Abstract: The invention relates to an articulated-arm three-dimensional measurement apparatus having a plurality of articulation axes with angle encoders integrated in said arms for individually measuring the angles of rotation about each of said articulation axes. In accordance with the invention, at least one of the arms (4; 5) of the apparatus (1) includes a hollow tube (4.11; 5.

Abstract: The invention relates to an articulated-arm three-dimensional measurement apparatus having a plurality of articulation axes with angle encoders integrated in said arms for individually measuring the angles of rotation about each of said articulation axes. In accordance with the invention, at least one of the arms (4; 5) of the apparatus (1) includes a hollow tube (4.11; 5.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for machining mechanical parts by means of a hollow cylindrical tool presenting a distal end with a free edge that is shaped to perform machining when said tool is rotated about its axis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for identifying the position of a machine for three-dimensional measuring or machining in a fixed frame of reference. In accordance with the invention, the system comprises: a first base for resting at an identified point on a support wall associated with the machine stand, said base being provided on its top with a bearing platform; a second base identical to the first base, for resting at an identified point on a support surface associated with the fixed frame of reference; and a multi-axis assembly having two hinged arms that are coupled together, and having two endpieces coupled to said arms, each endpiece having a main axis that coincides with the central axis of the corresponding base when said endpiece is in place, said multi-axis assembly also being fitted with integrated angle encoders measuring the respective angles of rotation about each of its axes.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of determining a horizontal profile line defined by walls that are essentially vertical, by using a pointer having two calibrated reference points, the method comprising the following successive steps: a) placing the pointer horizontally in contact with a point on the profile line to be determined; b) from an origin point, measuring in succession the lengths of segments joining the origin point to each reference point, and also the angle between the two segments; c) deducing by calculation the coordinates of the contact point in the associated horizontal plane, and storing said coordinates; and reiterating steps a), b), c) for a plurality of points on the profile line to be determined, including at least the angle points situated at the intersections between said essentially vertical walls. The invention also provides apparatus for implementing the above method.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for identifying the position of a machine for three-dimensional measuring or machining in a fixed frame of reference. In accordance with the invention, the system comprises: a first base for resting at an identified point on a support wall associated with the machine stand, said base being provided on its top with a bearing platform; a second base identical to the first base, for resting at an identified point on a support surface associated with the fixed frame of reference; and a multi-axis assembly having two hinged arms that are coupled together, and having two endpieces coupled to said arms, each endpiece having a main axis that coincides with the central axis of the corresponding base when said endpiece is in place, said multi-axis assembly also being fitted with integrated angle encoders measuring the respective angles of rotation about each of its axes.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of determining a horizontal profile line defined by walls that are essentially vertical, by using a pointer having two calibrated reference points, the method comprising the following successive steps: a) placing the pointer horizontally in contact with a point on the profile line to be determined; b) from an origin point, measuring in succession the lengths of segments joining the origin point to each reference point, and also the angle between the two segments; c) deducing by calculation the coordinates of the contact point in the associated horizontal plane, and storing said coordinates; and reiterating steps a), b), c) for a plurality of points on the profile line to be determined, including at least the angle points situated at the intersections between said essentially vertical walls. The invention also provides apparatus for implementing the above method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for machining mechanical parts by means of a hollow cylindrical tool presenting a distal end with a free edge that is shaped to perform machining when said tool is rotated about its axis.

Abstract: The contact sensor of the hinged arm of a measurement machine for taking measurements in three dimensions is replaced by a light sensor secured at the same position. A first position-marking axis defined by a light beam emitted by an emitter disposed in a first position is used to determine a first vector by two measured points. The emitter is moved in a plane so as to take up a second position, and a second position-marking axis defined by the light beam of said emitter is used by measuring a point on the second axis. The projection [O.sub.1 ] of the second axis point onto the first position-marking axis is then used to enable a frame of reference [O.sub.1 X, O.sub.1 Y, O.sub.1 Z] to be established.

Abstract: The measurement apparatus comprises a stand supporting a series of measurement segments hinged to one another and having angular position sensors for sensing the angular positions of the measurement segments, a series of hinged support segments adjacent to the measurement segments, link members fixed to the support segments and engaged at least partially around the measurement segments to support them in a direction opposing the force of gravity, and assistance members acting on the support members to counter the force of gravity.