Patent ID: 8533967

Claim:
A portable articulated arm coordinate measuring machine (AACMM) for measuring the coordinates of an object in space, comprising: a base; a manually positionable arm portion having an opposed first end and second end, the arm portion being rotationally coupled to the base, the arm portion including a plurality of connected arm segments, each arm segment including at least one position transducer for producing a position signal; a measurement device coupled to the first end; an electronic circuit which receives the position signal from the at least one position transducer and provides data corresponding to a position of the measurement device; a probe end disposed between the measurement device and the first end, the probe end having a fastener and a first connector, the probe end further having a threaded portion disposed about a portion of the outer surface of a probe end housing and configured to engage the fastener, the fastener being movable between a first position and a second position; and a device being configured to couple with the probe end by the fastener when in the second position, the device having a second connector arranged to engage the first connector when the fastener couples the device to the probe end.