Patent ID: 8700351
Filing Date: 2014-04-15
Classification: G01B

Abstract:
1. Dimensional measurement apparatus for use with a machine tool or co-ordinate measuring machine, comprising: a measurement probe comprising a measurement portion having a deflectable stylus for acquiring object position measurements; an output portion for outputting measurement data relating to the acquired object position measurements to a machine controller of the machine tool or co-ordinate measuring machine, the machine controller using the measurement data in combination with machine position information to measure a dimension of an object; and a deactivation portion for inhibiting normal operation of the measurement apparatus such that output of the measurement data to the machine controller is prevented; wherein the deactivation portion, in use, reads apparatus usage information from an apparatus usage module and inhibits normal operation of the dimensional measurement apparatus if said apparatus usage information fails to meet one or more predetermined criteria, the apparatus usage information providing a measure of the amount of dimensional measurement apparatus usage.