Abstract: The invention relates to an articulated-arm three-dimensional measurement apparatus having a plurality of articulation axes with angle encoders integrated in said arms for individually measuring the angles of rotation about each of said articulation axes. In accordance with the invention, at least one of the arms (4; 5) of the apparatus (1) includes a hollow tube (4.11; 5.

Abstract: The invention relates to an articulated-arm three-dimensional measurement apparatus having a plurality of articulation axes with angle encoders integrated in said arms for individually measuring the angles of rotation about each of said articulation axes. In accordance with the invention, at least one of the arms (4; 5) of the apparatus (1) includes a hollow tube (4.11; 5.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for machining mechanical parts by means of a hollow cylindrical tool presenting a distal end with a free edge that is shaped to perform machining when said tool is rotated about its axis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for identifying the position of a machine for three-dimensional measuring or machining in a fixed frame of reference. In accordance with the invention, the system comprises: a first base for resting at an identified point on a support wall associated with the machine stand, said base being provided on its top with a bearing platform; a second base identical to the first base, for resting at an identified point on a support surface associated with the fixed frame of reference; and a multi-axis assembly having two hinged arms that are coupled together, and having two endpieces coupled to said arms, each endpiece having a main axis that coincides with the central axis of the corresponding base when said endpiece is in place, said multi-axis assembly also being fitted with integrated angle encoders measuring the respective angles of rotation about each of its axes.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of determining a horizontal profile line defined by walls that are essentially vertical, by using a pointer having two calibrated reference points, the method comprising the following successive steps: a) placing the pointer horizontally in contact with a point on the profile line to be determined; b) from an origin point, measuring in succession the lengths of segments joining the origin point to each reference point, and also the angle between the two segments; c) deducing by calculation the coordinates of the contact point in the associated horizontal plane, and storing said coordinates; and reiterating steps a), b), c) for a plurality of points on the profile line to be determined, including at least the angle points situated at the intersections between said essentially vertical walls. The invention also provides apparatus for implementing the above method.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for identifying the position of a machine for three-dimensional measuring or machining in a fixed frame of reference. In accordance with the invention, the system comprises: a first base for resting at an identified point on a support wall associated with the machine stand, said base being provided on its top with a bearing platform; a second base identical to the first base, for resting at an identified point on a support surface associated with the fixed frame of reference; and a multi-axis assembly having two hinged arms that are coupled together, and having two endpieces coupled to said arms, each endpiece having a main axis that coincides with the central axis of the corresponding base when said endpiece is in place, said multi-axis assembly also being fitted with integrated angle encoders measuring the respective angles of rotation about each of its axes.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of determining a horizontal profile line defined by walls that are essentially vertical, by using a pointer having two calibrated reference points, the method comprising the following successive steps: a) placing the pointer horizontally in contact with a point on the profile line to be determined; b) from an origin point, measuring in succession the lengths of segments joining the origin point to each reference point, and also the angle between the two segments; c) deducing by calculation the coordinates of the contact point in the associated horizontal plane, and storing said coordinates; and reiterating steps a), b), c) for a plurality of points on the profile line to be determined, including at least the angle points situated at the intersections between said essentially vertical walls. The invention also provides apparatus for implementing the above method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for machining mechanical parts by means of a hollow cylindrical tool presenting a distal end with a free edge that is shaped to perform machining when said tool is rotated about its axis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a connection device associated with an arm of an articulated three-dimensional measuring appliance, the device comprising a moving assembly and a fixed assembly, together with connection means for providing an electrical link between said two assemblies.

Abstract: The invention relates to a connection device associated with an arm of an articulated three-dimensional measuring appliance, the device comprising a moving assembly and a fixed assembly, together with connection means for providing an electrical link between said two assemblies.

Abstract: The invention relates to a measurement method for determining the position and the orientation of a moving assembly in a base frame of reference. According to the invention, the method comprises the steps of: taking an image of an optical reference mark associated with the moving assembly by means of a first camera having a focal axis lying in a direction that is known in the base frame of reference; taking an image of an optical reference mark associated with the first camera by means of a second camera associated with the moving assembly; measuring the distance between a point associated with the first camera and a point associated with the second camera by using self-contained measurement means that are independent of said first and second cameras; and computing the position and the orientation of the moving assembly in the base frame of reference on the basis of the images taken and of the measured distance.

Abstract: A sensor for a machine for measuring three-dimensional coordinates, the sensor comprising a portion enabling it to be fixed to the end of a moving arm, and an active portion remote from said fixing portion, including a connection element between the active portion and the connection portion, thereby forming a mechanical joint having at least one degree of freedom.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for identifying the position of a machine in a fixed frame of reference, said machine standing on an essentially plane support surface. In the invention, the support surface is fitted with a plurality of interactive integrated bushings, each bushing being fitted with emitter means serving to emit a predetermined code enabling the bushing concerned to be identified and thus making it possible to deduce the coordinates of a point associated with said support surface, and the three-dimensional machine is fitted with at least one articulated arm terminating in a position sensor, said arm being fitted with receiver means capable of detecting the code emitted by a bushing amongst the plurality of bushings when the associated position sensor is brought into contact therewith.

Abstract: The invention relates to a measurement method for determining the position and the orientation of a moving assembly in a base frame of reference. According to the invention, the method comprises the steps of: taking an image of an optical reference mark associated with the moving assembly by means of a first camera having a focal axis lying in a direction that is known in the base frame of reference; taking an image of an optical reference mark associated with the first camera by means of a second camera associated with the moving assembly; measuring the distance between a point associated with the first camera and a point associated with the second camera by using self-contained measurement means that are independent of said first and second cameras; and computing the position and the orientation of the moving assembly in the base frame of reference on the basis of the images taken and of the measured distance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for identifying the position of a machine in a fixed frame of reference, said machine standing on an essentially plane support surface. In the invention, the support surface is fitted with a plurality of interactive integrated bushings, each bushing being fitted with emitter means serving to emit a predetermined code enabling the bushing concerned to be identified and thus making it possible to deduce the coordinates of a point associated with said support surface, and the three-dimensional machine is fitted with at least one articulated arm terminating in a position sensor, said arm being fitted with receiver means capable of detecting the code emitted by a bushing amongst the plurality of bushings when the associated position sensor is brought into contact therewith.

Abstract: The contact sensor of the hinged arm of a measurement machine for taking measurements in three dimensions is replaced by a light sensor secured at the same position. A first position-marking axis defined by a light beam emitted by an emitter disposed in a first position is used to determine a first vector by two measured points. The emitter is moved in a plane so as to take up a second position, and a second position-marking axis defined by the light beam of said emitter is used by measuring a point on the second axis. The projection [O.sub.1 ] of the second axis point onto the first position-marking axis is then used to enable a frame of reference [O.sub.1 X, O.sub.1 Y, O.sub.1 Z] to be established.

Abstract: The measurement apparatus comprises a stand supporting a series of measurement segments hinged to one another and having angular position sensors for sensing the angular positions of the measurement segments, a series of hinged support segments adjacent to the measurement segments, link members fixed to the support segments and engaged at least partially around the measurement segments to support them in a direction opposing the force of gravity, and assistance members acting on the support members to counter the force of gravity.