Optical alignment device for machine tool
US7375361B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 16, 2005 |
| Grant date | May 20, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 24, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T408/21
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The orientation of a machine 2 relative to a work-piece 10 is manually controlled by means of an alignment device 4. The device 4 includes a light source 24 rigidly attached to a foot 12 that is resiliently movably attached to the main body 18 of the device. The body 18 of the device 4 houses a light detector 26 for detecting a light beam from the light source 24, the position of the region on the detector 26 illuminated by the beam depending on the orientation of the machine 2 relative to the work-piece 10. The operator is provided with feedback on whether the machine 2 is correctly aligned with a target orientation (usually perpendicular to the surface) and concerning the direction of corrective movement required, if any.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.