Three-dimensional position measuring apparatus
Patent 4691446 Issued on September 8, 1987. Estimated Expiration Date: 
September 2, 2006. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.
September 2, 2006. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.Patent ReferencesMethod and apparatus for determining position Leveling arrangement for measuring terrain points Optical system for determining the position of a cursor Distance measuring device Patent #: 4575237 InventorsAssigneeApplicationNo. 06/902655 filed on 09/02/1986US Classes:33/516, Point reproducer33/1CC, Remote point locating33/1MP, Multipolar356/139.03, Relative attitude indication along 3 axes with photodetection356/4.01, With photodetection414/730, Programmable or condition responsive means controls grab operation901/47OpticalExaminersPrimary: Martin, William D. Jr.Attorney, Agent or FirmInternational ClassesG01S 17/87 (20060101)G01S 17/00 (20060101) Foreign Application Priority Data1985-09-05 GBAbstractApparatus for determining the position of a point movable throughout a measuring volume relative to a set of reference axes includes a probe member (10) having a probe tip (11) defining the position of the movable point. The measuring probe (10) also has first and second reference points (12, 13) spaced apart from one another and having a fixed known spatial relationship with one another and with the probe tip (11). Means (16) are provided for moving the probe member (10) so that the probe tip may be positioned at any desired point within the measuring volume. At least three distance measuring equipments (15) are provided, located outside the measuring volume at fixed known positions relative to the set of reference axes and each operable to determine the distance between it and each of the reference points (12, 13) on the probe member (10). Calculating means (19) are provided to calculate from said distance measurements the position of the probe tip (11). The distance measuring equipments (15) may be laser rangefinders, with reflectors mounted on the probe member (10) at the reference points (12, 13). | |
