AUTOMATED ROBOTIC MEASURING SYSTEM

• US 20070163134A1
• Filed: 12/21/2006
• Published: 07/19/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 01/14/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Homer Eaton
• Original Assignee: Homer Eaton
• Inventors: Eaton, Homer
• Granted Patent: US 7,578,069 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 33/502
• CPC Class Codes: G01B 5/004 for measuring coordinates of points
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 74/20329 Joint between elements

Abstract

An automated coordinate measuring system comprising a measuring arm used for acquisition of geometry data that incorporates an exoskeletal structure resilient to physical perturbations including thermal changes and vibrations which may affect coordinate data acquisition. The system may be adapted to a portable platform allowing for convenient positioning and alignment of the measuring arm in a wide variety of environments.

Claims

1. A positioning system comprising:

an articulated supporting arm comprising a plurality of jointedly interconnected support arm segments moveable about a plurality of axes;

a plurality of compliant members positioned on said supporting arm; and

an articulated measuring arm comprising a plurality of jointedly interconnected measuring arm segments capable of a plurality of degrees of freedom of movement and supported by said compliant members wherein said compliant members provide a yielding characteristic between the articulated supporting arm and the articulated measuring arm.

2. The positioning system of claim 1 further comprising:

at least one alignment detector configured to detect the alignment between the articulated supporting arm and the articulated measuring arm.

3. A positioning system comprising:

a means for providing an articulated supporting arm;

a means for providing an articulated measuring arm;

a means for providing a yielding coupling between the articulated supporting arm and the articulated measuring arm.