Articulating probe head apparatus and method
AssigneeRenishaw PLC
InventorsKevyn Barry Jonas, Geoffrey McFarland, Nicholas John Weston, Colin Ray Bulled
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Apparatus for a co-ordinate positioning machine is described that comprises an articulating probe head for supporting a measurement probe. The articulating probe head comprises at least one electric motor. Heating means are provided for generating heat in the articulating probe head. The heating means may be the motors or discrete heating elements. Temperature sensing means, such as one or more temperature sensors, is also provided for determining the temperature at the articulating probe head. The apparatus allows the temperature of the articulating probe head to be controlled.
Claims30
An apparatus for a co-ordinate positioning machine, the apparatus comprising:
- an articulating probe head that supports a measurement probe, the articulating probe head including at least one electric motor;
- a heater that generates heat in the articulating probe head;
- and
- a temperature sensor that determines a temperature at the articulating probe head.
A method of operating an articulating probe head, the articulating probe head including at least one electric motor, the steps of the method comprising:
- measuring the temperature of one or more regions of the probe head, and
- generating heat within the articulating head.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.