Abstract:
A method of using a measuring and locating system utilizing a novel surface plate and fixtures associated therewith is disclosed. Basically, a plurality of uniform recesses are formed in a surface. At least one ferromagnetic member having an exterior shape corresponding to the shape of the recesses is placed in a recess and secured to a measuring and/or locating fixture. Magnetic attraction means are provided adjacent to recesses to aid in holding ferromagnetic members in place. The fixture may be easily removed by overcoming the magnetic attraction forces and replaced in exactly the same position. This method is useful for dimensional measurement of workpieces, locating workpieces for automatic machining operations, etc.
Abstract:
Fixtures for use in measuring and locating systems utilizing surface plates and methods of assemblying the fixtures are disclosed. A plate having a plurality of recesses of uniform sizes and shapes spaced across the surface is provided. Fixture bodies carrying gages or locating means are bonded to one or more support members which are shaped to seat in the recesses. The fixtures may be easily removed and replaced, with the recesses providing precise realignment. Preferred recess members and support members are also described in detail.
Abstract:
Components from which a measuring and locating system may be assembled and a method of assembling them are disclosed. The basic component is a thin planar tile having a plurality of openings in one surface arranged in a repeating uniform geometric pattern. The openings contain magnetic inserts having uniformly recessed upper surfaces. A contiguous array of these tiles may be assembled in which the highly accurate opening pattern continues across the entire array. Measuring and locating fixtures having ferromagnetic base protuberances arranged to conform to the insert recess shape and pattern may be removably mounted on the tile assembly to perform a wide variety of measuring and locating functions.
Abstract:
The apparatus utilizes a surface plate with special inserts imbedded in its surface in a geometric pattern and associated fixtures and inspection tools for the purpose of dimensionally measuring specimen parts. The inserts are permanent or electromagnetic and have a recess in the exposed surface of the insert. The recess shape may be spherical, conical, or other geometric shapes. Fixtures and inspection tools have matching protuberances of the same geometric shape in a mating precision pattern under their bases, and are precisely located on the surface plate when the protuberances are aligned with the recesses in the magnetic inserts.
Abstract:
A method of assemblying a measuring and locating system utilizing a novel surface plate and fixtures associated therewith is disclosed. Basically, a plurality of recesses of uniform shape are formed in a surface and magnetic attraction means are positioned adjacent to the recesses. Ferromagnetic members having shapes and spacing corresponding to the shapes and spacing of the recesses are fastened to measuring and locating fixture bodies. Gages or positioning means on the fixtures are then adjusted as desired. The system is then ready for use in the dimensional measurement of workpieces, locating workpieces for automatic machining, etc.