Abstract: A novel, portable coordinate measuring machine comprises a multijointed (preferably six joints) manually positionable measuring arm for accurately and easily measuring a volume, which in a preferred embodiment, comprises a sphere ranging from six to eight feet in diameter and a measuring accuracy of 2 Sigma +/−0.005 inch. In addition to the measuring arm, the present invention employs a controller (or serial box) which acts as the electronic interface between the arm and a host computer. The coordinate measuring machine of this invention is particularly useful in a novel method of generating an error map and thus correcting and/or programming the tool path for multi-axis machining centers, particularly robots.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for independently evaluating the spatial positional performance of a machine having a movable member, comprising an articulated coordinate measuring machine comprising: a first revolute joint; a probe arm, having a proximal end rigidly attached to the first joint, and having a distal end with a probe tip attached thereto, wherein the probe tip is pivotally mounted to the movable machine member; a second revolute joint; a first support arm serially connecting the first joint to the second joint; and coordinate processing means, operatively connected to the first and second revolute joints, for calculating the spatial coordinates of the probe tip; means for kinematically constraining the articulated coordinate measuring machine to a working surface; and comparator means, in operative association with the coordinate processing means and with the movable machine, for comparing the true position of the movable machine member, as measured by the true position of the probe tip, with

Abstract: A gauge block, which has excellent abrasion and corrosion resistances without time-dependent changes in dimension and which can be produced inexpensively; created using a raw steel material, heat treating at least one reference surface, then finish polishing it, and ion plating a super thin DLC film over its surface.

Abstract: A gauge for a coordinate measuring machine has a plurality of balls whose centers are located on at least one line inclined with respect to a reference axis in a virtual reference plane. The gauge is set on a measuring table of the coordinate measuring machine. Orthogonal coordinates in which one of the coordinate axes is identical to the reference axis are set in the virtual reference plane. The coordinates of the center of each ball are measured by the coordinate measuring machine. Thereafter, the gauge is turned and inverted by 180 degrees about the reference axis and is set again on the measuring table. Orthogonal coordinates in which one of the coordinate axes is identical to the reference axis are set in the virtual reference plane. The coordinates of the center of each ball are measured in the same way as above. Thus, measurement errors of the straightness of the machine axes of the coordinate measuring machine and the orthogonality between the machine axes can be easily and precisely evaluated.

Abstract: An orientation-adjusting device (2) having: a body (20) for holding a surface texture measuring tool (1), an orientation adjuster (30) having a leg rested on a workpiece for adjusting an orientation of the body (20) by adjusting height of the leg; and a height adjuster (40) for vertically moving the surface texture measuring tool in parallel to the body (20) is used for adjusting an orientation of the surface texture measuring tool (1), thus adjusting movement direction (base line (12A) direction) of the surface texture detecting sensor (11) in parallel with the surface of the workpiece. Accordingly, even when the dimension of the workpiece is large, only a space for disposing the body (20) is required on the workpiece, so that surface texture can be measured at high resolution without being restricted by size of the workpiece.

Abstract: A test specimen includes four sensed elements and six connection elements for connecting the sensed elements, the sensed elements being releasably connectable by the connection elements in such a way that each sensed element touches precisely three connection elements at the end faces thereof and that the sensed elements and the connection elements in their entirety form a tetrahedron on the corners of which the sensed elements are arranged. The material and/or the dimensions of the sensed elements and the material and/or the dimensions of the connection elements are adapted to one another in such a way that, under standard measurement conditions, the total coefficient of linear expansion from one sensed point to the next sensed point on different sensed elements is essentially zero.

Abstract: A ball step gauge includes a gauge framework that is H-shaped in cross-section and has a horizontal frame. A plurality of holes are formed at predetermined intervals in the horizontal frame in an axial direction of the horizontal frame. A plurality of grooves are formed around each of the holes. A plurality of balls are inserted under pressure in the holes, with centers of the balls existing on a neutral axis of moment of inertia of an area of the gauge framework. Since the ball intervals are less liable to change, the ball step gauge can be used as a reliable standard gauge for calibrating coordinate measuring machines.

Abstract: A CMM calibrating gauge includes a block gauge which has a first end face and an opposite second end face and whose length absolute value has been certified, and a sphere fixed to a front surface of the block gauge.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for vertically calibrating a wire of a wire cutting electric discharge machine are provided. The vertical calibration apparatus includes a body, an upper calibration board and a lower calibration board attached to the body and parallel to the machine table, with a ring hole formed on the upper calibration board and on the lower calibration board respectively. The two ring holes have the same vertical axis. The method of wire cutting electric discharge machine vertical calibration comprises searching for the circle centers of the two ring holes by constantly touching the ring edge several times by the wire, then passing the wire through the circle centers.

Abstract: A method of calibrating a scanning system comprising a machine and a measuring probe, includes the steps of error mapping the system statically and qualifying the stylus tip so that the system will provide accurate measurements, determining the positions of a number of datum points on the surface of an artefact with the probe stylus in contact with the workpiece and at zero deflection normal to the surface, scanning the surface through the datum points at a nominal stylus deflection and at the maximum speed which provides repeatable position measurements to make a second determination of the positions of the datum points, determining the errors attributable to the scanning process by subtracting the positions obtained in the first and second determinations, and storing the error values for correction of subsequent measurements of similar artefacts.

Abstract: A scale-bar artifact is and measurement method is provided, the artifact comprising a shaft, at least one mounting nest positioned on the shaft, a plurality of target nests positioned on the shaft, at least one temperature sensor in contact with the material of the shaft and a computer or circuit board in communication with the at least one temperature sensor, wherein the computer or circuit board is configured to receive temperature sensor data and to compile temperature corrected distance measurements corresponding to at least one linear portion of the shaft. Additionally, a scale-bar artifact is provided, comprising a shaft, a plurality of target nests positioned on the shaft and at least one mounting nest positioned on the shaft, wherein the at least one mounting nest comprises either at least one adjustable kinematic mounting nest or at least one fixed kinematic mounting nest configured to receive a separate mounting component.

Abstract: A machine tool precision-measuring apparatus comprising: a first linear movement distance-measuring means 17 including a first slide shaft 11, a first slide bush 13 slidably attached to the first slide shaft 11, and a first distance sensor 15 for measuring a distance that the first slide shaft 11 relatively travels with respect to the first slide bush 13; and, a second linear movement distance-measuring means 18 including a second slide shaft 12 positioned across the first slide shaft 11, a second slide bush 14 connected to the first slide bush 13, the second slide bush 14 being slidably attached to the second slide shaft 12, and a second distance sensor 16 for measuring a distance that the second slide shaft 12 relatively moves with respect to the second slide bush 14.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for calibrating a tool, of the touch probe type, used on a contact type measuring machine, in order to take account of its dynamic geometrical features.

Abstract: A calibration assembly and method for calibrating the device pick-up heads used in multi-head IC handlers such that all of the device pick-up heads are reliably calibrated to a consistent optimal calibration position. Gauge blocks are provided that greatly simplify the calibration process by holding the movable portion of a device pick-up head in an optimal calibration position relative to the base structure of the device pick-up head while the collar is secured. Each gauge block has base portion for supporting the base structure of the device pick-up head, and a flat contact surface against which the lower surface of the movable portion is pressed. The contact surface is a predetermined distance from the base portion such that when the device pick-up head is mounted on the gauge block, the movable portion is maintained in an optimal calibration position relative to the base structure.

Abstract: A method of calibrating a scanning system comprising a machine and a measuring probe, includes the steps of error mapping the system statically and qualifying the stylus tip so that the system will provide accurate measurements, determining the positions of a number of datum points on the surface of an artefact with the probe stylus in contact with the workpiece and at zero deflection normal to the surface, scanning the surface through the datum points at a nominal stylus deflection and at the maximum speed which provides repeatable position measurements to make a second determination of the positions of the datum points, determining the errors attributable to the scanning process by subtracting the positions obtained in the first and second determinations, and storing the error values for correction of subsequent measurements of similar artefacts.

Abstract: A force characterization device utilizes a flexure having a compliant portion and a solid portion. During operation of a coordinate measuring machine (CMM) on the solid portion of the flexure, a first capacitance probe detects displacement of the solid portion of the flexure in a first dimension and a second capacitance probe detects displacement of the solid portion of the flexure in a second dimension perpendicular to the first dimension. The detected displacements in the first and second dimensions of the solid portion of the flexure are correlated to forces applied to the flexure in the first and second dimensions based on the detected displacements and the predetermined spring constant of the compliant portion of the flexure. A total applied force is determined based on the forces applied to the flexure in the first and second dimensions. The flexure may be utilized for touch-trigger operations or scanning operations of the CMM.

Abstract: A gauge block which has excellent abrasion and corrosion resistances without time-dependent changes in dimension that can be produced inexpensively. A method of producing the gauge block using raw steel and processing it into a gauge block body, then finish polishing it, and ion plating a super thin DLC film (2) over its surface.

Abstract: A probe tip locator for, and method of, use in determining a location of a probe tip relative to the probe tip locator comprising sets of discrete location markers in which numbers and positions of the location markers in each of the sets are employable uniquely to identify corresponding specific locations on the probe tip locator, the sets being distributed about the probe tip locator to avoid unbalanced partial encroachments into both sides of a scanpath of the probe tip by location markers in sets normally adjacent the scanpath thereby to prevent an erroneous determination of location caused by unbalanced partial encroachments of the location markers into both sides of the scanpath as the probe tip traverses the scanpath.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for ultra-precision positioning. A slide base provides a foundational support. A slide plate moves with respect to the slide base along a first geometric axis. Either a ball-screw or a piezoelectric actuator working separate or in conjunction displaces the slide plate with respect to the slide base along the first geometric axis. A linking device directs a primary force vector into a center-line of the ball-screw. The linking device consists of a first link which directs a first portion of the primary force vector to an apex point, located along the center-line of the ball-screw, and a second link for directing a second portion of the primary force vector to the apex point. A set of rails, oriented substantially parallel to the center-line of the ball-screw, direct movement of the slide plate with respect to the slide base along the first geometric axis and are positioned such that the apex point falls within a geometric plane formed by the rails.

Abstract: A four-direction adjustable optical module including a carriage and a CCD module is disclosed. The carriage includes a coupling window for coupling with the CCD module. Each of the two sides of the CCD module includes a screw hole and an elastic device. The elastic device slightly protrudes from the surface of the coupling window. While the CCD module and the coupling window are coupled, screws are employed to screw through the CCD module and into the screw holes of the coupling windows. Therefore, the elastic devices deform by the stress from the CCD module. By adjusting the tightness of the screws, the orientation of the CCD module rotating on the Z axis can be calibrated. Thus, the adjustable optical module of the invention can be calibrated at least in four directions.

Abstract: A rotational acquisition tool has a rotatable mounting body including a first side and a second side opposite the first side. A sleeve has a first end fixedly mounted in the body and a second end extending from the first side. A dynamic cylinder is mounted on the sleeve and includes a radial face slidably abutting the second end of the sleeve. A resilient member is retained in the sleeve and is engaged with the dynamic cylinder for exerting a tensile force on the dynamic cylinder sufficient to maintain relative positioning of the radial face on the sleeve.

Abstract: The spacing between a paint applicator and an auto body surface can be measured by a tool that is screwable onto the applicator in place of the paint spray head. The measuring tool includes a mounting fixture and a deflectable wand having an effective length that corresponds to an optimum spacing between the auto body surface and paint applicator. The paint applicator can be calibrated (adjusted) while the measuring tool is affixed to the applicator. All paint applicators in the system can be calibrated by a single pass of an auto body through the paint booth in which the paint applicators are located.

Abstract: A gauge for a coordinate measuring machine has a plurality of balls whose centers are located on at least one line inclined with respect to a reference axis in a virtual reference plane. The gauge is set on a measuring table of the coordinate measuring machine. Orthogonal coordinates in which one of the coordinate axes is identical to the reference axis are set in the virtual reference plane. The coordinates of the center of each ball are measured by the coordinate measuring machine. Thereafter, the gauge is turned and inverted by 180 degrees about the reference axis and is set again on the measuring table. Orthogonal coordinates in which one of the coordinate axes is identical to the reference axis are set in the virtual reference plane. The coordinates of the center of each ball are measured in the same way as above. Thus, measurement errors of the straightness of the machine axes of the coordinate measuring machine and the orthogonality between the machine axes can be easily and precisely evaluated.

Abstract: A robot aligning apparatus includes a pointer which may be connected to either the robot or the tool carried by the robot. The apparatus also includes a stationary post having a sleeve mounted thereon. The robot or the tool with the pointer mounted thereon are moved to a test station adjacent the sleeve and post, and the sleeve is moved upwardly over the pointer to indicate proper alignment.

Abstract: A calibrating body consists at least in part of a carbon fiber composite body. The composite body is formed from a porous material from a carbon-containing matrix, into which carbon fibers are embedded, this matrix is thickened by fluid infiltration of Si, which is essentially converted by reaction with carbon to SiC. The overall portion of Si and SiC is a maximum of 60% by volume. The carbon fibers have a minimum length of 3 mm.

Abstract: A method for calibrating a gage for measuring shot blast intensity having an indication mounted on a platform adjusts the calibration of the indicator to compensate for variations of positioning of the Almen test strip supports on the platform. After verifying that the test strip supports are within tolerance by use of “go-no go” gages, the indicator is mounted on the support and calibrated by using a notch calibration block to first set the zero datum of the indicator and then to make a calibration reading of the depth of the notch. If the reading is within specifications, the notched calibration block is removed, and a calibration block having a curved surface simulating the curvature of an Almen strip to be measured by the Almen gage and having a known maximum deflection is installed on the gage and the indicator used to measure the deflection. If the measured deflection is within tolerance limits of the known actual deflection, the indicator is recalibrated to read the actual deflection.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring three-dimensional volumetric errors in a multiaxis machine tool is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a kinematic ball bar provided with two balls at both ends thereof as a basic construction. A U-shaped bar with two extension arms is integrated with the ball bar. A vertical post is positioned relative to the U-shaped bar and is integrated with one of the two balls. A sleeve is fitted over the post and two guide bars is fixedly and longitudinally assembled with an external surface of the sleeve at opposite positions. Each of the guide bars is provided with a slot at a lower portion thereof for movably receiving an operating pin.

Abstract: A probe tip locator for use in determining the x-axis location and y-axis location of a probe tip of a microscope relative to the locator, the locator comprising a plurality of first reference lines parallel in a first direction, each of the first reference lines representing a predetermined x-axis location of the probe tip; a plurality of sets of parallel encoded bit fields, each one of the sets corresponding to one of the first reference lines; and a plurality of second reference lines parallel in a second direction, each one of the second reference lines intersecting at least one of the first reference lines at an acute angle, such that a scan of a portion of the locator is used to determine the x-axis location and y-axis location of the probe tip relative to the probe tip locator by movement of the probe tip relative to the probe tip locator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring three-dimensional (3-D) coordinates. A 3-D object can be digitized into a mesh representation manipulable by a computer system by tracing a stylus of a probe apparatus over surfaces of the object. The probe apparatus includes an arm having a series of linkages and joints. The arm can be assembled by placing the joints of the arm in joint fixtures a desired distance and angle apart and bonding the joints to a linkage. The probe apparatus is calibrated by placing the tip of the stylus at an arbitrary point in a work volume and varying the stylus' orientation to find error values and determine calibration parameters. The sensors of the probe apparatus are zeroed by placing the probe apparatus in the only possible home position and assigning assumed starting angles to the sensors. A rotary table can be used to support the object being digitized, where the rotation of the rotary table and object during digitization is sensed and included in coordinate calculations.

Abstract: A probepin-adjusting jig for adjusting probepins of a probecard. The probepin-adjusting jig includes a base, a first slider, a second slider and a needle. The first slider sits on the base to move in a first direction. The second slider sits on the first slider to move in a second direction. The needle is mounted in the second slider to adjust the probepins of the probecard.

Abstract: A precision measuring machine, such as a coordinate measuring machine, includes a probe assembly fixed to a movable member of the machine. The probe assembly includes a probe tip. A calibration object is detachably secured to the movable member in fixed relation to the probe assembly. The probe assembly articulates into a position such that the calibration object may be probed by the probe tip to recalibrate the probe assembly.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly setting gauge for use in an oil burner to gauge the optimal operating distance between a combustion head and a nozzle. The nozzle assembly setting gauge includes a holder for engaging the nozzle assembly and a head having a cross sectional thickness which defines the optimal operating distance. A technician installs the nozzle assembly setting gauge onto the nozzle assembly and fully inserts the nozzle assembly into oil burner until a front face of the nozzle assembly setting gauge contacts the combustion head. Next, the technician indicates the position of the nozzle assembly at this fully inserted position. The technician removes the nozzle assembly setting gauge and re-inserts the nozzle assembly to the indicated position.

Abstract: A method apparatus for assisting in the calibration of a pick and place machine including a parts pick up jig having a first feeder shoe for placement over the end of one of the feeder stations and second feeder shoe for placement over the end of an adjacent feeder station allowing for the safe and accurate pick-up of glass chips by the part placement nozzle. The feeder shoes are placed over the ends of the feeder stations with the end of feeder stations extending inside the feeder shoes against feeder shoe nose panels to assure accurate placement of the parts pick up jig on the "Y" axis. The parts pick up jig may also index against an inner or outer edge of the feeder station to assure accurate placement of parts pick up jig on the "X" axis. A bridge section extends between the feeder shoes and connects the two feeder shoes together. Formed on the upper surface of the bridge section are a series of recesses for receiving and aligning chips to be picked and placed during a calibration procedure.

Abstract: The object of present invention is to provide a sensitivity calibrating method for a detector of a comparator, which enables easy and highly accurate sensitivity calibration for a first and a second detector for measuring opposing position of an object. Heights of two pairs of reference gauge blocks, a first reference gauge block W1 and a second reference gauge block W2, and the second reference gauge block W2 and a third reference gauge block W3 is first measured, and thereafter, sensitivity coefficients for calibrating the sensitivity of an upper detector 10 and a lower detector 20 are calculated by applying the measured value to a predetermined formula. The calculation is repeated three times, and each value is renewed for the upper and the lower detector 10 and 20 respectively.

Abstract: A length correction device includes a rail including two side plates formed with two elongated slots and two fixing blocks fixedly mounted between said side plates, a seat including a main body, a collar, a packing and a knob, a rectangular block formed with a threaded hole and a recess at one side thereof and two pin holes and a threaded hole at a lateral side thereof, and a positioning plate fixedly mounted on said rectangular block.

Abstract: A method for calibrating a pick and place machine including picking a calibrated chip having a first calibration mark from a parts pick up jig with a placing head of the pick and place machine, placing the calibrated chip on a calibrated plate having a second calibration mark with the pick and place machine placing head, the calibrated plate being located on a pick and place machine assembly table and comparing the relative alignment of the first calibration mark and the second calibration mark.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for mapping pipe and valve bores in a reactor pressure vessel (RPV) of a nuclear reactor are described. In one embodiment of the apparatus, a main bar and an adjustable chuck facilitate positioning of a digital indicator inside a valve bore. In the one embodiment, the main bar is rotatably coupled to the chuck, and the chuck includes four movable jaws. A data acquisition element, which includes a digital indicator, is movably coupled to the main bar and configured to move substantially coaxially to the main bar. To map the circumference of the bore, the main bar and the chuck are inserted into the valve bore, and the chuck is used to center the main bar coaxially within the valve bore. The data acquisition element is positioned at a first location along the main bar, and the main bar is rotated so that the digital indicator maps the circumference of the bore.

Abstract: An apparatus for the checking of coordinate measuring machines and machine tools is described. The apparatus is a low cost and low weight ball cube with balls that can be probed with three probe styli each (with probing points distributed over more than a hemisphere in each case), the probe styli directed normal to five different cube sides. These properties are obtained by giving the balls an offset from the cube. The increased susceptibility to structural instabilities by the low weight design (e.g. plate structure) in connection with the offset balls is compensated by the use of corner connectors for the cube-edges to mount the balls on. The measurements on the ball cube yield--after evaluation--the linear approximations of the parametric errors of Cartesian axes machines: three errors of position, three errors of squareness, three roll errors, three yaw errors, and three pitch errors.

Abstract: A gauge block holder that greatly reduces measurement error in calibrating wafer thickness test equipment is described. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the gauge block holder is compatible with present thickness measurement equipment and provides a central region specially configured for holding a prior art gauge block in a manner that ensures precise, parallel alignment thereof with the equipment and thus precise perpendicular alignment with the equipment's opposing contact pins. Preferably a gauge block-sized and shaped recess and aperture are provided centrally in the holder such that the gauge block rests immobile on and parallel with the precision-machined, planar upper surface of a metal plate of the thickness tester while the thickness tester is being calibrated for a given wafer thickness measurement. The recess and aperture in accordance with their preferred embodiment are rectangular, and the invented gauge block preferably is securely fastened to the metal plate, e.g.

Abstract: A display unit, connected to a measuring head, has a substantially right parallelepipedon shaped casing, considerably smaller in width with respect to length and depth, with a front face having dimensions corresponding to length and width, on which there are two display devices, substantially one analog and the other digital, placed adjacent to and arranged along the length of the front face. A programming and control keyboard is arranged at a base of the casing, and a device is associated with the casing for coupling the display unit, particularly small in overall dimensions in relation with functionality, to an external support.

Abstract: The invention relates to a low-cost, low-weight, highly stable reference object, easy to handle, for the measurement of the errors of geometry of coordinate measuring machines and machine tools. The reference object consists of an array of probing elements in the form of rings, spheres, or flats, each representing reference points by means of their surface geometry. The probing elements are glued between two panes of a geometrically stable material, establishing a firm connection between these panes. Holes in the panes enable the measuring probe of the machine under inspection to probe the reference elements' surfaces. The resulting box-type structure of the reference object gives it the said advantages of low weight, low price, and high stability.

Abstract: A metrology device determines the position of a machine component relative to a datum along three linear and three rotational axes. The metrology device has a pair of support structures connected by six legs that are each disposed at an angle with respect to the next adjacent leg. One of the support structures can be connected to the datum and the other can be connected to the machine component. A sensor cooperates with each leg to sense the actuation of that leg as the support structures move relative to one another. The combination of signals provided by the legs can be used to track movement of the machine component relative to the datum.

Abstract: The apparatus is for internal inspection of a guide tube of a nuclear fuel assembly and measurement of deformations of a zone of smaller diameter in a terminal portion of the tube. The apparatus has a stick whose distal portion presents, in succession, starting from a distal end of the stick-shaped means, a guiding swelling having an easy fit in the zone of smaller diameter and two projections. The first projection carries two sets of diametrically opposite strain sensors provided with conductors linking them to a proximal end of the stick. A sleeve slides in a running portion of the guide tube above the zone of smaller diameter and slides over the stick. The sleeve and said stick-shaped means have mutually cooperating abutments for limiting displacement of the sleeve towards the distal portion to a position where the sleeve surrounds the stick.

Abstract: A sensor assembly along with numerous processing equipment is provided for attachment to the work table of a precision machining system. By attaching the device to the work table and subsequently driving the work table through a repeated pattern of motions, the actual movement of the table can be precisely determined and, consequently, can be compensated for. The sensor assembly utilizes a plurality of gyroscopes and accelerometers to determine actual movement in inertial space.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for mounting a ball bar on a machine such that the ball bar can be rotated through 360.degree. in three orthogonal planes which intersect the center of a single ball (22) to calibrate relative movement between the spindle and a table of machine in all three planes. The apparatus consists of amounting device in the form of a block (10) on the machine table from which extends a rod (18) terminating in a socket (20) for supporting the ball (22). The rod extends from the block at a compound angle of 45.degree. to each of the three planes. The ball supports a socket on one end of a ball bar (34). A second mounting device is provided on the machine spindle in the form of a tool arm (26) from which extends a rod (28) terminating in a socket (30) for supporting a ball on the other end of the ball bar (34). The rod (28) extends at a compound angle of 45.degree. to all three planes. The ball bar is thus able to lie in any one of the three orthogonal planes and to be rotated through 360.degree.

Abstract: Designed to be fitted to an ophthalmic lens grinding machine to be calibrated instead of an ophthalmic lens, a calibration template is in the general form of a disk with a circular contour over at least part of its perimeter. Its contour forms two localized angular points circumscribed by a common circumference and having a relative angular offset.

Abstract: A calibration gage for calibrating a device for reading off the contours of eyeglass frames is designed to be fitted to the contour reading off device to be calibrated in place of an eyeglass frame. It includes a plate with at least two ribs projecting from it. The ribs are generally parallel to each other in a first direction and spaced from each other in a second direction. By reading off the known dimensions between their inside and outside flanks, it is possible to determine some parameters of the contour reading off device.

Abstract: An apparatus for certifying or calibrating a coordinate measuring machine. A plurality of elongated linear gage blocks, each of said gage blocks which have been certified as conforming in accuracy to a specified accuracy grade by a qualified measuring laboratory are mounted in a positioning device for selectively rotating the gage blocks about a vertical axis within a measurement volume of a coordinate measurement machine and selectively rotating the linear gage blocks about a horizontal axis within the measurement volume. The positioning device has a base for supporting the apparatus in the measurement volume, an upward extending column mounted on the base for rotating the gage blocks about the vertical axis, a holding device mounted on an upper portion of the column for mounting said gage blocks in the positioning device and rotating the gage blocks about the horizontal axis.

Abstract: A measuring arrangement suitable for checking the geometric and dynamic accuracy of two numerically controlled machine elements which are displaceable with respect to each other. A base body is fastened on a carriage of a machine tool to be tested, on which a linear guide with a linear measuring device is rotatably seated. A measuring element is fastened in a spindle of the machine tool and is connected via a guide with the carriage. The measuring element has three pivot bearings and a further linear guide, as well as further measuring devices for measuring the rotating movements around the pivot bearings and along the further linear guide. Thus the measuring arrangement has six degrees of freedom, wherein four rotary and two translatory joints make possible the registration of individual deviations.

Abstract: A removable reference laser target for detachable installation at identified target positions on the exterior of a refractory lined high temperature molten metal vessel. The target includes a generally rectangular target plate with an elongated slot generally paralleling the long dimension of the rectangle. On the same side of the plate but on opposite sides of the slot are two mounting and adjusting bolts for detachably affixing the target at an identified position on the exterior surface of the vessel. Extending essentially at right angles to the major rectangular surface of the plate is an extension, the free end of which contacts an external reinforcing member and assures precise re-location of the target to be used with laser equipment to provide a reference for determining thickness and/or condition of a refractory lining of the vessel.