Portable coordinate measurement machine having on-board power supply

• US 20030221326A1
• Filed: 02/13/2003
• Published: 12/04/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 02/14/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Faro Technologies Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Faro Technologies Incorporated
• Inventors: Hasloecher, Kenneth J., Helm, C. Andrew, Raab, Simon, Barber, Marc, Sajedi, Seyed Ali
• Granted Patent: US 7,043,847 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 33/503
• CPC Class Codes: B23Q 35/04 using a feeler or the like travelling along the outline of the pattern, model or drawing; Feelers, patterns, or models therefor
• CPC Class Codes: B25J 17/025 mounted in series
• CPC Class Codes: B25J 19/0016 using springs
• CPC Class Codes: B25J 19/0091 Shock absorbers in general F16F
• CPC Class Codes: B25J 9/0012 making use of synthetic construction materials, e.g. plastics, composites
• CPC Class Codes: B25J 9/023 Cartesian coordinate type
• CPC Class Codes: B25J 9/06 characterised by multi-articulated arms
• CPC Class Codes: B25J 9/1602 characterised by the control system, structure, architecture
• CPC Class Codes: G01B 11/005 coordinate measuring machines
• CPC Class Codes: G01B 11/03 by measuring coordinates of points
• CPC Class Codes: G01B 11/25 by projecting a pattern, e.g. one or more lines, moiré fringes on the object G01B11/255 takes precedence ; image analysis for depth or shape recovery G06T7/50
• CPC Class Codes: G01B 21/045 Correction of measurements G01B9/02055 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G01B 5/004 for measuring coordinates of points
• CPC Class Codes: G01B 5/008 using coordinate measuring machines
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 7/521 from laser ranging, e.g. using interferometry; from the projection of structured light
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 33/01 Magnetic

Abstract

A portable coordinate measurement machine comprises an articulated arm having jointed arm segments. The arm includes an integral on-board power supply/recharger unit.

Claims

1. A portable coordinate measurement machine (CMM) for measuring the position of an object in a selected volume, comprising:

a manually positionable articulated arm having opposed first and second ends, said arm including a plurality of jointed arm segments, each arm segment including at least one position transducer for producing a position signal;

a measurement probe attached to said first end of said articulated arm, said measurement probe having a housing;

an electronic circuit which receives the position signals from the transducers and provides a digital coordinate corresponding to the position of the probe in a selected volume; and

a base attached to the second end of said articulated arm; and

a portable power source integrally attached to said base.

2. The CMM of claim 1 wherein said portable power source comprises:

a rechargeable battery;

a cradle located on said base for electrically and mechanically mating with said battery; and

a recharger circuit in communication with said battery and housed in said base.

3. The CMM of claim 2 wherein said base comprises a rigid polymeric housing.

4. The CMM of claim 3 wherein said housing is a two piece plastic housing.

5. The CMM of claim 3 including:

a storage bin in said housing.

6. The CMM of claim 1 wherein said portable power source is a DC battery and including an on/off switch to allow for an external power supply.