Dresser Industries, Inc.

Nicholas E Ortyl, Iii

Robert D Bissell

Ronald D Bissell

Mechanical pressure gauges may be calibrated for linearity by a method which uses the pressure element's initial and final position at zero and full gauge pressure to determine the setting for span (gain) and starting angle of a segment gear. These are then set when the gauge is assembled to provide a completely calibrated gauge without alternately changing first one then the other of the interrelated span radius and starting angle to adjust linearity of a gauge. A vision system is utilized to perform the steps of precisely measuring the initial and final tip position on a reference plane. This information is used along with the geometry of the four-bar gauge linkage to determine the necessary span radius and starting angle, which is a function of the tip to segment gear pivot point distance. These distances can be individually set on each gauge by conventional mechanical measuring tools within tolerances which will immediately produce an assembled gauge within a desired linearity specification.

Method of calibrating mechanical pressure gauges

A method of calibrating mechanical pressure gauges utilizes the dial indicator pointer to amplify and measure the small angular displacement of a pivoting movement element drivingly engaging a pinion gear to turn the pointer shaft and determines with the aid of an analogue model, usually in one iteration, the gain setting necessary to span the gauge and the position of the pivoting movement to establish acceptable linearity without bending the mechanical linkage or changing the movement connecting link. The method includes a method of establishing the model and utilizes a programmed computer to accept the few measurements required, perform the method computations and instruct the operator. The method is applicable to gauges having a pressure measuring element which moves in response to pressure and a linkage connected to a movement, such as Bourdon tube gauges.

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Middletown, CT, United States of America

Nicholas E Ortyl, Iii