Position detecting device
US4558312A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 3, 1983 |
| Grant date | Dec 10, 1985 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 3, 2003 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T409/308176
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus for use in determining the location of a surface of a solid object such as that being machined by a machine tool includes a stylus having an electrically conductive end that is supported by two support members, which are disposed in pressure contact with each other by means of a spring or other bias, one of the two support members being formed to have a spherical contact surface that is a portion of an imaginary sphere concentric with the contact electrode, the other of the two support members being formed so that upon contacting the spherical surface the area of contact is substantially line contact. Either alternatively or in addition to the detection of a electrically conductive surface with the contact electrode, the support members may be provided with electrically conductive surfaces so that upon the contact of the electrode contact with a workpiece the electrically conductive surfaces are moved out of electrical contact, thereby providing an additional indication of the position of the surface to be determined.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.