Patents Assigned to Renishaw, PLC
  • Encoder Error Determination
    Publication number: 20090095892
    Abstract: A rideheight sensing device is described for providing a measure of the separation between the readhead portion and the scale of an encoder. The rideheight sensing device comprises a rideheight sensor that is located at, or is attachable to, the readhead portion of an encoder. The temporary, or permanent, attachment of such a device to the readhead portion of an encoder is also described. In a preferred embodiment, a rotary encoder is described and the rideheight sensing device is used to measure the eccentricity thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2006
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Applicant: Renishaw PLC
    Inventors: Ivor John Summers, Michael Homer
  • Method Of Determining Measurement Probe Orientation
    Publication number: 20090099803
    Abstract: A dimensional measurement probe (10) is mounted in a machine tool (48), which reorientates the probe about at least one axis A. Strain gauges (34) sense when a stylus (20) of the probe contacts a workpiece (50), to produce a trigger signal. False trigger signals may be produced when the probe is reorientated. To overcome this, the reorientation is detected by monitoring changes in the fluctuations of the strain gauge outputs, caused by vibrations of the stylus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2006
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Applicant: RENISHAW PLC
    Inventors: Jonathan Paul Fuge, Michael John Wooldridge, Jamie John Buckingham, Peter Kenneth Hellier
  • Power and/or Signal Paths for a Machine Tool Accessory
    Publication number: 20090080990
    Abstract: A tool shank (18;38;138) is described that comprises a spindle attachment portion (20) that is removably attachable to the rotatable spindle (12) of a machine tool (10), a shank body portion (21;121) which extends beyond the end of the spindle when the tool shank (18;38;138) is attached to the spindle (12) of a machine tool (10) and the first part (26;38;148) of a separable electrical coupling (22;132). The shank body portion comprises a feature (28;128) suitable for engagement with a tool change device (29) and the first part (26;38;148) of the separable electrical coupling (22;132) is located on the shank body portion (21;121) between the feature (28;128) and the spindle attachment portion (20). A machine tool (10), and a kit for retrofitting a machine tool (10), that comprise the second part (24;148) of the separable electrical coupling (22;132) are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2006
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Applicant: Renishaw PLC
    Inventors: David Roberts McMurtry, Geoffrey McFarland, David Kenneth Thomas
  • Metrology instruments
    Patent number: 7506455
    Abstract: A metrology instrument, such as a probe, probe head, stylus or stylus arm, for mounting on a coordinate position apparatus. The metrology instrument is at least partially constructed from at least one sheet of thermally stable metallic material which is folded to form a three dimensional structure. The at least one sheet of thermally stable material is utilized in the metrology loop of the metrology instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Renishaw PLC
    Inventors: Stephen Paul Hunter, Hugo George Derrick, David Roberts McMurtry
  • Rotary Encoder Apparatus and Method
    Publication number: 20090072130
    Abstract: Rotary encoder apparatus is described that comprises an encoder scale or ring and an encoder scale reader. The encoder scale includes an incremental scale and one or more reference marks. The encoder scale reader comprises at least a first readhead and a second readhead that each produce a reference mark signal when passed over a reference mark of the encoder scale. The apparatus also comprises a reference position setter for determining, as the encoder scale reader is rotated relative to the encoder scale, at least one angularly repeatable reference position of the encoder scale relative to the encoder scale reader using a first reference mark signal produced by the first readhead and second reference mark signal subsequently produced by the second readhead.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2007
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Applicant: RENISHAW PLC
    Inventors: Joel Barnabas Chase, Thomas John Stickland, Peter Geoffrey Holden
  • Scale and Readhead System
    Publication number: 20090064524
    Abstract: A method of calibrating a scale measurement apparatus. A scale has scale markings arranged to form an incremental pattern and at least one scale mark. A readhead has an incremental detector means which produces an output signal and a scale mark detector means for producing a signal having a zero crossing. The readhead is moved relative to the scale. The output from the incremental detector is used to determine a predetermined phase in the output signal and the value of the signal from the scale mark detector corresponding to the predetermined phase in the output signal from the incremental detector on either side of the zero crossing is determined. These values are used to define the width of the scale mark pulse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2006
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Applicant: RENISHAW PLC
    Inventor: Colin Keith Howley
  • Measurement probe systems for co-ordinate positioning apparatus
    Publication number: 20090070585
    Abstract: A measurement probe, such as a touch trigger measurement probe, is described that comprises a measurement portion for measuring an object and a data transfer portion for receiving data from and/or transmitting data to an associated unit. The measurement device also comprises an authentication module for verifying the authenticity of the associated unit. The authentication module may include a processor for running a one-way hash algorithm. Authenticity may be established using a challenge and response authentication process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Applicant: RENISHAW PLC
    Inventors: Tim Prestidge, Jonathan P. Fuge, Peter K. Hellier, John Styles, Jamie Buckingham
  • Absolute position measurement
    Patent number: 7499827
    Abstract: An absolute measurement scale has an incremental scale with light reflecting lines alternating with non-light reflecting lines in which absolute data, in the form of discrete codewords, is embedded in the incremental scale by removing light reflecting lines. The codewords are arranged such that the scale is palindromic and cyclic. A look-up table is used to determine a coarse absolute position by comparing absolute position data extracted from the scale with absolute codewords in the look-up table. The absolute position is determined by combining the coarse absolute position with the position of the start of the first codeword in the data extracted. The absolute position may be determined to within a scale pitch by combining the absolute position with the incremental position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Renishaw PLC
    Inventor: Iain Robert Gordon-Ingram
  • Method of path planning
    Publication number: 20090055118
    Abstract: A method for planning the trajectory of an apparatus, such as an articulating probe head, mounted on a coordinate positioning apparatus, such as a CMM. It is determined whether for a given trajectory, the angular velocity or acceleration of the apparatus about a rotational axis of the apparatus will exceed a predetermined threshold. If so, parameters are adjusted so that the angular velocity or acceleration do not exceed the threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2006
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Applicant: RENISHAW PLC
    Inventors: Ian William McLean, Geoffrey McFarland, David Sven Wallace
  • Tool Detection
    Publication number: 20090051933
    Abstract: An object detection apparatus and a method for calibrating an object detection apparatus. The apparatus comprises a housing provided with a light source and a light detector. The light source directs a beam of light towards the light detector. The housing has a base which is provided with a datum surface. The light beam has a defined distance and angle from the datum base. The method for calibrating an object detection apparatus involves setting threshold levels for light intensity received at the light detector. The apparatus has two modes of operation. The invention also includes an adapter for an object detection apparatus which detects the presence of an object by obstructing a light path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Applicant: Renishaw PLC
    Inventors: Victor Gordon Stimpson, William Kenneth Davies
  • Signal transmission apparatus for a measurement probe
    Publication number: 20090049704
    Abstract: A measurement probe (12, 110, 250), such as a touch trigger or analogue probe, is described that comprises a deflectable stylus portion (14) and a wireless communications unit (18) for transmitting stylus deflection data to a remote probe interface (20, 104, 254). The wireless communications unit (18) is arranged to transmit digital data packets comprising stylus deflection data and a probe identity code. The wireless communications unit (18) allows said probe identity code to be set by a user. The measurement probe (12, 110, 250) may communicate with an associated probe interface (20, 104, 254) over a radio frequency (RF) spread spectrum link (106).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2006
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Applicant: RENISHAW PLC
    Inventors: John Styles, Martin Adrian Woollett, Tim Prestidge
  • Rf coil assembly for use in magnetic resonance imaging
    Publication number: 20090048508
    Abstract: An RF coil assembly for use with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus is described. The RF coil assembly comprises one or more coil elements capable of receiving electromagnetic radiation and is capable of being directly attached to a stereotactic base ring. The RF coil assembly may comprise a localiser box having fiducial markers. A corresponding attachment apparatus is also described for optimising the attachment position of a stereotactic base ring to a subject's head. The attachment apparatus comprises one or more fixing elements that allow the attachment apparatus to be releasably attached to a stereotactic base ring. In one embodiment, the internal dimensions of the attachment apparatus are selected to be substantially the same as the internal dimensions of an RF coil assembly. Corresponding methods are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2006
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Applicant: RENISHAW PLC
    Inventors: Steven Streatfield Gill, Mathew David Frederick Stratton
  • Surface sensing device with optical sensor
    Publication number: 20090040534
    Abstract: A surface sensing device for use in position determining apparatus has an elongate stylus (74) with a tip (82) 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 (66) to a retroreflector (78). This reflects the beam back via a beamsplitter (70) to a position sensitive detector (76). The stylus is mounted for longitudinal displacement on a carriage (72). The longitudinal displacement is measured by another light beam projected by the beamsplitter (70) onto a second position sensitive detector (84).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2006
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Applicant: RENISHAW PLC
    Inventors: Geoffrey McFarland, Kevyn Barry Jonas
  • Deactivatable measurement apparatus
    Publication number: 20090034677
    Abstract: Measurement apparatus is described that comprises a measurement portion for acquiring object measurements and an output portion (for outputting measurement data relating to the acquired object measurements. A deactivation portion is provided for inhibiting normal operation of the measurement apparatus such that output of the measurement data is prevented. The deactivation portion, in use, reads apparatus usage information from an apparatus usage module and inhibits normal operation of the measurement apparatus if said apparatus usage information fails to meet one or more predetermined criteria. The apparatus usage module may be provided as an integral part of the measurement apparatus or as a separate activation button. The measurement apparatus may comprise a measurement probe such as a touch trigger measurement probe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: RENISHAW PLC
    Inventors: Tim Prestidge, Jonathan P. Fuge, Stuart K. Campbell
  • Method of Scale Manufacture
    Publication number: 20090032506
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for the manufacture of a metrological scale comprises a scale substrate (18), at least one laser (20) for producing scale markings on the scale substrate (18), a sensor (30) to detect the depth of the scale markings produced on the scale substrate (18), and a feedback system which uses data from the sensor (30) to adjust parameters of the system to produce scale markings with the desired depth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2006
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: Renishaw PLC
    Inventors: David Roberts McMurtry, Geoffrey McFarland, Alexander David Scott Ellin
  • Machine tool probe
    Patent number: 7486195
    Abstract: A probe has internal circuitry capable of operating in a plurality of different modes, for example a variety of filter modes and turn off modes. A switch on the probe sends an input to a controller which is arranged to set the mode in response to operation of the switch. The switch may be a push button which is operated externally of the probe by means of an actuator in the form of a plunger. The probe has a workpiece-contacting stylus mounted on a seat from which it is deflectable. The stylus and the seat may comprise the switch. An indicator, e.g., an LED, indicates the mode in response to an output from the controller. The controller outputs a plurality of indications of different modes in a sequence and a mode is selected by operating the switch once the desired mode is indicated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Renishaw PLC
    Inventors: David Collingwood, Jonathan Paul Fuge, Geoffrey Salt
  • Method for Scanning the Surface of a Workpiece
    Publication number: 20090025463
    Abstract: A measurement system has a surface sensing device mounted on an articulating probe head, which in turn is mounted on a coordinate positioning apparatus. The surface sensing device is moved relative to a surface by driving at least one of the coordinate positioning apparatus and probe head in at least one axis to scan the surface. The surface sensing device measures its distance from the surface and the probe head is driven to rotate the surface sensing device about at least one axis in order to control the relative position of the surface sensing device from the surface to within a predetermined range in real time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2006
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: RENISHAW PLC
    Inventors: Geoffrey McFarland, Kenneth Cheng Hoe Nai, Nicholas John Weston, Ian William McLean
  • Measurement apparatus and a method of using measurement apparatus
    Publication number: 20090028286
    Abstract: A method of measurement using a measurement probe system includes the steps of (i) providing a measurement probe system having a measurement probe to a user, the measurement probe system being suitable for use with co-ordinate positioning apparatus and (ii) monitoring usage of the measurement probe system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: RENISHAW PLC
    Inventors: Tim Prestidge, Jonathan P. Fuge, Stephen E. Lummes, Stuart K. Campbell
  • Articulating Probe Head Apparatus and Method
    Publication number: 20090025244
    Abstract: Apparatus for a co-ordinate positioning machine is described that comprises an articulating probe head for supporting a measurement probe. The articulating probe head comprises at least one electric motor. Heating means are provided for generating heat in the articulating probe head. The heating means may be the motors or discrete heating elements. Temperature sensing means, such as one or more temperature sensors, is also provided for determining the temperature at the articulating probe head. The apparatus allows the temperature of the articulating probe head to be controlled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2007
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: Renishaw PLC
    Inventors: Kevyn Barry Jonas, Geoffrey Mcfarland, Nicholas John Weston, Colin Ray Bulled
  • Modular Measurement probe
    Publication number: 20090025243
    Abstract: A measurement probe, such as a touch trigger probe, is described that comprises a stylus module attachable to a base module. The stylus module comprising a housing and a stylus holder moveably attached to the housing. The base module comprises a measurement portion for generating measurement data indicative of movement of the stylus holder relative to the housing. The stylus module has an inbuilt failure mode and thereby a substantially predetermined operational lifetime. In one embodiment, the inbuilt failure mode is provided by integrating a battery into the stylus module. Providing a mechanical failure mode in which a component of the stylus module catastrophically fails after a certain amount of usage is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: RENISHAW PLC
    Inventors: Tim Prestidge, Jonathan P. Fuge, Stephen E. Lummes, Stuart K. Campbell