Patent · US Expired

Aligning optical components of an optical measuring system

US7023550B2 · kind B2 · utility

2Cited by
5References
17Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJul 11, 2002
Grant dateApr 4, 2006
Priority date
Expiry dateFeb 21, 2023

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG01B11/272
  • WIPO fieldMechanical elements
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

Apparatus for aligning an optical measuring system to a desired direction comprises two housings (42,48) attachable to two relatively movable parts of a machine. The housings (42,48) have engagement means (53) such that when they are engaged together the optics inside (44,50) are aligned. The first housing (42) may be provided with attachment means, such as a ball (46), which may be located in a mount (54) on the machine table (56). The position of this ball (46) is determined and the machine spindle housing (48) to be attached to the spindle (60) when the two housings (42,48) are joined and such that the apparatus is aligned with the desired direction. The engagement means (53) between the two housings (42,48) may be compliant along an axis of the apparatus.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.