Abstract: A probe calibration method and calibration artifact (30, 70) whereby calibration can be performed without the use of machine axes capable of three dimensional positioning of a probe relative to a calibration sphere (40). The method includes a plurality of calibration spheres fixed in relation to one another via a rigid structure comprising a calibration artifact body (30, 70). The spheres are mounted such that each will be sensed by the probe at some position of a machine axis (W, N). In other words, the spheres lie in the region swept out by the sensor field of view (8, 78) over the movement of the machine axis. The calibration spheres are located at known positions (A, B, C) and the calibration artifact body is designed such that it may be mounted in a known location in place of a work piece.

Abstract: A method and machine comprising at least one non-contact sensor (52) on a functional testing platform (50) for workpiece inspection and/or measurement. The inclusion of at least one non-contact sensor on the functional testing platform results in the combination of two machine platforms into a single machine and provides the user with measurement characteristics of both methods, functional and analytical, saving significant cycle time and significant space.

Abstract: A method and machine whereby utilizing both tactile (46) and non-contact (50) sensors or probes for workpiece (56) inspection and/or measurement results in significant cycle time savings while accuracy is maintained.

Abstract: A method of determining the minimum radius and the mounting distance of a worm gear member (6) of a worm drive (2). The root portion (26) of a tooth slot (24) is probed at a plurality of points along the length of the root and the locations of the points are utilized as the basis for determining the minimum radius and the mounting distance.

Abstract: A machine base (4) comprising a lower base portion (8) and an upper base portion (10) with the upper base portion including a downwardly projecting portion (14) extending to, into or through the lower base portion with no contact between the upper and lower base portions. The machine base further includes at least two vibration and/or shock isolation sub-systems (22, 24).

Abstract: A remote pendant for a metrology machine. The pendant comprises a non-configurable user interface which is an extension of the main computer monitor wherein the screens shown on a monitor of the pendant are created by application and/or control software running on the computer control of the machine. The remote pendant further comprises camera and/or webcam features as well as voice recording capabilities. With the remote pendant, the machine operator can view messages appearing on the main computer screen and respond to any prompts via a touch screen on the pendant thereby eliminating the need to return to the machine operator station.

Abstract: A remote pendant for a metrology machine. The pendant comprises a non-configurable user interface which is an extension of the main computer monitor wherein the screens shown on a monitor of the pendant are created by application and/or control software running on the computer control of the machine. The remote pendant further comprises camera and/or webcam features as well as voice recording capabilities. With the remote pendant, the machine operator can view messages appearing on the main computer screen and respond to any prompts via a touch screen on the pendant thereby eliminating the need to return to the machine operator station.