Perpendicularity indicator for machine tool and method of operation
OwnerMichael H. Clementinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method and apparatus is disclosed for determining perpendicularity between a tool mounting assembly and a work surface of a machine tool, the apparatus being in the form of a device including a shaft adapted for mounting in the tool mounting assembly and having a generally perpendicular platform rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the shaft, a plurality of at least three proximity indicators being mounted on the platform in equidistant relation from the axis of rotation for the shaft, each of the indicators including a movable proximity detecting element arranged for engagement with the work surface, a gauge block preferably being disposable upon the work surface to provide a common reference surface for establishing an initial "zero" setting on each of the indicators.
Claims15
A device for determining perpendicularity between the axis of rotation of a chuck assembly and a work surface in a machine tool, comprising
- an elongated shaft for mounting in the chuck assembly in axially fixed, rotatable relation, a platform attached to the shaft, the platform being generally perpendicular to the shaft and the axis of rotation of the chuck assembly when the shaft is mounted in the chuck assembly, and
- a plurality of at least three adjustable proximity indicators mounted on the platform in spaced apart relation about the shaft, each of the proximity indicators including a movable proximity detecting element arranged for engagement with the work surface when the shaft is mounted in the chuck assembly.
A device for determining perpendicularity between a tool mounting assembly and a work surface adjacent the tool mounting assembly, comprising
- a platform assembly including a platform attached to a shaft, the shaft being adapted for mounting in the tool mounting assembly, the platform being generally perpendicular to the shaft, the platform assembly being adapted for rotation about a longitudinal axis of the shaft, and
- a plurality of at least three adjustable proximity indicators mounted on the platform in equidistant relation from the axis of rotation for the shaft each of the indicators including an axially movable, elongated proximity detecting element arranged generally parallel with the axis of rotation for the platform assembly.
In a method for determining perpendicularity between the axis of a tool mounting assembly and a work surface in a machine tool, the step comprising
- mounting an alignment device in the tool mounting assembly including a plurality of at least three adjustable proximity indicators spaced generally equidistant from a longitudinal axis of the tool mounting assembly, each of the proximity indicators including an elongated proximity detecting element arranged generally parallel with the axis of the tool mounting assembly for engagement with the work surface, the device further being adapted for rotation relative to the axis of the tool mounting assembly,
- adjusting each of the indicators to an initial setting based on a common referent surface, and
- then adjusting the work surface to place it in similar engagement with the detecting elements for the plurality of proximity indicators.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.