Radiant energy – Photocells; circuits and apparatus – With circuit for evaluating a web – strand – strip – or sheet
Reexamination Certificate
1999-06-29
2001-07-10
Lee, John R. (Department: 2878)
Radiant energy
Photocells; circuits and apparatus
With circuit for evaluating a web, strand, strip, or sheet
C356S400000, C033S286000, C033SDIG002
Reexamination Certificate
active
06259110
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to machine alignment and more particularly to an apparatus and method for inspecting and aligning horizontal metal extrusion presses.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Horizontal extrusion presses are used for forming relatively long bar and tubular metal products, such as angles, “I” beams and channels. Horizontal presses are preferred in order to simplify removal of the bars and tubes which are susceptible to bending.
The horizontal extrusion press members include spaced apart fixed front and rear platens which are connected by long slender tie bars. Rams are slidably mounted in the rear platens and extrude metal ingots through dies which are mounted in the front platens. The metal ingots (generally aluminum alloys) are heated in furnaces to high temperatures and extruded under high forces through dies.
Alignments and inspections of extrusion presses are difficult because of the temperatures, forces, span between platens, and long slender tie rods. Current procedures utilize squares, levels, dial indicators, optical telescopes, inside micrometers and long wires.
There are a number of drawbacks with current procedures. One drawback is that data plots are unavailable for evaluating the twist, bend and flatness of rails and formulating the proper steps for correcting misalignments. Another drawback is that the current procedures require the extensive use of skilled personnel. Another drawback is that current procedures often fail to correct tracking and misalignment errors of rams with respect to furnaces and extrusion dies. Ram tracking and misalignment errors accelerate machine wear and die wear. Machine wear and die wear are undesirable because they cause frequent production losses, high maintenance costs and poor part quality.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
All of the drawbacks and difficulties encountered with prior alignment and servicing practices are completely overcome with the present invention. The drawbacks and difficulties are overcome by replacing the squares, levels, dial indicators, optical telescopes, micrometers and long wires with an accurate laser apparatus and method. The laser apparatus and method allow multiple measurements to be efficiently taken for analyzing alignment problems and formulating the proper steps for correcting misalignments.
The laser apparatus is comprised of one or more spindle lasers, a scanning laser, photocell targets, a data acquisition apparatus and adaptors for mounting the spindle lasers, scanning lasers and targets. The method and apparatus collectively contribute to the invention's ability to improve the alignments of horizontal metal extrusion presses.
One advantage of the invention is that the times and levels of skill for aligning and servicing horizontal metal extrusion presses are substantially reduced. Another advantage is that the invention can be used by manufacturers, re-builders and maintenance personnel.
In employing the teaching of the present invention, a plurality of alternate constructions can be adopted to achieve the desired results and capabilities. In this disclosure, only one preferred embodiment is discussed. However, this embodiment is intended as an example and should not be considered as limiting the scope of the invention.
Further features and benefits will become apparent by reference to the drawings and ensuing detailed description of a preferred embodiment which discloses the best mode contemplated in carrying out the invention. The exclusive rights which are claimed are set forth in each of the numbered claims following the detailed description of the preferred embodiment.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5353111 (1994-10-01), Freese et al.
patent: 5421181 (1995-06-01), Ahrweiler et al.
patent: 5507097 (1996-04-01), Duey et al.
patent: 5856875 (1999-01-01), Duey et al.
Ettinger, Jr. Raymond L.
Pierce James H.
Intra Corporation
Lee John R.
Pyo Kevin
Rhodes Alex
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