is juxtaposed with a block having slits simultaneously alignable with different scale graduations and illuminable by respective light sources within the block. The light sources can be selectively energized by a rotary switch whose bank contacts are connectable via a changeover switch to either of two groups of light sources for positive or negative deviations from a reference position; the slit so illuminated serves as a pointer by coacting with a confronting scale graduation.

Abstract: A part alignment fixture is provided which may be used for precise variable lateral and tilt alignment relative to the fixture base of various shaped parts. The fixture may be used as a part holder for machining or inspection of parts or alignment of parts during assembly and the like. The fixture includes a precisely machined diameter disc-shaped hub adapted to receive the part to be aligned. The hub is nested in a guide plate which is adapted to carry two oppositely disposed pairs of positioning wedges so that the wedges may be reciprocatively positioned by means of respective micrometer screws. The sloping faces of the wedges contact the hub at respective quadrants of the hub periphery. The lateral position of the hub relative to the guide plate is adjusted by positioning the wedges with the associated micrometer screws. The tilt of the part is adjusted relative to a base plate, to which the guide plate is pivotally connected by means of a holding plate.

Abstract: A gauging assembly adapted for use in positioning stock material with respect to fixed equipment. The assembly includes an elongated retainer having a predetermined arrangement of stop positions thereon. An elongated holder is provided for slidable coupling with the retainer and permitting reciprocal relative longitudinal movement therebetween. At least one stop block is provided and has a plurality of material engaging faces. The block is rotatable to expose each face in sequence for engagement with stock material. A connector is used for removably positioning the stop block at a desired stop position to prevent rotation of the stop block and permitting displacement and rotation of the stop block and shifting of the block to the other stop positions. Indicia indicates the relative horizontal position of the retainer with respect to the holder, the stop block with respect to the retainer and the exposed face of the stop block.

Abstract: A precise indexing detent comprises a pair of grooved members the plane groove faces of which define a polyhedron within which there may be positioned a sphere in surface contact with all such faces. A detent member comprising a spherical section is situated in close association with the grooved members to govern the positional indexing of movable apparatus parts as in a level-transit surveying instrument or drafting machine protractor head.

Abstract: A microfiche reader includes first and second plates, with a plurality of light sources disposed with the first plate in an array of rows and columns, and a plurality of lens disposed with the second plate in a row-column array, each lens corresponding to one of the light sources. Means are provided for movably positioning a film having information thereon between the plates, and for moving the film with respect to the plates.

Abstract: A probe head (10) includes a support (12) by which the probe head is retained on the quill of a coordinate positioning machine, and a rotor (14) which is magnetically retained on the support (12). The rotor (14) is rotatable between a plurality of indexed angular positions provided by a ring or balls (26) and three adjacently positioned pairs of rollers (24). A drive dog shaft (20) is linearly movable to disengage the balls (26) from the rollers (24), and rotatable to rotate the rotor (14) to a new indexed position, whereupon the drive dog shaft (20) is retracted to re-engage a set of three balls (26) with the rollers (24). Exchange of a measuring probe (16) is performed by removing the entire rotor (14), and exchanging it for a further rotor carrying a different measuring probe. The engagement elements provided by rollers (24) and balls (26) thus serve the functions of (a) indexing and (b) repeatably .[.retaining.]. .Iadd.positioning .Iaddend.a rotor (14) on the support (12).