Geometrical instruments – Gauge – Special scale markings
Patent
1996-05-10
1999-04-27
Bennett, G. Bradley
Geometrical instruments
Gauge
Special scale markings
33494, G01B 300
Patent
active
058966730
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
TECHNICAL FIELD
The invention relates to means for length measurements with a scale calibrated in units corresponding to the used units of measurement. The invention relates further to a means for measuring longitudinal dimensions having a scale graduated in millimeters and a scale reading means. The invention relates also to a computerized data-acquisition and/or registering system and to a method for measuring and/or computerized processing of dimensional data given in technical inches.
BACKGROUND ART
In several parts of the world the inch system has retained its standardized state, where the so-called "technical inch" is used as measuring unit for specifying data of technical dimensions, lengths. The exact value of this "technical inch" expressed in millimeters is 25.4 mm. Component parts with dimensions given in inches, e.g., ball bearings being used, stored and even manufactured--at least for replacement purposes--in countries where only the metric system is standard.
Dimensions smaller than one inch are expressed as fractions of the inch: x/2, x/4, x/8, x/16, x/32, x/64, x/128, x/256, x/512, etc. This system of expressing dimensions does not allow the use of arbitrary intermediate sizes, especially in the range of zero to 1/128". A further deficiency of this unit system results form the incapability of computers (functioning in decimal system) of performing arithmetic operations--e.g., finding the sum of a series of dimensions--without converting the dimensions into the decimal (metric) system, and after this conversion, the resultant metric value has to be re-converted into the inch system. This conversion to the decimal system has to be performed with an accuracy of at least six decimals in order to prevent--in the course of rounding the obtained data--occurrence of errors of magnitude exceeding the order of 1/100 millimeters (see the table of FIG. 1). Computerized registering and arranging of component parts in the series of rounded sizes are also more problematic than that of sizes expressed in millimeters, and can only be done in a system specifically developed for this purpose. Trouble is caused also when component parts suitable for mutual replacement but having dimensions given in different unit systems are to be compared and matched. No satisfactory solution can be found when this comparison is to be made by converting dimensions given in inches to millimeter dimensions, because the results appear as eight-digit decimal fractions, which are difficult to keep in mind, difficult to handle and are not round whole numbers.
It is an everyday task to compare inch dimensions with those given in millimeters. For this comparison almost invariably a calculator is used, multiplying the dimension concerned with the respective conversion factor, just as the gauge used for this purpose is almost exclusively a slide caliper provided with a scale graduated both in inches and millimeters.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
There is a demand for a measuring and evaluating means to perform, in an unrestricted and simple way, arithmetic operations with dimensions measured or given in inches, by providing an unambiguous link between, and eliminating the deficiencies of, the two measuring units, said means being capable of displaying the inch dimension in the form of a single number consisting of a few digits lending itself to be processed by a computer and easy to memorize.
The invention is based on the recognition that any numerical value can be expressed by a single number in the decimal system in units equal to 1/16 of an inch. Although the mathematical base of this recognition is not entirely new (1/16 of an inch as unity and the integer multiple of it have already been used for denoting quantities), new is the recognition that the fractions of the unit expressed in decimal form may find use in technical applications.
An object of the invention is to eliminate the deficiencies of known measuring gauges and data acquisition and data-registering means, when dimensions given in inches are to be dealt with by propo
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Bennett G. Bradley
Kelemen Gabor J.
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