Abstract: A positioning method and apparatus is disclosed in the form of a coordinate measurement machine for transmitting movement in three degrees of freedom, where two degrees of freedom are achieved by translational motion and the third degree of freedom is achieved by rotational motion. The coordinate measurement machine includes a base plate mounted on top of a base support, a pair of carriages rotatably mounted around base plate and supporting a bridge assembly. The bridge assembly supports a saddle assembly which suitably mounts a z-axis beam therein. Mounted to the end of the z-axis beam is a probe for measuring and inspecting the workpiece. The z-axis beam moves in an x-direction along an x-axis beam and in a z-direction within the saddle while the bridge assembly rotates about a c-axis. Reader heads mounted in the carriages electronically read a c-axis scale mounted about the base plate.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring or inspecting an object in a coordinate measurement machine (CMM). The apparatus includes a frame having a reference table for supporting the object and a robotics unit secured to the frame. The robotics unit has a probe which generates output signals when the probe contacts the object, and the output signals are sent to a machine control unit which controls the robotics unit and calculates and displays results of inspections. The control unit is programmed to operate the CMM in predetermined ways responsive to DMIS or other widely-used syntax, without translating the DMIS syntax into another language or syntax.

Abstract: A linear motor comprised of a plurality of primary coils arranged and spaced sequentially. A fluid intake manifold and a fluid exhaust manifold with at least one conduit in fluid communication between the intake and exhaust manifolds, such that the fluid intake manifold, fluid exhaust manifold and conduit are associated with the primary coils to control the temperature of the motor.A robotically controlled linear motor apparatus for manipulating physical arms in one or more dimensions, with at least one linear motor comprised of primary coils sequentially and spacially arranged and a secondary coil positioned magnetically adjacent to the primary coils. A fluid circulating manifold as described above. A commutator for selectively energizing the primary and secondary coils to create a magnetic imbalance therebetween so that the secondary coil is urged in a direction opposite to that of the flux imbalance.