Abstract
A device and method for contouring three-dimensionally curved surfaces includes an elongated contouring assembly that is supported at two locations by height adjustment mechanisms that raise and lower the two locations of the contouring assembly independently of each other. The contouring assembly creates a three-dimensionally curved surface as it passes over an area to be contoured. The control of at least one location of the contouring assembly is based on a comparison of the measured position of one portion of the contouring assembly with a profile of the surface to be leveled that is stored in a computer memory. Control of the height of the other location is preferably based on the height above a physical reference measured with a proximity sensor. A pivot or tilting controller may control the tilting of the contouring assembly to follow the slope of the profile stored in computer memory.
Patent Number
US 7,399,139 B2
Assignee
Somero Enterprises, Inc., Jaffrey, NH (US)
Assignee
Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI (US)
Application Number
11/186,066
Date Filed
7-21-2005
Certificate of Correction
Yes
Issue Date
7-15-2008
Disciplines
Engineering
Recommended Citation
Kieranen, Carl B.; Hallstrom, Charles A.; Simula, Glen R.; Ruonavaara, Nils P.; and Waineo, James D., "Apparatus and method for three-dimensional contouring" (2008). Michigan Tech Patents. 104.
https://digitalcommons.mtu.edu/patents/104
Comments
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