Error Compensation (e.g., Temperature) Patents (Class 33/702)
  • Patent number: 11809156
    Abstract: Provided is a thermal displacement correction method using a machine learning method but making it possible to, on a user side, calculate a thermal displacement amount appropriate to a machine tool of the user and correct the thermal displacement. In a machine tool on a target user side, a thermal displacement amount between workpiece and tool corresponding to a temperature at a preset measurement point is calculated based on a parameter defining a relation between the temperature and the thermal displacement amount, and a positioning position for workpiece and tool is corrected in accordance with the calculated thermal displacement amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: DMG MORI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Naruhiro Irino, Koichiro Narimatsu
  • Patent number: 11796297
    Abstract: A position-measuring device includes a housing having a first portion in the form of a hollow section and extending in a longitudinal direction. The housing includes at least a first passage and a second passage, the first and second passages each extending in the longitudinal direction at least partially through the first portion. A scale is disposed within the housing for being scanned as part of a position measurement. The position-measuring device includes a connecting channel, the first and second passages being interconnected via the connecting channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: DR. JOHANNES HEIDENHAIN GMBH
    Inventors: Thilo Schlicksbier, Tarek Nutzinger
  • Patent number: 11243062
    Abstract: A position measurement method includes, acquiring a sensing position of a distal end of a reference tool, measuring and acquiring a position of a machined surface, The method further includes measuring a position of a reference block disposed on a side of the tool sensor and calculating a relative position of the reference block to the sensing position from the sensing position and the position of the reference block, mounting the position measurement sensor to the main spindle and measuring a position of the reference block, calculating a length direction correction value of the position measurement sensor from the position of the reference block measured in the mounting of the position measurement sensor and the relative position, and measuring the object by the position measurement sensor and correcting a measurement position of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: Okuma Corporation
    Inventor: Reiji Kanbe
  • Patent number: 11221349
    Abstract: A system and methods are provided for robot-assisted, interactive testing of electronic circuits comprising a test fixture comprising a robotic arm, a probe, and a bracket configured to hold a unit-under-test, wherein the probe is configured to be mounted on the robotic arm and to perform a probe action, and a computer system communicatively connected to the test fixture and comprising a graphics display, a user input device. The computer system is configured to present on the graphics display a logic schematic of the unit-under-test, to receive a user selection of a target element shown on the logic schematic, to determine the corresponding physical location on the unit-under-test of said element, to move the probe to the physical location of the target element, by means of the robotic arm, and to perform one or more probe actions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: POSIT SYSTEMS LTD.
    Inventors: David Arlinsky, Ronit Arlinsky
  • Patent number: 11204244
    Abstract: A sensor unit includes acceleration sensors as physical quantity sensors, a control IC as a processor electrically coupled to the acceleration sensors, a circuit board as a board on which the acceleration sensors and the control IC are installed, and a container accommodating the circuit board. The acceleration sensors and the control IC are disposed on the circuit board such that the acceleration sensors and the control IC do not overlap each other in a plan view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Inventors: Kenta Sato, Yasushi Yoshikawa
  • Patent number: 11105632
    Abstract: A method and a device for processing signals, including a demodulator demodulating a modulated signal during a first time interval in such a way that a quadrature signal is generated, the quadrature signal is stored in a memory unit of the device, the demodulator demodulating the modulated signal in such a way that an in-phase signal is generated during a second time interval and an output signal for describing a rotation of the gyroscope about a defined sensing axis is generated from the in-phase signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Andrea Visconti, Francesco Diazzi, Guangzhao Zhang
  • Patent number: 10976186
    Abstract: A scale attachment device configured to attach a tape scale for a linear encoder includes a fixing block and housing members. The fixing block fixes the central part of the tape scale in the lengthwise direction by pressing the central part onto a target object. The housing members include a groove to house a remaining part of the scale on both sides of the fixing block. The tape scale is inserted into the groove in the lengthwise direction with its back surface facing the bottom surface of the groove of the housing member, and thus housed in the groove. The width dimension of the opening of the groove is smaller than the width dimension of the scale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: MITUTOYO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masataka Yamamuro
  • Patent number: 10723602
    Abstract: A hoist system for cable-reeling operations includes a housing; a drum disposed within the housing and configured to spin about an axis; a motor configured to spin the drum about the axis; an electrically-conductive cable configured to be wound and unwound from the drum as the motor spins the drum about the axis; an electrically-grounded sheave configured to guide the electrically-conductive cable through the housing; and an electrical contact sensor configured to detect contact with the electrically-conductive cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: GOODRICH CORPORATION
    Inventor: Bejan Maghsoodi
  • Patent number: 10690473
    Abstract: A slide caliper of this disclosure includes: a fine adjustment measurement part including: a finger-press type rotation part; and a supporter, wherein the finger-press type rotation part includes: a roller part including two disks; and a roller shaft part, wherein at least a portion of inner surfaces of the two disks and the main scale come into contact with each other by frictional force, wherein the roller bearing part includes: an inclined surface along which the roller shaft part is movable when the measuring force is applied; and a stopper disposed at a position where the stopper and the roller shaft part come into contact with each other, and when the measuring force is applied, the frictional force with respect to the roller part is reduced as the roller shaft part moves along the inclined surface while contacting with the stopper to limit the measuring force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: MITUTOYO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Kimura, Kenji Ueda
  • Patent number: 10451397
    Abstract: A linear guide for a coordinate measuring machine. The linear guide comprises at least one plate-shaped main body and at least one guide rail. The plate-shaped main body has a material with a first coefficient of thermal expansion. The at least one guide rail has a material with a second coefficient of thermal expansion, which differs from the first coefficient of thermal expansion. The guide rail is connected to the plate-shaped main body, and arranged in a neutral axis of the plate-shaped main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: CARL ZEISS INDUSTRIELLE MESSTECHNIK GMBH
    Inventors: Berthold Matzkovits, Roland Brenner, Heinz Broghammer
  • Patent number: 10288402
    Abstract: A coordinate measurement machine includes a column that can move relative to a placement surface on which a workpiece is placed, a guide part that is provided on the placement surface, the guide part guiding the column, a scale of a linear encoder that is supported on a side surface of the guide part, and detectors that are provided on the column, the detectors detecting a relative displacement with respect to the scale. The detectors detect a displacement of the column in each of a moving direction and a vertical direction. A coordinate measurement machine further includes a deformation amount acquisition part that acquires an amount of deformation of the guide part relative to the scale on the basis of detection results of the detectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: MITUTOYO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Seiichi Otsubo
  • Patent number: 9772204
    Abstract: A length-measuring device includes a scale and a mounting element. The mounting element has a first fastening portion by which the mounting element is stationarily attached to the scale and a second fastening portion configured to be stationarily attached to a support. An arrangement of a plurality of flexible struts is provided between the first fastening portion and the second fastening portion which, through flexure, allows the first fastening portion to move relative to the second fastening portion perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction. The arrangement of struts is configured to compensate for a flexure-induced change in length of the struts in such a way that no movement will result from the flexure-induced change in length between the first fastening portion and the second fastening portion in the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: DR. JOHANNES HEIDENHAIN GMBH
    Inventors: Kilian Bauer, Wolfgang Pucher, Thomas Sigl
  • Patent number: 9422956
    Abstract: A panel mounting system comprises a panel, a foundation and a plurality of hangers connecting the panel to the foundation. The panel comprises a plurality of first attachment points, and the foundation comprises a plurality of second attachment points. The panel is constrained by the plurality of hangers such that movement of each first attachment point relative to the corresponding second attachment point is constrained to a plane that is normal to the surface of the panel at the first attachment point, and is aligned with the direction of thermal expansion of the panel at the first attachment point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
    Inventor: Paul Robert Hayton
  • Patent number: 8919005
    Abstract: An analogue probe for use with a coordinate positioning machine. The analogue probe comprises a temperature actuator which can be modulated so as maintain the temperature of at least a part of the analogue probe at a substantially constant predetermined temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Renishaw PLC
    Inventors: Khaled Mamour, Stephen Paul Hunter
  • Patent number: 8844150
    Abstract: A co-ordinate measuring machine comprising a block of concrete with function of foundation or machine bed, and a plurality of linear deformation sensors embedded in the block or applied thereto and configured for detecting the deformations of the block itself for compensating the measuring errors of the machine resulting from said deformations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Hexagon Metrology S.p.A.
    Inventors: Michele Verdi, Lorenzo Merlo, Alberto Tarizzo
  • Patent number: 8800159
    Abstract: When calculating a compensation value for a geometric error, a first index representing an order of connection of drive axes in a machine and a second index representing an order of connection of the drive axes including the geometric error are obtained. Then, a first vector is obtained by performing a matrix operation of a reference vector according to information on the connection in the first index, and a second vector is obtained by performing the matrix operation of the reference vector according to information on the connection in the second index. Thereafter, a difference between the first vector and the second vector is obtained as the compensation value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Okuma Corporation
    Inventor: Tetsuya Matsushita
  • Patent number: 8800397
    Abstract: Temperatures of a base, a support member, and a support member are measured, and amounts of linear expansion of the base, the support member, and the support member due to temperature differences from a reference temperature are computed. An amount of linear expansion of a ball screw with respect to the support member is measured. An amount of linear expansion of a lead of the ball screw is computed based on the sum of the aforementioned amounts of linear expansion, and an amount of rotation of the ball screw is adjusted from an amount of rotation of the ball screw at the reference temperature, to an amount of rotation of the ball screw, which corresponds to the amount of linear expansion of the lead at a predetermined temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: JTEKT Corporation
    Inventors: Yuji Sasaki, Hideki Iwai, Kimihiro Onishi, Yasumasa Sakurai
  • Patent number: 8757941
    Abstract: A cutting plotter includes a medium supporter, a first guide rail, a second guide rail, a carriage, a work tool, a working controller, and a second direction displacement detector. The second direction displacement detector is configured to measure a second guide rail displacement amount. The second guide rail displacement amount indicates a magnitude of displacement of a moving path of the carriage from a predetermined moving path with respect to the second guide rail in a direction perpendicular to a second direction when the carriage is moved in the second direction along the second guide rail. The working controller is configured to execute a control in which a movement control of the second guide rail on the first guide rail is added so that the second guide rail displacement amount is corrected in a movement control of the carriage on the second guide rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Mimaki Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masafumi Okabe
  • Patent number: 8711365
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the measurement of workpiece geometries with a coordinate measuring device (10) and to the device itself. According to the invention, measuring tasks may be optimally carried out without a requirement for devices of differing types, whereby one or more sensors (30), which are of optimal application for the relevant measuring task, are used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Werth Messtechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Ralf Christoph, Wolfgang Rauh, Matthias Andras, Uwe Wachter
  • Patent number: 8676527
    Abstract: A coordinate measuring machine (industrial machine) includes: a column and a support that extend along the Z-axis; a beam being provided between the column and the support; a slider being movable on the beam; a ram being held on the slider movably along the Z-axis direction; a temperature detecting sensor and a temperature detector that detect the respective temperatures of the column, the support and the ram; and a shift amount calculator that calculates a Z-axis shift amount based on the respective temperatures of the column, the support and the ram, reference position data indicating a positional relationship between the column, the support and the ram at a reference temperature, and respective thermal expansion coefficients for the column, the support and the ram.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Mitutoyo Corporation
    Inventors: Noritsugu Ono, Kazuaki Kawarai, Seiichi Otsubo, Hirotada Anzai, Kazumi Mizukami
  • Patent number: 8667698
    Abstract: A co-ordinate measuring machine comprising a bed provided with a horizontal measuring surface, a unit that is mobile along guides carried by the bed itself, an annular structure extending along a perimetral area of the bed and constrained thereto by statically determinate means of constraint, and a plurality of displacement sensors set between the annular structure and one between the bed and the mobile unit for detecting relative displacements with respect to an initial reference condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Hexagon Metrology S.p.A.
    Inventors: Michele Verdi, Alberto Tarizzo
  • Patent number: 8607466
    Abstract: A coordinate measuring machine for determination of at least one spatial coordinate of a measurement point on an object to be measured. The coordinate measuring machine comprises a stationary base, a probe head for approaching the measurement point and a frame structure for linking the probe head to the base. At least a first mechanical reference element extending along a first part of the frame structure is fastened fixedly to the frame structure in a substantially unloaded way, and at least one displacement sensor is assigned to the first reference element, wherein the first reference element and the displacement sensor are designed and arranged in such a way, that a distance from the first reference element to the frame structure in the region of the first part is measurable, the distance indicating a displacement and/or deformation of the frame structure in the region of the first part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Leica Geosystems AG
    Inventors: Bo Pettersson, Knut Siercks
  • Publication number: 20130232805
    Abstract: A measuring machine comprising a member mobile along an axis, an optical scale extending parallel to the axis, a first reading head, which is carried by the mobile member and co-operates with the optical scale, an additional sensor carried by the mobile member, and a processing unit co-operating with the first reading head and with the additional sensor for detecting data correlated with the state of thermal expansion of the optical scale.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: HEXAGON METROLOGY S.P.A.
    Inventor: Domenico RUSSO
  • Patent number: 8479406
    Abstract: A length reference bar system and method that compensates for thermal expansion and allows for testing whether an instrument is working properly using only an inferometer. The system has a bar portion with end caps for target positions on either end of the bar portion that extend inward toward each other such that, if a length of the bar portion changes due to a temperature change, a length of the end caps also changes in an opposite direction to counteract the bar portion length change. Any target positions mounted on the end caps remain at a constant distance from each other regardless of the temperature thereby canceling out the effect of thermal expansion. The end caps also provide multiple target positioning capability so that any targets mounted thereon may be positioned in various configurations to provide a user with increased versatility for applications such as checking calibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Brunson Instrument Company
    Inventor: Deighton Brunson
  • Patent number: 8457917
    Abstract: A device, a method and a guiding device for setting out contours, points or works, including a computer-controlled measuring device provided with a movable measuring probe and a portable base unit provided with a rotatably supported elongate arm. The measuring probe is connected to the measuring device by means of a cord or a wire via the elongate arm, and the measuring device is provided with sensors for measuring a length or a change in the length of the cord or the wire and rotation of the arm in at least one degree of freedom for providing position data of the measuring probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Holding Prodim Systems B.V.
    Inventor: Dick Teune
  • Patent number: 8448347
    Abstract: A length measuring device for measuring a relative position of two objects, the length measuring device including a scale in a housing and a scanning unit displaceable in a measuring direction X relative to the scale and the housing, wherein the scanning unit is disposed inside the housing and including a heat-generating electrical component. The length measuring device further including a thermal conduction path designed for transferring heat generated at the heat-generating electrical component to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Dr. Johannes Heidenhain GmbH
    Inventors: Alfred Affa, Johannes Haunreiter
  • Patent number: 8359764
    Abstract: A holding device for a scale including a support body, a first solid body link and a second body link. The first solid body link acts as a connection between a first longitudinal side of a scale and the support body, via which the scale can be seated, shiftable in a measuring direction, on the support body. The second solid body link acts as a connection between a second longitudinal side of the scale and the support body, via which the scale can be seated, shiftable in the measuring direction, on the support body, wherein the second longitudinal side and the first longitudinal side are arranged opposite each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Dr. Johannes Heidenhain GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Pucher, Ernst Thielicke, Reinhard Mayer, Kilian Bauer, Karl Fiedler
  • Publication number: 20120233871
    Abstract: A length reference bar system and method that compensates for thermal expansion and allows for testing whether an instrument is working properly using only an inferometer. The system has a bar portion with end caps for target positions on either end of the bar portion that extend inward toward each other such that, if a length of the bar portion changes due to a temperature change, a length of the end caps also changes in an opposite direction to counteract the bar portion length change. Any target positions mounted on the end caps remain at a constant distance from each other regardless of the temperature thereby canceling out the effect of thermal expansion. The end caps also provide multiple target positioning capability so that any targets mounted thereon may be positioned in various configurations to provide a user with increased versatility for applications such as checking calibration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: BRUNSON INSTRUMENT COMPANY
    Inventor: Deighton E. Brunson
  • Patent number: 8240060
    Abstract: A disclosed example method for compensating a temperature-dependent change of position on a machine tool having at least one first linear axis involves detecting at least one first temperature at a first temperature measuring position of the first linear axis of the machine tool. The example method also involves obtaining a first difference in temperature between a first reference temperature and the first temperature and determining a first compensation value based on the first difference in temperature. In addition, the example method involves compensating a temperature-dependent change of position based on the first compensation value, the first compensation value is additionally determined based on an axis position of the first linear axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: DECKEL MAHO Seebach GmbH
    Inventors: Udo Tüllmann, Christof Zenker
  • Patent number: 8220173
    Abstract: An articulated arm system can include an articulated measuring arm with a plurality of interconnected support arm segments. The arm segments can be moveable about a plurality of axes. A plurality of rotational angle sensors can mount on the arm and be configured to measure rotational position between the support arm segments. Additionally, a vibration detection device can attach to the arm near an end of the arm. The vibration detection device can be operatively connected to the sensors such that the sensors output a rotational position upon detection of a new vibration exceeding a threshold amplitude.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Hexagon Metrology AB
    Inventor: Hogar Tait
  • Patent number: 8156658
    Abstract: A linear encoder that includes a scale supporting a measurement graduation and an assembly that includes a support. The scale is fastened on the assembly by a fastener, wherein the fastener has a structure that makes a temperature-dependent linear expansion of the support in relation to the scale possible in case of temperature changes. The linear encoder includes a holder in a position in a measuring direction, wherein the holder fastens the scale to a body to be measured by the linear encoder at a fixed point while bypassing the support. In addition, the assembly is fastened by the support on the body to be measured by the linear encoder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Dr. Johannes Heidenhain GmbH
    Inventors: Jens Kummetz, Tim Boye, Martin Seichter, Dirk Geyermann
  • Patent number: 8141264
    Abstract: A length reference bar system and method that compensates for thermal expansion and allows for testing whether an instrument is working properly using only an inferometer. The length reference bar system has a bar portion with end caps for target positions on either end of the bar portion that extend inward toward each other such that, if a length of the bar portion changes due to a temperature change, a length of the end caps also changes but in an opposite direction to counteract the bar portion length change. As such, any target positions mounted on the end caps remain at a constant distance from each other regardless of the temperature thereby canceling out the effect of thermal expansion. The end caps also provide multiple target positioning capability so that any targets mounted thereon may be positioned in various configurations to provide a user with increased versatility for applications such as checking calibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Brunson Instrument Company
    Inventor: Deighton E. Brunson
  • Patent number: 8104189
    Abstract: An articulated arm system can include an articulated measuring arm with a plurality of interconnected support arm segments. The arm segments can be moveable about a plurality of axes. A plurality of rotational angle sensors can mount on the arm and be configured to measure rotational position between the support arm segments. Additionally, a vibration detection device can attach to the arm near an end of the arm. The vibration detection device can be operatively connected to the sensors such that the sensors output a rotational position upon detection of a new vibration exceeding a threshold amplitude.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Hexagon Metrology AB
    Inventor: Hogar Tait
  • Patent number: 8051575
    Abstract: A scale-bar artifact can include a base, a structural component, at least two nests disposed on the structural component and configured to receive a spherically shaped object having a center, and at least three mounting assemblies, each mounting assembly including a first portion and a second portion. The second portion of each mounting assembly is coupled to the base. The first portion of each mounting assembly is coupled to the structural component. The first portion and second portion of each mounting assembly are in mutual contact. Each mounting assembly has a center of rotation. The centers of rotation of the three mounting assemblies share a common plane with the centers of the spherically shaped objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Faro Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Bridges, Richard D. Lort, III
  • Publication number: 20110232120
    Abstract: A disclosed example method for compensating a temperature-dependent change of position on a machine tool having at least one first linear axis involves detecting at least one first temperature at a first temperature measuring position of the first linear axis of the machine tool. The example method also involves obtaining a first difference in temperature between a first reference temperature and the first temperature and determining a first compensation value based on the first difference in temperature. In addition, the example method involves compensating a temperature-dependent change of position based on the first compensation value, the first compensation value is additionally determined based on an axis position of the first linear axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventors: Udo Tüllmann, Christof Zenker
  • Patent number: 8001700
    Abstract: A scanning unit of a position measuring arrangement for scanning a measuring graduation of a scale. The scanning unit includes a base body including an interior space; wherein the base body can be installed, fixed in place, on an object to be measured, wherein the base body comes into contact with a first contact face at a first location of the object to be measured. The scanning unit includes a heat-generating electrical component in the interior and a contact element with a second contact face which, in the course of installing the base body, enters into contact at a second location of the object to be measured. The scanning unit further including a heat-conducting element, which is designed for transferring heat generated by an electrical component from the interior space to the contact element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Inventors: Sebastian Tondorf, Markus Kühler
  • Patent number: 7934324
    Abstract: A linear scale that is used for displacement measurement is provided. The linear scale includes a scale board, a graduation unit, and an attachment unit. The scale board is made of low expansion ceramics. The graduation unit is fixed to an upper surface of the scale board. The graduation unit is read at the time of measurement. The attachment unit is a unit for attaching the scale board to a base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Mitutoyo Corporation
    Inventors: Masaki Tomiya, Hiroaki Kawada
  • Patent number: 7891112
    Abstract: The invention relates to a guiding device (3) for guiding a displaceable machine element (1) of a machine. Said guiding device (3) in connected in a mechanically fixed manner to a machine bed (4). A material measure (6) is arranged along at least one part of the guiding device (3) in order to determine a position of the machine element (1). The guiding device (3) and the material measure (6) can be displaced in relation to each other and at least one part of the material measure (6) is in contact with the guiding device (3) either directly or via a bearing (9). The inventive guiding device (3) enables the displaceable machine elements to be positioned in a precise manner even when the machine bed (4) is vibrated. The invention also relates to a machine comprising said type of guiding device (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Gerhard Forster, Jens Hamann, Dietmar Stoiber
  • Patent number: 7788821
    Abstract: A linear measuring arrangement for measuring a relative position of two objects. The linear measuring arrangement includes a unit having a housing and a scale in the housing and a scanning unit, which can be shifted relative to the unit in a measuring direction, wherein the scanning unit is arranged inside the housing and includes a heat-generating electrical component. The arrangement further includes a mounting piece, which is fastened to the scanning unit by a coupling, which is rigid in the measuring direction and resilient transversely thereto, and which extends to a mounting area arranged outside of the housing. The arrangement further includes a heat-conducting element, which is designed for transferring heat generated by the heat generating electrical component to the mounting piece and permits relative movements between the mounting piece and the scanning unit at least transversely to the measuring direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Dr. Johannes Heidenhain GmbH
    Inventors: Alfred Affa, Johannes Haunreiter
  • Patent number: 7599813
    Abstract: For determining a space coordinate of a measurement point on a measuring object, the measurement point is approached with a probe head arranged on a displacement mechanism having at least two supports movable parallel to one another. Each support is moved by its own drive. The space coordinate of the measurement point is determined as a function of the respective displacement position of the supports. The two drives are controlled by a common regulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss Industrielle Messtechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Guenter Grupp
  • Patent number: 7587840
    Abstract: A dimension measuring apparatus 1 which measures a dimension of a measurement subject 2 includes a conveying device 5 which convey the measurement subject 2, a temperature controlling device which control the temperature in a conveyance region 10, 11 to which the measurement subject 2 is conveyed, a dimension measuring device 15 which measure the dimension of the measurement subject 2 conveyed to a measurement portion 6 in the conveyance region 10, 11, and a temperature measuring device 14 which measure the temperature of the measurement subject 2 during dimension measurement by the dimension measuring device 15. The dimension of the measurement subject 2 measured by the dimension measuring device 15 is corrected to a dimension at a predetermined reference temperature using the temperature measured by the temperature measuring device 14.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Kayaba Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshito Sakai, Tamotsu Ashida
  • Patent number: 7475489
    Abstract: A scanning system of a position measuring device for photo-electric scanning of a measuring graduation, the scanning system including a support carrying measuring components, an adapter including a scanning graduation in a graduation plane and a holder that holds the support on the adapter. The holder is structured so that the support is stationarily positioned on the adapter in six degrees of freedom, but compensates thermally caused expansion of the support in relation to the adapter in a first coordinate direction and a second direction which define the graduation plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Dr. Johannes Heidenhain GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Pucher, Reinhard Mayer, Stefan Kühnhauser
  • Publication number: 20080295352
    Abstract: A length reference bar system and method that compensates for thermal expansion and allows for testing whether an instrument is working properly using only an inferometer. The length reference bar system has a bar portion with end caps for target positions on either end of the bar portion that extend inward toward each other such that, if a length of the bar portion changes due to a temperature change, a length of the end caps also changes but in an opposite direction to counteract the bar portion length change. As such, any target positions mounted on the end caps remain at a constant distance from each other regardless of the temperature thereby canceling out the effect of thermal expansion. The end caps also provide multiple target positioning capability so that any targets mounted thereon may be positioned in various configurations to provide a user with increased versatility for applications such as checking calibration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventor: Deighton E. Brunson
  • Publication number: 20080235971
    Abstract: A dimension measuring apparatus 1 which measures a dimension of a measurement subject 2 includes a conveying device 5 which convey the measurement subject 2, a temperature controlling device which control the temperature in a conveyance region 10, 11 to which the measurement subject 2 is conveyed, a dimension measuring device 15 which measure the dimension of the measurement subject 2 conveyed to a measurement portion 6 in the conveyance region 10, 11, and a temperature measuring device 14 which measure the temperature of the measurement subject 2 during dimension measurement by the dimension measuring device 15. The dimension of the measurement subject 2 measured by the dimension measuring device 15 is corrected to a dimension at a predetermined reference temperature using the temperature measured by the temperature measuring device 14.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: KAYABA INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshito Sakai, Tamotsu Ashida
  • Patent number: 7400990
    Abstract: A method for performing a functional test of a position measuring system, which in the course of scanning a scale by a position measuring unit generates position values. The method includes generating a control value in the position measuring system, the control value having a defined mathematical interrelationship with one of the position values and into which a correction value stored in the position measuring system is entered as a parameter. Transmitting the control value and an associated position value to an evaluation unit located downstream of the position measuring system. Making a check in the evaluation unit to determine whether there is a mathematical interrelationship between the control value and the associated position value. Storing the correction value in the position measuring system under a first memory address and a second memory address.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Dr. Johannes Heidenhain GmbH
    Inventor: Erich Strasser
  • Patent number: 7395604
    Abstract: A laser level with temperature control device (2) and the temperature control method thereof are disclosed. The temperature control device includes a thermal insulation chamber (22), a thermoelectric cooler (25), a control unit (21), and first and second temperature sensors (23, 24). The second temperature sensor is received in the thermal insulation chamber together with a tilt sensor (12). The control unit controls operation of the thermoelectric cooler according to the external and internal temperature signals respectively output by the first and second temperature sensors, so as to adjust the internal temperature inside the thermal insulation chamber to be a calibration temperature point close to the external temperature. Accordingly, the temperature drift problem can be addressed, and the working temperature of the tilt sensor can be maintained in a stable range. Further, the acceptable ambient temperature range within which the tilt sensor works can be expanded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Asia Optical Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Pie-Yau Chien, Hua-Tang Liu, Yi-qi Li, Yong-ce Qi, Zhang-yong Jian, Yue-ye Chen
  • Publication number: 20080052942
    Abstract: A caliper gauge (1) includes: a temperature sensor (13) that is provided on a slider (11) and detects a temperature of a main beam (10); a temperature information storage (14) that stores the temperature of the main beam (10) detected by the temperature sensor (13) and a displacement of the slider (11) relative to the main beam (10) that an encoder (12) detects concurrently with the temperature detection as temperature information of the main beam (10); and a processing unit (16) that calculates a thermal expansion amount of the main beam (10) based on the temperature information of the main beam (10) stored in the temperature information storage (14) to compensate the displacement of the slider (11) relative to the main beam (10) detected by the encoder (12) based on the calculated thermal expansion amount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2007
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Applicant: MITUTOYO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Osamu Kawatoko
  • Patent number: 7281339
    Abstract: A structure and associated method to accurately read an encoder tape in an encoder system. The encoder system comprises, a read head, a shoe structure adjacent the read head, and an encoder tape. The encoder tape is adapted to be read by the read head. The shoe structure is adapted to locally support the encoder tape and locally dampen a vibration of the encoder tape as the encoder tape is read by the read head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Universal Instruments Corporation
    Inventors: Michael D. Snyder, Koen A. Gieskes
  • Patent number: 7266903
    Abstract: A thermal displacement correction method is provided, including the steps of presetting coordinate data for a fixed position of a workpiece on a table, finding an amount of displacement of the fixed position of the workpiece at a current cutting edge position based on the detected temperature, the coordinate data of the cutting edge position, and the coordinate data of the fixed position, and computing a difference in the coordinate data between the fixed position of the workpiece and the cutting edge position, finding an amount of displacement of the workpiece between its fixed position and the cutting edge position based on the detected temperature and the difference in the coordinate data between the fixed position and the cutting edge position, and computing a sum of each amount of displacement to define an estimated value and correcting thermal displacement using an NC unit based on the estimated value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Okuma Corporation
    Inventor: Reiji Sato
  • Patent number: 7191541
    Abstract: A machine, such as a coordinate measuring machine, having a component or element movable with respect to a support structure along rails or guideways, wherein the rails have a coefficient of thermal expansion that is different from that of the support structure to which they are attached. Differential thermal expansion and contraction of the rails with respect to the support structure may be accommodated without binding or distortion of the rails by coupling each guideway to the support structure at two different points. Typically, the coupling at the first point is rigid and prevents any movement of the rail with respect to the support structure. The second coupling includes a flexible component that permits movement of the rail with respect to the support structure in a direction of movement of the element or component. This flexible component may be a leaf spring. In another embodiment, the first coupling may also be flexible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Hexagon Metrology AB
    Inventors: Wilhelmus Godefridus Weekers, Jens Hupkau, David W. Payette, John Langlais