CA3022261A1 - Aligner - Google Patents

Abstract

An aligner for positioning a foot of a machine relative to a base comprises a top plate having a first slot defined between first inner and outer walls, a bottom plate having a second slot defined between second inner and outer walls, and a wedge disposed between the top and bottom plates and slidable with respect to the first and bottom plates to vary a distance between the top plate and the bottom plate. The wedge has a third slot defined between top and bottom walls. The first, second, and third slots are configured to slidably receive a bolt. A first locking element is configured to prevent horizontal movement of the bolt within the first slot and a second locking element is configured to prevent the horizontal movement of the bolt within the second slot.

Description

ALIGNER
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The application relates generally to alignment devices and, more particularly, to aligners not requiring disassembly or lifting of equipment.
BACKGROUND

[0002] Shaft alignment may be an important aspect of mechanical systems utilizing equipment where rotational forces are transferred from one machine of the equipment to another through shafts that are coupled together. For example, a first machine may act as a driver transferring rotational energy to a second machine through respective shafts of the machines. Coupling the shafts such that their respective centerlines are aligned may transfer energy more efficiently and minimize wear to the equipment. In other words, a horizontal offset, vertical offset, angular offset, or a combination of these offsets may reduce the efficiency of the energy transfer.

[0003] Means of securing the equipment to a base may include anchor bolts securing feet of the equipment to the base. These bolts are sometimes referred to as "hold-down bolts". However, vertical shifting of the equipment or movement of the feet up or down with respect to each other, or with respect to the base, can misalign the shafts.

[0004] Shims have been provided between the foot of the equipment and the base to adjust the shaft alignment. However, shaft alignment using shims typically requires lifting equipment to raise the foot from the base. This may increase the installation and alignment times.
SUMMARY

[0005] In one aspect, there is provided an aligner for positioning a foot of a machine relative to a base, the aligner comprising a top plate having a first inner wall, a first outer wall abutable with the foot, and at least one first side wall between the first inner and outer walls, the top plate having a first slot defined between the first inner and outer walls and extending inwardly from the at least one first side wall; a bottom plate having a second inner wall oriented toward the first inner wall, a second outer wall abutable with the base, and at least one second side wall between the second inner and outer walls, the bottom plate having a second slot defined between the second inner and outer walls and extending inwardly from the at least one second side wall; a wedge disposed between the top and bottom plates and slidable with respect to the top and bottom plates to vary a distance between the top plate and the bottom plate, the wedge having a top wall slidably abuttable against the first inner wall of the top plate, a bottom wall slidably abuttable against the second inner wall of the bottom plate, and at least one third side wall between the top and bottom walls, the top wall being slanted relative to the bottom wall, the wedge having a third slot defined between the top and bottom walls and extending inwardly from the at least one third side wall; the first, second, and third slots configured to slidably receive therethrough a hold-down bolt for securing the foot to the base; a first locking element mountable to the top plate and configured to prevent a horizontal movement of the hold-down bolt within the first slot; a second locking element mountable to the bottom plate and configured to prevent the horizontal movement of the hold-down bolt within the second slot; and at least one of the first inner wall and the second inner wall being slanted relative to a corresponding one of the first outer wall and the second outer wall.

[0006] In another aspect, there is provided a method of aligning a foot of a machine relative to a base, the method comprising sliding a bottom plate at least partially around a fastener, the fastener connecting the foot to the base; sliding a top plate at least partially around the fastener on top of the bottom plate, at least one of the top and bottom plates having a wedge-shape side profile; sliding a wedge at least partially around the fastener between the top and bottom plates; locking the fastener within a first longitudinal path defined in the top plate to restrict displacement of the fastener along the first longitudinal path; locking the fastener within a second longitudinal path defined in the bottom plate to restrict displacement of the fastener along the second longitudinal path; and displacing the wedge horizontally between the top and bottom plates to vary a vertical distance between the top and bottom plates.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Reference is now made to the accompanying figures in which:

[0008] Fig. 1A is a side view of an aligner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the aligner shown is mounted between a foot and a base of equipment;

[0009] Fig. 1B is an exploded perspective view of the aligner of Fig. 1A;

[0010] Fig. 1C is an exploded side view of the aligner, foot and base of Fig.
1A;

[0011] Fig. 1D is a side view of the aligner of Fig. 1A, illustrating portions of the aligner in dotted lines to show internal elements;

[0012] Fig. 1E is a front view of the aligner of Fig. 1A;

[0013] Fig. 1F is a cross-sectional view of the aligner taken along line A-A
of Fig. 1E;

[0014] Fig. 1G is a top view of the aligner of Fig. 1A;

[0015] Fig. 2A is a side view of a top plate of the aligner of Fig. 1A;

[0016] Fig. 2B is a front view of the top plate of Fig. 2A;

[0017] Fig. 2C is a top view of the top plate of Fig. 2A;

[0018] Fig. 2D is a bottom view of the top plate of Fig. 2A;

[0019] Fig. 3A is a perspective view of a bottom plate of the aligner of Fig.
1A;

[0020] Fig. 3B is a top view of the bottom plate of Fig. 3A;

[0021] Fig. 4A is a perspective view of a wedge of the aligner of Fig. 1A;

[0022] Fig. 4B is another perspective view of the wedge of Fig. 4B;

[0023] Fig. 4C is a top view of the wedge of Fig. 4A;

[0024] Fig. 4D is a bottom view of the wedge of Fig. 4A;

[0025] Fig. 5A is a side view of the bottom plate of Fig. 3A, shown with a back plate extending therefrom;

[0026] Fig. 5B is another side view of the bottom plate of Fig. 5A, illustrating portions of the bottom and back plates in dotted lines to show internal elements;

[0027] Fig. 6 is a side view of the aligner of Fig. 1A, shown with a tapered shim between the foot and the top plate;

[0028] Fig. 7A is a side view of an aligner according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0029] Fig. 7B is a side view of an aligner according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.
DESCRIPTION

[0030] Figs. 1A-1B illustrate an aligner 10 for positioning a foot F of a machine relative to a base B supporting the machine. The foot F may be a part of the machine that connects and/or rests on the base B. The machine may be used in equipment where rotational forces are transferred from one machine of the equipment to another through shafts that are coupled together. The aligner 10, or at least some components of the aligner 10 may be used in combination with an aligner as disclosed in U.S.
Pat. No.
7,905,465 to Anwar, entitled Shimless Aligner, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein. The base B may be part of the machine or any other suitable foundation, such as a floor or ground, that supports the foot F. An alignment between the foot F and the base B may be relevant to equipment that transfer rotational force via shafts. For example, equipment may have one machine that acts as a driver transferring rotational energy to a second machine. In this example, the driver machine has a shaft and the driven machine has another shaft. To efficiently transfer energy and minimize wear to the equipment, the two shafts would have their respective centerlines inline. In other words, the centerlines may extend along an axis without horizontal offset, vertical offset, angular offset, or a combination of these offsets.
The offset, or misalignment, may be caused by different factors. For example, load conditions, heat generation, environmental factors, base expansions and contractions, and wear may alter the alignment of the shafts.

[0031] Misalignment of the shafts may accelerate wear of the equipment. In some cases, misalignment may lead to failures of couplings, bearings, or seals of the machines. Certain alignment problems of the rotating shaft machine can be traced to design, installation, deterioration of the foundation, unstable foundations, base or soleplate, and/or the machine casings/frames themselves. In some embodiments, it may be necessary to maintain the proper alignment over long periods of time.

[0032] It is a common industry practice to anchor fasteners into the base B
that will match up with holes in the feet F of the equipment to secure the feet F to the base B.
The fastener may include a bolt 12. The bolts 12 may be referred to as "hold-down bolts". A nut 14 may be tightened over the foot F and onto the bolt 12 to secure the foot F to the base B. Misalignments of the shafts may thus be corrected at the connection between the foot F and the base B of the machine by appropriate adjustments of the positions of the foot F relative to the base B. For example, by merely loosening the bolt 12 such as by loosening the nut 14, the foot F can be laterally, vertically, and/or rotationally displaced relative to the base B. This is because the hole receiving the bolt 12 may be slightly larger than the bolt 12 to allow for some movement of the foot F with respect to the bolt 12. Thus, the aligner 10 may be used to align the foot F
relative to the base B, and consequently, align the centerlines of the shafts or align other components of the machine.

[0033] The aligner 10 may be mounted during the installation of the machine or mounted to an assembled machine. As shown more particularly in the embodiment of Fig. 1A, the aligner 10 is mounted between the foot F and the base B to position the foot F relative to the base B. In other words, the aligner 10 may horizontally displace the foot F relative to the base B, vertically displace the foot F relative to the base B, or both.
The horizontal displacement is intended to refer to a lateral displacement with reference to Fig. 1A, and the vertical displacement is intended to refer to a transverse displacement with respect to the horizontal displacement (and is shown in Fig.
1A as direction D). The aligner 10 may be mounted between the foot F and the base B
without removing the bolt 12 from the foot F and/or the base B, as will be described below.

[0034] The aligner 10 includes a top plate 20, a bottom plate 30, and a wedge disposed between the top and bottom plates 20, 30. The wedge 40 is slidable with respect to the top and bottom plates 20, 30 to vary a vertical distance D
between the top plate 20 and the bottom plate 30, and thus to vary the vertical distance between the foot F and the base B. The distance D may be measured from any suitable references located on the top and bottom plates 20, 30. In other words, the wedge 40 is free to slide between the top and bottom plates 20, 30 while the top and bottom plates 20, 30 are fixedly attached to the bolt 12. As such, by moving the wedge 40 horizontally, the top plate 20 may move perpendicularly relative to the horizontal movement of the wedge 40 to vary the distance D between the top and bottom plates 20, 30. The wedge 40 may be displaced by any suitable mechanism to slide the wedge 40 between the top and bottom plates 20, 30.

[0035] The term "plate" is intended to include not only structures that have parallel or substantially parallel opposed outer surfaces such as structures having a rectangular-shape side profile but also to include, for example, structures that have opposed surfaces sloped relative to each other. As such, the "plate" may have a wedge-shape side profile.

[0036] Referring additionally to Figs. 1C-1D, the top plate 20 has a first inner wall 20A
and an opposed first outer wall 20B. The first outer wall 20B is abutable with the foot F
of the machine. In other words, in use, the first outer wall 20B may be placed against the foot F. In the embodiment shown in Figs. 1A-1D, the first inner wall 20A
is slanted relative to the first outer wall 20B. In other words, the top plate 20 has a wedge-shape profile when viewed from the side. The top plate 20 has one or more first side walls 20C
between the first inner and outer walls 20A, 20B. For example, if the top plate 20 has an arcuate or cylindrical shape, the top plate 20 may have one continuously curved side wall 200. The top plate 20 has a first slot 22 defined between the first inner and outer walls 20A, 20B. The first slot 22 extends inwardly from the first side wall 200. For example. the first slot 22 may extend from a front side wall 20C, and is disposed between left and right outer side walls. The left and right outer side walls may be parallel to the first slot 22. The first slot 22 is configured to slidably receive therein the bolt 12. In use, the top plate 20 may slide around the bolt 12 without removing the bolt 12 foot F and/or the base B.

[0037] The aligner 20 has a first locking element 24 mountable to the top plate 20 and configured to prevent horizontal movement of the bolt 12 within the first slot 22. The horizontal movement is intended to refer to a movement in a plane perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the bolt 12. The first locking element 24 is intended to refer to any element or mechanism to avoid horizontal movement of the bolt 12 within the first slot 22. For example, in the embodiment shown in Fig. 1B, the first locking element 24 is a first pin. As such, the top plate 20 may have one or more first holes 24A
defined therein from lateral walls of the first side wall 200 to the first slot 22. In use, the first locking element 24 may extend through the first hole 24A and in the first slot 22 to retain the bolt 12 in a fixed horizontal position relative to the top plate 20. In other words, the first locking element 24 may hold the bolt 12 in a fixed horizontal position within the first slot 22. The first hole 24A may extend through the top plate 20, or a portion of the top plate 20. As such, the hold may have an upright or vertical orientation fixed horizontally in a fixed placed.

[0038] The bottom plate 30 has a second inner wall 30A oriented toward the first inner wall 20A and an opposed second outer wall 30B. In other words, when the aligner 10 is mounted between the foot F and the base B, the first and second inner walls 20A, 30A
face toward each other. The second outer wall 30B is abutable with the base B
of the machine. The second outer wall 30B may be parallel to the first outer wall 20B. In some embodiments, the first and second outer walls 20B, 30B may be slanted relative to each other. The term "slanted" is intended to refer to a sloped position between the first and second outer walls 20B, 30B. In other words, the first and second outer walls 20B, 30B
may be disposed at an angle with respect to each other. The bottom plate 30 has one more second side walls 300 between the second inner and outer walls 30A, 30B.
For example, if the bottom plate 30 has an arcuate or cylindrical shape, the bottom plate may have one continuously curved side wall. The bottom plate 30 has a second slot 32 defined between the second inner and outer walls 30A, 30B and extends inwardly from the second side wall 300. For example, the second slot 32 may extend from a front wall between two lateral walls of the second side wall 300. The second slot 32 is configured to slidably receive therein the bolt 12. In use, the bottom plate 30 may slide around the bolt 12 without removing the bolt 12 from the foot F and/or the base B.

[0039] Referring to Fig. 1B, the aligner 10 has a second locking element 34 mountable to the bottom plate 30 and configured to prevent horizontal movement of the bolt 12 within the second slot 32. The second locking element 34 is intended to refer to any element or mechanism to avoid horizontal movement of the bolt 12 within the second slot 32. For example, in the embodiment shown in Fig. 1B, the second locking element 34 is a second pin. As such, the bottom plate 30 may have one or more second holes 34A defined therein from the second side wall 30C to the second slot 32. In use, the second pin may extend through the second hole 34A and in the second slot 32 to retain the bolt 12 in the fixed horizontal position relative to the bottom plate 30.
In other words, the second locking element 34 may hold the bolt in a fixed horizontal position within the second slot 32.

[0040] The wedge 40 has a top wall 40A and an opposed bottom wall 40B. In operation, the top wall 40A slidably abuts the first inner wall 20A of the top plate 20 and the bottom wall 40B slidably abuts the second inner wall 30A of the bottom plate 30.
The top wall 40A is slanted relative to the bottom wall 40B. In other words, the top wall 40A and the bottom wall 40B are sloped or inclined relative to each other.
That is, the top wall 40A is provided at an angle relative to the bottom wall 40B. The angle value may be selected based on the degree of alignment that is needed. The wedge 40 has one or more third side walls 40C between the top and bottom walls 40A, 40B.
For example, if the wedge 40 has an arcuate shape, the wedge may have one continuously curved side wall 400. The wedge 40 has a third slot 42 defined between the top and bottom walls 40A, 40B and extends inwardly from the third side wall 40C. The third slot 42 is configured to slidably receive therein the bolt 12. In use, the wedge 40 may slide around the bolt 12 without removing the bolt 12 from the foot F and/or the base B.

[0041] In the embodiment of Figs. 1B and 1C, the aligner 10 includes a back plate 50 extending from the second inner wall 30A of the second plate 30. The back plate 50 may be mounted to the bottom plate 30 via one or more fasteners 52, welding, or both.
Alternately, the back plate 50 may form an integral part of the bottom plate 30, such as a protrusion of the bottom plate 30.

[0042] Referring to Fig. 1C, the back plate 50 may include a first threaded hole 54A
configured to receive a horizontal aligner, such as a horizontal alignment screw 56A to engage the foot F of the machine. The alignment screw 56A may be a fine adjustment screw. As such, the first threaded hole 54A may be disposed above the first outer wall 20B of the top plate 20. In other words, the first threaded hole 54A is located beyond a position of the top plate 20 measured from the second inner wall 30A. In use, the horizontal alignment screw 56A extends through the first threaded hole 54A and engages the foot F. A user may rotate the horizontal alignment screw 56A to displace the screw 56A horizontally relative to the foot F and consequently displace the foot F
horizontally. The wedge 40 may have a projection 44 extending from the top wall 40A
including a first aperture 44A defined through the projection 44 and aligned with the first threaded hole 54A. As such, the horizontal alignment screw 56A may pass through the first aperture 44A of the projection 44 for supporting the horizontal alignment screw 56A
within the projection 44. This support may maintain the alignment of the horizontal alignment screw 56A while engaging and displacing the foot F.

[0043] The back plate 50 may include a second threaded hole 54B configured to receive a vertical alignment screw 56B to engage the wedge 40. As such, the second threaded hole 54B may face the wedge 40. In other words, the second threaded hole 54B is located in a position to allow the vertical alignment screw 56B to extend therethrough and to engage the wedge 40. The user may rotate the vertical alignment screw 56B to displace the screw 56B horizontally relative to the wedge 40 and consequently displace the wedge 40 horizontally relative to the top and bottom plates 20, 30. As such, the vertical distance D between the first outer wall 20B and the second outer wall 30B may vary, thereby displacing the foot F vertically relative to the base B.
The wedge 40 may have a second aperture 44B aligned with the second threaded hole 548 (see Fig. 1C) at least partially defined in the wedge 40, for example in the projection 44. The wedge 40 may also include two locking holes 46 extending perpendicularly relative to the second aperture 44B and at least partially overlapping opposed sides of the second aperture 44B. The aligner 10 may include two locking pins 16 insertable into the locking holes 46 to retain the vertical alignment screw 56B in a fixed position relative to the wedge 40. The vertical alignment screw 56B may have a tapered portion 56C to allow the locking pins 16 to hold it in place. It is understood that other mechanisms may be used to displace the foot F and/or the wedge 40. For example, a rod based alignment mechanism can be manipulated by other force generating mechanisms such as hydraulic, pneumatic, and/or rack and pinion mechanisms. Further, each of these manipulating mechanisms could be remotely operated by servo motors.

[0044] Referring to Fig. 1E, a front view of the aligner 10 is shown. Fig. 1F
is a cross-sectional view of the aligner 10 taken along line A-A of Fig. 1E.

[0045] Referring to Fig. 1G, a top view of the aligner 10 is shown. The first and second locking elements 24, 34 are mounted to the top and bottom plates 20, 30. As such, an aperture 18 is defined in the top plate 20 and the bottom plate 30 to receive the bolt 12 therein.

[0046] Referring to Figs. 2A-2D, the first slot 22 of the top plate 20 extends along a first longitudinal path. A width W22 of the first slot 22 may be slightly larger than a diameter of the bolt to allow the top plate 20 to freely move vertically relative to the bolt 12. The first slot 22 has a first end 22A opposed the first side wall 200 defining a portion of the first slot 22. The first end 22A may be rounded as a function of the diameter of the bolt 12. In use, when the top plate 20 is mounted to the bolt 12, the bolt 12 may abut the first end 22A. The rounded shape of the first end 22A may be complimentary to the shape of the bolt 12 to better retain the bolt 12 in place. The axis of the first hole 24A
may be perpendicular to the first longitudinal path of the first slot 22. A
distance between the first locking element 24 extending in the first slot 22 and the first end 22A
of the first slot 22 may be a function of the diameter of the bolt 12 to arrest horizontal movement of the top plate 20 relative to the bolt 12.

[0047] In some embodiments, a first peripheral wall 22B defining the first slot 22 between the first side wall 200 and the first end 22A may have a first depression 220 defined in the first peripheral wall 22B to receive the first locking element 24.

[0048] Referring more particularly to Fig. 2B, the top plate 20 has two first lips 26 extending from the first inner wall 20A parallel to the first longitudinal path to slidably engage two opposed sides of the third side walls 400 of the wedge 40. The first lips 26 may prevent the top plate 20 from moving laterally relative to the wedge 40.
In some embodiments, the lips 26 may prevent misalignment of the aligner 10 as a result of vibrations of the machine.

[0049] Referring more particularly to Fig. 2D, the first inner wall 20A of the top plate 20 has a first groove 28 defined therein to retain lubrication between the top plate 20 and the wedge 40. The lubrication may improve the sliding motion between the first inner wall 20A of the top plate 20 and the top wall 40A of the wedge 40. In some embodiments, adverse weather conditions may deteriorate the sliding motion or jam the aligner 10. As such, the lubrication may prevent jamming the aligner 10.

[0050] Referring to Figs. 3A-3B, the second slot 32 extends along a second longitudinal path. A width W32 of the second slot 32 may be slightly larger than the diameter of the bolt 12 to allow the bottom plate 30 to freely move vertically relative to the bolt 12. The second longitudinal path may be vertically aligned with the first longitudinal path, as shown for example in Fig. 1G. The second slot 32 has a second end 32A opposite to the second side wall 300 defining a portion of the second slot 32. The second end 32A
may be rounded as a function of the diameter of the bolt 12. The second end 32A may be located directly below the first end 22A of the first slot 22. In use, when the bottom plate 30 is mounted to the bolt 12, the bolt 12 may abut the second end 32A.
The axis of the second hole 34A may be perpendicular to the second longitudinal path of the second slot 32. A distance between the second locking element 34 extending in the second slot 32 and the second end 32A of the second slot 32 may be a function of the diameter of the bolt 12 to arrest horizontal movement of the bottom plate 30 relative to the bolt 12.

[0051] In some embodiments, a second peripheral wall 32B defining the second slot 32 between the second side wall 300 and the second end 32A may have a second depression 320 defined in the second peripheral wall 32B to receive the second locking element 34. It is to be noted that the location of the second depression 320 in Fig. 3B is schematic, and that the second depression 320 may be located at any suitable position to receive the second locking element 34.

[0052] The bottom plate 30 may have two second lips 36 extending from the second inner wall 30A to slidable engage the two opposed sides of the third side walls 40C of the wedge 40. The lips 36 may have any suitable length along the second inner wall 30A. The second lips 36 may prevent the wedge 40 from moving laterally relative to the bottom plate 30. In some embodiments, the second lips 36 may prevent misalignment of the aligner 10 as a result of vibrations of the machine.

[0053] The second inner wall 30A of the bottom plate 30 may have a second groove 38 defined therein to retain lubrication between the bottom plate 30 and the wedge 40. The lubrication may improve the sliding motion between the second inner wall 30A
of the bottom plate 30 and the bottom wall 40B of the wedge 40.

[0054] Referring to Figs. 4A-4D, the third slot 42 extends along a third longitudinal path.
The third slot 42 may be defined between the two opposed sides of the third side walls 400. A width W42 of the third slot 42 may be slightly larger than the diameter of the bolt 12 to allow the wedge 40 to freely move horizontally relative to the bolt 12.
The third longitudinal path may be vertically aligned with the first and second longitudinal paths.
The third slot 42 may extend a longitudinal length at least 50% of a total longitudinal length of the wedge 40. The longitudinal length may be measured along the third longitudinal path.

[0055] Referring more particularly to Fig. 40, the top wall 40A of the wedge 40 has a third groove 48 defined therein to retain lubrication between the wedge 40 and the top plate 20. The lubrication may improve the sliding motion between the top wall 40A of the wedge 40 and the first inner wall 20A of the top plate 20.

[0056] Referring more particularly to Fig. 40, the bottom wall 40B of the wedge 40 may have a fourth groove 48A defined therein to retain lubrication between the wedge 40 and the bottom plate 30. The lubrication may improve the sliding motion between the bottom wall 40B of the wedge 40 and the second inner wall 30A of the bottom plate 30.

[0057] In the embodiment shown in Figs. 4A-4B, the wedge 40 has two third lips extending from the bottom wall 40B to slidably engage two opposed sides of the second side walls 300 of the bottom plate 30. The second slot 32 may be defined between the two opposed sides of the second side walls 300. The wedge 40 may have two lips extending from the top wall 40A parallel to the third longitudinal path to slidably engage two opposed sides of the first side walls 200 of the top plate 20. The first slot 22 may be defined between the two opposed sides of the first side walls 20C. The lips 26, 36, 46A may prevent the top plate 20, the wedge 40, and/or the bottom plate 30 from moving laterally relative to each other. For example, the lips may prevent the wedge from moving in directions nonparallel to the third longitudinal path. In some embodiments, the lips 26, 36, 46A may prevent misalignment of the aligner as a result of vibrations of the machine.

[0058] Figs. 5A-5B illustrate side views of the bottom plate 30 and the back plate 50.
Fig. 5B shows the fastener 52 connecting the back plate 50 at a right angle to the bottom plate 30. The two plates 30, 50 may be welded together.

[0059] Referring to Fig. 6, a tapered shim 60 is disposed between the foot F
and the top plate 20. The tapered shim 60 may be useful when the foot F is bent. A
"bent" foot F
is known to occur when the foot F of the machine is either bent up or down relative to the base B. As such, the tapered shim 60 may provide a surface parallel to the first outer wall 20B of the top plate 20 if the outer surface of the foot F is not parallel to the first outer wall 20B of the aligner 10. The tapered shim 60 may include a slot defined therein to receive the bolt 12.

[0060] Referring to Figs. 7A, the first inner wall 20A of the top plate 20 is parallel to the first outer wall 20B and the second inner wall 30A of the bottom plate 30 is slanted relative to the second outer wall 30B. In other words, the top plate 20 has a rectangular shape side profile and the bottom plate 30 has a wedge-shape side profile.

[0061] Referring to Fig. 7B, the first and second inner walls 20A, 30A of the top and bottom plates 20, 30 are slanted relative to corresponding first and second outer walls 20B, 30B. In other words, the top and bottom plates 20, 30 each have a wedge-shape side profile.

[0062] The foot F of the machine may be aligned relative to the base B by sliding the bottom plate 30 at least partially around a fastener, such as the bolt 12.
Further, sliding the top plate 20 at least partially around the fastener on top of the bottom plate 30.
Further, sliding the wedge 40 at least partially around the fastener between the top and bottom plates 20, 30. It is understood that the sequence of mounting the top plate 20, the bottom plate 30, and the wedge 40 may be modified. That is, the order of installing the top plate 20, the bottom plate 30, and the wedge 40 may differ. Aligning the foot F
relative to the base B may include locking the fastener within a first longitudinal path defined in the top plate 20 to restrict displacement of the fastener along the first longitudinal path, locking the fastener within a second longitudinal path defined in the bottom plate 30 to restrict displacement of the fastener along the second longitudinal path, and displacing the wedge horizontally between the top and bottom plates 20, 30 to vary the vertical distance between the top and bottom plates 20, 30.

[0063] Sliding the wedge 40 may include turning the vertical aligner 56B that engages the wedge 40 to displace the wedge 40. Aligning the foot F relative to the base B may further include turning the horizontal aligner 56A that engages the foot F to displace the foot F horizontally. Sliding the wedge 40 may include sliding the wedge 40 between two opposed lips 26 of the top plate 20. Sliding the wedge 40 may include sliding the wedge 40 between two opposed lips 36 of the bottom plate 30. Aligning the foot F
relative to the base B may further include lubricating an interface between the top plate 20 and the wedge 40. Aligning the foot F relative to the base B may further include lubricating an interface between the bottom plate 30 and the wedge 40.

[0064] The above description is meant to be exemplary only, and one skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made to the embodiments described without departing from the scope of the invention disclosed. For example, the spatial or directional terms such as "top", "bottom", "horizontal", "vertical", "side", and the like, are used in relation to the figures as a matter of convenience to refer to the position and orientation of the aligner as it is illustrated in the drawings. It is to be understood that the aligner can assume various alternate orientations and, accordingly, such terms are not to be considered as limiting. The foot F and/or the base B may represent other components or parts of the machine. Still other modifications which fall within the scope of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art, in light of a review of this disclosure, and such modifications are intended to fall within the appended claims.

Claims (37)

1. An aligner for positioning a foot of a machine relative to a base, the aligner comprising:
a top plate having a first inner wall, a first outer wall abutable with the foot, and at least one first side wall between the first inner and outer walls, the top plate having a first slot defined between the first inner and outer walls and extending inwardly from the at least one first side wall;
a bottom plate having a second inner wall oriented toward the first inner wall, a second outer wall abutable with the base, and at least one second side wall between the second inner and outer walls, the bottom plate having a second slot defined between the second inner and outer walls and extending inwardly from the at least one second side wall;
a wedge disposed between the top and bottom plates and slidable with respect to the top and bottom plates to vary a distance between the top plate and the bottom plate, the wedge having a top wall slidably abuttable against the first inner wall of the top plate, a bottom wall slidably abuttable against the second inner wall of the bottom plate, and at least one third side wall between the top and bottom walls, the top wall being slanted relative to the bottom wall, the wedge having a third slot defined between the top and bottom walls and extending inwardly from the at least one third side wall;
the first, second, and third slots configured to slidably receive therethrough a hold-down bolt for securing the foot to the base;
a first locking element mountable to the top plate and configured to prevent a horizontal movement of the hold-down bolt within the first slot;
a second locking element mountable to the bottom plate and configured to prevent the horizontal movement of the hold-down bolt within the second slot; and at least one of the first inner wall and the second inner wall being slanted relative to a corresponding one of the first outer wall and the second outer wall.

2. The aligner as defined in claim 1, wherein the top plate has at least one first hole defined therein extending from the at least one first side wall to the first slot, and wherein the first locking element includes a first pin extending through the at least one first hole and into the first slot to retain the hold-down bolt in a fixed horizontal position relative to the top plate.

3. The aligner as defined in claim 2, wherein an axis of the at least one first hole is transverse to the at least one first side wall.

4. The aligner as defined in claim 3, wherein a distance is defined between the axis of the at least one first hole and an end of the first slot, the distance being selected based on a diameter of the hold-down bolt.

5. The aligner as defined in claim 4, wherein the end of the first slot is rounded.

6. The aligner as defined in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first slot has a first rounded end opposed the at least one first side wall.

7. The aligner as defined in claim 1, wherein a first peripheral wall defining the first slot has a first depression defined therein to receive the first locking element.

8. The aligner as defined in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the bottom plate has at least one second hole defined therein extending from the at least one second side wall to the second slot, and wherein the second locking elements includes a second pin extending through the at least one second hole and into the second slot to retain the hold-down bolt in the fixed horizontal position relative to the top plate.

9. The aligner as defined in claim 8, wherein an axis of the at least one second hole is transverse to the at least one second side wall.

10. The aligner as defined in claim 9, wherein a distance is defined between the axis of the at least one second hole and an end of the second slot, the distance being selected base on the diameter of the hold-down bolt.

11. The aligner as defined in claim 10, wherein the end of the second slot is rounded.

12. The aligner as defined in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the second slot has a second rounded end opposed to the at least one second side wall.

13. The aligner as defined in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a second peripheral wall defining the second slot has a second depression defined therein to receive the second locking element.

14. The aligner as defined in any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the top plate has two lips extending from the first inner wall parallel to each other to slidably engage two opposed third side walls of the wedge, the third slot being defined between the two opposed third side walls.

15. The aligner as defined any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the wedge has two lips extending from the top wall parallel to each other to slidably engage two opposed first side walls of the top plate, the first slot being defined between the two opposed first side walls.

16. The aligner as defined any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the bottom plate has two lips extending from the second inner wall parallel to each other to slidably engage two opposed third side walls of the wedge.

17. The aligner as defined any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the wedge has two lips extending from the bottom wall parallel to each other to slidably engage two opposed sides second side walls of the bottom plate, the second slot being defined between the two opposed second side walls.

18. The aligner as defined in any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the first inner wall of the top plate has a first groove defined therein and extending in a direction parallel to the first slot.

19. The aligner as defined in any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the second inner wall of the bottom plate has a second groove defined therein and extending in a direction parallel to the second slot.

20. The aligner as defined in any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the top wall of the wedge has a third groove defined therein and extending in a direction parallel to the third slot.

21. The aligner as defined in any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the bottom wall of the wedge has a fourth groove defined therein and extending in a direction parallel to the third slot.

22. The aligner as defined in any one of claims 1 to 21, further comprising a back plate extending from the second inner wall of the bottom plate toward the top plate, the back plate having a first threaded hole disposed above the top plate.

23. The aligner as defined in claim 22, further comprising a horizontal aligner insertable through the first threaded hole to engage the foot of the machine.

24. The aligner as defined in claim 22 or 23, wherein the wedge has a projection extending from the top wall and a first aperture defined through the projection being aligned with the first threaded hole.

25. The aligner as defined in any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the bottom plate has a back plate extending from the second inner wall toward the top plate, the back plate having a second threaded hole aligned with the wedge.

26. The aligner as defined in claim 25, further comprising a vertical aligner insertable through the second threaded hole to engage the wedge.

27. The aligner as defined in claim 26, wherein the wedge has a second aperture at least partially defined in the wedge, and at least one locking hole extending through the wedge along a direction transverse to the second aperture and partially intersecting the second aperture, the second aperture being aligned with the second threaded hole to receive therein the vertical aligner.

28. The aligner as defined in claim 27, further comprising at least one locking pin insertable into the at least one locking hole to engage the vertical aligner and prevent sliding displacement of the vertical aligner within the wedge.

29. The aligner as defined in any one of claims 1 to 28, wherein the first inner wall is slanted relative to the first outer wall.

30. The aligner as defined in any one of claims 1 to 29, wherein the second inner wall is slanted relative to the second outer wall.

31. A method of aligning a foot of a machine relative to a base, the method comprising:
sliding a bottom plate at least partially around a fastener, the fastener connecting the foot to the base;
sliding a top plate at least partially around the fastener on top of the bottom plate, at least one of the top and bottom plates having a wedge-shape side profile;
sliding a wedge at least partially around the fastener between the top and bottom plates;
locking the fastener within a first longitudinal path defined in the top plate to restrict displacement of the fastener along the first longitudinal path;
locking the fastener within a second longitudinal path defined in the bottom plate to restrict displacement of the fastener along the second longitudinal path;
and displacing the wedge horizontally between the top and bottom plates to vary a vertical distance between the top and bottom plates.

32. The method as defined in claim 31, wherein sliding the wedge includes turning a vertical aligner that engages the wedge to displace the wedge.

33. The method as defined in claim 31 or 32, further comprising turning a horizontal aligner that engages the foot to displace the foot horizontally.

34. The method as defined in any one of claim 31 to 33, wherein sliding the wedge includes sliding the wedge between two opposed lips of the top plate.

35. The method as defined in any one of claim 31 to 34, wherein sliding the wedge includes sliding the wedge between two opposed lips of the bottom plate.

36. The method as defined in any one of claim 31 to 35, further comprising lubricating an interface between the top plate and the wedge.

37. The method as defined in any one of claim 31 to 36, further comprising lubricating an interface between the bottom plate and the wedge.