The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
May. 16, 2000
Filed:
Aug. 25, 1998
Tod F Schiff, Portland, OR (US);
Mark E Southwood, Vancouver, WA (US);
Michael J Smith, Jerseyville, IL (US);
Michael J Harms, Dow, IL (US);
Schmitt Measurement Systems, Inc., Portland, OR (US);
Abstract
A gauging apparatus for use with a grinding machine performs dimensional measurements during machining of a workpiece. The gauging apparatus has a sensor head with a single sensor for performing proximity measurements of the workpiece. The sensor head further has vents adjacent to the sensor to vent air to clear working fluids and debris from between the sensor and the surface of the workpiece. A sensor head arm moves the sensor head in radial and tangential directions relative to the workpiece. A computer communicates with the sensor and the sensor head arm to determine, during the machining process, the relative position of the sensor head to the workpiece, the proximity of the sensor to the workpiece, the position of the workpiece, and the dimensions of the workpiece. The gauging apparatus is capable of performing measurements of the workpiece for initial positioning and for precision dimensional measurements. Computer control of the grinding machine allows for generation of a workpiece profile and adjustments in the machining of the workpiece until targeted results are achieved.