Process and device for determining the center-line of a curvature

US5717491A · kind A · utility

Inventors

• Dieter Busch · Ismaning, DE
• David Foley · Indianapolis, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 2, 1993
• Grant date: Feb 10, 1998
• Expiry date: Feb 2, 2013

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01B11/272
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Method and device for ascertaining the spacing of the center line of curvature of a concave body surface 3a and 5a, which is curved in the shape of a conical envelope, in particular the spacing of the longitudinal center line of a turbine rotor bearing or the central opening in the rim of a turbine impeller wheel from a reference axis. A sharply focussed light beam L, which presets the reference axis, is emitted by a light beam transmitter 6 through the measurement space which faces the body surface 3a and 5a to be measured. This light beam impinges on the measurement field of a photo-electronic position detector rigidly fastened at a sensing device 7. The sensing device 7 is supported in stable manner and displaceably on the body surface 3a and 5a to be measured and is rotated about the center line of curvature of the body surface through displacement of its supported end in the direction of curvature on the body surface. The position detector in that case supplies electrical signals which correspond to the instantaneous position of the point of incidence of the light beam on the measurement field. The signals are detected for at least three measurement points situated at an angul…