Abstract: The discovered temperature of the feeler is regularly determined and is recorded together with the associated calibrating data at this temperature. Temperature correction data for the feeler are established from this historic collection consisting of temperature values and of calibrating data. This temperature correction data can be used during a measurement at the respective temperature. This method avoids a separate and complicated setting of the temperature of the feeler or of the entire coordinate measuring device for the calibration.

Abstract: The discovered temperature of the feeler is regularly determined and is recorded together with the associated calibrating data at this temperature. Temperature correction data for the feeler are established from this historic collection consisting of temperature values and of calibrating data. This temperature correction data can be used during a measurement at the respective temperature. This method avoids a separate and complicated setting of the temperature of the feeler or of the entire coordinate measuring device for the calibration.

Abstract: The solid-state oscillator, preferably a watch crystal (1/2), is mounted with its direction (S) of vibration at an angle to all three measuring directions (x, y, z) of the coordinate measuring apparatus. The oscillator circuit of the solid-state oscillator is connected to an electronic circuit which generates two different contact signals. Both measures make it possible to reduce the dependency of the contact uncertainty of the measuring direction.

Abstract: For roughness measurements, a passive roughness probe 118 having a probe tip 119 is exchanged into the measuring probe head of the coordinate measuring apparatus in lieu of the probe pin having a probe ball which is otherwise used to make coordinate measurements. The generation of the measurement points takes place while using the already available measured value transducers 23 in the probe head of the coordinate measuring apparatus. The desired surface characteristic variables are computed from the stored quasi-analog measured point sequence with the aid of a corresponding software module.

Abstract: A coordinate measuring apparatus includes guides made of aluminum. Scales which are also made of aluminum are used to measure the position of the measuring slide movable on the guides. In a preferred embodiment, the scales are in the form of a reflection phase grating and are applied directly to the surface of the guide member. In addition, a temperature sensor is provided which measures the temperature of the guide member and of the scale divisions. A method of producing the scale divisions is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method providing for the automatic temperature measurement with a precision which is required for the correction of errors introduced by temperature in a coordinate measurement made on a workpiece. To achieve this automatic temperature measurement, a self-sufficient sensor assembly is attached to the workpiece carrier or the workpiece itself and includes a temperature sensor, a measuring electronic circuit and a voltage supply. The sensor assembly runs through the material flow on the pallet with the workpiece and wirelessly transmits the measured temperature values of the workpiece to appropriate remote stations.

Abstract: In the automated performance of multiple measurements on each of a succession of workpieces, the invention contemplates establishing a plurality of safety-reference positions (S.sub.1 to S.sub.7) along the programmed displacement path intended for the probe head (10) and its work-contacting probe pin. Any one of a variety of error signals developed in the course of conducting the measurement program on a given workpiece is operative to temporarily stop further conduct of the program and to instigate a repeated attempt to successfully traverse the part of the program in which the error signal occurred.

Abstract: The four components of the deviations of a rotary table from an ideal axis of rotation can be obtained by a single measuring method wherein a test body (4) having a plurality of well-defined measurement points is placed on the rotary table (1) and the positions of said measuring points are then determined by means of a coordinate-measuring instrument (3), for each of various angular positions of the rotary table, there being thus a set of ascertained measurement-point coordinates for each of the angular positions of the rotary table. From the sets of measurement-point coordinates, the travel deviations f.sub.a, f.sub.r and f.sub.t of the axis of rotation, and the angle-position deviation p.sub.w are then determined by calculation.

Abstract: In the work-contacting probe head (or on the suspension of the deflectable work-contacting probe head) of a coordinate measuring machine, an electromagnet is provided to trigger a mechanical impact blow or vibration if the switch-contact circuit in the three-point mounting of the probe pin remains open for a predetermined short period of time after completion of a cycle of coordinate measurement of a given work-contacted measurement location. The delivery of the impact is sufficient to overcome any residual mechanical friction that may have interfered with return of the probe to its calibrated at-rest position, at completion of the measurement cycle.

Abstract: A "scanning" work-contact probe is deflectable with respect to a measuring-machine head which is driven by the three-coordinate drive system of the measuring machine. The arrangement is such that the probe continuously tracks (scans) a desired profile of a workpiece and, in doing so, measured probe increments (decrements) of deflection with respect to the head are so mathematically combined with head-position data that, in the further circumstance of holding path-velocity magnitude .vertline.V.sub.des. .vertline. of the measuring machine to a constant value, the orientation of the probe head with respect to the locally contacted slope of the workpiece can also be a constant.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a multi-coordinate measuring machine with interferometric detection of the path of displacement in each of the measurement axes.Each measurement axis is provided with at least one interferometer head which consists of a beam splitter, reference mirror and photoelectric detector. The interferometer heads are supplied by a monomode fiber from a single stationary laser generator.