US5611147A — Three dimensional coordinate measuring apparatus

Claim 1

Independent Claim 154 words

A three dimensional coordinate measuring system comprising: a movable arm having opposed first and second ends, said arm including a plurality of joints with each joint corresponding to a degree of freedom such that said arm is movable within a selected volume, each of said joints comprising a rotational transfer housing for housing a position transducer, said transducer producing a position signal, said housing including a set of preloaded duplex beatings, said preload being determined by a specific grinding of the inner and outer races such that upon loading during installation, a fixed amount of preload is applied to the assembly; a support base attached to said first end of said movable arm; a probe attached to said second end of said movable arm; and an electronic circuit for receiving said position signals from said transducer and providing a digital coordinate corresponding to the position and orientation of said probe in a selected volume.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 154 words

A three dimensional coordinate measuring system comprising: a movable arm having opposed first and second ends, said arm including a plurality of joints with each joint corresponding to a degree of freedom such that said arm is movable within a selected volume, each of said joints comprising a rotational transfer housing for housing a position transducer, said transducer producing a position signal, said housing including a set of preloaded duplex beatings, said preload being determined by a specific grinding of the inner and outer races such that upon loading during installation, a fixed amount of preload is applied to the assembly; a support base attached to said first end of said movable arm; a probe attached to said second end of said movable arm; and an electronic circuit for receiving said position signals from said transducer and providing a digital coordinate corresponding to the position and orientation of said probe in a selected volume.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 19 words

The measuring system of claim 1 wherein said set of duplex bearing races are permanently affixed to said casing.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 16 words

The measuring system of claim 1 including: compression means for prestressing said set of duplex bearings.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 29 words

The measuring system of claim 3 wherein said compression means comprises: a compression nut threadably attached to said shaft of said casing and sandwiching therebetween said duplex roller bearings.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 30 words

The measuring system of claim 1 wherein at least one adjustable strut is provided to provide rigidity and stability between the said support base and an object to be measured.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 27 words

The measuring system of claim 1 wherein an arrangement is provided in the probe assembly to insure that an end effector is automatically identified by the CMM.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 19 words

The measuring system of claim 6 wherein means are provided to attach to the end effector a marking probe.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 12 words

The measuring system of claim 7 wherein said means are threaded means.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 18 words

The measuring system of claim 7 wherein said marking probe comprises a mounting system and a marking pen.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 48 words

The measuring system of claim 9 wherein said mounting system includes a mounting stem having a shank matable with a bore in said movable arm on a first end of said stem and a threaded arrangement on a second end of said stem for mating with said probe.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 21 words

The measuring system of claim 6 wherein means are provided to attach to the end effector a force sensitive transducer probe.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 19 words

The measuring system of claim 6 wherein means are provided to attach to the end effector a drill probe.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 19 words

The probe of claim 12 wherein means are provided to attach an external power source to the drill probe.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 19 words

The measuring system of claim 6 wherein means are provided to attach to the end effector a continuity probe.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 11 words

The measuring system of claim 1 including seven degrees of freedom.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 24 words

The measuring system of claim 1 wherein the signals are transmitted by telemetry which are received by the host computer via a telemetry signal.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 41 words

The measuring system of claim 1 wherein said support base further includes a strut extending therefrom to a support member for an item to be measured, said strut providing increased stability between the moveable arm and the item to be measured.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 66 words

The measuring system of claim 17 wherein said strut comprises at least two segments attached axially by at least one adjustable member, said strut having a pivoting attachment at each of a first and second end of said strut said first end being pivotally attached to said support base and said second end being pivotally attached to said support member for the item to be measured.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 23 words

The measuring system of claim 18 wherein said at least one adjustable member is in threaded connection with said at least two segments.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 34 words

The measuring system of claim 18 wherein said second end pivotal attachment to said support member includes a clamp to grip said support member and said clamp is pivotally secured to said second end.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 12 words

The measuring system of claim 20 wherein said clamp is a c-clamp.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 26 words

The measuring system of claim 1 wherein the system includes a serial box and a host computer which are sequentially operably connected to said moveable arm.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 27 words

The measuring system of claim 22 wherein said moveable arm, serial box and computer are interconnected via a telemetry signal transmitting device and a telemetry signal receiver.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 13 words

The measuring system of claim 1, wherein said probe is a contact probe.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 30 words

The measuring system of claim 24 wherein said probe is a force sensing probe including an end tip selected from the group consisting of spherical, flat bottom, ball and point.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 28 words

The measuring system of claim 24 wherein said force sensing probe comprises at least one internally mounted strain gauge which is operably connected to the measuring system circuitry.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 13 words

The measuring system of claim 1 wherein said probe is a contact probe.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 14 words

The measuring system of claim 27, wherein said contact probe provides an automatic switch.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 164 words

A three dimensional coordinate measuring system comprising: a movable arm having opposed first and second ends, said arm including a plurality of joints with each joint corresponding to a degree of freedom such that said arm is movable within a selected volume, each of said joints comprising a rotational transfer housing, said transfer housing including a housing shoulder and a shaft shoulder for housing a position transducer, said transducer producing a position signal; a support base attached to said first end of said movable arm; a probe attached to said second end of said movable arm; an electronic circuit for receiving said position signals from said transducer and providing a digital coordinate corresponding to the position and orientation of said probe in a selected volume; a groove in both the transfer housing shoulder and the transfer shaft shoulder to allow 660° rotation of each transfer housing and further including a shear shuttle for preventing mechanical overload due to mechanical stressing of said transfer housing.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 164 words

A three dimensional coordinate measuring system comprising: a movable arm having opposed first and second ends, said arm including a plurality of joints with each joint corresponding to a degree of freedom such that said arm is movable within a selected volume, each of said joints comprising a rotational transfer housing, said transfer housing including a housing shoulder and a shaft shoulder for housing a position transducer, said transducer producing a position signal; a support base attached to said first end of said movable arm; a probe attached to said second end of said movable arm; an electronic circuit for receiving said position signals from said transducer and providing a digital coordinate corresponding to the position and orientation of said probe in a selected volume; a groove in both the transfer housing shoulder and the transfer shaft shoulder to allow 660° rotation of each transfer housing and further including a shear shuttle for preventing mechanical overload due to mechanical stressing of said transfer housing.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 14 words

The measuring system of claim 29 wherein said shear shuttle is made from plastic.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 36 words

The measuring system of claim 29 wherein the shuttle length is 20° of the arc radius defined by the groove means in both the transfer housing shoulder and the transfer shaft shoulder of the transfer means.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 17 words

The measuring system of claim 20 wherein said transfer housing includes a stop arc of about 30°.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 30 words

The measuring system of claim 29 wherein at least one adjustable strut is provided to provide rigidity and stability between the said support base and an object to be measured.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 26 words

The measuring system of claim 29 wherein means are provided in the probe assembly to insure that an end effector is automatically identified by the CMM.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 19 words

The measuring system of claim 34 wherein means are provided to attach to the ed effector a marking probe.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 12 words

The measuring system of claim 35 wherein said means are threaded means.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 18 words

The measuring system of claim 35 wherein said marking probe comprises a mounting system and a marking pen.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 48 words

The measuring system of claim 37 wherein said mounting system includes a mounting stem having a shank matable with a bore in said movable arm on a first end of said stem and a threaded arrangement on a second end of said stem for mating with said probe.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 21 words

The measuring system of claim 34 wherein means are provided to attach to the end effector a force sensitive transducer probe.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 19 words

The measuring system of claim 34 wherein means are provided to attach to the end effector a drill probe.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 19 words

The probe of claim 40 wherein means are provided to attach an external power source to the drill probe.

Claim 44

Dependent Claim 19 words

The measuring system of claim 34 wherein means are provided to attach to the end effector a continuity probe.

Claim 45

Dependent Claim 11 words

The measuring system of claim 29 including seven degrees of freedom.

Claim 46

Dependent Claim 23 words

The measuring system of claim 29 wherein the signals are transmitted by telemetry which received by the host computer via a telemetry signal.

Claim 47

Dependent Claim 41 words

The measuring system of claim 29 wherein said support base further includes a strut extending therefrom to a support member for an item to be measured, said strut providing increased stability between the moveable arm and the item to be measured.

Claim 48

Dependent Claim 66 words

The measuring system of claim 45 wherein said strut comprises at least two segments attached axially by at least one adjustable member, said strut having a pivoting attachment at each of a first and second end of said strut said first end being pivotally attached to said support base and said second end being pivotally attached to said support member for the item to be measured.

Claim 49

Dependent Claim 23 words

The measuring system of claim 46 wherein said at least one adjustable member is in threaded connection with said at least two segments.

Claim 50

Dependent Claim 34 words

The measuring system of claim 46 wherein said second end pivotal attachment to said support member includes a clamp to grip said support member and said clamp is pivotally secured to said second end.

Claim 51

Dependent Claim 12 words

The measuring system of claim 48 wherein said clamp is a c-clamp.

Claim 52

Dependent Claim 26 words

The measuring system of claim 29 wherein the system includes a serial box and a host computer which are sequentially operably connected to said moveable arm.

Claim 53

Dependent Claim 27 words

The measuring system of claim 50 wherein said moveable arm, serial box and computer are interconnected via a telemetry signal transmitting device and a telemetry signal receiver.

Claim 54

Dependent Claim 14 words

The measuring system of claim 29 wherein said probe is a force sensing probe.

Claim 55

Dependent Claim 30 words

The measuring system of claim 52 wherein said probe is a force sensing probe including an end tip selected from the group consisting of spherical, flat bottom, ball and point.

Claim 56

Dependent Claim 28 words

The measuring system of claim 52 wherein said force sensing probe comprises at least one internally mounted strain gauge which is operably connected to the measuring system circuitry.

Claim 57

Dependent Claim 13 words

The measuring system of claim 29 wherein said probe is a contact probe.

Claim 58

Dependent Claim 14 words

The measuring system of claim 55 wherein said contact probe provides an automatic switch.

Claim 59

Dependent Claim 164 words

A three dimensional coordinate measuring system comprising: a movable arm having opposed first and second ends, said arm including a plurality of joints with each joint corresponding to a degree of freedom such that said arm is movable within a selected volume, each of said joints comprising a rotational transfer housing, said transfer housing including a housing shoulder and a shaft shoulder for housing a position transducer, said transducer producing a position signal; a support base attached to said first end of said movable arm; a prove attached to said second end of said movable arm; an electronic circuit for receiving said position signals from said transducer and providing a signal coordinate corresponding to the position and orientation of said probe in a selected volume; a groove in both the transfer housing shoulder and the transfer shaft shoulder to allow 330° rotation of each transfer housing and further including a shear shuttle for prevent mechanical overload due to mechanical stressing of said transfer housing.

Claim 60

Dependent Claim 164 words

A three dimensional coordinate measuring system comprising: a movable arm having opposed first and second ends, said arm including a plurality of joints with each joint corresponding to a degree of freedom such that said arm is movable within a selected volume, each of said joints comprising a rotational transfer housing, said transfer housing including a housing shoulder and a shaft shoulder for housing a position transducer, said transducer producing a position signal; a support base attached to said first end of said movable arm; a prove attached to said second end of said movable arm; an electronic circuit for receiving said position signals from said transducer and providing a signal coordinate corresponding to the position and orientation of said probe in a selected volume; a groove in both the transfer housing shoulder and the transfer shaft shoulder to allow 330° rotation of each transfer housing and further including a shear shuttle for prevent mechanical overload due to mechanical stressing of said transfer housing.

Claim 61

Dependent Claim 30 words

The measuring system of claim 57 wherein at least one adjustable strut is provided to provide rigidity and stability between the said support base and an object to be measured.

Claim 62

Dependent Claim 26 words

The measuring system of claim 57 wherein means are provided in the probe assembly to insure that an end effector is automatically identified by the CMM.

Claim 63

Dependent Claim 19 words

The measuring system of claim 49 wherein means are provided to attach to the end effector a marking probe.

Claim 64

Dependent Claim 12 words

The measuring system of claim 60 wherein said means are threaded means.

Claim 65

Dependent Claim 18 words

The measuring system of claim 60 wherein said marking probe comprises a mounting system and a marking pen.

Claim 66

Dependent Claim 48 words

The measuring system of claim 62 wherein said mounting system includes a mounting stem having a shank matable with a bore in said movable arm on a first end of said stem and a threaded arrangement on a second end of said stem for mating with said probe.

Claim 67

Dependent Claim 21 words

The measuring system of claim 59 wherein means are provided to attach to the end effector a force sensitive transducer probe.

Claim 68

Dependent Claim 19 words

The measuring system of claim 59 wherein means are provided to attach to the end effector a drill probe.

Claim 69

Dependent Claim 19 words

The probe of claim 65 wherein means are provided to attach an external power source to the drill probe.

Claim 70

Dependent Claim 19 words

The measuring system of claim 59 wherein means are provided to attach to the end effector a continuity probe.

Claim 71

Dependent Claim 11 words

The measuring system of claim 57 including seven degrees of freedom.

Claim 72

Dependent Claim 24 words

The measuring system of claim 57 wherein the signals are transmitted by telemetry which are received by the host computer via a telemetry signal.

Claim 73

Dependent Claim 41 words

The measuring system of claim 57 wherein said support base further includes a strut extending therefrom to a support member for an item to be measured, said strut providing increased stability between the moveable arm and the item to be measured.

Claim 74

Dependent Claim 66 words

The measuring system of claim 70 wherein said strut comprises at least two segments attached axially by at least one adjustable member, said strut having a pivoting attachment at each of a first and second end of said strut said first end being pivotally attached to said support base and said second end being pivotally attached to said support member for the item to be measured.

Claim 75

Dependent Claim 23 words

The measuring system of claim 71 wherein said at least one adjustable member is in threaded connection with said at least two segments.

Claim 76

Dependent Claim 34 words

The measuring system of claim 71 wherein said second end pivotal attachment to said support member includes a clamp to grip said support member and said clamp is pivotally secured to said second end.

Claim 77

Dependent Claim 12 words

The measuring system of claim 73 wherein said clamp is a c-clamp.

Claim 78

Dependent Claim 26 words

The measuring system of claim 57 wherein the system includes a serial box and a host computer which are sequentially operably connected to said moveable arm.

Claim 79

Dependent Claim 27 words

The measuring system of claim 75 wherein said moveable arm, serial box and computer are interconnected via a telemetry signal transmitting device and a telemetry signal receiver.

Claim 80

Dependent Claim 14 words

The measuring system of claim 57 wherein said probe is a force sensing probe.

Claim 81

Dependent Claim 30 words

The measuring system of claim 77 wherein said probe is a force sensing probe including an end tip selected from the group consisting of spherical, flat bottom, ball and point.

Claim 82

Dependent Claim 28 words

The measuring system of claim 77 wherein said force sensing probe comprises at least one internally mounted strain gauge which is operably connected to the measuring system circuitry.

Claim 83

Dependent Claim 13 words

The measuring system of claim 57 wherein said probe is a contact probe.

Claim 84

Dependent Claim 14 words

The measuring system of claim 80 wherein said contact probe provides an automatic switch.

Claim 85

Dependent Claim 139 words

A three dimensional coordinate measuring system comprising: a movable arm having opposed first and second ends, said arm including a plurality of joints with each joint corresponding to a degree of freedom such that said arm is movable within a selected volume, each of said joints comprising a rotational transfer housing for housing a position transducer, said transducer producing a position signal; a support base attached to said first end of said movable arm; a punch probe having a recoil spring and a trigger assembly attached to said second end of said movable arm, said probe further having an arrangement whereby the probe is automatically identified by the CMM; and an electronic circuit for receiving said position signals from said transducer and providing a digital coordinate corresponding to the position and orientation of said probe in a selected volume.

Claim 86

Dependent Claim 139 words

A three dimensional coordinate measuring system comprising: a movable arm having opposed first and second ends, said arm including a plurality of joints with each joint corresponding to a degree of freedom such that said arm is movable within a selected volume, each of said joints comprising a rotational transfer housing for housing a position transducer, said transducer producing a position signal; a support base attached to said first end of said movable arm; a punch probe having a recoil spring and a trigger assembly attached to said second end of said movable arm, said probe further having an arrangement whereby the probe is automatically identified by the CMM; and an electronic circuit for receiving said position signals from said transducer and providing a digital coordinate corresponding to the position and orientation of said probe in a selected volume.

Claim 87

Dependent Claim 134 words

A three dimensional coordinate measuring system comprising: a movable arm having opposed first and second ends, said arm including first, second and third jointed arrangements wherein the first jointed arrangement has two degrees of freedom, the second jointed arrangement has two degrees of freedom and the third has two degrees of freedom, providing six degrees of freedom within a selected volume, each of said joints comprising a rotational transfer housing for housing a position transducer, said transducer producing a position signal; a support base attached to said first end of said movable arm; a probe attached to said send end of said movable arm; and an electronic circuit for receiving said position signals from said transducer and providing a digital coordinate corresponding to the position and orientation of said probe in a selected volume.

Claim 88

Dependent Claim 134 words

A three dimensional coordinate measuring system comprising: a movable arm having opposed first and second ends, said arm including first, second and third jointed arrangements wherein the first jointed arrangement has two degrees of freedom, the second jointed arrangement has two degrees of freedom and the third has two degrees of freedom, providing six degrees of freedom within a selected volume, each of said joints comprising a rotational transfer housing for housing a position transducer, said transducer producing a position signal; a support base attached to said first end of said movable arm; a probe attached to said send end of said movable arm; and an electronic circuit for receiving said position signals from said transducer and providing a digital coordinate corresponding to the position and orientation of said probe in a selected volume.

Claim 89

Dependent Claim 134 words

A three dimensional coordinate measuring system comprising: a movable arm having opposed first and second ends, said arm including first, second and third jointed arrangements wherein the first jointed arrangement has two degrees of freedom, the second jointed arrangement has one degree of freedom and the third has three degrees of freedom, providing six degrees of freedom within a selected volume, each of said joints comprising a rotational transfer housing for housing a position transducer, said transducer producing a position signal; a support base attached to said first end of said movable arm; a probe attached to said second end of said movable arm; and an electronic circuit for receiving said position signals from said transducer and providing a digital coordinate corresponding to the position and orientation of said probe in a selected volume.

Claim 90

Dependent Claim 134 words

A three dimensional coordinate measuring system comprising: a movable arm having opposed first and second ends, said arm including first, second and third jointed arrangements wherein the first jointed arrangement has two degrees of freedom, the second jointed arrangement has one degree of freedom and the third has three degrees of freedom, providing six degrees of freedom within a selected volume, each of said joints comprising a rotational transfer housing for housing a position transducer, said transducer producing a position signal; a support base attached to said first end of said movable arm; a probe attached to said second end of said movable arm; and an electronic circuit for receiving said position signals from said transducer and providing a digital coordinate corresponding to the position and orientation of said probe in a selected volume.

Claim 91

Dependent Claim 134 words

A three dimensional coordinate measuring system comprising: a movable arm having opposed first and second ends, said arm including first, second and third jointed arrangements wherein the first jointed arrangement has two degrees of freedom, the second jointed arrangement has two degrees of freedom and the third has three degrees of freedom, providing seven degrees of freedom within a selected volume, each of said joints comprising a rotational transfer housing for housing a position transducer, said transducer producing a position signal; a support base attached to said first end of said movable arm; a probe attached to said second end of said movable arm; and an electronic circuit for receiving said position signals from said transducer and providing a digital coordinate corresponding to the position and orientation of said probe in a selected volume.

Claim 92

Dependent Claim 134 words

A three dimensional coordinate measuring system comprising: a movable arm having opposed first and second ends, said arm including first, second and third jointed arrangements wherein the first jointed arrangement has two degrees of freedom, the second jointed arrangement has two degrees of freedom and the third has three degrees of freedom, providing seven degrees of freedom within a selected volume, each of said joints comprising a rotational transfer housing for housing a position transducer, said transducer producing a position signal; a support base attached to said first end of said movable arm; a probe attached to said second end of said movable arm; and an electronic circuit for receiving said position signals from said transducer and providing a digital coordinate corresponding to the position and orientation of said probe in a selected volume.

Claim 93

Dependent Claim 126 words

A three dimensional coordinate measuring system comprising: a movable arm supported by a pair of counter positioned layered bearings, said arm having opposed first and second ends, said arm including a plurality of joints with each joint corresponding to a degree of freedom such that said arm is movable within a selected volume, each of said joints comprising a rotational transfer housing for housing a position transducer, said transducer producing a position signal; a support base attached to said first end of said movable arm; a probe attached to said second end of said movable arm; and an electronic circuit for receiving said position signals from said transducer and providing a digital coordinate corresponding to the position and orientation of said probe in a selected volume.

Claim 94

Dependent Claim 126 words

A three dimensional coordinate measuring system comprising: a movable arm supported by a pair of counter positioned layered bearings, said arm having opposed first and second ends, said arm including a plurality of joints with each joint corresponding to a degree of freedom such that said arm is movable within a selected volume, each of said joints comprising a rotational transfer housing for housing a position transducer, said transducer producing a position signal; a support base attached to said first end of said movable arm; a probe attached to said second end of said movable arm; and an electronic circuit for receiving said position signals from said transducer and providing a digital coordinate corresponding to the position and orientation of said probe in a selected volume.

Claim 95

Dependent Claim 15 words

The measuring system of claim 86 wherein said bearings are preloaded by a threaded nut.

Claim 96

Dependent Claim 121 words

A three dimensional coordinate measuring system comprising: a movable arm having opposed first and second ends, said arm including a plurality of joints with each joint corresponding to a degree of freedom such that said arm possesses seven degrees of freedom and is movable within a selected volume, each of said joints comprising a rotational transfer housing for housing a position transducer, said transducer producing a position signal; a support base attached to said first end of said movable arm; a probe attached to said second end of said movable arm; and an electronic circuit for receiving said position signals from said transducer and providing a digital coordinate corresponding to the position and orientation of said probe in a selected volume.

Claim 97

Dependent Claim 121 words

A three dimensional coordinate measuring system comprising: a movable arm having opposed first and second ends, said arm including a plurality of joints with each joint corresponding to a degree of freedom such that said arm possesses seven degrees of freedom and is movable within a selected volume, each of said joints comprising a rotational transfer housing for housing a position transducer, said transducer producing a position signal; a support base attached to said first end of said movable arm; a probe attached to said second end of said movable arm; and an electronic circuit for receiving said position signals from said transducer and providing a digital coordinate corresponding to the position and orientation of said probe in a selected volume.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	2000-03-17	2000-09-16	2001-03-18	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	2004-03-17	2004-09-16	2005-03-18	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2008-03-17	2008-09-16	2009-03-18	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Three dimensional coordinate measuring apparatus

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