Patent ID: 7274464

Claim:
A position measuring device for detecting the spatial position of a movable element in relation to a base body, comprising: a linear measuring device that measures a distance between a movable element and a base body; a length-adjustable support connecting said movable element with said base body; a joint, by which said support is seated, pivotable in all directions around a center of rotation, in said base body, wherein said linear measuring device measures said linear displacement along said support; an angle-measuring apparatus that measures a pivoting angle between said support and said base body; a light source that directs light along a beam path; a detector within said beam path; and a grating within said beam path between said light source and said detector, wherein for measuring said pivoting angle said beam path extends between said movable element and said base body so that an intensity strip pattern is created by illuminating said grating by said light source, whose position relative to said detector is a measure of said pivoting angle.