公开(公告)号：CA1124054A

公开(公告)日：1982-05-25

申请号：CA322631

申请日：1979-03-02

Applicant: BENDIX CORP

Inventor： BELL FREDERICK K ,  TUSS JOHN J

IPC: G01B13/00 ,  B23Q1/28 ,  B23Q5/58 ,  G01B5/008 ,  G01B21/00 ,  G01B21/20 ,  G01B5/20

Abstract: 380-78-0030 COORINATE MEASURING MACHINE HAVING A FAILSAFE PROTECTION SYSTEM A coordinate measuring machine having an automatic failsafe protection system. The coordinate measuring machine includes a vertically mounted probe shaft which is preferably counterbalanced by an air counterbalance system. The automatic failsafe protection system insures that, in response to a loss of air pressure (or in response to other possibly unsafe conditions), the vertically-mounted, air-counterbalanced probe shaft will be prevented from falling down uncontrollably. The failsafe protection system includes a pair of members, with each member mounted adjacent to and on opposite sides of the probe shaft and urged toward engagement with probe shaft by a spring. Air under pressure from an air cylinder also acts upon the members to bias the members outwardly away from engagement with the shaft when normal(i.e. safe) operating conditions exist. An unsafe operating condition causes a decrease in air pressure from the cylinder which allows the spring to bias the members into contact with the probe shaft to brake its descent by progressively engaging the shaft. Additional springs also urge the members into contact with the probe shaft in response to an unsafe condition. The present invention overcomes the limitations and undesirable features of the prior art devices while providing a failsafe system which is relatively reliable and inexpensive, while not interfering with the functioning of a coordinate measuring machine in normal operation.

公开(公告)号：CA1091326A

公开(公告)日：1980-12-09

申请号：CA280501

申请日：1977-06-14

Applicant: BENDIX CORP

Inventor： BELL FREDERICK K ,  DEIS JEROME E ,  ALLEN PAUL E

IPC: G01B7/00 ,  G01B5/012 ,  G01B7/012 ,  G01B7/016 ,  G01B7/28 ,  G01B21/00

Abstract: A probe for measuring coordinate positions on an object by sensing a displacement of the stylus which contacts the object. The probe is responsive to forces which result from the contact between the object and the stylus to indicate coordinate positions of the object. The probe includes a replaceable stylus having a shank portion defining an axis, with a transversely-extending portion extending from the shank portion for sensing forces exerted by objects in the axial direction away from the probe, while the stylus shank portion is responsive to forces in the radial and axial (toward the probe) directions. The probe is thus responsive to forces exerted on the stylus in any direction.

公开(公告)号：CA1120257A

公开(公告)日：1982-03-23

申请号：CA319944

申请日：1979-01-19

Applicant: BENDIX CORP

Inventor： BELL FREDERICK K ,  TUSS JOHN J

IPC: G01B13/00 ,  G01B5/008 ,  G01B21/00 ,  G01B21/20 ,  G01B13/03

Abstract: 380-78-0020 COORDINATE MEASURING MACHINE HAVING AN AIR COUNTERBALANCE A coordinate measuring machine having a vertically mounted probe and a reduced-friction pneumatic counterbalance for the probe, with the counterbalance coupled to the probe through a torque converter to allow a shorter travel length of the counterbalance compared with a longer travel of the vertical probe. The torque converter is coupled to the counterbalance and the probe by low friction metallic tapes in its preferred embodiment.

公开(公告)号：CA1083340A

公开(公告)日：1980-08-12

申请号：CA292343

申请日：1977-12-05

Applicant: BENDIX CORP

Inventor： BELL FREDERICK K ,  TUSS JOHN J

IPC: G01B5/004 ,  B23Q1/38 ,  F16C29/02 ,  F16C39/04 ,  G01B5/008 ,  G01B5/20 ,  G01B13/03 ,  G01B21/20 ,  G12B3/06 ,  G01B5/00

Abstract: COORDINATE MEASURING MACHINE HAVING AUXILIARY AIR BEARING An auxiliar air bearing system (50) for reducing friction in mechanical bearings (41, 42) to improve repeatability of measurements on a coordinate measuring machine (10). The air bearing system (50) and mechanical bearings (41, 42, 43) support a moveable carriage (30) on a base (20). The air bearing system (50) comprises an air pad assembly (70) mounted to the carriage (30), an air system (80) supplying air under pressure and a rail system (60) mounted to the base (20) with the air pad (70) including a compressed spring (76) captivated therein. Air under pressure is directed between the air pad assembly (70) and the rail system (60), causing the air pad assembly (70) to lift from the rail system (60) and the base (20). The air bearing system (50) and the spring (76) reduce the effect of any irregularities on the rail that would otherwise cause measurement errors. The air bearing system (50) is preferably mounted obliquely to two of the mechanical bearings (41, 42) so that a single air bearing assembly reduces the friction in the mechanical bearings supporting the carriage in two directions.

公开(公告)号：DE2914906A1

公开(公告)日：1979-11-15

申请号：DE2914906

申请日：1979-04-12

Applicant: BENDIX CORP

Inventor： BELL FREDERICK K ,  TUSS JOHN J

IPC: G01B13/00 ,  G01B5/008 ,  G01B21/00 ,  G01B21/20 ,  G01B

Abstract: A coordinate measuring machine (10) having a vertically mounted probe (32), the weight of which is offset by an air counterbalance system (100). The air counterbalance system is adapted to use a source of air under pressure acting upon a piston (127) coupled to the vertically mounted probe (42). A torque converter (130) is mounted between the probe (42) and the piston (127) allowing the piston (127) to have a shorter travel than the allowable vertical travel of the probe (42). The air counterbalance system (100) preferably has components selected and arranged to minimize friction and weight to avoid distorting the precision of measurements on the coordinate measurement machine.