Abstract:
The disclosure pertains to a probe head (PH) for use in coordinate measuring machines and having a stylus (10) supported for axial displacement (D1) and angular displacements (D2, D3). A transducer (T1) senses axial forces (F1) on the sensing end (11) of the stylus due to engagement thereof with a workpiece (12). A strain gauge system (16) provided on the stylus senses transverse forces (F2) on the sensing end (11) of the stylus. The forces (F1, F2) are used to determine the orientation of the surface (12A) of the workpiece and a control system is described which responds to those forces to maintain the stylus normal to said surface (12A) during a scanning operation.
Abstract:
An apparatus for checking linear dimensions and other features of workpiece (42) comprises a base (2), which carries rest devices (40) for supporting the workpiece to be checked with the geometrical axis horizontally arranged, and a support structure (88) to which gauging heads (170, 230) are coupled. The support structure (88) can rotate about a horizontal axis to carry the gauging heads (170, 230) from a rest position to a working one. The axis of rotation of the support structure (88) is obtained in correspondence to a vertical geometrical plane passing through the workpiece axis, when the latter is placed in the checking position, and is located below the workpiece axis, for getting easy loading and unloading operations of the workpiece (42).
Abstract:
An improved measuring bar device includes first and second parallel bars retained in a center housing by an array of biased and canted rollers that engage cam surfaces defined by the bars to provide for equal and opposite movement of the bars while maintaining the bars in parallel array.
Abstract:
Method and device for checking the dimensions of vehicles, preferably in connection with carrying out alignment work thereon. The method and the device use a reference frame (1) which is suspended from the chassis of the vehicle. Indicators (5, 12) are disposed at selected check points in the vehicle to indicate a possible deviation in position from a desired value at an individually selected check point on the vehicle, the nominal position of which is known and which is characteristic of the vehicle. The indicators comprise first indicator elements each in the form of a vertically adjustable lead rule (12) which is suspended in said check point or in points related thereto outside the vehicle, and second indicator elements in the form of horizontally adjustable reference pins (5). The distance between a selected reference point (12a) on the first indicator element and a selected reference point (5a) on the second indicator element constitutes a measure of the deviation sought.
Abstract:
A coordinate measuring machine (10) having a light weight aluminum bridge (24) mounted for guided movement along ways (42) on a base (28), which also is constructed of aluminum to match thermal growth characteristics of the bridge (24). The table (12) is constructed of steel for greater rigidity to support heavy measured objects (1b) and is supported on the base (28) so as to minimize distortions of the base (28) by differences in thermal growth of the table (12), and base (28). The weight of the table (12) and measured object (16) is arranged to be passed through the base (12) to floor supports (62,112) to minimize distortions of the base (12) and ways (42). The bridge (24) is movable completely to the rear of the table (12) to enable access of the probe (18) to the total table surface area Figure 2.
Abstract:
A tool for the measurement and inspection of tolerances in pipe threads on pipes and couplings, etc. is formed as a pair of pivoting jaws having handles. One of the jaws includes an assembly of probes mounted for longitudinal displacement in a direction normal to the longitudinal axis of the pipe or coupling, the probes also being slideably supported within the assembly for transverse displacement in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pipe. Transducers are provided for measurement of the motion of the probe. The second jaw coacts with the first jaw for clamping the assembly to the pipe thread. During the clamping action, the probes are displaced transversely so as to set into troughs of the threads whereby the probes are aligned for measurement of thread length. The taper is measured by means of an inclinometer disposed at the end of the assembly away from the probes. Normal displacement measures thread height as well as deviation in pitchline, the latter providing a measure of the non-linearity of the thread pitch line.
Abstract:
A probe (1; 30) comprises a support casing (2; 31), at least an arm (4, 5; 32) movable with respect to the casing (2; 3) and having a first element (9; 40), a second element (8; 36) and an intermediate third element (10; 16; 22; 41), a feeler (6, 7; 33) fixed to the first element (9; 40) of the movable arm (4, 5; 32) for contacting the piece (3) to be checked, and detecting means (13; 34) for providing a signal depending on the position of the movable arm (4, 5; 32). In order to protect the probe (1; 30) from accidental impacts, the intermediate element (10; 16; 22; 41) is removably coupled to the first element (9; 40) and the second element (8; 36) and defines a section (14; 17; 23; 47) adapted to break as a consequence of impacts against the feeler (6, 7; 33) and the first element (9; 40) of the movable arm (4, 5; 32) occurring along any direction.
Abstract:
Remotely controllable inspection apparatus intended for use in inaccessible, confined spaces such as pipe interiors. especially sewer pipe interiors, has an articulated arm (32) supporting a closed circuit television camera (52) at its distal end. The arm (32) is pivotally mounted on a carriage (24) which is itself longitudinally slidable on a sledge (10). The arm (32) can be elevated about a first, horizontal pivot axis (34), a distal portion (54) of the arm (32) can be swung to one side or the other about a second pivot axis (58), an outer part of the distal portion (54) is rotatable about a longitudinal axis (80), and the camera (52) can be swivelled on the end of the arm (32) about a transverse swivel axis (76). The range of movements provided allows the camera (52) to be positioned off-axis in a pipe and gives a remote operator the ability to inspect the wall of the pipe at close range and to view the interior of lateral branches where they join the pipe. The movement functions described above are all controlled hydaulically for reliability and resistance to immersion in water. The invention includes hydraulic devices for performing these functions, as well as a hydraulically controlled focussing mechanism for the camera (52).