Abstract: A configurable control system for operating an industrial system in a reliable, safety-enhanced manner, and method of implementing such a system in any of a variety of particular industrial systems of a given class, are disclosed. The method includes storing, onto a controller of a particular industrial system, a master program capable of being used to operate a generalized industrial system having a maximum number of safety subsystems of a given type, where the particular industrial system falls within a class defined by the generalized system.

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 bending press system provided with a bending press with at least one bending station to mount a plurality of divided tools and, tool housing devices to house divided metals to be used on the bending press and, tool exchange devices which mount the divided tools on the bending station.

Abstract: A tool changer comprising a master module and a tool module includes a rapid-connect communication bus between the master and tool modules. A unique tool identification number, along with other tool-related information, may be transmitted from the tool module to the master module within about 250 msec of the master and tool modules coupling together. The master module includes a robotic system communications network node connected to the rapid-connect communication bus, and operative to transmit data between the tool and the network via the communication bus. The need for a separate network node in the tool module is obviated, reducing cost and reducing the start-up time required to initialize such a network node upon connecting to a new tool. The rapid-connect communication bus may be a serial bus.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a system for fabricating a part includes a computer operable to control the fabrication of a three-dimensional part using a solid CAD model, a deposition station operable to deposit successive two-dimensional layers of material to fabricate the three-dimensional part, and a machining station operable to remove at least a portion of one or more of the deposited two-dimensional layers of material. The deposition station includes a substrate on which to fabricate the three-dimensional part, a welding-based deposition system having a welding torch, a laser-based deposition system having a laser head, a plasma powder cladding system having a plasma torch, and a multi-axis robot operable to, when directed by the computer, utilize one of the welding-based deposition system, laser-based deposition system, and plasma powder cladding system to deposit any of the two-dimensional layers of material.

Abstract: A shape data creating apparatus for creating shape data by utilizing a database has an operation measures database. The operation measures database stores attributes of working accuracy, reliability and working cost in a unit of operation of working or assembling. A shape operation measures selecting unit selects a measure used for practical work from a plurality of measure possibly used for working and assembling. A totaling unit calculates workability, assembling efficiency and cost of a shape when working measure and assembling measure selected by consulting attributes stored in the operation measures database are used. A process database stores operation processes of working and assembling. Addition, deletion and order change in an operation process are processed by a shape operation process editing unit.

Abstract: The invention provides a simulation apparatus by which a problem upon designing can be found in the designing stage on the upstream without imposing an unnecessary working time to a designer.

Abstract: A method, computer software program, and automated tool for utilizing cutters in the automated tool to produce a part includes measuring a cutter to determine a second radius, the second radius being different from a first radius, the first radius being the radius of the cutter as manufactured. A part for production on an automated tool is selected. The cutter is selected. The part is associated with the cutter. A numeric controlled cutting program based upon the second radius of the associated cutter is generated for producing the part.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a wobble die (9) for shaping the internal contour or the external contour of a workpiece (4) in a wobble process. Thereby a wobble movement is initially selected. The three-dimensional geometry of the workpiece (4) is described. From the three-dimensional geometry of the workpiece (4) there is prescribed a virtual die (5), the shape of which corresponds in substance to the negative geometry of the workpiece (4). The virtual die (5) is deformed, taking into account the parameters of the selected wobble movement, to a geometry describing the wobble die (9). Finally, a wobble die (9) is produced on the basis of the geometry obtained in the preceding step.

Abstract: A robotic tool changer with an improved safety interlock includes a master unit, a tool unit, and a coupler movable between coupled and decoupled positions and operative to couple the master and tool units. A circuit for actuating the coupler is associated with the tool unit, for connection to an interlock that closes when the tool is safely parked in a tool stand. The circuit enables the coupler to assume the decoupled position when the master and tool units are coupled and the circuit is closed. The robotic tool changer additionally includes a circuit operative to enable the coupler to assume the decoupled position when the master unit is decoupled from the tool unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus able to quickly and accurately automatically produce machining programs for complicated shapes of products without being affected by the level of knowledge or experience of the operator. A cutting-condition determination processing unit (20) of an automatic programming apparatus (10) specifies required standard cutting condition data from the type of material and the types of processes designated by an input unit (12) in a cutting condition data table (24) stored in a storage unit (18), specifies the tool data corresponding to the types of tools designated by the input unit in the tool data table (26) stored in the storage unit, and determines the cutting conditions relating to the type of material and the tools from the standard cutting condition data and the tool data.

Abstract: A method for controlling a manufacturing system includes processing workpieces in a plurality of tools; initiating a baseline control script for a selected tool of the plurality of tools; providing context information for the baseline control script; determining a tool type based on the context information; selecting a group of control routines for the selected tool based on the tool type; determining required control routines from the group of control routines based on the context information; and executing the required control routines to generate control actions for the selected tool. A manufacturing system includes a plurality of tools adapted to process workpieces, a control execution manager, and a control executor. The control execution manager is adapted to initiate a baseline control script for a selected tool of the plurality of tools and provide context information for the baseline control script.

Abstract: To provide a working control device, a working control program and a working control system enabling the working under proper working conditions by searching for a working case corresponding to characteristics of a configuration to be worked and setting the working conditions based on this working case. Configuration information about characteristics of a three-dimensional configuration is obtained from design data of an object workpiece, a working case is searched out based on the configuration information from the working case storage unit storing working conditions, as a working case, of the working conducted in the past, the working conditions are determined based on the working case searched out by the case searching unit, and a working machine is controlled based on the working conditions.

Abstract: A method and computer software product for utilizing previously-sharpened cutters in an automated tool to produce a part are provided. A part for production on an automated tool is selected. A previously-sharpened cutter is selected based upon its radius and gauge length, and the part is associated with the previously-sharpened cutter. A numeric controlled cutting program is generated based upon the part and the radius and gauge length of the associated previously-sharpened cutter.

Abstract: A bending press system provided with a bending press (1) with at least one bending station to mount a plurality of divided tools and, tool housing devices (65, 123) to house divided metals to be used on the bending press and, tool exchange devices (61, 143) which mount the divided tools on the bending station, in which are provided a first memory (403) which stores housed positions of each divided tool housed in the housing devices and a second memory (405) which stores the bending line length of the bent part, the flange length and the bending angle of the bent product and, a first computation device (407) which, based on the bending line length, flange length, bending angle, computes the tool (cross section shape) type and the length of the bending station, and a second computation device (409) which, based on the tool type and length of the bending station computes the arrangement of each divided tool on the bending station, and an NC control (411) which controls the tool exchange device so that each divid

Abstract: A smart filing system and method of use. The filing system includes a sanding or filing surface and a sensor for sensing the filed or sanded surface. An analyzing module analyzing the information obtained from the sensor and is capable of directing the system to modify the sanding. This modification may include changing the size of grains used for sanding or using a different sanding pattern and the like. A method for using the system is also provided.

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 robot controller capable of minimizing an increase in the tact time during work, reducing changes in joint axes of the robot, thereby providing the structure with long mechanical life. The robot controller i) stores a plurality of movement data formed of amount and time for movement; ii) checks whether a movement of a robot has acceleration exceeding a predetermined level by calculation on the basis of the stored movement data; iii) increases the time for movement of the corresponding movement data, the preceding and following data to the movement data, if the calculation indicates over-acceleration; and iv) controls the robot according to the time-increased movement data.

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: First, the assembly population of the probability distribution of the mounting state of each part (within the initial setting range of assembly tolerance) is generated using the Monte-Carlo method. Then, an individual group that meets the design specification designated by a user is detected and the initial setting of the assembly tolerance is modified using the individual group. In this case, sensitivity indicating the modification of the assembly tolerance of which part is the most efficient can also be calculated/presented. Furthermore, how much the modification amount should be can also be calculated/presented.

Abstract: A tiered level cutting system and method that guides a user through the process of selecting an appropriate tool or adapter for specific cutting conditions and/or applications. The cutting system may include a plurality of blocks, one or more sleeves for each block, and a plurality of cutting tools. The method includes the steps of selecting a block for a user's particular operation, optionally, selecting a sleeve based on the selected block, and selecting a cutting tool based on the selected sleeve. The cutting system is selected based upon the type of machinery and cutting environment. The block is selected based upon the particular operation. Operation categories may include severe, heavy, medium and light based upon conditions. The cutting tool is selected based upon the shape and carbide content. The steps can be performed in most any suitable order.

Abstract: A control system (41) comprises a control program (42) which accesses a stored database (43) holding a predefined set of rules for performing predetermined machine tool operations, from which rules computer instructions can be derived for controlling an NC machine tool. A solid model (44) of a component to be manufactured is input to the control program (42). The solid model (44) is in the form of a computer model programmed using the International Geometry Export Standard (IGES). In operation, the control program (42) performs a feature recognition operation on the IGES data to identify geometric features present in the solid model (44). Having identified the geometric features present, the control program (42) uses the set of rules in the database (43) to generate control data in the form of a composite set of computer instructions for working the features of the component represented in the solid model (44).

Abstract: In a complex machining machine tool, a tool rest capable of attachably and detachably installing tool installing inserts thereon is provided, a plural number of virtual tools is set and registered concerning a predetermined at least one tool together with its indexing positional data in tool file, the tool data of the corresponding virtual tool is read out from the tool file on the basis of the machining instruction by the virtual tool stored in machining program, and the corresponding virtual tool is indexed on the tool rest on the basis of the indexing positional data, and then machining with the virtual tool is executed. At the time of machining, it is possible to continue machining with the same tool by only positional indexing without changing the tool. The work for changing tools can be extremely decreased even if machining contents are changed or it is necessary to change tools by tool exhaustion.

Abstract: A system for supporting an overall product design process including design of machining processes. Machined portion models, each including solid shape and/or machining attribute data of a machined portion defined in the machined portion model, are prepared on a machining operation basis and stored in a library. The library is provided as a standard machined portion library. A design engineer designates the machined portion models to be applied to a product model, which is a solid model displayed on a CAD apparatus, and specifies application positions and application directions thereof. Based on this designation, the CAD apparatus finds a product model representing a product shape formed after the machining operations, each corresponding to the selected machined portion models are completed. By sequentially applying the machined portion models to a blank material model of a blank material of the product, the product model is generated.

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 tiered level cutting system and method that guides a user through the process of selecting an appropriate tool or adapter for specific cutting conditions and/or applications. The cutting system may include a plurality of blocks, one or more sleeves for each block, and a plurality of cutting tools. The method includes the steps of selecting a block for a user's particular operation, optionally, selecting a sleeve based on the selected block, and selecting a cutting tool based on the selected sleeve. The cutting system is selected based upon the type of machinery and cutting environment. The block is selected based upon the particular operation. Operation categories may include severe, heavy, medium and light based upon conditions. The cutting tool is selected based upon the shape and carbide content. The steps can be performed in most any suitable order.

Abstract: In a complex machining machine tool, a tool rest capable of attachably and detachably installing tool installing inserts thereon is provided, a plural number of virtual tools is set and registered concerning a predetermined at least one tool together with its indexing positional data in tool file, the tool data of the corresponding virtual tool is read out from the tool file on the basis of the machining instruction by the virtual tool stored in machining program, and the corresponding virtual tool is indexed on the tool rest on the basis of the indexing positional data, and then machining with the virtual tool is executed. At the time of machining, it is possible to continue machining with the same tool by only positional indexing without changing the tool. The work for changing tools can be extremely decreased even if machining contents are changed or it is necessary to change tools by tool exhaustion.

Abstract: A method and a device for controlling a number of machining processes on a machine tool with the help of a control device (20) that controls at least one tool for performing said number of machining processes under the direction of a control program, whereby the control program is created using a description of the tools required for performing the machining processes, and whereby the data for describing the tool are hereby divided in memories (24, 25) of the control device (20) into: (a) abstract tool data for describing a standard tool (V1, V2), and (b) specific tool data for correcting and/or adapting the abstract tool data to the actually used tool (R1, R2) or to machine-specific characteristics, whereby the tool description in the control program is obtained by linking the abstract tool data with the specific tool data.

Abstract: A method and a device are for controlling multiple machining processes in a die-sink erosion machine with several identical or different electrodes (R1, R2, R3, R4), whereby the machining sequence of the machining processes and the electrode used for each machining process are determined by providing the following criteria: a) predefining priorities of workpieces to be machined, of a group of machining procedures, of individual machining jobs (ARB), of work cycles (AZ) and/or work steps (AS) of a machining job; and/or (b) predefining the life span or wear limit of the electrodes used for the individual machining jobs, work cycles or work steps. The overall machining on the die-sink erosion machine is performed with consideration of the determined machining sequence.

Abstract: Machining procedure extracting means extract machining procedures (information about tools, cutting conditions, and the like) based on a machining command of an NC program, and machining procedure outputting means display the machining procedures on a CRT display unit or the like. Thus, a machining operator can easily prepare for machining.

Abstract: A numerically controlled machining apparatus that displays data, such as a tool reduction allowance, a tool core gap amount, and a tool shape and the like for a tool. The data is displayed along with the setting condition of a tool as it is set by a tool exchanging device. The data is detected by a tool set detecting device. A tool setting condition display identifies a tool which is set in the tool exchanging device and a tool that is not set in the tool exchanging device by use of a different color.

Abstract: A contour shape of a desired shape of a workpiece at section along a predetermined axis is divided into machining units. Each of the machining units includes a plurality of inflection points including a machining start point and a machining end point. Machining data at least necessary for performing machining is set for each of the machining units. Arrival times at the inflection points are calculated based on the machining data, and a position of at least one of the workpiece and the tool is calculated for each of the inflection points. For each of the machining units, a rotation angle position of the workpiece corresponding to the arrival time is set as an accumulated count value.

Abstract: A mobile robot capable of recognizing its location and adjusting its direction in response to an obstacle in its way includes a running device, an obstacle detecting device for detecting the presence of an obstacle, a location recognizing device, a controlling portion, and a power supply. The location recognizing device includes a first vision camera directed toward the ceiling of a room and a first vision board. The first vision camera recognizes a base mark on the ceiling. The first vision board processes an image from the first vision camera and transmits the image data to the controlling portion. The obstacle detecting device includes a line laser for emitting a linear light beam toward the obstacle, a second vision camera for recognizing a reflective linear light beam from the obstacle, and a second vision board for processing image data captured by the second vision camera.

Abstract: A parts mounter including a unit for supplying a part, circuit board supporting means for fastening a circuit board when mounting a part, parts mounting means including a mechanism loaded with a suction nozzle and for vertically moving the suction nozzle when sucking and holding a part, and for positioning the suction nozzle at any position, and nozzle exchanging means including a mechanism for removing and installing a requested suction nozzle from and to the parts mounting means. The parts mounting means further includes a nozzle existence checking sensor for performing detection of conditions of a suction nozzle loaded to the parts mounting means.

Abstract: A programmable command module for inputting a surface foot rating parameter into a device for controlling the spindle speed of a cutting tool. Based upon the surface foot rating, the proper speed of the spindle is determined with respect to a particular cutting tool parameter, such as the tool's diameter. The spindle speed setting is transmitted to an AC inverter which in turn controls the operation of an AC motor for rotating the spindle at its proper speed. Alternatively, a second embodiment of the present invention would include a programmed memory provided with the surface foot rating of a plurality of materials. Once the type of material, the type of tool operation, as well as the diameter of the cutting tool is inputted into this embodiment, the proper RPM speed of the spindle would be determined.

Abstract: A control apparatus 100 for a machine tool comprises input means 1 for inputting machining profile data 1a on the final profile of a work and workpiece data 1b on the material and profile of the workpiece to be machined, data storage means 3 for storing at least one of machine data representing machine specifications of the machine tool 11 for machining the work and tool data representing the specifications of the tools held in the machine tool, and tool path determining means 5 for generating a tool path for machining the work and determining the conditions for machining the work including the rotational speed of the main spindle and the feed rate of the machine tool 11 based on the data input from said input means and the data stored in said data storage means.

Abstract: A system and method for managing the currentness of files of a product at the time of release to manufacturing. A data extractor and populator extracts attributes of features in a master model and populates the extracted information in drawing files and NC machining data files. A version control system manages versions of the master model and the files. A release unit releases a version of the files that is current with the latest version of the master model.

Abstract: A method, system, and storage medium for increasing the efficiency of integrated circuit (IC) manufacture by improvements in manufacturing equipment usage are provided. Process tools are assigned to one of three operating states: up, down, or conditional. In the up state, process tools are available for manufacturing. After certain manufacturing steps, the quality of the ICs being made upon wafers is evaluated. If potentially defective ICs are found, process tools that have processed the wafer may be placed in the conditional state. In this state, process tools are allowed to continue manufacturing, albeit only for a limited period. The conditional state gives personnel time to determine which process tool is responsible for the defective product. The responsible process tool is then placed in the down state while all others are placed back in the up state. Once the problem with the process tool in the down state is presumably repaired, it is placed in the conditional state.

Abstract: A device for analyzing NC program is provided with a machining method analyzing means (34) which extracts machining conditions for every machining work element by analyzing an actual NC machining program, and data base creating means (35). The device extracts necessary machining information from the actual NC machining program and allows the data bases (21, 22, 23 and 24) to reflect the information.

Abstract: A device and a method for distinguishing and automatically identifying and classifying tools using the device are disclosed. The device has a fixed reading unit attached to a machine tool and a coding system on a rotating tool. The coding system is a series of coding elements which are arranged on the rotating tool in the circumferential direction having a prescribed pitch spacing at different circumferential distances from one another, and which are successively sensed by the reading unit during rotation of the tool.

Abstract: A tool changer for a machine tool having a toolhead assembly including a spindle with a device detachable securing a tool thereto, generally consisting of at least one device for holding a tool detachably securable to the spindle, pivotally connected to the assembly and angularly displaceable in a plane including the axis of the spindle between a retracted position and an extended position for transferring a tool between the tool holding device and the spindle; and a device for angularly displacing the tool holding device between such retracted and extended positions.

Abstract: A punch press is replaced for processing where the punch press has a cartridge on which a plurality of tools are mounted. The punch press includes a control apparatus for controlling a press machine body and a tool information storage device for storing plural pieces of tool information and tool identification information on each of the tools in such a way that the pieces of information mutually correspond. It also includes a cartridge replacement input device for inputting the tool identification information to the control apparatus. The control apparatus has an identification device for using the input tool identification information to identify the tool information on the plurality of tools stored in the tool information storage device.

Abstract: A tool changer for a machine tool having a toolhead assembly including a spindle with means for detachable securing a tool thereto, generally consisting of at least one means for holding a tool detachably securable to the spindle, pivotally connected to the assembly and angularly displaceable in a plane including the axis of the spindle between a retracted position and an extended position for transferring a tool between the tool holding means and the spindle; and means for angularly displacing the tool holding means between such retracted and extended positions.

Abstract: The numerically controlled machining apparatus according to the invention displays data such as a tool reduction allowance, a tool core gap amount, and a tool shape and the like to a tool, which is set with displaying setting condition of a tool is set at the tool exchanging means, which detected by the tool set detecting means, and displays a tool setting condition by indicating a tool which is set in the tool exchanging means and that not set in the tool exchanging means with a different color respectively.

Abstract: This pneumatic machining machine comprises a toolholder spindle (14), pneumatic drive means ensuring the drive of the spindle (14) and a central unit (16) which stores programs for controlling the drive means for the execution of machining cycles as a function of the type of tool held by the spindle (14), said spindle (14) being equipped with means (20) for coding the type of tool which it carries, and the machine being provided with means (28) for reading the coding means, which are connected to the central unit (16) in order to supply the latter with information relating to the tool fitted to the spindle. The coding means (20) are arranged in the form of a set of grooves forming an optical code, and the reading means (28) comprise sets of optical fibers for detecting the presence of the grooves.

Abstract: A method for setting a tool-based working condition in off-line teaching makes it possible to automatically set an optimum tool-based working condition while referring to specifications of a tool and workpiece-based working conditions so that reduced operation time required for the off-line teaching is efficiently realize.

Abstract: A controller, for use with a fastener installation apparatus having a primary turret tooling head and an opposed reactionary tooling head, includes a data acquisition computer and several servomotors controlled by the computer for operatively connecting the computer to the primary tooling head turret for rotatably positioning the turret, and actuating the tools. The servo operated drive systems are computer operated and numerically controlled to position the turret relative to the work piece for accurate and repeatable positioning of the tools on the turret over the desired location of the hole without sacrificing desirable machine rigidity for some fastening operations. The system includes programming means operable to cause the computer to rotate the primary turret tooling head and actuate the tools using the computer numerically controlled servo motors for remotely controlling both the linear carriage position, the turret angular rotation, and actuation of the tools.

Abstract: The numerically controlled machining apparatus according to the invention displays data such as a tool reduction allowance, a tool core gap amount, and a tool shape and the like to a tool, which is set with displaying setting condition of a tool is set at the tool exchanging means, which detected by the tool set detecting means, and displays a tool setting condition by indicating a tool which is set in the tool exchanging means and that not set in the tool exchanging means with a different color respectively.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for managing and distributing design and manufacturing information throughout a factory in order to facilitate the production of components, such as bent sheet metal components. In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the management and distribution of critical design and manufacturing information is achieved by storing and distributing the design and manufacturing information associated with each job. By replacing the traditional paper job set-up or work sheet with, for example, an electronically stored job sheet that can be accessed instantaneously from any location in the factory, the present invention improves the overall efficiency of the factory. In addition, through the various aspects and features of the invention, the organization and accessibility of part information and stored expert knowledge is improved.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for managing and distributing design and manufacturing information throughout a factory in order to facilitate the production of components, such as bent sheet metal components. In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the management and distribution of critical design and manufacturing information is achieved by storing and distributing the design and manufacturing information associated with each job. By replacing the traditional paper job set-up or work sheet with, for example, an electronically stored job sheet that can be accessed instantaneously from any location in the factory, the present invention improves the overall efficiency of the factory. In addition, through the various aspects and features of the invention, the organization and accessibility of part information and stored expert knowledge is improved.