WO2020086990A1

WO2020086990A1 - Aligner

Info

Publication number: WO2020086990A1
Application number: PCT/US2019/058124
Authority: WO
Inventors: Abdul Gaffar Mohammad Anwar
Original assignee: Softway Industrial Solutions, Llc
Priority date: 2018-10-25
Filing date: 2019-10-25
Publication date: 2020-04-30
Also published as: CA3022261A1

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

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to Canadian patent application 3,022,261 filed October 25, 2018, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The application relates generally to alignment devices and, more particularly, to aligners for equipment.

BACKGROUND

[0003] 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.

[0004] 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.

[0005] 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

[0006] There is provided an aligner for positioning a foot of an object relative to a base, the aligner comprising: a top plate having a first inner wall, a first outer wall abutable against 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.

[0007] There is provided an aligner for positioning a foot of an object relative to a base of the object, the aligner comprising: a washer having a washer inner wall and a washer outer wall abutable against the foot, the washer having a washer aperture extending therethrough; a top plate having a first inner wall, a first outer wall abutable against the washer inner wall, and at least one first side wall between the first inner and outer walls, the top plate having a first aperture extending therethrough between the first inner and outer walls; 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 aperture extending therethrough between the second inner and outer walls; a wedge disposed between the top and bottom plates and slidable with respect to the top plate and the bottom plate to vary a distance between the top and bottom plates, the wedge having a top wall slidably abuttable against the first inner wall, 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 aperture extending therethrough between the top and bottom walls; the first, second, third, and washer apertures configured to receive therethrough a hold-down bolt for securing the foot to the base; the first and second apertures configured to abut against the hold-down bolt and prevent a horizontal movement thereof relative to the top plate and the bottom plate; and one or both of the top plate and the bottom plate having a wedge-shape side profile.

[0008] There is provided a method of aligning a foot of an object relative to a base, the method comprising: sliding a bottom plate against the base and at least partially around a fastener connecting the foot to the base; sliding a top plate at least partially around the fastener and between the foot and the bottom plate, at least one of the top and bottom plates having a wedge-shape side profile; and sliding a wedge at least partially around the fastener between the top and bottom plates to displace the wedge horizontally relative to both the top and bottom plates, horizontal displacement of the wedge adjusting a vertical distance between the top and bottom plates.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Reference is now made to the accompanying figures in which:

[0010] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an aligner between a foot of a machine and a base of the machine;

[0011] Fig. 1 A is a side view of the aligner of Fig. 1 ;

[0012] Fig. 1 B is an exploded perspective view of the aligner of Fig. 1 ;

[0013] Fig. 1 C is an exploded side view of the aligner, foot and base of Fig. 1 ;

[0014] Fig. 1 D is a side view of the aligner of Fig. 1 , illustrating portions of the aligner in dotted lines to show internal elements;

[0015] Fig. 1 E is a front view of the aligner of Fig. 1 ;

[0016] Fig. 1 F is a cross-sectional view of the aligner taken along line A-A of Fig. 1 E;

[0017] Fig. 1 G is a top view of the aligner of Fig. 1 ;

[0018] Fig. 2A is a side view of a top plate of the aligner of Fig. 1 ;

[0019] Fig. 2B is a front view of the top plate of Fig. 2A;

[0020] Fig. 2C is a top view of the top plate of Fig. 2A;

[0021] Fig. 2D is a bottom view of the top plate of Fig. 2A; [0022] Fig. 3A is a perspective view of a bottom plate of the aligner of Fig. 1 ;

[0023] Fig. 3B is a top view of the bottom plate of Fig. 3A;

[0024] Fig. 4A is a perspective view of a wedge of the aligner of Fig. 1 ;

[0025] Fig. 4B is another perspective view of the wedge of Fig. 4B;

[0026] Fig. 4C is a top view of the wedge of Fig. 4A;

[0027] Fig. 4D is a bottom view of the wedge of Fig. 4A;

[0028] Fig. 5A is a side view of the bottom plate of Fig. 3A, shown with a back plate extending therefrom;

[0029] 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;

[0030] Fig. 6 is a side view of the aligner of Fig. 1 , shown with a tapered shim between the foot and the top plate;

[0031] Fig. 7 A is a side view of another aligner of the present disclosure;

[0032] Fig. 7B is a side view of another aligner of the present disclosure;

[0033] Fig. 8A is a perspective view of another aligner of the present disclosure;

[0034] Fig. 8B is a side elevational view of the aligner of Fig. 8A;

[0035] Fig. 8C is a bottom view of a top plate of the aligner of Fig. 8A;

[0036] Fig. 8D is a bottom view of a washer of the aligner of Fig. 8A;

[0037] Fig. 8E is a top view of a wedge and a bottom plate of the aligner of Fig. 8A;

[0038] Fig. 8F is a side view of the wedge and the bottom plate of Fig. 8D;

[0039] Fig. 9A is a perspective view of two aligners of the present disclosure;

[0040] Fig. 9B is another perspective view of the two aligners of Fig. 9A;

[0041] Fig. 9C is a top view of the two aligners of Fig. 9A;

[0042] Fig. 10A is a perspective view of another aligner of the present disclosure; [0043] Fig. 10B is a perspective view of a top plate of the aligner of Fig. 10A; and [0044] Fig. 10C is a side view of a wedge and a bottom plate of the aligner of Fig. 10A. DESCRIPTION

[0045] Fig. 1 illustrates an aligner 10 for positioning a foot F of an object, shown as a machine M, relative to a base B supporting the machine M. The foot F may be a part of the machine M that connects and/or rests on the base B. The foot F may thus be any base, peg, leg, bottom, or support of the object which rests or sits on the base B. The machine M 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 M 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 transfers 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 be collinear 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] It is a common practice to anchor fasteners into the base B that will match up with holes in the feet F of the machine M to secure the feet F to the base B. The fastener in Fig. 1 is a bolt 12, but other fasteners may also be used. The bolts 12 may be referred to as “foundation” or“hold-down” bolts 12. 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 M 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.

[0048] The aligner 10 may be mounted during the installation of the machine M or mounted to an assembled machine. As shown in Fig. 1 , the aligner 10 is mounted between the foot F and the base B to position the foot F relative to the base B. In Fig. 1 , the aligner 10 horizontally displaces the foot F relative to the base B, or vertically displaces the foot F relative to the base B, or does both. The horizontal displacement is intended to refer to a lateral displacement in a direction parallel to a plane formed by the base B, and the vertical displacement is intended to refer to a transverse displacement with respect to the horizontal displacement (and is shown in Fig. 1 A 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.

[0049] Referring to Figs. 1 A and 1 B, the aligner 10 includes a top plate 20, a bottom plate 30, and a wedge 40 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 the 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. It will thus be appreciated that the horizontal displacement of the wedge 40 translates into a vertical relative displacement. 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. the wedge 40 is free to slide between the top and bottom plates 20, 30 while the top and bottom plates 20, 30 do not displace relative to the foot F and the base B. 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.

[0050] 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. The term “plate” does not limit the top and bottom plates 20, 20 to have only rectilinear forms. Other shapes for the top and bottom plates 20, 30, for example rounded, circular, triangular, or other polygonal, are possible.

[0051] Referring additionally to Figs. 1 C-1 D, the top plate 20 has a first inner wall 20A and an opposed first outer wall 20B. The first inner wall 20A faces toward the base B. The first inner wall 20A is spaced closer to the base B than the first outer wall 20B. The first outer wall 20B is abutable with the foot F of the machine M. In other words, in use, the first outer wall 20B may be placed against the foot F. In the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 A-1 D, the first inner wall 20A is slanted relative to the first outer wall 20B. In Figs. 1 A-1 D, the height of the top plate 20 varies over its length. In Figs. 1A-1 D, the vertical distance between the first inner wall 20A and the first outer wall 20B varies over the length of the first inner and outer walls 20A, 20B. In Figs. 1A-1 D, an angle greater than zero degrees and less than ninety degrees is formed between the first inner wall 20A and 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. In Figs. 1 A-1 D, the top plate 20 has four first side walls 20C. In other embodiments where the top plate 20 has other shapes, it may have more or fewer first side walls 20C. For example, if the top plate 20 has an arcuate or cylindrical shape, the top plate 20 may have one continuously curved side wall 20C. 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 one of the first side walls 20C. For example, the first slot 22 may extend from a front side wall 20C, and is disposed between left and right outer side walls 20C. The left and right outer side walls 20C are 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 when the aligner 10 is positioned between the foot F and the base B, thereby avoiding the need to remove the bolt 12 from the foot F and/or the base B.

[0052] Referring to Fig 1 B, 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 when the wedge 40 is displaced, as explained in greater detail below. 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 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. 1 B, the first locking element 24 is a pin. As such, the top plate 20 may have one or more first holes 24A defined therein from one or more of the first side walls 20C to the first slot 22. The holes 24A define an axis that is transverse to the first side wall 20C into which it extends. 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 all of the top plate 20 between two its first side walls 20C, or only through a portion of the top plate 20. As such, the bolt 12 may have an upright or vertical orientation when fixed horizontally in a fixed placed.

[0053] Referring to Fig. 1 C, the bottom plate 30 has a second inner wall 30A oriented toward the first inner wall 20A and an opposed second outer wall 30B. 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 M. In Fig. 1 C, the second outer wall 30B is parallel to the first outer wall 20B. In Fig. 1 C, the second outer wall 30B is parallel to the second inner wall 20A. 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 30C between the second inner and outer walls 30A, 30B. In Figs. 1 A-1 D, the bottom plate 30 has four second side walls 30C. In other embodiments where the bottom plate 30 has other shapes, it may have more or fewer second side walls 30C. For example, if the bottom plate 30 has an arcuate or cylindrical shape, the bottom plate 30 may have one continuously curved second side wall 30C. The bottom plate 30 has a second slot 32 defined between the second inner and outer walls 30A, 30B and extending inwardly from one of the second side walls 30C. For example, the second slot 32 may extend from a front second side wall 30C between two lateral second side walls 30C. 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 when the aligner 10 is positioned between the foot F and the base B, thereby avoiding the need to remove the bolt 12 from the foot F and/or the base B.

[0054] Referring to Fig. 1 B, 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 when the wedge 40 is displaced, as explained in greater detail below. The second locking element 34 is 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. 1 B, 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 one or more of the second side walls 30C to the second slot 32. In use, the second locking element 34 may extend through the second hole 34A and into 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. The second hole 34A may extend through all of the bottom plate 30 between two its second side walls 30C, or only through a portion of the bottom plate 30.

[0055] Referring to Fig. 1 C, 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 Figs. 1 A-1 D, the height of the wedge 40 varies over its length. In Figs. 1A-1 D, the vertical distance between the top wall 40A and the bottom wall 40B varies over the length of the top and bottom walls 40A, 40B. In Figs. 1 A-1 D, an angle greater than zero degrees and less than ninety degrees is formed between the top wall 40A and 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. In Figs. 1 A-1 D, the wedge 40 has four third side walls 40C. In other embodiments where the wedge 40 has other shapes, it may have more or fewer third side walls 40C. For example, if the wedge 40 has an arcuate shape, the wedge may have one continuously curved third side wall 40C. Referring to Fig. 1 B, the wedge 40 has a third slot 42 defined between the top and bottom walls 40A, 40B and extending inwardly from one of the third side walls 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 when the aligner 10 is positioned between the foot F and the base B, thereby avoiding the need to remove the bolt 12 from the foot F and/or the base B.

[0056] In the embodiment of Figs. 1 B and 1 C, the aligner 10 includes a back plate 50 extending from the second inner wall 30A of the second plate 30. The back plate 50 is located at one end 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, and thus form a protrusion from the bottom plate 30 toward the foot F.

[0057] Referring to Figs. 1 C and 1 D, 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 M. The alignment screw 56A is threaded along some of its length. The alignment screw 56A may be a fine adjustment screw. The first threaded hole 54A is disposed above the first outer wall 20B of the top plate 20. The first threaded hole 54A is located above the top plate 20 and above 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. The screw 56A abuts against the F and exerts a force against the F to nudge, push or otherwise displace the foot F horizontally. The wedge 40 in Figs. 1 C and 1 D has a wedge plate 44 extending from the top wall 40A. The wedge plate 44 is positioned at one of the longitudinal ends of the wedge 40. The wedge plate 44 has a first threaded aperture 44A defined through the wedge plate 44 and aligned with the first threaded hole 54A. The first threaded aperture 44A is in the same vertical plane as the first threaded hole 54A. The horizontal alignment screw 56A is displaced through the first aperture 44A of the wedge plate 44 and toward the foot F. The wedge plate 44 supports the horizontal alignment screw 56A within the wedge plate 44. This support may maintain the alignment of the horizontal alignment screw 56A while engaging and displacing the foot F in the horizontal direction.

[0058] Referring to Figs. 1 C and 1 D, the back plate 50 includes 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 faces the wedge 40, and is at a height less than or equal to a height of the wedge 40. The second threaded hole 54B is positioned in the back plate 50 lower than the first threaded hole 54A. 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 abut against the wedge 40. The user rotates the vertical alignment screw 56B to displace the screw 56B horizontally toward to the wedge 40. The screw 56B abuts the wedge 40 and applies a force against the wedge 40, which causes the wedge 40 to displace horizontally and relative to the top and bottom plates 20, 30. The displacement of the wedge 40 causes the vertical distance D between the first outer wall 20B and the second outer wall 30B to be varied, thereby displacing the foot F vertically relative to the base B. The wedge 40 in Figs. 1 C and 1 D has a second aperture 44B aligned with the second threaded hole 54B at least partially defined in the wedge 40, for example in the wedge plate 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 vertical sides of the second aperture 44B. Referring to Fig. 1 B, the aligner 10 includes two locking pins 16 that are insertable into the locking holes 46 to retain the vertical alignment screw 56B in a fixed position relative to the wedge 40. Therefore, as the wedge 40 is displaced by the vertical alignment screw 56B, in the embodiment of Figs. 1 A to 1 D, the pins 16 move with the wedge 40. The vertical alignment screw 56B may have a thinned 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 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 may be remotely operated by servo motors.

[0059] Referring to Fig. 1 E, a front view of the aligner 10 is shown. Fig. 1 F is a cross- sectional view of the aligner 10 taken along line A-A of Fig. 1 E.

[0060] Referring to Fig. 1 G, a top view of the aligner 10 is shown. The first and second locking elements 24, 34 are inserted into to the top and bottom plates 20, 30. As such, a gap 18 is defined in the top plate 20 and the bottom plate 30 between the first and second locking elements 24, 34 and an end of the slots 22,32,42. The gap 18 defines the horizontal extent of movement of the bolt 12 within the slots 22, 32, 42 when the wedge 40 is horizontally displaced. The first and second locking elements 24, 34 are movement limiters because they prevent the first and second plates 20, 30, respectively, from moving with the wedge 40 as the wedge 40 is being horizontally displaced.

[0061] 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 or laterally, relative to the bolt 12. The first slot 22 has a first end 22A opposed to one of the first side walls 20C which defines 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 about 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.

[0062] Referring to Fig. 2C, a first peripheral wall 22B defines part of the first slot 22, and is positioned between one of the first side walls 20C and the first end 22A. The first peripheral wall 22B has a first depression or aperture 22C defined in the first peripheral wall 22B to receive the first locking element 24.

[0063] Referring to Fig. 2B, the top plate 20 has two first lips 26 extending from the first inner wall 20A in a direction toward the wedge 40. The first lips 26 extend from two of the first side walls 20C. The first lips 26 extend in a direction parallel to the first longitudinal path to slidably engage two opposed sides of two of the third side walls 40C 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 M, or rotation of the wedge 40 resulting from rotation of the horizontal or vertical aligners.

[0064] Referring to Fig. 2D, the first inner wall 20A of the top plate 20 has one or more first grooves 28 defined therein to retain lubrication between the top plate 20 and the wedge 40. The lubrication may improve the relative 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.

[0065] Referring to Figs. 3A-3B, the second slot 32 of the bottom plate 30 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 or laterally, relative to the bolt 12. The second longitudinal path may be vertically aligned with the first longitudinal path, as shown for example in Fig. 1 G. The second slot 32 has a second end 32A opposite to one of the second side walls 30C 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 into 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.

[0066] In some embodiments, a second peripheral wall 32B defining the second slot 32 between the second side wall 30C and the second end 32A may have a second depression or aperture 32C 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 32C in Fig. 3B is schematic, and that the second depression 32C may be located at any suitable position to receive the second locking element 34.

[0067] Referring to Fig. 3A, the bottom plate 30 have two second lips 36 extending from the second inner wall 30A toward the wedge 40 to slidable engage the two opposed third side walls 40C of the wedge 40. The second 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, or rotation of the wedge 40 resulting from rotation of the horizontal or vertical aligners.

[0068] The second inner wall 30A of the bottom plate 30 may have one or more second grooves 38 defined therein to retain lubrication between the bottom plate 30 and the wedge 40. The lubrication may improve the relative sliding motion between the second inner wall 30A of the bottom plate 30 and the bottom wall 40B of the wedge 40.

[0069] Referring to Figs. 4A-4D, the third slot 42 in the wedge 40 extends along a third longitudinal path. The third slot 42 may be defined between two opposed sides third side walls 40C and spaced therebetwee. 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 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.

[0070] Referring to Fig. 4C, the top wall 40A of the wedge 40 has one or more third grooves 48 defined therein to retain lubrication between the wedge 40 and the top plate 20. The lubrication may improve the relative sliding motion between the top wall 40A of the wedge 40 and the first inner wall 20A of the top plate 20.

[0071] Referring to Fig. 4D, the bottom wall 40B of the wedge 40 has one or more fourth grooves 48A defined therein to retain lubrication between the wedge 40 and the bottom plate 30. The lubrication may improve the relative sliding motion between the bottom wall 40B of the wedge 40 and the second inner wall 30A of the bottom plate 30.

[0072] Referring to Fig. 4A, the wedge 40 has two third lips 46A extending from the bottom wall 40B toward the bottom plate 30 to slidably engage two opposed second side walls 30C of the bottom plate 30. The wedge 40 may have two lips 46A extending from the top wall 40A toward the top plat 20 parallel to the third longitudinal path to slidably engage two opposed first side walls 20C of the top plate 20. The first slot 22 may be positioned between the two 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 26, 36, 46A may prevent the wedge 40 from moving in directions nonparallel to the third longitudinal path. In some embodiments, the lips 26, 36, 46A may prevent misalignment of the aligner 10 as a result of vibrations of the machine, for example.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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 angled either 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.

[0075] Fig. 7 A shows another embodiment of the aligner 1 10. The description of the features of the aligner 10 provided above, along with their reference numbers, apply to corresponding features of the aligner 1 10 shown in Fig. 7 A. Not all of these descriptions and reference numbers are reproduced below. It is therefore understood that these corresponding features of the aligner 1 10 shown in Fig. 7 A but not described below may be attributed the same description and reference numbers as provided above. The first inner wall 120A of the top plate 120 is parallel to the first outer wall 120B, and the second inner wall 130A of the bottom plate 130 is slanted relative to the second outer wall 130B. In other words, the top plate 120 has a rectangular-shapes side profile and the bottom plate 130 has a wedge-shaped side profile.

[0076] Fig. 7B shows another embodiment of the aligner 210. The description of the features of the aligners 10,100 provided above, along with their reference numbers, apply to corresponding features of the aligner 210 shown in Fig. 7B. Not all of these descriptions and reference numbers are reproduced below. It is therefore understood that these corresponding features of the aligner 210 shown in Fig. 7B but not described below may be attributed the same description and reference numbers as provided above. The first and second inner walls 220A, 230A of the top and bottom plates 220, 230 are slanted relative to corresponding first and second outer walls 220B, 230B. In other words, the top and bottom plates 220, 230 each have a wedge-shaped side profile.

[0077] Figs. 8A to 8F show another embodiment of the aligner 310. The description of the features of the aligners 10,1 10,210 provided above, along with their reference numbers, apply to corresponding features of the aligner 310 shown in Figs. 8A to 8F. Not all of these descriptions and reference numbers are reproduced below. It is therefore understood that these corresponding features of the aligner 310 shown in Figs. 8A to 8F but not described below may be attributed the same description and reference numbers as provided above.

[0078] The aligner 310 has a washer 370 positionable on top of the top plate 320, between the top plate 320 and the foot F of the machine M. The washer 370 has a washer inner wall 370A facing toward, and abuttable against, the first outer wall 320B of the top plate 320. The washer 370 has a washer outer wall 370B facing toward, and abutting against, the foot F. The washer 370 has one or more washer side walls 370C extending between and interconnecting the washer inner and outer walls 370A,370B. In the depicted embodiment, the washer 370 is a cylindrical body, and thus has only one washer side wall 370C. Other shapes for the washer 370 are possible, such that the washer 370 may have more than one washer side wall 370C. A washer aperture 372 extends through the body of the washer 370 between the washer inner and outer walls 370A,370B. In the depicted embodiment, the washer aperture 372 is a circular hole spaced inwardly from the washer side wall 370C. The washer aperture 372 is sized to receive the bolt 12 therethrough, and may be threaded.

[0079] Referring to Figs. 8B and 8C, the top plate 320 is positioned underneath the washer 370, between the washer inner wall 370A and the top wall 340A of the wedge 340. The first aperture 322 of the top plate 320 in the depicted embodiment is a hole. The first aperture 322 extends through the body of the top plate 320 between the first inner and outer walls 320A,320B. In the depicted embodiment, the first aperture 322 is a circular hole spaced inwardly from the first side walls 320C. In an alternate embodiment, the first aperture 322 is a slot extending through the top plate 320 that also extends inwardly from one of first side walls 320C. The first aperture 322 is sized to be larger than the bolt 12 that extends therethrough. In the depicted embodiment, the first aperture 322 is free of threads. Referring to Fig. 8E, the bottom plate 330 has a second aperture 332 extending therethrough between the second inner and outer walls 330A,330B. In the depicted embodiment, the second aperture 332 is a circular hole spaced inwardly from the second side walls 330C. In an alternate embodiment, the second aperture 332 is a slot extending through the bottom plate 330 that extends inwardly from one of the second side walls 330C. The second aperture 332 is sized to receive the bolt 12 therethrough, and may be threaded. In the depicted embodiment, the top plate 320 has a wedge-shaped profile. The first inner wall 320A is slanted relative to the second inner wall 330A, relative to the first outer wall 320B, and relative to the second outer wall 330B. In an alternate embodiment, the bottom plate 330 has a wedge-shaped profile. In another alternate embodiment, both the top and bottom plates 320,330 have wedge-shaped profiles.

[0080] Referring to Figs. 8B and 8E, the wedge 340 is disposed between the top and bottom plates 320,330 and slidable with respect to the top and bottom plates 320,330 to vary a distance between the top and bottom plates 320,330. The wedge 340 has a third aperture 342 defined between the top and bottom walls 340A, 340B and extending inwardly from one of the third side walls 340C. The third aperture 342 is a slot configured to slidably receive therein the bolt 12. In use, the wedge 340 may slide around the bolt 12 when the aligner 310 is positioned between the foot F and the base B. The length of the third aperture 342 is greater than its width.

[0081] In the depicted embodiment, the wedge 340 is free of a wedge plate. Referring to Figs. 8B and 8E-8F, one end of the wedge 340 has a second aperture 344B extending through the wedge 340 from one of the third side walls 340C to the third aperture 342. The second aperture 344B is threaded, and is configured to receive a vertical alignment screw 356B, which extends through the wedge 430 and into the third aperture 342. Referring to Fig. 8F, the vertical alignment screw 356B is mounted against the back plate 350 of the aligner 310 and is prevented from displacing relative to the back plate 350. An axis of the second aperture 344B is disposed lower than an upper extremity of the wedge 340 such that the vertical alignment screw 356B engages the body of the wedge 340 when positioned within the second aperture 344B. The vertical alignment screw 356B is an endless-type screw such that rotation of the vertical alignment screw 356B engages the threads of the second aperture 344B and causes the wedge 340 to displace horizontally, without also horizontally displacing the vertical alignment screw 356B. Stated differently, as the vertical alignment screw 356B is rotated, the horizontal position of the wedge 340 along the vertical alignment screw 356B is varied. The user rotates the vertical alignment screw 356B to displace the wedge 340 horizontally and relative to the top and bottom plates 320, 330. The displacement of the wedge 340 causes the vertical distance D between the first outer wall 320B and the second outer wall 330B to be varied, thereby displacing the foot F vertically relative to the base B.

[0082] Referring to Fig. 8B, the first, second, third, and washer apertures 322,332,372 are configured to receive therethrough the bolt 12. The first aperture 322 has a larger diameter than the second aperture 332 because in the depicted embodiment the second aperture 332 is only sized to receive the bolt 12. At least the first and second apertures 322,332 are configured to abut against the bolt 12 in order to block or prevent a horizontal movement of the top and bottom plates 320,330 relative to the bolt 12 when the wedge 340 is displaced. In Fig. 8B, the washer aperture 372 is also configured to abut against the bolt 12 to block a horizontal movement of the washer 370 relative to the bolt 12 when the wedge 340 is displaced. In an alternate embodiment, the washer aperture 372 is an open-ended slot which does not constrain movement of the bolt 12.

[0083] Referring to Figs. 8C and 8D, the washer 370 has washer inner protrusion 376 which extends inwardly from the washer inner wall 370A in a direction toward the top plate 320. The washer inner protrusion 376 circumscribes the washer aperture 372, which extends through the washer inner protrusion 376. The first aperture 322 of the top plate 320 is sized to receive therein the washer inner protrusion 376. When received in the first aperture 322, the washer inner protrusion 376 abuts against the walls that circumscribe the first aperture 322 such that relative lateral movement between the washer 370 and the top plate 320 is prevented, as shown in Fig. 8B. Many different configurations for the washer inner protrusion 376 are possible to achieve this functionality. In Fig. 8D, the washer inner protrusion 376 is a cylindrical body with a single wall whose thickness is the difference between an outer diameter of the washer inner protrusion 376 and the diameter of the washer aperture 372. The height of the washer inner protrusion 376 is less than or equal to a height or thickness of the top plate 320 at the location where the washer inner protrusion 376 abuts against the walls of the first aperture 322. The height of the washer inner protrusion 376 is less than the height of the first aperture 322. The first aperture 322 is a hole having a first diameter and the washer aperture 372 has a washer aperture diameter that is less than the first diameter.

[0084] Referring to Fig. 8C, the top plate 320 has a top plate inner protrusion 326 that extends inwardly from the first inner wall 320A in a direction toward the wedge 340. The third aperture 342 of the wedge 340 is sized to receive therein the top plate inner protrusion 376. When received in the third aperture 342, the top plate inner protrusion 326 abuts against the walls that circumscribe the third aperture 342 such that relative lateral movement between the top plate 320 and the wedge 340 is prevented. Many different configurations for the top plate inner protrusion 326 are possible to achieve this functionality. In Fig. 8C, the top plate inner protrusion 326 is a semi-circular body with a single wall shaped to fit into the semi circular shape of the end 342A of the third aperture 342. The top plate inner protrusion 326 is adjacent to the first aperture 322 in the top plate 320. The height of top plate inner protrusion 326 is less than or equal to a height or thickness of the wedge 340 at the location where the top plate inner protrusion 326 abuts against the walls of the third aperture 342. The height of the top plate inner protrusion 326 is less than the height of the third aperture 342. [0085] Referring to Fig. 8E, the aligner 310 has an adjustment scale 380. The adjustment scale 380 is visible to a user of the aligner 310, and indicates the relationship between the slidable displacement of the wedge 340 and the variation in the vertical distance D between the top and bottom plates 320,330. In Fig. 8E, the adjustment scale 380 is positioned on an upper extremity of the back plate 350, and it may also be positioned elsewhere where it is visible when the aligner 310 is in use. In Fig. 8E, the adjustment scale 380 relates the rotation of the vertical alignment screw 356B to the vertical displacement or translation of the top plate 320 relative to the bottom plate 330. For example, in Fig. 8E, the adjustment scale 380 indicates that one full rotation or turn of the vertical alignment screw 356B corresponds to a vertical displacement of 0.0051 inches. Other scales are possible. In Fig. 8E, the adjustment scale 380 also relates the rotation of the horizontal alignment screw 356A to the horizontal displacement or translation of the foot F relative to the top and bottom plates 320,330. For example, in Fig. 8E, the adjustment scale 380 indicates that one full rotation or turn of the horizontal alignment screw 356A corresponds to a horizontal displacement of 0.0051 inches.

[0086] The aligner 310 has features which help to ensure that the top and bottom plates 320,330 do not displace relative to the wedge 340 when the wedge 340 is being displaced. Referring to Figs. 8C to 8F, a displacement limiter 390 extends between the top plate 320 and the bottom plate 330 to arrest displacement of the top and bottom plates 320,330 relative to the wedge 340. The displacement limiter 390 is any suitable object or assembly which engages or is engageable with both the top and bottom plates 320,330 to achieve such functionality. In Figs. 8C to 8F, the displacement limiter 390 includes an aperture 392 extending inwardly into the top plate 320 from the first inner wall 320A. The aperture 392 extends only partially through the top plate 320 in the depicted embodiment, but may also extend all the way through if desired. The aperture 392 is spaced between the first aperture 322 and one of the first side walls 320C. The aperture 392 is spaced apart, and separate, from the first aperture 322. The aperture 392 in Fig. 8C extends through a flange 392A protruding from the first inner wall 320A and sized to fit within the third aperture 342 of the wedge 340. Referring to Figs. 8E and 8F, the displacement limiter 390 includes a protrusion 394 extending upwardly from the second inner wall 330A of the bottom plate 330. The protrusion 394 and the aperture 392 are sized so that the protrusion 394 is insertable into the aperture 392 to prevent relative displacement between the top and bottom plates 320,330 when the wedge 340 is displaced. The protrusion 394 in Figs. 8E and 8F is a post or peg. The protrusion 394 is spaced between the second aperture 332 and one of the second side walls 330C. the protrusion 394 extends through the third aperture 342 and has a height greater than the height of the wedge 340 at the location of the protrusion 394. [0087] The washer 370 helps the aligner 310 to be used with machines M having foundation or hold-down bolts 12 of different diameters. It is known that the bolts 12 come in different sizes depending on the machine M, base B, and/or foot F. By simply changing the diameter of the washer aperture 372, the remaining components of the aligner 301 may be kept the same. Swapping in or using the washer 370 with the desired diameter for the washer aperture 372 helps to avoid having to adapt the first, second and third apertures 322,332,342 of the aligner 310 to different individual applications with particular sizes of bolts 12.

[0088] Figs. 9A to 9C show a first aligner 310’ next to a second aligner 310”. This“dual” aligner configuration may be used to adjust feet F that have two bolts 12. The description of the features of the aligner 310 provided above, along with their reference numbers, apply to corresponding features of the first and second aligners 31 O’, 310” shown in Figs. 9A to 9C. Not all of these descriptions and reference numbers are reproduced below. It is therefore understood that these corresponding features of the first and second aligners 31 O’, 310” shown in Figs. 9A to 9C but not described below may be attributed the same description and reference numbers as provided above. In the depicted embodiment, the first and second aligners 30T,310” are identical. In an alternate embodiment, one of the aligners 31 O’, 310” is different from the other. The first and second aligners 31 O’, 310” are disposed adjacent each other and interconnected together with a bottom plate member 338. The bottom plate member 338 is an extension of each of the bottom plates 330 of the first and second aligners 31 O’, 310”. A slot 338A is defined in the bottom plate member 338 which may be used to accommodate structure. As shown in Figs. 9A and 9C, the washers 370 have washer apertures 372’ which have larger diameters than the washer apertures 372 described above. As explained above, this allows the first and second aligners 31 O’, 310” to be used with bolts 12 of different sizes without having to modify the components of the first and second aligners 310’, 310”.

[0089] Figs. 10A to 10C show another embodiment of the aligner 410. The description of the features of the aligners 10,1 10,210,310 provided above, along with their reference numbers, apply to corresponding features of the aligner 410 shown in Figs. 10A to 10C. Not all of these descriptions and reference numbers are reproduced below. It is therefore understood that these corresponding features of the aligner 410 shown in Figs. 10A to 10C but not described below may be attributed the same description and reference numbers as provided above. The back plate 450 includes a first threaded hole 454A configured to receive a horizontal aligner, such as the horizontal alignment screw 456A to engage the foot F of the machine M. The first threaded hole 454A is disposed above the first outer wall 420B of the top plate 420. In use, the horizontal alignment screw 456A extends through the first threaded hole 454A and engages the foot F. A user may rotate the horizontal alignment screw 456A to displace the screw 456A horizontally. The screw 456A abuts against the F and exerts a force against the F to nudge, push or otherwise displace the foot F horizontally. The wedge 440 has a wedge plate 444 extending from the top wall 440A. The wedge plate 444 is positioned at one of the longitudinal ends of the wedge 440. The wedge plate 444 has a first threaded aperture 444A defined through the wedge plate 44 and aligned with the first threaded hole 454A. The first threaded aperture 444A is in the same vertical plane as the first threaded hole 454A. The horizontal alignment screw 456A is displaced through the first aperture 444A of the wedge plate 444 and toward the foot F. The wedge plate 444 supports the horizontal alignment screw 456A within the wedge plate 444. This support may maintain the alignment of the horizontal alignment screw 456A while engaging and displacing the foot F in the horizontal direction.

[0090] Referring to Figs. 10A to 10C, the back plate 450 includes a second threaded hole 454B configured to receive a vertical alignment screw 456B to engage the wedge 440. As such, the second threaded hole 454B faces the wedge 440, and is at a height less than or equal to a height of the wedge 440. The second threaded hole 454B is positioned in the back plate 450 lower than the first threaded hole 454A. In other words, the second threaded hole 454B is located in a position to allow the vertical alignment screw 456B to extend therethrough and to abut against the wedge 440. The user rotates the vertical alignment screw 456B to displace the screw 456B horizontally toward to the wedge 440. The screw 456B abuts the wedge 440 and applies a force against the wedge 440, which causes the wedge 440 to displace horizontally and relative to the top and bottom plates 420, 430. The displacement of the wedge 440 causes the vertical distance D between the first outer wall 420B and the second outer wall 430B to be varied, thereby displacing the foot F vertically relative to the base B. The wedge 440 in Figs. 10A to 10C has a second aperture 444B aligned with the second threaded hole 454B at least partially defined in the wedge 440, for example in the wedge plate 444. The wedge 440 may also include two locking holes 446 extending perpendicularly relative to the second aperture 444B and at least partially overlapping opposed vertical sides of the second aperture 444B. Two locking pins 16 that are insertable into the locking holes 446 to retain the vertical alignment screw 456B in a fixed position relative to the wedge 440. Therefore, as the wedge 440 is displaced by the vertical alignment screw 456B, in the embodiment of Figs. 10A to 10C, the pins 16 move with the wedge 40. [0091] Referring to Fig. 10B, the first inner wall 420A of the top plate 420 has one or more first grooves 428 defined therein to retain lubrication between the top plate 420 and the wedge 440. The lubrication may improve the relative sliding motion between the first inner wall 420A of the top plate 420 and the top wall 440A of the wedge 440.

[0092] A method of aligning the foot F of an object, such as the machine M, relative to the base B is disclosed. The method allows for adjusting a height, inclination, or orientation of the machine M relative to the base B. Referring to Figs. 1 A to 1 D, the method includes sliding the bottom plate 30 at least partially around a fastener, such as the bolt 12. The method includes sliding the top plate 20 at least partially around the bolt 12 on top of the bottom plate 30, between the foot F and the bottom plate 30. The method includes sliding the wedge 40 at least partially around the bolt 12 between the top and bottom plates 20, 30. The wedge 40 is displaced horizontally relative to both the top and bottom plates 20, 30. This movement of the wedge 40 relative to the top and bottom plates 20, 30 may be achieved using different techniques. For example, and as shown in Figs. 1A to 1 D, the relative movement of the wedge 40 is achieved by blocking horizontal displacement of the top plate 20 relative to the wedge 30 by using the first locking element 24, and by blocking displacement of the bottom plate 30 relative to the wedge 40 using the second locking element 34. Other techniques are possible for moving the wedge 40 relative to the top and bottom plates 20, 30. For example, the top and bottom plates 20, 30 may be fixedly attached to structure adjacent to the aligner 10,1 10,210,310,410 that is immobile. Irrespective of how it is achieved, the horizontal displacement of the wedge 40 relative to the top and bottom plates 20, 30 allows the wedge 40 to adjust a vertical distance D between the top and bottom plates 20, 30, thereby adjusting a distance or height of the foot F from the base B. Preventing the top and bottom plates 20, 30 from moving relative to the bolt 12 and to the wedge 40 allows the wedge 40 to move relative to the top and bottom plates 20, 30 to adjust the distance D between the base B and the foot F. This relative movement also allows for height adjustment while keeping the bolt 12 in the same horizontal position. The bolt 12 does not displace with the wedge 40.

[0093] 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.

[0094] 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 relative to the base B. 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.

[0095] 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 10,1 10,210,310,410 as it is illustrated in the drawings. It is to be understood that the aligner 10,1 10,210,310,410 may assume various alternate orientations and, accordingly, such terms are not to be considered as limiting. For example, the aligner 10,1 10,210,310,410 may be used to adjust the position of a vertically-oriented component relative to another vertically- oriented component. 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

1 . An aligner for positioning a foot of an object relative to a base, the aligner comprising: a top plate having a first inner wall, a first outer wall abutable against 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 of 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 of 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 of 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 of claim 4, wherein the end of the first slot is rounded.

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

7. The aligner of 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 of any one of claims 1 to 7, 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 element 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 of 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 of 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 based on a diameter of the hold-down bolt.

1 1. The aligner of claim 10, wherein the end of the second slot is rounded.

12. The aligner of 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 of 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 of 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.

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.

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 second side walls of the bottom plate.

18. The aligner of 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 of 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 of 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 of 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 of any one of claims 1 to 21 , where the bottom plate has a back plate extending upwardly from the second inner wall, the back plate having a first threaded hole disposed above the top plate.

23. The aligner of claim 22, comprising a horizontal displacer insertable through the first threaded hole to engage the foot of the object.

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

25. The aligner of any one of claims 1 to 21 , wherein the bottom plate has a back plate extending from the second inner wall, the back plate having a second threaded hole, the aligner having a vertical displacer insertable through the second threaded hole to engage the wedge.

26. The aligner of claim 25, 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.

27. The aligner of claim 26, 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.

28. The aligner of any one of claims 1 to 27, wherein the first inner wall is slanted relative to the first outer wall.

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

30. A method of aligning a foot of an object relative to a base, the method comprising:

sliding a bottom plate against the base and at least partially around a fastener connecting the foot to the base;

sliding a top plate at least partially around the fastener and between the foot and the bottom plate, at least one of the top and bottom plates having a wedge-shape side profile; and

sliding a wedge at least partially around the fastener between the top and bottom plates to displace the wedge horizontally relative to both the top and bottom plates, horizontal displacement of the wedge adjusting a vertical distance between the top and bottom plates.

31. The method of claim 30, comprising blocking displacement of the fastener relative to the top plate during horizontal displacement of the wedge.

32. The method of claim 30 or 31 , comprising blocking displacement of the fastener relative to the bottom plate during horizontal displacement of the wedge.

33. The method of claim 31 or 32, wherein blocking displacement of the fastener includes inserting a movement limiter through one or both of the top plate and the bottom plate in a direction transverse to the horizontal displacement of the wedge, the movement limiter being abuttable against the fastener.

34. The method of any one of claims 30 to 33, wherein sliding the wedge includes rotating a vertical aligner that engages the wedge.

35. The method of any one of claims 30 to 34, comprising displacing a horizontal aligner that engages the foot to displace the foot horizontally.

36. The method of claim 35, wherein displacing the horizontal aligner includes rotating the horizontal aligner.

37. The method of any one of claim 30 to 36, wherein sliding the wedge includes sliding the wedge between two opposed lips of the top plate.

38. The method of any one of claim 30 to 37, wherein sliding the wedge includes sliding the wedge between two opposed lips of the bottom plate.

39. The method of any one of claim 30 to 38, comprising lubricating an interface between the top plate and the wedge.

40. The method of any one of claim 30 to 39, comprising lubricating an interface between the bottom plate and the wedge.

41. An aligner for positioning a foot of an object relative to a base of the object, the aligner comprising:

a washer having a washer inner wall and a washer outer wall abutable against the foot, the washer having a washer aperture extending therethrough;

a top plate having a first inner wall, a first outer wall abutable against the washer inner wall, and at least one first side wall between the first inner and outer walls, the top plate having a first aperture extending therethrough between the first inner and outer walls;

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 aperture extending therethrough between the second inner and outer walls;

a wedge disposed between the top and bottom plates and slidable with respect to the top plate and the bottom plate to vary a distance between the top and bottom plates, the wedge having a top wall slidably abuttable against the first inner wall, 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 aperture extending therethrough between the top and bottom walls;

the first, second, third, and washer apertures configured to receive therethrough a hold-down bolt for securing the foot to the base;

the first and second apertures configured to abut against the hold-down bolt and prevent a horizontal movement thereof relative to the top plate and the bottom plate; and

one or both of the top plate and the bottom plate having a wedge-shape side profile.

42. The aligner of claim 41 , wherein the washer aperture is configured to abut against the hold-down bolt and prevent a horizontal movement thereof relative to the washer.

43. The aligner of claim 41 or 42, wherein the washer has washer inner protrusion extending inwardly from the washer inner wall and circumscribing the washer aperture, the first aperture of the top plate sized to receive therein the washer inner protrusion.

44. The aligner of any one of claims 41 to 43, wherein the top plate has a top plate inner protrusion extending inwardly from the first inner wall, the third aperture of the wedge sized to receive therein the top plate inner protrusion.

45. The aligner of any one of claims 41 to 44, comprising a visible height-adjustment scale indicating a relationship between slidable displacement of the wedge and a variation in the distance between the top and bottom plates.

46. The aligner of any one of claims 41 to 45, comprising a displacement limiter extending between the top plate and the bottom plate to arrest displacement of the top and bottom plates relative to the wedge.

47. The aligner of claim 46, wherein the displacement limiter includes an aperture in the top plate and a protrusion extending upwardly from the second inner wall of the bottom plate and insertable into the aperture.

48. The aligner of any one of claims 41 to 47, wherein the first aperture in the top plate is larger than the second aperture in the bottom plate.

49. The aligner of any one of claims 41 to 48, wherein one or both of the first aperture and the second aperture is a hole.

50. The aligner of any one of claim 41 to 49, wherein the third aperture is a slot through the wedge extending inwardly from the at least one third side wall.

51 . A first aligner and a second aligner disposed adjacent each other and interconnected, the first and second aligners defined as in any one of claims 41 to 50.