Abstract: This invention contemplates a rapid method of calibrating probe-pin combinations, such as star probes or rotary-swing probes, which method is applicable when the probe system forms part of or is coupled to the control system of a measuring machine wherein a self-centering probe of workpieces is possible. The calibration procedure employs a calibration standard having a plurality of probe-centering elements distributed over its surface and facing in different directions, the positional geometry of these elements being stored in the computer of the measuring machine. Each of the individual probe balls is successively introduced into a centering element which is accessible. Thereupon, the position of each ball-center point is determined in the computer, from the stored positional data and the pre-established diameter of corresponding probe balls.

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 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: The invention contemplates a measuring machine wherein a portal (2) is displaceable on a flat base plate (1) of granite. The bridge portion (3) of the portal (2) includes a guide rail (22) which is centrally fixed to the bridge portion (3) and extends in the x-direction of portal displacement. A separate superstructure (23) fixed to and upstanding from the base plate (1) provides support and guidance for the guide rail (22). In a manually operated embodiment, the operating knob for the use is arranged on a carriage which is displaceable along the bridge portion (3), in the y-direction.Since points relevant to displacement force application (e.g., drive, center of gravity, guidance) are at approximately the same elevation, bending forces can introduce essentially only two kinds of error, namely, a lateral offset (.DELTA.Y) of the portal and/or an incremental rotation of the portal about the vertical (z).

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.

Abstract: The invention contemplates an improved drive and measurement-scale configuration for a measuring machine of the type in which the measuring head and its work-contacting probe are carried in the arch of a gantry which is slidable along base ways (in the x-direction) on opposite sides of a workpiece on which one or more surface points are to be measured for their x, y, and z coordinates. The configuration of x-drive action and x-scale measurement is of inherent precision, with attendant minimizing of displacement error in the measurement of all three positional coordinates of a given point on the workpiece.