The L.s. Starrett Company

Robert A Plante

A mechanical averaging gauge for averaging displacements at a plurality of locations along the surface of an object. The gauge includes a measuring unit which is urged into contact with the surface of the object. Several probes extend from the measuring unit and rest on the surface of the object. The probes are interconnected by means of cylindrical sliding members in contact with the rear of each of the probes. Trapezoidal sliding members are disposed between the cylindrical members so that the displacement of the measuring unit from a reference surface is the average of the various displacements of the individual probes. The arrangement also results in each probe contacting the surface of the object with substantially equal force. Therefore, the arrangement has application as a clamping device.

Mechanical averaging gauge

A staging fixture for holding a single vane nozzle assembly in a predetermined position enables characterization of the effective throat area of the nozzle assembly. The fixture has a holding element for supporting the assembly in a central position, mechanical structure for locating the assembly in the holding element, a first reference surface structure having a first reference surface in opposed juxtaposition to the central position, and a second reference surface structure having a second reference surface in opposed juxtaposition to the central position and on a side opposite to that of the first reference surface. Open area measurements made with a standard reference vane element provide alignment or calibration measurements whereby leading and trailing 'half areas' of a single vane airfoil assembly can be determined. An automated selection and vane retrieval method and apparatus provide for the automatic retrieval of the vanes from known storage locations and the assembly of the nozzle to provide specified total area and uniform air flow across the entire nozzle and circumference.

Vane airfoil method and apparatus

A gage for directly measuring the deviation in cross sectional area of a passage from a nominal value employs a hydraulic system having pistons operatively engaged therewith. The pistons move in response to movement of passage contacting finger elements and the hydraulic system responds to piston movement to generate a measure of the passage area. At least one set of the finger elements has rotatable passage contacting members, each member having an elongated passage contacting surface. Each member rotates about a respective axis positioned to keep the center of each contact surface in a fixed position relative to the finger. Stop means are provided by fixed outboard finger elements, juxtaposed opposite movable finger elements, for providing improved stability for positioning the comparison gage.

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Irving, MA, United States of America

Robert A Plante