Brown & Sharpe Manufacturing Co.

Raymond J Guertin

Chuhong Kang

Peter P Matthews

Vitaly I Pesikov

Walter L Beckwith, Jr

Yuzhong Dai

Thomas Charlton, Jr

A coordinate measuring machine includes a support structure, an articulated arm having a first end pivotally connected to the support structure and a second end that is movable in a horizontal plane. A Z-ram assembly is mounted to the second end of the articulated arm. The Z-ram assembly includes a Z-ram housing and a probe that is vertically movable with respect to the Z-ram housing. The probe is movable within a measurement volume defined by the articulated arm and the Z-ram assembly. The coordinate measuring machine further includes a measuring assembly for determining coordinates of the probe in the measurement volume. The articulated arm preferably includes first and second arm assemblies that have a parallelogram configuration to prevent substantial rotation of the Z-ram assembly as the articulated arm is moved in the horizontal plane. The angles of the articulated arm are preferably measured using a sensor which includes a pattern of parallel, straight grating lines.

Coordinate measuring machine having articulated arm

Surface grinding machine

A surface grinding machine capable of being computer operated and having a multi-function capability for performing conventional slot and surface, plunge, side wheel, creep feed and short stroke grinding in any desired combination or sequence. A table containing a workpiece is driven by a highly tensioned, circulating primary belt drive system capable of providing a desired grind with a desired length and speed upon command. The base is formed as a unitary body, and the table travels on ways which are formed integrally with the base. The column containing the grinding wheel assembly moves with respect to the workpiece along cross ways transverse to the table ways which are supported along their length by the base. The column drive is coupled to the column by a mechanically and thermally isolated ball screw nut mount which eliminates screw nut shoulder weave and reduces thermal conduction into the column. A housing containing the grinding wheel moves vertically along ways in the column and a magnetic brake is utilized in the vertical drive for the wheel housing to prevent damage to the workpiece during power interruption. Both the vertical ways for the wheel housing and the horizontal cross ways for the column are self-aligning and include a shoe and a cage containing needle roller bearings which is driven by a rack and pinion arrangement along the ways. A computer terminal may be provided for automatic control of the machine, as well as a manual control panel which is slidable across the front of the machine for convenience in operation thereof.

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East Greenwich, RI, United States of America

Raymond J Guertin