Abstract: Embodiments may comprise methods, apparatuses, systems, and one or more computer-readable media having computer-readable instructions thereon for adjusting a laser retroreflector to compensate for passing laser light through a window of the retroreflector comprising: determining an adjustment factor to compensate for propagation errors due to passing laser light through the window of the retroreflector; and adjusting a location of a reflection point of the retroreflector to minimize the propagation errors based on the adjustment factor.

Abstract: An optical camera three-dimensional coordinate measuring system for use with objects to be measured is described. The system may include a compact, easily moveable, and rotatable, target of known dimensions comprising a spherical surface to be placed in contact with the object to be measured at different points along the object to be measured thereby eliminating the necessity of using a larger extended probe contact tip extending from the target to the object to be measured. At least one or more light emitting source may be located in a known position in the target such as the center of the spherical surface for example. At least two cameras located at different and known coordinate locations for receiving light from the light emitting source from different optical perspectives may be included. The position in three dimensional coordinates of the object to be measured is computed from the images taken by the cameras.

Abstract: A vacuum support includes a vacuum plate having a top surface and a bottom surface, the vacuum plate having a mechanical stop extending from the bottom surface; an elastomeric seal extending along a periphery of the bottom surface, the vacuum plate and the elastomeric seal defining a vacuum space; and a vacuum source in communication with the vacuum space. Upon attaching the vacuum plate to a mounting surface by reducing pressure in the vacuum space, the stop is in engagement with the mounting surface.

Abstract: A method for improving the measurement accuracy of a portable coordinate measurement machine which comprises an articulated arm having jointed arm segments is presented. This method includes sensing deformation of a portion of the articulated arm when the arm is placed under a load, this deformation causing an error in the measurement made by the CMM, and correcting such error in response to the sensed deformation.

Abstract: A portable coordinate measurement machine for measuring the position of an object in a selected volume includes a positionable articulated arm having a plurality of jointed arm segments. The arm includes a measurement probe having an integrated line laser scanner mounted thereon. The laser may be a thermally stabilized laser.

Abstract: A portable coordinate measurement machine comprises an articulated arm having jointed arm segments. At least one of the joined arm segments is comprised of a plurality of components being bonded to each other using adhesive. In addition, the jointed arm segments may include tapered and/or threaded ends.

Abstract: A brake pad dust collector or diverter is described, which includes a brake caliper extension operatively associated with the brake pad, the extension shaped or configured so as to divert and/or collect brake dust.

Abstract: An optical camera three-dimensional coordinate measuring system for use with objects to be measured is described. The system may include a compact, easily moveable, and rotatable, target of known dimensions comprising a spherical surface to be placed in contact with the object to be measured at different points along the object to be measured thereby eliminating the necessity of using a larger extended probe contact tip extending from the target to the object to be measured. At least one or more light emitting source may be located in a known position in the target such as the center of the spherical surface for example. At least two cameras located at different and known coordinate locations for receiving light from the light emitting source from different optical perspectives may be included. The position in three dimensional coordinates of the object to be measured is computed from the images taken by the cameras.

Abstract: A portable coordinate measurement machine comprises an articulated arm having jointed arm segments. The jointed arm segments include a rotatable shaft, at least two spaced bearings and a housing surrounding the bearings and shaft wherein races for the bearings are formed by at least one of the following: (1) the shaft constitutes the inner race of at least one of the two bearings and (2) the housing constitutes the outer race of at least one of the two bearings.

Abstract: A portable coordinate measurement machine comprises an articulated arm having jointed arm segments. The arm includes joint assemblies which include at least two read heads in communication with a periodic pattern of a measurable characteristic, the pattern and read heads being positioned within the joint so as to be rotatable with respect to each other.

Abstract: A portable coordinate measurement machine comprises an articulated arm having jointed arm segments. The arm includes a measurement probe having an integrated line laser scanner mounted thereon. The laser may be a thermally stabilized laser.

Abstract: A portable coordinate measurement machine comprises an articulated arm having jointed arm segments. The arm includes joint assemblies which include at least two read heads in communication with a periodic pattern of a measurable characteristic, the pattern and read heads being positioned within the joint so as to be rotatable with respect to each other.

Abstract: A portable coordinate measurement machine comprises an articulated arm having jointed arm segments. The arm includes a measurement probe having an integrated line laser scanner rotatably mounted thereon.

Abstract: A portable coordinate measurement machine comprises an articulated arm having jointed arm segments. The arm includes an integral on-board power supply/recharger unit.

Abstract: A portable coordinate measurement machine comprises an articulated arm having jointed arm segments. At least one of the joined arm segments is comprised of a plurality of components being bonded to each other using adhesive. In addition, the jointed arm segments may include tapered and/or threaded ends.

Abstract: A portable coordinate measurement machine comprises an articulated arm having jointed arm segments. The arm is progressively tapered from the base to the probe and preferably the jointed arm segments include tapered and/or threaded ends.

Abstract: A portable coordinate measurement machine comprises an articulated arm having jointed arm segments. The arm includes a probe at one end thereof. The probe also includes improved switches and a measurement indicator light.

Abstract: A method for improving the measurement accuracy of a portable coordinate measurement machine which comprises an articulated arm having jointed arm segments is presented. This method includes sensing deformation of a portion of the articulated arm when the arm is placed under a load, this deformation causing an error in the measurement made by the CMM, and correcting such error in response to the sensed deformation.

Abstract: A method for improving the measurement accuracy of a portable coordinate measurement machine which comprises an articulated arm having jointed arm segments is presented. This method includes sensing deformation of a portion of the articulated arm when the arm is placed under a load, this deformation causing an error in the measurement made by the CMM, and correcting such error in response to the sensed deformation.

Abstract: A portable coordinate measurement machine comprises an articulated arm having jointed arm segments. The arm includes joint assemblies which include at least two read heads in communication with a periodic pattern of a measurable characteristic, the pattern and read heads being positioned within the joint so as to be rotatable with respect to each other.