Abstract: A tiltable table 10 is shown having (in this embodiment) two tilt positions to which top 20 and base 30 are repeatably repositionable. Support parts 32, 34, 36 and 38 provide a kinematic support in both of the two positions. Further embodiments provide more than two tilt positions. Positions are held by magnetic attraction, here, magnets, 40 and 42.

Abstract: A tiltable table 10 is shown having (in this embodiment) two tilt positions to which top 20, and base 30 are repeatably repositionable. Support parts 32, 34, 36 and 38 provide a kinematic support in both of the two positions. Further embodiments provide more than two tilt positions. Positions are held by means of magnetic attraction, here, magnets, 40 and 42.

Abstract: A mount 10 for a part to be measured (e.g. a tooth 20 which is to have its surface measured) has three locators 14 which allow repeatable positioning of the mount on a holder 12. The mount 10 and its locators are manufactured in a low cost way e.g. by means of chemical etching, stamping, piercing, folding, embossing or moulding. The mount may be sheet material or a moulded plastics, and a support 22 for the part may be provided. The material of the mount may be magnetisable or have magnetic properties for its attraction and position securement to the holder 12. A mount transit system is described (FIGS. 10 and 11) for placing and removing a mount on the holder.

Abstract: A connecting device for connecting a shank 16 to a measuring probe 18 is disclosed, to enable the probe 18 to be incorporated on a machine tool for the purpose of tracing a contour of a model. The device includes first and second parts (20,22) connected to the shank and the probe respectively, retained together by a connecting bolt 50 which is spring-loaded by means of Belville washers 56. An arm 60 extends from the second part to engage the housing 14 of the spindle 10, and thereby prevent rotation of the spindle shaft 12. In the event of accidental spindle start-up the two parts 20,22 may rotate relative to each other (the shank rotating with the shaft 12); a thrust bearing 42 enabling sliding of the two parts.

Abstract: A device for changing styli or probes in a coordinate measuring machine has a magazine (330) with several stations each holding a stylus or probe (320). A holder (310) on the quill of the coordinate measuring machine has an opening (313A), so that kinematic support elements (325) in the holder (310) can be moved underneath cooperating kinematic support elements (324) on the stylus (320). When the holder (310) is engaged in the magazine (330), an extension plate (334) causes the arm (314) to swing out of the way. This arrangement enables the holder (310) to pick up the stylus (320) purely by translational movements of the holder (310), without the need for any separate motor or electromagnet to couple the stylus to the holder.

Abstract: A measurement probe for use on machine tools or coordinate measuring machines has a stylus (12) mounted in a probe body (10), for displacement in each of the axes x,y,z. On each axis, the relative motion is supported by a pair of cylindrical linear bearings, which are parallel to each other and spaced apart. The bearings comprise a shaft (30) and concentric sleeve (26), between which is located a cage (28) of ball bearings. The arrangement achieves good performance in a relatively small housing.

Abstract: A device for changing styli or probes in a coordinate measuring machine has a magazine (330) with several stations each holding a stylus or probe (320). A holder (310) on the quill of the coordinate measuring machine has an opening (313A), so that kinematic support elements (325) in the holder (310) can be moved underneath cooperating kinematic support elements (324) on the stylus (320). The holder (310) is then lifted up to engage the kinematic support elements, and the stylus can then be carried horizontally out of the magazine (30). During this operation, the kinematic support elements are biased into engagement initially by a leaf spring (335), and subsequently by a spring-loaded arm (314) in the holder (310), which bears against the top of a plate (322) of the stylus (320). When the holder (310) is engaged in the magazine (330), an extension plate (334) causes the arm (314) to swing out of the way.