US3766653A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Three axis inspection probe
Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corp
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Filing: 1971-10-04
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Granted: 1973-10-23
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Expires: 1991-10-04
Abstract
Abstract A probe of the type used with automatic numerical control inspection systems for checking sizing of machined articles is disclosed. This probe measures dimensions along either of three axis to effect electrical signal indicative of any deviation from the nominal dimension. This probe has a spindle which rides against the plunger of an electric transducer. Movements in the Z direction are measured by retracting the shaft of the transducer by a movement of the spindle. Movement in the X and Y direction is measured by allowing the total stylus assembly to pivot, thus allowing the shaft of the transducer to extract.
Inventors
- 👤 Kay R Mc
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 07:46
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01B; G01B7/00; G01B7/004; G01B7/008; G01B7/012
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
189 words
An inspection device adapted to be selectively positioned along three orthogonal axis relative to a workpiece for varifying the dimensions thereof, comprising: a housing, a transducer means rigidly mounted in said housing, said transducer means includes an input shaft, an elongated stylus extending from said housing, resilient means for centering said elongated stylus concentric with said transducer input shaft, an annular anvil mounted in and rigidly affixed to said housing concentric with said transducer input shaft, an annular ring rigidly affixed to said elongated stylus, said annular ring extending transversely of said stylus and pivotably contacting said anvil, balance means extending between said annular ring and said housing and urging said annular ring against said anvil, an elongated spindle extending concentrically and axially slideable within said stylus and engaging said transducer input shaft, whereby deflections along two orthonogonal axis are measured by transversely deflecting said stylus and annular ring pivotably around any point where said ring engages said anvil thereby causing said transducer input shaft to extract, and deflections along the third orthogonal axis are measured by axially displacing said spindle thereby causing said transducer input shaft to retract.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
189 words
An inspection device adapted to be selectively positioned along three orthogonal axis relative to a workpiece for varifying the dimensions thereof, comprising: a housing, a transducer means rigidly mounted in said housing, said transducer means includes an input shaft, an elongated stylus extending from said housing, resilient means for centering said elongated stylus concentric with said transducer input shaft, an annular anvil mounted in and rigidly affixed to said housing concentric with said transducer input shaft, an annular ring rigidly affixed to said elongated stylus, said annular ring extending transversely of said stylus and pivotably contacting said anvil, balance means extending between said annular ring and said housing and urging said annular ring against said anvil, an elongated spindle extending concentrically and axially slideable within said stylus and engaging said transducer input shaft, whereby deflections along two orthonogonal axis are measured by transversely deflecting said stylus and annular ring pivotably around any point where said ring engages said anvil thereby causing said transducer input shaft to extract, and deflections along the third orthogonal axis are measured by axially displacing said spindle thereby causing said transducer input shaft to retract.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
An inspection device as defined in Claim 1 wherein said resilient means comprises a plurality of centering suspension wires.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
An inspection device as defined in claim 2 wherein said balance means comprises a plurality of balance springs.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
32 words
An inspection device as defined in claim 3 wherein said housing includes a shank, said shank rigidly affixed to said housing and adapted to engage the collet of a machine tool spindle.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
An inspection device as defined in claim 4 wherein said shank is centered concentrically with said transducer shaft.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
54 words
An inspection device as defined in claim 5 including a counterweight attached to said annular ring by a first support means and to said housing by second support means so that weight of the counterweight counterbalances the weight of the rest of the stylus assembly when the inspection device is in the horizontal position.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
19 words
An inspection device as defined in claim 6 wherein said second support means comprises a plurality of flexible cables.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US2395525A
Cited
US3250012A
Cited
US3571934A
Cited
US3520063A
Cited
US3660906A
Cited
US3673695A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-10-22 | 1977-04-23 | 1977-10-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-10-22 | 1981-04-23 | 1981-10-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-10-22 | 1985-04-23 | 1985-10-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |