MEASURING AND LOCATING METHOD

• US 3,722,360 A
• Filed: 03/19/1971
• Issued: 03/27/1973
• Est. Priority Date: 05/05/1969
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Alexander G. Blakey, Jack S. Adams, James J. Swarts
• Original Assignee: Alexander G. Blakey, Jack S. Adams, James J. Swarts
• Inventors: Blakey, Alexander G., Adams, Jack S., Swarts, James J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Martin, Jr., William D.
• Application Number:
  US05/126,023
• Time in Patent Office: 739 Days
• Field of Search: 33/18R,185R,174A,174H,174L,174PA,174P,172R,170,169R 335/285
• US Class Current: 409/131
• CPC Class Codes: B23Q 16/08 having means for clamping the relatively movable parts together in the indexed position
• CPC Class Codes: B23Q 3/107 with positive adjustment means
• CPC Class Codes: B23Q 3/1546 using permanent magnets
• CPC Class Codes: H01F 7/0252 PM holding devices H01F7/021, H01F7/0215, H01F7/0226 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 33/01 Magnetic
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49771 Quantitative measuring or gauging
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 408/03 Processes
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 409/303752 Process
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 409/308624 with limit means to aid in positioning of cutter bit or work [e.g., gauge, stop, etc.]

Abstract

A method of using a measuring and locating system utilizing a novel surface plate and fixtures associated therewith is disclosed. Basically, a plurality of uniform recesses are formed in a surface. At least one ferromagnetic member having an exterior shape corresponding to the shape of the recesses is placed in a recess and secured to a measuring and/or locating fixture. Magnetic attraction means are provided adjacent to recesses to aid in holding ferromagnetic members in place. The fixture may be easily removed by overcoming the magnetic attraction forces and replaced in exactly the same position. This method is useful for dimensional measurement of workpieces, locating workpieces for automatic machining operations, etc.

Claims

1. A locating and measuring method comprising the steps of:

a. locating a magnetic attraction means adjacent to each of a plurality of substantially uniform recesses spaced across a surface;

b. placing a master workpiece on said surface;

c. placing a plurality of ferromagnetic support members having shapes corresponding to said recesses in selected recesses adjacent to said master workpiece;

d. affixing measuring and locating fixtures to groups of said support members while said fixtures are aligned with said master workpiece;

e. removing said master workpiece and any of said fixtures from said surface; and

f. placing a workpiece on said surface and reinstalling any removed fixtures, whereby physical characteristics of said workpiece may be compared with those of said master workpiece.

2. The method according to claim 1 including the further steps of providing at least some threaded openings in said plate surface and securing at least one of said workpiece and fixtures to said plate by threading clamp bolts into at least some of said threaded openings.

3. The method according to claim 1 wherein said recesses are formed in insert members which contain permanent magnets, and each insert member is installed in an opening in said plate surface.

4. The method according to claim 1 wherein said support members are affixed to said fixtures by adhesive bonding.

5. The method according to claim 1 wherein said recesses are formed in a substantially uniform geometric pattern across a substantially planar surface.

6. The method according to claim 1 including the further step of machining said workpiece while said workpiece is positioned on said surface.

7. A locating and measuring method comprising the steps of:

a. locating magnetic attraction means adjacent to each recess of a plurality of substantially uniform recesses spaced across a surface;

b. supplying a plurality of fixtures each of which is mounted on at least one ferromagnetic support member, said support members being shaped and spaced to correspond to the shapes and spacing of said recesses;

c. pre-setting adjustable locating members and gages carried by said fixtures to conform to selected workpiece dimensions;

d. installing said fixtures on said surface with said support members engaged in selected recesses;

e. placing a workpiece on said surface in operative relationship to said fixtures;

whereby said workpiece is accurately positioned on said surface and workpiece dimensions may be measured.

8. The method according to claim 7 including the further steps of at least once removing said workpiece and any of said fixtures from said surface and reinstalling any removed fixtures and another workpiece on said surface, whereby the dimensions of a series of workpieces may be quickly measured.

9. The method according to claim 7 including the further step of machining said workpiece while said workpiece is positioned on said surface.

10. The method according to claim 9 including the further steps of at least once removing a workpiece and any of said fixtures from said surface after machining and reinstalling any removed fixtures and another workpiece on said surface, whereby a series of workpieces may be quickly and accurately machined.

11. The method according to claim 7 including the further steps of providing at least some threaded openings in said surface and securing at least one of said workpiece and fixtures to said plate by threading clamp bolts into at least some of said threaded openings.

12. The method according to claim 7 wherein said recesses are formed in insert members which contain permanent magnets, and each insert member is installed in an opening in said surface.

13. In a locating and measuring method which comprises the steps of arranging a master workpiece in an operative relationship to a surface, locating inspection fixtures on said surface in alignment with said master workpiece, then replacing said master workpiece with a workpiece to be inspected, and comparing physical characteristics of said workpiece to those of the master workpiece by means of said inspection fixtures, the improvement comprising the steps of forming in said surface a plurality of spaced recesses having uniform sizes and shapes, locating magnetic attraction means adjacent to each recess, placing a number of ferromagnetic support members having shapes corresponding to said recesses in recesses adjacent to said master workpiece, placing said fixtures on a group of said members, aligning said fixtures with said master workpiece and securing said fixtures to said members, whereby said fixtures may be removed and replaced in substantially the exact original position.

14. The method according to claim 13 including the further steps of forming at least some threaded openings in said plate surface and securing at least some of said workpiece and fixtures to said plate by threading clamp bolts into at least some of said threaded openings.

15. The method according to claim 13 wherein said magnetic attraction means is provided by placing the permanent magnet means within said plate adjacent to said recesses.

16. The method according to claim 13 wherein said recesses are formed in a substantially uniform geometric pattern across a substantially planar surface.

17. In a locating and measuring method which comprises the steps of positioning a plurality of measuring and locating fixtures across a surface in accordance with selected workpiece dimensions, placing a workpiece on said surface in an operative relationship to said fixtures and comparing the dimensions of said workpiece with said selected dimensions;

the improvement comprising the steps of forming in said surface a plurality of spaced recesses of substantially uniform shape and spacing, locating magnetic attraction means adjacent each recess, mounting each of said fixtures on a plurality of ferromagnetic support members having shapes and spacings corresponding to said recesses, and pre-adjusting each of said fixtures to conform to the selected workpiece dimensions, whereby said fixtures may be removed and replaced in substantially the exact original position.

18. The method according to claim 17 including the further steps of forming at least some threaded openings in said plate surface and securing at least one of said workpiece and fixtures to said plate by threading clamp bolts into at least some of said threaded openings.

19. The method according to claim 17 including the further step of machining a portion of said workpiece while said work piece is located on said surface.

20. The method according to claim 17 wherein said recesses are formed in a substantially uniform geometric pattern across a substantially planar surface.