Abstract: A method for providing feedback to the operator of a portable coordinate measurement machine which comprises an articulated arm having jointed arm segments is presented. The method includes sensing deformation of a portion of the articulated arm when the arm is placed under a load, the deformation being an indication of the magnitude of the external force being applied to the arm, and providing feedback to the operator of the CMM in response to the sensed external forces.

Abstract: For an indicating device with a pointer, in which the pointer comprises a rotary pointer spindle 2 and a pointer vane 1 arranged radially on the pointer spindle 2, the pointer vane 1 being deflected according to a rotation of the pointer spindle 2, in addition to its ability to pivot as a result of the rotation of the pointer spindle 2, the pointer vane 1 is also rotatable about the axis 13 of its radial extent and the pointer vane 1 has at least two boundary surfaces 11a, 11b or 12a, 12b and 12c which can be distinguished from one another in their appearance.