Tool for detecting missing balls using a photodetector
US5753904A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 29, 1995 |
| Grant date | May 19, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 29, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB23K3/0623
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A tool (10) is effective to carry balls (30) and to detect any balls missing from the tool (10). The tool (10) includes a housing (12) that includes a face plate (16) that has a plurality of bores (18) extending between an inner face (22) and an outer face (24) opposite the inner face (22). The bores (18) each have a concave seat that is sized and shaped to receive a ball (30). The housing (12) defines a chamber (14) that prevents light from entering except through the bores (18). The housing (12) further includes a photodetector (20) within the chamber (14) to receive light that passes through the bores (18), which indicates the absence of a ball from the face plate (16).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.