Abstract: The invention is directed to a probe for coordinate measuring apparatus. The apparatus includes measuring systems (15, 16, 17) for measuring the deviation of the flexible part (10) of the probe and a damping device damps the flexible part (10) of the probe. The damping device is embodied as at least one friction brake (19, 27) and the friction force of the friction brake is adjustable. The flexible part (10) of the probe can also be blocked by the friction brake (19, 27).

Abstract: The invention is directed to a probe for coordinate measuring apparatus. The apparatus includes measuring systems (15, 16, 17) for measuring the deviation of the flexible part (10) of the probe and a damping device damps the flexible part (10) of the probe. The damping device is embodied as at least one friction brake (19, 27) and the friction force of the friction brake is adjustable. The flexible part (10) of the probe can also be blocked by the friction brake (19, 27).

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for determining the weight of a probe of a coordinate measuring machine wherein the probe is connected to a probe head (1) of the machine. The machine includes a control unit and the weight of the probe (3) is preferably statically determined without active control of the movement of the probe. Signals from the probe (3) and/or the probe head (1) are supplied to the control unit (51).

Abstract: The invention is directed to a probe head of the measuring type equipped with measuring force generators (15 to 17) for the generation of measuring forces of pregiven magnitude and direction. The probe head further includes a system for arresting or clamping the displaceable part 10 of the probe head in preselectable directions. The measuring force generators are arranged directly on the displaceable parts (4, 9, 10) of the guide units for the different deflection directions (x, y, z). The arresting or clamping system is implemented in the form of an electronic control circuit which applies a signal to the force generators (15 to 17) which is opposite to the deflection of the displaceable part 10. In addition, the probe head includes a system for damping the displaceable part. This damping system operates also on an electromagnetic basis with the aid of the measuring force generators configured as plunger coils.

Abstract: At least one of the surfaces of the glass or glass-ceramic graduated-scale support (12) of a measuring device is drawn toward a corresponding surface of the guide part (11) by the capillary action of a liquid film (13). The graduated-scale support floats without friction on this liquid film and is secured against floating away laterally by low-friction stops (16-18) which can also be formed of the liquid film itself or suitable shaping of graduated-scale support and of the guide part to which it is mounted. The graduated-scale support advantageously consists of a material having a precisely known small coefficient of thermal expansion, such as quartz glass, or of a material having a negligibly small coefficient of expansion, such as the commercially available glass ceramic material known as Zerodur. By these measures, length or other measurement errors attributable to thermal effects are minimized.

Abstract: A probe head for coordinate-measuring instruments has a torsionally rigid, play-free and friction-free probe-suspension system which defines a three-dimensional coordinate system, wherein a probe pin is deflectable in all three directions in space. In order to be able to use the probe pin completely independent of its orientation, a separate taring device provides taring adjustment for each of the three coordinate axes in space. The taring device automatically sets the zero position of the suspension system in any orientation of the probe head, and for any change in orientation. In this connection, it is particularly advantageous to develop each taring device from two springs which are preloaded to act in opposition upon an element which is gravitationally deflected upon any change in probe-head orientation; to reach the zero position detected by an indicator, i.e., to effect the taring adjustment, provision is made for adjustment of the preload force of at least one of these springs.

Abstract: A probe head for a coordinate-measuring instrument has a torsionally rigid, play-free and friction-free probe-suspension system which defines a three-dimensional coordinate system wherein the work-contact pin of the probe is deflectable in all three directions in space. For each of the three coordinate directions, an incrementally operating displacement-measuring system is provided, and each such system is associated with a zero indicator for recognition of the zero position of the system. Upon initial contact of the probe with the object to be measured, a trigger pulse is produced via a sensor. A subsequent electronic system processes the different signals delivered by the probe head so that optional operation is available either as a switching probe head or as a measuring probe head.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a so-called switching probe head in which the movable element of the probe has a tensed at-rest position on support structure which determines its zero position and from which it is displaced upon work contact.To increase the accuracy by which the zero position of the probe element (2, 4) is reproduced, the probe element is suspended, without friction, from a housing part (1) of the probe head, via at least three filaments (5a, b, c), wires or flexible strips. For torsionally rigid centering of the probe element, friction-free wire or strip arrangements are also usable; and torsional-rigid alternatives include use of a bellows (3) or of balls having rolling contact with opposing walls of centering grooves.

Abstract: A tailstock for rotatably supporting a workpiece on a machine bed. The tailstock includes a vertical column fixed at the machine bed which has first and second regions. The second region of the column is coaxial with the first region and pivotally mounted to the first region. An offset arm extends laterally from the vertical column and carries a center for engaging the workpiece. The offset arm has an opening for accommodating the regions of the vertical column and is longitudinally displaceable thereon. The offset arm is pivotable when disposed at the second region and non-pivotable when disposed at the first region to dispose same in repeatable precision relation to the machine bed.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a plain bearing which is guided on a prismatic rail (9) and in which the bearing elements are rollers (25 to 28) having longitudinal axes oriented parallel to the guidance direction. These rollers (25 to 28) are resiliently retained on the guided part (4), as by means of an adhesive (33), thereby permitting all rollers to have an incrementally small range of rotational displaceability.In the circumstance of force which results in twisting of the bearing portion about the guide axis, the bearing members (25, 28) can roll within small ranges on the guide (9). After eliminating such a force, the bearing returns to its basic angular position with high precision, by reason of the relatively low coefficient of rolling friction, as compared with the relatively high coefficient sliding friction which would otherwise characterize the displacement.

Abstract: The invention contemplates an anti-friction bearing wherein the inner raceway for a complement of rolling elements is ground directly in the shaft which is to have anti-friction support. The outer raceway is provided in the bore of a relatively thin-wall outer ring which is locally split, as by an axial slit. The outer ring is compliantly widened at the split, to permit introduction of the complement of rolling elements through the widened slit; the outer ring is then relaxed for circumferential engagement of all rolling elements, whereupon the outer ring is clamped tight against the shaft without play by means of a tensed circumferential wrap of spring-steel wires or bands. Thereafter, the wrapped bearing is bedded via jointing agents in the bore of a bearing housing.

Abstract: A ball-race shoe contains plural adjacent endless rows of rotating balls. Balls of adjacent rows are in mutual contact and are staggered with respect to each other to a longitudinal extent equal to the radius of a ball. The arrangement packs the balls as densely as possible so that, with dimensions comparable to those of known devices, both load-carrying capacity and useful life are optimized.A flat bevel or ramp in the inlet and outlet regions of the otherwise flat load-bearing support plate prevents short-period synchronization errors in the rolling action of individual balls of the ball-race shoe.

Abstract: The invention contemplates an improved work-contacting probe for use in a measuring machine wherein the relationship between contacted locations on a workpiece are reduced to coordinate digital data. The various described probe embodiments feature means whereby positional errors due to probe flexure upon work contact are substantially reduced, as compared to pre-existing structures.