Abstract: An assembly for connecting a measuring tool to a measuring head moved by a measuring robot and having an output member rotating at least about one axis; the assembly having three supports located peripherally with respect to the axis and defining an isostatic constraint between the output member and a connecting portion for connecting the tool to the head; the assembly having releasable locking means interposed between the connecting portion of the tool and the output member; and the releasable locking means having engaging means located substantially along the axis, and a pneumatic actuating member cooperating with and for controlling release of the engaging means.

Abstract: An assembly for connecting a measuring head to a measuring robot, the assembly having a flange integral with a supporting member of the measuring robot; isostatic supporting elements interposed between the measuring head and the flange; and a rotary ring nut carried by the flange and movable between an angular position permitting insertion of the head, and an angular position locking the head; the ring nut having elastic elements generating a preload on the isostatic supporting elements; and the isostatic supporting elements defining respective switches of an electric circuit forming part of a safety system for detecting shock on the head.

Abstract: To determine the measuring uncertainty of a coordinate measuring machine, a real measurement is first made of a workpiece, with any compensation provided for on the machine disabled, to obtain a measured value of one or more required quantities; a predetermined number of simulation cycles are then performed according to the Monte Carlo method to statistically vary a given number of influence parameters affecting the measurement and generate simulated values of the required quantity; and the measuring uncertainty value is determined by statistically analyzing the deviations between the simulated values and the measured value.

Abstract: A supporting element having a base positionable on a table of a measuring machine; a rod in turn having a vertical axis, and which is fitted to the base and movable axially to adjust the height of the supporting element; and an end portion fitted to the rod and cooperating with a position reference fixture moved by the machine; the supporting element also having locking means interposed between the rod and the end portion, and which are releasable to permit a limited amount of movement of the end portion with respect to the rod when configuring the supporting element.

Abstract: A fixture for positioning and supporting parts for measurement on a measuring machine, the fixture presenting a number of reconfigurable supporting elements, each presenting a first portion positionable on a reference surface of the measuring machine, a second portion positionable in relation to the first portion in a direction perpendicular to the reference surface, and clamping members for clamping the first portion in relation to the reference surface and the second portion in relation to the first portion; and a gripping tool movable automatically by the measuring machine and cooperating with the second portion of a supporting element in a position of mutual engagement to set the supporting element in a predetermined position; the gripping tool presenting control means, which, in the aforementioned position of mutual engagement, provide for simultaneously releasing the clamping members clamping the first portion and second portion of the supporting element to enable the supporting element to be reposition

Abstract: A fixture for positioning and supporting parts for measurement on a measuring machine, the fixture including a number of reconfigurable supporting elements, each having a base positionable automatically on a reference surface of the measuring machine by a head of the machine itself, and a column, which is adjustable in height by means of a reference tool, and is subsequently fitted to a respective base.

Abstract: A measuring machine includes a base, a portal movable on the base along a first horizontal axis and having a cross-member extending along a second horizontal axis perpendicular to the first, a carriage carried by the cross-member and movable along the second axis on a guide formed on the cross-member, and a measuring head carried by the carriage and movable relative thereto along a third, vertical axis; the guide defines a main slide plane inclined at 45.degree.

Abstract: An assembly for supporting and guiding a movable member of a machine along an axis "X" relative to a support member of the machine. The assembly includes first and second slide surfaces on the support member lying in planes which intersect with each other and extend parallel to the "X" axis, a pair of pneumatic bearing pads are fixed to the movable member and are slidable on respective slide surfaces. A third slide surface is formed on the support member and extends parallel to the "X" axis in a plane inclined to the planes including the first and second slide surfaces. A third bearing pad is fixed to the movable member and is slidable on the third surface in an arrangement to balance the loads exerted by the first and second bearing pads.

Abstract: A pneumatic coupling for connecting a driven machine member, such as a gantry type carriage of a measuring machine, to a drive member whereby the driven member is moved along a given axis; the coupling substantially comprising a bracket integral with the driven member and defining two facing wallsperpendicular to the aforementioned axis; and a drive element integral with the drive memberand located between the walls of the bracket via the interposition of respective air padsfitted to the walls via respective spherical supports.

Abstract: The present invention provides a computer controlled robotic arm unit having a fixed body and a carriage which is linearly movable to the fixed body along a first horizontal orthogonal cartesian axis. An elongated column is vertically movably mounted to the carriage along a second vertical cartesian axis while an elongated arm is carried at the upper end of the column. This arm includes a work performing member at one end and is linearly movable along a third and substantially horizontal orthogonal cartesian axis which is perpendicular to the first axis.