US6062948A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus and method for gauging a workpiece
Assignee: Schmitt Measurement Systems Inc
•
Filing: 1998-08-25
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Granted: 2000-05-16
•
Expires: 2018-08-25
Abstract
Abstract A gauging apparatus for use with a grinding machine performs dimensional measurements during machining of a workpiece. The gauging apparatus has a sensor head with a single sensor for performing proximity measurements of the workpiece. The sensor head further has vents adjacent to the sensor to vent air to clear working fluids and debris from between the sensor and the surface of the workpiece. A sensor head arm moves the sensor head in radial and tangential directions relative to the workpiece. A computer communicates with the sensor and the sensor head arm to determine, during the machining process, the relative position of the sensor head to the workpiece, the proximity of the sensor to the workpiece, the position of the workpiece, and the dimensions of the workpiece. The gauging apparatus is capable of performing measurements of the workpiece for initial positioning and for precision dimensional measurements. Computer control of the grinding machine allows for generation of a workpiece profile and adjustments in the machining of the workpiece until targeted results are achieved.
Inventors
- 👤 Tod F. Schiff
- 👤 Mark E. Southwood
- 👤 Michael J. Smith
- 👤 Michael J. Harms
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 15:34
CPC Classifications
B; B24; B24B; B24B5/00; B24B5/36; B24B5/37; B24B49/00; B24B49/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 45
Claim 1
Independent Claim
100 words
A sensor head apparatus for dimensional measurement of a workpiece rotated about a longitudinal axis before, during, and after machining of the workpiece, comprising: a sensor head housing configured with an interior cavity connected to an aperture; a light sensor disposed at least partially within the interior cavity and including, a light source for producing a light which passes through the aperture to contact a surface of the workpiece, and a detector for sensing a portion of the reflected light passing through the aperture from the workpiece, wherein the detector generates a signal indicative of the proximity of the workpiece.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
100 words
A sensor head apparatus for dimensional measurement of a workpiece rotated about a longitudinal axis before, during, and after machining of the workpiece, comprising: a sensor head housing configured with an interior cavity connected to an aperture; a light sensor disposed at least partially within the interior cavity and including, a light source for producing a light which passes through the aperture to contact a surface of the workpiece, and a detector for sensing a portion of the reflected light passing through the aperture from the workpiece, wherein the detector generates a signal indicative of the proximity of the workpiece.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The sensor head apparatus of claim 1 wherein the light sensor comprises a laser light diode.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
38 words
The sensor head apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a vent adjacent to the light sensor and configured to vent air to clear working fluids and debris from between the light sensor and the surface of the workpiece.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
49 words
The sensor head apparatus of claim 3 further comprising a second vent adjacent the light sensor and configured to vent air for clearing working fluids and debris from the workpiece, and wherein the first vent is configured to vent air in a direction opposing the rotation of the workpiece.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
12 words
The sensor head apparatus of claim 1 comprising only one light sensor.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
24 words
The sensor head apparatus of claim 1 wherein the interior cavity maintains a positive pressure of air to thereby create a positive pressure chamber.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
39 words
The sensor head apparatus of claim 6 wherein the light sensor is entirely contained within the interior cavity and the interior cavity provides positive pressure to the aperture to enable a positive and consistent air flow from the aperture.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
28 words
The sensor head apparatus of claim 6 wherein the interior cavity provides positive pressure to the vent to enable a positive and consistent air flow from the vent.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
63 words
The sensor head apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a computer in electrical communication with the light sensor for controlling and receiving input signals from the light sensor, wherein, based on the input signals, the computer determines the relative position of the sensor head to the workpiece, the proximity of the light sensor to the work piece, and the dimensions of the workpiece.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
44 words
The sensor head apparatus of claim 9 wherein the computer compares current dimensions of the workpiece during the machining of the workpiece with target dimensions for the workpiece, and wherein the computer generates a signal indicative of necessary adjustments to achieve the target dimensions.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
33 words
The sensor head apparatus of claim 9 wherein the computer is in electrical communication with the sensor head arm for directing movement of the sensor head arm to coordinates established by the computer.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
36 words
The sensor head apparatus of claim 1 wherein the detector generates a signal indicative of the proximity of the surface of the workpiece based on the intensity and position of the portion of the reflected light.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
38 words
The sensor head apparatus of claim 1 wherein the detector of the light sensor senses a portion of the reflected light from the workpiece and generates a signal indicative of the roughness of the surface of the workpiece.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
32 words
The sensor head apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a sensor head arm connected to the sensor head for moving the sensor head in radial and tangential directions relative to the workpiece.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
166 words
A gauging apparatus for dimensional measurement of a rotating workpiece to be used in conjunction with a grinding machine before, during, and after machining of the workpiece, comprising: a sensor head having, a sensor head housing, a sensor disposed at least partially within the sensor head housing and configured to determine the proximity of a surface of the workpiece, and a sensor head arm, connected to the sensor head, for moving the sensor head in radial and tangential directions relative to the workpiece; a longitudinal axis detector to generate signals indicative of the magnitude of movements in the longitudinal axial direction of the workpiece; and a computer in electrical communication with the sensor, sensor head arm, and the longitudinal axis detector for generating control signals and receiving input signals, wherein, based on the control signals and the input signals, the computer determines the relative position of the sensor head to the workpiece, the proximity of the sensor to the workpiece, and a dimension of the workpiece.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
166 words
A gauging apparatus for dimensional measurement of a rotating workpiece to be used in conjunction with a grinding machine before, during, and after machining of the workpiece, comprising: a sensor head having, a sensor head housing, a sensor disposed at least partially within the sensor head housing and configured to determine the proximity of a surface of the workpiece, and a sensor head arm, connected to the sensor head, for moving the sensor head in radial and tangential directions relative to the workpiece; a longitudinal axis detector to generate signals indicative of the magnitude of movements in the longitudinal axial direction of the workpiece; and a computer in electrical communication with the sensor, sensor head arm, and the longitudinal axis detector for generating control signals and receiving input signals, wherein, based on the control signals and the input signals, the computer determines the relative position of the sensor head to the workpiece, the proximity of the sensor to the workpiece, and a dimension of the workpiece.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
64 words
The gauging apparatus of claim 15 wherein the sensor comprises a light sensor, including, a light source for producing a light to contact the workpiece, and a detector for sensing a portion of the reflected light from the workpiece to determine the intensity and position of the portion of the reflected light and for generating a signal indicative of the proximity of the workpiece.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
38 words
The sensor head apparatus of claim 16 wherein the detector of the light sensor senses a portion of the reflected light from the workpiece and generates a signal indicative of the roughness of the surface of the workpiece.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
21 words
The gauging apparatus of claim 15 wherein the sensor is a contact gauge configured to perform proximity measurements with the workpiece.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
32 words
The gauging apparatus of claim 15 further comprising an input device in electrical communication with the computer for entering an approximate dimension of the workpiece and a target dimension for the workpiece.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
25 words
The gauging apparatus of claim 15 wherein the computer comprises a memory and wherein the computer stores in memory a dimension of an identified workpiece.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
27 words
The gauging apparatus of claim 20 wherein the computer retrieves from memory a dimension of an identified workpiece and compares the retrieved dimension with a current dimension.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
37 words
The gauging apparatus of claim 15 further comprising a vent disposed on the sensor head housing and configured to vent air to clear working fluids and debris from between the sensor and the surface of the workpiece.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
20 words
The gauging apparatus of claim 22 further comprising a positive pressure chamber defined in part by the sensor head housing.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
27 words
The gauging apparatus of claim 23 wherein the positive pressure chamber is connected to the vent to provide a positive and consistent air flow to the vent.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
47 words
The gauging apparatus of claim 22 further comprising a second vent adjacent the sensor and configured to vent air for clearing working fluids and debris from the workpiece, and wherein the first vent is configured to vent air in a direction opposing the rotation of the workpiece.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
14 words
The gauging apparatus of claim 15 wherein the sensor head comprises only one sensor.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
45 words
The gauging apparatus of claim 15 wherein the computer compares a current dimension of the workpiece during the machining of the workpiece and a target dimension of the workpiece, and wherein the computer generates a signal indicative of necessary adjustments to achieve the target dimension.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
29 words
The gauging apparatus of claim 27 further comprising an output device in electrical communication with the computer for displaying the current dimension of the workpiece during the machining process.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
55 words
The gauging apparatus of claim 27 further comprising a grinding machine controller in connection with the grinding machine to effect operation of the grinding machine, wherein the grinding machine controller is in electrical communication with the computer, wherein the grinding machine controller receives signals indicating necessary adjustments in the machining to achieve a target dimension.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
30 words
The gauging apparatus of claim 15 wherein the computer relays signals to the sensor head arm for directing movement of the sensor head arm to coordinates established by the computer.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
241 words
A gauging apparatus for dimensional measurement of a rotating workpiece to be used in conjunction with a grinding machine before, during, and after machining of the workpiece, comprising: a sensor head having, a sensor head housing configured with a positive pressure chamber connected to an aperture, a light sensor disposed at least partially within the interior cavity and including, a light source for producing a light which passes through the aperture to contact a surface of the workpiece, and a detector for sensing a portion of the reflected light passing through the aperture from the workpiece, wherein the detector generates a signal indicative of the proximity of the workpiece; a sensor head arm, connected to the sensor head, for moving the sensor head in radial and tangential directions relative to the workpiece; a longitudinal axis detector capable of generating signals indicative of the magnitude of movements in the longitudinal axial direction of the workpiece; and a computer in electrical communication with the sensor, sensor head arm, and the longitudinal axis detector for generating control signals and receiving input signals, wherein, based on the control signals and the input signals, the computer determines the relative position of the sensor head to the workpiece, the proximity of the sensor to the workpiece, and a dimension of the workpiece, and wherein the computer relays signals to the sensor head arm for directing movement of the sensor head arm to coordinates established by the computer.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
241 words
A gauging apparatus for dimensional measurement of a rotating workpiece to be used in conjunction with a grinding machine before, during, and after machining of the workpiece, comprising: a sensor head having, a sensor head housing configured with a positive pressure chamber connected to an aperture, a light sensor disposed at least partially within the interior cavity and including, a light source for producing a light which passes through the aperture to contact a surface of the workpiece, and a detector for sensing a portion of the reflected light passing through the aperture from the workpiece, wherein the detector generates a signal indicative of the proximity of the workpiece; a sensor head arm, connected to the sensor head, for moving the sensor head in radial and tangential directions relative to the workpiece; a longitudinal axis detector capable of generating signals indicative of the magnitude of movements in the longitudinal axial direction of the workpiece; and a computer in electrical communication with the sensor, sensor head arm, and the longitudinal axis detector for generating control signals and receiving input signals, wherein, based on the control signals and the input signals, the computer determines the relative position of the sensor head to the workpiece, the proximity of the sensor to the workpiece, and a dimension of the workpiece, and wherein the computer relays signals to the sensor head arm for directing movement of the sensor head arm to coordinates established by the computer.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
38 words
The sensor head apparatus of claim 31 wherein the detector of the light sensor senses a portion of the reflected light from the workpiece and generates a signal indicative of the roughness of the surface of the workpiece.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
40 words
The sensor head apparatus of claim 31 wherein the light sensor is entirely contained within the positive pressure chamber and positive pressure chamber provides positive pressure to the aperture to enable a positive and consistent air flow from the aperture.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
37 words
The gauging apparatus of claim 31 further comprising a vent disposed on the sensor head housing and configured to vent air to clear working fluids and debris from between the sensor and the surface of the workpiece.
Claim 38
Independent Claim
175 words
A method for determining the dimensions of a workpiece before, during, and after the machining of the workpiece to produce a desired workpiece dimension, comprising the steps of: positioning the workpiece in a grinding machine; rotating the workpiece in the grinding machine along the longitudinal axis of the workpiece; directing light from a single light source to the surface of the workpiece at a plurality of locations having substantially the same longitudinal position along the longitudinal axis of the workpiece; measuring the intensity and position of the reflected light from the surface of the workpiece at the plurality of locations; determining the proximity of the workpiece from the light source at the different locations based on the intensity and position of the reflected light; computing the zenith of the workpiece based on the proximity of the workpiece from the light source at the different locations; and computing the diameter of the workpiece at a specific location along the longitudinal axis based on the proximity of the workpiece from the light source at the different locations.
Claim 39
Independent Claim
175 words
A method for determining the dimensions of a workpiece before, during, and after the machining of the workpiece to produce a desired workpiece dimension, comprising the steps of: positioning the workpiece in a grinding machine; rotating the workpiece in the grinding machine along the longitudinal axis of the workpiece; directing light from a single light source to the surface of the workpiece at a plurality of locations having substantially the same longitudinal position along the longitudinal axis of the workpiece; measuring the intensity and position of the reflected light from the surface of the workpiece at the plurality of locations; determining the proximity of the workpiece from the light source at the different locations based on the intensity and position of the reflected light; computing the zenith of the workpiece based on the proximity of the workpiece from the light source at the different locations; and computing the diameter of the workpiece at a specific location along the longitudinal axis based on the proximity of the workpiece from the light source at the different locations.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 35 further comprising the steps of: comparing the diameter of the workpiece at a longitudinal position to a target diameter; and applying the grinding machine to the workpiece to achieve the target diameter.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
90 words
The method of claim 35 further comprising the steps of: directing light from the single light source to the surface of the workpiece at a plurality of locations having substantially different positions along the longitudinal axis of the workpiece; measuring the intensity and position of the reflected light from the surface of the workpiece at the plurality of locations to determine the proximity of the workpiece from the light source; and computing the slope of the workpiece along the longitudinal axis of the workpiece relative to the single light source.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 37 further comprising the step of adjusting the workpiece to eliminate slope along the longitudinal axis of the workpiece relative to single light source.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 35 further comprising the step of computing the roughness of the surface of the workpiece based on the intensity of the reflected light.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
91 words
The method of claim 35 further comprising the steps of: directing light from the single light source to a plurality of locations along the longitudinal length of the workpiece; determining the proximity of the workpiece from the light source at different locations based on the intensity and position of the reflected light; computing diameters of the workpiece at different locations along the longitudinal axis based on the proximity of the workpiece from the light source at the different locations; and generating a workpiece profile based on the diameters of the workpiece.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 40 further comprising the step of recording the resulting diameters and workpiece profile.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2003-05-16 | 2003-11-15 | 2004-05-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-05-16 | 2007-11-15 | 2008-05-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-05-16 | 2011-11-15 | 2012-05-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |