The embodiments herein generally relate to holders for indicators, and more particularly but not exclusively, to an apparatus and method for supporting a gauge (Dial indicator) in a head portion (or spindle) of a machine.
BACKGROUND
[002] The dial indicator is a long known and widely used instrument employed by machinists for a wide variety of purposes. A dial indicator is used extensively to locate the position of work-pieces in machine tools. For example, when work-pieces are chucked in lathes or in boring, drilling or milling machines, it is necessary to center the work-piece accurately with respect to the spindle and cutter of the machine. Also, it is commonly necessary to locate the positions of openings or of walls or flanges, etc. and as well as heights of various objects of machine work. Dial gauges are equipped with a moveable sensing lever. A sensitive, highly precise mechanical movement converts the displacement of the tip of the sensing lever into a value displayed on a dial or a digital display. The spherical tip of the sensing lever forms the contact point with respect to the object being measured. This tip must be brought into measuring position with very close tolerances and be held in place very firmly. The dial gauge is usually fastened to an articulated stand which allows a first, approximate positioning. Once it is positioned, the articulated stand can be locked, thus firmly holding the dial gauge in a position relatively close to the chosen reference point.
[003] The conventional dial indicator holders include unintentional twisting of the indicator holder during concentric measurements and undue springiness in the arms or links of the indicator holder. Further, conventional dial indicator holders are unable to maintain constant latitude during adjustment thereof. Many, of the indicator holders lose their ability

to maintain an angle at which the dial test indicator is initially set and positioned. By having to adjust and reposition the dial indicator to accommodate for varying configured work-pieces, the user introduces a greater chances or probability of error in arriving at an accurate, precise measurement. Furthermore, the conventional dial indicator holders either are complex, expensive or cumbersome to use or are incapable of effecting very fine and precise adjustment of the indicator in an easy manner.
[004] Therefore, there exists a need for an apparatus and method for supporting a gauge (dial indicator) in a head portion (spindle) of a machine which eliminates the aforementioned drawbacks.
OBJECTS
[005] The principal object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide an apparatus for supporting a gauge (Dial indicator) in a head portion (spindle) of a machine.
[006] Another object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide an apparatus for supporting a gauge which is very simple in construction and inexpensive.
[007] Yet another object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide a method for supporting a gauge (Dial indicator) in a head portion (spindle) of a machine.
[008] Still another object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide an apparatus for supporting a gauge which is easy to assemble thereby reducing fatigue and stress to an operator.
[009] These and other objects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be

made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0010] The embodiments herein are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:
[0011] FIG. 1 depicts a perspective enlarged view of an apparatus for supporting a gauge (Dial indicator) in a head portion (spindle) of a machine, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0012] FIG. 2 depicts a sectional side view of a gripping member of the apparatus, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0013] FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of a first arm and a second arm of the apparatus, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0014] FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of a connecting member of the apparatus, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein; and
[0015] FIG. 5 depicts a flowchart showing a method for supporting a gauge in a head portion of a machine, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
[0017] The embodiments herein achieve an apparatus for supporting a gauge (Dial indicator) in a head portion (spindle) of a machine. Further, the embodiments herein achieve a method for supporting a gauge (Dial indicator) in a head portion (spindle) of a machine. Furthermore, the embodiments herein achieve the apparatus for supporting a gauge which is very simple in construction and inexpensive. Also, the embodiments herein achieve the apparatus for supporting a gauge which is easy to assemble thereby reducing fatigue and stress to an operator. Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1 through 5, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown embodiments.
[0018] FIG. 1 depicts a perspective enlarged view of an apparatus for supporting a gauge (Dial indicator) in a head portion (spindle) of a machine, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the apparatus 100 is used in conjunction with a machine (not shown) having a spindle 104 (also referred to as head in this description) and a bed 106 (not shown). Further, the gauge 102 (not shown) used herein the description is considered to be a dial indictor used

for fixture dialing. The apparatus 100 includes a gripping member 108, a first arm 110 having a first end 110a, and a second end 110b, a second arm 112 having a first end 112a, and a second end 112b, a connecting member 114, a first portion 116, a second portion 118, and a third portion 120 defined by the gripping memberl08, a protrusion 122a, an extension 124, an opening 126, and work piece or fixture 128 (not shown).
[0019] FIG. 2 depicts a sectional side view of a gripping member of the apparatus, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. The apparatus 100 for supporting the gauge (also referred to as Dial indicator in this description) in the spindle 104 of the machine includes the gripping member 108. The gripping member 108 is adapted to be received within a space defined by the spindle 104 as shown in FIG. 1. In an embodiment, the gripping member 108 is cylindrical in shape and is defined for a predetermined length (not shown). However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide any shape for the gripping member 108 without otherwise deterring the intended function of supporting as can be deduced from the description and drawings. The gripping member 108 is positioned in a plane parallel to the bed 106 of the machine.
[0020] Further, the gripping member 108 includes at least three portions, namely, a first portion 116, a second portion 118 extending from the first portion 116, and a third portion 120 extending from the second portion 118. The first portion 116 includes a first diameter Dl (not shown). The first portion 116 is configured to be received within the space defined by the spindle 104. The second portion 118 includes a second diameter D2 (not shown) which is greater than the first diameter Dl (not shown). The second portion 118 forms a lip extending from the first portion such that the lip portion limits the displacement of the first portion 116 inside the spindle 104. Further, the third portion 120 includes a third diameter D3 (not shown) which is lesser than the second diameter D2 (not shown) and the

first diameter Dl (not shown). The third portion 120 defines an aperture 108a to receive the extension 124 of the connecting member 114.
[0021] FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of a first arm and a second arm of the apparatus, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. The apparatus 100 for supporting the dial indicator 102 in the spindle 104 of the machine includes the first arm 110. The first arm 110 includes a first end 110a and a second end 110b. The first end 110a of the first arm 110 is connected to the gripping member 108 through the connecting member 114 and the second end 110b of the first arm 110 is connected to the second arm 112. The first arm 110 is connected to the gripping member 108 through the connecting member 114 in a plane parallel to the bed 106 of the machine. In an embodiment, the first arm 110 is adapted to be rotated 360 degrees about a central axis (not shown) of the gripping member 108. Further, the first arm 110 includes the protrusion 122a having a cylindrical threaded portion. The cylindrical threaded portion 122a of the first arm 110 is configured to engage with the opening 126 of the connecting member 114 which further includes a threaded bore to connect the first arm 110 with the connecting member 114. The threading provides a rigid clamping between the first arm 110 and the connecting member 114. Further, the second end 110b of the first arm 110 includes ball joint which is adapted to engage with a lock provided on the second end 112b of the second arm 112.
[0022] The apparatus 100 for supporting the dial indicator 102 in the spindle 104 of the machine includes the second arm 112. The second arm 112 includes a first end 112a and a second end 112b. The first end 112a of the second arm 110 is adapted to support or hold the gauge mounting means and the second end 112b of the second arm 112 is connected to the first arm 110. The second arm 112 is pivotably connected to the first arm 110. In an embodiment, the second arm 112 is adapted to

be rotated 360 degrees relative to the first arm 110. Further, the second arm 112 includes the protrusion 122b having a cylindrical threaded portion. The cylindrical threaded portion of the second arm 112 is configured to engage with the gauge mounting means. Further, the second end 112b of the second arm 112 includes the lock which is adapted to receive the ball joint for facilitating pivotal movement of the second arm 112 relative to first arm 110. The second arm 112 is adapted to locate the dial indicator 102 on a work piece or a fixture 128 which is held at a predetermined position of the machine. The second arm 112 is manually swiveled or rotated to a plane parallel to the plane of the machine bed 106. Thereby positioning the dial indicator 102 on the work piece 128. The first arm 110 and the second arm 112 are operatively unison.
[0023] FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of a connecting member of the apparatus, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. The apparatus 100 for supporting the dial indicator 102 in the spindle 104 of the machine includes the connecting member 114. The connecting member 114 is disposed between the first arm 110 and the gripping member 108. The connecting member 114 includes the extension 124 defined at one end and the opening 126 formed on opposite end. In an embodiment, the connecting member 114 is cylindrical in shape and is defined for a predetermined length (not shown). However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide any shape for the connecting member 114 without otherwise deterring the intended function of supporting as can be deduced from the description and drawings. The extension 124 of the connecting member 114 is adapted to be received in the third portion 120 of the gripping member 108. Further, the opening 126 is configured to receive the cylindrical threaded portion 122a of the first arm 110. The opening 126 includes an internal threaded portion (not shown) to engage with the cylindrical threaded portion 122a.

[0024] The apparatus 100 for supporting the dial indicator 102 in the spindle 104 of the machine includes the gauge mounting means (not shown). The gauge mounting means is coupled to the second arm 112. The gauge mounting means is coupled to the first end 112a of the second arm 112 at a predetermined position. The gauge mounting means is configured to grip the gauge 102. In an embodiment, the gauge mounting means is adapted to be swiveled about an axis defined by the second arm 112.
[0025] FIG. 5 depicts a flowchart showing a method for supporting a gauge in a head portion of a machine, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. A method 200 for supporting a gauge 102 on a machine having a spindle 104 and a bed 106 is provided. The method includes providing a first arm 110 and a second arm 112, said first arm 110 connected to a gripping member 108 at one end and connected to said second arm 112 at other end, said gripping member 108 adapted to be received in a space defined by said machine spindle 104 (At step 202). The method further includes, attaching a gauge mounting means to an unconnected end of said second arm 112, said gauge mounting means configured to grip said gauge 102 (At step 204). Furthermore, the method includes selectively moving said second arm 112 to locate said gauge 102 on a portion of a work piece or fixture 128 held at a predetermined position of said machine (At step 206).
[0026] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or

terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.

We claim

l.An apparatus 100 for supporting a gauge 102 on a machine having a spindle 104 and a bed 106; said apparatus 100 comprising:
a gripping member 108 adapted to be releasably secured in said spindle 104;
a first arm 110 and a second arm 112, said first arm 110 connected to said gripping member 108 at one end and connected to said second arm 112 at other end; and
a gauge mounting means adapted to be coupled to an unconnected end of said second arm 112, said gauge mounting means configured to grip said gauge 102, wherein,
said first arm 110 is disposed co-axial to said spindle 104 of said machine;
said second arm 112 is pivotably connected to said first arm 110; and
said second arm 112 is adapted to locate said gauge 102 on a work piece or fixture 128 held at a predetermined position of said machine. 2. An apparatus 100 for supporting a gauge 102 on a machine having a spindle 104 and a bed 106; said apparatus 100 comprising:
a gripping member 108 adapted to be releasably secured in said spindle 104;
a first arm 110 having a first end 110a and a second end 110b, said first end 110a of said first arm 110 connected to said gripping member 108;
a second arm 112 connected to said first arm 110, said second arm 112 having a first end 112a and a second end 112b, said second end 112b of said second arm 112 is connected to said second end 110b of said first arm 110;

a connecting member 114 disposed between said first arm 110 and said gripping member 108; and
a gauge mounting means coupled to said first end 112a of said second arm 112, said gauge mounting means configured to grip said gauge 102, wherein,
said first arm 110 is disposed co-axial to said spindle 104 of said machine;
said second arm 112 is pivotably connected to said first arm 110; said first arm 110 is adapted to be rotated about a central axis of said gripping member 108; and
said second arm 112 is adapted to locate said gauge 102 on a work piece or a fixture 128 held at a predetermined position of said machine.
3. The apparatus 100 as claimed in claim 2, wherein said connecting member 114 is connected co-axially to said gripping member 108.
4. The apparatus 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second arm 112 is adapted to rotate or swivel about 360-degree relative to said first arm 110.
5. The apparatus 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first arm 110 is adapted to be rotated 360 degrees about said central axis of said gripping member 108.
6. The apparatus 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first arm 110 includes a protrusion 122a having a threaded portion for connecting said first arm 110 to said connecting member 114.
7. The apparatus 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein said connecting member 114 includes an extension 124 defined at one end and an opening 126 on opposite end.
8. The apparatus 100 as claimed in claim 1, said gripping member 108 includes:
a first portion 116 having a first diameter Dl;

a second portion 118 extending from said first portion 116 , said second portion 118 having a second diameter D2, said second diameter D2 is greater than said first diameter Dl; and
a third portion 120 extending from said second portion 118, said third portion 120 having a third diameter D3, said third diameter D3 is lesser than said second diameter D2 and said first diameter Dl, wherein,
said first portion 116 is adapted to be received in said spindle 104,
said third portion 120 defines an aperture 108a to receive said extension 124 of said connecting member 114.
9. The apparatus 100 as claimed in claim 7, wherein said opening 126
defined by said connecting member 114 is adapted to receive said
protrusion 122a of said first arm 110.
10. A method 200 for supporting a gauge 102 on a machine having a
spindle 104 and a bed 106, comprising:
providing a first arm 110 and a second arm 112, said first arm 110 connected to a gripping member 108 at one end and connected to said second arm 112 at other end, said gripping member 108 adapted to be received in a space defined by said machine spindle 104;
attaching a gauge mounting means to an unconnected end of said second arm 112, said gauge mounting means configured to grip said gauge 102; and
selectively moving said second arm 112 to locate said gauge 102 on a portion of a work piece or fixture 128 held at a predetermined position of said machine, wherein,
said first arm 110 is disposed co-axial to said spindle 104 of said machine and is adapted to be rotated about a central axis of said gripping member 108; and

said second arm 112 is pivotably connected to said first arm 110.