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Contact-sensing probe

  • US 4,854,050 A
  • Filed: 08/05/1988
  • Issued: 08/08/1989
  • Est. Priority Date: 12/17/1984
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A contact-sensing probe for use in apparatus for measuring the dimensions of a workpiece, comprising:

  • a fixed part adapted to be mounted in the apparatus;

    a movable part, including a base portion and a stylus having a free end for engaging the workpiece during a measuring operation, the free end being supported in a position having a fixed relationship relative to the base portion via a support path extending from the base portion to the free end;

    support means for supporting the base portion so that the movable part is in a rest position on the fixed part;

    bias means for urging the movable part into said rest position; and

    sensing means for sensing a pressure wave transmitted through the stylus caused by engagement of the free end of the stylus with the workpiece, the sensing means comprising an accelerometer having opposing first and second portions, said first portion being supported by said movable part so that the accelerometer lies outside said support path and said first portion receives said pressure wave, said second portion being free relative to said support path, thereby permitting said sensing while maintaining said fixed relationship between said stylus free end and said base portion,said contact-sensing probe being arranged such that an urging force of said bias means is transmitted to said movable part through the accelerometer.

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