Abstract: An alignment bracket assembly utilized to support a laser or scope alignment system during routine inspection of large assembly tools such as aircraft wing tools. The instrument such as laser or optical scope is secured by means of a bungee cord so as to bear against a pair of coarse adjustment screw means. A pair of sine bar means are utilized in pivot relationship and cooperating with wedge elements translatable by way of a pair of fine adjustment screw means.

Abstract: A rotary workpiece support table (12) for a horizontal arm coordinate measuring machine (10) having a retractable datum ball (144) for determining the axis of rotation of a table top plate (36) on a table base (40). A frictional drive mechaism (38) has a drive wheel (72) urged into engagement with a perimeter surface (74) and rotates the table top plate (36), with a counterforce roller (98) neutralizing the side loading on an air spindle (116). The table base (40) is positioned on a machine base (30) and spacer (32) by a rotational connection (46) and a diametrically opposite block and cam follower connection (48) to avoid the effects of differential thermal expansion between the table base (40) and the machine base (30) and spacer (32).

Abstract: A vibration damper disposed in a gantry-type coordinate measuring machine. The vibration damper includes a block having a substantial mass suspended from the moving gantry-type structure by highly energy absorbent pads having a low rebound resilience. The vibration damper is preferably spaced from the point at which the gantry-type structure is coupled to the drive therefor.

Abstract: A flexible CNC-multiposition measuring installation, which represents a combination of components from the coordinate measuring technique with elements from the multiposition measuring technique and the counter testing technique, which are joinable with each other in a common measuring installation. Such CNC-multiposition measuring installation are, in particular, adapted for the integration thereof into a manufacturing or production process.

Abstract: A drawing device adapted to produce line drawings or sketches on a transparent screen on top of a case partly filled with a powder that adheres slightly to the undersurface of the screen to render it opaque. Disposed within the case are transverse and longitudinal rods operatively coupled to respective control knobs, one of which, when turned, causes the longitudinal rod to shift toward either side of the case, the other of which, when turned causes the transverse rod to shift to either end of the case. Supported at the intersection of the rods is an indexable stylus turret and carrier assembly whose carrier is slidably supported on the transverse rod and whose stylus turret which is received within the carrier, is slidably supported on the longitudinal rod whereby the position occupied by the assembly is determined by the point of intersection.

Abstract: Apparatus for counterbalancing a vertically movable element of a machine includes an air cylinder attached to the movable element on the axis of movement and having a small axial opening at its upper end. A piston located in the air cylinder is attached to a fixed machine element by a nonelastic, flexible member such as a thin, nylon-jacketed wire passing through the axial opening in the cylinder. Air under pressure sufficient to counterbalance the weight of the movable element is supplied to the space between the piston and the axial opening in the cylinder. The flexible member makes the counterbalancing assembly relatively insensitive to misalignment and vibration. Air is permitted to leak around the piston to reduce friction and to relieve pressure buildup during downward movement. In another embodiment, the air cylinder is attached to the fixed machine element.

Abstract: A coordinate measuring machine comprises a base (1), a portal (3), a rigid cross member (13) associated with posts (4, 5) of the portal (3), a mechanisms (14) for placement of the portal (3) interacting with the member (13), a measuring system of displacement of the portal (3), having a measurement scale (8) and a measuring head (10) coupled with the member (13), and a post 7 for arrangement of the measuring system of displacement of the portal (3), mounted on the base (1) equidistant from the posts (4, 5) of the portal (3). The post (7) carries the scale (8) in a manner that the straight line, which is the extension of the longitudinal axis of the scale (8), crosses the measurement zone embraced by the portal (3).

Abstract: Apparatus for preventing changes of the position of a machine, such as a measuring machine, has several pneumatic bearings which floatingly support the machine and receive signals from a digital computer to ensure timely selection of resistance which must be offered by the bearings to changes of the position of the machine relative to its support while a mobile part of the machine moves relative to the part which is supported by the bearings. Signals which are stored in the memory of the computer are calculated in advance or are obtained as a result of one or more test runs by taking into consideration all parameters which are likely to impart to the bearing-supported part or parts a tendency to change its or their positions. Such parameters include the distance to be covered by the mobile part, the configuration of the path of movement of the mobile part, the velocity of the mobile part, the mass of the mobile part and of the bearing-supported part or parts, the inertia of the bearings and others.

Abstract: A linear axis (cantilevered beam) is longitudinally displaceable relative to its support which, in turn, is displaceable laterally along an overhead frame so as to provide X-Y positioning for pick and place spindles and similar tools which are attached to the beam. A particular structural combination for accomplishing this involves a low inertia servomotor driving a speed reducer which, in turn, directly drives a short endless timing belt which, in turn, intermeshes with and drives a toothed rack in order to provide reliable, with zero backlash, high accuracy X-Y positioning of the tools. Features of the structural arrangement allow the use of component parts requiring much less precision, and thus much less cost, of manufacture than prior art, zero backlash, linear axis positioning systems.

Abstract: Methods for determining nonrigid error parameters that result from deflection or deformation of machine elements and correcting scale readings in a coordinate measuring machine. The nonrigid error parameters are a function of probe position along two directions. In a bridge type coordinate measuring machine, the y-direction error parameters are a function of probe position in both x and y directions and thus exhibit nonrigid behavior. Nonrigid error parameters are measured by making error measurements at a plurality of corresponding points along two parallel, spaced-apart measurement lines. The error measurements are substituted into simultaneous equations for the error parameters, and the equations are solved for the coefficients. The coefficients are used to determine the axial errors at any point in the measuring volume. The axial errors are subtracted from the scale readings.

Abstract: A wafer prober for contacting probe needles of a probe card to bonding pads of a chip formed on a wafer, for allowing examination of characteristics of the chip, is disclosed. The wafer prober includes a wafer holder for holding a wafer and moving the same in X and Y directions. By the wafer holder, the wafer can be moved from an alignment information detecting station whereat alignment information can be detected by use of a TV camera, to an examining station whereat the probe needles of the probe card are used for the examination. The position of the wafer in a Z direction at the time when the alignment information is detected by the TV camera, can be made substantially coincident with the position of the wafer in the Z direction at the time when the probe needles contact the bonding pads.

Abstract: A position determination apparatus comprising a coordinate measuring machine having a scale. In addition, a read/write head and a laser interferometer system are provided, both of which can measure the position of a probe. The head writes signals derived from the interferometer onto the scale and is used either to lay down the periodic scale marks, or to write error correction values onto the scale. The scale is thus calibrated in situ on the machine.

Abstract: A coordinate measuring machine (10) having an improved carriage drive system including a flexible toothed belt (89) mounted on a rigid spar member (88) to be stretched along the carriage (X) axis. The spar member (88) absorbs the tension loading of the stretched flexible belt (89), while the connection (198, 152) of the spar member (88) to the base (12) precludes stressing of the machine (10) by the belt tension or by thermal stresses. A drive package (118) is mounted to one end of the carriage (40) and includes a toothed drum (126) engaging the flexible belt (89) so that upon being rotated by a drive motor (120) acting through a double reduction pulley system (254, 258, 260, 268, 272, 274) to rotate the toothed drum (126) and cause the carriage (40) to be driven along the ways (32, 34). Flexures (86a, 86b) mounting the belt (89) accommodate side to side movement as the carriage (40) is driven along the axis while being rigid to the tension exerted by the belt (89).

Abstract: Presented in four different aspects is a plotter pen of the type utilized in an X-Y plotter mechanism controlled by computer to select a given plotter pen from a group of such pens and to mount the selected pen in the mechanism in position of use. In one aspect there is presented a universal cartridge for containing a marking fluid, which may be used with different marking "points" or "nibs", and which is expendable when the marking fluid in the cartridge is exhausted. In another aspect, there is presented a plotter pen that utilizes a disposable cartridge containing a marking fluid and which is equipped with a marking fluid flow control mechanism or system to control the flow of marking fluid from the plotter pen. In still another aspect, there is presented as an article of manufacture a marking fluid flow control mechanism for attachment to a disposable cartridge containing marking fluid to be controlled.

Abstract: An article positioning apparatus for locating an article or transporter at predetermined X, Y plot coordinates through the use of tapes characterized by sufficient stiffness to resist bending under compressive loads, whereby the tape can be used not only to pull but also to push the transporter into position in conjunction with other positioners. A version of the apparatus utilizes the tape drive to also establish a support associated with the transporter at predetermined X, Y and Z coordinates.

Abstract: An X,Y plotter for drawing drawings of great length has a plotting area over which paper is moved in one direction parallel to the length of the paper and drawing to be produced. A pen is moved in X and Y coordinate directions relative to the plotting area, by X and Y carriages, to draw on the portion of the paper currently at the plotting area. The elongated one of the two carriages extends parallel to the length of the paper and is supported at its opposite ends by two stationary guide rails extending across the width of the paper and spaced by less than the width of the paper to allow the carriages to be made of small size and light weight. Associated means for providing precise tracking and advancement of the paper are also described.

Abstract: A coordinate measuring machine with a base frame which is essentially constructed in the mode of a portal or gantry-type structure which concurrently forms a measuring table, and with a cross-carrier which spans over the measuring table and receives a measuring carriage with a spindle, and which supports itself with one arm on a guideway located in front of the measuring table.

Abstract: A three-coordinate measuring machine has a probe (22) connected to an output member (11). A driving system (10) is made up of three carriages (15, 17, 19) on guide rails (14, 16, 18). In parallel with this, there is provided a driven system (20) made up of three carriages (25, 27, 29) on guide rails (24, 26, 28). The carriages 19, 29) are connected together via the output member (11). The other pairs of carriages (15, 25 and (17, 27) are linked via respective devices (55). The devices (55) each apply a force between the respective carriages in dependence on acceleration or deceleration of the carriages of the driving system (10). This compensates for dynamic deflections of the guide rails of the driven system (20) which would otherwise be caused by the accelerations. Measuring devices such as scales and readheads are provided on the driven system (20) to determine the position of the probe (22).

Abstract: Optical apparatus for use with a machine having parts movable along three mutually orthogonal axes. The apparatus uses a single laser to direct a main beam along a first one of the axes and a square deflector mounted on a movable part of the machine to direct the beam orthogonally into a second direction without any angular errors due to pitch or yaw of the square deflector. Thus only roll of the square deflector need be measured. Further square deflectors are used to deflect the beam around other axes of the machine whereby the co-ordinates of a measuring probe can be accurately checked against the machine scale readings. Various methods of measuring roll are described including generating side beams from the main beam and directing them in anti-parallel direction to the main beam onto detectors which detect the deviation of the anti-parallel beams due to roll of the square deflector.

Abstract: A fine positioning device is formed of a central rigid portion, a first set of outwardly-extending portions extending symmetrically along a first axis from the central rigid portion, a second set of outwardly-extending portions extending symmetrically from the central rigid portion along a second axis which is perpendicular to the first axis, a first set of parallel flexible-beam displacement mechanisms provided symmetrically to each other with the first set of outwardly-extending portions respectively to produce translational displacements along the second axis, and a second set of parallel flexible-beam displacement mechanisms provided symmetrically to each other with the second set of outwardly-extending portions respectively to produce translational displacements along the first axis. Three set of radial flexible-beam displacement mechanisms are provided to produce angular displacements about three axes.

Abstract: A toy drawing device in which a window in a housing containing powder is covered by a glass plate whose edges are received within a groove in a sectioned rim joined to a window frame to prevent leakage of powder therefrom. A mobile stylus under the control of an operator acts to trace lines on a layer of powder adhering to the undersurface of the glass plate. To prevent injuries should the glass plate break, its outer surface is shielded by a transparent protective film formed of heat-formable, synthetic plastic material.

Abstract: A bearing arrangement for a coordinate measuring machine having a horizontal probe arm assembly (16) extending to the front of the machine and supported for movement along X,Y, and Z orthogonal axes. The bearing arrangement comprised of opposing sets of supporting or guiding and preloading air bearings (48a,b; 46a,b; 66a,b; 64a,b; 76a,b; 78a,b) for the X carriage (40), the YZ carriage (17) (17a,b; 180a,b; 182a,b; 184a,b; 204a,b), and for the probe shaft (186) (188a,b; 190a,b; 192a,b194a,b). The air bearings each ride on way surfaces formed on the base (12) a column member 160, and the probe shaft (186) and are arranged to most efficiently distribute the load and minimize the effects of inaccuracies in the way surfaces, and make more efficient the accurate machining of the way surfaces.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the position of an object in a vertical column includes a sighting window mounted on a slide movable along a vertical rail. An endless chain extends around a pair of cogged wheels rotatably mounted on rotating shafts at opposite ends of the rail and is connected to the slide so that vertical movement of the sighting window rotates the wheels. One of the wheels is connected to an optical encoder which converts rotation of the wheel to units corresponding to the vertical linear movement of the sighting window. The optical encoder converts the units to an electrical signal which can be delivered to a computer for providing a desired measurement reading base on the position of the object in the column detected by the apparatus. The rail may be mounted on horizontal tracks for movement along a plurality of horizontally spaced columns.

Abstract: A calibration system for measuring the parametric errors in a coordinate measuring machine having a first element and a table which are movable in three dimensions relative to each other. The apparatus comprises a reflector assembly attachable to the first element, a laser measuring assembly attachable to the table for directing a plurality of laser beams at the reflector assembly and for sensing laser beams reflected from the reflector assembly and generating displacement, straightness, pitch, yaw and roll error signals, and means for mounting the laser measuring assembly to the table in three different orientations and for mounting the reflector assembly to the first element in three different orientations. In each of the orientations, the reflector assembly and the laser measuring assembly are aligned for measurement of parametric errors at a plurality of selected positions along the direction of the laser beam. The parametric errors along each direction of movement are stored in a computer.

Abstract: A coordinate measuring machine (10) of the horizontal arm type having an improved way arrangement for a carriage (40) mounted for movement along one of the orthogonal axes (X) of the machine including a pair of angled upstanding granite way members (24,26) detachably mounted spaced apart atop a granite base member (22), extending parallel to each other and the axis of movement. The way members (24, 26) have inwardly turned opposing overhang portions (28, 30) formed with upper horizontal way surfaces (32,34) and under way surfaces (36,38). The carriage (40) is received in the space between the way members (24,26) and is formed with flanges (42,44) extending over the upper way surfaces (32, 34) with pairs of air bearings (46a,b; 48a,b) interposed.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an apparatus for simultaneously measuring and cutting 4.times.8 panels of sheetrock having a measuring unit which has a stylus supported thereon for both vertical and horizontal movement to trace out the outline from a ceiling or wall of a panel of sheetrock to be cut directly form the wall or ceiling upon which the panel is to be installed. The cutting unit has sawing means mounted thereon for both vertical and horizontal movement positionable over a stack of 4.times.8 sheetrock panels. Electrical means connects the measuring unit to the cutting unit so that the sawing means on the cutting unit cuts a 4.times.8 panel of sheetrock both vertically and horizontally simultaneously as outlined by the stylus of the measuring unit outling the area to be paneled.

Abstract: A drawing device adapted to produce line drawings or sketches on a transparent screen on top of a rectangular box-like case partly filled with a powder that adheres slightly to the undersurface of the screen to render it opaque. Disposed within the case is a stylus supported for sliding movement at the intersection of shiftable transverse and longitudinal rods. The extremities of the transverse rods are fastened to a set of parallel branches of a string loop operated by a control knob which when turned causes this rod and the stylus born thereby to move toward either end of the case, depending on the direction of knob rotation. The extremities of the longitudinal rod are fastened to a set of parallel branches of a second string loop operated by a second control knob when turned causes this rod and the stylus born thereby to move toward either side of the box, depending on the direction of knob rotation.

Abstract: Two toroidal magnets are spaced apart form each other by a ferrous spherical spacer. The spacer partially engages openings provided in the two magnet surfaces facing each other. The facing magnet surfaces have the same polarity, repelling each other. The configuration creates a stable equilibrium by conduction of the magnetic flux through the spacer and the repulsive forces at the periphery of the magnets. Four "Hall Effect" sensors are mounted to one of the magnets. These sensors detect minute changes in the device's magnetic field caused by relative rotation or other movement of the magnets. A third magnet may be added for tactile sensor applications, allowing evaluation of the pressure exerted on the device.

Abstract: In a coordinate measuring machine, a Y-axis guide section is formed at one lateral end of a table for placing a work and consisting of a first lower flat guide surface formed in parallel to the upper surface of the table and two parallel vertical guide surfaces formed respectively on the opposite sides of the first lower flat guide surface, both extend in the direction of movement of a measuring member support body. A second lower flat guide surface is formed at the other lateral end of the table in parallel to the upper surface of the table. Vertical position of the measuring member support body relative to the table on the side of the Y-axis guide section is regulated by using the upper surface of the table and the first lower flat surface. Horizontal position of the measuring member support body relative to the table is regulated by using the two parallel vertical guide surfaces.

Abstract: A fixture comprising a number of rearrangeable elements; a hand operated by a robot and designed to position the aforementioned rearrangeable elements on a reference table; and a number of part supporting and clamping means. The aforementioned rearrangeable elements comprise a tubular casing sliding on an air-cushioned pad; and a rod designed to slide axially inside the aforementioned tubular casing and on to the top portion of which are secured the aforementioned supporting and positioning means. (FIG. 1).

Abstract: To measure in X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis coordinates, modules including indicator gages, guides, small linear slides, adjustable stops, and a pneumatic actuator for at least one axis, are bolted together in a manner such as to be readily mounted to a table or other fixture for measuring locations of features on workpieces. The parts are provided with symmetrical arrangements of holes to facilitate reversal of mountings to adapt to a variety of installations without modification of the parts themselves.

Abstract: An X, Y, Z (and .theta.) article positioner and method are disclosed in which two axial elements, one inclined at an angle .alpha. and the other inclined at an angle -.alpha., are utilized in conjunction with each other to accomplish moves in a pure X or pure Z direction or a combination thereof. Each axial element is driven by a lead screw, which in turn is driven by a motor. Pure X movement is achieved by driving the lead screws the same amount, at the same rate, in the same direction. Conversely, to achieve a pure Z movement, the two lead screws are driven the same amount, at the same rate, but in opposite directions. In the preferred embodiment, three superposed and independently driven wedges are used to provide the desired single axis or combinational axis movement to position a workpiece in X, Y and Z with rotational movement of the three wedges providing .theta. axis positioning.

Abstract: Apparatus for counterbalancing a vertically movable element of a machine includes an air cylinder attached to the movable element on the axis of movement and having a small axial opening at its upper end. A piston located in the air cylinder is attached to a fixed machine element by a nonelastic, flexible member such as a thin, nylon-jacketed wire passing through the axial opening in the cylinder. Air under pressure sufficient to counterbalance the weight of the movable element is supplied to the space between the piston and the axial opening in the cylinder. The flexible member makes the counterbalancing assembly relatively insensitive to misalignment and vibration. Air is permitted to leak around the piston to reduce friction and to relieve pressure buildup during downward movement. In another embodiment, the air cylinder is attached to the fixed machine element.

Abstract: The machine substantially comprises a support element of tubular form within the interior of which a column is axially movable in a first direction, a first carriage movable in a second direction orthogonal to the first and to which the said support element is pivoted to allow rotation about an axis parallel to the second direction, and an arm one end of which is fixed to the column and the axis of which is disposed in a third direction, orthogonal to the other two; the machine further includes a second carriage movable on the arm in the third direction, which is provided with attachment means for a bar to which is fixed a feeler device.

Abstract: A combination X-Y positioning mechanism includes a first guide means linearly reciprocable relative to a frame and a second guide means linearly reciprocable relative to the first guide means with the directions of relative reciprocation being substantially mutually perpendicular. A first carriage means is slidable along the respective first guide means and a second carriage means is fixed to the second guide means responsively to the actuation of a closed loop driven by a pair of stationarily fixed bidirectional drive motors and engageable with a series of strategically placed pulleys. A carrier is slidably supported on the second guide means.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a carriage for guiding a computer mouse. The bottom surface of the carriage is recessed for insertion of a computer mouse therein. The mouse is removably clamped in the recess to prevent relative movement to the carriage. The centrally positioned control ball of the mouse is free to operate in a conventional manner. Four rotatable wheels are carried by the carriage and are pivotally connected through a crank arm to a common free floating bracket. An adjustable clamp and biasing spring allow any configuration of a computer mouse to be removably clamped within the carriage. When a mouse is clamped within the carriage and oriented relative to an X/Y axis movement of the carriage and mouse in any direction does not change the original setting of the X/Y axis. The carriage further includes a cross-hair sight for accurately tracing a drawing with the mouse and carriage.

Abstract: An automatic mask cutting/drawing apparatus for preparing a mask film and for forming both positioning holes and a desired image mask pattern or a drawing of a desired line image includes a table for supporting a film material thereon, a first carriage movable along the table surface in a first direction, a second carriage movable on the first carriage in a second direction, first and second moving elements for respectively moving the first and second carriages in their respective directions, a vertically movable drawing element on the second carriage for drawing a desired image pattern on the film material, and a vertically movable cutter element adjacent the drawing element for cutting the film material. Both the drawing element and the cutter element are selectively activatable to form the positioning holes, the image mask pattern, or the drawing as desired and in accordance with commands which are inputted to the apparatus.

Abstract: In a coordinate measuring machine, apparatus for compensating the sensing means for determining the position of a probe for changes in temperature, where the machine base and the support column for the probe have differing coefficients of thermal expansion. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus of this invention is used to prevent "zero shift" in the Z-direction for a Z-rail. The compensating apparatus is associated either with the support column or Z-rail. The apparatus offsets the greater expansion of the machine component having the greater coefficient of thermal expansion. Typically, the position sensing means for the Z-rail includes an encoder and a scale. In one embodiment, either the encoder or the scale is secured to a mount which is affixed to the column. One element of the mount which extends upwardly from the support column has a coefficient of thermal expansion which is substantially less than that of the aluminum of which the column is composed.

Abstract: A device for obtaining numerical coordinates of a point or a set of points comprises two stretched strips having a common end attached to a stylus which is placed on a point or moved over a set of points. Each of the other ends of each strip is supplied from a strip reserve consisting of pulleys connected to a restoring spring for applying tension to the strips. Variations in length of the strips are measured in discrete values by a mechanism associated with a computer for correcting the effective length of each strip.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for effecting spatial coordinate measurement of the contour or the like of an object to be measured in which a plurality of probes are successively used in accordance with the modes of measurement. In one of the probes adapted for measuring the roundness or the like the object, the posture of the probing tip can be changed relative to the main body of the probe by the driving operation of a threaded shaft which extends in the direction perpendicular to the axis of the main body of the probe. A means for driving this threaded shaft is disposed on the side of a probe stocker. The posture of the probing tip is thereby preliminarily changed so as to enable a corresponding predetermined measuring process in which the probe will be used.

Abstract: Metrological apparatus, particularly for measuring form, has a turntable 4 and a transducer 14 and associated stylus 12 mounted so that the tip 12a of the stylus is displaceable radially and vertically relative to the turntable 4. The problem of obtaining both high resolution and large range of operation is solved by using a transducer/stylus 12,14 having a resolution of 12 nanometers and a range of only 0.4 mm and mounting the transducer 14 on an arm 10 which is driven radially and/or vertically by a computer 30 in response to the output from the transducer 14 to cause the stylus 12 to follow the workpiece surface. High resolution data defining the rotary position of the turntable 4 and the radial and vertical position of the transducer 14 is provided by a photodetector/optical grating arrangement 23, 21, 31; 27, 19, 43 and associated interpolators 42, 44, 46.

Abstract: A coordinate measuring machine (10) having a pneumatic probe counterbalance system housed within the probe shaft (14) is disclosed, the system including a piston (54) fit into a cylinder (30) extending along the length of the probe shaft (14). The piston (54) is fixed so that air pressure acts on a cylinder end cap (32) to counterbalance the weight of the probe assembly (12). A stationary tube (34) extends into the cylinder (30) from above the piston (54) and directs a source of regulated air pressure to the cylinder interior (58) from a fluid pressure fitting (48) connected to the upper end of the tube (34). The piston (54) is at least partially spherically shaped and the tube (34) is supported by a spherical bearing (42) to accommodate misalignment of the tube (34) and cylinder (30) without binding during movement of the probe shaft (14). A length of wire (56) is connected at one end to the piston (54) and extends upwardly through the tube (34), and is fixed at its upper end to anchor the piston (54).

Abstract: In a metrological or other sensitive apparatus, the transducer or other operative member (22) is mounted on a support structure (14 to 18) which is carried on a chassis (2) by a first set of dampers or isolating means (10) and the chassis (2) is mounted on the floor by a second set of dampers or isolating means (6). The two sets (10, 6) have different natural frequencies and the first set (10) is arranged so that any vibration of the support structure tends to be rotational centered in the zone of operation (21) of the transducer or other member. This is achieved by arranging that the stiffness of the first set of dampers (10) is higher in the direction (24) passing through the zone of operation (21) than in the transverse direction.

Abstract: The measuring apparatus comprises a base plate member including a rotatable measuring object receiving station adapted to rotatably receive e.g. a tool to be measured. Besides the receiving station, a guiding column is arranged having a guiding rail along which a measuring carriage is movable upwardly and downwardly. The carriage is provided with a horizontally displaceable measuring rail, an end portion thereof being equipped with a measuring calliper assembly. This assembly includes a measuring calliper with a calliper head which may be brought into contact with the tool to be measured. The calliper head is displaceable with regard to a calliper portion fixed to the end portion of the measuring rail. A force acting on the calliper head in horizontal direction (e.g. towards the right) causes the same displacement of the calliper head as a force acting on the calliper head in vertical direction (e.g. upwardly). The displacement is determined by means of a measuring gauge.

Abstract: An error compensated, coordinate measuring machine includes a ram, a supporting structure for the ram and a base on which an object or part to be inspected is secured. The ram is mounted to the structure and movable with respect thereto. An object sensing probe is mounted to the ram. The probe is responsive to contact with the part or object being tested. Sensors are mounted to the ram and the base. The sensor on the ram detects the angular deviation of the ram from a reference plane, and the sensor on the base detects the angular deviation of the base from the same reference plane. A calculator unit determines the difference between the angular deviations of the ram and the base from the reference plane. The machine further includes transducers which measure the position of the ram with respect to the supporting structure, and the position of the supporting structure with respect to the base. The transducers provide ram positional data.

Abstract: A data plotter includes a table for supporting a record sheet, a carriage movable thereon along one orthogonal axis, and a recording device carried by the carriage and movable with respect thereto along the other orthogonal axis. Relative movement is effected between the carriage and table by means of a drive including a pair of spaced racks mounted on one, each meshing with a motor-driven pinion mounted on the other. The data plotter further includes an electronic synchronizing system for synchronizing the operation of the two motors driving the two pinions along the two racks.

Abstract: In a graphics plotter having motor control logic for controlling a motor employed in the process of drawing a series of vector lines comprising a plot, an improvement to the logic for applying optimum control of the motor. The length of each next vector to be drawn is first calculated. The logic for controlling the motor is then self-adjusting as a function of whether the next vector line to be drawn is a short-length vector less than a pre-established length or a long-length vector longer than said pre-established length.

Abstract: A lettering device having a writing arm (4) that is movable between a position of repose and a writing position and that receives a stylus that has a Bowden control (29) for moving the writing arm (4) between the position of repose and the writing position. The Bowden control is guided via an actuating lever (42) that is pivotably secured to a guide bearing (8), so that it is guided over two application zones (43, 44) displaced on opposite sides of the pivot axis (41) of the actuating lever (42) and spaced apart from one another. By tensing the Bowden cable control (21), one section (42') of the pivoting actuating lever (42) lifts the writing arm (41).

Abstract: A stage device comprises an XY-stage movable two-dimensionally in a predetermined reference plane, a Z-stage provided on the XY-stage and capable of a vernier movement in a Z-direction substantially perpendicular to said reference plane, and a levelling stage provided on the Z-stage and capable of an arbitrary inclining movement with respect to the reference plane. There is also provided a laser interferometer for measuring the position of a stage base portion in the X- or Y-direction by projecting a light beam onto a mirror provided on the Z-stage, and the measuring axis of the interferometer is so selected as to be contained in the reference plane. The levelling stage can be inclined in an arbitrary direction with means for driving plural points of the levelling stage independently in the Z-direction. Further it is so designed that the moving points are approximately positioned on the reference plane when the driving points are in a predetermined neutral stage.

Abstract: A bridge type coordinate measuring machine characterized by a bridge (20) that has a closed loop configuration encircling the measuring machine base (10). The bridge (20) includes two uprights (21, 22), an upper member (23) connecting the uprights together and at least one lower member (24) connecting the uprights together below the upper surface (11) of the base (10). Bearings (41) for the bridge are offset inwardly from the vertical axes of the uprights of the bridge and a guideway (12, 13), along which the bearings travel, is located on each side of the base. The bearings (41) operate upwardly, downwardly and sidewardly against the surfaces of the guideways (12, 13) located on the sides of the base (10). This arrangement both stiffens and raises the resonant frequency of the bridge, thereby improving the measuring accuracy and repeatability of the coordinate measuring machines performance.