Abstract: A manually guided probe of a coordinate measuring device is mounted by two rotary shafts arranged one behind the other and a spring parallelogram for nearly reaction free movement in several spatial directions. The device has a workpiece table that is rotatable and tiltable about at least two shafts.

Abstract: A datuming device is provided for use with a machine tool having a movable member which is guided under computer numerical control. The datuming device permits measurement of displacements in a direction not parallel with a displacement probe's line of travel. The device includes a non-sensitive surface which, when probed by the displacement probe, does not indicate a changing displacement when the movable member is moved from a first position to a second position. The nonsensitive surface serves as a reference surface. The device further includes a sensitive surface which, when probed by the displacement probe, exhibits a changing displacement when the movable member is moved from the first position to the second position. The sensitive surface is generally configured as an inclined surface on the datuming device.

Abstract: A portable device for monitoring the wear of a tire and the geometry of a wheel set of a vehicle has a probe for measuring a depth of each tread groove of a tire, a display, a symbolic representation of a set of wheels, and indicators. The device includes a control system for processing and calculating measurements, reference values and compared values relating to rate of wear and the condition of the geometric state of the tire. Resulting calculations and comparisons are displayed on the display and indicators are activated based on the calculations and comparisons made.

Abstract: A probe is mounted on a machine head which has mobility and readouts in three linear coordinate directions. The probe carries a stylus with a tip which has mobility relative to the head in three nonlinear coordinate directions which are nonaligned with the axes of head movement. A mathematical model, produced by a calibration technique before measurements are taken, translates readouts of the stylus tip's position in the nonlinear coordinates into values which are aligned with the coordinate axis system of the machine head. The probe has three flex wire motion guiding devices connected together in series, and each of these devices has a second member movably supported on a first member by flexible wires arranged in two nonparallel sets of parallel wires. The second member is thus constrained to movement in a single arcuate path which lies transverse to the longitudinal axes of the wires in both sets.

Abstract: In a combined processing machine provided with a punching press mechanism and a laser head, a detector such as an electric micrometer is mounted on a cross slide provided for moving a workpiece on a work table with the aid of a work piece holder. The detector is made to come into contact with the rear face of the upper turret and subsequently with the laser head and measures the deviation of the punching position and the laser processing position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tridimensional multifunction plotter, comprising a support of a tool which can move with a high precision following a predetermined tridimensional surface.The mobile part of the machine comprises a multifunction head to which several devices like laser distance measuring devices, digital and analogic probes for the surveying and digitizing of a bidimensional and/or tridimensional surface, or tools of various kinds for making a tridimensional model starting from a surface defined through a CAD system.A hardware-software subsystem is provided, parallel connected with the CPU of the machine, to obtain an integrated system which allows a direct connection of the machine with a CAD system so allowing the operator to input the various working parameters directly to the plotter, without the need of an external processing the data file generated by the CAM system, to convert it into a file compatible with the numeric controls of the machine.

Abstract: A plurality of video cameras (7a-d) are mounted on a table which is adapted support a workpiece or other object to be measured, and the mounting of each camera to the table provides for controlled universal orientation of each camera via an articulating head having provision for selective rotation about each of two orthogonally related axes. The table is provided with vibration damping, whereby both the measured object, and the cameras which provide triangulation data for each measurement, can operate from the same rigid base, isolated from external sources of mechanical shock. The video signals of the cameras are fed, along with instantaneous optical-axis orientation data for each camera, to the computer of a coordinate-measuring machine.

Abstract: In measuring the accuracy of a thread groove of a ball thread formed in a nut by using an electric micrometer, a displacement of one point on each of a pair of flanks of the thread groove is measured along a longitudinal direction of the thread groove, and a pair of measured data sequences are obtained respectively for the pair of flanks. The data elements of the pair of measured data sequences are grouped into a plurality of groups so that each group includes a pair of data elements which are respectively contained in the pair of measured data sequences and which are corresponding to each other. The accuracy in the depth direction of the thread groove with respect to a reference thread groove is obtained on the basis of a sum of the data elements in each group, and the accuracy in the thread axis direction is obtained on the basis of a difference between the data elements in each pair.

Abstract: A low cost, portable computer aided runout measuring system for cylindrical components comprises an electrically interconnected displacement transducer, a computer and an ancillary angle measuring device. Runout deviations are stored in the computer in a displacement vs. time mode while concurrently therewith the angle at deviation is stored in the computer.

Abstract: The mounting comprises a base supporting a first rotary motor whose shaft has secured thereto a housing supporting a second rotary motor whose shaft has the stylus secured thereto. Each motor is operable optionally in a constant torque mode and a positioning mode and each motor has an angular position transducer. In use, the base is secured to the operating member of a coordinate measuring machine and the machine is driven through a path such that the free end of the stylus can maintain engagement with the surface of a workpiece under the force generated by one of the motors while that motor is in the constant torque mode. The profile of said surface is then determined as a function of the coordinate position of the operating member, the angular position and the length of the stylus.

Abstract: A displacement-measuring apparatus including a cylindrical housing, a static-pressure bearing located within the housing, a probe shaft supported by the bearing so that the bearing is supported in non-contact fashion and is movable in the axial direction, and a stylus connected to the end of the probe shaft so as to apply pressure to an object. Part of the static-pressure bearing includes a hollow cylindrical bush and at least two restriction holes formed in the bush and equidistantly spaced along the circumference of the bush. These holes supply air into the gap between the probe shaft and the bush. The static-pressure bearing further includes a first set of grooves formed in the inner surface of the bush that extend along the axis of the bush so that each opposes at least one restriction hole, and a second set of grooves formed in the circumferential surface of the probe shaft that extend along the axis of the probe shaft.

Abstract: A surface finish measuring device for gear teeth. The device includes a probe for tracing an involute surface such of a gear tooth, a computer numerical control (CNC) machine for receiving perimeters relating to the geometry of the structure being measured and rotating the structure at a preferably constant angular velocity; and a computer for determining which measured points on the involute surface are to be used by a display device such as a strip chart recorder to graphically illustrate, in a highly magnified fashion, the topography of the involute surface being measured. The present invention overcomes the problems associated with the rate at which the distance between consecutive measurements changes when measuring an involute surface to provide a collection of relatively evenly spaced measurement points.

Abstract: A probe head for a multiple-coordinate measuring machine defines the at-rest or zero position of a movable probe-pin holder part with respect to a relatively fixed housing part of the head, by employing a flexible coupling between a circular base of the probe-pin holder and a circular reference surface of the housing. The flexible coupling comprises a stacked plurality of interconnected flat disks or rings of spring material, one ring on top of the next, and their interconnections are at sector regions which are at progressively staggered, angularly offset locations, from one to the next pair of sector-connected adjacent surfaces in the stack. In the at rest condition, all rings of the coupling are axially compressed, with their flat surfaces in direct axial abutment with each other, as well as with the fixed part and the movable part of the probe head.

Abstract: A portable measuring system for making a series of thickness measurements of a material such as an aircraft skin and for determining therefrom the sizes and quantities of standard size fasteners required for fastening the material. For each measurement, a fixed probe is inserted through a hole in the material so as to engage an inner surface of the material, and a slidable probe engages an outer surface of the material to measure the material's thickness. Each measurement is compared to a table stored in associated data processing equipment to relate the measured thickness to the applicable standard fastener size. The sizes and numbers of standard fasteners required are accumulated over the series of measurements and displayed to the user.

Abstract: A mounting comprises a base supporting a first rotary motor whose shaft has secured thereto a housing supporting a second rotary motor whose shaft has the stylus secured thereto. Each motor is operable optionally in a constant torque mode and a positioning mode and each motor has an angular position transducer. In use, the base is secured to the operating member of a coordinate measuring machine and the machine is driven through a path such that the free end of the stylus can maintain engagement with the surface of a workpiece under the force generated by one of the motors while that motor is in the constant torque mode. The profile of said surface is then determined as a function of the coordinate position of the operating member, the angular position and the length of the stylus.

Abstract: A digitize control apparatus having a measuring function of the present invention determines a correct contact point between a stylus and a model on the basis of the displacement vector of a stylus obtained by a scanning head and a position vector indicating a machine coordinate value obtained by a position detecting apparatus, and therefore the influence of friction generated between a stylus and a model can be removed, thereby reducing error in the measurements.

Abstract: A probe head for orientating a probe relative to a head of a coordinate measuring machine, has a support a rotor rotatable relative to the support, and a swivel rotatable relative to the rotor. The rotor and swivel are mounted for rotation through a series of discrete, and repeatable rest positions. The relative orientation of support, rotor and swivel is detected by an indicating mechanism comprising a printed circuit board having a series of electrical conductive elements and a contact arm mounted for rotation over the conductive elements on the circuit board. When the electrical contacts of the contact arm come into register with the conductive elements on the circuit board a pulse is transmitted to a micro-processor which determines the relative orientation of e.g. the support and rotor which is shown on the LCD.

Abstract: A probe device (10) for a machine tool includes a part sensing device (28) attached to the end of a piston rod (26), movable along a cylinder (12) mounted on the machine tool spindle head (14). The rod (26) is attached to a piston (42) that is air actuated to extend or retract the rod (26) to respectively move the sensing device (28) to a part measurement position outside the cylinder (12), or to a protected position within the cylinder. When the device (28) is in its measurement position the spindle had (14) is selectively moved to bring device (28) into contact with a machined part to determine the accuracy of machining.

Abstract: A coordinate measuring machine is used to extract data points from an airfoil surface. The machine is controlled to move a probe to desired points by a generic program applicable to any airfoil and a nominal data file specific to the type of airfoil being measured containing coordinates of desired data points, surface normal vectors and optional machine control instructions arranged in the order of usage. The program reads the data file and predicts the location of corresponding data points on the surface from the file data and deviation information available from already-sampled data points on the blade. An analysis program accepts the data points, mathematically reconstructs portions of the airfoil and measures dimensions from those portions. The dimensions are compared to tolerances read from another file specific to the airfoil type.

Abstract: A co-ordinate measuring machine has a probe (62) used to touch points on an article (61) under manual control by a user, e.g. from a joystick (69). A computer (71) determines a vector describing the direction of probe movement prior to touching each point. On the basis of the number of points touched by the user and their respective vectors, the computer makes a decision as to the shape of a feature of the article under inspection, e.g. whether it is a flange, slot, boss, bore, internal sphere, external sphere, cylinder or cone. It can then either calculate a relevant geometrical parameter such as a dimension of the feature, or write a part program for future inspection of the feature on further, nominally identical articles (61). This can be done automatically without the need for the user to tell the computer anything about the shape of the feature concerned.

Abstract: A succession of nominally identical workpieces is measured using a probe on a coordinate measuring machine. To enable most of the workpieces to be probed at a fast speed (step 40), and compensate for the errors thereby introduced, one workpiece is also probed at a slow speed (step 32). For that workpiece, a series of error values is calculated (step 36) from the differences between the fast and slow measurements. The subsequent fast measurements on succeeding workpieces are corrected by making use of these error values (step 42).

Abstract: A host apparatus collects the physical or chemical quantities of articles, which have been measured by a plurality of measuring devices, for example, vernier calipers. Each calipers has a caliper unit as a measuring means, a dip-switch, a CPU, a RAM, and a transmitter. The caliper unit has an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter. The dip-switch is operated, thus setting an ID number of the device, before the device is used. The ID number is stored into the RAM. When the transmission button of the device is pushed, the CPU edits the digital value supplied from A/D converter and the ID number stored in the RAM, thereby forming a serial-data message. This message is transmitted by a transmitter, in the form of a radio message. The host apparatus has a receiver and a host computer. The receiver received the serial-data messages transmitted from the measuring devices.

Abstract: A coordinate-measuring instrument has a purely mechanical device (14) to compensate for the weight of a vertically displaceable spindle (9). The compensation device consists of a helical-coil spring having a working range which is small as compared with its length in relaxed condition, and a belt transmission interposed between the spring and the spindle (9). The belt transmission is preferably developed in the manner of a block and tackle. A first or drive pulley engages and drives the belt for Z-axis positioning of the spindle, and a second or belt-tension pulley applies weight-compensating tension to the belt.

Abstract: Calibration of an eddy current probe (24) and associated data acquisition and analysis system (42, 48, 52, 54, 66) is accomplished using a step tube sample (68) having a nominal diameter portion (74) substantially equivalent to a nominal field tube (22). Two readings of eddy current test units are obtained from the step tube sample, and the diameter of the probe is used as a boundary condition on the non-linear response of the probe to variations in tube radius. A calibration curve is generated for use in converting field tube eddy current measurements to field tube radius or profile.

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: An oscillator outputs an oscillator frequency corresponding to a moving distance of a probe. A counter counts the oscillator frequency of the oscillator. A computer calculates the moving distance. A display unit displays the moving distance computed by the computer. A voltage booster and a voltage stabilizing circuit are connected between the oscillator and a battery. The driving voltage from the battery is supplied to the oscillator through the voltage booster and the voltage stabilizing circuit, and is supplied to the counter, computer and the display unit without passing through the voltage booster and the voltage stabilizing circuit in order to reduce the power dissipation.

Abstract: When a probe of a displacement measuring apparatus is moved, a core member connected to the probe is also moved through coils of an oscillator. A movement distance of the probe is calculated in accordance with a change in an oscillation frequency generated in correpondence with the movement of the core member. If strict displacement measuring is to be performed, the non-linear relationship between the moving distance of the core member and the change in the oscillation frequency must be taken into account, i.e., the relationship therebetween is measured in linear manner, the movement distance is calculated and then secondary curvature correction is performed to correct for the linear measurement. Therefore, measurement precision of the displacement measuring apparatus can be greatly improved as compared to that of a conventional displacement measuring apparatus.

Abstract: Multi-coordinate measuring and testing machine which is essentially constituted from a fundamental machine unit, a scanning or sensing system which is movable in at least two coordinate directions, and a machine-controlling unit. The scanning or sensing system is constructed as a multi-sensor system and is constituted from a mechanical sensing head or probe with at least one stylus and/or a video scanner and/or a laser scanner which are controlled from a microprocessor and operate independently of each other, and which are selectively either individually actuatable by means of software connected thereto, or can be coupled to each other in a dual or triple combination.

Abstract: A co-ordinate measuring machine has a probe used to touch points on an article under manual control by a user, e.g. from a joystick. A computer determines a vector describing the direction of probe movement prior to touching each point. On the basis of the number of points touched by the user and their respective vectors, the computer makes a decision as to the shape of a feature of the article under inspection, e.g. whether it is a flange, slot, boss, bore, internal sphere, external sphere, cylinder or cone. It can then either calculate a relevant geometrical parameter such as a dimension of the feature, or write a part program for future inspection of the feature on further, nominally identical articles. This can be done automatically without the need for the user to tell the computer anything about the shape of the feature concerned.

Abstract: An apparatus 1 to measure and/or check the spatial position and angular orientation of characteristic spots or areas 3 in mechanical structures or members, particularly in motor-vehicle structural components such as bodies or wheels. The apparatus substantially comprises an articulated arm 4 provided with a number of pivot points 5 and carrying, at a free end thereof, a tracer point 10 adapted to be positioned close to the characteristic spots or areas 3 of the structure to be measured or checked. Located at the pivot points 5 of the articulated arm 4 are displacement transducers 16 which send electrical signals to a computer depending upon a variation in the configuration taken by the pivot points 5 as compared with corresponding reference configurations.

Abstract: The invention contemplates an articulating head having bearings of reproducible travel behavior, for precision angular displacment of a mounted probe-pin, about each of two orthogonal component axes of rotation. The precision of angular displacement relies upon high-resolution angle encoders for reading the instantaneous angle for each of these component axes of rotation and for reporting the same to the computer of a coordinate-measuring machine. Active position-control circuits use the angle encoders for controlling drive about the respective component axes of rotation, all in conjunction with a given program of measurements by the coordinate-measuring machine. A probe holder mounted to the articulating head can be oriented to any desired angular aspect with respect to the workpiece feature to be measured or scanned, and measurements can be made solely by controleld actuation via one or both drives on the respective axes of the articulating head, i.e.

Abstract: An optical analogue probe (9) is used on a co-ordinate measuring machine (1). Prior to use, it is datumed to compensate for any misalignment of the angle (.theta.) of its measurement axis (12A) from each of the machine's axes (X,Y,Z). Trigger points (D2,D3) are defined near opposite ends of the probe's measurement range (MR). A first set of machine X,Y,Z co-ordinates of at least four points (40) on a test sphere (38) are taken at one probe trigger point (D2). A corresponding set of co-ordinates for another four points (44) are taken at the other trigger point (D3). For each set of co-ordinates, a calculation is made of the center of the sphere, giving respective center points (42,46). The vector between these center points (42,46) is parallel to the measurement axis (12A) of the probe (9). From this vector, direction cosines are calculated for correcting the probe output to give X,Y and Z values.

Abstract: A method for automatic probe offset compensation in a machine for measuring coordinates of a workpiece surface by contacting points on the surface with a probe having a prescribed diameter and sensing and recording the coordinates of the probe. The method can be applied to planar surfaces and circularly curved surfaces. The method includes determining a direction point in space just prior to contact with the workpiece surface, determining a directional vector between the direction point and the first contact point, and determining the angle of the directional vector relative to a normal to the surface. When the angle is within a predetermined range of acceptance, the direction point is considered valid. In the case of a planar surface, the measured surface is shifted by the probe offset in a direction opposite the normal vector so that the measured surface and the workpiece surface coincide.

Abstract: A digital gemstone measurement device includes a first caliper jaw fixed to a housing, a second caliper jaw movable relative to the first caliper jaw, an encoding wheel that rotates in response to linear motion of the second caliper jaw, a photosensor for sensing rotation of the encoding wheel and a microcomputer responsive to photosensor output signals for calculating the weight of a gemstone. A slotted rotary encoding wheel provides measurement resolution on the order of 0.01 millimeter. A spring-loaded pneumatic dashpot urges the caliper jaws together relatively slowly so as to avoid snap-action. The gemstone shape is selected from a list, and the weight is calculated from a predetermined formula corresponding to the shape. The device is handheld and includes a keypad for controlling operation and an alphanumeric display for readout of measurement results.

Abstract: In the automated performance of multiple measurements on each of a succession of workpieces, the invention contemplates establishing a plurality of safety-reference positions (S.sub.1 to S.sub.7) along the programmed displacement path intended for the probe head (10) and its work-contacting probe pin. Any one of a variety of error signals developed in the course of conducting the measurement program on a given workpiece is operative to temporarily stop further conduct of the program and to instigate a repeated attempt to successfully traverse the part of the program in which the error signal occurred.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provides a three dimensional measurement of a point on an object. A surface with a system for detecting the position of sensors is placed adjacent to the surface and an assembly disposed adjacent to the surface yet freely movable within a plane is parallel to the surface. The assembly includes two sensors whose orthogonal projections into the surfce are detected by the two dimensional detecting system. The assembly further includes a probe, slidable only in a direction perpendicular to the surface and a system for detecting the perpendicular distance of the probe from the surface. In this manner, the orthogonal projection of the probe into the plane is permanently fixed in relation to the two sensors. In practicing the method of the invention, the object to be measured is placed adjacent to the surface and the assembly is moved to a position where the contact on the probe can be moved orthogonally until it contacts the spot on the object whose position is to be measured.

Abstract: A tool is shown having a cross beam assembly (15) made of beams (18, 19, 20, 21) joined by a center box structure (23). The assembly (15) is adapted to be mounted by brackets (16) to the outer end of a cylindrical case (11). The center box structure (23) has a vertical shaft (25) rotatably mounted therein and extending beneath the assembly (15). Secured to the vertical shaft (25) is a radius arm (28) which is adapted to rotate with shaft (25). On the longer end of the radius arm (28) is a measuring tip (30) which contacts the cylindrical surface to be measured and which provides an electric signal representing the radius of the cylindrical surface from the center of rotation of the radius arm (28). An electric servomotor (49) rotates the vertical shaft (25) and an electronic resolver (61) provides an electric signal representing the angle of rotation of the shaft (25).

Abstract: A machine measures an object of generally circular cross-section by superimposing on the subject a cylindrical coordinate system having five axes, namely a vertical measuring axis Z, three radial axes R0, R120, R240 emanating at a common point along the measuring axis Z, and a rotational axis .theta. having its center at the measuring axis Z. The machine includes an elevating unit which supports the object with its axis generally parallel to the measuring axis Z and is further capable of moving the object parallel to the measuring axis Z as well as rotationally about the measuring axis Z along the rotational axis .theta.. A measuring device monitors the linear position of the object along the axis Z while another measuring device measures the angular position of the object along the rotational axis .theta..

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of measuring by a coordinate measuring instrument. A detecting element is manually moved along a sample of work to be measured in accordance with a predetermined sequence of measuring steps. A moving path of the detecting element is detected by displacement detectors which produce output signals which are inputted to a command unit incorporated in a robot mechanism for storage. Subsequently, a data processing unit gives a command to carry out an automatic measuring sequence, and the robot mechanism is moved along the stored moving path by its drive system, whereby measurement results for dimensions are calculated on the basis of data acquired during the automatic measuring due to the contact between the detecting element and the work and data stored during the manual set-up phase. The detecting element is uncoupled from the drive system of the robot mechanism during the manual set-up phase.

Abstract: A system for generating and cutting graphic illustrations from sheets includes a microprocessor with graphics programming with suitable input such as a digital pad connected to a graphics plotter having an adaptor for converting the graphics plotter to a sheet cutter, which includes a scribe holder having the size and configuration of a graphics pen for the plotter for substituting for the pen in the plotter with the scribe holder including a pointed scribe having an omni-directional cutting tip with the ability to cut sheet materials when forced in any direction about its axis.

Abstract: A measuring device for a machine tool comprises at least one sensor mounted on a supporting arm which is movable with the help of a carriage. To perform an exact measurement of the distance between two diametrically opposed points on a work piece, the supporting arm with the sensor is slidably and/or pivotally mounted on the carriage to displace the sensor in a transverse direction over the machine tool turning center. A folding in and out of the supporting arm which is mounted on a holder on the carriage occurs during insertion into and withdrawal from a storage pocket of a tool magazine. Air cleaning means and cooling means for the sensor and the workpiece are provided. In another embodiment of the measuring device the supporting arm can be approximately U-shaped mounted on a shaft with a sensor on the end of each U-leg for a two point workpiece measurement, can be slid along the holder for the supporting arm and is pivotable about 90 degrees.

Abstract: Deviations in flatness on a horizontal surface are measured by running over the surface, at a constant driven speed, an instrument sensitive to slope and which generates a continuous voltage signal corresponding to a continuous slope measurement. The continuous voltage signal is filtered to remove extraneous high frequency voltage signals thereby to produce raw continuous analog slope data which is digitized and calibrated to provide calibrated digital slope data from which other flatness data is computed. Procedures are described for calibrating the instrument and for eliminating or compensating for distortions in the measurements.

Abstract: A "scanning" work-contact probe is deflectable with respect to a measuring-machine head which is driven by the three-coordinate drive system of the measuring machine. The arrangement is such that the probe continuously tracks (scans) a desired profile of a workpiece and, in doing so, measured probe increments (decrements) of deflection with respect to the head are so mathematically combined with head-position data that, in the further circumstance of holding path-velocity magnitude .vertline.V.sub.des. .vertline. of the measuring machine to a constant value, the orientation of the probe head with respect to the locally contacted slope of the workpiece can also be a constant.

Abstract: In an NC-lathe comprising a thread touch sensor provided with a touch portion to be brought into contact with an effective radius/diameter portion of a screw thread, an automatic measuring device electrically connected to the thread touch sensor, and an automatic correction device connected to the automatic measuring device; an effective radius or diameter of a screw thread is measured by bringing the touch portion of the thread touch sensor into contact with an effective radius/diameter portion of the screw thread, the measured dimension is compared with a desired dimension, and when a difference is produced between the respective dimensions, the NC-lathe is controlled by correcting an amount of machining by means of the automatic correction device.

Abstract: An inspection system for determining if the measured features within a measured pattern of features on a mechanical component are within specified tolerances by repositioning a representation of the dimensioned features relative to the corresponding measured pattern of features within the coordinate system and by determining whether each measured feature is within the tolerance zone associated with the corresponding dimensioned feature. To accomplish this purpose, a data processor is provided for simulating the relative positions of the measured and dimensioned pattern of features and for moving in incremental steps the dimensional pattern relative to the measured pattern within a predetermined coordinate system. The directions of movement for the incremental steps are chosen by the data processor by simulating restoring forces between corresponding features of the measured and dimensioned patterns.

Abstract: A probe having a stylus spindle mounted in a machine tool for locating an object in relation to the stylus measurable along two axis perpendicular to the centerline of the stylus or in the plus and minus direction parallel to the center line of the stylus. The probe provides a discreet signal on contact or a signal level proportional to deflection of the stylus through interfacing with the machine computer numerical control by a machine mounted transducer unit.

Abstract: A tool measuring apparatus for a machine tool is provided with a plunger (16) mounted to move along an axis (22) to vary the spacing between the end of the plunger and an inductive element (26) of an inductive displacement measuring device (24). Device (24) generates a signal V.sub.y which varies as a function of the spacing between the plunger (16) and device (24). Spindle (14), engaging a tool (12), is moved to a position M located a known distance from inductive element (26). As the spindle is moved to position M, tool (12) engages plunger 16 and moves the plunger to decrease the spacing between the plunger and the element (26) to a value S.sub.3, corresponding to an unknown length d of tool (12). Levels of V.sub.y corresponding to spacing S.sub.3 and to S.sub.2, representing a known nominal value N of tool length, are coupled to a processor 32 and a control 30 to determine tool offset e, i.e., the difference between actual length d and nominal length N.

Abstract: Metrological apparatus is provided with a turntable (4) which is movable horizontally and pivotally for centering and levelling. The turntable (4) is supported at three points (A,B,P), one (P) of which is fixed and the other two (A,B) of which are vertically movable by motorized jacks. Centering and levelling is achieved automatically by means of a computer (72) which calculates the required horizontal and pivotal movements of the turntable (4) from data obtained by sensing the workpiece surface with a transducer (12).

Abstract: A device (gage, data station, and software) and method to measure mean radius and deviations from mean radius of nominally cylindrical or conical shapes in a plane perpendicular to the nominal axis of revolution using curvature measurements at uniformly spaced intervals about the circumference is described. The system divides the contour of interest into equal segments and measures the local curvature at each point. The group of measurements combines with a closure constraint to produce a condition of mathematical overcompleteness. This is used to minimize the accumulation of measurement error.

Abstract: Multi-coordinate measuring and testing machine which is essentially constituted from a fundamental machine unit, a scanning or sensing system which is movable in at least two coordinate directions, and a machine-controlling unit. The scanning or sensing system is constructed as a multi-sensor system and is constituted from a mechanical sensing head or probe with at least one stylus and/or a video scanner and/or a laser scanner which are controlled from a microprocessor and operate independently of each other, and which are selectively either individually actuatable by means of software connected thereto, or can be coupled to each other in a dual or triple combination.