Abstract: A vibration dampening system particularly for use in a gantry-type coordinate measuring machine. The vibration dampening system includes a vibration damper in the gantry structure, a vibration damper in the Z-rail, and means in the supports for the base for dampening vibrations, all of which work together cooperatively to damp vibrations in the coordinate measuring machine. The vibration damper in the gantry structure and in the Z-rail each comprises a substantial mass suspended by pads of material having high energy absorbence and a low rebound resilience. The vibration dampening means in the table means includes a layer of material which is highly energy absorbent and has a low rebound resiliency, and which is disposed between two rigid plates positioned between each supporting leg of the table and an underlying floor. The vibration dampening system is tuned to provide maximum energy absorbency at major modes of vibrations in the machine during acceleration and deceleration.

Abstract: A vibration damper disposed in a gantry-type coordinate measuring machine. The vibration damper includes a block having a substantial mass suspended from the moving gantry-type structure by highly energy absorbent pads having a low rebound resilience. The vibration damper is preferably spaced from the point at which the gantry-type structure is coupled to the drive therefor.

Abstract: A gas bearing system for maintaining high static stiffness while damping high and low frequency vibrations. The system includes a bearing shoe having a primary reservoir which is supplied with gas through a primary restrictor, and an auxiliary reservoir. A secondary restrictor couples the primary reservoir to the auxiliary reservoir. Gas passes through ports from the primary reservoir into the gap between the bearing surface of the bearing shoe and a bearing surface of a rail. The secondary restrictor has a resistance to flow of gas therethrough greater than the resistance to flow of gas through the ports but less than the resistance to flow of gas through the primary restrictor. This arrangement provides damping over a larger frequency range than is known in the prior art. Such a system is particularly suitable for use in a gantry-type coordinate measuring machine.