Digital Positioning Technique Patents (Class 700/186)
  • Patent number: 8255071
    Abstract: A system and method for use in constructing a prosthesis/complete restoration that obtains a digital dentition model, such as a 3D geometric surface model or a 3D volumetric image model, processes the digital dentition model to form a virtual model, forms a virtual mold including a digital prosthesis and/or complete restoration, and uses the virtual model to construct the prosthesis/complete restoration. Processing circuitry, such as a programmed server, can be used to obtain the digital dentition model and form the virtual mold. A rapid manufacturing device can be used to construct the prosthesis/complete restoration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Innovative Health Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Darnell Kaigler, Sr.
  • Patent number: 8255078
    Abstract: A numerical controller for controlling a multi-axis machine tool having three linear axes and three rotating axes obtains an interpolated tool direction vector by interpolating a tool direction command and computes multiple solutions for three rotating axes from the vector. The three rotating axis positions are computed by synthesizing these multiple solutions. The three linear axis positions on a machine coordinate system are computed by adding to the interpolated tool center point position the product of the interpolated tool direction vector, or a verified tool direction vector based on the three rotating axis positions determined by the rotating axis position computing means, and a tool length compensation amount. The three rotating axes are moved to the positions computed above and the three linear axes are moved to the positions computed above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Fanuc Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiaki Otsuki, Soichiro Ide, Osamu Hanaoka, Takafumi Sasaki
  • Patent number: 8249742
    Abstract: To provide a method to carry out complicated surface machining such as graining or the like without decreasing machining accuracy and machining efficiency. In a machine tool including a main spindle head capable of relatively moving in three perpendicular directions with respect to a workpiece and an additional spindle being provided at the main spindle head and capable of moving in a Z spindle direction, while the main spindle head relatively moves with respect to a working surface S of the workpiece along a smoothly curved surface R which is smoothed so as to be restricted within the movement distance in the moving direction of the additional spindle, the additional spindle moves by a difference between the working surface S and the smoothly curved surface R, and makes a tool T to machine the working surface S.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Okuma Corporation
    Inventors: Takao Hasebe, Katsuya Hioki, Shunske Wakaoka
  • Patent number: 8244386
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes a motion control system for a machine tool system configured to shape a part with a tool, including an I/O module with machine configuration information that defines limits of a three-dimensional working space of the machine tool system. The I/O module further includes a part program that specifies first and second positions of the tool without reference to the working space limits. The motion control system further includes a software controller configured to internally process moves to determine whether the tool can be repositioned from the first position to the second position while maintaining the tool above a minimum clearance from the part and within the working space limits, output the internally processed moves to the machine tool system to cause movement of the tool if the tool can be safely repositioned, and output an error if the tool cannot be safely repositioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Hurco Companies, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul J. Gray
  • Patent number: 8244396
    Abstract: The turning machine according to the present invention includes a displacement sensor (200) which measures a distance between an immobile reference point and a position of variable point which reflects the positional displacement of the tool, the immobile reference point being able to determine a relative positional correlation relating to a variable position of tools with the progress of machining of the workpiece (W) by the tool (421). In drawings the reference point is set up in the guide bush (90). And based on the measured result by the displacement sensor, the tool is moved so that the center height of the tool and the center line of the workpiece satisfy relatively the predetermined positional correlation. Accordingly, the center height deviation amount due to heat deformation and the like is corrected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Tsugami Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Terai, Takao Tatemi, Hidenori Sato, Hiroaki Kazama
  • Publication number: 20120203374
    Abstract: A numerical controller calculates the distance (rotation radius) between the rotation center axis of a rotary axis and a control target point using the machine conditions (including the axis structure and tool length) of a machine tool having a rotary axis and the coordinate values of the respective axes of the machine tool. Then, the preset positioning completion widths of the respective axes are compensated by the calculated rotation radius and a positioning completion check of the rotary axis is carried out using the compensated positioning completion widths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: FANUC Corporation
    Inventors: Yasusuke IWASHITA, Junichi Tezuka
  • Patent number: 8224477
    Abstract: A control system is provided for each pair of a work fixing part and a work machining part. In each control system, a work receiving program block, a work machining program block and a work discharge program block are provided, and the work machining program block starts on the condition that the work receiving program block ends and the work discharge block program starts on the condition that the work machining program block ends. The work receiving program block is associated with the work supply program of the work supply apparatus, or the work discharge program block is associated with a work transfer program of a work transfer apparatus so that a command is issued to the work receiving program block or the work discharge program block, and a command to perform a cue of the head of the program of each control system is provided at the last part of the control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Citizen Holdings Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hitoshi Matsumoto
  • Publication number: 20120150338
    Abstract: An apparatus for generating a saddle-shaped trajectory for intersection of two cylindrical conduits. The apparatus includes an encoder module, a motorized axial module connected with the encoder module and movable only in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of an intersecting cylindrical conduit and a motorized rotatable module connected with the motorized axial module and rotatable around the longitudinal axis of the intersecting cylindrical conduit. Control software provided in one of the modules includes an algorithm providing control of the modules for generation of the saddle-shaped trajectory on the two cylindrical conduits. The algorithm requires input of only a radius of each of the cylindrical conduits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: OPERATIONS TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT, NFP
    Inventors: James LOUIS, Francis Xavier HENNESSEY, Daniel Thomas GERMATA
  • Patent number: 8180478
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for activating a workpiece manipulator (4) of a machine tool (1), comprising a control device which prescribes machining paths (6) for a workpiece by means of a computing unit, which machining paths are travelled by the workpiece manipulator (4) from a machine starting position (A), wherein the workpiece (5) which can be moved by the workpiece manipulator (4) in a multi-axially translatory and preferably also rotating manner is passed to a plurality of tools (3) one after the other for the step-by-step machining. In order to provide advantageous conditions it is proposed that in the case of termination of machining the workpiece manipulator (4) is made to move with the workpiece (5) back over the path of movement (7) assigned to the respective machining step into a position (8) prior to this machining step, in which the workpiece manipulator is optionally stopped or from which the workpiece manipulator is moved into the machine starting position (A).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Anger Machining GmbH
    Inventors: Roland Haas, Klaus Dirnberger
  • Publication number: 20120116571
    Abstract: A cutting machine for cutting metal, comprising: an understructure, rails (8), a driving trolley (2), a driven trolley (3), a cross beam (1), a transverse driving device (4), a hoisting device (6), a tow chain (9), a rail cleaning device (11), a torch support (10) and a software control system. The rails (8) with a circular cross section are parallel mounted on the understructure, and the driving trolley (2) and the driven trolley (3) move synchronously on the rails (8). An automatic longitudinal adjusting device (7) is provided at the driving trolley (2) and at one end of the drawn cross beam (1), and the driven trolley (3) is rigidly connected to the other end of the cross beam (1). Longitudinal driving devices (5) are installed symmetrically at the lower parts of the driving trolley (2) and the driven trolley (3). The longitudinal driving devices (5) comprise rack and pinion and guiding mechanisms for adjusting the distance between the rack and the gear by elastically sliding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2009
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: Dalian Huarui Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Baolin Sun, Haifeng Ni, Qingzhang Wang
  • Patent number: 8175861
    Abstract: A machining simulation apparatus is arranged in a machine tool having a tool holding mechanism, a workpiece holding mechanism, a drive mechanism and a numerical controller, and provided with: an actual CCD camera for imaging a tool held by the tool holding mechanism and the workpiece holding mechanism not holding a workpiece to generate actual image data; a model data update processing section for generating model data relating to when moving the holding mechanisms based on the operation command received from the numerical controller and the model data of the holding mechanisms, tool and workpiece; a virtual image generation processing section for generating virtual image data of the tool and workpiece based on the generated model data; and a rendering processing section for generating composite image data by superimposing the virtual image on the actual image, and displaying the composite image data on a screen display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Mori Seiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Bin Huang, Xiaodong Tian, Tetsuo Ogawa, Bingyan Zhao
  • Publication number: 20120109361
    Abstract: A program-converting module for a multi-axis cooperated machine and a program-converting method. Machining programs and mechanism data of a plurality of first machines are input to a first input module. Mechanism data of a plurality of second machines are input to a second input unit. A setting unit sets at least one of the first machines to be a source machine, and sets one of the second machines to be a target machine. A conversion unit uses a kinematical method to convert the machining program of the source machine into a machining program applicable to the target machine based on the mechanism data of the source and target machines, without requiring CAD/CAM software.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Wan-Kun Chang, Chin-Chu Sun, Cheng-Yu Chen, Yung-Ming Kao, Shih-Chang Liang
  • Patent number: 8155781
    Abstract: In order to improve movement control in an automation system for movement control, profiles for movement control are freely defined via functions. Polynomial interpolations or spline interpolations are used for the defined functions, the interpolations being of a higher degree. The profile for movement control has a command variable and a secondary variable, at least one of which is time-based or position-related.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Johannes Birzer, Tino Heber, Raimund Kram
  • Patent number: 8155779
    Abstract: A numerical controller including a storage device for storing tabular data configured to operate one arbitrary axis, in which a position of a spindle or an axis as a control object is caused to correspond to a reference value composed of time or the position of a reference spindle or axis. A reading device is provided for successively reading a reference value in the tabular data and a position of the spindle or the axis as control object corresponding to the reference value from the storage device, and controls the position of the spindle or the axis as control object based on the reference value read by the reading device. An assignment device is provided for assigning the axis to be operated in accordance with the tabular data, and a starting device for starting the tabular data stored in the storage device, thereby causing the axis assigned by the assigning device to operate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Fanuc Ltd
    Inventors: Takahiko Endo, Yasushi Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 8140178
    Abstract: In a simultaneous multi-axis measuring machine tool system including linear drive axes and rotation axes to measure a surface shape of an object to be measured by using an on-board measuring device having a probe mounted, at one end thereof, with a spherical contactor, a numerical controller controls driving of the linear drive axes and the rotation axes so that a central axis of the probe is always oriented in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the object to be measured and that the spherical contactor of the probe comes in contact with and follows a surface of the object to be measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Fanuc Ltd
    Inventors: Yonpyo Hon, Kenzo Ebihara, Akira Yamamoto, Masayuki Hamura
  • Patent number: 8126586
    Abstract: The invention relates to methods and machine tools for processing workpieces, in which a workpiece and one or more processing tools are moved relative to each other with a positioning movement, an outward-stroke movement, and a return-stroke movement. In the positioning movement, the workpiece and the processing tool are positioned relative to each other in a positioning direction, in a return-stroke movement the workpiece and the processing tool are moved relative to each other and away from each other in a return-stroke direction transverse to the positioning direction, and in the outward-stroke movement the workpiece and the processing tool are moved relative to each other and towards each other in an outward-stroke direction transverse to the positioning direction. The return-stroke movement and the outward-stroke movement are executed during the positioning movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: TRUMPF Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Ulrich Bressler, Peter Demel, Michael Krutzke
  • Patent number: 8126587
    Abstract: An apparatus for recognizing and processing information of electronic parts includes a seating unit on which electronic parts are seated and aligned and a part information processing unit disposed adjacent to the seating unit. The part information processing unit is configured to align the electronic parts using the seating unit, recognize a recognition surface of the electronic parts, obtaining part information of the recognized surface, and store the obtained part information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Techwin Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ja-Hyun Koo, Man-Hee Lee, Sun-Jeong Kang
  • Patent number: 8116902
    Abstract: A method of detecting a dynamic path of a five-axis machine tool having a spindle and a turntable and has a preparing step, a correcting step and a detecting step. The preparing step includes mounting a detector on the spindle, mounting a cat-eye reflector on the turntable, emitting a laser light to the cat-eye reflector, reflecting the laser light to the detector and splitting into two light beams. One of the light beams is emitted to a four-quadrant position sensitive detector. The correcting step includes rotating the detector, detecting a signal of the laser light by the four-quadrant position sensitive detector to eliminate an offset between the detecting assembly and the spindle. The detecting step includes detecting the dynamic path of the five-axis machine tool by detecting the positions of at least two of the linear axes and at least one of the rotation axes of the five-axis machine tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: National Formosa University
    Inventors: Chien-Hung Liu, Wen-Yuh Jywe, Yi-Tsung Li
  • Publication number: 20120022682
    Abstract: A numerical control device according to the invention is a numerical control device for a multi-spindle machine tool including a rotation axis and controlling a tool attitude relative to a machining workpiece, including a first storage device capable of recording a machining program; a second storage device capable of storing coordinate systems; and a central processing unit capable of executing the machining program, selecting a coordinate system suitable for machining from among the coordinate systems stored in the second storage device based on the tool attitude set by the machining program or an external input, and outputting data for machining the workpiece on the selected coordinate system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Naoki Nakamura, Ushio Fukuichi, Tomonori Sato
  • Patent number: 8103375
    Abstract: A method for finishing a part having excess material includes generating one or more surfaces on a model of the part to be machined, creating a machining tool path drive geometry, using the machine tool path drive geometry and one or more surfaces on the model to be machined to generate machining tool paths on the surfaces; and running tool paths on the part in a fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Randall Maurice Ouellette, Jeffrey Robert Close, James Henry Madge
  • Patent number: 8099192
    Abstract: A method is provided for teaching a transfer robot used in conjunction with a workpiece processing system including a pedestal assembly, a light sensor having an optical input fixedly coupled to the pedestal assembly, a transfer robot having an end effector, and a processing chamber containing the pedestal assembly and light sensor. The method includes the steps of producing light within the processing chamber, moving the end effector over the optical input such that amount of light reaching the light sensor varies in relation to the position of the end effector, and recording the signal gain as the end effector is moved over the optical input. The method also includes the step of establishing from the recorded signal gain a desired position of the end effector relative to the pedestal assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Novellus Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Damon Genetti, Heinrich Von Bunau, Tarek Radwan, Karen Townsend
  • Publication number: 20110295408
    Abstract: A process for accurately determining a workpiece position in relation to a reference coordinate system is provided. The process includes providing a machine having a table and a machine coordinate system, determining locations of three reference geometric aspects of the table, providing a workpiece, and attaching the workpiece to the table. Thereafter, locations of three geometrical aspects of the workpiece are determined using photogrammetry followed by calculation of any offset between the three reference geometrical aspects of the table and the three geometrical aspects of the workpiece. Any offset that has been determined can then be used to accurately determine the workpiece position in relation to the reference coordinate system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Max Christopher Burgel, Brian R. Dickinson
  • Patent number: 8059151
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for planning an inspection path (2) for at least one optical picture-taking device (4), particularly a camera, for inspecting a three-dimensional object (3). The picture-taking device (4) and the object (3) are movable relative to each other by means of a displacement device (5, 6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Isra Vision System AG
    Inventors: Enis Ersue, Stephan Wienand
  • Patent number: 8055360
    Abstract: A system and method of aligning a stent with a stent support involves taking two images of the stent that has been placed on the stent support and determining from the two images whether the stent is aligned with the stent support. The stent can be rotated so that the two images are of different views of the stent. A computer can be configured to receive the images and to determine the whether the stent is aligned. A backlight can be used to take images of the stent in silhouette. A portion of the stent support can be re-positioned based on an image taken of the stent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignees: Abbott Cardiovascular Systems Inc., ATS Automation Tooling Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Sang joon Park, Shaulaine Choo, Anthony S. Andreacchi, Yung-Ming Chen, Arnoldo M. Currlin, Antonio Garcia, Jason Van Sciver, Thomas David Esbeck, Bryan D. Glenn
  • Publication number: 20110257781
    Abstract: In automatic programming for creating a multi-path program for a machine having a plurality of control paths performing one or more machining processes of a machining program for machining a workpiece, the machining time of each of the machining processes is calculated, workable paths are input for each of the machining processes, and then workable orders of the machining processes are input. For each of the machining processes, simultaneously workable machining processes are input if any among other machining processes. On the basis of the above results, machining programs that provide the shortest machining time are selected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hideaki MAEDA, Shinya NAKAMURA
  • Patent number: 8024061
    Abstract: A method of and apparatus to generate a position profile using lower-order polynomials. The device includes a pattern coefficient generator to generate pattern and time coefficients of a position pattern that is classified by velocity change, a contour generator to generate a pattern polynomial to define a contour of each section of the position pattern using the generated pattern and time coefficients, and a dual filter for generating a position profile by selectively activating one of a plurality of filters, which receive the pattern polynomial generated by the contour generator. The device uses lower-order polynomials and a small number of coefficients, thereby reducing the number of calculations required in the procedure to generate the position profile. The device generates a seamless and smooth position profile by preventing switching errors due to the difference between filter sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jung Ik Ha
  • Patent number: 8024068
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes a generalized kinematics library which may be used to control the motion of a machine tool system and to process data for other applications, such as simulation graphics. Methods are disclosed to interpolate the movement of various axes of a machine tool system through a machine singularity point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Hurco Companies, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul J. Gray
  • Patent number: 8024060
    Abstract: A method for defining machine cutting path safety zones for use in laser machining devices. The method includes indentifying safety zone positional coordinates in a computer aided design model, using a machine vision system to image the modeled physical machining device, determining the positional difference between the design model safety zone points and the imaged points and converting the design model safety zone coordinates into machine specific coordinates for input into a machining cutting path program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Electro Scientific Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Mehmet E. Alpay, Heny Sadikin, David Childers
  • Patent number: 8019460
    Abstract: A numerical controller having a function-generating unit which executes function generation for shaft movement according to a machining program is provided, the numerical controller further comprising a unit which stores shape data of the movable unit and shape data of an interfering structure; a retracting direction determining unit which determines a retracting direction; an interference checking position calculating unit which successively calculates, as an interference checking position, a position in which a desired distance is added to the current position of the movable unit according to the determined retracting direction; an interference confirming unit which confirms presence or absence of interference between the shape data of the movable unit and the shape data of the interfering structure by virtually moving the shape data of the movable unit; and a power outage detecting unit which sends a power outage signal to a DC power supply unit and the function-generating unit during power outage, wherein
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Okuma Corporation
    Inventors: Noritaka Akaiwa, Koji Eba
  • Patent number: 8010226
    Abstract: A method for conforming components may include a measuring operation and a modifying operation. The method may comprise measuring a first component using a conforming tool that includes a measuring member, and recording position data for the first component based on the measuring. A path for the conforming tool may be provided using the position data, and a second component may be modified with a modifying member by moving the same conforming tool based on the provided path. The measuring member may include a sleeve configured so as to surround the modifying member when measuring, and to be removed from the modifying member so as to allow the modifying operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Phillip John Crothers
  • Patent number: 8000833
    Abstract: A system for cutting a given portion of a surface of a core insert includes a piezoelectric actuator, a turning tool, a rotating member, a driving unit and a numerically-controlled unit. The controlling unit stores coordinates of the storing coordinates of each point on the given portion of the surface in a predetermined coordinate system, and compares the instant coordinates of the cutting portion of the turning tool with the stored coordinates of the given portion, thus controlling the piezoelectric actuator to drive the turning tool to cut the given portion of the surface if the coordinates of the cutting portion of the turning tool match with the stored coordinates of any point on the given portion of the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wen-Ssu Chiu, Kun-Jung Tsai
  • Patent number: 7983790
    Abstract: A method for modifying a component may comprise measuring the component using a modifying tool, and recording position data for the component based on the measuring. A path for the modifying tool may be provided using the position data, and the component may be modified by moving the same modifying tool based on the provided path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Phillip John Crothers, Robert Coulter Fraser
  • Patent number: 7974732
    Abstract: A control system for a modular reconfigurable numerically controlled machine comprising at least one memory storage device associated with each of a plurality of detachable modular components to store kinematic and connection information about the modular component. The information in the memory storage devices is read and processed by a main processing unit when the modular component is attached to a primary structure of the numerically controlled machine. The control system further comprises a plurality of component actuators, which receive control signals from the main processing unit, to actuate the modular components attached to the numerically controlled machine. A hardware component connector may provide at least one of a physical, electrical, communications, and pneumatic connection between the primary structure of the numerically controlled machine and the modular components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Spirit AeroSystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert R. Wampler, Muhammad Zia Ullah
  • Patent number: 7969111
    Abstract: A numerical controller capable of moving a tool end point position to an accurate position in a five-axis machining apparatus. Compensation amounts are set, which correspond to respective ones of a linear axis-dependent translational error, a rotary axis-dependent translational error, a linear axis-dependent rotational error, and a rotary axis-dependent rotational error, which are produced in the five-axis machining apparatus. A translational/rotational compensation amount ?3D is determined from these compensation amounts and added to a command linear axis position Pm. As the compensation amounts, there is used a corresponding one of six-dimensional lattice point compensation vectors, which are determined in advance as errors due to the use of a mechanical system and measured at lattice points of lattices into which the entire machine movable region is divided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Fanuc Ltd
    Inventors: Toshiaki Otsuki, Takehiro Yamaguchi
  • Publication number: 20110150592
    Abstract: A method of generating control code for a CNC machine is described. The method includes the steps of: (1) generating in a computer a first plurality of coordinate values, xi, yi, zi, said first plurality of coordinate values representing a plurality of first connected line segments which surround a vertical axis, said first connected line segments gradually descending to a first predetermined depth, (2) generating in a computer a second plurality of coordinate values xj, yj, zj, said second coordinate values representing a plurality of second connected line segments which surround the vertical axis, said plurality of second connected line segments having a starting point at approximately the first predetermined depth, and gradually descending to a second predetermined depth greater than the first depth, and (3) converting the first and the second coordinate values to a code for controlling the CNC machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: SURFWARE, INC.
    Inventors: Alan DIEHL, Robert B. PATTERSON
  • Patent number: 7962240
    Abstract: A method for synchronizing a slave follower with a master source is provided. The method includes defining a relationship between the master source and the slave follower, inputting a first position of the master source, and inputting a first position of the slave follower. The method also includes defining a second position where the slave follower synchronizes with the master source, and fitting a curve between the first position of the slave follower the second position. The curve is fit based on the relationship between the master source and the slave follower, the first position of the slave follower, the first position of the master source, and the second position. The curve is fit to synchronize the slave follower and the master source without exceeding pre-determined boundaries of the slave follower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: GE Intelligent Platforms, Inc.
    Inventors: William Lindsay Morrison, Daniel H. Miller
  • Publication number: 20110137449
    Abstract: The positioning control apparatus includes a first motor moving a first driven member, a second motor moving a second driven member and a controller controlling the first and second motors so as to move the first and second driven members respectively to first and second target positions. The controller obtains a first moving time required for the first motor to move the first driven member to the first target position and a second moving time required for the second motor to move the second driven member to the second target position, and causes the first and second motors to concurrently operate during one of the first and second moving times longer than the other to move the first and second driven members respectively to the first and second target positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Shinji UEDA
  • Patent number: 7957832
    Abstract: A method for vibration avoidance in automated machinery produces actuator space-time contours that meet design objectives of the machinery while suppressing energy content at frequencies in the space-time contour, by concatenating multiple space-time contour segments together in such a way as to be mostly free of energy at the frequencies of interest while meeting other specified design goals. The segments used to construct these frequency-optimized-contours are a series of concatenated polynomial segments, the independent variable t being time. These segments can define the variable to be controlled (e.g. speed or distance) versus time, or define one of the controlled variable's time-derivatives (e.g., the slope of the speed vs. time, etc.).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Teknic, Inc.
    Inventor: Francis Joseph Testa
  • Publication number: 20110118867
    Abstract: A turning method and apparatus includes a tool holding mechanism, such as a turret, and a workpiece holder, typically a chuck disposed on a main machine spindle. The tool holding mechanism may be translated in three directions relative to the workpiece holder, including a Z-direction that is along the axis of the rotation of the workpiece holder and X- and Y-directions orthogonal thereto. Under the control of the computer control system, the tool holding mechanism is moved in a direction having both an X- and Y-component relative to the workpiece holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: MORI SEIKI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Gregory A. Hyatt, Nitin Chaphalkar
  • Publication number: 20110093112
    Abstract: An apparatus for machining the ends of a component includes a plurality of work stations, and a transport mechanism for moving the component along a path to the plurality of work stations. The transport mechanism is positioned to be inboard of the ends of a component. At least one of a first work station or a second work station of the plurality of workstations includes a first fixturing portion for holding a first end, and a first machine for carrying out machine operations on the first end. The first fixturing portion and the first machine are movable in a direction transverse to the path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Chandler, David Lee Johnson
  • Publication number: 20110087364
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes a motion control system for a machine tool system configured to shape a part with a tool, including an I/O module with machine configuration information that defines limits of a three-dimensional working space of the machine tool system. The I/O module further includes a part program that specifies first and second positions of the tool without reference to the working space limits. The motion control system further includes a software controller configured to internally process moves to determine whether the tool can be repositioned from the first position to the second position while maintaining the tool above a minimum clearance from the part and within the working space limits, output the internally processed moves to the machine tool system to cause movement of the tool if the tool can be safely repositioned, and output an error if the tool cannot be safely repositioned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicant: HURCO COMPANIES, INC.
    Inventor: Paul J. Gray
  • Patent number: 7925372
    Abstract: Neutral data computer control system for a multiaxis machine tool for producing workpieces having a helicoidal generated surface with an optional computer system (1) for generating machine control parameters for a multiaxis machine tool (2, 2a) in which there is provided at least one virtual axis, which can be parameterized as a guiding axis for other axes and then serves only for the synchronization of these other axes, and with at least one data processing unit and at least one memory, the data processing unit being set up in programming terms in such a way that it generates at least one data carrier or an electronic carrier signal (3) with machine control parameters for the machine (2, 2a), or an optional computer program or a computer program product for this and at least one such multiaxis machine tool (2, 2a).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Trinary Anlagenbau GmbH
    Inventors: Manfred Blumberg, Stefan Dirrichs, Wolfgang London, Gary Töpfer
  • Publication number: 20110066277
    Abstract: A method is provided for controlling a machining operation wherein a tool performs a machining operation on a workpiece. The method includes providing a tool holder for holding a tool, a workpiece holder for holding a work piece, and a linear slide for linearly moving a linearly moving part that is either the tool or the workpiece. A rotator is provided for rotating a rotating part that is either a tool or the work piece. A modulator is provided for modulating the movement of a modulated part that is either the tool or the workpiece. A digital controller is provided for controlling the machining of the workpiece by the tool. Appropriate machining parameters are selected for enabling the tool to perform a desired machining operation on the workpiece. The step of selecting appropriate machining parameters includes the step of selecting an appropriate feed rate for the linear slide move the linear moving part. An appropriate rotational speed is selected for the rotator to rotate the rotating part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2010
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Inventors: James B. Mann, Christopher J. Saldana, Wilfredo Moscoso
  • Patent number: 7899575
    Abstract: The invention relates to a machine tool for processing a plate-like workpiece, including a processing tool. The processing tool is movable relative to the workpiece and the workpiece is movable relative to the processing tool along a common movement axis. A control unit selectively actuates the processing tool and the workpiece in such a manner that in a first processing mode both the processing tool and the workpiece are moved along the common movement axis and, in a second processing mode the processing tool alone is moved along the common movement axis. The invention further relates to a method for processing a workpiece of the kind mentioned above, to a method for creating a processing program, and to a computer program product having code for performing all steps of the method for creating the processing program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: TRUMPF Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Friedrich Kilian, Frank Schmauder, Dieter Pfisterer
  • Publication number: 20110029125
    Abstract: An apparatus on a machine tool for machining workpieces, preferably for machining workpieces by removing material, is provided to control functions of the machine tool and to program and/or test the machining of workpieces and/or to test the machine tool itself. The apparatus is provided with at least one display unit and at least one input unit, whereby masks for displaying and/or for inputting, via the input unit, machine and/or control parameters are displayable on the display unit. A start matrix having a grid of fields, which are stored in a geometrically addressable manner and are preferably arranged in rows and columns, can be displayed on the display unit, the input unit which is separate from the display unit being able to be used to select each field via its geometrical position in the grid at which it is displayed on the display unit, and the assigned function being able to be immediately triggered or a mask being able to be immediately displayed on the display unit by activating a field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventors: Achim Feinauer, Uwe Bräuning, Matthias Schwarz
  • Publication number: 20110022220
    Abstract: The present invention provides dynamic metrology methods and systems for: periodically determining an actual position of one or more of a machine and a tool with respect to a workpiece using one or more laser interferometers; tracking a tracked position of the one or more of the machine and the tool with respect to the workpiece using one or more accelerometers; and altering a controlled position of the one or more of the machine and the tool with respect to the workpiece when either the actual position or the tracked position of the one or more of the machine and the tool with respect to the workpiece diverges from a desired position of one or more of the machine and the tool with respect to the workpiece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2009
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHARLOTTE
    Inventors: Kevin Scott Smith, Robert J. Hocken
  • Patent number: 7853335
    Abstract: For operating controlled machines, a slave motion of at least one movable machine element of the machine is controlled using a motion profile specific to that motion, and this motion profile of the motion of the machine element is subdivided into a plurality of profile segments. The profile segments are each assigned masters, and the masters depend on predetermined command variables, motion profile in the individual profile segments depends in each case on the respective masters, at least two masters are different from one another, and at least two masters of the motion profile depend on command variables that are different from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Bartosz Korajda, Sebastian Krauskopf
  • Patent number: 7853340
    Abstract: A method for aligning a stent with a stent support includes the steps of (1) placing a stent support and a stent mounted on the stent support in a vertically position with the stent support's first support element at a lower position and the stent support's second support element at an upper position; (2) obtaining a digital image of the stent support and stent; (3) analyzing the digital image of the stent support and stent to compute the vertical position of the stent's upper end; (4) computing a desired position of the second support element based on the position of the stent's upper end; and (5) using a positioning device to move the second support element to the desired position. The movement of the second support element causes the conical sections of the first and second support elements to engage the respective ends of the stent to center the stent around a core element of the stent support and to secure the stent in a longitudinal direction of the stent support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignees: Abbott Cardiovascular Systems Inc., ATS Automation Tooling Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Sang joon Park, Shaulaine Choo, Anthony S. Andreacchi, Yung-Ming Chen, Arnoldo M. Currlin, Antonio Garcia, Jason Van Sciver, Thomas David Esbeck, Bryan D. Glenn
  • Patent number: 7848843
    Abstract: In a two-step processing mode in which a cup for attaching a lens to a chuck axis is changed from a large diameter cup to a small diameter cup on the way of processing, a roughing path data computing unit for computing first roughing path data larger than the target lens shape data by a predetermined finishing margin, and second roughing path data having a radius vector larger by at least ?a than at least radius vector data of the large diameter cup; and a processing controller for roughing the peripheral edge of the lens based on the second roughing path data in response to a processing start signal, thereafter stopping the processing and further resuming the processing. The processing controller performs, when a processing resuming signal is inputted, processing control of either roughing and finishing, or finishing without roughing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Nidek Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ryoji Shibata
  • Publication number: 20100305745
    Abstract: In an NC program generating device that extracts shaping sites that are process areas of a workpiece based on the three-dimensional geometrical data of the unprocessed workpiece and the three-dimensional geometrical data of the processed workpiece and generates an NC program in accordance with the extracted shaping sites, the process attribute information setting unit sets up workpiece attribute information, based on related information of process operations feasible on the processing machine for the workpiece and the features, position, and direction of a shaping site of the three-dimensional shape of the processed workpiece that is configurable in the process attribute information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2007
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Kenji Iriguchi, Takashi Iwasaki, Susumu Matsubara, Mahito Matsuura