Angular alignment assembly

US5219379A · kind A · utility

Inventors

• John Good · North Andover, US
• Alvin Sather · Austin, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 26, 1990
• Grant date: Jun 15, 1993
• Expiry date: Sep 26, 2010

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01B7/31
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An instrument for aligning the spindle of machine tools such as drill presses or vertical milling machines at various angles with respect to a work surface. In one embodiment the upper portion of an elongated shaft is engaged in a chuck or collet of the spindle while the lower potion is operably mounted to shaft bearings, which permits the shaft to pivot, rotate and to move vertically and horizontally with respect to the work surface of the machine tool. A displacement detector for detecting pivotal movement of the shaft is mounted on a member of the shaft bearing in fixed relation to the pivot of the shaft. A linear interface provides contact between the shaft and displacement detector and permits predictable repeatable movement of the displacement detector. A translating interface or computer, in the form of an electronic circuit, interprets movement by the displacement detector into data describing the angular position of the shaft and a display panel receives the data and displays it for the operator of the instrument. A frame base can be interposed between the shaft bearings and work surface to facilitate the instrument's mounting and enclosure.