skip to main content
OSTI.GOV title logo U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Title: Automatic ball bar for a coordinate measuring machine

Patent ·
OSTI ID:516949

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. 5 figs.

Research Organization:
Universities Research Association
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
AC02-76CH03000
Assignee:
Universities Research Association, Inc., Washington, DC (United States)
Patent Number(s):
US 5,647,136/A/
Application Number:
PAN: 8-500,336
OSTI ID:
516949
Resource Relation:
Other Information: PBD: 15 Jul 1997
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

Similar Records

Automatic ball bar for a coordinate measuring machine
Patent · Wed Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1997 · OSTI ID:516949

Telescoping magnetic ball bar test gage
Patent · Mon Mar 15 00:00:00 EST 1982 · OSTI ID:516949

Telescoping magnetic ball bar test gage
Patent · Sun Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1984 · OSTI ID:516949