Patent attributes
A portable articulated arm coordinate measuring machine (AACMM) for measuring the coordinates of an object in space is provided. The AACMM includes a base and a manually positionable arm portion having an opposed first end and second end, the arm portion being rotationally coupled to the base, the arm portion including a plurality of connected arm segments, each arm segment including at least one position transducer for producing a position signal. A wire wound torsion spring is operably coupled between two of the connected arm segments. A first measurement probe is coupled to the first end, the first measurement probe having a first extension element. An electronic circuit is provided that receives the position signal from the at least one position transducer and provides data corresponding to a position of the first measurement probe. A probe end is disposed between the first measurement probe and the first end.