US3824893A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Tridimensional universal tracer, slidable on air bearings, for continuous, high-speed copying of profiles of models
Assignee: DEA Digital Electronic Automation SpA
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Filing: 1972-07-06
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Granted: 1974-07-23
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Expires: 1992-07-06
Abstract
Abstract A universal tridimensional tracer adapted to be connected with a measuring head of a measuring machine or a machine tool is described. The main feature of the point of this tracer is that of having rather wide excursions which are added to the movements along the three axes x, y and z of the machine on which said tracer point is installed. Owing to the negligible inertia of this tracer point, its movement can take place at high speed, allowing drastic reduction of the copying time of the model. The axial and transverse displacements of the rod to which the tracer point is secured are independent of one another, said displacements being measured by different transducers.
Inventors
- 👤 F Sartorio
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 22:43
CPC Classifications
B; B23; B23Q; B23Q35/00; B23Q35/04; B23Q35/24; B23Q35/26; B23Q35/30; B23Q35/34; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T409/00; Y10T409/30; Y10T409/303416; Y10T409/303472; Y10T409/303528; Y10T409/303584
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
205 words
Tridimensional universal tracer for carrying out a continuous high speed copying of profiles or models, comprising a frame which is adapted to be connected to a measuring head of a measuring machine or a machine tool; a rod, to the end of which a tracer point is secured; an oscillating body having a highly elongated lower portion of reduced cross-section in which said rod is slidable axially on air bearings; a universal joint connected to said frame of the tracer, said joint supporting said oscillating body and comprising two journals at right angles to each other; a first photoelectric transducer mounted on said body for measuring the axial displacement of said rod, the maximal axial displacement of the rod being of more than 25 mm; two other electric transducers mounted on said frame for measuring the transverse displacement of said rod, the maximal transverse displacement of said rod being of more than 5 mm; four pneumatically actuated cylinders mounted on said frame and arranged to cause return to substantially a vertical rest position said lower portion of said oscillating body, said cylinders being preloaded to a predetermined value; and at least one spring mounted on said body to partially support the weight of said rod.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
205 words
Tridimensional universal tracer for carrying out a continuous high speed copying of profiles or models, comprising a frame which is adapted to be connected to a measuring head of a measuring machine or a machine tool; a rod, to the end of which a tracer point is secured; an oscillating body having a highly elongated lower portion of reduced cross-section in which said rod is slidable axially on air bearings; a universal joint connected to said frame of the tracer, said joint supporting said oscillating body and comprising two journals at right angles to each other; a first photoelectric transducer mounted on said body for measuring the axial displacement of said rod, the maximal axial displacement of the rod being of more than 25 mm; two other electric transducers mounted on said frame for measuring the transverse displacement of said rod, the maximal transverse displacement of said rod being of more than 5 mm; four pneumatically actuated cylinders mounted on said frame and arranged to cause return to substantially a vertical rest position said lower portion of said oscillating body, said cylinders being preloaded to a predetermined value; and at least one spring mounted on said body to partially support the weight of said rod.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
The tracer of claim 1, wherein said rod is connected with a generator of vibrations, comprising an electromagnetic vibrator, a spring and a mass.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
48 words
The tracer of claim 1, wherein said spring is a spiral spring and is connected at one end with said oscillating body, while the other end is connected with a pulley having wound thereon a wire connected with said rod, said pulley being supported by said oscillating body.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
37 words
The tracer of claim 3, wherein said pulley is coaxial with and rigidly secured to a disc provided with uniformly distributed graduations and is connected to a part of an electromagnetic brake adapted to brake said rod.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
45 words
The tracer of claim 4, wherein said first transducer comprises a source of light and at least one photosensitive element arranged on opposite sides of said graduated disc, the graduations of said disc interrupting the flow of light from said source towards said photosensitive element.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
83 words
The tracer of claim 4, arranged to carry out a pendular copying operation, wherein said tracer point describEs successive paths along the surface of the model, said paths being included in planes parallel to the axis of the tracer point and parallel to one another, said tracer including means to accomplish said pendular copying operation with said brake off or on and under the action of a command signal which is a function of said axial displacement or of said transverse displacement, respectively.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
50 words
The tracer of claim 6, wherein, during said pendular copying operation, there are provided means to cause the feed speed of said tracer point to vary according to a parabolic law, and means to cause the vertical displacement speed of said measuring head to vary according to a linear law.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
103 words
The tracer of claim 1, arranged to carry out a contouring copying operation, wherein said tracer point describes successive paths along an inner or outer contour of a model, said paths being included in planes parallel to each other and perpendicular to the axis of the tracer point, said tracer including means which cause it to move, during said contouring copying operation, around a contouring pole so as to pass it from one quadrant of a 360* contour to another, with at least the information concerning the contouring direction, i.e., clockwise or counterclockwise, and the kind of contouring, i.e., inner or outer contouring.
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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) | 1977-07-22 | 1978-01-21 | 1978-07-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-07-22 | 1982-01-21 | 1982-07-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-07-22 | 1986-01-21 | 1986-07-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |