Patent ID: 6086283
Filing Date: 2000-07-11
Classification: G01B,Y10S,Y10T

Abstract:
For use in a coordinate measuring device, comprising three spherical base joints, means for maintaining said base joints in a fixed spaced relation, six actuator assemblies each having a variable length, wherein each of said base joints has a first end of two of said six actuator assemblies connected therewith, respectively, a center pole having a first spherical joint connected to a first end thereof and a second spherical joint connected to a second end thereof, wherein a second end of a first one of each of said two actuator assemblies connected to each of said base joints is connected to said first spherical joint of said center pole and a second end of a second one of each of said two actuator assemblies connected to each of said base joints is connected to said base joints is connected to said second spherical joint of said center pole in a manner which forms a hexadron, wherein at least one of said base joints or said spherical joint is a universal joint, said device further including a probe mounted at one end of said center pole and means for determining a change in length of each of said six actuator assemblies upon movement of said probe;a universal joint comprising means for enabling at least one output to be connected with said universal joint, means for enabling said at least one output to move in a generally spherical motion when connected to slid joint, and a reference sphere mounted at a center point of said joint for use in detecting any deviation from true spherical motion during movement of said joint.