Abstract: Method for measuring an object using a scanning probe carried by a machine tool having a probe holder for the scanning probe and a carrier for the object. The method includes (i) using the machine tool to move the probe holder relative to the carrier along a pre-programmed scan path, (ii) measuring acceleration whilst the pre-programmed scan path is traversed, (iii) collecting probe data whilst the pre-programmed scan path is traversed, and (iv) using the acceleration measured to identify at least one acceleration zone of the pre-programmed scan path and thereby determine one or more positions along the scan path at which the probe data of step (iii) were collected.

Abstract: A thermoforming apparatus is provided having a pair of coacting platens, a load bearing structural member, a force applicator, and a deformation sensor. The pair of coacting platens and respective dies are configured to mate on opposed surfaces of a heated sheet of thermoformable material to form articles. The load bearing structural member is configured to carry the coacting platens and the dies in complementary closed relationship about the sheet during an article forming operation. The force applicator is carried by the structural member and configured to impart a forming load between the pair of opposed dies and platens and across the structural member during a forming operation. The deformation sensor is configured to span a first location and a second location on the structural member to detect deformation indicative of separation between the dies resulting from deformation. A method is also provided.

Abstract: Surface measuring apparatus for measuring a surface of a workpiece has a probe for contacting the surface of workpiece, a feed apparatus for moving probe relative to surface of the workpiece along a feed axis for sampling surface of workpiece. The probe outputs a probe output signal during sampling of the workpiece. An evaluation apparatus is in data transmission connection with probe and is designed and programmed to reconstruct the profile of the surface of workpiece based on the probe output signal. Evaluation apparatus is designed and programmed to determine an apparatus frequency signature representing characteristic natural frequencies of the surface measuring apparatus, and an analyzer is provided which detects and analyzes the temporal course of the apparatus frequency signature, such that the functional state of the surface measuring apparatus is assessed based on the temporal course of the apparatus frequency signature.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for join operations of a plurality of relations that are distributed over a plurality of storage locations over a network of computing components. An example method includes: receiving a relational join query for a join operation associated with a first relation and a second relation; generating at least one build operator and at least one probe operator to perform build operations and probe operations, respectively, of the join operation; and managing a state of one or more communication links between the at least one build operator and the at least one probe operator based on a size of the second relation as determined by the at least one build operator and an estimated size of the first relation.

Abstract: A method for operating a surface measuring apparatus for measuring a surface of a workpiece. Method includes operating surface measuring apparatus having a probe that includes a probe arm that is deflectable by an angle about a swivel axis, and that on its end facing away from the swivel axis bears a probe element. Probe is movable relative to a base body of surface measuring apparatus along a linear axis. In method, a workpiece is contacted by moving the probe along the linear axis by use of the probe element, and after workpiece is contacted, probe arm is moved by a specified travel distance along the linear axis. The resulting angular deflection of the probe arm about the swivel axis is measured, and based on the specified travel distance and measured angular deflection of the probe arm, the probe arm is classified with regard to its length.

Abstract: Utility knife with a replaceable blade and a system and method for determining the End of Life of the blade comprising one or more sensors for detecting blade use, a communication unit adapted to establish a wireless connection to a computer cloud network and to send and receive information via wireless transmission to be stored and processed by a control system with a control CPU and a control memory, the information being a series of values recorded by said sensor by time, stored in the control memory as data sets using machine learning or artificial intelligence for determining common or similar values of recorded parameters in the stored data sets or of values calculated from these parameters according to a predefined logic, for use as reference values indicating the End of Life of the blade.

Abstract: A tire tread detection apparatus and tire pressure detector setting apparatus with tire tread detection function are provided. The tire tread detection apparatus includes a body casing, a driving unit, a measuring member, a position member, and a sense member. The driving unit, the measuring member, and the positioning member are connected. The driving unit is applied for driving the measuring member to protrude outward from the body casing for measuring the tire tread depth of the tire. The sense member generates a measurement signal corresponding to the positioning member, such that the measurement signal indicates a tire tread depth value. Therefore, the tire tread depth is efficiently and accurately acquired.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for generating positional sensor data of a coordinate measuring device are provided. A sensor generates sensor data points and a trigger signal with a trigger frequency. A sensor data record is generated which includes the sensor data points and a sensor data time. The trigger signal is transmitted to a device for determining a sensor position, a position data record is determined upon or after the reception of the trigger signal, the position data record includes at least one position data point and one position data time, an assignment of position data points to sensor data points is determined depending on the sensor data time and the position data time, and a positional sensor data record is generated which includes at least one sensor data point and a position data point assigned to this sensor data point.

Abstract: A scanning path is divided after every predetermined number of segments and a set of measurement commands is defined for each of the predetermined number of segments. While executing the measurement command, a speed pattern plan is created for the following measurement command. At this time, planning is conducted such that a final speed of a speed pattern plan of the measurement command is the same as an initial speed of the speed pattern plan of the following measurement command. While executing the measurement command, a gap time (from a current time to an estimated end time of the measurement command) is calculated continuously. When the gap time is longer than a planning calculation time, the initial speed of the speed pattern plan of the following measurement command is kept the same as the final speed of the speed pattern plan of the measurement command.

Abstract: A method for suppressing a non-periodic random event in a proximity system includes: receiving an output signal generated by a proximity sensor in the proximity system and monitoring at least a magnitude of the output signal; determining whether a spike having a magnitude exceeding a prescribed threshold value has occurred in the output signal; when a spike in the output signal is detected, setting an output of the proximity system to a prescribed level for a prescribed duration of time; when the prescribed duration of time has elapsed, determining whether the output signal meets one or more prescribed criteria indicative of a shutdown condition; when it is determined that the output signal meets the prescribed criteria, setting the output of the proximity system to a level exceeding an alarm threshold; and when it is determined that the output signal fails to meet at least one of the prescribed criteria, releasing suppression of the output of the proximity system.

Abstract: A sensor apparatus includes a main body, counter body movable relative to the main body, and a plurality of sensor devices for the output of sensor signals, the sensor devices each including at least one sensor and at least one target area. The sensors are disposed on one of the bodies, and the target areas are disposed on the other body. The sensors are developed for detecting the target areas in each case. The sensor apparatus further includes an evaluation device developed to determine from the sensor signals a relative position, in three translational degrees of freedom and in three rotational degrees of freedom, between the counter body and the main body.

Abstract: Various embodiments improve the performance and reliability of coordinate measuring machines by verifying that coordinate measuring machine is configured to use the appropriate probe or stylus for measuring an object. In some embodiments, confirmation that the appropriate probe or stylus is mounted is built into an automated part of the CMM's measurement process, thereby assuring that a confirmation step is performed and that the outcome is correct.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a linear variable differential transformer (LVDT) having at least one a flexible element attached to a bobbin, where the bobbin is made from thermoplastic material having a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) matched to a coil wire of the LVDT. In an illustrative example, the flexible element may include a flexible substrate located between the bobbin and an enclosure of the LVDT. The flexible element provides temperature compensation by absorbing mechanical stresses and/or electro-thermal stresses for the LVDT, while the thermoplastic bobbin provides thermal stability to the LVDT by mitigating breakage of the LVDT coils due to expansion of the bobbin in response to temperature variations.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, an electronic stylus including flexible contact members disposed at a distal end of the housing, and at least some of which are capable of independently flexing relative to one another when contacting a protective layer of an electronic device. The components further include a sensor capable of (i) detecting a change in flexure of the flexible contact members in accordance with the contacting, and (ii) responding to the change in flexure by providing a corresponding detection signal. The components can include a processor capable of generating a feedback instruction that is based upon the change in flexure. The component can include a communications unit that responds to the feedback instruction by transmitting a feedback parameter to the electronic device such that a graphical output is presented at a display of the electronic device in accordance with the change in flexure.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for operating a coordinate measuring machine (CMM) including a workpiece scanning probe. The method provides two different measurement sampling period durations in the scanning probe: a first shorter sampling duration provides a faster measurement having a first accuracy, a second longer sampling duration provides a slower measurement having a second (better) accuracy. The shorter sampling duration may be repeatedly interleaved or alternated with the longer sampling duration to provide sufficient accuracy and response time for motion control purposes during ongoing operation of the CMM. The longer sampling duration may provide high accuracy probe measurements to combine with position coordinate values from encoders located on motion axes of the CMM (outside the scanning probe) to provide high accuracy workpiece measurements at a desired frequency, or upon demand. A probe measurement timing subsystem may determine initiation times of the first and second sampling durations.

Abstract: A probe head rotation mechanism, situated between a spindle and a probe of a coordinate measurement device, includes: a main body frame supported by the spindle; a rotor supported by the main body frame so as to be capable of tilting with respect to an axial center of the spindle; the main body frame; and a motor supported by the main body frame and driving the rotor. A motor main body is arranged away from lying on the axial center of the spindle, and an axial center of the motor is oriented outward in a diameter direction of the spindle.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for operating a touch probe for a coordinate measuring machine, wherein a value is permanently stored in the touch probe corresponding to an accumulated number of trigger signals generated in the touch probe over its operating history. For a non-erase cycle during which an erasable trigger counter block (e.g., included in a flash memory) of the touch probe is not erased, increasing values of an accumulated trigger count are stored in N address locations of the erasable trigger counter block. After all of the N address locations have been used, an erase operation sequence is performed, and a new non-erase cycle is initiated for repeating the process. In various implementations, the touch probe may not include an embedded processor or battery, for which the types of circuitry and methods that may be utilized for maintaining and storing the accumulated trigger count are correspondingly limited.

Abstract: A fixture enables a stylus extension to be angularly aligned relative to an adapter plate that mounts onto a CMM probe head. Alignment may be carried out on a flat surface remotely from the CMM. The adapter plate is mounted to the fixture, which includes an access hole providing access to adjustment screws at the rear of the adapter plate. One or more lateral extensions are connected to the stylus extension to define a calibration axis perpendicular to a probe axis of the stylus extension and perpendicular to a central axis of the adapter plate about which angular alignment is desired. Angular adjustments of the stylus extension are made while the adapter plate is mounted to the fixture, and a degree to which the calibration axis is parallel to a plane of the flat surface is detected, for example using a dial indicator engaging points on the lateral extension(s).

Abstract: Techniques for haptics for a handheld input apparatus are described. Generally, a handheld input apparatus can be used to provide input to various types of devices. According to various embodiments, a described handheld input apparatus includes a haptic motor for generating different haptic interactions between a tip of the apparatus and an input surface. According to various embodiments, a described handheld input apparatus includes strain sensor for determining different load forces on a tip of the apparatus. In at least some embodiments, a haptic mode for the haptic motor is determined based on load force detected by the strain sensor.

Abstract: Processing is performed from the front end of a bulb to a connection portion with a shaft along an inclined surface of the bulb, using a rotary tool that is inclined at an angle formed by a connection point of a radius of the shaft with a radius of the bulb and the front end of the bulb; then, processing of the shaft is performed, and a stylus is manufactured.

Abstract: This invention concerns a gauge artifact including a base for mounting on a table of a coordinate positioning machine and a platform including at least two portions having a nominally identical geometric property. The platform is locatable relative to the base in at least two positions such that each of the at least two portions having the nominally identical geometric property can be presented at a common location relative to the base. The platform may be arranged such that the positions of the portions having a nominally identical geometric property can be interchanged by movement of the platform between at least two distinct positions. The positions may be interchanged through rotation of the platform. The invention also concerns a method of checking a coordinate measuring machine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a probing means for coordinate measuring machines, with a probe tip having a recess and a shaft penetrating with a shoulder into the recess. According to the invention, the recess tapers towards the interior of the probe tip and the shaft has a construction complementary thereto.

Abstract: A system and method for using a probe assembly to apply a desired force to a target surface. The method includes moving the probe assembly into an approach position, the approach position being a predetermined distance from the target surface. The probe assembly is then moved from the approach position to the target surface pursuant to a soft landing procedure. The soft landing procedure includes determining that the probe assembly has moved into soft contact with the target surface. The method further includes applying, subsequent to establishment of the soft contact between the probe assembly and the target surface, force to the probe assembly until an applied force on the target surface reaches the desired force. The applied force may then be monitored based upon an output of a load cell responsive to a force exerted by the probe assembly.

Abstract: A bidirectional displacement detector according to the present invention includes: a displacement detector which includes a first detection element and a second detection element; a base at which the first detection element is provided; an arm which is coupled to the base so as to be rotatable around an arm rotation axis extending in a horizontal direction, and at which the second detection element is provided; and a probe which is coupled to the base so as to be rotatable around a probe rotation axis perpendicular to the arm rotation axis. The probe has a contact part provided at a position away from the probe rotation axis, and a pair of abutment parts which is disposed along a direction of the arm rotation axis and on both sides with the probe rotation axis interposed therebetween and comes into contact with the arm so as to be able to be separated from the arm. Each of the pair of abutment parts is in contact with the arm from the lower side thereof and is biased upward.

Abstract: Provided is a source-target structure matching controlling apparatus and method that may perform matching control of a source-target structure while resonance power is transmitted and received through the source-target structure. The source-target structure matching controlling apparatus may include a target resonator to receive, from a resonance power transmitter, the resonance power through a magnetic-coupling, and a rectifier to rectify the resonance power to generate a DC voltage, and provide the DC voltage to a load. The source-target structure matching controlling apparatus may detect an impedance of the load and a variance in the impedance, and may transmit, to the resonance power transmitter, information associated with the variance in the impedance of the load.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor element for a measuring machine, having a sensing component with a sensing element for optically measuring a surface; a sensing element receiving portion with a plate-shaped base; and a sensor housing with a sensing component receiving portion comprising at least one bearing which contacts the base, which has at least one defined bearing point, and via which the sensing component is connected in a movable manner relative to the sensing component receiving portion. The sensor housing has a coupling on a housing coupling side for connecting to the measuring machine and at least partly surrounds the sensing component at the base, and a force directed in the direction of the sensing element is applied to the base. The sensing component receiving portion lies in the sensor housing opposite the coupling side and has the at a least one bearing.

Abstract: A monitoring system for monitoring the state of an energy storage cell for storing electrical energy, in particular, an electrochemical energy storage cell or an energy storage cell having at least one capacitor. Integrated electronics for monitoring the state of the energy storage cell are arranged in the energy storage cell, the integrated electronics having a transmitting/receiving unit for wireless data exchange with a battery control system arranged outside the energy storage cell. Alternatively, the integrated electronics are connected to a transmitting/receiving unit for wireless data exchange with a battery control system arranged outside the energy storage cell.

Abstract: An electronic welding seam gauge comprises a reference positioning block and an electronic displacement measuring member. The reference positioning block has a contacting surface that abuts against a first abutting surface to form a first reference point, and the electronic displacement measuring member is disposed at a side of the reference positioning block, having a displacement probe and a displaying portion, wherein a displacement that the displacement probe moves to abut against a second reference point of a second abutting surface with respect to the first reference point is displayed by the displaying portion for providing a more precise measurement with respect to the welding seam, so as to enable the welded product to comply with the standards.

Abstract: A workpiece is measured by a contact detector. The contact detector is moved relatively towards a workpiece. A characteristic of the contact detector that changes as the contact detector contacts the workpiece is measured at a plurality of times. A projected time when the characteristic of the contact detector will meet a predetermined threshold is extrapolated from the characteristic measured the plurality of times and using a processor of a computer. A trigger is set to measure coordinates of the workpiece at the projected time. Coordinates of the workpiece are measured at the projected time based on the set trigger.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring dimensions of a micro-scale object includes a movable stylus, a probe and at least one acoustic emissions sensor. The movable stylus is positionable to contact an object to be measured. The probe is rotatably coupled to the stylus and has a distal end that circumscribes a circle when rotated. The acoustic emissions sensor is operatively coupled to the probe. The sensor is operative to detect acoustic emissions generated from contact between the distal end of the probe and the object, thereby allowing dimensions of the object to be determined.

Abstract: A contour and surface texture measuring instrument for measuring a contour and surface texture of a surface of a work W, whose configuration is simple and which can be implemented at a low cost, and which generates a displacement signal having a high resolution and high linearity in a wide measurement range is disclosed, the contour and surface texture measuring instrument having a measurement part 13 having a probe 13 configured to come into contact with the surface of the work W and to change its position vertically, a feed mechanism 14 configured to relatively move the work with respect to the probe, an arm 12 having the measurement part at one end and configured to transfer a displacement of the probe and to rotate with a pivot 16 as a center, and a differential transformer-type detection mechanism 51 and a scale-type detection mechanism 52 attached to the arm or a position interlocked with the arm and configured to detect a displacement of the probe.

Abstract: A device and an associated method for identifying a collision in a medical instrument are provided. The device includes a carrier module of the medical instrument, a housing cladding module that is detachably connected to the carrier module at at least one connection site, and at least one switching element arranged on the carrier module at a distance from the connection site. A partial portion of the housing cladding module has a spring-like flexible design in order to be pressed in the direction of the switching element during a collision with an object.

Abstract: Measurement apparatus is described that comprises a measurement portion for acquiring object measurements and an output portion for outputting measurement data relating to the acquired object measurements. A deactivation portion is provided for inhibiting normal operation of the measurement apparatus such that output of the measurement data is prevented. The deactivation portion, in use, reads apparatus usage information from an apparatus usage module and inhibits normal operation of the measurement apparatus if said apparatus usage information fails to meet one or more predetermined criteria. The apparatus usage module may be provided as an integral part of the measurement apparatus or as a separate activation button. The measurement apparatus may comprise a measurement probe such as a touch trigger measurement probe.

Abstract: The present system, method, article of manufacture, software, and apparatus is an “intelligent” probe system and components thereof and may openly encompass, in at least an embodiment, an embedded IC chip located in an interchangeable probe(s) which offers repeatable, fast, easy, and error free probe swapping on a CMM.

Abstract: A plug gauge (1) includes a support and protection frame with a handle (2) that defines a longitudinal axis and houses a position transducer (25) and electronic devices for wirelessly transmitting electrical signals indicative of a dimension to be checked. The gauge also comprises a probe (6) including a mechanical armset (7) provided with at least one movable feeler (10), and a transmission mechanism with a stem (17) transmitting movements of the feeler to the position transducer housed in the handle. The probe is connected to the handle by means of a quick coupling mechanism (5) with deformable locking portions (52), the radial arrangement of which is controlled by a clamping element (60).

Abstract: An edge finder includes a housing having a power source included therein. The edge finder includes a probe extending outward from a bottom portion of the housing, the probe including a tip portion located at a distal end, a centrally-disposed spherical portion, and a columnar portion located at a proximal end. The edge finder includes a notification element disposed within the housing, the notification element including the ability to be engaged via the power source, such as for example a light source. The edge finder includes a contact element within the housing such that when lateral pressure is applied to the conical portion, the probe rotates about the spherical portion and columnar portion causes the contact element to engage the power source for activating the notification element. Thus, the edge finder is able to determine X, Y, and Z axes of an item using the notification element for guidance.

Abstract: A probe system includes a scanning head and a transceiver element. By touching a stylus, a sensor element is able to generate a sensor signal. The scanning head and the transceiver element are configured such that a wireless information transmission is able to be established between them. The probe contact information is able to be transmitted from the scanning head to the transceiver element by a first signal whose carrier wave is an optical wave, and furthermore, additional information is able to be transmitted between the scanning head and the transceiver element by an additional signal whose carrier wave is a radio wave.

Abstract: Measurement apparatus is described that comprises a measurement portion for acquiring object measurements and an output portion for outputting measurement data relating to the acquired object measurements. A deactivation portion is provided for inhibiting normal operation of the measurement apparatus such that output of the measurement data is prevented. The deactivation portion, in use, reads apparatus usage information from an apparatus usage module and inhibits normal operation of the measurement apparatus if said apparatus usage information fails to meet one or more predetermined criteria. The apparatus usage module may be provided as an integral part of the measurement apparatus or as a separate activation button. The measurement apparatus may comprise a measurement probe such as a touch trigger measurement probe.

Abstract: An edge finder includes a housing having a power source included therein. The edge finder includes a probe extending outward from a bottom portion of the housing, the probe including a tip portion located at a distal end, a centrally-disposed spherical portion, and a columnar portion located at a proximal end. The edge finder includes a notification element disposed within the housing, the notification element including the ability to be engaged via the power source, such as for example a light source. The edge finder includes a contact element within the housing such that when lateral pressure is applied to the conical portion, the probe rotates about the spherical portion and columnar portion causes the contact element to engage the power source for activating the notification element. Thus, the edge finder is able to determine X, Y, and Z axes of an item using the notification element for guidance.

Abstract: A detector includes a stylus, a holding portion that holds a proximal end portion of the stylus, a body portion that supports the holding portion rotatably about a rotational axis, and a sensor that detects a rotational displacement of the holding portion. The holding portion includes an abutting member, on which the proximal end portion of the stylus abuts, and a plate spring that biases the proximal end portion of the stylus against the abutting member. The abutting member includes a groove portion on which the proximal end portion of the stylus abuts, and a semispherical portion that extends toward the plate spring, compared with a bottom of the groove portion. The stylus includes a proximal end inclined portion at the proximal end portion of the stylus. The proximal end inclined portion is inclined toward the plate spring, with a decreasing distance from the rotational axis.

Abstract: In a surface texture measuring instrument, a measurement arm includes: a first measurement arm that is supported by a bracket around a support shaft movably in a circular movement in a casing; and a second measurement arm having styluses that are attachably and detachably provided to an end of the first measurement arm via an attachment-detachment mechanism, the attachment-detachment mechanism being arranged in the casing. A displacement detector includes: a scale provided to the measurement arm; and a detection head provided to the bracket to face the scale. A detecting surface of the scale is on an axis of the measurement arm and on a plane of the circular movement of the measurement arm.

Abstract: A probe, connectable to a machine tool, has an electric generator and a driving element. The electric generator supplies an electric or electronic circuit with electric power, and the driving element is capable of relative rotation with respect to the stator of the electric generator. The driving element is not connected to any external energy source and can be set in rotation simply by activating the rotary axis of the machine tool. The driving element is either rotatably mounted on the probe itself or fixed on the reference table of the machine tool. The probe requires no additional connections to the machine tool on which it is mounted, besides the connection to the rotary spindle, which can be realized with a conventional tool-holder with a standardized tapered shank. The probe is fully compatible with standard probes and can be mounted and used with standard tool-holders without any adaptation.

Abstract: The invention relates to the transmission of power and/or data from/to a stationary part of a machine tool 200 to/from an accessory 100 mounted in the spindle 210 of the machine tool 200. A first electrical link or interface 1a,1b,1c,1d provides electrical communication between the stationary part 200 and the spindle 210, and a second electrical link or interface 3 is provided electrically connected to the first electrical link at the accessory mounting area 230. The second link 3 is in the form of electrical contacts. The invention extends to an accessory shank 360 for mounting to the spindle 210 of the machine tool, and also to an accessory 100 e.g. in the form of a measurement probe, connected to the said shank 360.

Abstract: A plug gauge (1) includes a support and protection system that defines a longitudinal axis with a handle (2) closed by a cap (13) that includes electronic devices for the wireless transmission of electrical signals representative of a dimension to be checked, and a probe (6) including a measuring armset coupled with a transducer for generating electrical signals. The probe is connected to the cap of the handle by means of an interface element (8) that includes mechanical references to prevent rotations of the probe with respect to the handle about the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A surface sensing device for use in position determining apparatus has an elongate stylus with a tip for scanning the surface of a workpiece to be measured. Lateral displacements of the stylus tip are detected by a light beam which passes along the stylus from a light source to a retroreflector. This reflects the beam back via a beamsplitter to a position sensitive detector. The stylus is mounted for longitudinal displacement on a carriage. The longitudinal displacement is measured by another light beam projected by the beamsplitter onto a second position sensitive detector.

Abstract: Contact sensing probe apparatus includes a workpiece contacting stylus, a transducer mechanically coupled to the stylus and an oscillator for supplying an alternating current to the transducer to induce vibration of the stylus. A contact sensor is also provided for monitoring the phase difference between the voltage supplied to the transducer and the current flow to the transducer. The oscillator is arranged to supply the transducer with an alternating current of a first frequency during contact sensing. This first frequency is selected to induce mechanical resonance but to be away from the maximum of the mechanical resonance peak. The probe may be used with co-ordinate positioning machines, such as portable articulated measuring arms, co-ordinate measuring machines (CMM) and the like.

Abstract: A circularity measuring apparatus includes: a rotary table on which a measured object is loaded; a contact-type stylus configured to contact a substantially circular measured surface of the measured object with an inclination; a holder configured to hold the stylus within a predetermined stroke range so that an inclination angle of the stylus is changeable; a displacement detector configured to detect a displacement of the inclination angle of the stylus, which is caused due to a contact between the stylus and the measured surface; and a controller configured to: estimate a position of a top end of the stylus based on an output of the displacement detector; and instruct the holder in an optimal stroke range in the position.

Abstract: A roundness measuring apparatus includes a stylus stocker and a controller. The stylus stocker stores plural types of styli prepared corresponding to shapes of measurement sites of a measurement target object. The stylus stocker can store styli in such a manner that each stylus can be held thereon and taken out thereof. The stylus stocker is provided outside a measurement region, which is determined on the basis of the operation range of a turntable and a detector driving mechanism. The detector driving mechanism can move the detector to the outside of the measurement region. When a measurement command is given, the controller carries out roundness measurement of the object while controlling the turntable and the detector driving mechanism. When a stylus replacement command is given, the controller carries out stylus replacement operation between a detector main unit and the stylus stocker while controlling the detector driving mechanism.

Abstract: A plug gauge (1) includes a support and protection system that defines a longitudinal axis with a handle (2) closed by a cap (13) that includes electronic devices for the wireless transmission of electrical signals representative of a dimension to be checked, and a probe (6) including a measuring armset coupled with a transducer for generating electrical signals. The probe is connected to the cap of the handle by means of an interface element (8) that includes mechanical references to prevent rotations of the probe with respect to the handle about the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A method for scanning a surface of a workpiece using a scanning probe 2 mounted on a support 3 on a coordinate measuring machine 4. The support contains drive means 5, 7 for actuating the movement of the scanning probe 2 relatively to the support 3. The method further involves detecting means 9 to measure a contact force F applied between the tip 10 of the probe and the surface 1, control means 13 coupled to the drive means, and memory means 14 for storing theoretical profiles 19 and coordinates 20 of the surface. This method is characterized by the fact that the control means 13 adjust the actuation of the drive means 5, 7 along a scanning path 18 in order to maintain the contact force 11 within the defined range of values 15 during the whole scanning operation along the scanning path 18.