Abstract: In the work-contacting probe head (or on the suspension of the deflectable work-contacting probe head) of a coordinate measuring machine, an electromagnet is provided to trigger a mechanical impact blow or vibration if the switch-contact circuit in the three-point mounting of the probe pin remains open for a predetermined short period of time after completion of a cycle of coordinate measurement of a given work-contacted measurement location. The delivery of the impact is sufficient to overcome any residual mechanical friction that may have interfered with return of the probe to its calibrated at-rest position, at completion of the measurement cycle.

Abstract: A contact-sensing probe for measuring workpieces includes a body (16) for attachment to a machine and a workpiece contacting stylus (22) carried by a stylus holder (24) which is mounted within the body for movement relative thereto from a rest position to a displaced position when the stylus contacts the workpiece. Sensing means are provided for sensing workpiece contact by the stylus. The sensing means comprise a plurality of strain gauges (46) mounted on pillars (44) connecting two parts (36A,36B) of a support structure which supports the stylus holder on the body. The strain gauges are mounted with their principal axes lying at an angle to the axes of the pillars, and by optimizing the numbers, positions and dimensions of the pillars together with the angles of the strain gauges, high sensitivity can be achieved with minimum risk of false signals due to probe vibration, while at the same time minimizing the variation in pre-travel of the stylus.

Abstract: Plural switch-type probe heads used in a coordinate-measuring machine are electrically connected in parallel, and each probe head contains a resistor (106) which is series-connected to its switch contact (103/110). In addition, each probe head has a measurement resistor (108) which is independent of switch contacts, and the measurement resistors of all probe heads are also connected in parallel. The operative work-contacting switch signal is produced from a comparison of the currents flowing through the measurement resistors (108) and the series resistors (106).

Abstract: An intelligent tool system used with computer numerical controlled machining centers consisting of an internal spindle machanism and a variety of spindle mounted devices.The spindle mechanism provides CNC communicating and operating means with spindle mounted devices such as; telescoping tool holders for determining work surface locating with random length tools and for sensing tool condition; automatic boring tools for high precision boring and contouring; probing devices for work surface location, measurement and definintion; combination boring and probing tools for boring and measuring a hole without removing the tool from the spindle.

Abstract: A multi-coordinate probe with a stylus is disclosed wherein the stylus has a mounting or seating location defining its zero position. The stylus is deflectable from the zero position in several coordinate directions and is urged by a restoring force back into its zero position. The mounting location of the stylus is formed by the cooperation of surface areas of a plurality of balls with associated surface areas of support members. The balls and the support members are centrally arranged about the axis of the probe. The balls are fixedly mounted on a mounting member while the support members, which preferably are in the form of cylinder bodies with a V-shaped groove in the surface facing the balls, are, during assembly of the probe, rotatable about their own axis and axially movable to accomplish the desired precision seating of the ball surfaces in the grooves. After the positioning is accomplished, the cylindrical bodies are immovably fixed within the probe casing.

Abstract: In a switching multicoordinate probe an accurate and accurately reproducible switching behavior is achieved by a plurality of bearing points, which all have the same elasticity. The bearing balls (14) and their countermembers (17) exhibit a sufficient number of degrees of freedom, in order to be able to accurately orient themselves with respect to each other during installation. After adjustment the contact zones of the individual bearing balls (14) with the inclined sectional surface (18) of their countermembers (17) form an accurate bearing arrangement for the probe retainer (10), which bearing arrangement lies in a plane prependicular to the stylus access (FIG. 1).

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 safety device on a quill with a sensing head fixably connected thereto interrupts a positioning motion of the quill in case of a collision of the sensing head. For this purpose there is fastened to the quill a mounting plate 6, on which rests a bearing plate on at least three balls 20. The sensing head is fixable to the bearing plate. Several switches and switching cams assigned to them are offset relative to the balls on the bearing plate. In case of a collision of the sensing head, the bearing plate is deflected relative to the mounting plate, thereby causing at least one switch to interrupt the driving motion of the quill.

Abstract: A stack of hinged plates are employed as part of a switch assembly for a probe used to detect contact with an object such as a workpiece. In the preferred embodiment, the plates are hinged together by flat springs clamped to, but electrically insulated from, side walls of adjacent plates.

Abstract: A contour and outline transducer gage assembly for selectively making outline (gap) and contour checks of parts positioned proximate thereto is provided with a slidably movable carrier arm within the gage housing in selective spring biased operative engagement with a linear potentiometer fixedly provided within the gage housing. Selective movement of the carrier arm in relation to the linear potentiometer causes a gaging electrical signal to be generated for read-out on associated data collector means. A movable cover plate is provided externally of the gage housing in fixed actuating engagement with the movable carrier arm. An adjustable contour check pin support assembly is provided on the movable cover plate so as to provide selective horizontal, vertical and angularity adjustment of a part-engaging contour check pin mounted on the contour check pin support assembly.

Abstract: The sensing head of a measuring machine is pendulously suspended via self-centering ball-and-socket structure which affords resilient dislocating relief from its normal precisely centered position of measurement. The resilient connection permits feeedom for such dislocation for all possible directions in spaces, while effectively anchoring the head against torsional deflection about the vertical axis. Once the collision condition is removed, the self-centering suspension assures resumed precision of the at-rest condition in which measurements can be made.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for checking for tool breakage in machine tools having a sensor for sensing a clamped tool before and after a machining operation and an electronic device for evaluation of the measurement detected by the sensor. According to the invention the sensor is constructed as a moveable feeler rod (5) and in each measuring operation is pressed against the tool tip with an adjustable force independent of the length of the tool (7) concerned. A device for determining the respective measuring position of the feeler rod (5) provides the data for the evaluation.

Abstract: A stylus (15) for contacting a workpiece (13) to sense its position is suspended on a movable member (16) within a fixed housing (10). The suspension is by means of three connecting units (20, 30, 40). Taking the connecting unit (20)as an example, the movable member (16) is connected to an intermediate member (22) by a first pair of links (21), while the intermediate member (22) is connected to the fixed housing by a second pair of links (23). The pairs of links are rigid in tension and compression so as to prevent rotation of the stylus about a respective one of the three orthogonal axes X, Y, Z. Nevertheless, the links permit translational movement along all three axes. The similar connecting units (30, 40) likewise permit translation on all three axes, while preventing rotation about a respective one of the axes.

Abstract: A machine has a movable member capable of releasably supporting a tool for performing an operation on a workpiece, and a supply of pressurized fluid. The tool includes an electric circuit which is provided with power from an electrically generator drivingly connected to a turbine driven by the machine's supply of pressurized fluid. The turbine may be in the form of a Pelton Wheel, the buckets of which are rotated by directing the pressurized fluid at them in a jet. The pressurized fluid may be a liquid or a gas. The tool may take one of several alternative forms, such as a boring bar or measuring probe.

Abstract: A method and device for sensing the presence and location of an object in a reference plane by directing light along a line perpendicular to the plane, defining a ring in that plane encircling said line of light, and sensing, by a change in the condition of the light, the presence of an object on the ring. In a first, non-contacting embodiment, light is directed along a line which is the axis of the ring and directed outwardly and focused at the ring. A circular detector coaxial with the light ring is positioned to sense intrusion onto that ring of an object, and by using a circular diode array detector, one can detect both the presence and location of that object on the ring. According to another contacting embodiment, a disc is placed in the reference plane with the light shining through an opening therein, the disc being movable in any direction in said reference plane. When an object touches the disc at any point and moves it, this changes the location of the aperture through which the light passes.

Abstract: A toroidal electrical transformer having a low voltage coil, a high voltage coil and an annular magnetic core is disclosed. The preferred low voltage and high voltage coils are each continuous and form an arcuate elongated passage therethrough. The preferred annular magnetic core is wound in place in said arcuate elongated passage substantially from a continuous strip of magnetic material resulting in a toroidal transformer with continuous windings and a continuous wound core. Various components and sub-assemblies are also disclosed along with various apparatus and methods for producing such toroidal electrical transformers, its components and its sub-assemblies.

Abstract: Automated gaging apparatus for use with a machine tool system is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus is adapted for use with a touch probe and includes circuitry for frequency shift keying a subcarrier signal responsive to contact occurring between the touch probe and a workpiece. The subcarrier is used to switch a source of microwave radiation, such as a Gunn diode oscillator, on and off at the shifted frequency. The microwave signal is detected by a remote receiver, and the detected signal is coupled to the controller for the machine tool system for use in gaging the workpiece.

Abstract: The invention concerns a receiver (1) in the probe head of a multiple-coordinate measuring machine in which probe-pin combinations (21) can be replaceably chucked with high precision with respect to their position in space. The receiver contains an isostatic three-point support (14) against which the base (15, 16, 17, 18, 19) of the probe-pin combination is drawn by an electrically operated clamping device. The clamping device is coupled with the control computer of the measuring machine so that a probe change can be effected automatically.In a preferred embodiment, the clamping device consists of a permanent magnet (11) and of an electromagnet (10) by which the field of the permanent magnet (11) can be selectively counteracted or increased to achieve pick-up and release functions. In another embodiment, a motor-driven screw thread performs the pick-up and release functions, and assures that the picked-up probe will unambiguously be drawn into correct isostatic engagement with the three-point support.

Abstract: The invention concerns a receiver (1) in the probe head of a multiple-coordinate measuring machine in which probe-pin combinations (21) can be replaceably chucked with high precision with respect to their position in space. The receiver contains an isostatic three-point support (14) against which the base (15, 16, 17, 18, 19) of the probe-pin combination is drawn by an electrically operated clamping device. The clamping device is coupled with the control computer of the measuring machine so that a probe change can be effected automatically.In a preferred embodiment, the clamping device consists of a permanent magnet (11) and of an electromagnet (10) by which the field of the permanent magnet (11) can be selectively counteracted or increased to achieve pick-up and release functions. In another embodiment, a motor-driven screw thread performs the pick-up and release functions, and assures that the picked-up probe will unambiguously be drawn into correct isostatic engagement with the three-point support.

Abstract: A probe of the type having a movable stylus for detecting contact with an object is disclosed. The stylus is connected to a movable member which is held in its rest position by means of a spring. The movable member is provided with a bore therein to which the stylus is removably connected. The bore extends into the interior of the probe housing and provides access to the spring for adjusting the pressure on the movable member when the stylus is removed.

Abstract: A position detecting apparatus for generating a position detection signal when the sensor comes into contact with a workpiece is equipped with a swivel mechanism which allows the sensor to move in any direction within a constant range at the time of contact. This swivel mechanism comprises a metal cylinder for supporting the sensor, a mechanism for moving in the vertical direction guided by a center shaft supported by a swivel bearing, and a mechanism for moving the metal cylinder and center shaft in the horizontal direction. When the sensor contacts the workpiece, a display, for example, is lit up by a position detection circuit.

Abstract: A cartridge gauging head for checking linear dimensions of parts comprises a tubular casing, a shaft axially movable with respect to the casing, a feeler fixed at an end of the shaft for contacting the part to be checked, a transducer for providing a signal depending on the mutual positions of the shaft and the casing, and a guide member for guiding the axial displacements of the shaft. The guide member includes an intermediate portion coupled to the casing and two end portions adapted to cooperate with the shaft for guiding it.

Abstract: A surface tracer having a probe to trace the surface profile of a work continuously and read out the shapes of the work to three-dimensional coordinate electrical signals. The probe is rigidly connected with an X-axis slider which is supported on a base through Y- and Z-axis sliders so as to be slidable perpendicular to each other such that the probe can be slided on the surface of the work. The Z-axis slider is suspended from the base by a suspending spring to support the other X- and Y-axis sliders. Between the base and the X-axis slider a return spring for providing returning force to the probe to its original position is adopted. Pressurized air is supplied to the sliding face of each of the sliders to form an air bearing thereon.

Abstract: A touch probe construction that enables it to be used in place of tool holders used in existing turning centers to perform workpiece inspection operations without requiring modification of the machine. The probe housing is designed to generally correspond in shape to the tool holders and includes a self-contained battery power supply and transmission circuitry for radiating an infrared signal to a remote receiver head when the probe stylus contacts an object such as a workpiece surface. The probe circuitry is designed so that current drain on the battery is minimized.

Abstract: A multicoordinate sensing head is disclosed in which a sensing pin is secured in the interior of a sensing head housing by means of a flange which is rigidly secured to the pin. The flange rests on precisely formed bearing balls which are distributed uniformly around the circumference of an opening in the bottom of the housing through which the pin passes. A rim on the flange extends around the bearing balls to grip the balls and prevent radial shifting of the sensing pin. In the rest position, into which the sensing pin is pressed by the action of the spring operating via a sensor probe, the free end of the sensing pin is precisely positioned in a predetermined orientation with respect to the housing in a repeatable and accurate manner. When the sensing pin is deflected, the flange tilts around one or two of the balls and thereby moves the sensor probe axially to allow a measurement system to sense deflection of the sensing pin.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting the position of a probe relative to a workpiece, for example probe contact with the workpiece, is disclosed. The apparatus includes a transducer for converting probe contact to an electrical signal and a plurality of light emitting semiconductors for wirelessly transmitting an indication of the occurrence of the signal via infrared radiation. The apparatus is particularly suitable for operation with a mechanical switch type probe transducer. The apparatus is easily adapted to transmit the occurrence of probe contact by either amplitude modulation or frequency modulation of the emitted infrared radiation.

Abstract: A sensor pin carrier (34) is disposed in a housing (20) and rests on a support member (26) by way of a bearing which is arranged all around a central longitudinal axis (40), and the sensor pin carrier is designed for securing at least one sensor pin (38). The sensor pin carrier (34) is attached in the middle of an elastic disc (30) disposed vertically with respect to the longitudinal axis (40) and secured at its outer edge in the housing (20). At least one electric switch (56) is associated with the sensor pin carrier (34) to generate a signal upon deflections of the sensor pin (38).

Abstract: The measuring arm of a multiple coordinate measuring machine has two horizontal arm portions and a vertical arm part. The vertical part free end has a chuck for rigidly connecting a probe member to the measuring arm. The arm part and arm portions comprise pairs of parallel bender bars having rectangular cross-sectional configurations. A corrugated tube can surround the bars to increase the torsional stiffness of the measuring arm. Non-bendable bars freely project between each bender bar pair and carry at their free ends capacitor plate pairs forming differential capacitor primary elements. The outer electrode pairs fixed to the bender bars. Geometrical measurement with respect to the coordinate axes can be performed with two pendulums by movement of the measuring slides of the measuring machine carrying the measuring arm. The test signals of the primary elements are generated by bending movements of the measuring arm in the respective coordinate directions.

Abstract: In a co-ordinate measuring machine a probe is connected to the head of the machine by a pivotal arm, and the orientation of the probe is changed by moving the head so that the arm engages a fixed structure and a moment is applied to the arm which is thereby caused to turn and present the probe in the required orientation.

Abstract: A radius of curvature transducer has an integrally molded body, flexible in a bending mode with two contained wire guide tubes extending the length thereof, spaced laterally from and parallel to the body neutral axis and displaced 90.degree. angularly about the neutral axis. A push-pull wire is fixed to one end of the body and extends freely through each wire guide. An LVDT sensor, having a movable core, is coupled to the free end of each push-pull wire. As the body is subjected to bending, the wires are displaced in the passages and in turn displace the moving member in the LVDT causing signal outputs indicative of the difference in length of the path along which the wire extends relative to the neutral axis. Calculations convert the signals to radius of curvature indications and indications of the coordinates of one end of the transducer body relative to the other end.

Abstract: In a sensing or measuring arrangement for determining the position or dimensions of a test object, the sensing arrangement housing is fastened to a receiving element for the installation of the sensing housing onto a tool receptacle of a spindle of a machine tool. A voltage source is included in the sensing housing to power a measuring signal transmitting system. In addition, a switching arrangement is included for switching the voltage source from a standby mode of operation characterized by low current consumption to a measurement mode of operation in order to increase the life of the voltage source. This switching arrangement is responsive to an expansion measuring strip which detects an axial elongation of the receiving element in the tool receptacle. In the disclosed embodiment the expansion measuring strip is fastened to an inner surface of the receiving element which is subject to axial elongation when the receiving element is installed in place in the spindle of the machine tool.

Abstract: Head for checking linear dimensions of workpieces comprising a support, a movable arm carrying a feeler adapted to touch the workpiece to be checked and three members substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal geometric axis of the head. One of the members is fixed to the support, another member carries the arm and the third member is intermediate to the first two members. Arranged between adjacent members are two pairs of balls, which are aligned along paralllel axes, glued to one member and housed in conical recesses obtained in the other member, and which define two axes for mutual rotation between the adjacent members and are always maintained into contact with the surfaces of the relevant conical recesses by means of springs. An electrical circuit, closed in rest conditions, comprises two pairs of electrical contacts, which open the circuit as a consequence of displacements of the movable arm along opposite directions or as a consequence of an axial displacement of the movable arm.

Abstract: A two-directional touch sensor for use in a height gauge, other measuring instruments or the like, wherein an abutting contact with a workpiece (W) to be measured is detectable in two directions opposed to each other at 180.degree.. The main body (1) of sensor has a probe shaft (13) rotatably supported by the main body (1) and provided at one end with a spherical measuring element (18) and at the other end with a contacting element (20). When an abutting point (18A) or (18B) of the measuring element (18) being in abutting contact with the workpiece (W) is aligned with a neutral axis (M), the contacting element (20) comes into contact with either one of electric contact points (54B) and (54A) to emit a touch signal.

Abstract: For the accurate setting of machine tools, mechanically and electromechanically operating feeler devices are used, for example optical display means, which light up at the moment of touch contact with a surface to be machined. The accuracy of setting using these devices does not, however, satisfy the required setting accuracy in many cases. A method is provided, by means of the invention, in which a feeler head is slowly approached towards the surface or edge to be touched until the contact of the rotating feeler head with the surface or edge corresponds to a feeler head rotational angle (.alpha.) which is greater by a predetermined safety value than 180.degree. but is smaller than 300.degree.. The device for this purpose consists of a housing with an electrical voltage source and circuitry equipment for optical display elements, the housing being penetrated by a hollow shaft connected with one pole of the voltage source.

Abstract: A probe for checking linear dimensions of mechanical parts comprises a support, a movable arm carrying a feeler adapted for contacting the part to be checked and an integral member coupled to the movable arm and the support. The member includes a first portion fixed to the movable arm a second portion fixed to the support and an intermediate portion having two sections with reduced thickness which define two axes of mutual rotation of the first and second portion. An electrical circuit closed under rest conditions comprises two pairs of electrical contacts which are opened in consequence of displacements of the movable arm along opposite directions or of an axial displacement of the arm.

Abstract: A probe for detecting contact with an object such as a workpiece includes a movable carrier having a first set of contacts mounted thereto and a fixed carrier having a second set of contacts mounted thereon. The first carrier is operably connected to a probe stylus and moves therewith when the probe stylus contacts an object thereby making or breaking electrical connection between one or more of the contacts. Each of the carrier members is made of a body of high flexural strength nonconductive material, preferably glass fiber reinforced plastic, to thereby simplify electrical insulation of the contacts as well as to insure repeatability of the probe measurements.

Abstract: A touch probe is disclosed having a stylus holder mounting arrangement utilizing the combined effects of a planar reed spring and at least one linear wire spring to restrict permissible movement of the stylus holder relative to the probe housing to two axes.

Abstract: A machine tool spindle (10), rotatable in a housing (11), is adapted to receive, as an alternative to a cutting tool, a probe (12) having a stylus (14) whereby to sense a workpiece (15) for the purpose of measuring it. On sensing the workpiece (15) the probe (12) generates a signal which is transmitted to a fixed location (X) on the housing (11). The probe (12) has a body (13) secured to the spindle (10) for rotation therewith, such rotation being required for certain measuring manouvres. To cope with the transmission of the signal (17) from the rotating probe (12) to the fixed location (X), the signal (17) is transmitted through the intermediary of a sleeve (19) supported on the probe body (13) such that the body (13) can rotate while the sleeve (19) is held still by an axially disengageable mechanical connector (21) connecting the sleeve (19) to the housing (11).

Abstract: A probe for checking linear dimensions of mechanical pieces comprises a support casing, an arm movable with respect to the casing and having a first element, a second element and an intermediate third element, a feeler fixed to the first element of the movable arm for contacting the piece to be checked, and detecting means for providing a signal depending on the position of the movable arm. The intermediate element is removably coupled to the first element and the second element and defines a section adapted to break as a consequence of blows against the feeler and the first element of the movable arm occurring along any direction.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a so-called switching probe head in which the movable element of the probe has a tensed at-rest position on support structure which determines its zero position and from which it is displaced upon work contact.To increase the accuracy by which the zero position of the probe element (2, 4) is reproduced, the probe element is suspended, without friction, from a housing part (1) of the probe head, via at least three filaments (5a, b, c), wires or flexible strips. For torsionally rigid centering of the probe element, friction-free wire or strip arrangements are also usable; and torsional-rigid alternatives include use of a bellows (3) or of balls having rolling contact with opposing walls of centering grooves.

Abstract: A probe for detecting contact with an object such as a workpiece includes a movable carrier having a first set of contacts mounted thereto and a fixed carrier having a second set of contacts mounted thereon. The first carrier is operable connected to a probe stylus and moves therewith when the probe stylus contacts an object thereby making or breaking electrical connection between one or more of the contacts. Each of the carrier members is made of a body of high flexural strength nonconductive material, preferably glass fiber reinforced plastic, to thereby simplify electrical insulation of the contacts as well as to insure repeatability of the probe measurements.

Abstract: A component measuring machine includes a base on which a carriage is mounted for movement along an x-axis. A compound slide structure is mounted on the carriage for moving a cradle along y- and z-axes. A support on the carriage and the cradle supports an arm so that it is angularly movable about a point relative to the carriage. Thickness measurements can be made by means of a caliper structure mounted on the end of the arm, which can be turned about its own longitudinal axis for varying the orientation of the caliper structure. The precise positions of the contact tips of the caliper structure are determined by accurately monitoring displacements of the carriage and the compound slide structure, and turning of the arm on its axis.