Universal fixture for coordinate measuring machines

Claim 2

A universal fixture to support a part relative to an established reference frame, comprising, a base fixed relative to said reference frame, a pattern of mounting points established on said base, a plurality of part holders adapted to hold said part securely relative to said established reference frame when fixed accurately to said base at a predetermined number of said mounting points, each of said part holders having a unitary mounting post with a part supporting upper portion, a straight rod lower portion, and a ball engaging groove located at a uniform position and height above the lower end of said straight rod lower portion, and, a plurality of standard retainers, each affixed to said base at said predetermined mounting points, each retainer having a passage adapted to closely receive said mounting post, a pad at the bottom of said passage, and a releasable spring biased ball located at said predetermined height above said pad, whereby, said part holders may be accurately fixed to said base by inserting said mounting post straight rod lower portions into said retainer passages until said lower ends seat on said pads and said balls engage said grooves, thereby allowing the weight of said part to be supported above said base in a known position relative to said established reference frame.

Claim 3

A universal fixture to support a part relative to an established reference frame, comprising, a base fixed relative to said reference frame, a regular pattern of mounting points established on said base, a plurality of part holders adapted to hold said part securely relative to said established reference frame when fixed accurately to said base at a predetermined number of said mounting points, each of said part holders having a unitary mounting post with a part supporting upper portion, a straight rod lower portion, and a ball engaging groove located at a uniform position and height above the lower end of said straight rod lower portion, and, a plurality of standard retainers, each affixed to said base at predetermined ones of said regular pattern of mounting points, each retainer having a passage adapted to closely receive said mounting post, a pad at the bottom of said passage, and a releasable spring biased ball located at said predetermined height above said pad, whereby, said part holders may be accurately fixed to said base by inserting said mounting post straight rod lower portions into said retainer passages until said lower ends seat on said pads and said balls engage said grooves, thereby allowing the weight of said part to be supported above said base in a known position relative to said established reference frame.

Claim 4

A universal fixture to support a part relative to an established reference frame, comprising, a base fixed relative to said reference frame, a regular pattern of mounting points established on said base, a plurality of part holders adapted to hold said part securely relative to said established reference frame when fixed accurately to said base at a predetermined number of said mounting points, each of said part holders having a unitary mounting post with a part supporting upper portion, a straight rod lower portion, and a ball engaging groove located at a uniform position and height above the lower end of said straight rod lower portion, and, a plurality of standard retainers, each affixed to said base at predetermined ones of said regular pattern of mounting points, each retainer having a passage adapted to closely receive said mounting post, a pad at the bottom of said passage, and a releasable spring biased ball located at said predetermined height above said pad, whereby, said part holders may be accurately fixed to said base by inserting said mounting post straight rod lower portions into said retainer passages until said lower ends seat on said pads and said balls engage said grooves, thereby allowing the weight of said part to be supported above said base in a known position relative to said established reference frame.