US5794356A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Three dimensional coordinate measuring apparatus
Assignee: Faro Technologies Inc
•
Filing: 1996-11-18
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Granted: 1998-08-18
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Expires: 2016-11-18
Abstract
Abstract A novel, portable coordinate measuring machine comprises a multijointed (preferably six and/or seven joints) manually positionable measuring arm for accurately and easily measuring a volume, which in a preferred embodiment, comprises a sphere ranging from six to eight feet in diameter and a measuring accuracy of 2 Sigma ±0.003 inch. In addition to the measuring arm, the present invention employs a controller (or serial box) which acts as the electronic interface between the arm and a host computer. Additionally, a number of end effector probes are provided that fulfill functions other than measurement only.
Inventors
- 👤 Simon Raab
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 17:24
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01B; G01B5/00; G01B5/004; G01B5/008; G01B21/00; G01B21/02; G01B21/04; G01B21/047; G05; G05B; G05B19/00; G05B19/02; G05B19/18; G05B19/401; G05B2219/00; G05B2219/30; G05B2219/31; G05B2219/31174; G05B2219/33; G05B2219/33192; G05B2219/34; G05B2219/34012; G05B2219/37; G05B2219/37173; G05B2219/37193; G05B2219/37213; G05B2219/37357; G05B2219/37405; G05B2219/37491; G05B2219/39; G05B2219/39015; G05B2219/39021; G05B2219/39414; G05B2219/40; G05B2219/40233; G05B2219/40596; G05B2219/45; G05B2219/45061; G05B2219/49; G05B2219/49206; G05B2219/49298; G05B2219/50; G05B2219/50042; G05B2219/50252
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 65
Claim 1
Independent Claim
163 words
A three dimensional coordinate measuring system comprising: a movable arm having opposed first and second ends, said arm including a plurality of joints with each joint corresponding to a degree of freedom such that said arm is movable within a selected volume, each of said joints comprising a rotational transfer housing, said transfer housing including a housing shoulder and a shaft shoulder for housing a position transducer, said transducer producing a position signal; a support base attached to said first end of said movable arm; a probe attached to said second end of said movable arm; an electronic circuit for receiving said position signals from said transducer and providing a digital coordinate corresponding to the position and orientation of said probe in a selected volume; a groove in both the transfer housing shoulder and the transfer shaft shoulder to allow a preselected rotation of each transfer housing; and a shear shuttle for preventing mechanical overload due to mechanical stressing of said transfer housing.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
163 words
A three dimensional coordinate measuring system comprising: a movable arm having opposed first and second ends, said arm including a plurality of joints with each joint corresponding to a degree of freedom such that said arm is movable within a selected volume, each of said joints comprising a rotational transfer housing, said transfer housing including a housing shoulder and a shaft shoulder for housing a position transducer, said transducer producing a position signal; a support base attached to said first end of said movable arm; a probe attached to said second end of said movable arm; an electronic circuit for receiving said position signals from said transducer and providing a digital coordinate corresponding to the position and orientation of said probe in a selected volume; a groove in both the transfer housing shoulder and the transfer shaft shoulder to allow a preselected rotation of each transfer housing; and a shear shuttle for preventing mechanical overload due to mechanical stressing of said transfer housing.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
165 words
A three dimensional coordinate measuring system comprising: a movable arm having opposed first and second ends, said arm including a plurality of joints with each joint corresponding to a degree of freedom such that said arm is movable within a selected volume, each of said joints comprising a rotational transfer housing, said transfer housing including a housing shoulder and a shaft shoulder for housing a position transducer, said transducer producing a position signal; a support base attached to said first end of said movable arm; a probe attached to said second end of said movable arm; an electronic circuit for receiving said position signals from said transducer and providing a digital coordinate corresponding to the position and orientation of said probe in a selected volume; a groove in the transfer housing shoulder to allow a preselected rotation of each transfer housing; and an endstop in said transfer housing shaft positioned in said groove for preventing mechanical overload due to mechanical stressing of said transfer housing.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
165 words
A three dimensional coordinate measuring system comprising: a movable arm having opposed first and second ends, said arm including a plurality of joints with each joint corresponding to a degree of freedom such that said arm is movable within a selected volume, each of said joints comprising a rotational transfer housing, said transfer housing including a housing shoulder and a shaft shoulder for housing a position transducer, said transducer producing a position signal; a support base attached to said first end of said movable arm; a probe attached to said second end of said movable arm; an electronic circuit for receiving said position signals from said transducer and providing a digital coordinate corresponding to the position and orientation of said probe in a selected volume; a groove in the transfer housing shoulder to allow a preselected rotation of each transfer housing; and an endstop in said transfer housing shaft positioned in said groove for preventing mechanical overload due to mechanical stressing of said transfer housing.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
12 words
The measuring system of claim 2 wherein said preselected rotation is 330°.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
130 words
A three dimensional coordinate measuring system comprising: a movable arm having opposed first and second ends, said arm including a plurality of joints with each joint corresponding to a degree of freedom such that said arm is movable within a selected volume, each of said joints comprising a rotational transfer housing for housing a position transducer, at least one of said rotational transfer housings including a pair of counterpositioned layered bearings, said transducer producing a position signal; a support base attached to said first end of said movable arm; a probe attached to said second end of said movable arm; and an electronic circuit for receiving said position signals from said transducer and providing a digital coordinate corresponding to the position and orientation of said probe in a selected volume.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
130 words
A three dimensional coordinate measuring system comprising: a movable arm having opposed first and second ends, said arm including a plurality of joints with each joint corresponding to a degree of freedom such that said arm is movable within a selected volume, each of said joints comprising a rotational transfer housing for housing a position transducer, at least one of said rotational transfer housings including a pair of counterpositioned layered bearings, said transducer producing a position signal; a support base attached to said first end of said movable arm; a probe attached to said second end of said movable arm; and an electronic circuit for receiving said position signals from said transducer and providing a digital coordinate corresponding to the position and orientation of said probe in a selected volume.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
30 words
The measuring system of claim 4 wherein at least one adjustable strut is provided to provide rigidity and stability between the said support base and an object to be measured.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
26 words
The measuring system of claim 4 wherein means are provided in the probe assembly to insure that an end effector is automatically identified by the CMM.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
19 words
The measuring system of claim 6 wherein means are provided to attach to the end effector a marking probe.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
12 words
The measuring system of claim 7 wherein said means are threaded means.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
18 words
The measuring system of claim 7 wherein said marking probe comprises a mounting system and a marking pen.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
48 words
The measuring system of claim 7 wherein said mounting system includes a mounting stem having a shank matable with a bore in said movable arm on a first end of said stem and a threaded arrangement on a second end of said stem for mating with said probe.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
21 words
The measuring system of claim 6 wherein means are provided to attach to the end effector a force sensitive transducer probe.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
19 words
The measuring system of claim 6 wherein means are provided to attach to the end effector a drill probe.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
20 words
The measuring system of claim 12 wherein means are provided to attach an external power source to the drill probe.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
19 words
The measuring system of claim 6 wherein means are provided to attach to the end effector a continuity probe.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
11 words
The measuring system of claim 4 including seven degrees of freedom.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
24 words
The measuring system of claim 4 wherein the signals are transmitted by telemetry which are received by the host computer via a telemetry signal.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
41 words
The measuring system of claim 4 wherein said support base further includes a strut extending therefrom to a support member for an item to be measured, said strut providing increased stability between the moveable arm and the item to be measured.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
66 words
The measuring system of claim 17 wherein said strut comprises at least two segments attached axially by at least one adjustable member, said strut having a pivoting attachment at each of a first and second end of said strut said first end being pivotally attached to said support base and said second end being pivotally attached to said support member for the item to be measured.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
23 words
The measuring system of claim 18 wherein said at least one adjustable member is in threaded connection with said at least two segments.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
34 words
The measuring system of claim 18 wherein said second end pivotal attachment to said support member includes a clamp to grip said support member and said clamp is pivotally secured to said second end.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
12 words
The measuring system of claim 20 wherein said clamp is a c-clamp.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
26 words
The measuring system of claim 4 wherein the system includes a serial box and a host computer which are sequentially operably connected to said moveable arm.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
27 words
The measuring system of claim 22 wherein said moveable arm, serial box and computer are interconnected via a telemetry signal transmitting device and a telemetry signal receiver.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
14 words
The measuring system of claim 4 wherein said probe is a force sensing probe.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
30 words
The measuring system of claim 24 wherein said probe is a force sensing probe including an end tip selected from the group consisting of spherical, flat bottom, ball and point.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
28 words
The measuring system of claim 25 wherein said force sensing probe comprises at least one internally mounted strain gauge which is operably connected to the measuring system circuity.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
13 words
The measuring system of claim 4 wherein said probe is a contact probe.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
14 words
The measuring system of claim 27 wherein said contact probe provides an automatic switch.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
113 words
A three dimensional coordinate measuring system comprising: a movable arm having opposed first and second ends, said arm including a plurality of joints with each joint corresponding to a degree of freedom such that said arm possesses seven degrees of freedom and is movable within a selected volume, each of said joints comprising a transducer, said transducer producing a position signal; a support base attached to said first end of said movable arm; a probe attached to said second end of said movable arm; and an electronic circuit for receiving said position signals from said transducer and providing a coordinate corresponding to the position and orientation of said probe in a selected volume.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
113 words
A three dimensional coordinate measuring system comprising: a movable arm having opposed first and second ends, said arm including a plurality of joints with each joint corresponding to a degree of freedom such that said arm possesses seven degrees of freedom and is movable within a selected volume, each of said joints comprising a transducer, said transducer producing a position signal; a support base attached to said first end of said movable arm; a probe attached to said second end of said movable arm; and an electronic circuit for receiving said position signals from said transducer and providing a coordinate corresponding to the position and orientation of said probe in a selected volume.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
30 words
The measuring system of claim 29 wherein at least one adjustable strut is provided to provide rigidity and stability between the said support base and an object to be measured.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
26 words
The measuring system of claim 29 wherein means are provided in the probe assembly to insure that an end effector is automatically identified by the CMM.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
19 words
The measuring system of claim 31 wherein means are provided to attach to the end effector a marking probe.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
12 words
The measuring system of claim 32 wherein said means are threaded means.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
18 words
The measuring system of claim 32 wherein said marking probe comprises a mounting system and a marking pen.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
48 words
The measuring system of claim 34 wherein said mounting system includes a mounting stem having a shank matable with a bore in said movable arm on a first end of said stem and a threaded arrangement on a second end of said stem for mating with said probe.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
21 words
The measuring system of claim 31 wherein means are provided to attach to the end effector a force sensitive transducer probe.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
19 words
The measuring system of claim 31 wherein means are provided to attach to the end effector a drill probe.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
19 words
The probe of claim 37 wherein means are provided to attach an external power source to the drill probe.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
19 words
The measuring system of claim 31 wherein means are provided to attach to the end effector a continuity probe.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
11 words
The measuring system of claim 29 including seven degrees of freedom.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
24 words
The measuring system of claim 29 wherein the signals are transmitted by telemetry which are received by the host computer via a telemetry signal.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
41 words
The measuring system of claim 29 wherein said support base further includes a strut extending therefrom to a support member for an item to be measured, said strut providing increased stability between the moveable arm and the item to be measured.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
66 words
The measuring system of claim 42 wherein said strut comprises at least two segments attached axially by at least one adjustable member, said strut having a pivoting attachment at each of a first and second end of said strut said first end being pivotally attached to said support base and said second end being pivotally attached to said support member for the item to be measured.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
23 words
The measuring system of claim 43 wherein said at least one adjustable member is in threaded connection with said at least two segments.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
34 words
The measuring system of claim 43 wherein said second end pivotal attachment to said support member includes a clamp to grip said support member and said clamp is pivotally secured to said second end.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
12 words
The measuring system of claim 45 wherein said clamp is a c-clamp.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
26 words
The measuring system of claim 29 wherein the system includes a serial box and a host computer which are sequentially operably connected to said moveable arm.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
27 words
The measuring system of claim 47 wherein said moveable arm, serial box and computer are interconnected via a telemetry signal transmitting device and a telemetry signal receiver.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
14 words
The measuring system of claim 29 wherein said probe is a force sensing probe.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
30 words
The measuring system of claim 49 wherein said probe is a force sensing probe including an end tip selected from the group consisting of spherical, flat bottom, ball and point.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
28 words
The measuring system of claim 49 wherein said force sensing probe comprises at least one internally mounted strain gauge which is operably connected to the measuring system circuity.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
13 words
The measuring system of claim 29 wherein said probe is a contact probe.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
14 words
The measuring system of claim 52 wherein said contact probe provides an automatic switch.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
153 words
A three dimensional coordinate measuring system comprising: a movable arm having opposed first and second ends, said arm including a plurality of joints with each joint corresponding to a degree of freedom such that said arm is movable within a selected volume, each of said joints comprising a rotational transfer housing, said transfer housing including a housing shoulder and a shaft shoulder for housing a position transducer, said transducer producing a position signal; a probe attached to said second end of said movable arm; an electronic circuit for receiving said position signals from said transducer and providing a coordinate corresponding to the position of said probe in a selected volume; a groove in both said transfer housing shoulder and said transfer shaft shoulder to allow a preselected rotation of each transfer housing; and a shuttle positioned in the groove in said transfer housing shoulder and in the groove in said transfer shaft shoulder.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
153 words
A three dimensional coordinate measuring system comprising: a movable arm having opposed first and second ends, said arm including a plurality of joints with each joint corresponding to a degree of freedom such that said arm is movable within a selected volume, each of said joints comprising a rotational transfer housing, said transfer housing including a housing shoulder and a shaft shoulder for housing a position transducer, said transducer producing a position signal; a probe attached to said second end of said movable arm; an electronic circuit for receiving said position signals from said transducer and providing a coordinate corresponding to the position of said probe in a selected volume; a groove in both said transfer housing shoulder and said transfer shaft shoulder to allow a preselected rotation of each transfer housing; and a shuttle positioned in the groove in said transfer housing shoulder and in the groove in said transfer shaft shoulder.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
138 words
A three dimensional coordinate measuring system comprising: a movable arm having opposed first and second ends, said arm including a plurality of joints with each joint corresponding to a degree of freedom such that said arm is movable within a selected volume, each of said joints comprising a rotational transfer housing, said transfer housing including a housing shoulder and a shaft shoulder for housing a position transducer, said transducer producing a position signal; a probe attached to said second end of said movable arm; an electronic circuit for receiving said position signals from said transducer and providing a coordinate corresponding to the position of said probe in a selected volume; a groove in said transfer housing shoulder to allow a preselected rotation of each transfer housing; and an endstop in said transfer housing shaft positioned in said groove.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
138 words
A three dimensional coordinate measuring system comprising: a movable arm having opposed first and second ends, said arm including a plurality of joints with each joint corresponding to a degree of freedom such that said arm is movable within a selected volume, each of said joints comprising a rotational transfer housing, said transfer housing including a housing shoulder and a shaft shoulder for housing a position transducer, said transducer producing a position signal; a probe attached to said second end of said movable arm; an electronic circuit for receiving said position signals from said transducer and providing a coordinate corresponding to the position of said probe in a selected volume; a groove in said transfer housing shoulder to allow a preselected rotation of each transfer housing; and an endstop in said transfer housing shaft positioned in said groove.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
115 words
A three dimensional coordinate measuring system comprising: a movable arm having opposed first and second ends, said arm including a plurality of joints with each joint corresponding to a degree of freedom such that said arm is movable within a selected volume, each of said joints comprising a rotational transfer housing for housing a position transducer, at least one of said rotational transfer housings including a pair of counterpositioned layered bearings, said transducer producing a position signal; a probe attached to said second end of said movable arm; and an electronic circuit for receiving said position signals from said transducer and providing a coordinate corresponding to the position of said probe in a selected volume.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
115 words
A three dimensional coordinate measuring system comprising: a movable arm having opposed first and second ends, said arm including a plurality of joints with each joint corresponding to a degree of freedom such that said arm is movable within a selected volume, each of said joints comprising a rotational transfer housing for housing a position transducer, at least one of said rotational transfer housings including a pair of counterpositioned layered bearings, said transducer producing a position signal; a probe attached to said second end of said movable arm; and an electronic circuit for receiving said position signals from said transducer and providing a coordinate corresponding to the position of said probe in a selected volume.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
99 words
A three dimensional coordinate measuring system comprising: a movable arm having opposed first and second ends, said arm including a plurality of joints with each joint corresponding to a degree of freedom such that said arm possesses seven degrees of freedom and is movable within a selected volume, each of said joints comprising a transducer, said transducer producing a position signal; a probe attached to said second end of said movable arm; and an electronic circuit for receiving said position signals from said transducer and providing a coordinate corresponding to the position of said probe in a selected volume.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
99 words
A three dimensional coordinate measuring system comprising: a movable arm having opposed first and second ends, said arm including a plurality of joints with each joint corresponding to a degree of freedom such that said arm possesses seven degrees of freedom and is movable within a selected volume, each of said joints comprising a transducer, said transducer producing a position signal; a probe attached to said second end of said movable arm; and an electronic circuit for receiving said position signals from said transducer and providing a coordinate corresponding to the position of said probe in a selected volume.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US5611147A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2001-08-17 | 2002-02-16 | 2002-08-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2005-08-17 | 2006-02-16 | 2006-08-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2009-08-17 | 2010-02-16 | 2010-08-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |