LASER TRACKER CALIBRATION SYSTEM AND METHODS

A system and method of calibrating a laser tracker is provided. The system includes a support system for quickly and easily moving an artifact to a desired position and orientation and for holding the artifact in the position and orientation. An adjustable alignment mirror is coupled to a first end of the artifact so that the more accurate ranging system of the laser tracker can be isolated to determine a reference length of the artifact. Additional measurements are then taken to exercise one or more error source within the tracker. The support system includes a positioner and a support beam for positioning and supporting the artifact. The artifact is coupled to the support beam using kinematic clamps that are designed to reduce or eliminate errors associated with over-constraining the artifact. 1. A laser tracker calibration system comprising:a support system including a positioner;a support beam selectively coupled to the positioner of the support system;a first kinematic mount selectively coupled to a first end of the support beam;a second kinematic mount selectively coupled to a second end of the support beam; andan artifact selectively coupled to said first and second kinematic mounts so as to cause said artifact to be supported by said support system,wherein said support system is configured to hold said artifact relative to a laser tracker during calibration of the laser tracker, andwherein said positioner of said support system is configured to selectively orient said artifact relative to said laser tracker.2. The laser tracker calibration system of claim 1 , wherein said first and second kinematic mounts are configured to constrain the artifact in six degrees of freedom so as to minimize or eliminate adverse effects associated with over-constraining the artifact.3. The laser tracker calibration system of claim 1 , further comprising a ring brake coupled to a rear wall of said support beam and a yoke coupled to a front end of said positioner claim 1 , said ...

Movable stand assembly and method of use

A stand assembly and method of converting a stand assembly from a moveable configuration to a stationary configuration is provided. The stand assembly includes a plurality of wheel assemblies slidably engaged with a plurality of respective trivets, each wheel assembly being moveable between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration, thereby moving each trivet between a deployed configuration and a stowed configuration, respectively. When in their respective deployed configurations, a distal end of each trivet is engaged with the floor, thereby causing the stand assembly to be in the stationary configuration. When in their respective stowed configurations, the distal end of each trivet is positioned between two wheels of the wheel assembly such that the wheel assembly prevents the trivet from engaging with objects on the floor, thereby minimizing adjustments required to obtain desired ground clearance.

Articulating arm calibration artifact system and method of use

A system and method of calibrating a measuring instrument is provided. The system includes a support system for quickly and easily securing a low thermal expansion length reference bar in position. The reference bar is coupled to the support beam using a kinematic mounting system that is designed to reduce or eliminate errors associated with over-constraining the reference bar. The system is optimized for field calibration of certain measuring instruments, such as measuring instruments having articulating arms. Opposed first and second ends of the reference bar include respective first and second retroflectors and/or first and second probe receivers at known distances relative to each other, thereby facilitating calibration of the measuring instrument.

Foot pedal assembly

A foot pedal assembly and method of moving a wheel assembly from a stowed configuration to a deployed configuration is provided. The foot pedal assembly can be moved to a locked configuration, thereby securing the wheel assembly in a deployed configuration, by allowing a foot pedal of the foot pedal assembly to move away from a second position after moving the foot pedal from a first position to the second position. When in the locked configuration, the foot pedal assembly can be moved to an unlocked configuration by moving the foot pedal assembly back to the second position, thereby allowing the foot pedal assembly and the wheel assembly to move towards the first configuration and the stowed configuration, respectively. A pin extending from a cam assembly into a raceway of a raceway body travels through the raceway as the foot pedal assembly is moved between configurations.

FOUR BAR LINKAGE IMAGING STAND ASSEMBLY SYSTEM AND METHOD

A four bar linkage boom arm imaging stand assembly system and related methods are provided. The stand includes a height-adjustable imaging platform. The imaging platform is configured for holding a scanning device. The stand is configured to be mobile. The stand is also configured to be stable while moving a scanning device to a desired height and position. The stand is configured such that the imaging platform remains at a consistent orientation throughout the entire range of possible heights. The stand includes a unique brake feature for maintaining the imaging platform at a desired height. 1. An imaging stand comprising:a base member configured to be supported by a horizontal support plane;a vertical support member extending vertically from said base member;a boom arm coupled to said vertical support member and displaced from said base member; andan imaging platform coupled to said boom arm, said imaging platform being movable between a raised position and a lowered position.2. The imaging stand of wherein:said imaging platform is configured to support an imaging device in a first angular orientation relative to the horizontal support plane when said imaging platform is in the lowered position; andsaid boom arm and said imaging platform, together, are configured such that said imaging platform supports the imaging device in the first angular orientation relative to the horizontal support plane when said imaging platform is in the raised position.3. The imaging stand of wherein said boom arm and said imaging platform claim 2 , together claim 2 , are configured such that the imaging platform maintains the imaging device in the first angular orientation relative to the horizontal support plane while said imaging platform is being moved through a plurality of intermediate vertical positions located between the raised and lowered positions.4. The imaging stand of wherein the imaging device is horizontal and level when said imaging platform supports the imaging device ...

LASER TRACKER CALIBRATION SYSTEM AND METHODS

A system and method of calibrating a laser tracker is provided. The system includes a support system for quickly and easily moving an artifact to a desired position and orientation and for holding the artifact in the position and orientation. An adjustable alignment mirror is coupled to a first end of the artifact so that the more accurate ranging system of the laser tracker can be isolated to determine a reference length of the artifact. Additional measurements are then taken to exercise one or more error source within the tracker. The support system includes a positioner and a support beam for positioning and supporting the artifact. The artifact is coupled to the support beam using kinematic clamps that are designed to reduce or eliminate errors associated with over-constraining the artifact. 1. A laser tracker calibration system comprising:an artifact;a first kinematic mount selectively coupled to said artifact at a first location; anda second kinematic mount selectively coupled to said artifact at a second location,wherein said first and second kinematic mounts are coupled to a rigid support structure so as to hold said artifact relative to a laser tracker during calibration of the laser tracker.2. The laser tracker calibration system of claim 1 , wherein said first and second kinematic mounts are configured to constrain the artifact in six degrees of freedom so as to minimize or eliminate adverse effects associated with over-constraining the artifact.3. The laser tracker calibration system of claim 1 , wherein:said first kinematic mount prevents said artifact from rotating about a longitudinal axis of said artifact; andsaid second kinematic mount prevents said artifact from rotating about said first kinematic mount and allows for differential thermal expansion and contraction of said support beam relative to said artifact without stretching, compressing, twisting, and/or bending said artifact.4. The laser tracker calibration system of claim 1 , wherein:said ...

Laser tracker calibration system and methods

A system and method of calibrating a laser tracker is provided. The system includes a support system for quickly and easily moving an artifact to a desired position and orientation and for holding the artifact in the position and orientation. An adjustable alignment mirror is coupled to a first end of the artifact so that the more accurate ranging system of the laser tracker can be isolated to determine a reference length of the artifact. Additional measurements are then taken to exercise one or more error source within the tracker. The support system includes a positioner and a support beam for positioning and supporting the artifact. The artifact is coupled to the support beam using kinematic clamps that are designed to reduce or eliminate errors associated with over-constraining the artifact. The artifact is movable between a deployed configuration for use and a stowable configuration for ease of storage and transportation.

COUNTERBALANCED SUPPORT SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USE

An arm assembly and hand assembly for supporting metrology equipment is provided. The hand assembly includes a boom arm having a proximal end coupled to a distal end of the arm assembly and a distal end coupled to a carriage assembly of the hand assembly. The carriage assembly is configured to support the metrology equipment in such a way so as to align the center of gravity of the metrology equipment substantially at the center of rotation of the hand assembly. The arm assembly includes an upper arm that is supported by way of a first counterbalance mechanism and/or a first brake mechanism and a forearm extending from a distal end of the upper arm, the forearm being supported by a second counterbalance mechanism and/or a second brake mechanism by way of a drive assembly. A hub assembly associated with a counterbalance mechanism includes an adjustment mechanism. 1. A support system for holding and repositioning an object such as metrology equipment , the support system comprising:an arm assembly; anda hand assembly coupled to said arm assembly, said hand assembly being configured to selectively engage with the object,wherein said arm assembly comprises a shoulder assembly, an elbow assembly, and an upper arm extending therebetween, said upper arm being moveable between a lowered configuration and a raised configuration by rotating the upper arm about a first axis, the first axis being associated with the shoulder assembly, thereby causing the elbow assembly to move along an arc about the first axis,wherein said arm assembly further comprises a forearm extending from said elbow assembly, said forearm being moveable between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration by rotating the forearm about a second axis, the second axis being associated with the elbow assembly, thereby causing a distal end of the forearm to move along an arc about the second axis, andwherein said hand assembly is coupled to said distal end of said forearm.2. The support system of ...

METROLOGY GRADE LIGHT WEIGHT TRIPOD

A tripod and a method of stabilizing a collapsible stand are provided. The tripod includes three legs attached to a base that swing open to a predetermined angle against a positive stop. The legs are locked into place in the open position via a leg spreader that forces (or pre-stresses/pre-loads) the legs outward against the stops. The method includes the steps of pivoting the legs of the collapsible stand to an open pivotal position into engagement with a stop, applying a load upon the legs to force the legs against the stop, and maintaining the load upon the legs while the stand is in use. 1. A tripod comprising:a base;a plurality of legs connected to said base;a first stop feature associated with a first leg of said plurality of legs, said first stop feature being configured to inhibit said first leg from rotating beyond an open pivotal position; anda leg spreader associated with said first leg, said leg spreader being configured to urge said first leg towards the open pivotal position.2. The tripod of claim 1 , wherein each of said plurality of legs is configured to selectively pivot from a respective open pivotal position to a respective collapsed position claim 1 , thereby moving the tripod from a deployed configuration to a collapsed configuration.3. The tripod of claim 2 , wherein said first leg is generally parallel with each remaining leg of said plurality of legs when the tripod is in the collapsed configuration.4. The tripod of claim 1 , wherein urging said first leg towards the open pivotal position by said leg spreader when said first leg is already in the open pivotal position causes said first leg to be secured in the open pivotal position.5. The tripod of claim 4 , wherein said first stop feature protrudes from said base.6. The tripod of claim 5 , wherein said first leg comprises an engagement member that is configured to engage with said first stop feature when said first leg is in its open pivotal position.7. The tripod of claim 1 , wherein said ...

METROLOGY GRADE LIGHT WEIGHT TRIPOD

A tripod and a method of stabilizing a collapsible stand are provided. The tripod includes three legs attached to a base that swing open to a predetermined angle against a positive stop. The legs are locked into place in the open position via a leg spreader that forces (or pre-stresses/pre-loads) the legs outward against the stops. The method includes the steps of pivoting the legs of the collapsible stand to an open pivotal position into engagement with a stop, applying a load upon the legs to force the legs against the stop, and maintaining the load upon the legs while the stand is in use. 1. A tripod comprising:a base;a plurality of legs connected to said base;a first stop feature associated with a first leg of said plurality of legs, said first stop feature being configured to inhibit said first leg from rotating beyond an open pivotal position; anda leg spreader associated with said first leg, said leg spreader being configured to urge said first leg towards the open pivotal position.2. The tripod of claim 1 , wherein each of said plurality of legs is configured to selectively pivot from a respective open pivotal position to a respective collapsed position claim 1 , thereby moving the tripod from a deployed configuration to a collapsed configuration.3. The tripod of claim 2 , wherein said first leg is generally parallel with each remaining leg of said plurality of legs when the tripod is in the collapsed configuration.4. The tripod of claim 1 , wherein urging said first leg towards the open pivotal position by said leg spreader when said first leg is already in the open pivotal position causes said first leg to be secured in the open pivotal position.5. The tripod of claim 4 , wherein said first stop feature protrudes from said base.6. The tripod of claim 5 , wherein said first leg comprises an engagement member that is configured to engage with said first stop feature when said first leg is in its open pivotal position.7. The tripod of claim 1 , wherein said ...

Laser tracker calibration system and methods

A system and method of calibrating a laser tracker is provided. The system includes a support system for quickly and easily moving an artifact to a desired position and orientation and for holding the artifact in the position and orientation. An adjustable alignment mirror is coupled to a first end of the artifact so that the more accurate ranging system of the laser tracker can be isolated to determine a reference length of the artifact. Additional measurements are then taken to exercise one or more error source within the tracker. The support system includes a positioner and a support beam for positioning and supporting the artifact. The artifact is coupled to the support beam using kinematic clamps that are designed to reduce or eliminate errors associated with over-constraining the artifact.

Metrology grade light weight tripod

A tripod and a method of stabilizing a collapsible stand are provided. The tripod includes three legs attached to a base that swing open to a predetermined angle against a positive stop. The legs are locked into place in the open position via a leg spreader that forces (or pre-stresses/pre-loads) the legs outward against the stops. The method includes the steps of pivoting the legs of the collapsible stand to an open pivotal position into engagement with a stop, applying a load upon the legs to force the legs against the stop, and maintaining the load upon the legs while the stand is in use.

Stand and counterbalanced support

Laser tracker calibration system and methods

Foot pedal assembly

A foot pedal assembly and method of moving a wheel assembly from a stowed configuration to a deployed configuration is provided. The foot pedal assembly can be moved to a locked configuration, thereby securing the wheel assembly in a deployed configuration, by allowing a foot pedal of the foot pedal assembly to move away from a second position after moving the foot pedal from a first position to the second position. When in the locked configuration, the foot pedal assembly can be moved to an unlocked configuration by moving the foot pedal assembly back to the second position, thereby allowing the foot pedal assembly and the wheel assembly to move towards the first configuration and the stowed configuration, respectively. A pin extending from a cam assembly into a raceway of a raceway body travels through the raceway as the foot pedal assembly is moved between configurations.

Laser tracker calibration system and methods

A system and method of calibrating a laser tracker is provided. The system includes a support system for quickly and easily moving an artifact to a desired position and orientation and for holding the artifact in the position and orientation. An adjustable alignment mirror is coupled to a first end of the artifact so that the more accurate ranging system of the laser tracker can be isolated to determine a reference length of the artifact. Additional measurements are then taken to exercise one or more error source within the tracker. The support system includes a positioner and a support beam for positioning and supporting the artifact. The artifact is coupled to the support beam using kinematic clamps that are designed to reduce or eliminate errors associated with over-constraining the artifact. The artifact is movable between a deployed configuration for use and a stowable configuration for ease of storage and transportation.

Laser tracker calibration system and methods

A system and method of calibrating a laser tracker is provided. The system includes a support system for quickly and easily moving an artifact to a desired position and orientation and for holding the artifact in the position and orientation. An adjustable alignment mirror is coupled to a first end of the artifact so that the more accurate ranging system of the laser tracker can be isolated to determine a reference length of the artifact. Additional measurements are then taken to exercise one or more error source within the tracker. The support system includes a positioner and a support beam for positioning and supporting the artifact. The artifact is coupled to the support beam using kinematic clamps that are designed to reduce or eliminate errors associated with over-constraining the artifact.

Laser tracker calibration system and methods

A system and method of calibrating a laser tracker is provided. The system includes a support system for quickly and easily moving an artifact to a desired position and orientation and for holding the artifact in the position and orientation. An adjustable alignment mirror is coupled to a first end of the artifact so that the more accurate ranging system of the laser tracker can be isolated to determine a reference length of the artifact. Additional measurements are then taken to exercise one or more error source within the tracker. The support system includes a positioner and a support beam for positioning and supporting the artifact. The artifact is coupled to the support beam using kinematic clamps that are designed to reduce or eliminate errors associated with over-constraining the artifact. The artifact is movable between a deployed configuration for use and a stowable configuration for ease of storage and transportation.

Laser tracker calibration system and methods

A system and method of calibrating a laser tracker is provided. The system includes a support system for quickly and easily moving an artifact to a desired position and orientation and for holding the artifact in the position and orientation. An adjustable alignment mirror is coupled to a first end of the artifact so that the more accurate ranging system of the laser tracker can be isolated to determine a reference length of the artifact. Additional measurements are then taken to exercise one or more error source within the tracker. The support system includes a positioner and a support beam for positioning and supporting the artifact. The artifact is coupled to the support beam using kinematic clamps that are designed to reduce or eliminate errors associated with over-constraining the artifact. The artifact is movable between a deployed configuration for use and a stowable configuration for ease of storage and transportation.

Moveable stand assembly and method of use

A stand assembly and method of converting a stand assembly from a moveable configuration to a stationary configuration is provided. The stand assembly includes a plurality of wheel assemblies slidably engaged with a plurality of respective trivets, each wheel assembly being moveable between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration, thereby moving each trivet between a deployed configuration and a stowed configuration, respectively. When in their respective deployed configurations, a distal end of each trivet is engaged with the floor, thereby causing the stand assembly to be in the stationary configuration. When in their respective stowed configurations, the distal end of each trivet is positioned between two wheels of the wheel assembly such that the wheel assembly prevents the trivet from engaging with objects on the floor, thereby minimizing adjustments required to obtain desired ground clearance.

Movable stand assembly and method of use

A stand assembly and method of converting a stand assembly from a moveable configuration to a stationary configuration is provided. The stand assembly includes a plurality of wheel assemblies slidably engaged with a plurality of respective trivets, each wheel assembly being moveable between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration, thereby moving each trivet between a deployed configuration and a stowed configuration, respectively. When in their respective deployed configurations, a distal end of each trivet is engaged with the floor, thereby causing the stand assembly to be in the stationary configuration. When in their respective stowed configurations, the distal end of each trivet is positioned between two wheels of the wheel assembly such that the wheel assembly prevents the trivet from engaging with objects on the floor, thereby minimizing adjustments required to obtain desired ground clearance.

Counterbalanced support system and method of use

An arm assembly and hand assembly for supporting metrology equipment is provided. The hand assembly includes a boom arm having a proximal end coupled to a distal end of the arm assembly and a distal end coupled to a carriage assembly of the hand assembly. The carriage assembly is configured to support the metrology equipment in such a way so as to align the center of gravity of the metrology equipment substantially at the center of rotation of the hand assembly. The arm assembly includes an upper arm that is supported by way of a first counterbalance mechanism and/or a first brake mechanism and a forearm extending from a distal end of the upper arm, the forearm being supported by a second counterbalance mechanism and/or a second brake mechanism by way of a drive assembly. A hub assembly associated with a counterbalance mechanism includes an adjustment mechanism.

Laser tracker calibration system and methods

A system and method of calibrating a laser tracker is provided. The system includes a support system for quickly and easily moving an artifact to a desired position and orientation and for holding the artifact in the position and orientation. An adjustable alignment mirror is coupled to a first end of the artifact so that the more accurate ranging system of the laser tracker can be isolated to determine a reference length of the artifact. Additional measurements are then taken to exercise one or more error source within the tracker. The support system includes a positioner and a support beam for positioning and supporting the artifact. The artifact is coupled to the support beam using kinematic clamps that are designed to reduce or eliminate errors associated with over-constraining the artifact.