Abstract: Various embodiments enable batch inspection of a plurality of workpieces by and inspection instrument such as a coordinate measuring machine. Some embodiments present user interfaces, including graphical user interfaces, to enable an operator to configure a batch inspection system and a batch inspection job, and to monitor and control execution of a batch inspection job.

Abstract: A drawer opening system includes a hitch on a robot arm, and a block assembly disposed within a cavity on an external face of a first drawer, such that the hitch is configured to approach the external face of the drawer, enter the recess, and securely engage the block assembly within the cavity. In illustrative embodiments, when not engaged with the hitch, no part of the block assembly extends beyond the external face of the drawer such that it would impede access of a robot to a second open drawer disposed beneath the first drawer.

Abstract: Illustrative embodiments provide a method by which artificial intelligence in combination with vision systems or cameras cooperate with a robot to automate a process for inspecting a workpiece. An illustrative method includes providing a set of cameras to image a set of workpieces that are randomly disposed in a storage area. A controller employing a neural network trained to identify workpieces then processes images from the set of cameras to identify each workpiece, and uses workpiece identity to customize the operation of an inspection system.

Abstract: A system for inspecting each workpiece of a plurality of non-identical workpieces, each workpiece having a distinct workholding specification. The system includes a workholder configured to autonomously execute a plurality of workholding operations pursuant to parameters of a specified pre-defined workholding mode specified from a plurality of distinct, pre-defined workholding modes. Each pre-defined workholding mode specifies a plurality of holding parameters corresponding to the holding specification of a corresponding workpiece.

Abstract: Illustrative embodiments improve holding of a workpiece in an industrial process by placing the workpiece on or in a workpiece interface of a workholder and, prior to securing the workpiece on or in the workholder, vibrating the workpiece interface to settle the workpiece onto or into the workpiece interface. The act of vibrating the workpiece interface is separate and distinct from an act of securing the workpiece to the workpiece interface, and the vibration from the act of vibrating the workpiece interface is separate and distinct from vibration that may occur incidental to the act of securing the workpiece to the workpiece interface. Some embodiments of a workholder include a vibration actuator distinct from a workpiece interface actuator that opens and closes the workpiece interface. Some embodiments of workpiece interface include a set of one or more tapered guides to guide a workpiece onto the workpiece interface.

Abstract: A workholding apparatus for components having complex geometries or surfaces, which components are difficult constrain for the purpose of inspection, addresses the problem of adequately constraining such components in a convenient and cost-effective manner so that they do not move during inspection, while also making all or most critical features accessible to the inspection instruments being used. A method teaches how to eliminate setup changes between different components through the use of inexpensive modular attachments. These attachments are in the form of a single piece thermoplastic part which is affixed to each component having also reference features that can be interlocked into a common base fixture for more efficient inspection operations.

Abstract: Embodiments provide measurement systems having a coordinate measuring machine, a workpiece storage apparatus, and a robot for delivering workpieces from the workpiece storage apparatus to the coordinate measuring machine, and methods for orienting and operating such systems. Illustrative embodiments employ a reference geometry tool on the robotic arm, and kinematic locators on the coordinate measuring machine and/or on the workpiece storage apparatus to define a coordinate system common to the coordinate measuring machine, the workpiece storage apparatus, and the robot.

Abstract: A workholding apparatus for components having complex geometries or surfaces, which components are difficult constrain for the purpose of inspection, addresses the problem of adequately constraining such components in a convenient and cost-effective manner so that they do not move during inspection, while also making all or most critical features accessible to the inspection instruments being used. A method teaches how to eliminate setup changes between different components through the use of inexpensive modular attachments. These attachments are in the form of a single piece thermoplastic part which is affixed to each component having also reference features that can be interlocked into a common base fixture for more efficient inspection operations.

Abstract: Various embodiments enable batch inspection of a plurality of workpieces by and inspection instrument such as a coordinate measuring machine. Some embodiments present user interfaces, including graphical user interfaces, to enable an operator to configure a batch inspection system and a batch inspection job, and to monitor and control execution of a batch inspection job.

Abstract: Embodiments provide measurement systems having a coordinate measuring machine, a workpiece storage apparatus, and a robot for delivering workpieces from the workpiece storage apparatus to the coordinate measuring machine, and methods for orienting and operating such systems. Illustrative embodiments employ a reference geometry tool on the robotic arm, and kinematic locators on the coordinate measuring machine and/or on the workpiece storage apparatus to define a coordinate system common to the coordinate measuring machine, the workpiece storage apparatus, and the robot.

Abstract: Various embodiments enable batch inspection of a plurality of workpieces by and inspection instrument such as a coordinate measuring machine. Some embodiments present user interfaces, including graphical user interfaces, to enable an operator to configure a batch inspection system and a batch inspection job, and to monitor and control execution of a batch inspection job.

Abstract: Various embodiments enable batch inspection of a plurality of workpieces by and inspection instrument such as a coordinate measuring machine. Some embodiments present user interfaces, including graphical user interfaces, to enable an operator to configure a batch inspection system and a batch inspection job, and to monitor and control execution of a batch inspection job.

Abstract: A workholding apparatus for components having complex geometries or surfaces, which components are difficult constrain for the purpose of inspection, addresses the problem of adequately constraining such components in a convenient and cost-effective manner so that they do not move during inspection, while also making all or most critical features accessible to the inspection instruments being used. A method teaches how to eliminate setup changes between different components through the use of inexpensive modular attachments. These attachments are in the form of a single piece thermoplastic part which is affixed to each component having also reference features that can be interlocked into a common base fixture for more efficient inspection operations.

Abstract: Coordinate measuring machines typically include a jogbox that allows an operator to control movements of a probe with a joystick and dedicated buttons. By facilitating advanced interaction between the jogbox and the dimensional metrology application, the jogbox may be used to control most or all of the functional aspects of the dimensional metrology application, including, in some instances, control of the coordinate measuring machine. The jogbox may include an adaptability of communications protocol such that it may interact with any one of a number of types or brands of coordinate measuring machines. A dynamic and flexible display and/or user input system may be employed to facilitate the use of a single jogbox with different systems. Further, the inherent flexibility of various jogbox embodiments disclosed herein may allow different categories of users to select and/or customize a jogbox interface.

Abstract: Coordinate measuring machines typically include a jogbox that allows an operator to control movements of a probe with a joystick and dedicated buttons. By facilitating advanced interaction between the jogbox and the dimensional metrology application, the jogbox may be used to control most or all of the functional aspects of the dimensional metrology application, including, in some instances, control of the coordinate measuring machine. The jogbox may include an adaptability of communications protocol such that it may interact with any one of a number of types or brands of coordinate measuring machines. A dynamic and flexible display and/or user input system may be employed to facilitate the use of a single jogbox with different systems. Further, the inherent flexibility of various jogbox embodiments disclosed herein may allow different categories of users to select and/or customize a jogbox interface.