Abstract: Blank for manufacturing dental moulded components, wherein the blank has a blank body (2) composed of tooth repairing material from which the moulded component which is to be manufactured can be produced by removing material by means of a tool (6, 7), wherein the blank has an encoding with at least one structure (11-14; 17-19; 31-33; 42-43; 52-53) as an information carrier for properties of the blank body (2), wherein the structure is arranged in the blank in such a way that the position, dimensions or type of structure can be determined by sensing or measuring the blank. In this context, the position, the dimensions or the type of the structure (11-14; 17-19; 31-33; 42-43; 52-53) are embodied in such a way that the value acquired during the determination of the above corresponds to analogue information about the property of the blank body (2).

Abstract: A machining apparatus capable of easing positioning restrictions on machined shapes and improving the shape accuracy and positional accuracy of the machined shapes. A machining tool forms a machined shape in a workpiece mounted on a workpiece mounting surface, by means of a rotational shaft causing the machining tool to rotate, and three linear axes moving the machining tool so as to follow the machined shape of a machining object while moving the center of the intended formation region of the machined shape of the machining object in a circular arc shape in accordance with the rotation of the machining tool.

Abstract: A system for guiding movement of a movable machine element of a machine, such as a machine tool, production machine and robot, receives user input data relating to a travel movement of machine element and an optimization criterion selected from a robust travel movement, where a smallest number of natural frequencies of the movable machine element is excited, and a time-optimized travel movement, where from the natural frequencies of the movable machine element only those natural frequencies are excited that do not include a main natural frequency. The system then determines from the movement profile coefficients of polynomial functions and a position setpoint variable based on the coefficients. The travel movement of the machine element is executed in response to the determined position setpoint variable.

Abstract: A drilling machine drills at a multiplicity of target locations on a component. Two robots, calibrated with calibration data, move the component in a 6-D coordinate system. A metrology system ascertains the position of the component relative to the drilling machine. The movement of the robots is effected by commands generated by off-line programming. The component is moved relative to the drilling machine to a target position, ready for drilling, by a closed-loop process in which the differences in position between the expected position (the target position) and the actual position (as viewed by the metrology system) are corrected.

Abstract: A system for controlling a numerical control machine tool with movable component parts carrying tools (5) and/or mechanical component parts to be checked includes a control unit (7) and a sensor device (9) having an associated interface unit (15). A digital channel (20), through which there are transmitted measuring signals from the interface unit to the control unit, is used, at different moments and as an alternative to the measuring process, for transmitting confirmation pulse signals (ACK) consequent to request/instruction messages that the control unit sends to the interface unit. A method for controlling the machine tool includes the sending of request/instruction messages (M) from the control unit to the interface unit, for example for checking the efficiency and the operativeness of the measuring chain, and the reception of confirmation pulse signals through the transmission channel which is a component part of the measuring chain.

Abstract: A programming device programs a machining control program to be used on a numerical control device for machining an object. A setting unit sets an axial direction of the tool with respect to the data on the machining-target area and sets a deepest position of a tip of the tool with respect to the data on the machining-target area. An extracting unit extracts a surface-machining-target area of the object from the data on the machining-target area based on the set axial direction of the tool, the set deepest position of the tip, and the data on the machining-target area.

Abstract: Systems and methods of identifying and manipulating objects are disclosed. One system disclosed comprises a light source adapted to emit a collimated light beam onto a contoured surface, a sensor adapted to view a profile of the contoured surface illuminated by the collimated light beam, a processor in communication with the sensor, and a controller in communication with the processor. The controller may be adapted to generate a signal based on an attribute of a predefined profile.

Abstract: A material processing system includes an apparatus having a processing path. A saw station is located along the processing path. A positioner is configured to push a trailing end of a work piece along the processing path toward the saw station. A computer is connected to the apparatus, and programmed to provide a digital interface allowing an operator to control operation of the apparatus through the interface.

Abstract: A method for planning the trajectory of an apparatus, such as an articulating probe head, mounted on a coordinate positioning apparatus, such as a CMM. It is determined whether for a given trajectory, the angular velocity or acceleration of the apparatus about a rotational axis of the apparatus will exceed a predetermined threshold. If so, parameters are adjusted so that the angular velocity or acceleration do not exceed the threshold.

Abstract: A device for estimating machining dimensions of a machine tool which employs tool members each being rotatably driven by a driving unit includes: a vibration sensor; a characteristics extracting unit for extracting amounts of characteristics from an output of the vibration sensor; a neural network for classifying the amounts of characteristics into categories; and a conversion unit. Amounts of characteristics of generated output by racing the tool member are used for training the neural network, and inputted again to the trained competitive learning neural network to excite neurons so that the relationships between Euclidean distances and machining dimensions of workpieces are registered in the conversion unit.

Abstract: Producing a three-dimensional multi-material component whereby successive layers of at least one material are printed by a drop ink-jet-type printer including cutting a representation of the multi-material component into remarkable objects; cutting the representation of the component into print layers, as a function of the remarkable objects; for each print layer, establishing a plurality of discrete spatial print path trajectories; for each print layer and for each discrete spatial trajectory, establishing an assembly of printing parameters which are dependent on the nature of the deposited materials and the deposition conditions thereof; and establishing a rule for the spatial and temporal sequencing of the print path of the print layers and of the discrete spatial trajectories as a function of the objects, the relative three-dimensional arrangement thereof and the characteristics of the printing device.

Abstract: A data processing apparatus for processing data described in a welding operation program of an arc welding robot system.

Abstract: A method and a computer program for producing a parts program are disclosed. The parts program includes control instructions which enable a control device of a machine tool to control movements of a tool, with the steps of reading in movement information relating to movements and machining operations to be performed by the tool, reading in availability information which identifies control subprograms available in the control device for predetermined machining operations to be performed by the tool and, if a control subprogram associated with a predetermined machining operation is available in the control device, generating a control instruction for the parts program from the available control subprograms and the movement information in form of a call for the control subprogram associated with the machining operation. Production of a parts program for a machine tool is thereby simplified.

Abstract: In the method for controlling a movable tool, in particular a grinding tool, by means of a feed function that specifies the movement of the tool in time in at least one axis, an initial feed function in the form of at least one initial feed curve (29) is displayed on a monitor. From the initial feed function and from inputs effected by means of a pointing device, a feed function is calculated and displayed as a modified initial feed curve on the monitor. Control commands for moving the tool are produced from the feed function. The input of the feed function is simplified and rendered more flexible.

Abstract: When causing manual movement of a moving section of a machine tool, shape data of the moving section is made to move in a movement direction that has been input manually, and it is confirmed whether there is no interference with shape data of a surrounding interfering object. If interference occurs, a position returned a specified distance from the position where interference occurs is made a stop position, the moving section is moved to this stop position, and stopped at that position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of calibrating an ophthalmic-lens-piercing machine, a device used to implement one such method and a ophthalmic-lens-machining apparatus comprising one such device. The inventive method applies to a machine including a piercing tool, a lens support which is associated with a first reference mark (O1, X1, Y1), and programmable tool-control means which are associated with a second reference mark expressing set co-ordinates which define a target piercing point (M). A template is placed on the support, and the template includes pre-applied markings defining a third reference mark (O3, X3, Y3), such that the third reference mark in essentially in line with the first reference mark. The template is pierced at a pre-determined point corresponding to a target point, and an image of the template this point position, and a correction is applied to the set co-ordinates that can compensate for the misalignment.

Abstract: A machine tool with a main positioning device for positioning a main support element in a translational linear direction within a main region of displacement is provided. A main machining device and an accessory machining device are arranged on the main support element. The machining devices have pivoting devices for pivoting the machining heads in a rotatory basic pivoting direction. Every accessory pivoting device is connected to the main support element via a respective supplementary accessory positioning device for positioning the respective accessory machining head in the translational linear direction relative to the main support element within a respective supplementary accessory region of displacement.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a component using a tool is provided. The method includes determining a model tool contact path for the component based on a component geometry, nominal tool tip path, tool geometry, the component geometry including a grid system having a plurality of elements and nodes at an intersection of the elements. The method also includes measuring a geometric property of the component relative to the model component geometry, generating a tool contact path and tool tip path corresponding to the measured geometric property, and at least partially fabricating the component using the generated tool contact path.

Abstract: The illustrative embodiments provide a method, apparatus, and computer usable program product for generating datamatrix barcodes on parts. A digital datamatrix code associated with a machined part on a numerically controlled machine tool is converted into an x-y drilling pattern contained in a numerically controlled program. A drill cycle associated with a numerically controlled program defines a pattern of dots to be drilled in the machined part to form a dot pattern. A dot pattern is drilled as a series of partially drilled holes on a surface of the machined part to form a datamatrix barcode mark.

Abstract: Systems and methods of identifying and manipulating objects are disclosed. One system disclosed comprises a light source adapted to emit a collimated light beam onto a contoured surface, a sensor adapted to view a profile of the contoured surface illuminated by the collimated light beam, a processor in communication with the sensor, and a controller in communication with the processor. The controller may be adapted to generate a signal based on an attribute of a predefined profile.

Abstract: Gauge system, including methods and apparatus, for positioning workpieces to be processed. In some embodiments, the gauge system may have a plurality of stops for positioning the end of a workpiece at distinct distances from a processing station. In some embodiments, the plurality of stops may be arrayed along a rail assembly having an adjustable length.

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.).

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.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for adjusting the position of cutting tools (5) or end tools (6) in relation to the central axis (1) of the guide bush (2) of an automatic lathe. The device according to the invention essentially comprises a miniature CCD camera (3) which is equipped with an extension tube (4) containing a gradient-index lens (9) and an achromatic lens (10). According to the invention, the extension tube (4) is introduced into the guide bush (2) and is maintained in place by the workholder of the headstock (28) which clamps a fixing end piece (27) which is in turn fixed to the camera housing (18). Once introduced into the guide bush, the assembly can be used to obtain an image of the tool through the opening of the guide bush. The tool to be position-adjusted is illuminated by a set of light-emitting diodes (16). The image is transmitted to a computer via a cable (8).

Abstract: A method and system are provided for automatically portioning workpieces, such as food products, into both shape and other user-defined specification(s). Workpieces are portioned both to shape and weight, such as to a weight-specific uniform shape, by adjusting (e.g., scaling up and down or slightly modifying) a desired template shape until the desired weight is achieved depending on the varying thickness of each workpiece. For example, from a thicker workpiece, a smaller-sized piece having a predefined shape and weight is portioned, while from a thinner workpiece, a larger-sized piece having the same predefined shape and weight is portioned. The system permits a user to scan in and edit a desired (reference) shape to be used as a template in the portioning process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing wings includes a fixture that holds wing panels for drilling and edge trimming by accurate numerically controlled machine tools using original numerical part definition records, utilizing spatial relationships between key features of detail parts or subassemblies as represented by coordination features machined into the parts and subassemblies, thereby making the parts and subassemblies intrinsically determinant of the dimensions and contour of the wing. Spars are attached to the wing panel using the coordination holes to locate the spars accurately on the panel in accordance with the original engineering design, and in-spar ribs are attached to rib posts on the spar using accurately drilled coordination holes in the ends of the rib and in the rib post. The wing contour is determined by the configuration of the spars and ribs rather than by any conventional hard tooling which determines the wing contour in conventional processes.

Abstract: A path table operation is performed while updating the reference positions. When a read-out command in the path cycle table is read out, the reference positions are withdrawn and reset, and the respective axial positions at the time of the initiation of the path cycle command are stored. From the next period, the target positions are determined by adding the positions at the time of initiation to the respective axial positions corresponding to the reference positions stored in the path cycle table, and a path table operation is performed. A single path cycle table is sufficient for storing commands for portions to be repeatedly worked.

Abstract: A method for generating, by a direct process, a tool path for milling a region of a workpiece by a milling cutter is disclosed. The tool path consists of one or more passes. The method includes the steps of storing a maximum engagement of the milling cutter and defining each one of the one or more passes such that a value of the engagement, when traversing each one of the one or more passes, does not exceed the maximum value of engagement.

Abstract: A method of forming a three-dimensional object using an extrusion-based layered deposition system, the method comprising generating a build path for building a layer of the three-dimensional object, where the build path defines a void region. The method further comprising generating at least one intermediate path in the void region, and generating a remnant path based at least in part on the at least one intermediate path.

Abstract: The illustrative embodiments provide a method, apparatus, and computer usable program product for generating datamatrix barcodes on parts. A digital datamatrix code associated with a machined part on a numerically controlled machine tool is converted into an x-y drilling pattern contained in a numerically controlled program. A drill cycle associated with a numerically controlled program defines a pattern of dots to be drilled in the machined part to form a dot pattern. A dot pattern is drilled as a series of partially drilled holes on a surface of the machined part to form a datamatrix barcode mark.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a three-dimensional CAD-system for adding data about a drafting direction of a die to three-dimensional data about the part to be formed by that die, and a cost calculation system for calculating the cost of the part based on that drafting direction data. A three-dimensional model generation unit of a CAD system generates: a three-dimensional shaped model of a given part based on information coming from an input operation unit. A drafting direction data setting unit establishes drafting direction data when the input operation unit is operated to designate the drafting direction of the die for press molding, injection molding or the like of the part in question. A projected area calculation unit calculates a projected area S of the part on a plane perpendicular to the drafting direction of the applicable die on the basis of the three-dimensional model of that part and the drafting direction data involved.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system are disclosed for tuning core voltages of processors. One embodiment is a method for software execution. The method includes varying core voltages of plural processors operating in lockstep to determine an operating range for each of the plural processors, and adjusting the core voltages of the plural processors within the operating range to tune the plural processors.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a control unit (8) for guiding the displacement of a displaceable machine element (9) of a machine, said method comprising the following steps that are carried out in the control unit (8): a) input of a travel displacement (Xv) that is to be carried out by the machine element (9) and an optimisation criterion (OpK); b) determination of a displacement profile (Xsollk(t)) using the travel displacement that is to be carried out by the machine element (9) and the optimisation criterion (OpK), c) determination of a target position variable (Xsoll(n)) by means of the displacement profile (Xsollk(t)), d) output of the target position variable (Xsoll(n)) to a controller (6) for carrying out the travel displacement of the machine element (9). The invention provides a simple method and a simple control unit (8) for optimising the guidance of the displacement of a displaceable machine element (9) of a machine.

Abstract: In a scrubber adapted to clean a semiconductor wafer, the torque of a brush rotation motor is monitored while a scrubber brush is in contact with the wafer and is being rotated by the motor. The position of the brush relative to the wafer may be adjusted based on the monitored torque to regulate the pressure applied to the wafer by the brush. Open loop positioning or closed loop control may be employed.

Abstract: A machine for machining a work piece with at least one revolving or rotating tool, having a ball screw, which is pivoted by a fix and a floating bearing whereas the machine has a device for measuring the length of the extension of the ball screw. Furthermore, a method is provided for measuring and compensation a thermal displacement comprising the steps of: detecting the length U of the axis of the ball screw, detecting the length I2 of the axis of the ball screw, calculating the difference ?l of the length I1 extended axis and the reference length I2 of the axis and compensating the difference value to the correct value.

Abstract: Gauge system, including methods and apparatus, for positioning workpieces to be processed. In some embodiments, the gauge system may have a plurality of stops for positioning the end of a workpiece at distinct distances from a processing station. In some embodiments, the plurality of stops may be arrayed along a rail assembly having an adjustable length.

Abstract: A numerical controller capable of operating an auxiliary function at a target time or spindle position in performing operation based on table format data. An auxiliary function table is stored with auxiliary function commands M to be outputted corresponding to commanded reference times Lc and their corresponding operation delay times D. A reference time L is updated based in accordance with an override value. An auxiliary function command M and its corresponding operation delay time D are read from the auxiliary function table. The delay time D is corrected with the override value, and a reference time prior to a commanded reference time Lc by a margin equivalent to the corrected delay time is set as a command time Lr. If an override is entered, the delay time is corrected for the override amount and modified into an overridden reference time unit, and a command time for an auxiliary function is obtained and outputted based on the reference time unit.

Abstract: Methods and systems for fabricating a composite structure are provided. The method includes receiving data representing a portion of a surface of the structure, measuring a surface of the structure, the measured surface corresponding to the received surface wherein the measuring is performed with the structure in a flexed condition, and determining a difference in a first and a second direction between the measured surface and the received surface at areas that correspond to the measured surface. The method also includes determining a difference in a third direction, transmitting to a morphing algorithm the determined differences in the first, second, and third directions, and determining a position in the first, second, and third directions of a point on the surface in the flexed condition that corresponds to a respective point on the received surface when the structure is placed in the nominal condition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a CNC machine tool, especially a CNC lathe, comprising a horizontal main spindle. The unfinished parts to be machined are supplied to the machine tool horizontally to the working compartment by a handling device integrated into the CNC control, and are then supplied via the handling device to the chuck that is equipped with the horizontal main spindle. The machine tool according to the invention is especially suitable for small series machining.

Abstract: In a method for smoothing polylines in NC programs, the coordinates of points which, connected by linear segments, represent an original polyline, are shifted in a geometrical filter unit such that a resulting polyline, made up of coordinates of points, is smoothed as compared to the original polyline.

Abstract: A numerical controller capable of using G-code commands pursuant to ISO in a path table operation. Data of values L of a reference variable and positions of a controlled axis X on i th and (i+1) th lines are read from a path table and stored. Based on the i th and (i+1) th line data and an inputted value Lm of the reference variable, a motion path is obtained to output motion amounts of the controlled axis. Thereafter, an index i is updated, and the path table operation is performed in accordance with data in the path table and the inputted reference variable value. If a G-code is included in the read data during the path table operation, it is stored. When the reference variable value Lm reaches a reference variable value designated by a line in which the G-code is read, a command for the G-code is executed.

Abstract: Disclosed are a turning method and apparatus. The apparatus, which otherwise may be conventional, 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.

Abstract: A limited rotation motor optical scanning system is disclosed that includes a limited rotation motor scanner, a digital controller servo system, a position feedback unit, a wide angle compensation unit, a digital processor, and an adjustment unit. The limited rotation motor scanner element is adapted for directing an energy beam to at least one location within a field of view. The digital controlled servo system is adapted for controlling motion of the limited rotation motor scanner element in accordance with a servo command waveform. The position feedback unit is for providing a position feedback signal indicative of a rotational position of the limited rotation motor scanner element. The wide angle compensation unit is for receiving the position feedback signal and for providing a boost signal that is representative of a boost factor that compensates for torque constant variation with the rotational position of said limited rotation motor scanner element.

Abstract: In a method for operating controlled machines, a 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. Each of the profile segments is assigned at least one motion condition which influences this profile segment, and each motion condition includes at least one tripping event and at least one action event associated with this tripping event and tripped by the tripping event, and the action event influences the applicable profile segment.

Abstract: A complex procedural surface can be expressed based on some constructive solid geometry operations performed on primitive procedural surfaces. The domain based representation of the complex procedural surface includes implicit curves of intersection. During pre-processing, the parts of the domain based representation to be triangulated are first sub-divided into simple triangles not bound on any side by an edge related to the parameterized regions of the implicit curve and curve visibility triangles. The coarse pre-processed triangulated mesh is later refined during runtime by further sub-dividing the coarse mesh to add triangles with curve based edges and non-curve based edges to generate a mesh of sampling triangles. The more refined sampling triangle mesh is further refined by applying geometry instancing to map appropriate instance meshes into the appropriate sampling triangles to create an even more refined triangulated mesh at runtime for rendering.

Abstract: A controller for motor activation providing accurate and repeatable position changes by pressing and releasing a push button switch. Repeatable position changes are made in an advance direction by triggering a digital counter for a predetermined number of cycles of a reference clock signal. Backlash in retard motion of the motor is reduced by similarly asserting a retard motor input for an amount of time determined by another digital counter with a following advance correction made automatically after the retard signal is applied, by applying a predetermined retard-advance movement amount, as again counted by a digital counter. The advance binary amount, the retard binary amount and the retard-advance binary amount of set through binary switch inputs to respective counters to count the respective time periods (TG3, TG1, and TG2).

Abstract: A trajectory planning process receives data generated by high-level control software. This data defines positions and scan velocities. The trajectory planning process creates sequences of constant acceleration intervals that allow critical motions to be executed at maximum throughput. The trajectory planning process outputs a profile. A profile executor, using the profile output by the trajectory planner process, generates continuous synchronized, filtered, multi-axis position and acceleration commands that drive control servos. Time intervals generated by the trajectory planner are quantized to be integer multiples of a real time clock period. The trajectory planner outputs have infinite jerk, but are smoothed by filters in the profile executor to both limit jerk and minimize servo-tracking errors. The trajectory planner allows time for the profile executor filters, but does not restrict fine tuning of the shape of these filters, provided that the width of the tuned filter does not exceed the allowed time.

Abstract: A method of controlling the movement of a processing head of a machine tool includes monitoring the position of the processing head along a first coordinate direction, monitoring the movement of the processing head along a second coordinate direction different from the first coordinate direction, and limiting the acceleration or the change in acceleration of the processing head along the second coordinate direction to a value below a predetermined maximum value, wherein the predetermined maximum value depends on the position of the processing head along the first coordinate direction.

Abstract: System and method for utilizing a drawing specification for motion control. A plurality of elements in a drawing specification may be automatically identified. The elements may include one or more lines, polygons, arcs, splines, alphanumeric characters, and/or ellipses. Additionally, the drawing specification may be a drawing or digital drafting file, e.g., an AutoCAD file, among others. An order of the plurality of elements may be automatically determined according to a sorting algorithm. The sorting algorithm may include a geometric and/or radial sorting algorithm. The radial sorting algorithm may specify the order of the elements according to nesting, e.g., nesting order and depth, and/or distance from the center of the drawing specification. Code may be automatically generated for implementing motion control based on the identified elements and the determined order. The generated code may include inserted operations such as raise, lower, and move operations, among others.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a component using a tool includes determining an actual property of a region of the component, comparing the actual property of the region of the component with an expected property of the region to determine a difference between the actual property and the expected property, and updating a path of the tool that is electronically stored in a memory and executable by a processor for fabricating the component based on the difference between the actual property and the expected property of the region.