Matrix Technologies Corporation

Brian L Backus

Charles R Ramsey

Russell E Holcomb

A gauging system includes a source of pressurized fluid, one or more fluid outlet means, each including a fluid line connecting the source of pressurized fluid with a fluid orifice that is located to measure small gaps and distances between the elements of a machine or die, and one or more pressure transducers connected to measure the pressure in each fluid line. One or more adjustable valves are provided between the source of pressurized fluid and each fluid line. A computer measures the transducer output to determine the distance between mold elements. The valve or valves include a threaded male member having an inlet at one end and a frustoconical surface with openings passing through it at the other, and a threaded female member having a channel in one end and an outlet in the other joined by another frustoconical surface. The male member may be screwed into the channel of the female member to control the distance between the two frustoconical surfaces and thus the fluid flow from the inlet to the outlet through the openings. The system is calibrated by measuring the transducer output for a set of distances including the open mold distance, with an essentially infinite hose length. When the system is set up at the customer's location, with the shorter length of hose, the system is brought back into calibration by opening the mold and adjusting the valve until the transducer output is within specification for the mold open calibration point.

Gauging system with improved setup and operating method

A nozzle for a gap measuring system includes a short outlet passageway defined by a smooth, cylindrical wall terminating in an outlet orifice and having an entrance orifice surrounded by a wall portion that is substantially perpendicular to the outlet passageway. As fluid flows through the nozzle, it encounters the surrounding wall portion at the entrance of the short outlet passageway of the nozzle which constricts the fluid flow upon entry into the short outlet passageway of the nozzle. As a result of the nozzle geometry, the fluid exits the nozzle outlet with a higher velocity, lower pressure and decreased turbulence. The incorporation of such a nozzle into a gap measuring system can produce an increase in the reliability and accuracy of distance determinations nearly ten times that which was previously attainable with prior nozzle inserts.

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Muncie, IN, United States of America

Brian L Backus