Patent · US Active

Magnetic caliper with reference scale on edge

US7530177B1 · kind B1 · utility

27Cited by
30References
23Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateNov 8, 2007
Grant dateMay 12, 2009
Priority date
Expiry dateNov 13, 2027

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG01B3/205
  • WIPO fieldMeasurement
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

An electronic hand tool type caliper includes a scale track located along a scale member reference edge that forms a sliding bearing with a mating surface of the caliper slide, thereby maintaining proper alignment of the slide jaw. Placing the scale track along the reference edge is advantageous in that the reference edge surface is inherently precisely machined and particles are excluded by the inherently close fit and the wiping action of the sliding bearing. A readhead sensor is mounted within the slide surface that mates to the reference edge to provide the sliding bearing. Thus, a very small readhead sensor may be reliably positioned at an extremely small gap relative to the scale in a protected operating environment, without detrimentally affecting cost, slider friction, or signal strength. High resolution digital signals may be provided.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.