Method and device for calibrating rotary axis

A device for measuring and calibrating the rotary motion of a rotatable machine member such as a pivotable swivel member mounted to pivot about a first axis, the device comprising:

• an arm mounted to the pivotable swivel member;
• an encoder mounted internal to the arm and positioned therein to measure rotation about a second axis that is parallel to the first axis;
• a structure mounted to the arm;
• a rotary table mounted to the structure opposite the arm, the rotary table comprising a stator fixedly mounted to the structure and a rotor coupled to an input shaft of the encoder such that rotary movement of the rotor can be measured by the encoder;
• and,
• an electronic level fixedly secured to the rotor;
• whereby the encoder, the rotary table and the electronic level are each electronically coupled to a control system which is adapted to obtain readings from the encoder and from the electronic level and to command controlled rotation of the rotor relative to the stator.

A device for measuring and calibrating the rotary motion of a rotatable machine member such as a pivotable swivel member mounted to pivot about a first axis, the device comprising:

• an arm mounted to the pivotable swivel member;
• an optical encoder mounted internal to the arm and positioned therein to measure rotation about a second axis that is parallel to the first axis;
• a housing mounted to the arm;
• a rotary table comprising a rotary servo drive mounted to the housing opposite the arm, the rotary table comprising a stator fixedly mounted to the housing and a rotor coupled to an input shaft of the encoder such that rotary movement of the rotor can be measured by the encoder;
• and,
• an electronic level fixedly secured to the rotor,
• whereby the orientation of rotor may be sensed by the electronic level and the orientation of the electronic level may be altered by the rotary drive, and whereby the encoder, the rotary table and the electronic level are each electronically coupled to a control system which is adapted to obtain readings from the encoder and from the electronic level and to command controlled rotation of the rotor relative to the stator.