Abstract: A method and a device for numerical control of machine tools, robots, production machines and the like, is described, whereby complex and large task can be processed more easily. This is realized by a numerical controller which can generate a marker signal, in particular desired position values for system components, in particular drives, at a certain interpolation clock cycle or rate. A control axis provides in an interpolation clock cycle reference values for reading a table, whereby desired position values for asynchronous successor axis can be obtained. The tables can also store switching functions that define start and end points independent of the interpolation clock cycle. As soon as the integration clock cycle has reached or exceeded the point in time of a reference value, execution of the functions stored in the table can be triggered. The table can be stored in encoded and/or non-encoded form.

Abstract: A numerical controller which allows easy and inexpensive construction or expansion of a control system and flexible construction of a sequential control section for a variety of system structures. The numerical controller has a numerical control section having multiple control systems. Between the numerical control section and a sequential control section, interfaces are provided for the individual control systems of the numerical control section. The control systems are assigned to the interfaces so that the control systems will be each controlled by an intended one of sequence programs (ladders 1 through 3) installed in the sequential control section, under which signals are sent and received independently. The numerical control section and the sequential control section send and receive signals through the interfaces to which the control systems are assigned. By changing the assignment, the control system can be reconstructed freely, without adding a new programmable controller.

Abstract: An automation system as well as a method for programming a data communication for an automation system are described. Components are stations participating in the data communication. Sub-components can be associated with the components. A data message of the data communication includes data locations which can be freely associated with a sub-component. Data messages are generated automatically if the configuration of the automation system and the associated structure of the data communication are known.

Abstract: A drive unit for a machine, in particular a machine-tool, robot and the like, is described. The drive unit has several components, and each component has at least one associated component-specific function, and a uniform communication module that forms an interface with the other components. The interfaces of the various components can be connected by logical point-to-point connections or via a bus. Each component is designated with a particular type, and the communication between the components uses a type-specific communication protocol. A least one of the components is a hierarchically superior component.

Abstract: With this invention, expert knowledge from machine manufacturers is applied quickly at any time to a machine via the internet, by providing a main computer (host) for the production and provision of machine-related data and/or services and a machine-side working computer (client), which is connected to the main computer via a data communication link and (client) machine state data can be acquired in real time and transmitted to the main computer, and machine-related data and/or services generated by the main computer as a function of such machine state data can be received by an analysis and evaluation unit.

Abstract: A method of providing a program for a printed board packaging line is disclosed. A board packaging line coordinating computer downloads the service contract information and the application program contained in the contract information from an application server, and defines the board packaging line covered by the program and the device configuration of the line. The device configuration thus defined is uploaded to the application server, which, based on the device configuration thus uploaded, searches a prepared device driver group for a required device driver. This device driver is downloaded and set in each device by the board packaging line coordinating computer.

Abstract: An arrangement, system and process for producing desired products (1) in at least one decentralized automated process system (3), which processes starting materials (2) provided therefor into the respective product (1) in accordance with formulation data (25) that are input into the process system (3). The process system (3) is connected to a remote central computational device (28) via a communications medium (27). An input device (22), which is also connected to the communications medium (27), serves for inputting a product selection (37), whereby the central computational device (28) obtains, according to the received product selection (37), the formulation data (25) that is necessary for producing the desired product (1), or conveys this formulation data to the process system. The formulation data are obtained from a formulation data collection for the automated process system (3).

Abstract: An NC apparatus 1 replaces a required machining shape of a workpiece 5 with a predetermined canned machining cycle depending on a specification of machining conditions including a machining start point, a machining end point, and the size of an end mill E to be used. Calculation of an estimated value of cutting force exerted on the end mill E fed along the assumed tool path during the replaced canned machining cycle is repeated until a predetermined comparison and evaluation result is obtained in comparison with a predetermined appropriate value. Accordingly, the tool path of the end mill E together with the feed rate in each portion of the tool path is determined. This permits generation of an NC program which is used in a NC machine equipped with an end mill serve as a cutting tool, and which optimizes the tool path of the end mill together with the feed rate in each portion of the tool path such as to achieve high machining efficiency and accuracy.

Abstract: Mechanisms for operating an industrial controller (S) equipped with a runtime system (RTS), in particular for production machines, which enable a user to wait in the program flow for any desired condition are provided, the program flow being immediately continued when the condition is satisfied and the program flow being stopped when the condition is not satisfied, until it is established that the condition has been satisfied, the priority of the checking for the condition being increased in comparison with the current task priority while waiting for the condition to be satisfied. When the condition has been satisfied, a defined program sequence is processed with high priority up to an explicit end, the old task priority being resumed after the explicit end of the program sequence.

Abstract: A numerical control device for compound machine tool has an interactive facility software to enable a working program and various sorts of data to be input in an interactive form. With the interactive facility software, various sorts of data such as a tool compensation amount required for a working operation and a work coordinate system can be read at any time by accessing to a memory storing a lathe turning control software and a milling control software.

Abstract: The integration of a programmable logic controller (PLC) and a motion control (NC) into a universal motion control (UMC) is realized by a tailored and nonetheless essentially user-configurable run-level model for processing of software tasks. This run-level model consists of types of different user levels and system levels with different priorities. In particular, one of the run levels (FA) can be configured very effectively according to user requirements. Thus, this kind of universal motion control (UMC) can be optimized by software to the particular requirements of the control task and the technical process.

Abstract: A method of modular manufacturing is disclosed and a modular assembly system is shown utilizing a base unit and a plurality of detachable work stations adapted to operate with the base unit. Each detachable work station includes its own work station control processor. The assembly system is preferably fully modular since each work station is capable of controlling its own operation. Work stations may be plugged into a plurality of different work station ports on the base unit in a plurality of different combinations, preferably without reprogramming either the base unit control processor or the work stations control processor.

Abstract: A system and method for performing service operations on a machine. The system includes first and second computer based service tools and a computer based workbench having first and second application proxies and a binary network object with first and second interfaces. The first application proxy is coupled to the first computer based service tool and the second application proxy is coupled to the second computer based service tool. The first computer based service tool has access to service information in the second computer based service tool through the computer based workbench.

Abstract: The invention relates to a maintenance system for machine tool. In the maintenance, system 1, a user management apparatus 10 connected to a numerical control section of a machine tool 15, and a manufacturer management apparatus 20 disposed on a side of a manufacturer are connected to each other via Internet 5. The user management apparatus 10 collects data relating to an operating condition of each driving mechanism of the machine tool 15, and accumulates the data. When a predetermined transmission condition is satisfied, the user management apparatus 10 transmits the accumulated operating condition data to the manufacturer management apparatus 20 in the form of an electronic mail. The manufacturer management apparatus 20 evaluates the consumption degree of each driving mechanism based on the received operating condition data, and outputs an alarm when the consumption degree exceeds a reference value.

Abstract: A DNC system, method and computer-program product that utilize a wide area network (WAN), such as the Internet, to transfer numerical control (NC) programs to thereby control machine tool controllers is provided. The DNC system consists of at least one central processing element that includes at least one numerical NC program, and a workstation connected to the central processing elements via the WAN for selecting desired NC programs. Additionally, the system includes at least one machine tool controller for receiving the selected NC programs across the WAN from the central processing elements. Based upon the selected NC programs, the machine tool controllers can control the at least one machine tool during a manufacturing process. The system can further include at least one server processing element connected to the central processing elements via the WAN, and electrically connected to the machine tool controllers.

Abstract: Components designed for use in networked control and monitoring systems including dedicated memory objects which store data representative of the system, the component and the function of the component in the system. The component-specific information may include data indicating the physical location of the component in the system. The objects are reprogrammable to adapt to system changes. A system comprising the components allows the objects to be accessed via a data network. Controlled or monitored parameters of the components may thus be collected in association with the other data stored in the objects.

Abstract: A computerized numerical control system is provided for controlling a servomechanism under the direction of a general-purpose computer system. The system implements in software a PID controller for determining appropriate inputs to the servomechanism. The system further includes a Field Programmable Gate Array which is loadable with custom logic for remotely interfacing to the servomechanism.

Abstract: An optimum cutting tool is selected interactively in a cutting tools selection section, and a tooling sheet using the selected cutting tool is generated and output in a tooling sheet preparation section. The cutting tool selection section searches a cutting tool database using a unique order number for each cutting tool as a search key, and outputs a list of cutting tool search results, and when a declaration of intention to select an insert via the list is made, parameters indicating the recommended cutting conditions for the designated cutting tool are transferred to the tooling sheet preparation section. The tooling sheet preparation section generates and outputs tooling sheet item data for some items by computation with a prescribed formula, based on the transferred parameters. As a result, an accurate, interchangeable, and readily expandable system for the preparation of tooling sheets can be provided.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a steel tire mold that uses CAD and CAM software to design the shapes of the mold and develop numerical sequences for computer numerical controlled (CNC) machines, electrodes for an electric discharge machine (EDM) and characters and designs on the tire, and the CNC lathe forms the different designed parts. Alignment and assembly holes are bored so the parts can be assembled to form a semi-finished mold. The tread design is formed in the electrode by the CNC machine, and the electrode is used with an electric discharge machine to cut the tread design in the mold. The CNC engraving machine cuts the characters and designs in the mold. Finally, the mold is dressed to remove any burrs, and the mold is a finished product.

Abstract: The invention relates to a maintenance system for machine tool. In the maintenance system 1, a user management apparatus 10 connected to a numerical control section of a machine tool 15, and a manufacturer management apparatus 20 disposed on a side of a manufacturer are connected to each other via Internet 5. The user management apparatus 10 collects data relating to an operating condition of each driving mechanism of the machine tool 15, and accumulates the data. When a predetermined transmission condition is satisfied, the user management apparatus 10 transmits the accumulated operating condition data to the manufacturer management apparatus 20 in the form of an electronic mail. The manufacturer management apparatus 20 evaluates the consumption degree of each driving mechanism based on the received operating condition data, and outputs an alarm when the consumption degree exceeds a reference value.

Abstract: A device for automating and/or controlling machine tools or production machines is described. The device includes at least one computer which is located remote from a machine. The computer operates like a handheld controller and is connected via at least one bus system, which can be wired or wireless, with each machine for unidirectionally or bidirectionally transmitting data and control signals. All control functions of the machine are integrated in the remote controller. This device can automate and/or control machine tools and production machines in a simple and cost-effective manner.

Abstract: A production system including a production line being a series of pieces of production equipment each of which has a parts supply unit. The production system includes: an NC management apparatus that is connected with each piece of the production equipment via a local-area network and acquires therefrom NC data used for operating each piece of the production equipment; and a scheduling apparatus that generates a production schedule and transmits the generated production schedule to the NC management apparatus via the local-area network. Here, the NC management apparatus generates, for each piece of the production equipment, data that is required to perform production according to the production schedule, obtains, for each piece of the production equipment, differences between current NC data that has been acquired the most recently and the generated data, and outputs the obtained differences.

Abstract: An operation management system 1 according to the present invention is configured so as to connect an operation data accumulation and transmission device 10 connected to an NC unit 16 to an operation management device via telecommunication circuits 20. The operation data collection and transmission device 10 collects data on an operating condition of a machine tool 15 to store the same in an operation data storage section 12, and based on the accumulated operating condition data, generates transmit data with a configuration for associating a data-element identifier which defines an item concerning operating condition with operating condition data corresponding to this item to transmit the same to the operation management device. The operation management device analyzes the data-element identifier of the received data, recognizes the operating condition item and updates the operating condition data in databases corresponding to the recognized item by the received operating condition data.

Abstract: By using a configuration comprising sampling means for sampling block end information about each system program, means for identifying a resumption block and a resumption position of each system based on the block end information of each system at the time of a machining halt, and means for calculating information about a synchronous relation between the systems from the block end information of each system and resuming and starting each system based on this calculated result when machining is resumed from the resumption position, it is constructed so that the synchronous relation between the systems can be restored to resume the machining even in a numerical control apparatus in correspondence with multiple systems.

Abstract: A numerical controller which allows easy and inexpensive construction or expansion of a control system and flexible construction of a sequential control section for a variety of system structures. The numerical controller has a numerical control section having multiple control systems. Between the numerical control section and a sequential control section, interfaces are provided for the individual control systems of the numerical control section. The control systems are assigned to the interfaces so that the control systems will be each controlled by an intended one of sequence programs (ladders 1 through 3) installed in the sequential control section, under which signals are sent and received independently. The numerical control section and the sequential control section send and receive signals through the interfaces to which the control systems are assigned. By changing the assignment, the control system can be reconstructed freely, without adding a new programmable controller.

Abstract: A system and method for inscribing a bullion article, including a first processor having a display terminal and a mouse controller. A drawing program generates and displays a selected font illustration. The processor incorporates a program for rendering a single line art representation of the displayed font, typically through the use of the mouse to retrace a center line of the font. The manual redrawing is then saved as a file in a first format and converted to a second format for subsequent transmission and execution by a numerical controller. A milling tool is instructed by the controller to inscribe, to a selected depth, the surface of the bullion article in single pass fashion. A CNC Mill, sander, polish and polishing cloths, and sealant for treating and finishing the inscribed articles are provided, such articles typically including both minted and milled/inscribed faces.

Abstract: A machining system is described having independently movable cutting instruments configured to simultaneously generate different parts. The cutting instruments are capable of independent motion along a Z-axis and are mounted on a common beam that traverses the parts in an X, Y plane. Merge software modules merge a number of part programs into a single master program. A control unit interprets the master program and controls the machining system to generate the parts. The software modules generate the master program such that all of the Z-axis move commands within the part programs are sequenced along a single X, Y traverse path based on a defined cutting strategy and cutting direction. In this manner, the machining system simultaneously produces a number of different parts.

Abstract: A system and method allows visual programming of simultaneous and synchronous machining operations on multi-axis lathes. The system and method accounts for different combinations of simultaneous and synchronized lathe operations on the spindles which can utilize multiple tools. A graphic synchronization icon is assigned to each mode that preferably represents the lathe operation. Appropriate synchronous operations are grouped together in synchronization groups. The system and method are universal since a postprocessor processes the synchronization modes and synchronization groups, and translates them for use with computer programs understood by a particular CNC lathe.

Abstract: The machine controlled by the device comprises a set of cutting tools interchangeable in dependence on the blank to be cut, means adjustable in dependence on the jobs to be performed by each tool, and means for actuating the adjustable means. The control device comprises a memory (1) associated with each cutting tool in order to store the data relating to the characteristics of the tool and of the operations for adjusting the machine (5) in order to use the tool, reading means (2) for reading the data in the said memory, means (3) for displaying a menu relating to the data and control means (4) for generating and transmitting control signals (6, 7, 8) to the actuating means in dependence on the menu.

Abstract: A production system including a production line having a series of pieces of production equipment, each of which has a parts supply unit. The production system includes an NC management apparatus that is connected with each piece of the production equipment via a local-area network and acquires therefrom NC data used for operating each piece of the production equipment, and a scheduling apparatus that generates a production schedule and transmits the generated production schedule to the NC management apparatus via the local-area network. The NC management apparatus generates, for each piece of the production equipment, data that is required to perform production according to the production schedule, obtains, for each piece of the production equipment, values that represent differences between current NC data that has been most recently acquired and the generated data, and outputs the values.

Abstract: A machine, functioning as a unit, is composed of a main module and at least one replacable module having an ID. The main module includes (i) an ID recognition unit programmed to receive ID information from each replacable module, and (ii) an action decision unit including a decision algorithm programmed to select an action based on preselected signals. The decision algorithm is adjusted based on the ID information. The at least one replacable module includes (iii) an ID information unit storing ID information identifying the at least one replaceable module, and (iv) an action actuation unit including an action algorithm programmed to actuate the at least one replaceable module based on signals from the action decision unit; wherein the main module and the at least one replaceable module are communicated via an interface. The decision algorithm provided in the main module is adjusted based on the ID information, so that proper control can always be accomplished adaptively to the used replacable module.

Abstract: A supervising system for image forming apparatus includes a central control apparatus, a public communication network connected to the central control apparatus, a communication adaptor connected to the public communication network, and a plurality of image forming apparatus connected to the communication adaptor via a wired or a wireless interface. The supervising system further includes a mobile computer selectively connected to the wired or wireless interface directly or indirectly for executing communications of information between the central control apparatus and itself via the public communication network.

Abstract: Information of a machine control means to be selected for each system is inputted through a manual input unit and then stored in a storage unit for storing a selection state of the machine control means through a machine control means selecting unit. A machine control means execution unit executes the machine control means for each control system independently according to the selection state stored in the storage unit.

Abstract: A device for vibration control in a machine for internal turning uses a cutting tool supported by a tool holder, and has a control unit, a vibration sensor connectible to the control unit, and an actuator connectible to the control unit. The actuator has an active element, which converts an A.C. voltage supplied by the control unit to the actuator into dimensional changes. The active element is adapted to be embedded in the body of the tool holder, and is adapted to be embedded in such a manner that the dimensional changes impart bending to the body of the tool holder. A method for vibration control in internal turning and a tool holder for internal turning are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for monitoring a workpiece (WSx) during a transportation and/or production process with at least one workpiece agent (WA1 . . . WAn) assigned to the workpiece. To enhance the freedom of the process from failure on the one hand and to facilitate the incorporation of new workpieces into the process on the other, it is provided that the failure of a workpiece agent (WA1 . . . WAn) assigned to a workpiece (WSx) is detected; that the monitoring of the workpiece (WSx) is taken over by a further workpiece agent (WAk), and workpiece-specific data of the taken-over workpiece (WSx) are contained in the workpiece agent (WAk) taking over the monitoring and/or in a database and are transmitted in the workpiece agents.

Abstract: A technique for controlling a machining system having a plurality of machining stations for machining workpieces with a plurality of machining operations. Each of the plurality of machining operations is allocated automatically to a specific one of the machining stations to attain uniform utilization of the individual machining stations, to the extent possible. This facilitates the initial setup of the machining system as well as correcting the setup if machining errors or deviations occur.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring the useful life of machine tools. A controller continuously monitors the amount of time a particular tool has been used as well as the materials the tool has been used to machine. A useful lifetime of the tool is estimated based on the characteristics of the tool. When the amount of time the tool has been used, adjusted based on the materials used, reaches the useful life span of the tool, the controller directs the machine to remove the tool from service and retrieve a duplicate tool for further machine operations.

Abstract: A manufacturing execution system determines production rates of tool elements of a manufacturing system and from the production rates, the efficiency of the tool elements and the efficiency of the manufacturing process system. The manufacturing execution system is in communication with a plurality of tool elements of the manufacturing process system. The manufacturing execution system includes a process data collection device, a data retaining device such as a memory, a time recording device, and a production rate calculator. The process data collection device is in communication with sensors located on the tool elements to receive tool element status data. The data retaining device is in communication with the process data collection device to record and retain the tool element status data. The time recording device records times of changes of the tool element status data to the data retaining device.

Abstract: A system and method for managing welding procedures is provided. The invention includes a welding system, a local server and/or a remote system. The invention further provides for searching of the welding system, local server and/or remote system for potentially suitable welding procedure(s). The invention further provides for dynamic creation of welding procedure(s) based upon user input, information stored on the welding system, a local area network and/or a remote system. The invention also includes filtering of the search results based at least in part upon commonality of consumables. The invention further includes calculation of weld costs for potentially suitable welding procedure(s). The invention further provides for communication with an inventory & distribution system and/or ordering system in order to facilitate further automation of the industrial environment.

Abstract: A tool feeding speed profile is directly programmable, feeding speed minimums across the control blocks being used in advance in the event that the admissible axis dynamics are exceeded by the predefined feeding speed profile. The tool feeding speed profile can be programmed, in particular, as a linear, polynomial, or cubic feeding speed profile, the latter being predefinable over a sequence of control blocks as a feeding speed polynomial or a feeding speed spline by interpolation or approximation.

Abstract: An automatic production and assembly machine focuses on the fact that each unit is provided with coding indicating at least the type of the specific function unit. The coding is transmitted via data transmission existing between the individual function unit and a central control unit. The coding makes possible continuous checking of the control program, such that certain program sequences for certain workstations are only executed when the coding of these workstations agrees with the respective program sequence. A number of other important functions are monitored, corrected and made to coincide with the central programming.

Abstract: The integration of a programmable logic controller (PLC) and a motion control (NC) into a universal motion control (UMC) is realized by a tailored and nonetheless essentially user-configurable run-level model for processing of software tasks. This run-level model consists of types of different user levels and system levels with different priorities. In particular, one of the run levels (FA) can be configured very effectively according to user requirements. Thus, this kind of universal motion control (UMC) can be optimized by software to the particular requirements of the control task and the technical process.

Abstract: A spiral tool path is formed by determining a plurality of relatively low-curvature nested contours that are internal to the boundary of the pocket to be formed, and spiraling between the contours. The spiral tool path includes an orbit that extends from proximate a first one of the contours that extends around a center of the pocket to be formed to proximate a second one of the contours that also extends around the center. The orbit is arranged so that as a ray originating from proximate the center pivots about the center to travel in a first direction along the entire orbit, for a section of the ray extending between the first and second contours, the percentage of the section that extends between the orbit and the first contour continually decreases and the percentage of the section that extend between the orbit and the second contour continually increases.

Abstract: A cutter tool assembly includes a cutter head having an axial end face with an axially extending recess in the end face. A plurality of cutter blades are carried by and extend axially from the end face of the cutter head. A non-volatile memory device is disposed within the recess and affixed to the cutter head.

Abstract: A manufacturing system of the present invention comprises NC machine tools 21-2n each for processing a work in accordance with a process program having a process condition; a measuring device 3 for measuring the work processed by the NC machine tools 21-2n; and computers 5, 81-8n for modifying the process condition of the process program on the basis of a measured result from the measuring device 3. The computer 5 produces a correction data file for modifying the process condition on the basis of the measured result from the measuring device 3. The correction data file is a file that contains correction values for each of processed parts stored in variables capable of being referred directly or indirectly from the process program. The correction data file is transferred to the NC controllers 91-9n prior to the NC machine tools 21-2n processing the work.

Abstract: An integrated monitoring, control and shut-down (IMCS) system for monitoring and controlling the operation of a machinery is provided. The IMCS system includes: input ports for receiving sensor signals indicative of conditions of the machinery, output ports for outputting control signals to actuators of the machinery, signal conversion means coupled to the input and output ports, for converting the input sensor signals into data samples and for converting control data into control signals. The IMCS system also includes a data processor for controlling the signal conversion means, for processing the data samples into calculated values, for sending selected calculated values to be stored into a memory and for calculating control data. A communication bus couples the hardware elements of the IMCS system.

Abstract: In a controller where a contour machining is performed through a synchronous control between a mechanically movable portion (servo axis) driven by a servo motor and a main shaft (spindle axis) driven by a spindle motor, the position of the servo axis and the position of the spindle axis are collected at the same timing for each predetermined cycle and are stored. The position data of the servo axis and the spindle axis stored are converted to obtain a machining contour shape data, and the shape obtained is displayed on a display device of a personal computer or the like.

Abstract: A programming language for programming industrial controllers in relay ladder logic language, the programming language including both extensions to standard RLL rung form itself and extensions wholly independent of the standard form. The language uses a plurality of templates, each template including truly reusable relay ladder language sections. Most templates also include specifications identifying other templates which provide additional language logic required to define job-specific aspects of the referencing template. Using the templates a machine tree can be provided which mirrors an industrial process. By compiling all of the templates, a relay ladder language program can be provided.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for providing on-line ultrasonically scanned images of composite parts for immediate feedback in a manufacturing environment is discussed. The scanned images are edited to indicate each deficiency that has been repaired on a previously assembled composite part. Quality assurance personnel enter data associated with each composite part and verify the data content. Repair personnel enter data associated with correcting an identified deficiency of the composite part. Historical data suitable for developing statistics and trends are stored for each type of composite part. When queries are launched, the statistical and trend data is filtered to produce reports that are displayed. That is, reports are generated that identify particular statistics and trends. The scan image and data associated with a composite part are linked together for cross-referencing and stored in a database that is accessible by client and server computers on a network.

Abstract: Minted and custom milled or inscribed bullion commemoratives and a system and method for inscribing an object, such as the surface of a bullion article. A first processor in provided and includes a display terminal and mouse controller. A drawing program is incorporated into the hard drive of the processor and is capable of generating and displaying a selected font illustration. The processor incorporates a program for rendering a single line art representation of the displayed font, typically through the use of the mouse to retrace a center line of the font. The manual redrawing is then saved as a file in a first format and converted to a second format for subsequent transmission and execution by a numerical controller. A specially modified milling tool is instructed by the controller to inscribe, to a selected depth, the surface of the bullion article utilizing an efficient and time saving single pass technique.