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VERTICAL TOWER FOR A TWO-AXIS MEASURMENT SYSTEM
Abstract
A two-axis measurement system includes a structural support
frame having at least two horizontally disposed parallel rails defining
a length of the structural support frame at opposite sides thereof.
The support frame further defines a test space between the opposite
sides. A bridge extends perpendicularly between the rails and is capable
of controlled movement along the rails over the length of the structural
support frame. A first probe carriage carried by the bridge permits
controlled movement along a span of the bridge. A vertical tower is
coupled to the bridge orthogonally with the rails, and a second probe
carriage is carried by the vertical tower permitting controlled movement
along a height of the vertical tower. The first probe carriage is selectively
moveable within a horizontal test plane defined in a first axial dimension
by the rails and in a second axial dimension by the bridge by cooperative
movement of the bridge and the first probe carriage. The second probe
carriage is selectively moveable within a vertical test plane defined
in the first axial dimension by the rails and in a third axial dimension
by the vertical tower by cooperative movement of the bridge and the
second probe carriage.
 
 
 
VERTICAL TOWER FOR A TWO-AXIS MEASURMENT SYSTEM
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to two-axis measurement systems, and more
particularly, to a robotic scanner for performing planar near-field
antenna measurements capable of operating in either a vertical or a
horizontal orientation.
2. Description of Related Art High performance antennas are increasingly
prevalent in the art as spacecraft, aircraft, ship and ground vehicle
mission requirements become more sophisticated. One problem in the development
and manufacture of high performance antennas is the measurement of antenna
performance. Traditionally, antenna measurement was conducted by placing
the antenna at a remote location, and measuring the amplitude and phase
response characteristics of the antenna in its operational range. Typical
operational distances for high gain antennas can range from fifty feet
to three miles. This measurement technique, known as far-field testing,
suffers from significant limitations, such as susceptibility to weather
effects, ground reflections and increasing real estate costs.
As an alternative to far-field testing, near-field testing was developed.
A near-field test is conducted in an indoor test range using a microwave
probe to sample the field radiated near the antenna under test (AUT).
A computer collects the amplitude and phase data sampled by the microwave
probe, and calculates the far-field equivalent response using a Fourier
transform technique. Accurate near-field measurements require that all
the significant antenna energy be sampled by the microwave probe. Highly
directive antennas, such as reflectors and waveguide phased arrays,
beam most of the energy in the forward direction normal to the antenna
aperture. To test these types of antennas, a planar near-field robotic
scanner is utilized to move the microwave probe along a planar pattern
approximately normal to the antenna aperture. To accurately reconstruct
the measured field, the probe must sample the antenna energy at a plurality
of points with a minimum spacing based on the Nyquist sampling theorem.
Near-field measurement systems of this nature are described in U.S.
Pat. Nos. 5,408,318 and 5,419,631, both to Slater, and assigned to the
same assignee as the present invention.
The physical configuration of the near-field robotic scanner will often
depend on the size and performance characteristics of the antenna under
test. An antenna having a particularly large aperture, or one that is
gravity sensitive, may be measured using a horizontally oriented scanner.
Such a scanner may be supported by a frame structure that envelopes
the antenna under test and defines a horizontal plane over the antenna.
The antenna would radiate directly upward and the probe would sample
the antenna's energy as the probe moves through the horizontal plane.
The frame may be rigidly and/or permanently attached to the ground so
as to provide a highly stable platform. Such stability is necessary
to provide a high degree of planarity and avoid undesired variations
in the probe position that would reduce the accuracy of the measurement.
Conversely, smaller antennas may be measured using a vertically
oriented scanner. These scanners may be lighter in weight and construction
than the horizontally oriented scanners, thus providing a degree of
portability for such measurement systems. The vertically oriented scanners
also have a frame structure that, unlike the horizontally oriented scanners,
defines a vertical plane alongside an antenna under test. This vertical
orientation may be desirable for testing a spacecraft antenna having
heat pipes which are gravitationally sensitive. Th antenna would be
oriented to radiate sideways with the antenna aperture disposed normal
to the vertical plane and the probe sampling the antenna's energy as
the probe moves through the vertical plane.
Given the distinct advantages of each of the horizontally and vertical
oriented scanners, it would be additionally advantageous to provide
a single robotic scanner capable of both horizontal and vertical operation.
Such a system would yield substantial additional feasibility and resulting
cost savings by permitting the same basic measurement system to be used
to test a variety of different antenna sizes, types and orientations.
Thus, a critical need exists to provide a robotic scanner for planar
near-field antenna measurements which is capable of selective performing
in either a vertical or a horizontal orientation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the teaching of the present invention,
a two-axis measurement system is provided that permits planar near-field
antenna measurements to be performed in either or both of a horizontal
or a vertical orientation, as well as an intermediate orientation between
the horizontal and vertical orientations. The system greatly enhances
the flexibility of conventional robotic scanners used for near-field
antenna measurement.
More particularly, the two-axis measurement system comprises a structural
support frame including a plurality of support members disposed at first
and second sides thereof. The support frame defines a test space between
the first and second sides. A test probe is selectively manipulated
within either a horizontal test plane of the test space or a vertical
test plane of the test space. As it is manipulated, the test probe samples
energy emitted from an antenna under test in order to perform a near-field
measurement.
In a first embodiment of the two-axis measurement system, the structural
support frame includes at least two horizontally disposed parallel rails
defining a length of the structural support frame at opposite sides
thereof. A bridge extends perpendicularly between the rails and is capable
of controlled movement along the rails over the length of the structural
support frame. A first probe carriage carried by the bridge permits
controlled movement along a span of the bridge. A vertical tower is
coupled to the bridge orthogonally with the rails, and a second probe
carriage is carried by the vertical tower permitting controlled movement
along a height of the vertical tower. The first probe carriage is selectively
moveable within a horizontal test plane defined in a first axial dimension
by the rails and in a second axial dimension by the bridge by cooperative
movement of the bridge and the first probe carriage. The second probe
carriage is selectively moveable within a vertical test plane defined
in the first axial dimension by the rails and in a third axial dimension
by the vertical tower by cooperative movement of the bridge and the
second probe carriage.
In a second embodiment of the two-axis measurement system, a boom is
pivotally mounted to the bridge about the first axial direction defined
by the rails. The boom is selectively pivotable between a folded position
wherein the boom extends in parallel with the bridge, and a deployed
position wherein the boom extends in a third axial direction orthogonal
to both the first and second axial directions. A probe carriage is carried
by the boom and is capable of controlled movement along an extent of
the boom. The first position of the boom permits selective movement
of the probe carriage within a horizontal test plane defined in the
first and second axial dimensions by cooperative movement of the bridge
and the probe carriage, and the second position of the boom permits
selective movement of the probe carriage within a vertical test plane
defined in the first and third axial dimensions by cooperative movement
of the bridge and the probe carriage.
A more complete understanding of the vertical tower for a two-axis measurement
system will be afforded to those skilled in the art, as well as a realization
of additional advantages and objects thereof, by a consideration of
the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment. Reference
will be made to the appended sheets of drawings which will first be
described briefly.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 illustrates a conventional near-field antenna
measurement system;
FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of a horizontally oriented
robotic scanner having a vertical tower to permit vertically oriented
operation;
FIG. 3 is a side view of the robotic scanner of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is an end view of the robotic scanner of FIG 2;
FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view of a mechanical interface
between the vertical tower and a bridge of the robotic scanner;
FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of an alternative embodiment
of the horizontally oriented robotic scanner having a pivotable boom
to permit both vertically and horizontally oriented operation; and
FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of the pivotable boom
of FIG. 6.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The present invention satisfies the critical need for
a robotic scanner to conduct planar near-field antenna measurement which
is capable of selectively operating in either a vertical or a horizontal
orientation. The measurement system of the present invention provides
substantial additional flexibility and cost savings over conventional
robotic scanners by permitting a single measurement system to be used
to test a variety of different antenna types. In the detailed description
that follows, like element numerals are used to identify like elements
in one or more of the figures.
Referring first to FIG. 1 a conventional near-field antenna measurement
system is illustrated. The conventional near-field antenna measurement
system comprises a robotic scanner 20, a network analyzer 30, a motor
controller 34 and a computer 32. Each of the elements of the near-field
antenna measurement system may be disposed within a single test location,
or may be distributed with the robotic scanner 20 disposed in one location,
such as a test chamber, and the other control elements disposed in another
location, such as a control room in proximity to the test chamber.
An antenna under test (AUT) 10 is secured to a test stand 14 so that
it faces the robotic scanner 20. The exemplary AUT 10 has a feedhorn
12 which directs power from an aperture of the AUT. In FIG. 1, the plane
of the robotic scanner 20 is oriented vertically and is defined by a
horizontally disposed x-axis rail 22 and a vertically disposed y-axis
rail 24 that intersects perpendicularly with the x-axis rail. The y-axis
rail 24 is capable of horizontal movement along the length of the x-axis
rail 22. A probe carriage 26 is provided on the y-axis rail 24 that
is capable of vertical movement along the length of the rail. A microwave
probe 28 extends from the probe carriage 26 normal to the plane formed
by the scanner 20. Precision controlled motors (not shown) may be utilized
to manipulate the y-axis rail 24 along the length of the x-axis rail
22 and to manipulate the probe carriage 26 along the length of the y-axis
rail, in association with other conventional mechanical control systems
such as a rack and pinion drive.
To operate the near-field test system, the microwave probe 28 must be
moved in a repeatable pattern relative to the stationery AUT 10 to sample
amplitude and phase data emitted by the AUT. To obtain an accurate near-field
measurement of the AUT, the movement of the probe 28 must be perfectly
planar. Exposed surfaces of the robotic scanner 20 may be covered with
a microwave energy absorbent material in order to preclude undesired
reflections of antenna energy from adversely effecting the collection
of data by the probe 28. The motor controller 34 controls the position
of the probe 28 as it moves along the sample points by selectively manipulating
the precision motors that move the y-axis rail 24 and the probe carriage
26. The network analyzer 30 receives the antenna energy data that is
sampled by the probe 28 and compiles the data into digital signals that
are readable by the computer 32. The computer 32 controls the overall
operation of the near-field test system, and processes the digital signals
complied by the network analyzer 30 to produce the far-field equivalent
response for the AUT 10.
Referring now to FIGS. 2-4, a robotic scanner 40 for a near-field antenna
measurement system of the present invention is illustrated. It should
be apparent that a functional near-field antenna measurement will further
include the network analyzer, motor controller and computer elements
described above, and for simplicity, these elements are omitted from
FIGS. 2-4. The robotic scanner 40 is functionally equivalent to the
robotic scanner 20 described above, but is larger to accommodate the
testing of a large aperture or gravity sensitive antenna system by positioning
the AUT in a test space 60 defined within the structure of the scanner
40. The particular configuration of the robotic scanner 40 illustrated
in FIGS. 2-4 is referred to as a horizontal "H" frame construction,
which will be fully understood from the following description.
The robotic scanner 40 comprises a generally rectangular skeleton or
frame structure having left and right sides 42, 44, respectively. The
sides 42, 44 are generally parallel to each other and provide structural
support for main beams 53 that extend the full length of each of the
sides. The test space 60 is defined by the large open region between
the sides 42, 44, bounded by the test floor at the bottom and the main
beams 53 at the top. The main beams 53 define the two upright elements
of the "H" frame construction. In FIG. 2, only the structural skeleton
of the right side 44 is illustrated in detail, but it should be apparent
that the left side 42 has similar structural features.
More particularly, the sides 42, 44 of the frame structure are provided
by a plurality of vertical columns 45 which are reinforced by cross-braces
46 may be permanently or semi-permanently anchored to the test floor,
such as by bolts or concrete. The vertical columns 45 and cross-braces
46 may be joined at an upper end thereof by sub-beams 47 that span the
entire length of the two sides 42, 44. Likewise, the sub-beams 47 may
be further coupled to stanchions 55 and cross-braces 48 that provide
support to the main beams 53. The sides 42, 44 of the frame structure
may be joined at the back end by sub-beams 52, which are further joined
by stanchions 57 and cross-braces 59. The front end of the frame structure
may be joined by a cross-beam 54 at an upper portion thereof. The entire
frame structure, including the main beams 53, the cross-beam 54, the
vertical columns 45, the cross-braces 46, 48, 49, the sub-beams 47,
52, and the stanchions 55, 57, may be assembled together using a welded,
brazed, riveted or bolted construction, and may be comprised of steel,
aluminum or other such high strength material. In operation, the frame
structure may be partially or totally blanketed behind panels 56 of
a microwave energy absorbent material.
The main beams 53 provide a stable platform for the controlled movement
of a test probe (described below). A rail 62 is disposed above each
one of the main beams 53 in parallel to provide a guide for movement
of the test probe in an x-axis direction. The rails 62 must be leveled
to ensure planarity of movement of the probe, and accordingly, shims
or other such adjustments may necessarily be provided between the rails
62 and the respective main beams 53 to correct for any height irregularity
of the operative surface of the rails. The rails 62 may be comprised
of a stable, high strength material, such as steel. A bridge 64 is carried
by the rails 62 in a manner to permit controlled movement of the bridge
along the length of the rails. The bridge 64 extends orthogonally between
the rails 62 in a y-axis direction, and defines the crossed element
of the "H" frame construction. The opposite ends 66 of the bridge 64
taper to a reduced width at interface regions defined between the bridge
and the operative surfaces of the rails 62.
A first probe carriage 68 is provided on the bridge 64 that is capable
of movement along the span of the bridge. A microwave probe 72 extends
from the first probe carriage 68 normal to a plane defined by the intersection
of the x and y-axes, referred to herein as the horizontal test plane.
Precision controlled motors (not shown) may be utilized t manipulate
the bridge 64 along the length of the rails 62 and to manipulate the
first probe carriage 68 along the span of the bridge 64, in association
with other conventional mechanical control systems such as a rack and
pinion drive. As known is the art, the microwave probe 72 is moved in
a repeatable pattern relative to a stationary AUT disposed within the
test space 60. The microwave probe 72 samples the amplitude and phase
data that is emitted by the AUT in an upward direction relative to the
horizontal test plane.
It should be appreciated that a robotic scanner 40 having a horizontal
"H" frame construction as described above is generally known in the
art; however, the robotic scanner of FIGS. 2-4 differs from the art
by the addition of a vertical tower 82 coupled to one end of the bridge
64. The vertical tower 82 hands downward in a z-axis direction parallel
to the right side 44. The vertical tower 82 may include a guide 92 that
travels along a track 85 disposed on the test floor. The guide 92 may
be rigidly coupled to the vertical tower 82 by a cross-brace 94. Alternatively,
the vertical tower 82 may be entirely unguided at the lower end thereof,
but instead may hang freely from the connection point with the bridge
64. It should be apparent that the vertical tower 82 is moveable along
the x-axis direction by movement of the bridge 64 along the rails 62.
The perpendicularity of the vertical tower 82 with respect to the bridge
64 may be measured and controlled by use of a laser alignment system.
An example of a high precision laser alignment system is disclosed in
copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/675,655. Entitled "Dual
Beam laser Device For Linear And Planar Alignment," filed on July 3,
1996, by Slater, et al., and assigned to the same assignee as the present
invention.
An embodiment of a mechanical interface between the vertical tower 82
and the bridge 64 is illustrated in greater detail in FIG. 5. A brace
84 coupled to an end of the vertical tower 82 envelops the associated
end 66 of the bridge 64. The brace 84 includes a pair of linear bearings
81 which engage the associated rail 62 to reduce friction between the
brace and the rail as the bridge 64 is moved along the rails. The bridge
64 is coupled to the vertical tower 82 by use of a bolt 87 that engages
a seat 83 provided in an internal web of the bridge. A pair of grommets
89 form a shock-absorbent seal between the bolt 87 and the respective
elements of the bridge 64 and the vertical tower 82. The bolt 87 and
grommets 89 act as a ball-joint to support he vertical tower 82 in the
vertical direction, with the linear bearings 81 providing additional
support and stability tot he vertical tower.
Referring again to FIGS. 2-4, a second probe carriage 86 is provide
on the vertical tower 82 that is capable of movement along the height
of the vertical tower in the z-axis direction. A microwave probe 88
extends from the second probe carriage 86 normal to a plane defined
by the intersection of the x and z-axes, referred to herein as the vertical
test plane. Precision controlled motors (not shown) may be utilized
to manipulate the probe carriage 86 along the vertical tower 82 in the
same manner as described above with respect tot he first probe carriage
68. As in the conventional near-field test system, the microwave probe
88 is moved in a repeatable pattern relative to a stationary AUT disposed
within the test space 60. The microwave probe 88 samples the amplitude
and phase data that is emitted by the AUT in a sideways direction relative
to the vertical test plane.
During actual operation of the two-axis measurement system using the
robotic scanner 40, it should be appreciated that only one of the microwave
probes 72, 88 would be operable for a given near-field measurement.
Accordingly, a single microwave probe and probe carriage may be provided
with a measurement system that is simply removed and installed onto
either the bridge 64 or the vertical tower 82 as desired, and two distinct
probe carriages are thus not necessary. This way, only a single electrical
connection from the probe to the network analyzer and from the motor
controller to the probe carriage would be required. The bridge 64 and
vertical tower 82 would necessarily be of the same gauge to permit compatibility
of the probe carriage to either structure.
It should be apparent that a two-axis measurement system in accordance
with the present invention would provide substantial additional utility
without a significant increase in cot or complexity over conventional
systems having a horizontal "H" frame construction. During a near-field
antenna measurement using the horizontal test plane, for instance, the
vertical tower 82 may be removed and stowed so that the tower structure
does not effect the measurement. In the alternative, however, a near-field
antenna measurement may be performed using both probes 72, 88, simultaneously,
though it should be appreciated that redundant probes and probe carriages
would be required for such an application, and that there would likely
be an associated increase in complexity of the network analyzer, motor
controller and computer elements as well to accommodate the additional
signals.
Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, an alternative embodiment of a robotic
scanner 80 is illustrated. The robotic scanner 80 is similar to the
robotic scanner 40 described with respect to FIGS. 2-4, having a frame
structure that encloses a test space 60 therein. The following description
of the robotic scanner 80 will thus be limited to differences from the
robotic scanner 40 described above.
In particular, the robotic scanner 80 has a bridge 90 adapted to be
carried along the rails 62 in the x-axis direction. The opposite ends
91 of the bridge have an interface region or carriage 93 adapted to
traverse the operative surfaces of the rails 62. Unlike the bridge 64
described above, the bridge 90 does not carry a probe carriage. Instead,
the bridge 90 has a pivotally coupled boom 92 that carries a single
probe carriage 96. The boom 92 may attach to the bridge 90 by use of
a bracket 94 affixed to an end of the bridge. A pin 95 extends through
a corresponding pivot hole of the bracket 94 and through another hole
that extends through an end of the boom 92. The pin 95 permits the boom
92 to pivot from a first horizontal or folded position in which the
boom extends alongside the bridge 90 in the y-axis direction, and a
second vertical or deployed position in which the boom extends perpendicularly
to the bridge in the z-axis direction.
The boom 92 is selectively moveable about the pivot point under the
control of a hydraulic actuator 96. The hydraulic actuator 96 pivotally
mounts to a flange 97 rigidly coupled to an underside of the bridge90.
A rod 98 coupled to a piston of the hydraulic actuator 96 is further
coupled at ana end thereof to a crank 99 that pivots about the pin 95.
Accordingly, the boom 92 is pivoted to the first horizontal position
with the rod 98 fully extended outwardly of the hydraulic actuator 96,
and the boom is pivoted to the second vertical position with the rod
full withdrawn inwardly of the hydraulic actuator. If desired, the boom
92 may also be moved to an intermediate position disposed along an arc
defined between the first horizontal position and the second vertical
position. It should be appreciated that other known systems besides
hydraulic could be utilized to pivot the boom 92 in the like manner,
such as pneumatic or electromechanical actuating systems.
A probe carriage 77 is provided on the boom 92 that is capable of movement
along a track 79 of the boom. A microwave probe 73 extends from the
probe carriage 77, and is adapted to be configured so that the microwave
probe is directed in either a left or a right direction relative to
the boom 92 as seen from the front of the robotic scanner 80. Specifically,
the microwave probe 73 may e selectively rotatable so that it can point
in either direction, or alternatively, the microwave probe and/or probe
carriage 77 may be selectively removed from the boom 92 and reinstalled
in the desired direction. As in the previous embodiment, precision controlled
motors (not shown) may be utilized to manipulate the probe carriage
77 along the boom 92, in association with other conventional mechanical
control systems such as a rack and pinion drive.
As in the previous embodiment, the microwave probe 73 is moved in a
repeatable pattern relative to a stationery AUT disposed within the
test space 60 by cooperative movement of the bridge 90 and the probe
carriage 77. If a horizontal test plane is desired, the boom 92 is pivoted
to the first horizontal position and the probe 73 is configured so that
it points downward. Alternatively, if a vertical test plane is desired,
the boom 92 is pivoted to the second vertical position and the probe
73 is configured so that it points leftward. In either configuration
the microwave probe 73 samples the amplitude and phase data that is
emitted by the AUT in a direction relative to the selected horizontal
or vertical test plane. It should be apparent that this embodiment enables
a relatively rapid reconfiguration of the test system between the horizontal
and vertical orientations. Moreover, the intermediate position of the
boom 92 between the horizontal and vertical positions may permit near-field
tests of certain antenna systems having unique emission patterns.
Having thus described a preferred embodiment of the two-axis measurement
system capable of operation in both a vertical and a horizontal orientation,
it should be apparent tot hose skilled in the art that certain advantages
of the within system have been achieved. It should also be appreciated
that modifications, adaptations, and alternative embodiments thereof
may be made within the scope and spirit of the present invention. The
invention is further defined by the following claims.
What is claimed is:
1. A measurement system, comprising: --a structural support frame including
a plurality of support members disposed at first and second sides thereof,
said support frame defining a test space between said first and second
sides; --
a boom pivotally coupled to said structural support frame, said boom
being selectively pivotable between a horizontal position and as vertical
position, and further being adapted for controlled linear movement along
a length of said structural support frame in a first axial direction;
--
a test probe coupled to said boom, said test probe being adapted for
controlled linear movement along a length of said boom in a second axial
direction; --
whereby said test probe is selectively manipulable within a test plane
of said test space defined by said first and second axial directions.
2. A measurement system of claim 1. Wherein said structural support
frame further includes at least two horizontally disposed parallel rails
defining said length of said structural support frame at said first
axial direction.
3. The measurement system of claim 2. Further comprising a bridge extending
perpendicularly between said rails, said bridge being capable of controlled
movement along said rails in said first axial direction over said length
of said structural support frame.
4. The measurement system of claim 3. Wherein said boom is pivotally
mounted to an end of said bridge adjacent to one of said rails about
said first axial direction, said boom being selectively pivotable between
a folded position wherein said boom extends in parallel with said bridge,
defining a horizontal test plane, and a deployed position wherein said
boom extends in a direction orthogonal to said horizontal test plane,
defining a vertical test plane; whereby cooperative movement of said
bridge and said test probe permits selective movement of said test probe
within said horizontal test plane; --
whereby cooperative movement of said bridge and said test probe permits
selective movement of said bridge and said test probe permits selective
movement of said test probe within said horizontal test plane while
said boom is in said folded position and within said vertical test plane
while said boom is in said deployed position.
5. The measurement system of claim 3, further comprising:
a vertical tower coupled to said bridge orthogonally with said rails.
6. The measurement system of claim 1 wherein said boom is selectively
pivotable to an intermediate position disposed along an arc defined
between said horizontal position and said vertical position.
7. A measurement system, comprising:
a structural support frame including a plurality of support members
disposed at first and second sides thereof, said support frame defining
a test space between said first and second sides; and --
means for selectively manipulating a test probe within each one of a
horizontal test plane of said test space and a vertical test plane selectively
manipulating a test probe within each one of a horizontal test plane
of said test space and a vertical test plane of said test space, the
test probe performing a measurement while being manipulated within said
test planes; --
wherein said structural support frame further includes at least two
horizontally disposed parallel rails defining a length of said structural
support frame at said sides thereof, said rails extending in a first
axial direction; --
wherein said manipulating means further comprises a boom pivotally mounted
to said bridge extending perpendicularly between said rails in a second
axial direction, said bridge being capable of controlled movement along
said rails in said first axial direction over said length of said structural
support frame; --
wherein said manipulating means further comprises a boom pivotally mounted
to said bridge about said first axial direction defined by said rails,
said boom being selectively pivotable between a folded position wherein
said boom extends in parallel with said bridge, and a deployed position
wherein said boom extends in a third axial direction orthogonal to both
said first and second axial directions; and --
wherein said boom is selectively pivotable to an intermediate position
disposed along an arc defined between said folded and said deployed
positions.
8. A measurement system, comprising: --
a structural support frame including at least two horizontally disposed
parallel rails defining a length of said structural support frame at
opposite sides thereof, said support frame further defining a test space
between said opposite sides; --
a bridge extending perpendicularly between said rails capable of controlled
movement along said rails over said length of said structural support
frame, and a first probe carriage carried by said bridge permitting
controlled movement along a span of said bridge; --
a vertical tower rigidly coupled to said bridge orthogonally with said
rails, and a second probe carriage carried by said vertical tower permitting
controlled movement along a height of said vertical tower, whereby said
vertical tower is adapted for controlled movement along said rails in
association with said bridge; --
wherein, said first probe carriage is selectively moveable within a
horizontal test plane define in a first axial dimension by said rails
and in a second axial dimension by said bridge by cooperative movement
of said bridge and said first probe carriage, and said second probe
carriage is selectively moveable within a vertical test plane defined
in said first axial dimension by said rails and in a third axial dimension
by said vertical tower by cooperative movement of said bridge and said
second probe carriage.
9. The measurement system of claim 8, wherein said structural support
frame further comprises a plurality of vertical columns supporting said
horizontally disposed parallel rails.
10. The measurement system of claim 8, wherein said first probe carriage
further comprises a first test probe directed toward said test space.
11. The measurement system of claim 8, wherein said second probe carriage
further comprises a second test probe directed toward said test space.
12. The measurement system of claim 8, wherein said vertical tower is
coupled to an end of said bridge adjacent to one of said rails.
13. A measurement system, comprising: --
a structural support frame including at least two horizontally disposed
parallel rails defining a length of said structural support frame at
opposite sides thereof, said rails extending in a first axial direction,
said support frame further defining a test space between said opposite
sides; --
a bridge extending perpendicularly between said rails in a second axial
direction, said bridge being capable of controlled movement along said
rails in said first axial direction over said length of said structural
support frame; --
a boom pivotally mounted to said bridge about said first axial direction
defined by said rails, said boom being selectively pivotable between
a folded position wherein said boom extends in parallel with said bridge,
and a deployed position wherein said boom extends in a third axial direction
orthogonal to both said first and second axial directions; and --
a probe carriage carried by said boom capable of controlled movement
along an extent of said boom; --
wherein, said first position of said boom permits selective movement
of said probe carriage within a horizontal test plane defined in said
first and second axial dimensions by cooperative movement of said bridge
and said probe carriage, and said second position of said boom permits
selective movement of said probe carriage within a vertical test plane
defined in said first and third axial dimensions by cooperative movement
of said bridge and said probe carriage.
14. The measurement system of claim 13, wherein said structural support
frame further comprises a plurality of vertical columns supporting said
horizontally disposed parallel rails.
15. The measurement system of claim 13, wherein said probe carriage
further comprises a test probe selectively directed toward said test
space from either of said folded and deployed positions of said boom.
16. The measurement system of claim 13, wherein said boom is coupled
to an end of said bridge adjacent to one of said rails.
17. The measurement system of claim 13, further comprising a hydraulic
actuator coupled to said boom and said bridge providing said selective
pivoting of said boom.
18. A measurement system, comprising: --
a structural support frame including at least two horizontally disposed
parallel rails defining a length of said structural support frame at
opposite sides thereof, said rails extending in a first axial direction,
said support frame further defining a test space between said opposite
sides; --
a bridge extending perpendicularly between said rails in a second axial
direction, said bridge being capable of controlled movement along said
rails in said first axial direction over said length of said structural
support frame; --
a boom pivotally mounted to said bridge about said first axial direction
defined by said rails, said boom being selectively pivotable between
a folded position wherein said boom extends in parallel with said bridge,
and a deployed position wherein said boom extends in a third axial direction
orthogonal to both said first and second axial directions; and --
a probe carriage carried by said boom capable of controlled movement
along an extent of said boom; --
wherein, said first position of said boom permits selective movement
of said probe carriage within a horizontal test plane defined in said
first and second axial dimensions by cooperative movement of said bridge
and said probe carriage, and said second position of said boom permits
selective movement of said probe carriage within a vertical test plane
defined in said first and third axial dimensions by cooperative movement
of said bridge and said probe carriage; --
wherein said boom is selectively pivotable to an intermediate position
disposed along an arc defined between said folded and said deployed
positions.
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