Vacuum-actuated spherometer
AssigneeHardin Optical Co.
InventorLarry C. Hardin
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A spherometer for measuring at least one physical parameter of the workpiece includes at least on fluid-actuated linearly extensible probe member having an output indicative of an amount of linear travel and a chamber housing the linearly extensible probe member. The chamber has an aperture for supporting a workpiece and a vacuum line is coupled to the chamber for creating a vacuum. The probe member is activated as a result of the vacuum in the chamber, causing it to extend linearly toward the workpiece until touching it. The linear extension of the probe may be used as a measurement of distance. The distance measured to a workpiece may be compared to a standard to determine a physical parameter of the workpiece.
Claims10
A spherometer for measuring at least one physical parameter of a workpiece including:
- a) at least one fluid-actuated linearly extensible probe member having an output indicative of an amount of linear travel;
- b) a chamber housing said linearly extensible probe member, said chamber including an annular opening having an edge for supporting a workpiece;
- c) a vacuum line coupled to said chamber for creating a vacuum therein;
- and
- d) wherein the at least one probe member is activated as a result of said vacuum in said chamber to extend linearly toward the workpiece until touching the workpiece.
A spherometer for measuring topographical parameters of a workpiece comprising:
- a) an enclosure including a vacuum chamber, the vacuum chamber having an opening for receiving a workpiece;
- b) at least one probe member extending into said vacuum chamber, the probe member having a linearly extensible portion actuated by the creation of a vacuum in said vacuum chamber;
- and
- c) a vacuum source coupled to said vacuum chamber for creating a vacuum therein.
A spherometer for measuring selected physical parameters of a workpiece comprising:
- a) a housing, the housing having a chamber, the chamber including an aperture for receiving said workpiece;
- b) a vacuum line coupled through the housing and into the chamber for selectively establishing negative air pressure therein;
- c) at least one fluid-actuated linearly extensible probe member having an output indicative of an amount of linear travel, the probe member having an extensible portion situated in said chamber and a fluid input located outside said chamber.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.