METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CENTERING A WORKPIECE ON THE CENTRAL AXIS OF A CYLINDRICAL BORE

摘要

A method and system for precisely centering a work-piece within a cylindrical bore such that the center of the work-piece is coaxial with the central axis of the bore. An arbor (300) is used within the cylindrical bore (100) to sense and calculate the location of the central axis. The position of the work-piece is also sensed so that it can be aligned with the central axis. A computer system (400) is used to perform the calculations and provide an indication of alignment of the work-piece and the central axis. The position of the central axis and the work-piece are found via a location determining system (500) that may incorporate electromechanical and optical position sensing systems. For instance, a plurality of light transmitters and light receivers may be used to generate and transmit beams of light used in determining positions. The method has particular application to free piston machines, and particularly free piston coolers.