Renishaw Plc

Stephen James Trull

David R McMurtry

Geoff McFarland

Nicholas John Weston

Kenneth Cheng-Hoe Nai

Geoffrey McFarland

Peter G Lloyd

Martin P Spivey

David Roberts McMurty

Andrew Daniel Huber

Kenneth Nai

A method of calibrating an articulating probe head comprising the steps of measuring an artifact of known dimensions with the workpiece sensing probe mounted on the articulating probe head, in which the articulating probe head is unlocked. An error functional map is generated corresponding to the difference between the measured and known dimensions of the artifact. Subsequent workpieces are measured with the articulating probe head unlocked and the corresponding correction applied. The true dimensions of the artifact may be determined by measuring it with a probe mounted on an articulating probe head in which the axes of the articulating probe head are locked. A mechanical lock is provided to lock the axes of the articulating probe head.

Calibration artefact for calibrating an articulating probe head

A method of calibrating an articulating probe head comprising the steps of measuring an artefact of known dimensions with the workpiece sensing probe mounted on the articulating probe head, in which the articulating probe head is unlocked. An error functional map is generated corresponding to the difference between the measured and known dimensions of the artefact. Subsequent workpieces are measured with the articulating probe head unlocked and the corresponding correction applied. The true dimensions of the artefact may be determined by measuring it with a probe mounted on an articulating probe head in which the axes of the articulating probe head are locked. A mechanical lock is provided to lock the axes of the articulating probe head.

Method of error compensation in a coordinate measuring machine

A module storage rack is disclosed e.g. a probe rack suitable for use with a carrier e.g. a probe measurement head which is movable relative to the rack for picking a module from the rack. The rack includes a base member and a plurality of storage ports connected to the base for storing the modules, each port has an actuatable connecting or disconnecting tool for connecting or disconnecting a module to or from the carrier, and each storage port is movable relative to the base member the relative movement provides the actuation of the tool. The plurality of storage ports are movable together relative to the base. Additionally, there is disclosed a linkage having a plurality of pivotally interconnected rigid members being connected to the tool for causing the tool to connect or disconnect the module to or from the carrier. The linkage may be operated by movement of the rack or by alternative mechanisms.

Rack and module change system

A storage port () for separating a magnetically coupled task module () from a modular probe () mounted on a machine comprises a housing () and arm () receivable by the task module (). A mechanism is provided for separating the task module from the probe body using a mechanical advantage, such that physical movement of the machine actuates the mechanism thereby separating the task module () from the modular probe (). The arm () may be rotatable about a pivot () such that on moving the probe upwards, the task module () is also pulled upwards, causing the arm () and hence the task module () to rotate about the pivot () and thus breaking contact between the task module () and the probe () with a tilting action. Damping means () are provided to ensure smooth and controlled movement of the arm ().

Apparatus for changing operating modules on a coordinate positioning machine

A measurement probe ( ) is disclosed having strain sensing elements ( ) mounted on spokes ( ) of a strain sensing member ( ). The member ( ) is disposed in parallel and spaced from a diaphragm ( ). Inner portions of the member and diaphragm are connected to a stylus holder ( ) and outer portions of the member and diaphragm are connected to probe body ( ). The probe can be used to produce a signal when contact force on the stylus ( ) is within an adjustable upper and lower limit, and is thereby suited to use with a manually manipulatable coordinate measuring device.

Force sensing probe

A mechanism for clamping a tool (e.g. a probe) and a shank together comprises a clamping pin (144), which bears against an annular lip (142) in the rear face of the probe. A shaft (148) of the pin (144) extends into the shank (150), and two diametrically opposite, radially extending clamping bolts (160) supported by the shank (150), bears against a frusto-conical clamping surface (158). The action of the bolts (160) on the surfaces (158) urges the probe and shank together. The probe and shank are adjusted laterally relative to each other by four adjusting bolts (166) supported in the annular lip (142) which bear against a flange (152). The flange (152) is provided on the shank (150) and extends into the probe (140).

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Wickwar, United Kingdom

Stephen James Trull