Method and apparatus for performing workpiece inspection with a probe

Patent 4779319 Issued on October 25, 1988. Estimated Expiration Date:

March 13, 2007. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.

Abstract Claims Description Full Text

Patent References

Re30975

3488586

3670243

3783340

Method and apparatus for coupling signals from a rotating device with end shafts exposed
Patent #: 3962911
Issued on: 06/15/1976
Inventor: Grenlund

Binary inspection probe for numerically controlled machine tools
Patent #: 4118871
Issued on: 10/10/1978
Inventor: Kirkham

Remote meter reading system
Patent #: 4119948
Issued on: 10/10/1978
Inventor: Ward , et al.

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Patent #: 4130941
Issued on: 12/26/1978
Inventor: Amsbury

Medical patient condition monitoring system
Patent #: 4150284
Issued on: 04/17/1979
Inventor: Trenkler , et al.

Probes
Patent #: 4153998
Issued on: 05/15/1979
Inventor: McMurtry

More ...

Inventor

Juengel, Richard O.

Assignee

GTE Valeron Corporation

Application

No. 07/027112 filed on 03/13/1987

US Classes:

29/57, Attachment33/558, Electrical switch or transducer responsive to probe or probe is part of electrical circuit340/686.5, Workpiece398/114, Rotating part408/16, WITH SIGNAL, INDICATOR, ILLUMINATOR OR OPTICAL MEANS409/133With means to weigh or test work or product

Examiners

Primary: Briggs, William R.

Attorney, Agent or Firm

Harness, Dickey & Pierce

International Classes

B23Q 17/20 (20060101)
B23Q 1/00 (20060101)
G01B 7/008 (20060101)
G01B 7/00 (20060101)
G01B 7/012 (20060101)
G05B 19/18 (20060101)

Abstract

Various techniques are disclosed for controlling the operation of a workpiece inspection procedure using a battery operated probe to contact the workpiece and transmit information back to a controller in a machine tool system. In one embodiment, battery power is applied to the probe transmission circuitry in response to a flash of infrared radiation. In another embodiment, the probe is turned on by touching the probe against a reference surface. In both embodiments, a timer is provided to automatically disconnect the batteries after a predetermined time period. In such manner battery life is prolonged.

Other References

Optically Coupled Probe Performance Specification #ROS 13, "Issue 6", D. Collingwood, 10-19-81
"Data-Input Link Goes Infrared for Process-Control Applications", Electronics, Dec. 20, 1979, pp. 60 and 62
Renishaw Brochure, "Optical Transmission for Touch Trigger Probes"
LP2 Probe System Trade Literature; 2 pgs.; Renishaw Electrical Limited
Prototype Performance Specification Number ROS 13--Optically Coupled Probe (OMP/OMM); 24 pgs.; Renishaw Electrical Limited
B1G Zero--Senser Trade Literature; 6 pgs.; Catalog No. 1982
"Rechnergefuhrte Qualitatssicherung in der Industriellen Produktion", (Computer-Controlled Quality Assurance in Industrial Production), Paper believed to be given on May 9-10, 1979, in Karlsruhe, W. Germany
"Accuracy All the Time-Cost Reduction Through Automatic Gaging of Parts", Gildemeister Report Intern 15, Oct. 1979
Marposs brochure entitled "Messgerat fur CNC-Drehmaschinen ("Gaging Unit for CNC Turning Machines"), 1979
"Maschinenintegrierte Mebsteuerung fur NC-Drehmaschinen", (Machine-Integrated Dimensional Control for NC Turning Machines), 2/1980
Armbruster et al., "Mebsteuerungen fur CNC-Drehmaschinen", (Dimensional Controllers for CNC Turning Machines), 1980
MeBeinrichtungen zum Prufen der Werkstuckmabe an Bearbeitungszentren, by Herbert G. Babic and English translation thereof entitled Measuring Devices for Inspection of Work Piece Dimensions in Machining Centers
"User's Handbook MP3 Probe with 360° Optical Transmission System", from Renishaw