Flexible support with indicator device
First Claim
1. An apparatus for supporting an object to be measured by a coordinate measuring machine, said apparatus comprising:
- a main support structure adapted for primarily supporting the object;
an adjustable secondary support structure adapted for supporting a localized portion of the object; and
an indicator device indicating when said adjustable secondary support structure contacts the object.
21 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An adjustable support structure having an indicator device for use with a coordinate measuring machine (CMM) capable of minimizing deformation of an object to be measured. The adjustable support structure includes a base portion being secured to a pillar support of the CMM. A top and bottom swivel plate are further included in the adjustable support structure and are mounted to the base portion to frictionally retain a first swivel arm. Additional swivel arms are pivotally mounted to the first swivel arm. A point support post and locking nut are still further included and threadedly engaged with an end of the final support arm. The indicator device is finally included for indicating when the point support post is in electrical contact with the object, so as to maximize support of the object while minimizing deformation thereof.
137 Citations
13 Claims
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1. An apparatus for supporting an object to be measured by a coordinate measuring machine, said apparatus comprising:
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a main support structure adapted for primarily supporting the object; an adjustable secondary support structure adapted for supporting a localized portion of the object; and an indicator device indicating when said adjustable secondary support structure contacts the object. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A coordinate measuring machine for measuring an object, said coordinate measuring machine comprising:
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a base; at least one measuring element support member rotatably fixed to said base; a measuring element disposed on an end of said at least one measuring element support member; an adjustable support structure adapted for supporting a localized portion of the object to be measured, said adjustable support structure being mounted to said base; and a signalling device signalling when said adjustable support structure contacts said object. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A method of measuring a vehicle part using a coordinate measuring machine, said method comprising:
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securing the vehicle part upon a base structure of the coordinate measuring machine; attaching at least one adjustable rotatable support arm to said base structure; adjusting said at least one adjustable rotatable support arm such that said arm generally lightly contacts the vehicle part so as to avoid deformation of the vehicle part, said contact thereby triggering a signalling device for signalling an operator that said contact is achieved; and employing a probe of the coordinate measuring machine to gather position data along the vehicle part generally adjacent said at least one adjustable rotatable support arm.
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Specification