US3818596A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Counterbalance for a vertically supported probe shaft
Assignee: Warner and Swasey Co
•
Filing: 1973-03-29
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Granted: 1974-06-25
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Expires: 1993-03-29
Abstract
Abstract A counterbalance arrangement is disclosed for a vertically supported coordinate measuring machine probe shaft. This arrangement consists of an electric motor coupled to a variable torque magnetic particle clutch, which clutch is capable of being set to a torque transmission level corresponding to the weight of the probe shaft. The output of the magnetic particle clutch is drivingly engaged with the probe shaft by means of a gear meshing with a rack secured to the probe shaft.
Inventors
- 👤 J Stemple
- 👤 P Allen
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 12:38
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01B; G01B3/00; G01B3/002; G01B3/008; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T74/00; Y10T74/19; Y10T74/19642; Y10T74/1967
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 3
Claim 1
Independent Claim
104 words
A counterbalance arrangement for a coordinate measuring machine probe shaft comprising: a probe shaft; bearing means supporting said probe shaft for vertical movement; rotary drive means; a variable torque magnetic particle clutch driven by said rotary drive means; means drivingly connecting the output of said magnetic particle clutch to produce said vertical movement of said probe shaft in response to rotation of said output of said magnetic particle clutch; means for adjusting the torque of said magnetic particle clutch to balance the weight of said probe shaft, whereby the weight of said probe shaft is counterbalanced by said drive means and magnetic particle clutch.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
104 words
A counterbalance arrangement for a coordinate measuring machine probe shaft comprising: a probe shaft; bearing means supporting said probe shaft for vertical movement; rotary drive means; a variable torque magnetic particle clutch driven by said rotary drive means; means drivingly connecting the output of said magnetic particle clutch to produce said vertical movement of said probe shaft in response to rotation of said output of said magnetic particle clutch; means for adjusting the torque of said magnetic particle clutch to balance the weight of said probe shaft, whereby the weight of said probe shaft is counterbalanced by said drive means and magnetic particle clutch.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
44 words
The arrangement of claim 1 wherein said means drivingly connecting said magnetic particle clutch output and said probe shaft includes a rack fixed to said probe shaft and a pinion gear driven by said output whereby bending loads on said probe shaft are eliminated.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-06-24 | 1977-12-24 | 1978-06-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-06-24 | 1981-12-24 | 1982-06-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-06-24 | 1985-12-24 | 1986-06-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |