Lloyd Kevin Loftus

US Patent:

57988285, Aug 25, 1998

Filed:

Mar 13, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/614888

Inventors:

Bruce L. Thomas - Radford VA
Henry M. Bass - Radford VA
Lloyd K. Loftus - Radford VA
Russell J. Churchill - Radford VA

Assignee:

American Research Corporation of Virginbia - Radford VA

International Classification:

H04B 1000
B23B 3908

US Classification:

3561413

Abstract:

A laser-based multi-axis position measurement unit measures position deviations in 5 axes while traversing a 6th linear axis. The apparatus includes three components: 1) a laser-beam unit which emits two parallel laser beams; 2) a sensor unit including at least three laser-position sensors, one of them being transparent; and 3) a microprocessor or computer unit which converts X,Y laser position data from the three sensors to displacements in 5 axes: X (horizontal), Y (vertical), Pitch (angular motion about the X axis), Yaw (angular motion about the Y axis), and Roll (angular motion about the line of travel). Readout of the 6th axis, the line of travel, is provided by means of a separate linear transducer or laser-based ranging system. The device includes an arrangement of three digital sensors on two parallel laser beams to deduce position in 5 axes. Applications for the measurement unit exist in machine tool measurement and calibration, robotics, coordinate measurement machines, optical alignment and other areas where position in multiple axes must be determined.

US Patent:

57681376, Jun 16, 1998

Filed:

Apr 12, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/421008

Inventors:

Roger J. Polidoro - Christiansburg VA
Henry M. Bass - Radford VA
Russell J. Churchill - Radford VA
Bruce L. Thomas - Radford VA
Lloyd K. Loftus - Radford VA

Assignee:

American Research Corporation of Virginia - Radford VA
Eastern Repair Fabrication - Christiansburg VA

International Classification:

G06F 1900
G06G 764
G06G 766

US Classification:

36447428

Abstract:

A precision positioning system is used for resurfacing and repairing rails and guideways of large, heavy machinery at users facilities. The system has new components, an entire machining system, a new alignment system, parallel platforms for tool support and surface scanning. A sectioned, portable monorail frame is held by fixed supports at the locus of a heavy machine requiring guideway straightening. Fixed guides extend along the outer surface of the monorail. Guide wheels and drive wheels contact the guides and support and move an outer tubular beam carriage. An assembly of machining tools is adjustably positioned on the carriage. Laser alignment sources and sensors are connected to the carriage and to heavy machines off-axis and parallel to the monorail. Intelligent controls precisely position the tools for resurfacing the rails and guideways. Scanning and a printout of machine guideway accuracy, before and after the operation, provide written verification of quality improvement.