Automatic ball bar for a coordinate measuring machine

Patent · Wed Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1997

OSTI ID:871046

Jostlein, Hans ^[1]

---

1. Naperville, IL

An automatic ball bar for a coordinate measuring machine determines the accuracy of a coordinate measuring machine having at least one servo drive. The apparatus comprises a first and second gauge ball connected by a telescoping rigid member. The rigid member includes a switch such that inward radial movement of the second gauge ball relative to the first gauge ball causes activation of the switch. The first gauge ball is secured in a first magnetic socket assembly in order to maintain the first gauge ball at a fixed location with respect to the coordinate measuring machine. A second magnetic socket assembly secures the second gauge ball to the arm or probe holder of the coordinate measuring machine. The second gauge ball is then directed by the coordinate measuring machine to move radially inward from a point just beyond the length of the ball bar until the switch is activated. Upon switch activation, the position of the coordinate measuring machine is determined and compared to known ball bar length such that the accuracy of the coordinate measuring machine can be determined.

• Research Organization: Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (FNAL), Batavia, IL (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: AC02-76CH03000
• Assignee: Universities Research Association, Inc. (Washington, DC)
• Patent Number(s): US 5647136
• OSTI ID: 871046
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

automatic
ball
bar
coordinate
measuring
machine
determines
accuracy
servo
drive
apparatus
comprises
gauge
connected
telescoping
rigid
switch
inward
radial
movement
relative
causes
activation
secured
magnetic
socket
assembly
maintain
fixed
location
respect
secures
arm
probe
holder
directed
move
radially
length
activated
position
determined
compared
radial movement
ball bar
radially inward
measuring machine
coordinate measuring
apparatus comprises
switch activation
apparatus comprise
move radially
servo drive
automatic ball
/33/73/