Zero force touch probe

摘要

A co-ordinate measuring system for determining the relative measurements of an object is disclosed. The system utilizes a probe which has a plurality of faces which are interconnected so as to form two parallel "X" co-ordinate probe surfaces (12) and two parallel "Y" co-ordinate probe surfaces (14). At the instant the probe contacts a surface on the object being measured, an electrical circuit is completed through the probe to ground potential via the object, causing the measurement to be displayed on a visual display device (20 or 22). In this manner, measurements along the "X" and "Y" co-ordinates can be made and recorded at the instant the probe contacts the respective surfaces. An automatic unlatching feature is provided wherein the probe must be a predetermined distance from both the "X" and "Y" surfaces before the system automatically resets.