Patents by Inventor Tim Prestidge
Tim Prestidge has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 9726481Abstract: A method of building up a measurement data set for a surface of an object using an analog measurement probe mounted on a machine tool apparatus which obtains scanned measurement data of the surface over a plurality of offset traverses. Subsequent traverses are offset from previous traverses such that over a series of traverses the analog probe's surface detecting region progresses i) laterally across the object, and/or ii) away from or towards the object. The course of relative motion for at least one subsequent traverse is generated and/or updated based on data obtained during at least one previous traverse.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2013Date of Patent: August 8, 2017Assignee: RENISHAW PLCInventors: David Roberts McMurtry, John Ould, Tim Prestidge, Iain Ainsworth
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Patent number: 9235205Abstract: A method for producing a measurement probe 30 inspection path on a machine tool is disclosed which includes the step of running a program e.g. a modified CAM editor program 44 which allows the selection of geometric features of a workpiece 34 to be inspected. Once selected the program will generate a measurement probe path which is included in software for loading into the numeric controller (NC) of the machine tool. The software can have cutting commands together with inspection path instructions either readable by the NC or written as unreadable instructions for use with a p.c. 20 connected to the NC controller and preferably operating at the same time as the NC.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2004Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: RENISHAW PLCInventors: Tim Prestidge, John Charles Ould
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Publication number: 20150121710Abstract: A method of building up a measurement data set for a surface of an object using an analogue measurement probe mounted on a machine tool apparatus which obtains scanned measurement data of the surface over a plurality of offset traverses. Subsequent traverses are offset from previous traverses such that over a series of traverses the analogue probe's surface detecting region progresses i) laterally across the object, and/or ii) away from or towards the object. The course of relative motion for at least one subsequent traverse is generated and/or updated based on data obtained during at least one previous traverse.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2013Publication date: May 7, 2015Inventors: David Roberts McMurtry, John Ould, Tim Prestidge, Iain Ainsworth
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Patent number: 8700351Abstract: Measurement apparatus is described that comprises a measurement portion for acquiring object measurements and an output portion for outputting measurement data relating to the acquired object measurements. A deactivation portion is provided for inhibiting normal operation of the measurement apparatus such that output of the measurement data is prevented. The deactivation portion, in use, reads apparatus usage information from an apparatus usage module and inhibits normal operation of the measurement apparatus if said apparatus usage information fails to meet one or more predetermined criteria. The apparatus usage module may be provided as an integral part of the measurement apparatus or as a separate activation button. The measurement apparatus may comprise a measurement probe such as a touch trigger measurement probe.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2013Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: Renishaw PLCInventors: Tim Prestidge, Jonathan Paul Fuge, Stuart Kersten Campbell
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Patent number: 8464054Abstract: A measurement probe, such as a touch trigger measurement probe, is described that comprises a measurement portion for measuring an object and a data transfer portion for receiving data from and/or transmitting data to an associated unit. The measurement device also comprises an authentication module for verifying the authenticity of the associated unit. The authentication module may include a processor for running a one-way hash algorithm. Authenticity may be established using a challenge and response authentication process.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2008Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: Renishaw PLCInventors: Tim Prestidge, Jonathan Paul Fuge, Peter Kenneth Hellier, John Styles, Jamie Buckingham
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Patent number: 8437978Abstract: Measurement apparatus is described that comprises a measurement portion for acquiring object measurements and an output portion for outputting measurement data relating to the acquired object measurements. A deactivation portion is provided for inhibiting normal operation of the measurement apparatus such that output of the measurement data is prevented. The deactivation portion, in use, reads apparatus usage information from an apparatus usage module and inhibits normal operation of the measurement apparatus if said apparatus usage information fails to meet one or more predetermined criteria. The apparatus usage module may be provided as an integral part of the measurement apparatus or as a separate activation button. The measurement apparatus may comprise a measurement probe such as a touch trigger measurement probe.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2008Date of Patent: May 7, 2013Assignee: Renishaw PLCInventors: Tim Prestidge, Jonathan P Fuge, Stuart K Campbell
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Patent number: 8402270Abstract: A measurement probe, such as a touch trigger measurement probe, is described that comprises a measurement portion for measuring an object and a data transfer portion for receiving data from and/or transmitting data to an associated unit. The measurement device also comprises an authentication module for verifying the authenticity of the associated unit. The authentication module may include a processor for running a one-way hash algorithm. Authenticity may be established using a challenge and response authentication process.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2008Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: Renishaw PLCInventors: Tim Prestidge, Jonathan Paul Fuge, Peter Kenneth Hellier, John Styles, Jamie Buckingham
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Patent number: 8140287Abstract: A probe for measuring the dimensions of objects on a coordinate positioning machine such as a machine tool has a workpiece-contacting stylus. This is suspended via a sensor mechanism, including strain gauges which provide an output when the stylus contacts a workpiece. A processor processes the strain gauge outputs to produce a trigger signal. It does so in accordance with an algorithm or equation or look-up table which ensures equal sensitivity in all possible directions of approach to the workpiece in the three dimensions X, Y, Z.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2010Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignee: Renishaw PlcInventors: Tim Prestidge, Jonathan Paul Fuge
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Patent number: 8029217Abstract: The invention relates to the transmission of power and/or data from/to a stationary part of a machine tool 200 to/from an accessory 100 mounted in the spindle 210 of the machine tool 200. A first electrical link or interface 1a,1b,1c,1d provides electrical communication between the stationary part 200 and the spindle 210, and a second electrical link or interface 3 is provided electrically connected to the first electrical link at the accessory mounting area 230. The second link 3 is in the form of electrical contacts. The invention extends to an accessory shank 360 for mounting to the spindle 210 of the machine tool, and also to an accessory 100 e.g. in the form of a measurement probe, connected to the said shank 360.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2010Date of Patent: October 4, 2011Assignee: Renishaw PLCInventors: David Collingwood, Graham Richard Ferguson, Timothy Donald Hayter, Tim Prestidge, Clive Esmond Harwood Renton, Edward Stott, David Kenneth Thomas
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Patent number: 7970488Abstract: A workpiece inspection system is disclosed for determining measurements of a workpiece on a machine tool. The system utilizes a measurement device which outputs data relating to the workpiece (e.g. in place of a conventional cutter). The problem of obtaining real time data relating to the position of the machine tool is overcome by recording a machine tool position data set and a measurement device data set at selected instants which are defined by a synchronization signal. The data sets are combined later in the correct relative position because the synchronization signal was used. The synchronization signal can issue from the machine tool controller, an interface, measurement device or another part of the system.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2005Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignee: Renishaw PLCInventors: Tim Prestidge, John Charles Ould, David Kenneth Thomas, Andrew James Harding
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Publication number: 20100292956Abstract: A probe for measuring the dimensions of objects on a coordinate positioning machine such as a machine tool has a workpiece-contacting stylus. This is suspended via a sensor mechanism, including strain gauges which provide an output when the stylus contacts a workpiece. A processor processes the strain gauge outputs to produce a trigger signal. It does so in accordance with an algorithm or equation or look-up table which ensures equal sensitivity in all possible directions of approach to the workpiece in the three dimensions X, Y, Z.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 21, 2010Publication date: November 18, 2010Applicant: RENISHAW PLCInventors: Tim Prestidge, Jonathan Paul Fuge
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Patent number: 7792654Abstract: A probe for measuring the dimensions of objects on a coordinate positioning machine such as a machine tool has a workpiece-contacting stylus 20. This is suspended via a sensor mechanism 30, including strain gauges 34 which provide an output when the stylus contacts a workpiece. A processor 16 processes the strain gauge outputs to produce a trigger signal. It does so in accordance with an algorithm or equation or look-up table which ensures equal sensitivity in all possible directions of approach to the workpiece in the three dimensions X, Y, Z.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2006Date of Patent: September 7, 2010Assignee: Renishaw PLCInventors: Tim Prestidge, Jonathan Paul Fuge
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Publication number: 20100156056Abstract: The invention relates to the transmission of power and/or data from/to a stationary part of a machine tool 200 to/from an accessory 100 mounted in the spindle 210 of the machine tool 200. A first electrical link or interface 1a,1b,1c,1d provides electrical communication between the stationary part 200 and the spindle 210, and a second electrical link or interface 3 is provided electrically connected to the first electrical link at the accessory mounting area 230. The second link 3 is in the form of electrical contacts. The invention extends to an accessory shank 360 for mounting to the spindle 210 of the machine tool, and also to an accessory 100 e.g. in the form of a measurement probe, connected to the said shank 360.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2010Publication date: June 24, 2010Applicant: RENISHAW PLCInventors: David Collingwood, Graham Richard Ferguson, Timothy Donald Hayter, Tim Prestidge, Clive Esmond Harwood Renton, Edward Stott, David Kenneth Thomas
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Patent number: 7695223Abstract: The transmission of power and/or data from/to a stationary part of a machine tool to/from an accessory mounted in the spindle of the machine tool. A first electrical link or interface provides electrical communication between the stationary part and the spindle, and a second electrical link or interface is provided electrically connected to the first electrical link at the accessory mounting area. The second link is in the form of electrical contacts. An accessory shank for mounting to the spindle of the machine tool, and also to an accessory e.g. in the form of a measurement probe, connected to the said shank.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2008Date of Patent: April 13, 2010Assignee: Renishaw PLCInventors: David Collingwood, Graham Richard Ferguson, Timothy Donald Hayter, Tim Prestidge, Clive Esmond Harwood Renton, Edward Stott, David Kenneth Thomas
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Patent number: 7676945Abstract: A measurement probe, such as a touch trigger probe, is described that comprises a stylus module attachable to a base module. The stylus module comprising a housing and a stylus holder moveably attached to the housing. The base module comprises a measurement portion for generating measurement data indicative of movement of the stylus holder relative to the housing. The stylus module has an inbuilt failure mode and thereby a substantially predetermined operational lifetime. In one embodiment, the inbuilt failure mode is provided by integrating a battery into the stylus module. Providing a mechanical failure mode in which a component of the stylus module catastrophically fails after a certain amount of usage is also described.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2008Date of Patent: March 16, 2010Assignee: Renishaw PLCInventors: Tim Prestidge, Jonathan P Fuge, Stephen E Lummes, Stuart K Campbell
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Patent number: 7665219Abstract: A measurement probe (12, 110, 250), such as a touch trigger or analogue probe, is described that comprises a deflectable stylus portion (14) and a wireless communications unit (18) for transmitting stylus deflection data to a remote probe interface (20, 104, 254). The wireless communications unit (18) is arranged to transmit digital data packets comprising stylus deflection data and a probe identity code. The wireless communications unit (18) allows said probe identity code to be set by a user. The measurement probe (12, 110, 250) may communicate with an associated probe interface (20, 104, 254) over a radio frequency (RF) spread spectrum link (106).Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2006Date of Patent: February 23, 2010Assignee: Renishaw PLCInventors: John Styles, Martin Adrian Woollett, Tim Prestidge
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Publication number: 20090070585Abstract: A measurement probe, such as a touch trigger measurement probe, is described that comprises a measurement portion for measuring an object and a data transfer portion for receiving data from and/or transmitting data to an associated unit. The measurement device also comprises an authentication module for verifying the authenticity of the associated unit. The authentication module may include a processor for running a one-way hash algorithm. Authenticity may be established using a challenge and response authentication process.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2008Publication date: March 12, 2009Applicant: RENISHAW PLCInventors: Tim Prestidge, Jonathan P. Fuge, Peter K. Hellier, John Styles, Jamie Buckingham
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Publication number: 20090049704Abstract: A measurement probe (12, 110, 250), such as a touch trigger or analogue probe, is described that comprises a deflectable stylus portion (14) and a wireless communications unit (18) for transmitting stylus deflection data to a remote probe interface (20, 104, 254). The wireless communications unit (18) is arranged to transmit digital data packets comprising stylus deflection data and a probe identity code. The wireless communications unit (18) allows said probe identity code to be set by a user. The measurement probe (12, 110, 250) may communicate with an associated probe interface (20, 104, 254) over a radio frequency (RF) spread spectrum link (106).Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2006Publication date: February 26, 2009Applicant: RENISHAW PLCInventors: John Styles, Martin Adrian Woollett, Tim Prestidge
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Publication number: 20090043534Abstract: A probe for measuring the dimensions of objects on a coordinate positioning machine such as a machine tool has a workpiece-contacting stylus 20. This is suspended via a sensor mechanism 30, including strain gauges 34 which provide an output when the stylus contacts a workpiece. A processor 16 processes the strain gauge outputs to produce a trigger signal. It does so in accordance with an algorithm or equation or look-up table which ensures equal sensitivity in all possible directions of approach to the workpiece in the three dimensions X, Y, Z.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2006Publication date: February 12, 2009Inventors: Tim Prestidge, Jonathan Paul Fuge
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Publication number: 20090034677Abstract: Measurement apparatus is described that comprises a measurement portion for acquiring object measurements and an output portion (for outputting measurement data relating to the acquired object measurements. A deactivation portion is provided for inhibiting normal operation of the measurement apparatus such that output of the measurement data is prevented. The deactivation portion, in use, reads apparatus usage information from an apparatus usage module and inhibits normal operation of the measurement apparatus if said apparatus usage information fails to meet one or more predetermined criteria. The apparatus usage module may be provided as an integral part of the measurement apparatus or as a separate activation button. The measurement apparatus may comprise a measurement probe such as a touch trigger measurement probe.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2008Publication date: February 5, 2009Applicant: RENISHAW PLCInventors: Tim Prestidge, Jonathan P. Fuge, Stuart K. Campbell