Patents Assigned to Renishaw, PLC
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Publication number: 20120154576Abstract: A non-contact method of inspecting the topography of an area of an object via analysis of the phase of a pattern projected on the object. The method includes taking a first image of the object, obtained from a first perspective, on which an optical pattern is projected, and taking a second image of the object, obtained from a second perspective, on which an optical pattern is projected but in which the optical pattern, as it falls on the object, in the second image differs to that in the first image. The method further includes determining data describing the topography of at least a region of the object based on phase data relating to the phase of at least a region of the optical pattern as imaged in the first image. Phase data obtained from a corresponding region of the object as imaged in the second image is used to resolve any ambiguity in the phase or topography data obtained from the first image.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2010Publication date: June 21, 2012Applicant: RENISHAW PLCInventors: Nicholas John Weston, Yvonne Ruth Huddart
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Publication number: 20120150354Abstract: A machine tool that includes a first part that is moveable relative to a second part. The first part of the machine tool includes a calibration device having at least a first calibration artefact and a second calibration artefact. The second part of the machine tool includes a measurement probe. The method includes the step of using the measurement probe to measure the position of a plurality of points on the surface of each of the first and second calibration artefacts. These measurements are used to establish a position of the first calibration artefact and a position of the second calibration artefact. A reference measurement point is then defined for the calibration device that has a fixed position relative to the established positions of the first and second calibration artefacts. The calibration artefacts may include spheres.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 18, 2010Publication date: June 14, 2012Applicant: RENISHAW PLCInventors: David J. Rogers, James A. Hartley
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Patent number: 8195310Abstract: A machine tool program editor is used to insert auxiliary operations e.g. measurement, process control and program logic into a CNC work producing program. The editor has representations of the operations which can be placed in the correct position in the program. User input in the form of parameters is prompted when a representation is selected. The program is post processed and run on a machine tool whereat the operations are performed.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2005Date of Patent: June 5, 2012Assignee: Renishaw PLCInventors: John Charles Ould, Sam Hawke Whale, Kevin James Tett, Matthew James Powley, Alexander Edward Kane
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Patent number: 8186882Abstract: A method of fabricating a bearing surface for a gas or air bearing is described. The method comprises taking a bulk bearing portion having at least one bearing surface region and providing a coating on the bearing surface region to define at least one gas pocket). The at least one gas pocket has a depth substantially equal to the thickness of the coating. In one example, laser ablation is used to remove part of the coating to form the gas pockets. The coating may be an anodized coating and the bulk bearing portion may be formed from aluminium. An air bearing component formed using the method is also described.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2007Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Assignee: Renishaw PLCInventors: Hugo George Derrick, Stephen Paul Hunter, Brendan Noel Joseph Callinan
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Patent number: 8179526Abstract: In a Raman spectroscopy apparatus, exciting light is focussed on a sample (26) as a line focus 38. Spectra from points in the line focus are dispersed in rows 46 on a CCD detector 34, having a two-dimensional array of pixels. The line focus moves longitudinally in a direction Y (arrow 48) relative to the sample. Simultaneously and synchronously, charge is shifted in a parallel direction Y? (arrow 50) within the CCD, so that data from a given point in the sample continues to accumulate. This ensures that the data from each sample point arises from illumination which is integrated along the line focus, and makes it easier to stitch the data together subsequently to form an image of the sample. In order to provide averaging in the X direction during fast, low resolution scanning, the line focus is swept across the sample in a zig-zag fashion, between boundary lines 60.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2009Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Assignee: Renishaw PLCInventors: Robert Bennett, Ian P. Hayward, Brian J. E. Smith
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Patent number: 8141265Abstract: A metrological scale track comprising at least first and second metrological scale track strips. The at least first and second metrological scale track strips are held in a spaced apart relationship by at least one spacer. The at least one spacer is configured to be removed once the at least first and second metrological scale track strips have been secured to a substrate.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2009Date of Patent: March 27, 2012Assignee: Renishaw PLCInventors: Alexander David Scott Ellin, Wesley Andrew Heawood
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Patent number: 8144340Abstract: A surface sensing device for use in position determining apparatus has an elongate stylus with a tip for scanning the surface of a workpiece to be measured. Lateral displacements of the stylus tip are detected by a light beam which passes along the stylus from a light source to a retroreflector. This reflects the beam back via a beamsplitter to a position sensitive detector. The stylus is mounted for longitudinal displacement on a carriage. The longitudinal displacement is measured by another light beam projected by the beamsplitter onto a second position sensitive detector.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2010Date of Patent: March 27, 2012Assignee: Renishaw PLCInventors: Geoffrey McFarland, Kevyn Barry Jonas
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Publication number: 20120072170Abstract: A method of operating a vision measurement probe for obtaining and supplying images of an object to be measured. The vision measurement probe is mounted on a continuous articulating head of a coordinate positioning apparatus, and the continuous articulating head having at least one rotational axis. The object and vision measurement probe can be moved relative to each other about the at least one rotational axis and in at least one linear degree of freedom during a measuring operation. The method includes: processing at least one image obtained by the vision measurement probe to obtain feedback data; and controlling the physical relationship between the vision measurement probe and the object based on said feedback data.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2010Publication date: March 22, 2012Applicant: RENISHAW PLCInventors: Alexander David McKendrick, Ian William McLean, Calum Conner McLean, Nicholas John Weston, Timothy Charles Featherstone
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Publication number: 20120072169Abstract: A method of operating a position encoder apparatus, including a scale having features defining position information and a readhead for reading the scale. The method includes: calculating extrapolated position information from at least one previous reading of the scale; comparing an extrapolated position with a position calculated from a reading of the scale to determine any discrepancy between them; using the extrapolated position information whether or not there is a discrepancy; and maintaining a record of any discrepancies.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2010Publication date: March 22, 2012Applicant: RENISHAW PLCInventor: Andrew Paul Gribble
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Patent number: 8140287Abstract: A probe for measuring the dimensions of objects on a coordinate positioning machine such as a machine tool has a workpiece-contacting stylus. This is suspended via a sensor mechanism, including strain gauges which provide an output when the stylus contacts a workpiece. A processor processes the strain gauge outputs to produce a trigger signal. It does so in accordance with an algorithm or equation or look-up table which ensures equal sensitivity in all possible directions of approach to the workpiece in the three dimensions X, Y, Z.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2010Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignee: Renishaw PlcInventors: Tim Prestidge, Jonathan Paul Fuge
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Publication number: 20120060385Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring a surface using a surface sensing device mounted on a scanning head on a member of a coordinate positioning apparatus. The coordinate positioning apparatus may be operated to produce relative movement between the scanning head and the surface profile and the scanning head includes a drive for producing rotational movement of the surface sensing probe about one or more axis. The coordinate positioning apparatus is driven to provide relative movement between the member and the surface profile in a circular path and the scanning head is driven to move the surface sensing device about said one or more axes, such that the surface sensing device maintains a nominally constant lead angle. The motion of the coordinate positioning apparatus and scanning head is synchronous.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 25, 2011Publication date: March 15, 2012Applicant: RENISHAW PLCInventors: Stephen Paul Hunter, Geoffrey McFarland, Kevyn Barry Jonas, Khaled Mamour
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Publication number: 20120041740Abstract: The surface of a dental part is scanned by a probe, to obtain a digital model of the surface in a dental CAD computer system. In the digital model, first and second boundary lines are defined, above and below a portion in which the scanned data is missing or unsatisfactory. One of the boundary lines may correspond to a margin line between prepared and unprepared portions of the patient's tooth. A transition surface is generated in the computer system, extending between the first and second boundary lines. This improves the representation of the dental part in the digital model, which may subsequently be used for manufacture of a dental restoration.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2011Publication date: February 16, 2012Applicant: RENISHAW PLCInventors: David BEEBY, Iain AINSWORTH, Ram Kumar REVANUR, Geoffrey David RAYNER
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Publication number: 20120025812Abstract: A scanning device for a position encoder is provided that comprises a plurality of sensor elements for generating a plurality of sensor signals. A summation unit is also provided for generating at least a first summation signal and a second summation signal that provide information on the relative alignment of the scanning device and an associated scale. The first summation signal is generated from a first subset of the plurality of sensor signals and the second summation signal is generated from a second subset of the plurality of sensor signals. The plurality of sensor elements are substantially evenly spaced apart from one another N and sensor elements are provided per period of an associated scale, wherein N is an integer value and a multiple of three and four. In this manner, the third harmonic contribution to the summation signals is suppressed.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2010Publication date: February 2, 2012Applicants: RENISHAW PLC, RLS MERILNA TEHNIKA D.O.O.Inventor: Gregor Dolsak
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Publication number: 20120025066Abstract: A position encoder kit, including: a scale comprising a series of position features; and a readhead. The readhead includes a detector for receiving configuration information from a configuration item. The readhead is configured to operate in accordance with the configuration information. The readhead also includes a receiver interface via which the readhead can supply position information to a receiver.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 8, 2010Publication date: February 2, 2012Applicant: RENISHAW PLCInventors: Iain R. Gordon-Ingram, Andrew P. Gribble, Simon E. McAdam
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Publication number: 20120007980Abstract: A position encoder apparatus, including a scale having a series of position features; and a readhead configured to read the series of position features via a snapshot capture process. The snapshot capture process is adaptable so as to compensate for the relative speed between the scale and readhead.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 8, 2010Publication date: January 12, 2012Applicant: RENISHAW PLCInventors: Iain R. Gordon-Ingram, Andrew P. Gribble
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Publication number: 20110316527Abstract: A readhead is provided for reading an absolute scale, optionally a passive magnetic scale, that encodes a series of data bits. The readhead includes a plurality of sensors, such as an array of Hall sensors, for producing a plurality of sensor signals. A plurality of signal combiners are also provided to receive at least two of the sensor signals and produce therefrom a combined sensor signal. A plurality of data bit extractors are arranged to receive at least two combined sensor signals and to determine the value of a data bit encoded in an associated absolute scale. The readhead also comprises an incremental signal generator for generating at least one incremental signal from the combined sensor signals produced by a plurality of the signal combiners. In this manner, both absolute and incremental position is measured.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2010Publication date: December 29, 2011Applicants: RENISHAW PLC, RLS MERILNA TEHNIKA D.O.O.Inventors: Gregor Dolsak, Aljaz Ogrin, Matjaz Janezic
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Publication number: 20110316566Abstract: An apparatus for digitising an impedance is provided that comprises a first impedance element having a first impedance that varies with a property to be measured and a second impedance element having a second impedance. The apparatus also includes a drive signal generator for applying a first alternating drive signal to the first impedance element and a second alternating drive signal to the second impedance element. An analogue-to-digital converter, ADC, receives a resultant signal comprising the combination of the signals produced by the application of the first and second alternating drive signals to the first and second impedance elements. The first alternating drive signal is phase shifted relative to the second alternating drive signal such that the resultant signal received and sampled by the ADC sequentially relates to the sum of, and the difference between, the first and second impedances.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2010Publication date: December 29, 2011Applicant: RENISHAW PLCInventor: David Kenneth Thomas
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Patent number: 8074369Abstract: A pivot joint has a first structure comprising a ball mounted in a receptacle, wherein the location of the ball is held with respect to the receptacle, and a second structure mounted on and movable with respect to the ball, wherein the second structure has at least one bearing surface which defines its position with respect to the ball. The ball may be held in location by contact with the receptacle at at least two positions. At least one of the positions of contact may be adjustable.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2009Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Assignee: Renishaw PLCInventor: David Roberts McMurtry
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Publication number: 20110291343Abstract: A billet holder comprising a base and a frame is described. The base and frame are connectable, and when connected are relatively moveable between an open configuration when a billet may be inserted or removed from the billet holder and, a closed configuration when a billet is retained within the billet holder. A billet for being retained within a billet holder, said billet having one or more orientation feature, is also described. The billet may have essentially a D-shape. Further described is a method of manufacture of an article from a billet.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2010Publication date: December 1, 2011Applicant: RENISHAW PLCInventors: David Roberts McMurtry, Mark Stephen James Forman
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Patent number: RE43250Abstract: Disclosed is a method of moving an articulating mechanism (22,410) for a measuring device, comprising the steps of: releasing two bodies (14,16, 410a,410b) which form the articulating mechanism allowing relative movement thereof; moving one of the bodies with respect to the other until a desired position is reached; and re-constraining the two bodies so they are relatively fixed, perhaps as part of a locking process, characterised in that relative movement prior to re-constraining at the desired position occurs under particular conditions. The particular conditions including moving from the same direction; and stopping, slowing down or maintaining the condition at a position adjacent to the desired position. Also disclosed is a method of positioning an articulating mechanism (22,410) for a measuring device which is controlled by a potentiometer and a controller (11) for a measuring device.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2010Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignee: Renishaw plcInventors: Peter G. Lloyd, David S. Wallace, David R. McMurtry, James L. Chase, David Jones
