US4177567A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Tracer head
Assignee: AUTOMATION EQUIPMENT Inc
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Filing: 1978-12-01
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Granted: 1979-12-11
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Expires: 1998-12-01
Abstract
Abstract This disclosure relates to a novel tracer head comprising a stylus, stylus support and housing, and two perpendicular differential transformers. The stylus has a unique configuration enabling more precise memory of its null position when the stylus is not deflected. Further, the stylus has a rotating top pin for contacting the pattern or template that assures a condition assumed in tracer control systems but not achieved under all conditions, i.e., the stylus will deflect away from the template normal to the template edge.
Inventors
- 👤 2nd Walter S. Limbach
- 👤 Jon R. Swoager
- 👤 James M. Swoager
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 19:39
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01B; G01B7/00; G01B7/004; G01B7/008; G01B7/012; B; B25; B25H; B25H7/00; B25H7/04
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
136 words
A tracer head comprising a base, a stylus mounted to the base and extending away therefrom for engagement with the edge of a template, means for detecting deflection of the unfastened end of the stylus, the improvement comprising: said stylus being an elongate solid cylindrical rod having near its base an integral flared skirt having a smooth and consistent tangency with the cylindrical wall of the stylus, the ratio of the diameter of the base of the skirt to the diameter of the rod being between 4:1 and 1.5:1 and the ratio of the diameter of the base to the axial distance between the base and the point of tangency being between 1:0.75 and 1:2, so that the skirt comprises an integral 360 degree restoring spring for returning the rod after deflection to its null position.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
136 words
A tracer head comprising a base, a stylus mounted to the base and extending away therefrom for engagement with the edge of a template, means for detecting deflection of the unfastened end of the stylus, the improvement comprising: said stylus being an elongate solid cylindrical rod having near its base an integral flared skirt having a smooth and consistent tangency with the cylindrical wall of the stylus, the ratio of the diameter of the base of the skirt to the diameter of the rod being between 4:1 and 1.5:1 and the ratio of the diameter of the base to the axial distance between the base and the point of tangency being between 1:0.75 and 1:2, so that the skirt comprises an integral 360 degree restoring spring for returning the rod after deflection to its null position.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
The tracer head according to claim 1 wherein the rod is made from magnetic chrome vanadium steel.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
16 words
The tracer head according to claim 1 wherein the rod is made from 416 stainless steel.
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) | 1982-12-10 | 1983-06-11 | 1983-12-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1986-12-10 | 1987-06-11 | 1987-12-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1990-12-10 | 1991-06-11 | 1991-12-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |