Claims for Patent: 7,808,655

Summary for Patent: 7,808,655

Title:	Automated system for determining physical characteristics of a shaft
Abstract:	A computer-controlled system automatically measures and records various physical characteristics of an elongated shaft or tube, such as a golf club shaft or other structural member. The characteristics measured include the principal planar oscillation plane, oscillation frequency, stiffness asymmetry, relative stiffness, torsional stiffness, shaft length, shaft straightness and tip angle.
Inventor(s):	Weiss; Richard M. (Tequesta, FL), Butler; Joseph H. (Knoxville, TN), Townsend; Brian E. (Knoxville, TN), Nichols; David B. (Knoxville, TN)
Assignee:	The Richard M. Weiss Revocable Trust (Tequesta, FL)
Application Number:	12/247,535
Patent Claims:	1. A method for measuring physical characteristics of a shaft having a first end, a second end, and a shaft center axis extending from the first end to the second end, the method comprising: (a) securing the first end of the shaft to prevent movement thereof; (b) attaching a tip mass structure to the second end of the shaft, the tip mass structure having a reflective outer surface with a known curvature; (c) imparting oscillatory motion in the shaft, thereby causing the tip mass structure to oscillate in one or more directions substantially perpendicular to the shaft center axis; (d) illuminating the reflective outer surface of the tip mass structure with at least two spaced apart laser beams as the tip mass structure oscillates; (e) detecting laser energy reflected from the reflective outer surface of the tip mass structure as the tip mass structure oscillates; (f) generating shaft distance signals based upon the laser energy detected in step (e); and (g) based on the shaft distance signals and the known curvature of the reflective outer surface of the tip mass structure, determining information about the oscillatory motion of the second end of the shaft. 2. The method of claim 1 further comprising executing instructions in a computer processor to generate control signals to control one or more of the steps of the method. 3. The method of claim 1 wherein step (g) further comprises determining information indicative of a principal planar oscillation plane of the shaft. 4. The method of claim 1 wherein step (g) further comprises determining information indicative of a frequency of oscillation of the shaft. 5. The method of claim 1 further comprising, prior to step (c), moving one or more sources of the laser beams in a direction substantially parallel to the shaft center axis to a desired position at which the laser beams are incident upon the reflective outer surface of the tip mass structure, and determining arrival at the desired position based on the laser energy reflected from the reflective outer surface of the tip mass structure. 6. The method of claim 1 further comprising determining a tip angle of the shaft relative to horizontal based at least in part on laser energy reflected from the reflective outer surface of the tip mass structure. 7. The method of claim 1 further comprising incrementally rotating the shaft about its shaft center axis to one or more rotation positions and performing steps (c) through (g) at each rotation position. 8. The method of claim 7 wherein incremental rotation of the shaft is performed by an electric motor under computer control, and wherein rotational angle information is provided by the motor. 9. The method of claim 1 further comprising: (h) moving a torque sensor assembly toward the tip mass structure in a direction substantially parallel to the shaft center axis; (i) engaging the torque sensor assembly with the tip mass structure to substantially prevent rotation of the second end of the shaft; (j) rotating the first end of the shaft through a rotation angle until the torque sensor assembly senses a predetermined torque value; and (k) determining the rotation angle at which the torque sensor assembly senses the predetermined torque value. 10. The method of claim 9 wherein proper engagement of the torque sensor assembly with the tip mass structure is determined based on the laser energy reflected from the tip mass structure as the torque sensor assembly is moved toward the tip mass structure. 11. The method of claim 9 further comprising executing instructions in a computer processor to generate control signals to control at least steps (h), (j) and (k). 12. The method of claim 1 wherein step (a) comprises: (a1) inserting the first end of the shaft into a first clamping assembly; (a2) resting the shaft on a cradle structure disposed between the first end and the second end of the shaft; (a3) engaging a tip-centering structure with the second end of the shaft by moving the tip-centering structure toward the second end of the shaft; (a4) urging the first end of the shaft against the first clamping assembly while performing step (a3); (a5) engaging a chuck teeth restraining device into chuck teeth of the first clamping assembly; (a6) rotating the first clamping assembly while performing step (a5) to tighten the first clamping assembly on the first end of the shaft. 13. The method of claim 12 wherein steps (a3) through (a6) are performed using electric motors under computer control, the method further comprising executing instructions in a computer processor to generate control signals to control at least steps (a2) through (a6) of the method. 14. The method of claim 1 further comprising: (h) pressing a load sensor against the shaft whereby the shaft is flexed to a bent position; (i) rotating the shaft about the shaft center axis while performing step (h); (j) generating a load signal using the load sensor while performing steps (h) and (i); (k) generating a rotation angle signal while performing steps (h) and (i); and (l) determining information indicative of stiffness asymmetry of the shaft based on the load signal and rotation angle signal. 15. The method of claim 14 wherein rotation of the shaft is performed by an electric motor under computer control, and wherein the rotation angle signal is provided by the motor. 16. The method of claim 1 wherein the shaft comprises a golf club shaft, the first end of the shaft comprises a grip end of the golf club shaft, and the second end of the shaft comprises a tip end of the golf club shaft. 17. The method of claim 1 wherein the reflective outer surface is cylindrical and has a radius R. 18. The method of claim 17 wherein the at least two spaced apart laser beams comprise first and second parallel laser beams, and step (g) includes calculating the position of the center of the shaft according to: .times. ##EQU00004## .times. ##EQU00004.2## where x is an x-position of the center of the shaft, y is a y-position of the center of the shaft, S is a distance separating the first and second laser beams, d.sub.1 is a distance between the reflective outer surface and a source of the first laser beam, d.sub.2 is a distance between the reflective outer surface and a source of the second laser beam, d.sub.2INIT is an initial distance between the reflective outer surface and a source of the second laser beam when the reflective outer surface is in an initial position. 19. The method of claim 1 wherein the shaft comprises an elongated structure selected from the group consisting of a golf club shaft, a fishing pole, a pool cue, an archery arrow, a javelin and a baseball bat. 20. An apparatus for measuring physical characteristics of a shaft having a first end, a second end, and a shaft center axis extending from the first end to the second end, the apparatus comprising: a first clamping assembly for securing the first end of the shaft to prevent movement thereof; a first computer-controlled motor for imparting rotation to the first clamping assembly, thereby causing the shaft to rotate about the shaft center axis; a tip mass assembly comprising: a second clamping assembly operable for attachment to the second end of the shaft; and a tip mass structure attached to the second clamping assembly, the tip mass structure having a reflective outer surface, whereby a central axis of the reflective outer surface substantially coincides with the shaft center axis when the second clamping assembly is attached to the second end of the shaft; an oscillation inducement arm for pressing against the shaft to flex the shaft to a bent position, and for subsequently disengaging rapidly from the shaft to allow the second end of the shaft to spring back freely, thereby imparting an oscillatory motion in the shaft which causes the tip mass structure to oscillate in a direction substantially perpendicular to the shaft center axis; a second computer-controlled motor for imparting rotation to the oscillation inducement arm to cause the oscillation inducement arm to press against and subsequently disengage from the shaft; at least one laser light source for generating at least two spaced apart laser beams that illuminate the reflective outer surface of the tip mass structure; at least two laser light detectors for detecting laser energy reflected from the reflective outer surface of the tip mass structure as the tip mass structure oscillates due to motion induced by the oscillation inducement arm, the laser light detectors for generating shaft distance signals based on the detected laser energy; and a computer processor for processing the shaft distance signals to determine information about the oscillatory motion of the second end of the shaft. 21. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein the computer processor processes the shaft distance signals to determine information indicative of a principal planar oscillation plane of the second end of the shaft. 22. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein the computer processor processes the shaft distance signals to determine information indicative of a frequency of oscillation of the second end of the shaft. 23. The apparatus of claim 20 further comprising: the first clamping assembly including a first chuck having first chuck teeth; a tip-centering structure disposed adjacent the second end of the shaft when the first end of the shaft is inserted into the first clamping assembly, the tip-centering structure attached to a first computer-controlled slide positioning stage; the first computer-controlled slide positioning stage for moving the tip-centering structure toward the first clamping assembly in a direction substantially parallel to the shaft center axis, thereby engaging the tip-centering structure with the second end of the shaft to horizontally and vertically center the second end of the shaft as the shaft is urged toward the first clamping assembly, and urging the first end of the shaft against the first clamping assembly; a chuck teeth restraining device disposed adjacent the chuck teeth of the first chuck of the first clamping assembly, the chuck teeth restraining device attached to a second computer-controlled slide positioning stage; the second computer-controlled slide positioning stage for moving the chuck teeth restraining device toward the first clamping assembly in a direction substantially parallel to the shaft center axis, thereby engaging the chuck teeth restraining device with the chuck teeth to hold the chuck teeth stationary; and the first computer-controlled motor for imparting rotation to the first clamping assembly, thereby causing the first chuck to tighten onto the first end of the shaft as the chuck teeth are held stationary by the chuck teeth restraining device. 24. The apparatus of claim 20 further comprising: a slide positioning stage for moving the at least one laser light source in a direction substantially parallel to the shaft center axis to a desired position at which the laser beams are incident upon the reflective outer surface of the tip mass structure; and the computer processor for determining arrival at the desired position based on the laser energy reflected from the reflective outer surface of the tip mass structure. 25. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein the computer processor determines an angle of droop of the second end of the shaft relative to horizontal based at least in part on laser energy reflected from the reflective outer surface of the tip mass structure. 26. The apparatus of claim 20 further comprising: a slide positioning stage operable to move in a direction substantially parallel to the shaft center axis; a torque sensor assembly mounted on the slide positioning stage, the torque sensor assembly operable to engage the tip mass structure when moved into a desired position by the slide positioning stage, the torque sensor assembly substantially preventing rotation of the second end of the shaft when engaged with the tip mass structure; the first computer-controlled motor for rotating the first end of the shaft through a known rotational angle until the torque sensor assembly generates a torque signal corresponding to a predetermined torque value. 27. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein proper engagement of the torque sensor assembly with the tip mass structure at the desired position is determined based on the laser energy reflected from the tip mass structure as the torque sensor assembly is moved toward the tip mass structure. 28. The apparatus of claim 20 further comprising: a load sensor arm having a first end and a second end, with the second end attached to the oscillation inducement arm such that the load sensor arm and the oscillation inducement arm form a substantially V-shaped configuration, whereby the second computer-controlled motor imparts rotation simultaneously to the load sensor arm and the oscillation inducement arm; a load sensor mounted on the first end of the load sensor arm, the load sensor for generating a load signal when pressed against the shaft; the second computer-controlled motor for rotating the load sensor arm to press the load sensor against the shaft whereby the shaft is flexed to a bent position; the first computer-controlled motor for rotating the shaft about the shaft center axis and generating a rotation angle signal while the load sensor is pressed against the shaft; and the computer processor for determining information indicative of stiffness asymmetry of the shaft based on the load signal and rotation angle signal. 29. The apparatus of claim 20 further comprising: a third computer-controlled motor attached to the first clamping assembly for rotating the first collet to secure the first end of the shaft therein; and the computer processor for controlling the third computer-controlled motor to rotate the first clamping assembly when the first end of the shaft is in a desired position with respect to the first clamping assembly. 30. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein the first clamping assembly comprises a chuck and collet assembly. 31. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein the shaft comprises a golf club shaft, the first end of the shaft comprises a grip end of the golf club shaft, and the second end of the shaft comprises a tip end of the golf club shaft. 32. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein the at least one laser light source and the at least one laser light detector are components of first and second laser distance sensors which generate the at least two spaced apart laser beams, wherein the at least two spaced apart laser beams comprise first and second parallel laser beams originating from the first and second laser distance sensors, and wherein the computer processor calculates the position of the center of the shaft according to: .times. ##EQU00005## .times. ##EQU00005.2## where x is an x-position of the center of the shaft, y is a y-position of the center of the shaft, R is a radius of the reflective outer surface of the tip mass structure, S is a distance separating the first and second laser beams, d.sub.1 is a distance between the reflective outer surface of the tip mass structure and the first laser distance sensor, d.sub.2 is a distance between the reflective outer surface and the second laser distance sensor, d.sub.2INIT is an initial distance between the reflective outer surface and the second laser distance sensor when the reflective outer surface is in an initial position. 33. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein the shaft comprises an elongated structure selected from the group consisting of a golf club shaft, a fishing pole, a pool cue, an archery arrow, a javelin and a baseball bat. 34. An apparatus for measuring physical characteristics of a shaft having a first end, a second end, and a shaft center axis extending from the first end to the second end, the apparatus comprising: a first clamping assembly for securing the first end of the shaft; a load sensor arm disposed adjacent the second end of the shaft, the load sensor arm having a first end and a second end; a load sensor mounted on the first end of the load sensor arm, the load sensor for generating a load signal when pressed against the shaft; a second computer-controlled motor attached to the second end of the load sensor arm, the second computer-controlled motor for rotating the load sensor arm to press the load sensor against the shaft whereby the shaft is flexed to a bent position; a first computer-controlled motor for imparting rotation to the first clamping assembly, thereby causing the shaft to rotate about the shaft center axis, and the first computer-controlled motor for generating a rotation angle signal as the shaft is rotated; and the computer processor for determining information indicative of stiffness asymmetry of the shaft based on the load signal and rotation angle signal. 35. An apparatus for measuring physical characteristics of a shaft having a first end, a second end, and a shaft center axis extending from the first end to the second end, the apparatus comprising: a first clamping assembly for securing the first end of the shaft; a tip mass structure securely attached to the second end of the shaft; a first computer-controlled motor for imparting rotation to the first clamping assembly, thereby causing the shaft to rotate about the shaft center axis, and the first computer-controlled motor for generating a rotation angle signal as the shaft is rotated; a slide positioning stage operable to move in a direction substantially parallel to the shaft center axis; a torque sensor assembly mounted on the slide positioning stage, the torque sensor assembly operable to engage the tip mass structure when moved into a desired position by the slide positioning stage, the torque sensor assembly substantially preventing rotation of the second end of the shaft when engaged with the tip mass structure; the first computer-controlled motor for rotating the first end of the shaft through a rotational angle until the torque sensor assembly generates a torque signal corresponding to a predetermined torque value; and a computer processor for determining information indicative of torsional stiffness of the shaft based on the predetermined torque value and the rotation angle signal. 36. An apparatus for measuring physical characteristics of a structural member having a first end, a second end, and a structural member center axis extending from the first end to the second end, the apparatus comprising: a first clamping assembly for securing the first end of the structural member; a slide positioning stage operable to move in a first direction substantially parallel to the structural member center axis; a line marking assembly disposed on the slide positioning stage, the line marking assembly comprising: a guide tube having a guide tube center axis aligned in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction, the guide tube having at least one guide slot extending through a side wall of the guide tube; an actuator assembly comprising: an actuator rod disposed at least partially within the guide tube, the actuator rod operable to move in the second direction and having a rod center axis which is substantially parallel with the guide tube center axis, the actuator rod having a connector member operable to rotate about the rod center axis; and a computer-controllable actuator motor for imparting movement to the actuator rod in the second direction; a shoulder bolt having a first end attached to the connector member of the actuator rod and a second end opposite the first end, the shoulder bolt extending from the actuator rod and through the at least one guide slot, a pen holder attached to the second end of the shoulder bolt, the pen holder having a recess for engaging the structural member; and a marker pen attached to the pen holder, the marker pen having a tip which is operable to touch the structural member when the structural member is engaged with the recess of the pen holder, wherein as the computer-controllable actuator motor moves the actuator rod in the second direction, the shoulder bolt swings through a rotation path which is determined by the at least one guide slot in the guide tube, the rotation path including a position at which the pen holder is disengaged from the structural member and a position at which the pen holder is engaged with the structural member, wherein as the pen holder is engaged with the structural member so that the tip of the marker pen is touching the structural member, the slide positioning stage is operable to move in the first direction thereby causing the tip of the marker pen to move in the first direction along the structural member and thereby marking on the structural member a line which is substantially parallel to the structural member center axis. 37. The apparatus of claim 36 wherein the line provides a reference position on the structural member that may be used in an assembly process for the structural member. 38. The apparatus of claim 36 wherein the structural member comprises an elongated structure selected from the group consisting of a golf club shaft, a fishing pole, a pool cue, an archery arrow, a javelin and a baseball bat.

Details for Patent 7,808,655

Applicant	Tradename	Biologic Ingredient	Dosage Form	BLA	Approval Date	Patent No.	Expiredate
Emergent Biosolutions Canada Inc.	BAT	botulism antitoxin heptavalent (a, b, c, d, e, f, g) - (equine)	Solution	125462	03/22/2013		2040-01-29