GB2322448A

GB2322448A - Electro-mechanical comparator

Info

Publication number: GB2322448A
Application number: GB9703819A
Authority: GB
Inventors: William Lionel Mont Trebilcock
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1997-02-24
Filing date: 1997-02-24
Publication date: 1998-08-26
Also published as: GB9703819D0

Abstract

An electro-mechanical comparator in which the caliper arms 7 are operated by rotation of a knob 4 to enable the caliper points 8 to give an almost instantaneous visual indication of the distance between two closely situated objects, which distance is also indicated by a reading on an electronic meter scale 3. The caliper arms 7 are fixed by means of a locking device 6 when required, so as to permit an accurate reading on the meter 2 to be taken, which may then be compared using the same procedure as given above with the distance between two further objects. The meter readings allow comparisons of distances only, for use in the game of bowls, are not meant to provide absolute values of the distances involved. The caliper arms 7 may be unscrewed at 14 to permit stowage and easier portability.

Description

Electro-Mechanical Comparator This invention relates to a rotary lever, spring controlled, electro-mechanical comparator, for small to medium linear distances.

Comparison of small to medium distances in mechanical engineering are normally carried out employing mechanical calipers adjusted by means of some form of thumbscrew and controlled by a spring located at the ends of two caliper arms.

Adjustment ofthis type of caliper for comparing the size of items or distances between points in the small to medium range by this method is slow involving a trial and error technique. Some calipers of this type are often quite large considering the small distances they are required to compare.

The electro-mechanical comparator is meant for usage in the game of indoor and outdoor lawn bowls.

According to the present invention named in the heading above there is provided a hand held, pocket sized, electro-mechanical comparator, comprising lever operated, spring controlled, caliper arms integrated with an electronic circuit for registering the movement of the caliper arms. An electronic meter with scale is provided to register any movement of the caliper arms, the latter being capable of being locked in position so allowing the scale reading to be fixed and noted.

Both electronic meter scale and rotatable knob are suitably inscribed to indicate the directions and amounts of caliper arm movement so allowing comparisons of small to medium distances.

A rotatable knob with integral lever moves the caliper arms in order to facilitate distance comparisons whilst spring control of the caliper arms provides smooth control and return of the arms to their initial rest position.

A single cell battery is provided for powering the electronic circuitry together with a switch for turning its power on and off as required.

Provision is made to safeguard the electronic circuitry in the event of incorrect battery installation.

With reference to the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 shows in perspective the electro-mechanical comparator with all its major components in position within their containing case.

Figure 2 depicts the mechanical assembly of the caliper arms and controlling spring together with the integrated operating knob and lever. Also shown is the mechanical spindle connecting caliper arm movement to the electronic circuitry.

Figure 3 is the schematic circuit diagram illustrating the connection of all the electronic circuit components.

Referring to Fig. 1 the electro-mechanical comparator comprises the case 1 containing the electronic meter 2 with its graduated scale 3. Movement of the caliper arms 7 and caliper points 8 are affected by means of rotating knob 4 with its integral lever 5. The locking device 6 enables the knob 4 and thus the caliper arms 7 to be locked in position when required.

In Fig. 2 spring 11 controls movement of the caliper arms 7 about pivot 13 whilst mechanical movement of the arms 7 is indicated to the electronic circuitry of Fig. 3 by means of the mechanical coupling spindle 12. The caliper arms 7 can be unscrewed at 14 and placed at the rear of case 1 when portability and stowage is desired.

In Fig. 3 the electronic circuitry is powered by battery 10 whose power is switched on and off by switch 9. Diode 15 and resistor 16 provide electronic safety features.

Claims

1. A battery powered electro-mechanical comparator comprising all the following items. A rotary knob and integral lever which actuates spring controlled, manually lockable caliper arms, whilst at the same time causing an associated, coupled, electronic circuit to indicate on an electronic meter the extent of any movement of the caliper arms.

2. An electro-mechanical comparator as claimed in Claim 1 wherein both mechanical visual, and electro-mechanical visual functions, enable the comparison of small to medium linear distances.

3. An electro-mechanical comparator as claimed in Claim 1 wherein a rotary operating lever causes movement of at least one arm of a caliper assembly.

4. An electro-mechanical comparator wherein the rotary operating lever as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 3 adjusts the current in the associated electronic circuit.

5. An electro-mechanical comparator wherein the electronic circuit claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 4 registers on the electronic meter in Claim 1 the mechanical movement of the caliper in Claim 1 or Claim 3.

6. An electro-mechanical comparator wherein means 15 provided to lock the position when required of the caliper assembly claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 3 or Claim 5.

7. An electro-mechanical comparator as claimed in Claim 1 wherein its electronic operation is not critically affected by its battery condition over the normal lifetime of such battery.

8. An electro-mechanical comparator as claimed in Claim 1 which may in the event of its battery failure for any reason, continue to be used on a purely manual basis.