Abstract: A modular fixturing apparatus component includes a body and a locator mechanism. The locator means is supported in the body for linear movement along the longitudinal axis of the body and for rotational movement about the longitudinal axis. The locator mechanism is provided to locate a center of an opening in an article undergoing inspection or the like. The modular fixturing apparatus component further includes a support surface that is provided at the body and that provides support for the article along the longitudinal axis. In this manner, when the component is mounted to a modular fixturing base plate, the fixturing apparatus component of the present invention provides a datum hole locator mechanism with a sliding action along the Z-axis and, further, provides Z-axis support for the article undergoing inspection or the like. Optionally, the locator mechanism may be rotationally locked to provide an additional, rotational restraint to the article undergoing inspection.

Abstract: A modular fixturing apparatus component includes a body and a locator means. The locator means is supported in the body for linear movement along the longitudinal axis of the body and for rotational movement about the longitudinal axis. The locator means is provided to locate a center of an opening in an article undergoing inspection or the like. The modular fixturing apparatus component further includes a support surface that is provided at the body and that provides support for the article along the longitudinal axis. In this manner, when the component is mounted to a modular fixturing base plate, the fixturing apparatus component of the present invention provides a datum hole locator means with a sliding action along the Z-axis and, further, provides Z-axis support for the article undergoing inspection or the like. Optionally, the locator means may be rotationally locked to provide an additional, rotational restraint to the article undergoing inspection.

Abstract: A modular fixturing apparatus platform includes a plate, which has a center and a plurality of axes extending radially outward from the center. The plate includes a plurality of mounting openings configured to receive fasteners. The mounting openings are arranged in a rectangular array and aligned along one of the radiating axes of the plate. The rectangular array includes at least two rows of the mounting openings. In one form, the mounting openings are arranged in a repeating square pattern within the rectangular array. Preferably, the plate comprises a sub-plate, and the platform further includes at least one base plate, which is mounted on the sub-plate. The base plate includes the rectangular array of mounting openings and is aligned along one of the radiating axes of the sub-plate.

Abstract: A modular tooling system having two or more base plates joined by elongated extender members and having a tubular member with opposite ends which are closed by cover members, each of which has an inner portion dimensioned to fit within the interior of the tubular member. The cover members are formed with through-holes with one of the cover members formed with threaded through-holes while the through-holes of the other cover member are non-threaded. An access opening, positioned in the side of the tubular member and proximate to the non-threaded through holes, permits the removal and insertion of fasteners into the non-threaded through holes for engagement with the threaded through-holes of the cover member attached to another tubular member or to threaded through-holes formed in one of the base plates. Alternatively, a double threaded, dowel fastener may be used to join the cover members each having threaded through-holes, of two tubular members.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for certifying a coordinate measuring machine includes a certified ballbar, having a pair of spherical surfaces connected with a bar and having certified diameters separated by a certified distance, that is positioned with a positioning device. The positioning device includes a bar support that supports the ballbar at a midpoint of the bar between the balls, wherein the ballbar is supported free of attachment to the balls. The positioning device includes a first rotational assembly for rotatably supporting the ball support for rotation motion about a horizontal axis and a second rotational assembly for rotatably supporting the bar support about a vertical axis. The first rotational assembly provides rotation of the bar support in a clockwise direction to position the ballbar in a first set of angular orientations and in a counterclockwise direction to position the ballbar in a second set of angular orientations.