Abstract: A method of making measurements on a machine having a movable probe for measuring a part in which a present location of the probe is maintained and a past location (e.g., a part measurement) of the probe is also maintained (stored) and advantageously displayed. The measuring apparatus includes two sets of storage members, with the present position information of the probe stored in one set. The present probe position information is transferred to the other storage members in response to a control signal. The control signal, such as an electrical signal indicating contact with an object, causes measurements to be transferred from the one set of storage members to the second set of storage members and, advantageously, the transfer of further information to the second storage members may be locked out of a predetermined time or until an event occurs (such as a resetting signal).

Abstract: A probe for measuring coordinate positions on an object by sensing a displacement of the stylus which contacts the object. The probe is responsive to forces which result from the contact between the object and the stylus to indicate coordinate positions of the object. The probe includes a replaceable stylus having a shank portion defining an axis, with a transversely-extending portion extending from the shank portion for sensing forces exerted by objects in the axial direction away from the probe, while the stylus shank portion is responsive to forces in the radial and axial (toward the probe) directions. The probe is thus responsive to forces exerted on the stylus in any direction.