Tool offset indicator
AssigneeSemPrex Corporation
InventorsKarl G. Volk, William J. Delisle
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A tool offset indicator for setting up cutting, milling and drilling operations in manually or programmable numerically controlled machines is provided. The tool offset indicator includes a block of insulating material interposed between electrically conductive top and bottom plates. An electric circuit providing power to an indicator is connected between the top and bottom plates such that when a tool cutting edge contacts either of the plates, the circuit is completed and the indicator device energized. One of the plates is compressively mounted to a surface of the block to prevent damage to the tool cutting edge if it over travels initial contact with the indicator surface.
Claims13
A tool offset indicator comprising:
- a rigid, generally rectangular block having predetermined dimensions, said block having first and second opposing flat surfaces;
- a rigid, generally flat electrically conductive movable plate;
- first means for compressibly mounting said movable plate to said first flat surface;
- a rigid, generally flat electrically conductive plate assembly;
- second means for rigidly mounting said plate assembly to said second flat surface;
- and
- indicator means coupled to said movable plate and to said rigidly mounted plate assembly for providing an indication when a tool cutting edge contacts either said movable plate or said rigidly mounted plate assembly, said tool cutting edge completing an electrical circuit providing power to said indicator means when said tool cutting edge contacts either said movable plate or said rigidly mounted plate assembly.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.