Abstract: The device is intended for an independent measuring apparatus which can be displaced on a measurement plane on which a part to be measured is immobilized. This device comprises a slide which is displaceable along a slideway of the apparatus perpendicular to the measurement plane, a carriage mounted for displacement in said same direction against opposing forces of two springs intended for the applying of a sensing force, and a support bearing a probe which is mounted for displacement on the carriage in a direction perpendicular to that of the vertical slideway. Upon the search for the point of regression of the probe which is necessary for the detection of the two diametrically opposite points of a bore of the part to be measured, the entire apparatus is immobile on the measurement plane and only the feeler support is displaced on the carriage. Automation of the search for the point of regression is also shown.

Abstract: A base assembly for a machine tool includes a support arrangement between a metal base and a granite worktable which eliminates distortion caused by differential thermal expansion and contraction and which isolates the base from deformation due to the weight of a workpiece. The support arrangement preferably includes three spaced-apart blocks, each with a V-groove track, attached to the bottom of the granite worktable. The axes of the V-groove tracks intersect at a common point. The metal base includes three spherical projections located for engagement in each of the V-groove tracks. The support arrangement permits the granite worktable and the base to expand, contract and distort separately, while providing vertical support and lateral and rotational restraint. Several configurations of tracks and projections are disclosed.

Abstract: An electromechanical measurement system for acquiring dimensional data from a nuclear fuel assembly includes an underwater measurement assembly, support means for mounting same on the edge of a spent fuel pool, and a control and data acquisition and processing unit. The underwater measurement assembly includes an elongated strongback disposable vertically along a pool wall, adjustment mechanism on a support assembly permitting accurate positioning of the strongback. A support plate carries hydraulic clamps for clamping the top nozzle of a fuel assembly while it is supported from overhead, a clamp carried by the lower end of the strongback being engageable with the bottom nozzle for holding the fuel assembly in a selected orientation with the faces of the top nozzle vertical.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring linear displacement having three slides movable along orthogonal axes. Two slides each having a scale for measuring linear displacement which extends substantially parallel to the path of movement of its associated slide. The third slide has a movable scale for measuring linear displacement, with a portion extending at substantially a right angle to the path of movement of the third slide, so that the linear displacement along all three axes can be viewed and read on all three scales from the same position and in subtantially the same sighting direction.

Abstract: A pen printer for performing drawing with a detachably held pen comprises a pen holder operation mechanism for moving a pen holder detachably holding the pen between a pen attaching position, where the pen is attached to or detached from the pen holder, and a home position, where drawing is started or ended, and for moving the pen holder from the home position for drawing a desired sign or figure according to a pattern corresponding to the desired sign or figure and causing the pen holder to return to the home position, a support member for supporting the pen holder operation mechanism to be movable in all directions, a pen seat, mounted on the support member, for receiving a tip of the pen held by the pen holder, pen attaching position reference point display marks, mounted on the pen seat, for displaying a pen attaching position reference point for the pen tip of the pen held by the pen holder, and pen holder operation mechanism moving screws for moving the pen holder operation mechanism in all directions s

Abstract: An X-Y position indicator control for manual movement over any surface to move a cursor over a display on a cathode ray tube, the indicator control generating signals indicating its position to cause a cursor to be displayed on the tube at the corresponding position. The indicator control mechanism contains X-Y position wheels mounted with their axes in perpendicular planes, which rotate according to the X and Y movements of the mechanism. Each position wheel is mounted on a flexible shaft. Each position wheel is resiliently urged into contact with the surface by the flexible shaft.

Abstract: A coordinate measuring machine has supporting members movable in a plurality of coordinate directions which are each made of welded steel construction. Surfaces of the supporting members are covered by sheet metal shells which are spaced by a small distance away from the supporting members and form an air space thereover. This reduces the adverse influences of temperature induced expansions and contractions.

Abstract: A numerically or manually controlled moving carriage drafting machine with digital X-Y position and angle indication, input keyboard, ruler holder and lowering mechanism for tubular pens or similar writing instruments at the drawing head is particularly characterized in that the drawing head contains an X.sub.1 -Y.sub.1 writer with high dynamic range and small working range only for lettering and small sized symbols whose path instructions are superimposed by the same computer alternately also to the X-Y drives of the moving carriages, and that all movements of the drawing head originate as selected from a movement sensor which is guided manually by the hand of an operator as well as from a path computer, with all operating and path driving programs at least capable of being recalled from the keyboard at the drawing head.

Abstract: An automatic dimension analyzer is disclosed which comprises a power driven table on which an object being measured is placed, the table being movable in orthogonal directions, and an optical system for forming an optical image of the object in a sample point field. The sample point field is electronically scanned in a rectangular raster format to produce sample point data bits each representing a sample point having a predetermined optical level. A cursor generator is synchronized with the raster to generate a cursor in the sample point field. A coincidence detector is provided to detect a coincidence between a sample point data bit and the cursor. Measurement instructions are stored in sequentially addressible locations of a memory through a data entry means.

Abstract: A coordinate measuring instrument, wherein a measuring element support member (1) having a measuring element (2) is movably supported on a mount plate (3), this measuring element (2) is abutted against the surface and the like of a work to be measured, which is mounted on the mount plate (3), and relative movement values between this measuring element (2) and the work are detected to measure a configuration and the like of the work. In this measuring instrument, vertical surfaces (3A, 3B, 50A and 50B) are formed on the mount plate (30) and air bearings (47, 52 and 53) opposed to these vertical surfaces are provided on legs (8 and 9) of the measuring element support member (1), so that the measuring element support member (1) can be regulated in its position in a direction of X-axis.

Abstract: A measuring stylus comprises a holder movable over a medium to be measured by the stylus and a lens floatingly mounted in the holder and biased to engage the measured medium. The underface of the lens engaging the medium is formed with a curved surface to provide a small area of contact with the medium, and is further formed with a visual measuring mark on the small area of contact with the medium.

Abstract: For accurately determining the position of a measuring head 14, a multicoordinate measuring machine has an additional measuring device, which essentially is formed by a scanning head 19 having a measuring probe 20, and inserted in a beam 16. The position of a cross arm 6 in a distance A is determined by means of the measuring probe 20 and is passed on over an amplifier 22 to a computer 25 for control and display purposes. The coordinate measuring machine operates with only one length scale 5. The cross arm 6 is supported at its ends and without play on carriages 11 and 12, which can be moved in the X direction in guiding systems 3 and 4, which are arranged parallel to each other.

Abstract: A numerically controlled writing instrument is equipped with a carriage, movable on a writing plane, with drives for a stylus which converts the path information to writing movements, in which the control of the device is equipped with a unit for programming of self-defined characters and symbols by the user in a memory (RAM) which transfers the characters into an additional, electrically recordable and erasable memory which is connected with the control of the device from where the characters are available and can be called up for reading or writing. The writing instrument makes possible in a particularly advantageous manner a fast character definition, low in errors, even by auxiliary personnel not trained in programming.

Abstract: An XY table for processing an object (22) such as an iron plate, comprising frame (2) having an opening formed thereby, a moving member (2) moving in an X-direction and in a Y-direction at a right angle to the X-direction, a head (21) for cutting, marking or machining attached to the moving means (20) for processing the object (22) through the opening, and a setting mechanism (23) for detachably setting the frame (2) to the object (22).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an arbitrary-direction tracer control unit which permits arbitrary setting of the tracer feed direction, and is intended to allow ease in changing the tracer feed direction even during tracing.A memory (M) has stored therein data indicating the tracer feed direction, that is, the angle between the tracer feed axis and the X-axis. A correction angle setting device (COM) sets a correction angle with respect to the tracer feed axis. An adder (ADD) adds together the angle stored in the memory (M) and the correction angle set on the correction angle setting device (COM), and provides the added output to a tracing operation device (PRO). The tracing operation device (PRO) operates, on the basis of the results of addition by the adder (ADD) and a displacement signal from a tracer head (TH), a velocity in each axis direction at which a model and the tracer head (TH) are moved relative to each other in a direction corresponding to the results of addition by the adder (ADD).

Abstract: A glass cutting device which is especially useful for cutting sheet glass having a motor driven glass cutting head mounted on a platform. The glass cutting head may include a marker as well as a cutting wheel for performing the functions of marking and cutting glass from a stock piece of glass. The motor driven cutting head may be controlled by a computer providing optimizing instructions to reduce waste in the cutting operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a relief plate for letterpress printing on a carrier sheet includes a flat table for tautly fixing the carrier sheet, a holding stand extended across the flat table in the X-direction of a coordinate system, a first cursor connected to the holding stand for indicating a position in the Y-direction, and a second cursor connected to the holding stand for indicating a position in the X-direction. The apparatus further includes a first driving device for causing the holding stand to move in the Y-direction, a second driving device for causing the second cursor to move in the X-direction, a third driving device for causing the first and second cursors to move in a vertical direction, and a control unit which is computer-programmed to control the movements of the first and second cursors in the X-, Y- and vertical directions.

Abstract: A drawing device for use in a drafting machine has a base movable to any desired position; at least one drawing pencil fixedly secured to the base through a holder unit fixed to the latter; a driving arrangement capable of moving part of the drawing pencil longitudinally thereof relative to the base, and a stopper adapted to limit the upward movement of movable component parts of the drawing pencil.

Abstract: An x-y positioning device in which a cable or chain is used to drive a carriage, powered by two motors. The same cable that moves the carriage also constrains the angular orientation of the moving mechanism. In so doing, the moving parts can be made lighter and less expensively, while providing improved dynamics. All is advantageously applied to large, flat-bed plotters, to a computerized engraver, to a large sign painter, or to an elevator.

Abstract: On an electronic carriage brake for a drawing machine, the power stage (18) associated with a brake magnet (12) for a considered co-ordinate direction is triggered directly via the output signal from a comparator (24), to which the measured position signal (20) and the nominal-value signal (26) are applied, as well as additionally via a monostable trigger circuit (30) which is triggered by the output signal from the mentioned comparator (24).

Abstract: A coordinate measuring machine (10) having a light weight aluminum bridge (24) mounted for guided movement along ways (42) on a base (28), which also is constructed of aluminum to match thermal growth characteristics of the bridge (24). The table (12) is constructed of steel for greater rigidity to support heavy measured objects (1b) and is supported on the base (28) so as to minimize distortions of the base (28) by differences in thermal growth of the table (12), and base (28). The weight of the table (12) and measured object (16) is arranged to be passed through the base (12) to floor supports (62, 112) to minimize distortions of the base (12) and ways (42). The bridge (24) is movable completely to the rear of the table (12) to enable access of the probe (18) to the total table surface area FIG. 2.

Abstract: An apparatus for checking linear dimensions of mechanical parts comprises a bed, a longitudinal slide and two transverse slides arranged on the longitudinal slide and carrying relevant sensing elements adapted to touch the part to be checked. In order to obtain flexibility and quickness of operation, first and second reference rests for relevant parts are positioned on the bed and the transverse slides carry sensing elements having an arrangement substantially symmetrical with respect to a transverse symmetry plane. The apparatus is particularly suitable for checking parts after a first and, respectively, a second machining operation.

Abstract: A coordinate measuring machine (10) is disclosed of the type having a bridge (28) mounted for horizontal movement of a base (30), a carriage (24) mounted for horizontal movement in a direction orthogonal to the direction of bridge movement and a probe (12) mounted for vertical movement on the carriage (24), so that the probe (12) is guided along three orthogonal axes over a table (14) supported on a base (30), so as to enable measurement of an object (16) disposed on the table (14) by measuring the extent of travel along each axis. Side covers (42, 50) are provided fastened to the base (30) and enclose the lower ends of upright members (40) comprising in part the bridge (28) so that the bridge (28) movement is confined within openings (44) formed by the side covers (42, 50). A dust covering movable belt (46)is attached at either end to each upright member (40), closing off the openings (44 ), the belt (44) recirculating as the bridge moves.

Abstract: An inspection apparatus includes a checking fixture having an article supporting surface having a contour representative of the desired/ideal peripheral marginal edge contour of a contoured article to be inspected, such as a bent glass sheet, e.g. an automotive lite. The article is supported by the article supporting surface of the fixture. The apparatus further includes position-sensing facilities, e.g. a linear potentiometer, and facilitates, e.g. a robot, for moving the potentiometer about the periphery of the article to be inspected, to generate a plurality of signals indicative of the gap between a plurality of predetermined points around the marginal edge periphery of the article supporting surface and a corresponding plurality of points around the marginal edge periphery of the article. The apparatus further preferably includes a computer or the like for processing the generated signals to provide information about the contour characteristics of the article, e.g. bend, sag, kink, or the like.

Abstract: An improved multi-axis gas bearing stage assembly is disclosed which has a base, an intermediate stage element, a stage, and a control system for controlling the movement of the intermediate stage element and the stage. The control system includes first and second Y-axes positioning sub-systems for differentially positioning first and second ends of the intermediate stage element along first and second Y-axes of motion, with respect to the base, and an X.sub.i -axis positioning sub-system for positioning the stage along an X.sub.i -axis of motion, with respect to the intermediate stage element. In one embodiment, the positioning sub-systems comprise motor-encoder driven leadscrews. In a second embodiment, the positioning sub-systems comprise linear motors, measuring scales, and read heads. In a third embodiment, the positioning sub-systems comprise linear motors and interferometer measuring systems. A method of achieving orthogonality between the Y- and X.sub.

Abstract: In the reticle positioning system disclosed herein, a unitary structure is machined to form both a frame for holding a reticle and a compound linkage permitting lateral and rotational movement of the frame within its own plane under the control of three servo motors generating controllable displacements.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for working on sheet material utilizes a table having two spaced coplanar lips across which sheet material is stretched to be worked on by a tool supported from a movable carriage spanning the table. Clamping units attached to the table hold the sheet material in a taut condition between the coplanar lips of the table by clamping the material against the lips. A platen is suspended from the carriage on the side of the material opposite from the work tool for movement with the carriage and provides a backing for the material as the work tool performs a work operation on the material. The apparatus is particularly suited for applications in which the sheet material in an elongated strip is indexed in segments across the work area of the table.

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: Drilling apparatus is adapted for use with a computer controlled plotter to selectively use the plotter as an automatically positionable hole drilling device. A drill motor of the drilling apparatus is carried and manipulated by a carrier mechanism of the plotter in a manner similar to that in which a conventional plotter instrument is manipulated. A coupling apparatus is attached to the carrier mechanism for the purpose of selectively mechanically connecting to and establishing a pneumatic seal for supplying pressurized gas to operate the drill motor. An alignment apparatus is connected between the carrier mechanism and the drilling apparatus to position an axis through the drill bit of the drill motor orthogonal to the plotter table. An actuator apparatus moves the drill motor toward the plotter table to drill holes in the material positioned on the plotter table.

Abstract: A portal type coordinate measuring machine includes a column on each side of a measuring table which is movable by a synchronous belt drive connected to each column. A drive motor is centrally mounted on a bridge portion overlying the columns and it drives a horizontal shaft which extends to each column and effects the rotation of a drive pinion which engages a gear belt which extends parallel to each column and is carried by the column. The drive includes a toothed belt or gear belt which is disposed parallel to the guiding ways for the columns and has its ends firmly clamped on the bridge and an active central portion which extends around a drive pinion which is tensioned on respective sides of the drive pinion by tension rolls.

Abstract: A nuclear reactor fuel assembly grid measuring method and device, including a grid measuring tool mounted on an X, Y, X positioner having a force limiter for each of these three axes and a grid clamping tool. The grid measuring tool is a combination of: a movable, spring-loaded, caliper assembly; a caliper stand assembly; and a base assembly. TV cameras are mounted on the base assembly to allow remote viewing and positioning of the caliper assembly and monitoring of the overall measuring process. An additional separate force limiter is provided near the caliper assembly to prevent excessive force from being applied to the delicate fuel assembly grids. Measurements are taken only after the caliper assembly is positioned upon the grid. Finally, a linear variable differential transformer is associated with the caliper assembly for enhancing accuracy of the measurements.

Abstract: A marking device for marking a sheet mounted on a digitizer board includes a measuring coil inductively coupled to the digitizer board when the coil is operatively positioned relative to the board. A switch on the marking device is operable to cause current pulses to be applied to the conductors on the digitizer board producing magnetic flux which couples the conductors on the board to the coil. A marker on the marking device is responsive to operation of the switch for marking a thermosensitive sheet on which the measuring coil is placed thereby marking on the sheet the position of the marking device when the switch was closed.

Abstract: A drilling method of drilling an imaginary facing for excavating a curved tunnel such that the imaginary facing is nonparallel to an existing facing. The drilling method includes the steps of obtaining a first equation for transformation between a primary coordinate system defined with respect to the imaginary facing and a secondary coordinate system defined with respect to the existing facing, transforming a primary drilling pattern of the primary coordinate system into a secondary drilling pattern of the secondary coordinate system, obtaining a second equation for transformation between the secondary coordinate system and a final coordinate system defined with respect to a drilling vehicle, and transforming the secondary drilling pattern to a final drilling pattern of the final coordinate system.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a coordinate plotter with at least one automatic punching device, adapted to draw a desired picture by shifting a table and an autographic head, which is directed downwardly from a point right above the table, in the X-axis and Y-axis directions respectively. The at least one automatic punching device is provided in adjacent to a side edge parallel to the moving direction of the table and at a height equal to the upper surface of the table so as to form a positioning hole through a sheet laid on the table for drawing the desired picture thereon. The specification also discloses a method and apparatus for conveying sheets to the coordinate plotter.

Abstract: A mechanism for imparting very small movements to an object comprises a base and a second base supported therefrom by parallel flexure strips, with a further pair of parallel flexure strips on the second base and supporting a platform for parallel motion at right angles to that of the first base. Of the two parallelograms thus formed one embraces at least part of the structure of the other. A third parallelogram may be formed by a similar structure to one of the first two, so as to provide adjustable movement in a third direction at right angles to each of the first two.

Abstract: A coordinate measuring instrument including: a table (50) movable in the direction of Y-axis on a bedplate (10); a slider (110) movable in the direction of X-axis through supports (90) and a beam member (100); a Z-axis structure (180) supported by this slider (110) in a manner to be movable in the direction of Z-axis; a probe stocker (290) fixed to the table (50) and capable of resting thereon a plurality of probe holders (250) each having a signal producing probe (280); and a probe mounting-removing mechanism (200) provided in the Z-axis structure (180), the probe mounting-removing mechanism (200) being capable of selectively installing a signal producing probe (250) most suitable for the shape of a work (320) to be measured.

Abstract: A bridge type coordinate measuring machine (CMM) characterized by a bridge (20) that has a closed loop configuration encircling the upper surface (11) of the measuring machine base (10). The bridge (20) includes two uprights (21, 22), an upper member (23) connecting the uprights together, and a lower member (24) that connects the uprights together above the ways (12, 13) and below the upper surface (11) of said base (10). Bearings (41) acting in three perpendicular directions on each guideway (12, 13) minimize unwanted movement of the bridge (20). This arrangement increases the resonant frequency of the bridge, improves the CMM accuracy and repeatability, and provides for easy assembly of the bridge (20) onto the base (10). Bearings (41) for the bridge are offset inwardly from the vertical axis of the uprights of the bridge and a respective guideway (12, 13), along which the bearings travel, is located on each side of the base.

Abstract: A coordinate measuring instrument wherein a measuring element is related to a work to be measured, and a configuration or the like of the work is measured from a displacement of this measuring element. In this measuring instrument, one of supports is supported by one of guide rails in a manner to be positionally adjustable in direction of X- and Z-axes and the other of the supports is supported in a manner to be displaceable only in a direction of one of the guide rails. A slider guide rail racked across the supports can be adjusted in its posture in the direction of X- and Z-axes by a posture adjusting mechanism provided on connecting portions between the slider rail and the supports. The slider guide rail thus adjusted in posture in non-displaceable in the moving direction of a slider in a state where adjustment members provided on the slider guide rail are closely abutted against abutting surfaces of the supports.

Abstract: A mouse (X-Y position controller) having axially-inclined transducer assemblies--preferably almost perpendicular to the surface on which the mouse is operated--for a compact, greatly simplified structure. The drive wheel of such an assembly can then be small relative to the transducer disk of that assembly, with considerably reduced precision requirements for location of indicia on the disk. Moreover, by use of a pair of spaced ring magnets urging the drive wheel toward the operational surface for the mouse, significant contact force against the operating surface is provided while eliminating substantially all of the friction attendant upon use of even a so-called antifriction thrust bearing. Due to the magnitude of the available contact force, the drive wheel can be of a hard and durable material rather than an elastomer and still provide improved tractional characteristics even on such a difficult operating surface as, for example, oiled teflon.

Abstract: The invention concerns a drawing or engraving device which has a first trlling carriage system with a first and second guide rail each supporting a moving travelling carriage. The second guide rail is attached to the travelling carriage on the first guide rail. A second travelling carriage system is joined to the first travelling carriage system and has two travelling carriages driven by motors. One of these travelling carriages supports a working head which can be manually guided. The coordinates of the actual pattern executed by the working head are determined by means of a distance measuring device. Computing means compare these actual coordinates with coordinates of a selected pattern through which the working head should travel to draw an element or line segment selected by the user. A control device is activated by the computer which calculates any deviation of the actual pattern coordinates from the selected pattern coordinates.

Abstract: Measuring apparatus for determining the position of a point in a measuring volume relative to a datum point at which three mutually perpendicular axes intersect, includes a probe member supported for movement within that volume. Errors due to rotations about the various axes are corrected by providing additional transducers on each axis, there being (n+1) transducers where n is the number of rotations for which correction is required. The embodiments described have three X-axis transducers X.sub.1, X.sub.2 and X.sub.3 and three Y-axis transducers Y.sub.1, Y.sub.2 and Y.sub.3 which, with the appropriate circuitry correct for pitch and yaw errors about the two axes. For the Z-axis only two transducers, Z.sub.1 and Z.sub.2, are required. The circuit means combines the various transducer outputs to derive corrected values of the three co-ordinates.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in chemical milling operations to automatically cut a maskant material, such as a thin film of plastic, which has been applied to the workpiece. The cutting device of the invention is designed for use with a computer controlled apparatus embodying a rectilinear robot adapted to move the cutting device in first, second and third directions relative to the workpiece. The pressural engagement between the cutting blade of the device and the workpiece is continuously sensed and controlled. Additionally, the angle between the cutting blade and the maskant is controllably varied as the cutting device is moved by the rectilinear robot.

Abstract: A carriage drive apparatus positions a carriage along a guide rail. First and second front drive rollers are rotatably mounted on a carriage drive housing on opposite sides of a nonrotating guide rail. The first and second front drive rollers are adapted to frictionally engage the guide rail. Third and fourth rear drive rollers are also mounted on the carriage drive housing on opposite sides of the guide rail. The third and fourth rear drive rollers are adapted to frictionally engage the guide rail. A motor is mounted on the carriage drive housing and is coupled to the front and rear drive rollers. The motor is used to drive the carriage drive housing along the guide rail. A sensor is used to sense the position of the carriage housing along the guide rail. The drive can be disengaged from the drive rail while the sensor remains engaged to permit teaching the controls various stop positions while manually moving the carriage drive housing.

Abstract: A multiple-coordinate scanner having regulated scanning force for scanning objects, and preferably for length- and gear-measuring machines, is disclosed. The scanner detects the scanning force via a multiple-coodinate force measuring device and uses it to regulate the scanning force, in that corresponding straight-line guides in the multiple-coordinate scanner are deflected by drive units such that the resultant measuring force corresponds to a predetermined magnitude, regardless of the direction and magnitude of the multiple-coordinate scanner deflection.

Abstract: The disclosed guide device utilizes no rigidly mounted external guide elements. However, a guide element freely slidable on an air cushion on a flat base can be lowered from the interior of a slide element (by removal of the air cushion) onto the base. Once the guide element has been lowered, it is fixed by subpressure onto the base and takes over the function of a rigidly mounted guide. The guide element, which was previously freely slidable on the base, is now exactly positionable along the guide of the guided element. If the displacement path is to be increased, then the slide piece element is fixed by subpressure on the base, the guide element is again acted upon with compressed air and driven within the slide piece in a displacement direction and at the end of the interior space is again fixed to the base. Now the slide piece is again released and can on its air cushion be further positioned exactly in the displacement direction. This stepwise movement is limited only by the size of the base.

Abstract: A writing tablet system is disclosed incorporating a plurality of parallel conductors imbedded beneath the surface thereof arranged in two groups in orthogonal relationship with respect to each other. The conductors form an antenna grid for receiving radiated electric signals generated remote from the tablet and supplied to a pen, or cursor, acting as a signal radiating means. The radiated signals generate signals of varying amplitude in the respective grid conductors. Each of the conductors in each of the X and Y directions are interconnected at one end thereof by resistances. The opposite ends of each of the conductors are either connected to a signal sensing circuit or are left unconnected. The unconnected conductors, or minor conductors, are arranged between the connected (or major) conductors such that radiated signals received by the antenna grid are received by all conductors but only those signals appearing on the major conductors are utilized in the determination of pen position.

Abstract: A coordinate measuring machine (CMM) of the type including a bridge (26) supported for horizontal movement on a base (20) that has a table portion (18). The bridge includes cross members (28, 32) that extend above and below the table (18). The bridge (26) supports a probe (12) for vertical movement on a carriage (24) which, in turn, is supported for horizontal movement transversely to the horizontal motion of the bridge (26). The bridge (26) is guided laterally during its movement on the base by means of a rail guide (44) mounted centrally beneath the table (18), and air bearings (48) acting on the guide rail (44). This establishes accurate control over the movement of the bridge (26) on the base (20). Both the table (18) and guide rail (44) are constructed of granite, while the bridge (26) is of aluminum. This arrangement minimizes the effects of thermal expansion between on the components and increases the measuring accuracy of the CMM.

Abstract: An x-y positioning device in which a cable or chain is used to drive a carriage, powered by two motors. The same cable that moves the carriage also constrains the angular orientation of the moving mechanism. In so doing, the moving parts can be made lighter and less expensively, while providing improved dynamics. All is advantageously applied to large, flat-bed plotters, to a computerized engraver, to a large sign painter, or to an elevator.

Abstract: A gantry-type jig having two longitudinal beams and a traveling cross-rail, each composed of a load-bearing element and a positioning element. The varying load as governed by the position of a trolley is taken up fully, or to the major part, by the load-bearing elements. The positioning elements form a constant reference basis for measuring the deflection of the load-bearing elements by means of transducers. On the basis of the deflection measured, correcting values are established which are employed to change the level of the ram of the trolley or the level of the cross-rail.

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.