Abstract: A system and method of calibrating a laser tracker is provided. The system includes a support system for quickly and easily moving an artifact to a desired position and orientation and for holding the artifact in the position and orientation. An adjustable alignment mirror is coupled to a first end of the artifact so that the more accurate ranging system of the laser tracker can be isolated to determine a reference length of the artifact. Additional measurements are then taken to exercise one or more error source within the tracker. The support system includes a positioner and a support beam for positioning and supporting the artifact. The artifact is coupled to the support beam using kinematic clamps that are designed to reduce or eliminate errors associated with over-constraining the artifact.

Abstract: A stand assembly and method of converting a stand assembly from a moveable configuration to a stationary configuration is provided. The stand assembly includes a plurality of wheel assemblies slidably engaged with a plurality of respective trivets, each wheel assembly being moveable between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration, thereby moving each trivet between a deployed configuration and a stowed configuration, respectively. When in their respective deployed configurations, a distal end of each trivet is engaged with the floor, thereby causing the stand assembly to be in the stationary configuration. When in their respective stowed configurations, the distal end of each trivet is positioned between two wheels of the wheel assembly such that the wheel assembly prevents the trivet from engaging with objects on the floor, thereby minimizing adjustments required to obtain desired ground clearance.

Abstract: A system and method of calibrating a measuring instrument is provided. The system includes a support system for quickly and easily securing a low thermal expansion length reference bar in position. The reference bar is coupled to the support beam using a kinematic mounting system that is designed to reduce or eliminate errors associated with over-constraining the reference bar. The system is optimized for field calibration of certain measuring instruments, such as measuring instruments having articulating arms. Opposed first and second ends of the reference bar include respective first and second retroflectors and/or first and second probe receivers at known distances relative to each other, thereby facilitating calibration of the measuring instrument.

Abstract: A system and method of calibrating a laser tracker is provided. The system includes a support system for quickly and easily moving an artifact to a desired position and orientation and for holding the artifact in the position and orientation. An adjustable alignment mirror is coupled to a first end of the artifact so that the more accurate ranging system of the laser tracker can be isolated to determine a reference length of the artifact. Additional measurements are then taken to exercise one or more error source within the tracker. The support system includes a positioner and a support beam for positioning and supporting the artifact. The artifact is coupled to the support beam using kinematic clamps that are designed to reduce or eliminate errors associated with over-constraining the artifact. The artifact is movable between a deployed configuration for use and a stowable configuration for ease of storage and transportation.

Abstract: A tripod and a method of stabilizing a collapsible stand are provided. The tripod includes three legs attached to a base that swing open to a predetermined angle against a positive stop. The legs are locked into place in the open position via a leg spreader that forces (or pre-stresses/pre-loads) the legs outward against the stops. The method includes the steps of pivoting the legs of the collapsible stand to an open pivotal position into engagement with a stop, applying a load upon the legs to force the legs against the stop, and maintaining the load upon the legs while the stand is in use.

Abstract: An arm assembly and hand assembly for supporting metrology equipment is provided. The hand assembly includes a boom arm having a proximal end coupled to a distal end of the arm assembly and a distal end coupled to a carriage assembly of the hand assembly. The carriage assembly is configured to support the metrology equipment in such a way so as to align the center of gravity of the metrology equipment substantially at the center of rotation of the hand assembly. The arm assembly includes an upper arm that is supported by way of a first counterbalance mechanism and/or a first brake mechanism and a forearm extending from a distal end of the upper arm, the forearm being supported by a second counterbalance mechanism and/or a second brake mechanism by way of a drive assembly. A hub assembly associated with a counterbalance mechanism includes an adjustment mechanism.

Abstract: A system and method of calibrating a laser tracker is provided. The system includes a support system for quickly and easily moving an artifact to a desired position and orientation and for holding the artifact in the position and orientation. An adjustable alignment mirror is coupled to a first end of the artifact so that the more accurate ranging system of the laser tracker can be isolated to determine a reference length of the artifact. Additional measurements are then taken to exercise one or more error source within the tracker. The support system includes a positioner and a support beam for positioning and supporting the artifact. The artifact is coupled to the support beam using kinematic clamps that are designed to reduce or eliminate errors associated with over-constraining the artifact.

Abstract: A foot pedal assembly and method of moving a wheel assembly from a stowed configuration to a deployed configuration is provided. The foot pedal assembly can be moved to a locked configuration, thereby securing the wheel assembly in a deployed configuration, by allowing a foot pedal of the foot pedal assembly to move away from a second position after moving the foot pedal from a first position to the second position. When in the locked configuration, the foot pedal assembly can be moved to an unlocked configuration by moving the foot pedal assembly back to the second position, thereby allowing the foot pedal assembly and the wheel assembly to move towards the first configuration and the stowed configuration, respectively. A pin extending from a cam assembly into a raceway of a raceway body travels through the raceway as the foot pedal assembly is moved between configurations.

Abstract: A tripod and a method of stabilizing a collapsible stand are provided. The tripod includes three legs attached to a base that swing open to a predetermined angle against a positive stop. The legs are locked into place in the open position via a leg spreader that forces (or pre-stresses/pre-loads) the legs outward against the stops. The method includes the steps of pivoting the legs of the collapsible stand to an open pivotal position into engagement with a stop, applying a load upon the legs to force the legs against the stop, and maintaining the load upon the legs while the stand is in use.

Abstract: A four bar linkage boom arm imaging stand assembly system and related methods are provided. The stand includes a height-adjustable imaging platform. The imaging platform is configured for holding a scanning device. The stand is configured to be mobile. The stand is also configured to be stable while moving a scanning device to a desired height and position. The stand is configured such that the imaging platform remains at a consistent orientation throughout the entire range of possible heights. The stand includes a unique brake feature for maintaining the imaging platform at a desired height.

Abstract: A system and method of calibrating a laser tracker is provided. The system includes a support system for quickly and easily moving an artifact to a desired position and orientation and for holding the artifact in the position and orientation. An adjustable alignment mirror is coupled to a first end of the artifact so that the more accurate ranging system of the laser tracker can be isolated to determine a reference length of the artifact. Additional measurements are then taken to exercise one or more error source within the tracker. The support system includes a positioner and a support beam for positioning and supporting the artifact. The artifact is coupled to the support beam using kinematic clamps that are designed to reduce or eliminate errors associated with over-constraining the artifact.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fixing device for anchoring in a building material, comprising a fixing element with an axial conical anchoring region and a fixing region and a radially flexible clamping sleeve which may be clamped between the anchoring region and the building material. The invention further relates to a method for anchoring the fixing device.

Abstract: A target system and method for photogrammetry using a target holder is provided with a body including a flat face surface and an annular protruding lip extending upward from the surface around the perimeter of the body. Target paper is positioned on the surface and cut to size on the surface leaving a centered circle of target paper.

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.

Abstract: A target system and method for photogrammetry using a target holder with an aperture at least partially therethrough to precisely position a target assembly therein for use in determining geometric properties of an object.

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.

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.