Abstract: A coordinate measurement machine having a feeler whose position is determined optically and a lens for use in such a machine and a method for making a lens for a coordinate measurement machine, having a flexible feeler having a sensing tip, positioned substantially at the focal point of the objective lens.

Abstract: A probe deployment mechanism of a coordinate measuring machine provides for extending and retracting a probe. The probe is displaceable with respect to the actuator body connected to the measuring machine. A locator coupling secures the probe to the actuator body at the extended position for taking measurements. A drive coupled to the probe displaces the probe between the extended and retracted positions but at the extended position, the drive is releasable from the probe for kinetically isolating the locator coupling.

Abstract: A profilometer incorporating a partial coherence interferometer directs a beam containing a band of wavelengths along object and reference arms of the interferometer into respective engagements with a test object surface and a reference object surface en route to a spectrometer for measuring a spectrum of the beam. Within the object arm, the test object surface is relatively moved through a range of positions offset from a null position at which optical path lengths of the object and reference arms are equal. Modulation frequencies of the beam spectrum are calculated at a succession of different focus spot positions across the test object surface. Changes in the modulation frequency are interpreted to distinguish between optical path length differences at which the optical path length of the object arm is longer or shorter than the optical path length of the reference arm.

Abstract: A probe deployment mechanism of a coordinate measuring machine provides for extending and retracting a probe. The probe is displaceable with respect to the actuator body connected to the measuring machine. A locator coupling secures the probe to the actuator body at the extended position for taking measurements. A drive coupled to the probe displaces the probe between the extended and retracted positions but at the extended position, the drive is releasable from the probe for kinetically isolating the locator coupling.

Abstract: A graphical representation of a feature and associated tolerance includes a memory storing a description of the feature including at least one nominal dimension of the feature and an associated tolerance; a graphical representation of a nominal definition of the feature; and a graphical representation of the tolerance zones, derived from the nominal definition of the feature.

Abstract: A bearing race arrangement on a composite structure having a first coefficient of thermal expansion includes a recess formed in a surface of the composite structure for receiving a race element, at least one bearing race element disposed in the recess, the bearing race element having a coefficient of thermal expansion different from the coefficient of thermal expansion of the composite structure and a retainer securing the bearing race element to composite structure, within the recess and allowing for longitudinal expansion of the race element without creating stress on the composite structure.

Abstract: A process for pre-calibrating illumination sources permits illumination light intensities to be set to a near optimal level during training of an optical inspection system. Applicants have found that the illumination source intensities for a category of illuminators are sufficiently constant from machine to machine that the data collected during calibration of an illumination source on a machine using a particular type of source may be used on other machines of the same type using the same type of illumination source when combined with the reticle light intensity data for different zoom magnification's of the particular machine being used. That is, using known data for particular machine and the illumination source light intensity data for the same type of machine and illumination source permits accurate presetting of an illumination source.

Abstract: A coordinate measurement machine having a feeler whose position is determined optically and a lens for use in such a machine and a method for making a lens for a coordinate measurement machine, having a flexible feeler having a sensing tip, positioned substantially at the focal point of the objective lens.

Abstract: A method of determining whether a part satisfies tolerance criteria includes making a multiplicity of measurements of the part, reducing the number of measured points to a number of boundary points that define a boundary within which all measured points are encompassed and comparing the boundary to a tolerance limit of a normal surface to determine whether the part conforms to the tolerance.

Abstract: A method of forming a combined feature boundary based on boundaries of first and second overlapping features includes dividing the boundaries of the first and second overlapping features into line segments of known shape, identifying crossing points formed by the line segments, calculating parametric coordinates of the crossing points, and determining a sequence of crossing point evaluation based on the parametric coordinates. The method also includes calculating first and second cross products based on the line segments forming first and second crossing points in the determined sequence, and choosing first and second paths of the combined feature boundary according to mathematical signs of the cross products, wherein the combined feature boundary includes the first and second crossing points and portions of at least one of the first and second feature boundaries defining the first and second paths.

Abstract: An optical comparator arranged for rear projection onto a viewing screen combines an optical projector that projects an optical image of a test part under inspection onto the viewing screen with a video projector that projects an optical image of a pixilated template pattern containing illustrated specifications of the test part onto the same viewing screen. The images of the test part and the pixilated template pattern are projected concurrently onto the viewing screen for visually comparing the form of the test part against its specified form.

Abstract: A process for pre-calibrating illumination sources permits illumination light intensities to be set to a near optimal level during training of an optical inspection system. Applicants have found that the illumination source intensities for a category of illuminators are sufficiently constant from machine to machine that the data collected during calibration of an illumination source on a machine using a particular type of source may be used on other machines of the same type using the same type of illumination source when combined with the reticle light intensity data for different zoom magnification's of the particular machine being used. That is, using known data for particular machine and the illumination source light intensity data for the same type of machine and illumination source permits accurate presetting of an illumination source.

Abstract: An optical comparator arranged for rear projection onto a viewing screen combines an optical projector that projects an optical image of a test part under inspection onto the viewing screen with a video projector that projects an optical image of a pixilated template pattern containing illustrated specifications of the test part onto the same viewing screen. The images of the test part and the pixilated template pattern are projected concurrently onto the viewing screen for visually comparing the form of the test part against its specified form.

Abstract: A machine vision system includes a table having a fixture for supporting an object under inspection above the table, a gantry supporting a camera further above the table, a docking station, and a profile light movable together with the gantry between an inspection position beneath the object and a docking position next to the docking station. Fittings are provided for releasably securing the profile light to the gantry and for releasably securing the profile light to the docking station. The profile light can be disengaged from the gantry and engaged with the docking station for moving the profile light to the docking position or disengaged from the docking station and reengaged with the gantry for moving the profile light to the inspection position.

Abstract: An illumination system shares portions of an objective of an optical inspection system. A plurality of beam-shaping optics collects light from a plurality of effective light sources and directs the light through a portion of the objective for illuminating an object under inspection. The objective includes a front relay lens, a rear relay lens, and an objective stop disposed between the front and rear relay lenses for collecting light scattered from the object and forming an image of the object with the collected light. The beam-shaping optics, which surround the objective stop, are arranged together with the associated effective light sources for non-uniformly distributing light within a range of angles required for illuminating the object.

Abstract: An actuator for selectively extending and retracting a probe in a measuring instrument comprises an actuator body, a carriage having a first aperture slidably attached to the body, and a second aperture receiving a probe holder having a probe. The first aperture of the carriage, which surrounds the actuator body, includes a first plurality of magnets disposed around an inner circumference of the aperture. The actuator body includes a lead screw, a round lead screw nut mated with the lead screw, and a second plurality of magnets arranged on a periphery of the lead screw nut, generally aligned with the first plurality of magnets. The magnets are arranged so that the carriage may be displaced with respect to the actuator body a sufficient amount that the magnets do not significantly restrain the further movement of the carriage.

Abstract: An illumination system shares portions of an objective of an optical inspection system. A plurality of beam-shaping optics collects light from a plurality of effective light sources and directs the light through a portion of the objective for illuminating an object under inspection. The objective includes a front relay lens, a rear relay lens, and an objective stop disposed between the front and rear relay lenses for collecting light scattered from the object and forming an image of the object with the collected light. The beam-shaping optics, which surround the objective stop, are arranged together with the associated effective light sources for non-uniformly distributing light within a range of angles required for illuminating the object.

Abstract: An optical comparator arranged for rear projection onto a viewing screen combines an optical projector that projects an optical image of a test part under inspection onto the viewing screen with a video projector that projects an optical image of a pixilated template pattern containing illustrated specifications of the test part onto the same viewing screen. The images of the test part and the pixilated template pattern are projected concurrently onto the viewing screen for visually comparing the form of the test part against its specified form.

Abstract: A method of forming a combined feature boundary based on boundaries of first and second overlapping features includes dividing the boundaries of the first and second overlapping features into line segments of known shape, identifying crossing points formed by the line segments, calculating parametric coordinates of the crossing points, and determining a sequence of crossing point evaluation based on the parametric coordinates. The method also includes calculating first and second cross products based on the line segments forming first and second crossing points in the determined sequence, and choosing first and second paths of the combined feature boundary according to mathematical signs of the cross products, wherein the combined feature boundary includes the first and second crossing points and portions of at least one of the first and second feature boundaries defining the first and second paths.

Abstract: An illumination system shares portions of an objective of an optical inspection system. A plurality of beam-shaping optics collects light from a plurality of effective light sources and directs the light through a portion of the objective for illuminating an object under inspection. The objective includes a front relay lens, a rear relay lens, and an objective stop disposed between the front and rear relay lenses for collecting light scattered from the object and forming an image of the object with the collected light. The beam-shaping optics, which surround the objective stop, are arranged together with the associated effective light sources for non-uniformly distributing light within a range of angles required for illuminating the object.