Automatic ball bar for a coordinate measuring machine

Patent · Tue Dec 31 23:00:00 EST 1996

OSTI ID:871046

Jostlein, Hans ^[1]

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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

/33/73/
accuracy
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automatic
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ball bar
bar
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coordinate
coordinate measuring
determined
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drive
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gauge
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inward
length
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machine
magnetic
maintain
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move
move radially
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radially
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rigid
secured
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servo
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socket
switch
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telescoping