Harry J Clifford

US Patent:

20090094847, Apr 16, 2009

Filed:

Oct 12, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/871658

Inventors:

Harry J. Clifford - Los Alamos NM, US

Assignee:

LOS ALAMOS NATIONAL SECURITY LLC - Los Alamos NM

International Classification:

G01B 1/00

US Classification:

33502

Abstract:

A method and apparatus for mounting a calibration sphere to a calibration fixture for Coordinate Measurement Machine (CMM) calibration and qualification is described, decreasing the time required for such qualification, thus allowing the CMM to be used more productively. A number of embodiments are disclosed that allow for new and retrofit manufacture to perform as integrated calibration sphere and calibration fixture devices. This invention renders unnecessary the removal of a calibration sphere prior to CMM measurement of calibration features on calibration fixtures, thereby greatly reducing the time spent qualifying a CMM.