Abstract: Apparatus for a CMM Arm with Exoskeleton is provided comprising an Internal CMM Arm with a base end and a probe end, and an Exoskeleton driving the Internal CMM Arm through a plurality of transmissions. One or more contact probes, optical probes and tools are mounted on the probe end. The CMM Arm with Exoskeleton is provided in manually operable and automated embodiments. The CMM Arm with Exoskeleton is operable for accurate measurement or for performing accurate operations. Methods are provided for operation of the CMM Arm with Exoskeleton.

Abstract: A surface scan measuring device, a surface scan measuring method, a surface scan measuring program and a recording medium storing such a program which can appropriately adjust the scanning speed, the sampling pitch and other measurement parameters according to the surface condition of a workpiece are provided. The surface scan measuring device includes a radius of curvature computing section (543) for computing the radius of curvature of the scanning point from the measurement data acquired during the ongoing scanning operation, a moving speed deciding section (544) for deciding the moving speed of the scanning probe according to the computed radius of curvature and a sampling pitch deciding section (546) for deciding the sampling pitch according to the computed radius of curvature.

Abstract: A probe head includes sensors having, in each instance, a pressure-sensitive surface, electrical signal being producible by the sensors when pressure forces are acting. Furthermore, the probe head has mechanical transmission elements and a holding element for positioning the transmission elements with respect to the sensors. The holding element is fixed in a stationary manner relative to the sensors and is configured such that the transmission elements are movable relative to the sensors in a direction having a directional component orthogonal to the surface. Furthermore, the probe head includes a probe element, which is deflectable relative to the sensors. The probe element, the sensors and the transmission elements are arranged in a mechanical operative connection such that by contacting the probe element, a change in the level of the electrical signal is producible by at least one of the sensors.

Abstract: An exchanging device is for exchangeably holding a sensor, probe element or tool on a machine or on a machine part or a rotation-pivot unit on a machine or a machine part, preferably, a coordinate measuring apparatus. The exchanging device includes a take-up holder having a first bearing part and a counter piece (22) having a second bearing part corresponding to the first bearing part. A releasable clamping unit (42), for example, a magnetic clamping unit, is provided with which a clamping force is generated between the first and second bearing parts when the counter piece is accommodated on the take-up holder. A locking device having a first locking element (29) is provided on the take-up holder and a counter piece corresponding to the locking element (29) of the take-up holder is provided on the counter piece (22), for example, in the form of a slider (30). With the locking device, the counter piece can be mechanically coupled to the take-up holder in the state when it is taken up by the take-up holder.

Abstract: A contact-type displacement measuring apparatus includes a first movable body that reciprocates in a first linear direction; a driving unit that drives the first movable body; a second movable body that reciprocates in a second linear direction parallel to the first linear direction, in association with movement of the first movable body; a probe detachably arranged at a tip of the second movable body; a measuring force detecting unit that detects, at a rear end of the second movable body, a measuring force to an object when the probe is in contact with the object; a position detecting unit that detects, between the probe and the measuring force detecting unit, an amount of movement of the second movable body; and a control device that controls the amount of movement such that the measuring force is kept constant corresponding to an output of the measuring force detecting unit.

Abstract: A feature of a countersink in a hole, such as the diameter, is measured by a gauge having a self centering, spherically shaped probe which shifts laterally upon engagement with the countersink side walls to as to align itself with the central axis of the hole. The gauge includes an outer tube gripped by a user during the measurement, and an axially displaceable shaft within the tube that drives an indicator dial. The shaft is coupled with the probe by a flexible connector which transmits axial displacement of the probe to the shaft but allows slight lateral movement of the probe relative to the shaft, permitting the probe to become centered within the countersink.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of moving an articulating mechanism (22,410) for a measuring device, comprising the steps of: releasing two bodies (14,16, 410a,410b) which form the articulating mechanism allowing relative movement thereof; moving one of the bodies with respect to the other until a desired position is reached; and re-constraining the two bodies so they are relatively fixed, perhaps as part of a locking process, characterised in that relative movement prior to re-constraining at the desired position occurs under particular conditions. The particular conditions including moving from the same direction; and stopping, slowing down or maintaining the condition at a position adjacent to the desired position. Also disclosed is a method of positioning an articulating mechanism (22,410) for a measuring device which is controlled by a potentiometer and a controller (11) for a measuring device.

Abstract: Touch probe for a machine for measuring coordinates, including a contact feeler (12), relatively mobile relatively to a fixed organ (1) and held in a defined and repeatable resting position by a spring (21). The probe comprises an electric circuit to detect the displacements of the feeler (12). The resting position is defined by six contact points distributed around the axis of the feeler to obtain a uniform sensitivity to lateral forces.

Abstract: A probe head for a coordinate measuring machine has a replaceable, miniaturized probe system with a stylus. The stylus is rigid and forms a structural unit together with a membrane-type sensor system that is deformed in a predetermined way when a force acts on the stylus. The structural unit is permanently fixed to a probe holder and can be handled together with the probe holder when the stylus is being replaced.

Abstract: The present invention provides a surface roughness/contour shape measuring apparatus that can move a probe relative to a workpiece within an orthogonal X-Y plane while employing a relatively inexpensive construction. In the surface roughness/contour shape measuring apparatus (1), the probe (6, 7) and a driving unit (4) for driving the probe (6, 7) in one predesignated direction are connected together by a connecting member (8) capable of moving the probe (6, 7) in one predesignated direction relative to the driving unit (4).

Abstract: Transmission of power and/or signal across a machine tool spindle shank is disclosed. Contacts (340) on the shank are connectable to tracks (24/22) on the spindle (210). A circuit (e.g. FIG. 15) is used to determine the orientation of the contacts relative to the tracks when the shank is inserted in an unknown orientation into the spindle.

Abstract: A stylus includes a stem with a first end and a second end, wherein the stem includes a contact element at the first end and can be arranged with the second end in a holder, and wherein the stylus includes an RFID chip. Also, a measurement device including the stylus and a method for taking account of data characterizing the stylus in a measurement device is provided.

Abstract: A coordinate measuring device having a probe for contacting the object (15) to be measured. The probe comprises a sensing member (18) for contacting the object (15), a support unit (13), a supporting element (25) connecting said sensing member (18) to said support unit (13), a detection member (22), detection means (23) for detecting the position of said detection member (22). Said detection member (22) is carried by a connection element (26) and said connection element (26) is attached to said sensing member (18). The detection member may be shaped as pyramid having three reflective surfaces. The position of the detection member can be determined by using three fibers for illuminating the surfaces and three detector screens for capturing the reflected light.

Abstract: A probe (10) for a machine tool has a switch (32) or other sensor for connecting its battery power supply in response to movement of the probe. In a preferred embodiment, the switch responds to rotation of the probe in the machine tool spindle. The switch (32) is responsive to linear accelerations, but is mounted in the probe so as to respond also to the rotation. A circuit is provid to discriminate between the rotation and linear movements.

Abstract: A gauging head includes a substantially closed casing, a movable arm with a first portion, partly located inside the casing and associated with a position transducer, and a second portion, outside the casing, carrying a feeler for contacting a piece to be checked, and a zero-setting mechanism for adapting the head to check pieces with different nominal dimensions. The zero-setting mechanism, located outside the casing, includes a quick locking/unlocking device between the first and second portions of the arm and a movable mechanical reference coupled with the first portion of the arm and including a reference surface cooperating with a corresponding reference surface for holding the first portion of the arm in a preset position with respect to the casing.

Abstract: A sensor module for a probe head of a tactile coordinate measuring machine has a frame forming a stationary module base, thereby defining a first measurement plane. A moving part is connected to the frame via webs. Each web has a thick-material web portion arranged between two thin-material web portions, if seen in a cross section perpendicularly to the first measurement plane. The thick-material web portion has a material thickness greater than the corresponding material thickness of the thin-material web portions.

Abstract: Re-orientation of a stylus 30 or measurement probe 12 can be accomplished by engaging a part of the stylus or probe with a fixed part 50 and moving the probe in a spherical path centred at the engagement. The engagement 50 is spaced from the stylus tip 34 and avoids bending of the stylus during re-orientation. The re-orientation can take place into a plurality of e.g. repeatable rest positions by virtue of a kinematic array (e.g. balls 122 and rollers 120 FIG. 2).

Abstract: An apparatus for the photoelectric measurement of an essentially planar measurement original includes a photoelectric scanner and a positioning arrangement for the two dimensional movement of the scanner over the measurement original positioned on a supporting surface and the positioning at defined measurement locations on the measurement original. The positioning arrangement is constructed as a type of SCARA robot and includes a stationary base, a first and a second movable robot arm and a positioning control. The first robot arm is mounted on the stationary base for rotation by a motor about a first axis of rotation perpendicular to the supporting surface. The second robot arm is mounted at the free end of the first robot arm for rotation by a motor about a second axis of rotation perpendicular to the supporting surface and carries the scanner, and the positioning control is constructed for rotation of the two robot arms according to externally supplied positioning commands.

Abstract: Tool-switching device for a machine for measuring coordinates wherein the tool is fastened on the tool-carrier and held by the action of elements exerting an axial force. The locking force is taken over symmetrically by the elements of a Boys connection, which increases the repeatability of the connection; in one embodiment, two pins or spheres are driven by a sliding bushing provided with two “V”-shaped slits or with two lateral gorges. In the subsequent embodiments, the pins are replaced by spheres, by levers or by a stirrup.

Abstract: Motorized indexed measuring head for a machine for measuring three-dimensional coordinates. Includes a double-action actuator to pass from a locked state, wherein any rotation of the probe feeler is prohibited, to an unlocked state, wherein the feeler can be oriented along two axes by two servomotors. The locking and unlocking mechanism is independent from the gravitational force and can operate whatever the orientation of the measuring head.

Abstract: A method measures values on a workpiece (7) using a coordinate measuring apparatus which has a measuring probe head (5) with a deflectable probe pin (6). The coordinate measuring apparatus can carry out a linear or nonlinear projection (transformation) of the deflection signals (s) determined by the measuring probe head (5) into a coordinate system (XM, YM, ZM) of the coordinate measuring apparatus using parameters (A). In order to be able to use the method for any measuring probe, more particularly probes whose probe pins are not moveably guided in the directions of the coordinates, at least a portion of the parameters (Aanti) describes components of the deflection of the probe pin which are located tangentially relative to the surface of the workpiece on the touch point.

Abstract: A probing pin includes a predefined breaking point, which is arranged between a first section and a second section of the probing pin. The two sections each have a longitudinal axis. In the region of the predetermined breaking point, at least one of the longitudinal axes emerges from the outer contour of the probing pin at at least two axially offset points. A probe system may be equipped with such a probing pin.

Abstract: A bearing arrangement for an articulatable support includes bearing assemblies. In one embodiment, the assemblies have a ball and aperture having sliding contact at discrete areas during relative rotation. In another embodiment, the sliding contact may be formed at a ball and a plastics (e.g. P.T.F.E. support). Resilient displacement of the bearing contact along a rotational axis is provided by planar spring supports and a rigid support is provided by supports.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring surface properties of a workpiece in an extremely precise manner by means of a co-ordinate measuring device (10), independently from the material properties of the workpiece. A molded probe element is used which can be displaced along coordinate axes (X, Y, Z), and an optical sensor detects the movement of the probe element on the surface of the workpiece. The optical sensor is an optoelectronic distance sensor, and the molded probe element is displaceably arranged in relation to the distance sensor in such a way that the distance sensor optionally directly measures the surface, or the position of the molded probe element.

Abstract: Motorized indexed measuring head for a machine for measuring three-dimensional coordinates. The orientable axes are actuated by motors rigidly supported on bearings or ball bearings. The rotation is transmitted to the re-orientable elements by transmission elements having sufficient play so that the indexing accuracy is not impaired.

Abstract: Motorized indexed measuring head for a machine for measuring three-dimensional coordinates. Comprises one, two or more re-orientable elements to orient a probe feeler according to a plurality of indexed orientations. The orientable elements are guided in their rotation and sliding movements by undercut bushings and undercut shafts. The arrangement of the undercuts allows an accurate guiding in the rotation movement without impairing the indexing accuracy.

Abstract: A scanning head of the measuring type for a coordinate measurement system, has a fixed part, at least one part that is displaceable relative to the fixed part, and at least one damping device for damping vibrations that occur. The at least one damping device is configured as an electric motor, which is connected with at least one negative ohmic resistor.

Abstract: A detector supporting mechanism comprising a first arm having its one end fixed on a mount linearly movable relative to a workpiece, the first arm having a rotation axis at the other end and a second arm provided on the first arm so as to be turnable on the rotation axis relative to the first arm, a detector being mounted on a tip of the second arm, wherein the rotation axis is provided on a plane inclined at an angle of 45° from the movement axis of the mount while being inclined at an angle of 45° from the movement axis of the mount in a projection on a plane which is inclined at an angle of 45° from the plane inclined at an angle of 45° from the movement axis of the mount, and which contains the movement axis of the mount, and wherein an axis of the detector mounted on the second arm intersects the rotation axis.

Abstract: A coordinate measuring device having a probe comprising a stylus (14) with a sensing member (18) for contacting the object (15) to be measured, a support unit (13) to which the stylus (14) is connected through elastic means (19), and magnet means (46) for damping vibrations of the stylus (14) by generating eddy currents in conductive material. The elastic means (19) comprise at least one leaf spring (41) made of conductive material, and said magnet means (46) generate eddy currents in said leaf spring (41).

Abstract: A portable coordinate measurement machine comprises an articulated arm having jointed arm segments. At least one of the joined arm segments is comprised of a plurality of components being bonded to each other using adhesive. In addition, the jointed arm segments may include tapered and/or threaded ends.

Abstract: In a calibration method for a surface texture measuring instrument which measures a surface of a workpiece and includes an arm that is supported to be swingable around a base point thereof and is provided with a contact point at an end for scanning the workpiece surface, the calibration method includes a measurement step for measuring a calibration gauge of which cross section contains a part of a substantially perfect circle, an assignment step for assigning the detection results, which are obtained in the measurement step, in an evaluation formula based on a circle equation in which the center coordinates of the calibration gauge are (xc, zc) and the radius is “r”, and a calibration step for calibrating each parameter based on the evaluation formula obtained in the assignment step.

Abstract: A measuring probe includes a suspension module 112 in which a stylus holder 140 is suspended from a housing on a pair of diaphragms 142,144. At least one of the diaphragms is formed with spiral cut-outs whereby the stylus, which is connected at the center of the diaphragms, is able to move transversely of the axis of the housing as the stylus holder pivots when transverse forces are applied to the stylus tip. A transducer module 110 is releasably supported on the suspension module by a kinematic mounting 116,118 and is retained in position by magnets 120. The transducer module contains optical transducers 200,210,220 for measuring the deflection of the stylus.

Abstract: An interaxis-angle correction method comprising: a reference sphere measurement step of scanning, with the sensor, a reference sphere located on the table, in the measurement-axis direction at a translation-axis-direction position on the reference sphere to acquire measurement-axis-direction contour information, and performing the scanning at a plurality of different translation-axis-direction positions on the same reference sphere, with the table being linearly translated; a peak detection step of detecting a peak point in the measurement-axis-direction contour information, and performing the detection for each set of measurement-axis-direction contour information; an error information acquisition step of obtaining information related to the inclination of an actual straight line based on each peak point with respect to an ideal straight line; a correction information acquisition step of obtaining correction information for correcting a measurement error related to the position in the measurement-axis direct

Abstract: A measurement probe (5) which comprises a housing (16) for mounting on an arm (6) of a coordinate positioning apparatus (2) and a stylus (10) mounted on a stylus support member (28). The stylus (10) and the stylus support member (28) are deflectable with respect to the housing (16). A first transducer system (40–48) measures movement of the stylus support member (28) relative to the arm (6) of the coordinate positioning apparatus (2). A second transducer system (38) measures movement of the stylus tip (12) relative to the stylus supporting member (28). A measurement of total stylus deflection is achieved by combining data from the first and second transducer systems.

Abstract: A length measuring probe that includes a base body, a guide element and a probe pin having a touch scanning element for touch scanning a measuring object, the probe pin is seated, displaceable in relation to the base body in a measuring direction opposite a spring force F via the guide element. A detection device detects a position of the probe pin with respect to the base body and a first spring element and a second spring element arranged behind the first spring element in the measuring direction so as to prestress the probe pin. The guide element is arranged between the first and second spring elements, on which facing end areas of the first and second spring elements are fixed in place, and wherein the at least one guide element is seated, displaceable in the measuring direction, on the probe pin and on the base body.

Abstract: A centering device, in particular for a tracer-type measuring instrument (1), is proposed. The centering device comprises an instrument carrier (3) defining an instrument axis (7), a carrying shank (41) defining a shank axis (43) and a centering holder (45) holding the instrument carrier (3), with the instrument axis (7) parallel to the shank axis (43), radially movably to the latter, but so as to be capable of being fixed to the carrying shank (41). The centering holder (45) is designed as a parallelogram guide with a parallelogram-link region (59), or a plurality of these regions, distributed about the shank axis (43) and the instrument axis (47) and extending along these axes (7, 43). Such a parallelogram guide may be integrally formed in one piece on the carrying shank (41) and/or on the instrument carrier (3), thus reducing the outlay in terms of production.

Abstract: Re-orientation of a stylus (30) or measurement probe (12) can be accomplished by engaging a part of the stylus or probe with a fixed part (50) and moving the probe in a spherical path centred at the engagement. The engagement (50) is spaced from the stylus tip (34) and avoids bending of the stylus during re-orientation. The re-orientation can take place into a plurality of e.g. repeatable rest positions by virtue of a kinematic array (e.g. balls (122) and rollers (120) FIG. 2).

Abstract: A surface profile measuring instrument for measuring a surface profile of a workpiece has: a probe having a stylus provided with a measuring portion for measuring a surface of a workpiece at a tip end thereof and a detector for outputting a detection signal which varies depending on a measurement condition between the surface of the workpiece and the measuring portion; a scanning mechanism for relatively moving the measuring portion along the surface of the workpiece; a memory (46) that stores a position information of the contact portion when the detection signal reaches a predetermined reference signal value; a vibration inclination angle calculator (51) that calculates a response variation factor (vibration inclination angle ?) that applies variation to the detection signal from the surface of the workpiece; and a profile processor (53) that corrects the position information to obtain an actual profile of the surface of the workpiece using the response variation factor.

Abstract: Spindle assemblies include an upper spindle shaft with an undercut section, which reduces wear on parts. Assemblies include a depth stop on a probe pin to ensure accurate alignment upon reassembly with minimal time and effort.

Abstract: Apparatus for releasably connecting together two members (18, 20) comprises two members (18, 20), each provided with co-operating elements (22a, 24A) to define the location of one member with respect to the other member. A damper (30) is provided on at least one of the members to reduce the impact when the two members are joined together. The two members may comprise two modules of a modular surface sensing probe. The damper may include guide means to assist in guiding the members together.

Abstract: A coordinate measuring device for measuring three-dimensional or two-dimensional objects in the direction of the X, Y and Z axes of the coordinate measuring device. The X and Y measuring axes run in one plane in order to achieve a compact unit and a high measuring accuracy.

Abstract: A multicoordinate sensing measuring device is proposed in which a sensing lever (5) that is resiliently spring-pretensioned in a resting position in a housing (3) can be displaced along a measuring axis (7) and can be pivoted transversely to the measuring axis (7). A connecting piece (25) is guided in a movable manner in the direction of the measuring axis (7) on a guide surface (23) of the housing (3). The sensing lever carries along the connecting piece (25) via a linkage (31, 33) when the sensing arm (5) is displaced in the direction of the measuring axis (7) as well as when the sensing arm is deflected in the direction of the measuring axis (7). A measuring device (21) detects the position of the connecting piece (25) relative to the housing (3).

Abstract: A probe driving mechanism for displacement measuring apparatuses, capable of carrying out a stable, constant speed probe feeding operation without additionally providing a motor rotation detecting rotary encoder and a tachometer generator. When an output from a scale varies in accordance with the power applied to a motor, the power applied to the motor is controlled in accordance with an output from the scale. When the variation of an output from the scale becomes small even though the same level of power continues to be applied to the motor, a judement that a probe contacts the workpiece is given, and the power applied to the motor is set smaller. When an output from the workpiece sensor varies, the power applied to the motor is controlled in accordance with one of an output from the scale and that from the workpiece sensor the speed variation of which is larger than that of the other.

Abstract: A probe head for a coordinate measuring machine has a feeler device that can be deflected in space. Also provided are balancing element for adjusting a predetermined rest position of the feeler device for any different alignment of the probe head in space. The balancing element are designed as masses. The forces or moments required for balancing the feeler device are produced by the masses.

Abstract: A stylus including a stem, and a break-off region provided in the stem and consisting of a changed structure of a stem material, and a method of forming the stylus according to which the change of the structure of a stem material is effected by heat treatment of a region of the stem in which the break-off region is to be provided.

Abstract: Method enabling a command to switch the measure mode to be entered in a single vertical axis dimension-measuring column. The mode witch command is entered by pressing the probe tip against the piece to be measured during a time interval greater than a predetermined value. The measuring and displaying system then engages in a search mode of the turn-back point of said piece to be measured. Application: measurement of inner or outer diameters by means of a single-axis measuring column. The method allows the hole's minimal and maximal points to be determined with a minimum of handling operations.

Abstract: Since a dial face (3) and an area indicator (4) are formed separately to be independently turnable, the area indicator (4) is not rotated even when the dial face (3) is rotated. With this arrangement, the area indicator (4) can indicate a correct area regardless of the rotated position of the dial face (3), thereby preventing measurement errors. Further, since the area indicator (4) is not included in the dial face (3), the dial face (3) can be shared as a standard dial face.

Abstract: A portable coordinate measurement machine comprises an articulated arm having a plurality of jointed arm segments. The arm segments include replaceable protective coverings and/or bumpers to limit high impact shock and abrasion as well as to provide an ergonomically and/or aesthetically pleasing gripping location.

Abstract: A portable coordinate measurement machine comprises an articulated arm having jointed arm segments. The articulated arm includes an integrated, internal counter-balance in one of its hinge joints. This counter-balance utilizes a coil spring having relatively wide end rings and narrower internal rings machined from a metal cylinder. The spring further includes at least two posts for locking into the hinge structure of the arm as well as a spring adjustment mechanism.

Abstract: A measuring head is provided with a retracting device for a sensing pin, comprising an electric motor-driven feed screw, a nut shifted by the feed screw and an inclined face formed on the nut; a seesaw member to which the sensing pin is fitted is swung by the linear motion of the inclined face to retract the sensing pin; not only can the retracting speed and the returning speed of the sensing pin be controlled as desired but also can the retracting action of the sensing pin be stopped on the way to make possible its fine positioning. Further, the electric motor may be provided with a manual knob, and the sensing pin would be thereby enabled to be manually retracted.