Abstract: A fixture for positioning and supporting parts for measurement on a measuring machine, the fixture including a number of reconfigurable supporting elements, each having a base positionable automatically on a reference surface of the measuring machine by a head of the machine itself, and a column, which is adjustable in height by means of a reference tool, and is subsequently fitted to a respective base.

Abstract: A fixture for positioning and supporting parts for measurement on a measuring machine, the fixture presenting a number of reconfigurable supporting elements, each presenting a first portion positionable on the reference surface of the machine, and a second portion positionable in relation to the first portion in a direction perpendicular to the reference surface; and a reference tool positioned automatically by the machine, and presenting a three-dimensional reference for the second portion of the supporting elements; the supporting elements being moved manually over the reference surface so that the second portion contacts the reference tool, and being clamped in the position so defined.

Abstract: An assembly for supporting and guiding a movable member of a machine along an axis "X" relative to a support member of the machine. The assembly includes first and second slide surfaces on the support member lying in planes which intersect with each other and extend parallel to the "X" axis, a pair of pneumatic bearing pads are fixed to the movable member and are slidable on respective slide surfaces. A third slide surface is formed on the support member and extends parallel to the "X" axis in a plane inclined to the planes including the first and second slide surfaces. A third bearing pad is fixed to the movable member and is slidable on the third surface in an arrangement to balance the loads exerted by the first and second bearing pads.

Abstract: A measuring machine includes a base, a portal movable on the base along a first horizontal axis and having a cross-member extending along a second horizontal axis perpendicular to the first, a carriage carried by the cross-member and movable along the second axis on a guide formed on the cross-member, and a measuring head carried by the carriage and movable relative thereto along a third, vertical axis; the guide defines a main slide plane inclined at 45.degree.