Patents by Inventor David R. McMurtry
David R. McMurtry has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20230100749Abstract: A method builds a workpiece using an additive manufacturing process, wherein the workpiece is built up by consolidating material in a layer-by-layer manner. The method includes receiving an initial geometric model defining surface geometry of the workpiece, determining workpiece slices to be consolidated as layers of the workpiece during the additive manufacturing process from the initial geometric model, determining adjusted positions of the workpiece slices adjusted from initial positions of the workpiece slices as determined from the initial geometric model, the determination of the adjusted positions based upon warping of the workpiece expected to occur during or after the additive manufacturing process, and building the workpiece using the additive manufacturing process, wherein the workpiece slices are formed in the adjusted positions.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2022Publication date: March 30, 2023Applicant: RENISHAW PLCInventors: David R. MCMURTRY, Geoffrey MCFARLAND, Ramkumar REVANUR
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Patent number: 11548229Abstract: A method builds a workpiece using an additive manufacturing process, wherein the workpiece is built up by consolidating material in a layer-by-layer manner. The method includes receiving an initial geometric model defining surface geometry of the workpiece, determining workpiece slices to be consolidated as layers of the workpiece during the additive manufacturing process from the initial geometric model, determining adjusted positions of the workpiece slices adjusted from initial positions of the workpiece slices as determined from the initial geometric model, the determination of the adjusted positions based upon warping of the workpiece expected to occur during or after the additive manufacturing process, and building the workpiece using the additive manufacturing process, wherein the workpiece slices are formed in the adjusted positions.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2017Date of Patent: January 10, 2023Assignee: RENISHAW PLCInventors: David R McMurtry, Geoffrey McFarland, Ramkumar Revanur
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Publication number: 20190030823Abstract: A method builds a workpiece using an additive manufacturing process, wherein the workpiece is built up by consolidating material in a layer-by-layer manner. The method includes receiving an initial geometric model defining surface geometry of the workpiece, determining workpiece slices to be consolidated as layers of the workpiece during the additive manufacturing process from the initial geometric model, determining adjusted positions of the workpiece slices adjusted from initial positions of the workpiece slices as determined from the initial geometric model, the determination of the adjusted positions based upon warping of the workpiece expected to occur during or after the additive manufacturing process, and building the workpiece using the additive manufacturing process, wherein the workpiece slices are formed in the adjusted positions.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2017Publication date: January 31, 2019Applicant: RENISHAW PLCInventors: David R MCMURTRY, Geoffrey MCFARLAND, Ramkumar REVANUR
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Patent number: 9236712Abstract: A frequency tuneable or chirped laser device is described that includes a laser cavity formed from a plurality of optical components. The optical components include a laser source for generating a beam of light, a spectral tuning element and one or more further optical components for directing the beam of light on to the spectral tuning element. At least one of the plurality of optical components is moveable in a first degree of freedom; such movement simultaneously altering the effective optical path length of the laser cavity and the tuning frequency of the spectral tuning element. The effective optical path length and the tuning frequency of the device are substantially insensitive to any movement of said at least one moveable optical component in degrees of freedom other than the first degree of freedom. This provides frequency tuning in which mode hopping is suppressed.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2009Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: RENISHAW PLCInventors: David R McMurtry, Alan J Holloway
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Patent number: 9038282Abstract: A method of operating a coordinate positioning apparatus comprising an articulated head having at least one rotational axis. The method comprises, in any suitable order, loading at least one interchangeable task module onto the articulated head; and loading at least one interchangeable task module counterweight on the articulated head. The at least one interchangeable task module counterweight at least partially counterbalances the weight of the at least one task module on the articulated head about the at least one axis.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2011Date of Patent: May 26, 2015Assignee: RENISHAW PLCInventors: David R. McMurtry, Nicholas J. Weston, Richard G. Dewar, Matthew H. Freeman
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Publication number: 20130047452Abstract: A method of operating a coordinate positioning apparatus comprising an articulated head having at least one rotational axis. The method comprises, in any suitable order, loading at least one interchangeable task module onto the articulated head; and loading at least one interchangeable task module counterweight on the articulated head. The at least one interchangeable task module counterweight at least partially counterbalances the weight of the at least one task module on the articulated head about the at least one axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2011Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: RENISHAW PLCInventors: David R. McMurtry, Nicholas J. Weston, Richard G. Dewar, Matthew H. Freeman
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Publication number: 20110243160Abstract: A frequency tuneable or chirped laser device is described that includes a laser cavity formed from a plurality of optical components. The optical components include a laser source for generating a beam of light, a spectral tuning element and one or more further optical components for directing the beam of light on to the spectral tuning element. At least one of the plurality of optical components is moveable in a first degree of freedom; such movement simultaneously altering the effective optical path length of the laser cavity and the tuning frequency of the spectral tuning element. The effective optical path length and the tuning frequency of the device are substantially insensitive to any movement of said at least one moveable optical component in degrees of freedom other than the first degree of freedom. This provides frequency tuning in which mode hopping is suppressed.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2009Publication date: October 6, 2011Applicant: RENISHAW PLCInventors: David R. McMurtry, Alan J. Holloway
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Publication number: 20110016995Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for changing task modules or styli of a metrological probe. In one embodiment, a stylus module (18) is retained magnetically on a retaining module (16) of the probe. A horizontal pin (38) extends from a storage device (32) and engages in an aperture (40) in the stylus module (18). This allows the stylus module to be separated by a vertical movement of the retaining module. To control tilting of the stylus module relative to the retaining module, the pin (38) extends up to or beyond the resultant vector of the magnetic coupling force between the stylus module and the retaining module, which in this embodiment is along the centre line (42) of the stylus module.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2008Publication date: January 27, 2011Applicant: RENISHAW PLCInventors: David R. McMurtry, Geoffrey McFarland
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Patent number: 7543393Abstract: A method of measuring an object using a surface sensing device mounted on a coordinate positioning apparatus. The method has the steps of measuring a single surface point of a feature of the object with the surface sensing device, moving the surface sensing device along a path around the feature at a fast speed, thereby taking measurements along the path, including at the surface point, determining the difference between the measurements of the surface point and using the difference determined to apply a correction to the object or subsequent objects having the same feature.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2007Date of Patent: June 9, 2009Assignee: Renishaw PLCInventors: David R. McMurtry, Geoffrey McFarland, Kevyn B. Jonas, Leo C. Somerville
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Patent number: 7533574Abstract: A method of error compensation for measurements taken using a co-ordinate positioning apparatus comprising an articulating probe head having a surface detecting device. The surface detecting device is rotated about at least one axis of the articulating probe head during measurement. The method comprises the steps of: determining the stiffness of the whole or part of the apparatus; determining one or more factors which relate to the load applied by the articulating probe head at any particular instant, and determining the measurement error at the surface sensing device caused by the load.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2004Date of Patent: May 19, 2009Assignee: Renishaw PLCInventors: David R. McMurtry, Geoff McFarland, Kevyn B. Jonas
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Patent number: 7409914Abstract: A measuring system for calibrating a machine in which a base (10) is attachable to a surface of the machine and a housing (20) is mountable on the base, wherein at least one surface of the base and at least one surface of the housing are each provided with a complementary part of a mounting device, such that when the two parts of the mounting device are connected together, the housing may be aligned in any of a plurality of predetermined directions. The base includes a lifting mechanism (64) which when lowered allows the complementary parts of the mounting device (93, 95) of the housing (20) and the base (10) to be in contact and when raised causes them to at least partly break contact with one another. The level of the base (10) may be adjusted using a system of members and tapered rollers.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2006Date of Patent: August 12, 2008Assignee: Renishaw PLCInventors: Stephen M. Angood, David R. McMurtry
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Patent number: 7367128Abstract: A rotary ring system for use in scale reading apparatus comprises a rotary ring (12), provided with scale marks on its surface and at least one intermediate member (24). The at least one intermediate member (24) is fitted between the rotary ring (12) and the machine part (10) on which the rotary ring is to be mounted. Application of a force to the at least one intermediate member adjusts the effective radius of the rotary ring. The at least one intermediate member may be tangentially compliant.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2003Date of Patent: May 6, 2008Assignee: Renishaw PLCInventors: David R McMurtry, James R. Henshaw, Alexander D. Ellin
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Patent number: 7350310Abstract: Disclosed is a method of moving an articulating mechanism (22,410) for a measuring device, comprising the steps of: releasing two bodies (14,16, 410a,410b) which form the articulating mechanism allowing relative movement thereof; moving one of the bodies with respect to the other until a desired position is reached; and re-constraining the two bodies so they are relatively fixed, perhaps as part of a locking process, characterised in that relative movement prior to re-constraining at the desired position occurs under particular conditions. The particular conditions including moving from the same direction; and stopping, slowing down or maintaining the condition at a position adjacent to the desired position. Also disclosed is a method of positioning an articulating mechanism (22,410) for a measuring device which is controlled by a potentiometer and a controller (11) for a measuring device.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2006Date of Patent: April 1, 2008Assignee: Renishaw plcInventors: Peter G Lloyd, David S Wallace, David R McMurtry, James L Chase, David Jones
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Patent number: 7337685Abstract: An adjustable device is disclosed comprising two relatively re-orientatable members each having a lockable universal joint, and a connecting member for connecting the two relatively re-orientatable members whereby when the two relatively re-orientatable members are connected the two joints are in mechanical communication via the connecting member. The two lockable joints may be locked and unlocked using an actuator, a lever, which may act on a compression device in order to render the lockable joints either mobile or locked. The compression device may cause a change in cross-sectional area of the tube over at least a part of its length. At least one of the lockable universal joints may provide for linear movement between the two relatively re-orientatable members. Also disclosed is an apparatus for the simulation of the orientation of a sample with respect to a cutting tool or scanning probe and method for aligning the adjustable device.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2004Date of Patent: March 4, 2008Assignee: Renishaw PLCInventors: Robert C Baylis, David R McMurtry
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Patent number: 7174652Abstract: A machine having a pair of spaced structures, a plurality of ball and socket joints spaced apart on each structure, and six struts interconnecting the structures. Each strut engages with a respective ball and socket joint on each of the structures, and defines a variable distance between the centers of the ball and socket joints to which the strut is connected. At least one of the ball and socket joints to which the strut is connected has a plurality of the struts connected thereto, the ball and socket joint having a socket on each respective strut, co-operating with a sphere, the sockets having three engagement elements biased into engagement with the sphere.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2005Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Assignee: Renishaw PLCInventor: David R. McMurtry
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Patent number: 7168290Abstract: A measuring system for calibrating a machine in which a base (10) is attachable to a surface of the machine and a housing (20) is mountable on the base, wherein at least one surface of the base and at least one surface of the housing are each provided with a complementary part of a mounting device, such that when the two parts of the mounting device are connected together, the housing may be aligned in any of a plurality of predetermined directions. The base includes a lifting mechanism (64) which when lowered allows the complementary parts of the mounting device (93, 95) of the housing (20) and the base (10) to be in contact and when raised causes them to at least partly break contact with one another. The level of the base (10) may be adjusted using a system of balls and tapered rollers.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2003Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Assignee: Renishaw PLCInventors: Stephen M. Angood, David R. McMurtry
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Patent number: 7146741Abstract: A measuring probe includes a suspension module 112 in which a stylus holder 140 is suspended from a housing on a pair of diaphragms 142,144. At least one of the diaphragms is formed with spiral cut-outs whereby the stylus, which is connected at the center of the diaphragms, is able to move transversely of the axis of the housing as the stylus holder pivots when transverse forces are applied to the stylus tip. A transducer module 110 is releasably supported on the suspension module by a kinematic mounting 116,118 and is retained in position by magnets 120. The transducer module contains optical transducers 200,210,220 for measuring the deflection of the stylus.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2002Date of Patent: December 12, 2006Assignee: Renishaw PLCInventors: Andrew G Butter, David R McMurtry
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Patent number: 7055258Abstract: Apparatus for releasably connecting together two members (18, 20) comprises two members (18, 20), each provided with co-operating elements (22a, 24A) to define the location of one member with respect to the other member. A damper (30) is provided on at least one of the members to reduce the impact when the two members are joined together. The two members may comprise two modules of a modular surface sensing probe. The damper may include guide means to assist in guiding the members together.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2003Date of Patent: June 6, 2006Assignee: Renishaw PLCInventors: Peter Hajdukiewicz, David R McMurtry
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Patent number: 6918188Abstract: Apparatus which can be used to calibrate, or provide measurement data on, a machine. The apparatus comprises two structures each with three spherical supports spaced in a triangular array thereon. The supports may be balls or sockets. The structures are interconnected by six members and each support has the ends of two members connected to it. The members are passive extensible measuring bars and the structures are respectively connected to fixed and movable parts of a machine so that movement of the machine parts causes relative movement between the structures and varies the lengths of the measuring bars. From measurements of the lengths of the measuring bars the actual movement of the machine part can be determined. Calibration of the spherical supports is carried out using a measuring bar which is pre-calibrated in a Zerodur jig.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2003Date of Patent: July 19, 2005Assignee: Renishaw PLCInventor: David R. McMurtry
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Patent number: RE43250Abstract: Disclosed is a method of moving an articulating mechanism (22,410) for a measuring device, comprising the steps of: releasing two bodies (14,16, 410a,410b) which form the articulating mechanism allowing relative movement thereof; moving one of the bodies with respect to the other until a desired position is reached; and re-constraining the two bodies so they are relatively fixed, perhaps as part of a locking process, characterised in that relative movement prior to re-constraining at the desired position occurs under particular conditions. The particular conditions including moving from the same direction; and stopping, slowing down or maintaining the condition at a position adjacent to the desired position. Also disclosed is a method of positioning an articulating mechanism (22,410) for a measuring device which is controlled by a potentiometer and a controller (11) for a measuring device.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2010Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignee: Renishaw plcInventors: Peter G. Lloyd, David S. Wallace, David R. McMurtry, James L. Chase, David Jones