Abstract: A touch probe for use on a coordinate positioning machine includes a stylus module and a sensing module securable to a movable arm of the positioning machine for releasably supporting the stylus module. The sensing module can include a sensor for detecting contact between the stylus and a surface and/or for detecting displacement of the stylus module relative to the movable arm. The stylus includes a support structure, releasably supported by the stylus module, and a stylus-supporting member for supporting the stylus, with the stylus-supporting member being biased into a rest position with respect to the support structure. The stylus-supporting member is displaceable from the rest position and relative to the support structure when a deflection force acts on the stylus, and returns to the rest position when the deflecting force is removed.

Abstract: A magazine has a plurality of storage ports 400 each of which retains a stylus module 314 for use in measuring workpiece dimensions on a coordinate measuring machine. Each storage port 400 is configured as a pair of jaws provided by docking inserts 414. A permanent magnet 418 is mounted on each docking insert 414. The lower casing of the stylus module 314 is urged against the inwardly facing edges 416 of the docking inserts 414 by the magnetic attraction force due the magnets 418. The stylus module 314 is engaged with a retaining module (on the quill of the machine) by moving the retaining module in a downward sense to engage the stylus module 314; further downward movement disengages the stylus module 314 from the storage port 400, thus enabling engagement of such a stylus module and removal of the module from the storage port in a single continuous movement.

Abstract: A touch probe for use on a coordinate positioning machine includes a stylus module and a sensing module securable to a movable arm of the positioning machine for releasably supporting the stylus module. The sensing module can include a sensor for detecting contact between the stylus and a surface and/or for detecting displacement of the stylus module relative to the movable arm. The stylus includes a support structure, releasably supported by the stylus module, and a stylus-supporting member for supporting the stylus, with the stylus-supporting member being biased into a rest position with respect to the support structure. The stylus-supporting member is displaceable from the rest position and relative to the support structure when a deflection force acts on the stylus, and returns to the rest position when the deflecting force is removed.

Abstract: A contact-sensing probe for measuring workpieces includes a body (16) for attachment to a machine and a workpiece contacting stylus (22) carried by a stylus holder (24) which is mounted within the body for movmeent relative thereto from a rest position to a displaced position when the stylus contacts the workpiece. Sensors are provided for sensing workpiece contact by the stylus. The sensors comprise a plurality of strain gauges (46) mounted on pillars (44) connecting two parts (36A,36B) of a support structure which supports the stylus holder on the body. The strain gauges are mounted with their principal axes lying at an angle to the axes of the pillars, and by optimizing the numbers, positions and dimensions of the pillars together with the angles of the strain gauges, high sensitivity can be achieved with minimum risk of false signals due to probe vibration, while at the same time minimizing the variation in pre-travel of the stylus.

Abstract: A contact-sensing probe for measuring workpieces includes a body (16) for attachment to a machine and a workpiece contacting stylus (22) carried by a stylus holder (24) which is mounted within the body for movement relative thereto from a rest position to a displaced position when the stylus contacts the workpiece. Sensing means are provided for sensing workpiece contact by the stylus. The sensing means comprise a plurality of strain gauges (46) mounted on pillars (44) connecting two parts (36A,36B) of a support structure which supports the stylus holder on the body. The strain gauges are mounted with their principal axes lying at an angle to the axes of the pillars, and by optimizing the numbers, positions and dimensions of the pillars together with the angles of the strain gauges, high sensitivity can be achieved with minimum risk of false signals due to probe vibration, while at the same time minimizing the variation in pre-travel of the stylus.