US4428122A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Rotary target V-block
Assignee: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
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Filing: 1982-02-26
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Granted: 1984-01-31
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Expires: 2002-02-26
Abstract
Abstract A device is disclosed for measuring the distance from a reference plane to a flat or cylindrical surface. The device contains a rotatable measuring scale which is sited with a optical instrument to make the measurement. Readings are taken at various points along the surface to establish an elevation curve which is used to align the surface with the reference plane.
Inventors
- 👤 Charlton W. Mann
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 02:03
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01B; G01B11/00; G01B11/26; G01B11/27
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
145 words
An alignment device comprising: an elongated member to be aligned having a surface thereon; holder means adapted to be placed at any position along said elongated member to be aligned; said holder means being a V-block having a hole therethrough at the apex thereof the top of said hole containing a recessed lip; means for determining and establishing a reference plane; target means supported by said V-block movable with respect thereto enabling siting from any angle; said target means being a scale carried by a rotatable plug; said rotatable plug positioned by the recessed lip within the hole of said V-block such that said plug may rotate while within said hole; and means for siting said target means supported by said holder means at various positions along said elongated member to determine the variations of the elongated member to be aligned from said reference plane.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
145 words
An alignment device comprising: an elongated member to be aligned having a surface thereon; holder means adapted to be placed at any position along said elongated member to be aligned; said holder means being a V-block having a hole therethrough at the apex thereof the top of said hole containing a recessed lip; means for determining and establishing a reference plane; target means supported by said V-block movable with respect thereto enabling siting from any angle; said target means being a scale carried by a rotatable plug; said rotatable plug positioned by the recessed lip within the hole of said V-block such that said plug may rotate while within said hole; and means for siting said target means supported by said holder means at various positions along said elongated member to determine the variations of the elongated member to be aligned from said reference plane.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
33 words
A device as in claim 1 wherein said rotatable plug has a through aperture receiving said scale slidable therein such that said scale contacts said surface of said elongated member to be aligned.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
53 words
A device as in claim 2 wherein said plug and said scale are positioned coaxially within and rotate about the vertical centerline of said V-block, said plug supporting said scale such that the axis of said scale maintains vertical alignment with a plumbline of the surface of said elongated member to be aligned.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
A device as in claim 3 wherein a level indicator is carried by said V-block to center said V-block on said elongated member to be aligned.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
37 words
A device as in claim 1 wherein said V-block is made of ferrous material and contains means for selective magnetization to enable said V-block to adhere at any angle to a ferromagnetic elongated member to be aligned.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
25 words
A device as in claim 2 wherein said scale is weighted to assure contact thereof with the surface of said elongated member to be aligned.
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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) | 1987-01-30 | 1987-08-01 | 1988-01-31 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1991-01-30 | 1991-08-01 | 1992-01-31 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1995-01-30 | 1995-08-01 | 1996-01-31 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |