Abstract: A method measures a given object using a coordinate measuring machine (CMM) having a measurement space. As such, the method determines one or more portions of the given object to be measured and then forms a virtual 3D movement model representing CMM movement required to measure the one or more portions. The method then uses the 3D movement model to virtually position and orient the given object within the CMM measurement space.

Abstract: A method measures a given object using a coordinate measuring machine (CMM) having a measurement space. As such, the method determines one or more portions of the given object to be measured and then forms a virtual 3D movement model representing CMM movement required to measure the one or more portions. The method then uses the 3D movement model to virtually position and orient the given object within the CMM measurement space.

Abstract: A coordinate measuring machine system has a base configured to support a workpiece, a movable portion configured to move relative to the base, and a control system configured to control movement of the base and/or the movable portion. The system also has a set of probes that each are configured to be removably couplable with the movable measurement portion. Each probe is configured to be removably couplable with the movable measurement portion, and has a shaft with a distal end and a proximal end. The proximal end has a region for coupling with the movable measurement portion, while the distal end has a region configured to interact with the workpiece. Each of the probes also has visual identifying indicia on the shaft. The visual identifying indicia are encoded to identify at least one characteristic of the probe. Specifically, the indicia are encoded as Base 3 or Base 4 indicia.

Abstract: A coordinate measuring machine system has a base configured to support a workpiece, a movable portion configured to move relative to the base, and a control system configured to control movement of the base and/or the movable portion. The system also has a set of probes that each are configured to be removably couplable with the movable measurement portion. Each probe is configured to be removably couplable with the movable measurement portion, and has a shaft with a distal end and a proximal end. The proximal end has a region for coupling with the movable measurement portion, while the distal end has a region configured to interact with the workpiece. Each of the probes also has visual identifying indicia on the shaft. The visual identifying indicia are encoded to identify at least one characteristic of the probe. Specifically, the indicia are encoded as Base 3 or Base 4 indicia.

Abstract: A heater product may have a first cavity in which a first part of a heater composition is disposed, a second cavity in which a second part of a heater composition is disposed, and a barrier between the first cavity and the second cavity, such that when the barrier is removed, the first and second parts combine to provide an exothermic reaction. A pull strip may be used to remove the barrier, and at least one reinforcing strip may be used to guide the pull strip. The first part may include calcium oxide and the second part may include water, an reaction-initiation delayer and water-release limiter.

Abstract: A computer interface device for a coordinate measuring machine comprises a trackball that transmits perpendicular movement signals to a computer in response to corresponding perpendicular tangential movement of the trackball. The computer is interconnected with the coordinate measuring machine and normally receives measurement data corresponding to a location of a probe on the computer. The trackball is located adjacent the probe so that a user grasping the probe can manipulate the trackball to transmit data manipulation signals to the computer. Typically, the trackball moves a cursor about the computer screen. A plurality of data entry buttons are included on the interface device and enable the user to execute computer procedures selected by the cursor.