Abstract: A touch probe system that includes a receiver and a probe head that has a probe element positioned in a work space and a transmitter that transmits signals to the receiver. A rotating mechanism connected to the probe head for rotating the probe head around an axis in case of a change of position of the probe head within the work space so that the receiver receives signals from the transmitter even after the change of position.

Abstract: A touch signal probe comprises a fixed member, a movable member, a bias means, a drive member, a deformation touch signal processing circuit, a contact touch signal processing circuit, and a latch circuit. A stylus is attached to the movable member. The drive member relatively drives reseat position elements respectively placed on the fixed member and the movable member. The bias means restores the movable member to a still position. The deformation touch signal processing circuit generates a deformation touch signal. The contact touch signal processing circuit uses the reseat position elements as make-and-break electric contacts to generate a contact touch signal. The latch circuit inputs coordinate values every instant at which the deformation touch signal is output and stores the coordinate values as the most recent coordinate values for update, and when the contact touch signal is output, outputs the most recent coordinate values as detected coordinate values.

Abstract: A multidimensional surface mechanics measurement system applies forces to a surface while minimizing coupling between the forces so applied. The system includes first, second, and third elongate members, a coupler for coupling the elongate members together, and a probe connected to the coupler having a contact point for contacting the surface. The first elongate member extends in a first axial direction that is substantially normal to the surface, the second elongate member extends in a second axial direction that is substantially orthogonal to the first axial direction, and the third elongate member extends in a third axial direction that is substantially orthogonal to the first and second axial directions. Desired relationships between the free length and diameter, and between the axial stiffness and transverse stiffness, and the orthogonal relative positioning of the elongate members, minimizes cross-talk between the measurement axes while maintaining the necessary structural rigidity.

Abstract: An embodiment of an electronic measuring device includes a housing having an exterior surface configured and arranged to be removably secured within a support member. An electrically conductive probe is coupled to the housing and is movable between a position in contact with a workpiece and a position out of contact with the workpiece. A circuit electrically couples an indicator and a power source to the probe such that when the probe is out of contact with the workpiece, the circuit is open and no power is supplied from the power source to the indicator and such that when the probe contacts the workpiece, the circuit closes to supply power from the power source to the indicator to send a signal to the operator of the measuring device that the probe is in contact with the workpiece.

Abstract: Trigger probe, constructed on the principle of the Boys connection, serving to detect the contact between the probe's stylus and a piece to be measured, comprising an electric circuit with at least one switch, whose contact elements are positioned by means of several connecting elements of the circuit.

Abstract: A head for the linear dimension checking of mechanical pieces, including a casing that defines a longitudinal geometric axis, an arm—set movable with respect to the casing, a feeler coupled to the movable arm—set for touching the piece to be checked, a biased device arranged between the casing and the movable arm—set for urging the movable arm—set into contact with the casing, a detecting device coupled to the casing, including a movable element and a transmission device between the movable arm—set and the movable element of the detecting device. In order to reduce the frictions and improve the repeatability of the head, the transmission device includes a wire substantially rigid in a longitudinal direction but flexible in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The wire has a first end coupled to the movable arm—set and a second end for cooperating with the movable element of the detecting device.

Abstract: A system for detecting linear dimensions of mechanical workpieces includes a checking probe with detecting devices, a power supply and a remote transceiver unit. A stationary transceiver unit is located at a distance from the probe, and is adapted for wireless receiving and transmitting to the remote transceiver unit signals, for example, coded optical signals. The stationary unit transmits activation and/or deactivation signals to the probe for controlling the full power supply of the probe circuits, and/or the return to a “stand-by” power state. The remote transceiver unit includes devices adapted for achieving an automatic sensitivity control and other attenuation devices for preventing unwanted consumption of the probe battery energy due to noise signals. Such noise signals could come from fluorescent lamps, for example, causing improper activation and deactivation of the probe circuits.

Abstract: A stylus 20 is mounted directly on detector 32 and the detector 32 is mounted directly on a holder 10. Thus, an vibration-type contact detection sensor 1 is formed in a state in which the holder 10 and the stylus 20 are placed out of contact with each other and the stylus 20 and the detector 32 are placed in contact with each other. Therefore, attenuation of vibration and status change of the stylus 20 by the holder 10 can be circumvented and vibration and status change of the stylus 20 can be propagated directly to the detector 32, so that the detector 32 can detect vibration and status change of the stylus 20 with high sensitivity, and contact with a workpiece can be detected with high sensitivity.

Abstract: A stylus has a detection element support part 1E for supporting and fixing piezoelectric elements 21 to 24 and a rod 1D placed on the detection element support part 1E. The detection element support part 1E has a plurality of flange parts 1F each being regular polygonal in cross section orthogonal to the axis of the rod 1D. The displacement detection elements are attached to the sides of the flange parts 1F in a state in which they are inclined at a predetermined angle &agr; relative to the axis of the rod 1D. If a measured force in a torsion direction Q or in a bend direction P occurs on the rod 1D through a contact ball 1A, the measured force is transmitted along substantially the length direction of the piezoelectric elements 21 to 24.

Abstract: A touch probe system that includes a receiver and a probe head that has a probe element positioned in a work space and a transmitter that transmits signals to the receiver. A rotating mechanism connected to the probe head for rotating the probe head around an axis in case of a change of position of the probe head within the work space so that the receiver receives signals from the transmitter even after the change of position.

Abstract: A checking head (T) includes a casing (1), an arm (2) with a feeler, movable with respect to the casing, and a sensor, such as an inductive position transducer (5). An electronic identifier (27) is fixed to a frame coupled to the head (T), for storing identifying data relevant to the head, information relating e.g. to the configuration and calibration features of the head, and/or compensation values obtained in the 41 course of the calibration phase carried out on a suitable testing equipment.

Abstract: A surface configuration measuring method is provided, the surface configuration measuring method being characterized in having the steps of: moving a touch signal probe by a command velocity vector to touch a surface of the workpiece to be measured; scanning the surface of the workpiece to be measured, the touch signal probe being moved along the surface to be measured while controlling the distance relative to the surface to be measured so that detected amplitude value of a detection signal outputted by the detecting circuit becomes a predetermined reference value, thus outputting the detected amplitude value and corresponding measuring position; and calculating an estimated surface position based on the detected amplitude value and the measuring position estimated to be obtained when surface is scanned to keep the detected amplitude value constant.

Abstract: A probe arm for locating a probe on a machine includes a signal conditioning circuit which produces probe status signals to be sent to the machine. The signal conditioning circuit includes two LEDs mounted on the arm and which are differently coloured to provide a visual indication of probe status e.g. probe ready or probe triggered. One of the LEDs has twice the efficiency of the other and therefore to maintain consistent illumination one is driven with twice the current of the other. Thus by monitoring the current through the LEDs in a sensing circuit at the output terminals of the signal conditioning circuit the status of the probe is communicated to the machine. Power to the probe and signal conditioning circuit is provided from the machine via the output terminals so that only two wires are required to connect the arm to the machine.

Abstract: A measurement probe 10 is disclosed having strain sensing elements 36 mounted on spokes 38 of a strain sensing member 34. The member 34 is disposed in parallel and spaced from a diaphragm 42. Inner portions of the member and diaphragm are connected to a stylus holder 26 and outer portions of the member and diaphragm are connected to probe body 32. The probe can be used to produce a signal when contact force on the stylus 12 is within an adjustable upper and lower limit, and is thereby suited to use with a manually manipulatable coordinate measuring device.

Abstract: A slider holding a measuring tool moves along an approximately reverse U-shaped guide rail provided in parallel with a moving direction of the measuring tool without being rotated. Accordingly, a cross section of the guide rail can be enlarged without increasing the size of the entirety of a drive unit. As a result, high rigidity can be obtained while reducing the size and weight of the drive unit as compared to a conventional arrangement having two shafts. Further, linearity of the slider and the measuring tool moving along a reference surface of the guide rail can be attained with high accuracy. Further, since a pre-load means for biasing the slider toward a guide rail is provided, a position or orientation of the slider and the measuring tool can be stabilized, thus securely repeating movement of the measuring tool.

Abstract: A centerless grinding machine having a control wheel and a grinding wheel for machining cylindrical workpieces is adjusted prior to a machining operation using a setting component having the same diameter as the workpiece. The setting component is used so as to ensure that a surface of the control wheel is aligned with a guide surface of an outlet guide so as to facilitate accurate machining. Relative movement of the control wheel and the outlet guide enables an electrically conducting portion of the setting component to complete an electrical circuit when the two surfaces are in alignment. A current meter is activated when alignment is achieved. The setting component enables the machine to be adjusted at a remote location. The machine may therefore be located within a shielded enclosure for machining nuclear fuel pellets.

Abstract: A stylus has a detection element support part 1E for supporting and fixing piezoelectric elements 21 to 24 and a rod 1D placed on the detection element support part 1E. The detection element support part 1E has a plurality of flange parts 1F each being regular polygonal in cross section orthogonal to the axis of the rod 1D. The displacement detection elements are attached to the sides of the flange parts 1F in a state in which they are inclined at a predetermined angle &agr; relative to the axis of the rod 1D. If a measured force in a torsion direction Q or in a bend direction P occurs on the rod 1D through a contact ball 1A, the measured force is transmitted along substantially the length direction of the piezoelectric elements 21 to 24.

Abstract: In a touch signal probe (10) having a stylus holder (11), a vibrator (12) supported by the stylus holder (11) and has a contact portion (12A) to contact to a workpiece at a distal end thereof, a vibrating means (13A) for vibrating the vibrator (12) in an axial direction resonantly, and a detecting means (13B) for detecting the contact by a change in the vibration of the vibrator (12) caused by the contact to the workpiece is provided. The vibrator (12) is supported by the stylus holder (11) at two support points (A) and (B) positioned with a node of vibration of the vibrator (12) therebetween. Since the vibrating means (13A) and the detecting means (13B) are disposed spanning over the two support points, the node of vibration can be formed between the support points A and B and the size of the touch signal probe (10) can be easily reduced.

Abstract: A micro-geometry measuring device capable of reducing measuring force thereof for avoiding damage on micro-geometry of workpiece surface and measuring at a high-speed is provided. The micro-geometry measuring device has a stylus mechanism having a stylus mechanism provided to an arm and having a stylus body, a measuring force adjusting mechanism for adjusting a measuring force working between the stylus body and the workpiece, a displacement sensor for detecting a position of the arm, and a measuring force controller for controlling the measuring force adjusting mechanism. The stylus mechanism includes a vibrator for resonantly vibrating the stylus body, and a detector for detecting vibration status changing when the stylus body touches the workpiece. The change in vibration of the stylus body vibrated by the vibrator is directly detected by the detector and a signal therefrom is fed back to the measuring force controller to keep constant measuring force working between the stylus body and the workpiece.

Abstract: A programmable probe system for a machine includes a probe, an interface and a two-way optical communication link between them. The probe includes signal conditioning electronics, a power supply, a plurality of on/off switch circuits whereby the electronics may be connected to, and disconnected from, the power supply by a variety of means, for example, an optical signal, or a mechanical switch and a timing circuit. The probe also includes a microprocessor which can be externally programmed from the interface to select one or other of the on/off switch circuits. Where the probe includes a radio transmission for transmitting probe data to the interface, it is also provided with a synthesiser for generating different operating frequencies for the transmission system. The microprocessor can also be programmed from the interface to change the frequency of the system where required.

Abstract: A surface-tracking measuring machine is provided, in which measurement range is enlarged while keeping a measuring force, responsivity, resolution thereof. For the object, the surface-tracking measuring machine has a frame (10), a probe (11) swingably supported by the frame (10) and having a tracer (15) at an end thereof, a measuring force controller (21) for controlling the measuring force applied to the probe, a displacement detector (31) for detecting a displacement of the probe, a measuring force detector (41) for detecting the measuring force applied to the probe, and a controller (51) for comparing a measuring force detected value detected by the measuring force detector and a previously commanded measuring force command value and to control the measuring force controller so that the measuring force detected value is equal to the measuring force command value.

Abstract: Apparatus which can be used to calibrate, or provide measurement data on, a machine. The apparatus comprises two structures each with three spherical supports spaced in a triangular array thereon. The supports may be balls or sockets. The structures are interconnected by six members and each support has the ends of two members connected to it. The members are passive extensible measuring bars and the structures are respectively connected to fixed and movable parts of a machine so that movement of the machine parts causes relative movement between the structures and varies the lengths of the measuring bars. From measurements of the lengths of the measuring bars the actual movement of the machine part can be determined. Calibration of the spherical supports is carried out using a measuring bar which is pre-calibrated in a Zerodur jig.

Abstract: A position sensor having a housing which defines a carriage guide, a carriage movably arranged in the guide, and a measurement probe arranged on the carriage for transmitting a measurement signal as a function of a position of the carriage. The measurement probe includes a measurement probe carrier separated from the carriage and the carriage guide and movably arranged in the housing. The measurement probe carrier is also connected to the carriage and the carriage guide so that a force can only be transmitted to the measurement probe carrier parallel to a movement direction.

Abstract: A non-contact surface roughness-measuring machine is provided which can avoid damage caused by collision with a workpiece and set a non-contact surface roughness probe at an appropriate position relative to a measurement surface of the workpiece. A non-contact surface roughness probe and a touch-signal probe are attached at a tip end of an arm of a coordinate measuring machine. A stylus of the touch-signal probe is protruded relative to a detection surface of the non-contact surface roughness probe, in which the protrusion amount is within an optimum distance of the non-contact surface roughness probe relative to the measurement surface. When the probes are brought close to the workpiece and the touch-signal probe detects contact, the non-contact surface roughness probe is set within the optimum distance relative to the workpiece.

Abstract: A novel display device for use with a three dimensional coordinate measurement system provides a Display positioned on a multijointed measuring arm allowing an operator to have convenient display of positional data and system menu prompts. The display device further includes LED's indicating system power, transducer position status and error status. An embodiment of the present invention receives signals from a host computer via telemetry allowing the display to be positioned remote from the system.

Abstract: Velocity dependent measurement errors made by coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) are corrected by deriving a polynomial expression which relates components of the errors to the relative velocity between the probe and the workpiece. A calibration is performed to establish the constant of the polynomial for different stylus configurations of the probe and these constants are stored. During a measuring process the probe produce analogue output signals from which a trigger signal is generated to latch the output signals of the machine measuring devices. The probe and machine output signals are monitored and recorded at clocked intervals over a range of positions within which lies the position at which the machine readings were latched. Actual relative velocity values are calculated at each position and, using these values and the stored constants, the errors in the machine readings at each position can be calculated from the polynomial.

Abstract: An electronic indicator that includes a means for a scaling the actual displacement of the spindle by a user-adjustable scale factor representing the ratio of the actual displacement of a spindle to the value displayed. The indicator includes a body, transducer assembly, controller, and display. The transducer outputs a value representing the spindle displacement to the controller. The controller converts the value to standard length units and scales the standard units by the desired ratio of the actual displacement to the displayed value, as set by the user prior to use of the indicator.

Abstract: A flexible probe for insertion into an auxiliary pipe indicates the proximity of the auxiliary pipe to a device within a main pipe. The probe includes an apparatus for generating a magnetic field for detection within the main pipe. An indicator associated with the probe generates a signal when the probe is adjacent the main pipe. The magnetic field generating apparatus includes a coil with an electronic circuit for generating an alternating current signal and also includes a switch operable when the probe contacts the main pipe.

Abstract: A pneumatic jacking device is used to measure radial movement of stator bars in their slots while the generator is in-situ. The jacking device is designed to pass through the radial gap between the field retaining ring and stator end winding, requiring a minimum entrance gap of 2.625". The device is placed between the retaining ring and the stator bar, and radial movement is measured by the application of a force such as by a pneumatic ram or the like. Radial movement is measured by a linear voltage displacement transducer and is transmitted to a measuring unit for further processing.

Abstract: A method and device for moving a probe assembly into soft contact with a work surface includes initially placing the probe into an approach position. Advancement of the probe along a substantially perpendicular path toward the work surface is then controlled by applying a restraining force on the probe. This resisting force is decreased until the weight of the probe assembly just overcomes the static friction forces that are acting on the probe. After the static friction forces are overcome, the probe advances along a path toward the work surface. By monitoring this advancement, soft contact of the probe with the work surface can be determined when the velocity of the probe changes to zero. First, the position of the probe can be monitored to advance the probe along the path through a known travel distance. Second, the velocity of probe advancement can be monitored to indicate soft contact when velocity changes to zero.

Abstract: A system for transmitting a radio-frequency signal from a contact detecting probe (1), powered by a battery (4), to a remote interface (11), that includes the transmitting, by way of coded serial signals, of messages containing information regarding the state of the probe, the level of charge of its associated battery, and other possible control and identification information. In order to guarantee the repeatability of the delay time that cannot be avoided in the transmission of the change of state of the probe, the bit periods of the single bits that form the message are changed, with respect to a nominal bit period (TN) of the serial signal, on the basis of the delay or the advance at which there occurs the change of state, with respect to a theoretical instant (C0) pre-set within the nominal bit period.

Abstract: A sensing system has a sensor arranged in the immediate neighborhood of a contacting shaped body. The sensor is connected to a circuit which is likewise arranged in the neighborhood of the contacting shaped body and emits electromagnetic radiation when the sensor responds to contact by the contacting shaped body with a surface to be measured.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for checking the geometric characteristics of mechanical objects having rotational symmetry, such as shafts or bushings. A longitudinal support element defines a longitudinal axis and first reference surfaces, at least one modular coupling element is removably coupled to, and is adjustable longitudinally along, the longitudinal support element and provides second reference surfaces which cooperate with the first reference surfaces to align a linear guide portion transversely of the longitudinal axis. A fastener secures the modular coupling element, which removably supports a gauging device, to the longitudinal support element and a locking/unlocking device cooperates with the gauging device and guide portion for locking the gauging device to the modular coupling element.

Abstract: A touch sensor of the invention can output a directional information from which direction an object to be measured touches a contact, as well as a positional information. The touch sensor includes a movable plate; at least four movable support points provided on the movable plate in a rectangular shape; a measuring shaft attached to the movable plate to extend perpendicularly thereto; and a base plate situated at a side facing the movable support points and having at least four fixed support portions corresponding to the respective support points. When no force is applied to the measuring shaft, all the support points and support portions contact together. When the object to be measured touches a contact portion, two of the support points situated adjacent to each other become temporary rotational supporting points, and two support points provided at a side opposite to the temporary rotational supporting points are separated from the support members corresponding thereto.

Abstract: A touch probe which includes a fixed member, a movable member, a stylus, a bias means, and a reseat position system which permits the fixed member and the movable member to make contact with each other at pairs of contact points at positions which are spaced from one another. In the reseat position system, piezoelectric elements are provided which cause the fixed member and the movable member to move relatively in directions constrained by said pairs of contact points after a force applied to the movable member is removed. This realizes a touch probe which can secure high position reproducibility for a long period of time even if frictional forces act between the fixed member and the movable member.

Abstract: A profilometer has a constant force mechanism for biasing of the stylus arm. The mechanism has a centrally-aligned configuration of the moving magnet relative to the magnetic coil and also has a magnetic shield isolating these elements from other ferromagnetic materials in the assembly. The moving magnet is made of a material that is hard magnetically and the magnetic shield is made of a series of low hysteresis, high permeability materials. The force thus generated by the stylus biasing device is very linear with the drive current upon the magnetic coil at any particular position of the stylus, thereby allowing for control and predictability of the stylus force upon the surface to be profiled. This predictability is used for dynamic stylus force adjustments during profiling of a specimen. The profilometer is also equipped with a balanced, spring-loaded stylus-stabilizing sensor assembly, task-specific dual-view optics for protection of the delicate stylus assembly, and a temperature drift compensator.

Abstract: A trigger probe 10 has electrical contacts which open when the probe contacts a workpiece. This is detected by a comparator 17 to produce a trigger signal. If spurious signals are generated at the probe contacts as a result of vibration, these are filtered out by a capacitor C1, which charges up when the contacts open and introduces a time delay. When the probe contacts re-close after a normal trigger operation, the capacitor C1 is discharged through a discharge circuit, e.g. transistor TR1, so that the energy stored on the capacitor does not damage the probe contacts.

Abstract: A touch trigger probe for a coordinate measuring machine or machine tool has a stylus, which is biased into a rest position. The stylus has two independent supports, provided within a housing. A first support comprises a skirt of a stylus holder which is axially constrained on a surface of the housing. The second support comprises a kinematic arrangement of cylinders and balls, together with a planar spring, which together provide lateral constraint. The first support is biased by a much lighter force than the second support, so that its friction is very low. This reduces the lobing and hystersis of the stylus movement, and thereby increases the accuracy of the probe. The stylus movement first takes up a clearance between the first support and an abutment surface of the housing and then disengages the kinematic arrangement of the second support upon further stylus movement.

Abstract: A touch sensor of the invention can output a directional information from which direction an object to be measured touches a contact, as well as a positional information. The touch sensor includes a movable plate; at least four movable contacts provided on the movable plate and arranged in a rectangular shape; a measuring shaft attached to the movable plate to extend perpendicularly thereto and having a contact portion at one end thereof; a base plate situated at a side opposite to the movable contacts and having at least four fixed contacts formed at positions corresponding to the respective movable contacts so that the fixed contacts contact the corresponding movable contacts; a device for uring the movable plate to the base plate so that the movable contacts and the fixed contacts contact together; and insulating guides provided on the base plate or the movable plate to surround the movable and fixed contacts. The guides contact and guide the movable or fixed contacts.

Abstract: An electronic caliper configuration making such calipers more reliable in the presence of liquid and particulate contaminants. Included in the caliper configuration is an elongated cavity added to the main beam of the caliper. The cavity is sealed with a cover. The measuring scale element of the measuring transducer, and the associated shorter pickoff element are mounted in this cavity. The depth bar, ordinarily attached to the sliding jaw in conventional calipers, is inserted into the cavity through a hole or holes aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis of the caliper and internally joined to the moving transducer element. A conventional lip seal provides an effective seal around the diameter of the depth bar. An external portion of the depth bar is coupled to the sliding jaw of the caliper via axially rigid linkage or alternately an axially rigid flexure. In this way, the internally isolated transducer elements can be actuated by the external sliding caliper jaw.

Abstract: Apparatus for sensing the flexure of a surface includes an array of bistable dome shaped switches within the surface which change their state or position depending on the direction and degree of local flexure of the surface. A flexible sheet parallel to the surface carries wiring for detecting the state of the bistable switches and carrying this information to a computer. A second parallel sheet may be used to detect the second position of the bistable switches for extra accuracy. The bistable switches may be linked, meaning the perimeters of the bistable switches overlap, or unlinked. The two stable positions may include two oppositely protruding positions, or one protruding position and one flat position.

Abstract: A multi-coordinate probe including a housing, at least one tracer pin for scanning an object and deflectable in a plurality of coordinate directions upon engagement with the object, and a support for supporting the tracer pin in the housing and formed of a plurality of multi-arm leaf springs having each at least one axially extending spring component.

Abstract: In a probe element for coordinate measuring systems using micro-probe elements and piezo-resonators which change their resonance characteristics upon contact, the probe element has piezo-resonators arranged in a polygonal configuration. Micro-probe elements are arranged in a polygonal configuration on the piezo-resonators and sense inner and outer surfaces in different coordinates. The tactile sensing of the micro-probe elements on the surface of the specimen is effected by measuring the change in the resonance characteristics of the piezo-resonators.

Abstract: A multi-coordinate probe includes at least one tracer pin for scanning an object and deflectable in a plurality of coordinate directions upon engagement with the object, and a plurality of sensors for detecting deflection of the tracer pin and having their respective measuring axes intersecting at the scanning pole, defined by the tracer pin.

Abstract: An arrangement for measuring distortion in cylinders. A sensor projects straight out of the end of a motion-transmitting arm. The arm can be both translated and rotated. The sensor accommodates a probe that probes the geometry of the surface of the cylinder. The sensor has a distortion-measuring structure accommodated in the head of a surface-geometry probe and a check for axially secured and undeflected tensioning of the probe. The probe is an elongated geometry-probing pin. The structure is securely tensioned remote from the chuck in the vicinity of a structure-attachment section in the head. The structure includes at least one zone of attenuation between the chuck and the structure-attachment section and has a resilient section and a strain gauge.

Abstract: A touch probe includes a stylus module (54) and a sensing module (52) to which the stylus module is releasably securable by a magnetic coupling. The sensing module comprises a strain sensitive load cell on which the stylus module is supported, and which senses strain in the stylus on contact with a surface. The stylus module provides for overtravel of the probe; a stylus-supporting member being biased into a kinematic rest position with respect to the casing of the stylus module. The biasing force in the stylus module is chosen with regard to the length and configuration of stylus. This modular system enables automated stylus changing without the need to adjust the biasing force on the stylus-supporting member when different lengths of styli are employed.

Abstract: A device for measuring the length and weight of an infant. The device includes a tray into which the infant is placed. The tray is located on a scale that is used to determine the infant's weight. A length measuring device is located adjacent the tray and includes a wand that extends into the tray and moves slidably along the length of the tray. An infant is placed within the tray so that the head of the infant is adjacent one end of the tray. The wand then slidably moves toward the infant until it contacts the sole of the infant's foot at which time a length measurement is taken. The length measuring device includes a breakaway switch and a rocker switch that stops the movement of the wand if it contacts the infant or another obstruction.

Abstract: A touch trigger probe for a coordinate measuring machine or machine tool has a stylus (14), which is biased into a rest position. The stylus has two independent supports, provided within a housing (10). In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the first support comprises a skirt (18) of a stylus holder (12), which is axially constrained on a surface (20) of the housing (10). The second support comprises a kinematic arrangement of cylinders (34) and balls (36), together with a planar spring (30), which together provide lateral constraint. The first support is biased by a much lighter force than the second support, so that its friction is very low. This reduces the lobing and hysteresis of the stylus movement, and thereby increases the accuracy of the probe.

Abstract: The shaft position sensor is provided with a movable body fixed to a measuring shaft. A first switching apparatus operating in a first measuring position and a second switching apparatus operating in a second measuring position are incorporated in the movable body. The first switching means and the second apparatuses are arranged in parallel with the measuring shaft.

Abstract: An analogue probe has a fixed structure and a stylus supporting member connected to the fixed structure by three serially mounted pairs of leaf springs interconnected by first and second intermediate members. The stylus supporting member supports an elongate stem upon which a cube, which supports three scales, is mounted. Readheads are mounted on the fixed structure, in register with the scales, to transduce movement of the stylus supporting member in three substantially orthogonal directions. The alignment of the scales about the yaw axis (extending in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the scale) determines the alignment of the measuring axes of the probe, while the straightness of the lines of the scales determines the straightness of the axes.