Touch probe including a waveguide
US5118956A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 21, 1990 |
| Grant date | Jun 2, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 21, 2010 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01B5/012
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A touch-trigger probe is provided with a sensor (which may be a mirror (106), an optical fibre (206), or a bi-refringent element (307)) which changes state by vibrating or undergoing strain when a stylus connected to the probe contacts a workpiece. The sensor is typically provided on (in the case of the mirror (106)), or in (in the case of the optical fibre (206)) the stylus. The change of state of the sensor causes a change in the path length, polarization state, or intensity of light waves conveyed by the sensor. An interferometer may be provided to detect such changes. Other forms of electromagnetic waves may be used to the same effect.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.