Hexagon Metrology, Inc. Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20140368500 | METHOD AND APPARATUS OF MEASURING OBJECTS USING SELECTIVE IMAGING - A method of measuring an object registers the object with a model of the object, and determines at least one feature of the object to scan. Next, the method controls an X-ray scanning device to scan less than the entirety of the object to produce visual data representing at least one scanned portion. The at least one scanned portion has the at least one feature, while the X-ray scanning device is controlled as a function of registering the object and model. | 12-18-2014 |
20140254770 | X-Ray Computed Tomography Device Calibration and Verification Apparatus - An apparatus for calibrating an x-ray computed tomography device has a plurality of objects formed from a material that is visible to x-rays, and a base at least in part fixedly supporting the plurality of objects so that each of the plurality of objects contacts at least one of the other objects. Each one of the plurality of objects: 1) is configured to receive x-rays without changing shape, 2) has substantially the same shape and size as the other objects, 3) has an attenuation value to x-rays (“object attenuation value”), and 4) is symmetrically shaped relative to its center point. Like the objects, the base also has an attenuation value to x-rays (the “base attenuation value”). The object attenuation value is greater than the base attenuation . Each of the plurality of objects is kinematically locked in place on the base. | 09-11-2014 |
20140180620 | Calibration Artifact and Method of Calibrating a Coordinate Measuring Machine - A first artifact for use in calibrating a machine-vision coordinate measurement machine includes a body with two targets at opposing ends of the body. The targets are separated by a fixed distance, and are visible to and recognizable by a camera in the coordinate measurement machine. The machine is configured to sequentially move the camera to locations above each target, and record each such camera position. As such, the artifact is useful in assessing the accuracy and calibration of the machine. | 06-26-2014 |
20140119501 | APPARATUS AND METHOD OF IMAGING A HETEROGENEOUS OBJECT - An imaging method positions a heterogeneous object within a fixture having a chamber. The fixture also has a valve for receiving a gas and normally sealing the chamber. Thus, the object is within the chamber. Next the method positions the fixture within an active region of a CT machine, fluidly connects a gas line to the valve, and injects an inert gas into the chamber through the gas line and the valve. The inert gas may include one or more of the xenon, argon, and krypton. The method then increases the pressure within the sealed chamber to increase the density of the gas within the chamber, and directs x-ray energy toward the active region of the CT machine to produce a plurality of two-dimensional images of the object and the pressurized gas. Finally, the method generates a three-dimensional representation of the object from the plurality of images. | 05-01-2014 |
20140098378 | ARTICULATING MEASURING ARM WITH LASER SCANNER - A coordinate measurement device comprises an articulated arm having a first end, a second end, and a plurality of jointed arm segments therebetween. Each arm segment defines at least one axis of rotation. A laser scanner assembly is coupled to the second end of the arm and is rotatable about a last axis of rotation of the articulated arm. The laser scanner assembly comprises a laser and an image sensor. The laser is positioned on an opposite side of the last axis of rotation from the image sensor. | 04-10-2014 |
20130227851 | COORDINATE MEASURING MACHINE WITH CONSTRAINED COUNTERWEIGHT - A coordinate measuring machine has a measuring member for measuring a workpiece, a counterweight to control movement of the measuring member, and a pulley and cable system coupling the measuring member with the counterweight. The coordinate measuring machine also has a guide track, where the counterweight is movably secured to the guide track. The guide track substantially limits counterweight movement, relative to the measuring member, to one dimension. | 09-05-2013 |
20130227850 | COORDINATE MEASURING MACHINE WITH SUPPORT BEAM HAVING SPRINGS - A coordinate measuring machine has 1) an anchor beam with a top end and a bottom end, 2) at least one support beam having a top end and a bottom end, and 3) a cross-beam supported on the top ends of both the anchor beam and the at least one support beam. In addition, the coordinate measuring machine also has 4) a base supporting the bottom ends of the anchor beam and the at least one support beam. At least one of the at least one support beams has a first spring and a second spring. In preferred embodiments, the first spring is adapted to allow movement and is spaced from the second spring in a direction that is generally parallel with the longitudinal axis of the cross-beam. | 09-05-2013 |
20130195239 | X-RAY COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY DEVICE CALIBRATION AND VERIFICATION APPARATUS - An apparatus for calibrating an x-ray computed tomography device has a plurality of objects formed from a material that is visible to x-rays, and a base at least in part fixedly supporting the plurality of objects so that each of the plurality of objects contacts at least one of the other objects. Each one of the plurality of objects: 1) is configured to receive x-rays without changing shape, 2) has substantially the same shape and size as the other objects, 3) has an attenuation value to x-rays (“object attenuation value”), and 4) is symmetrically shaped relative to its center point. Like the objects, the base also has an attenuation value to x-rays (the “base attenuation value”). The object attenuation value is greater than the base attenuation. Each of the plurality of objects is kinematically locked in place on the base. | 08-01-2013 |
20130187022 | LOCKING COUNTERBALANCE FOR A CMM - An articulated arm CMM comprises a plurality of transfer members, a plurality of articulation members connecting at least two transfer members to each other, a coordinate acquisition member at a distal end, and a base at a proximal end. The articulated arm CMM also comprises (1) a ratchet lock for restricting the motion of at least one transfer member in at least one direction of rotation and (2) a clutch mechanism for allowing limited rotation of the at least one transfer member upon application of a high amount of force upon at least one transfer member. | 07-25-2013 |
20130063563 | TRANSPROJECTION OF GEOMETRY DATA - Systems and methods for transprojection of geometry data acquired by a coordinate measuring machine (CMM). The CMM acquires geometry data corresponding to 3D coordinate measurements collected by a measuring probe that are transformed into scaled 2D data that is transprojected upon various digital object image views captured by a camera. The transprojection process can utilize stored image and coordinate information or perform live transprojection viewing capabilities in both still image and video modes. | 03-14-2013 |
20130030773 | COORDINATE MEASURING SYSTEM DATA REDUCTION - Coordinate measurement data such as point cloud data associated with coordinate measurement machine data is reduced in a strategic and systematic manner by segmenting and/or reducing data based on nominal geometric information contained in an electronic file such as a CAD model or a coordinate measurement machine inspection plan. For example, in one embodiment, a software application is used to identify geometric features and tolerances within a CAD model of an object, and to segment coordinate measurement data of a physical object based on the identified geometric features and tolerances from the CAD model. The various segments of coordinate measurement data may be assigned different data requirements, and the data may be reduced in different manners on a feature-by-feature basis. | 01-31-2013 |
20120291297 | COORDINATE MEASURING MACHINE WITH ROTATABLE GRIP - A portable coordinate measuring machine (PCMM) can have one or more rotatable grip assemblies to provide a location for an operator to grasp the PCMM. A rotatable grip assembly can include a rotatable sleeve, a grip portion disposed over the sleeve, and one or more retaining rings to prevent the rotatable grip from axially sliding along one or more members of an articulated arm PCMM. A PCMM can include two rotatable grips to allow an operator to grasp the PCMM with both hands for positioning and repositioning operations. One rotatable grip can be positioned on an arm member most distant the PCMM base, and another rotatable grip can be positioned on a housing at least partially encasing an articulating joint assembly coupled to the arm member most distant the PCMM base. Other numbers of and locations of rotatable grip assemblies can be used in PCMMs. | 11-22-2012 |
20120262729 | ARTICULATING MEASURING ARM WITH LASER SCANNER - A coordinate measurement device comprises an articulated arm having a first end, a second end, and a plurality of jointed arm segments therebetween. Each arm segment defines at least one axis of rotation. A laser scanner assembly is coupled to the second end of the arm and is rotatable about a last axis of rotation of the articulated arm. The laser scanner assembly comprises a laser and an image sensor. The laser is positioned on an opposite side of the last axis of rotation from the image sensor. | 10-18-2012 |
20120210590 | MOUNTING APPARATUS FOR ARTICULATED ARM LASER SCANNER - An articulated arm can include a plurality of articulated arm members, a probe, a receiving portion at a distal end comprising a threaded portion, and a base at a proximal end. A base plate can kinematically mount on the receiving portion and have a hole positioned such that the probe passes through the hole. The base plate can also couple to a laser and an optical sensor located on opposite sides of the hole. A nut can threadably mount to the threaded portion of the receiving portion. Further, a wave spring can mount on the receiving portion between the nut and the base plate. Thus, movement of the nut along the receiving portion can cause the wave spring to urge the base plate against the articulated arm to secure the kinematic mount. The wave spring can then mechanically isolate the base plate from the articulated arm. | 08-23-2012 |
20120191409 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IMPROVED COORDINATE ACQUISITION MEMBER COMPRISING CALIBRATION INFORMATION - Apparatus, systems and methods for an improved probe for a coordinate measurement machine (PCMM) is disclosed herein. The probe comprises a machine readable unique serial number, which the PCMM can read from the probe to identify the probe and obtain information relating to calibration of the probe by matching the unique serial number with unique serial number stored with the information relating calibration. The coordinate information device further comprises modules configured to store and provide the machine readable unique serial number, and also information relating to calibrating the probe. | 07-26-2012 |
20120151988 | MACHINE CALIBRATION ARTIFACT - A calibration artifact includes an elongated body made substantially entirely of ceramic material and having a direction of elongation. A plurality of measurement elements comprising the ceramic material are integrally formed with the elongated body, each measurement element comprising a first planar measurement surface facing in a first direction. The first planar measurement surface of each measurement element is parallel to the first planar measurement surface of each of the other measurement elements of the plurality of measurement elements. The calibration artifact may be a unitary step gauge formed with a single piece of ceramic material. | 06-21-2012 |
20120017454 | COORDINATE MEASURING MACHINE WITH ROTATABLE GRIP - A portable coordinate measuring machine (PCMM) can have one or more rotatable grip assemblies to provide a locations for an operator to grasp the PCMM. A rotatable grip assembly can include a rotatable sleeve, a grip portion disposed over the sleeve, and one or more retaining rings to prevent the rotatable grip from axially sliding along one or more members of an articulated arm PCMM. A PCMM can include two rotatable grips to allow an operator to grasp the PCMM with both hands for positioning and repositioning operations. One rotatable grip can be positioned on an arm member most distant the PCMM base, and another rotatable grip can be positioned on a housing at least partially encasing an articulating joint assembly coupled to the arm member most distant the PCMM base. Other numbers of and locations of rotatable grip assemblies can be used in PCMMs. | 01-26-2012 |
20110213247 | ARTICULATED ARM WITH IMAGING DEVICE - An articulated arm CMM comprises an articulated arm comprising a plurality of transfer members, a plurality of articulation members connecting at least two transfer members to each other, a coordinate acquisition member at a distal end, and a base at a proximal end. A plurality of encoders are associated with the plurality of articulation members so as to measure an orientation of the CMM. An ultrasonic imaging device is mounted on the CMM. | 09-01-2011 |
20110192043 | ARTICULATING MEASURING ARM WITH LASER SCANNER - A coordinate measurement device comprises an articulated arm having a first end, a second end, and a plurality of jointed arm segments therebetween. Each arm segment defines at least one axis of rotation. A laser scanner assembly is coupled to the second end of the arm and is rotatable about a last axis of rotation of the articulated arm. The laser scanner assembly comprises a laser and an image sensor. The laser is positioned on an opposite side of the last axis of rotation from the image sensor. | 08-11-2011 |
20110119025 | MANIPULABLE AID FOR DIMENSIONAL METROLOGY - A manipulable aid which is separate and distinct from the probe of a CMM permits a CMM operator to more directly interact with a CMM measurement volume to align a workpiece, configure a measurement path, and/or program a dimensional metrology application. | 05-19-2011 |
20110000277 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROBE TIP DIAMETER CALIBRATION - A method for determining probe tip diameters with improved accuracy and reliability that includes performing a routine for determining probe tip diameter multiple times with the arm of the coordinate measurement machine in different machine positions. Diameter values associated with each of the calibration routines may be combined in a manner that provides more accurate diameter measurements. | 01-06-2011 |
20100281706 | COORDINATE MEASURING MACHINE WITH ROTATABLE GRIP - A portable coordinate measuring machine (PCMM) can have one or more rotatable grip assemblies to provide a locations for an operator to grasp the PCMM. A rotatable grip assembly can include a rotatable sleeve, a grip portion disposed over the sleeve, and one or more retaining rings to prevent the rotatable grip from axially sliding along one or more members of an articulated arm PCMM. A PCMM can include two rotatable grips to allow an operator to grasp the PCMM with both hands for positioning and repositioning operations. One rotatable grip can be positioned on an arm member most distant the PCMM base, and another rotatable grip can be positioned on a housing at least partially encasing an articulating joint assembly coupled to the arm member most distant the PCMM base. Other numbers of and locations of rotatable grip assemblies can be used in PCMMs. | 11-11-2010 |
20100272348 | TRANSPROJECTION OF GEOMETRY DATA - Systems and methods for transprojection of geometry data acquired by a coordinate measuring machine (CMM). The CMM acquires geometry data corresponding to 3D coordinate measurements collected by a measuring probe that are transformed into scaled 2D data that is transprojected upon various digital object image views captured by a camera. The transprojection process can utilize stored image and coordinate information or perform live transprojection viewing capabilities in both still image and video modes. | 10-28-2010 |
20090326849 | HYSTERESIS COMPENSATION IN A COORDINATE MEASUREMENT MACHINE - A coordinate measuring machine compensates for hysteresis error caused by friction at the non-driven end of the bridge. The bridge may have a single drive and/or a single scale. The methods, systems, and apparatuses compensate for errors in the x-direction and/or errors in the y-direction caused by rotation of the bridge. Some embodiments compensate for hysteresis errors in the x-direction caused by a vertically-movable ram. | 12-31-2009 |
20090150108 | Hysteresis compensation in a coordinate measurement machine - A single-scale, single-drive coordinate measuring machine that compensates for hysteresis error caused by friction at the non-driven end of the bridge. The coordinate measuring machine is calibrated to estimate hysteresis effects at one or more distances from the scale. Measurements of workpieces are adjusted based on the calibration data and the distances of the carriage from the scale at the point of the measurements. The scale and the drive system may be positioned on opposite guideways. | 06-11-2009 |