Importance

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Abstract

A system and a process are provided for positioning a tool relative to a surface. The system may include a mount fixed in location relative to the surface. A positioning assembly may be coupled to the mount that holds the tool adjacent the surface and moves the tool relative to the surface. The positioning assembly may move the tool to a reference location, identify such location, and then move to the tool to an operating position defined at a specified distance from the reference position. The positioning assembly may include a strain gauge to identify contact of the tool with the surface at the reference location via an indicator coupled to the strain gauge. The positioning assembly may also include a micrometer attached at its body to the mount and a spindle operable to move the tool. Fixtures couple the micrometer, strain gauge and tool to maintain fixed relative positions except for calibrated movement of the tool.

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First Claim