Highly accurate articulated coordinate measuring machine
US6668466B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 19, 2000 |
| Grant date | Dec 30, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 31, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01B5/008
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Disclosed is a highly accurate articulated coordinate measuring machine, comprising a revolute joint, comprising a circular encoder wheel, having an axis of rotation; a plurality of marks disposed around at least a portion of the circumference of the encoder wheel; bearing means for supporting the encoder wheel, while permitting free rotation of the encoder wheel about the wheel's axis of rotation; and a sensor, rigidly attached to the bearing means, for detecting the motion of at least some of the marks as the encoder wheel rotates; a probe arm, having a proximal end rigidly attached to the encoder wheel, and having a distal end with a probe tip attached thereto; and coordinate processing means, operatively connected to the sensor, for converting the output of the sensor into a set of cylindrical coordinates representing the position of the probe tip relative to a reference cylindrical coordinate system.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.