Abstract: A method of calibrating a coordinate measuring machine in which the immutable parameters of the articulated probe head are determine and stored at factory, while the connection parameters and other parameters dependent on the configuration of the system are determined in-situ, with a calibration artifact. The process builds a mathematical model that is the composition of an immutable factory-determined model with the in-situ model. The immutable model can be stored in a non-volatile memory physically provided in the articulated head. The method can fall back to a correction look up table for certain selected orientations of the probe where improved accuracy is needed.

Abstract: An absolute position encoder for a measuring instrument, comprising a digital scale and a reader movable relative to the digital scale. The digital scale is arranged along a travel direction of the reader. The digital scale comprises at least one absolute position track having a sequence of discrete regions sharply separated from each other by separating regions. The reader comprises a first and a second series of detectors configured to sense the discrete regions and separating regions to detect at least one of a first and a second absolute position code. The sequence of discrete regions and the first and second series of detectors are disposed such that none of the detectors of at least one of said first and second series of detectors is aligned with a transition between a discrete region and a separating region at each possible position of the reader relative to the digital scale.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a contactless sensing unit for a measuring apparatus or machine tool 1, notably for a coordinate measuring machine (CMM). The contactless sensing unit comprises an optical probe device, a coupling element for mechanical connection to a complementary coupling element on the measuring apparatus or machine tool and a housing for housing the optical probe device. The housing is mechanically connected to the coupling element. The optical probe device comprises an optical objective at a distal end of a lower portion of the probe device for sensing a surface of a workpiece. The contactless sensing unit further comprises a collar for adjusting a relative axial, radial and/or angular position of the optical probe device with respect to a fastening portion of the housing. The collar circumferentially clamps the optical probe device essentially around an upper portion of the optical probe device.

Abstract: An articulating probe head for a coordinate measuring machine (CMM) comprising an optical fiber and an interface for automatic connection to an optical coordinate probe. A tool rack for a CMM for storing tactile and/or optical probes for automatic exchange on the said probe head. Two methods are also described to verify the quality of the optical waveguide from controller to the probe tip.

Abstract: An inclinable measuring head for use in a coordinate measuring machine or in another measure system. The inclinable head has a support element and a probe holder rotatably linked to the support element by a spherical joint that is capable of being rotated about three independent axes. The measuring head further includes a position encoder providing relative orientation of the probe holder with respect to the support element, and an actuator arranged for orienting the probe holder relative to the support element.

Abstract: Optical sensors are adapted for distance measurement by emission and capture of measuring radiation reflected from an object to be measured. The optical sensors can be used with measuring devices, including coordinate measuring machines. The optical sensors have an optomechanical coupling unit, configured for automated coupling of the optical sensor to the measuring device and for bidirectional measuring radiation transmission between measuring device and optical sensor. The optical sensors have a first optical measuring channel, by which bidirectional measuring radiation transmission is provided between the measuring device and a first exit window of the optical sensor.

Abstract: An articulating probe head for a coordinate measuring machine (CMM) comprising an optical fiber and an interface for automatic connection to an optical coordinate probe. A tool rack for a CMM for storing tactile and/or optical probes for automatic exchange on the said probe head. Two methods are also described to verify the quality of the optical waveguide from controller to the probe tip.

Abstract: Optical sensors are adapted for distance measurement by emission and capture of measuring radiation reflected from an object to be measured. The optical sensors can be used with measuring devices, including coordinate measuring machines. The optical sensors have an optomechanical coupling unit, configured for automated coupling of the optical sensor to the measuring device and for bidirectional measuring radiation transmission between measuring device and optical sensor. The optical sensors have a first optical measuring channel, by which bidirectional measuring radiation transmission is provided between the measuring device and a first exit window of the optical sensor.

Abstract: An inclinable measuring head for use in a coordinate measuring machine or in another measure system. The inclinable head has a support element and a probe holder rotatably linked to the support element by a spherical joint that is capable of being rotated about three independent axes. The measuring head further includes a position encoder providing relative orientation of the probe holder with respect to the support element, and an actuator arranged for orienting the probe holder relative to the support element.

Abstract: Embodiments described in this disclosure include a probe holder for a measuring system comprising a first connector having electric and/or optical signal connections for attaching a measure probe, electric and/or optical conductor for connecting to the measure probe by first connector, a rotary actuator arranged to rotate the first connector relative to a reference system, an electric and/or optical slip ring and an angle encoder. The rotary actuator comprises a rotor capable of continuous rotation and an electric motor, while the angle encoder provides information on an angular position of the rotor. In some embodiments the rotor has a hollow axle supported by two coaxial spaced-apart bearings. The electric motor is located between the bearings, while the electric and/or optical conductor runs inside said hollow axle, and the electric and/or optical slip ring is in the hollow axle and between the bearings.

Abstract: Embodiments described in this disclosure include a probe holder for a measuring system comprising a first connector having electric and/or optical signal connections for attaching a measure probe, electric and/or optical conductor for connecting to the measure probe by first connector, a rotary actuator arranged to rotate the first connector relative to a reference system, an electric and/or optical slip ring and an angle encoder. The rotary actuator comprises a rotor capable of continuous rotation and an electric motor, while the angle encoder provides information on an angular position of the rotor. In some embodiments the rotor has a hollow axle supported by two coaxial spaced-apart bearings. The electric motor is located between the bearings, while the electric and/or optical conductor runs inside said hollow axle, and the electric and/or optical slip ring is in the hollow axle and between the bearings.