Abstract: A method for determining dimensions of an engraved cell formed by an electronic engraving machine, is described. During a test engraving period, test cells are engraved with desired dimensions defining predefined desired tonal values. An engraving element controlled by an engraving control signal is used for engraving a sequence of cells into a rotating printing cylinder resulting in engraved cells. Actual dimensions of the engraved cells represent actual tonal values. A measuring apparatus constructed as a mobile cell measuring instrument is placed on the printing cylinder to be measured. The actual dimensions of the engraved cells are measured and the actual dimensions are compared with the desired dimensions to obtain setting values for calibrating the engraving control signal such that the actual tonal values correspond to the desired tonal values. The actual dimensions of the engraved cells are transmitted wirelessly to a measured value receiver for further processing.

Abstract: A method is provided for evaluating and marking deviations of a surface of a part from a design standard for the surface. The method comprises determining a point deviation for each of a plurality of points on the surface and determining deviation regions for the surface. Each deviation region includes only surface points having point deviations within a predefined deviation range associated with the deviation region. The method further comprises preparing a graphical representation of the surface illustrating the deviation regions and applying a copy of the graphical representation to the surface.

Abstract: The chuck 10, for positioning and holding a pipe at any rotational angle position around the axial center, is provided with the three dimensional linear processing machine. When the machining program PRO is composed, a plurality of the shape patterns KPT classified machining modes concerning pipes by machining shape is displayed on the display 23. Furthermore, dimensional data item concerning selected shape pattern is displayed on the display 23. Then, the machining program PRO is composed on the basis of the input code parameter CP and the selected shape pattern KPT. Besides, shift quantity TMz and TMy are measured when the pipe to be machined is installed on the chuck 10, and on the basis of this, the machining program PRO is amended and executed.

Abstract: A process of manufacturing tissue implant products with optimum use of material from irregularly shaped tissue stock. Also disclosed is a process of imaging tissue used for implant manufacture wherein data obtained from an imaging device, interfaces with a computer software system to create a production-yield analysis. By automating the evaluation and allocation processes associated with manufacture of implants, the current invention maximizes the amount of tissue recovered from donated samples, increases processing efficiency, decreases cost of production by eliminating the need for post machining sterilization, and improves the quality of product produced.

Abstract: A surface texture measuring apparatus allowing effects of vibration disturbance to be removed and a highly accurate measurement to be achieved. The surface texture measuring apparatus is further provided with a small surface texture measuring apparatus, which detects the amount of vibration of a workpiece while maintaining a detecting device in contact with the surface of the workpiece without moving the device along the workpiece. The main surface texture measuring apparatus conducts measurement with a high accuracy based on the detected unevenness value of the surface of the workpiece and on the amount of vibration detected by the small surface texture measuring apparatus.

Abstract: An analogue probe having a stylus with a spherical tip of radius (r) is calibrated using a sphere of known radius (R) mounted on a machine. The stylus tip is driven into the sphere from a plurality of directions (at least 9), each nominally normal to the sphere surface, until the stylus has deflected a predetermined amount. The machine movement is then reversed, and probe (a,b,c) deflection outputs are recorded simultaneously with machine (X,Y,Z) axis positions until the stylus tip leaves the surface. The readings are extrapolated to obtain the (X,Y,Z) readings when the probe radial deflection is zero. The value of (R+r)is determined from these readings along with the position of the sphere centre giving a value with zero probe errors. Values of (R+r) are also determined using a pre-selected radial deflection for each of the directions, by converting probe (a,b,c) outputs at that deflection to incremental machine (X,Y,Z) axis values using a trial probe transformation matrix.

Abstract: The nominal configuration of a workpiece is stored in a multiaxis numerically controlled machine. The workpiece is probed in the machine to determine an offset from the nominal configuration. The workpiece is then shifted by the offset to correspond with the nominal configuration. The workpiece is then machined according to the nominal configuration.

Abstract: A portable electronic device incorporates PEM fuel cells and is designed to operate by the reaction of hydrogen from a hydride-containing fuel container and oxygen from the air, while efficiently removing the product water by a novel water transportation system. Temperature is effectively controlled by placing a plurality of fuel cell subunits as a generally planar array in the lid of the PC adjacent a heat transfer plate. A particularly efficient resupply system is provided where an electrolyzer that supplies H2 at a pressure sufficient to continue to power the PC and simultaneously recharge an operatively-connected container and a second spare container in the electrolyzer.

Abstract: In a grinding machine a measurement arrangement is provided for the monitoring of the processing of a work piece, especially to make tools. The measuring arrangement uses, preferably, combined transmitted-light and incident-light based techniques so that both the edges and surfaces and depressions on the work piece are detected precisely. The automatic measurements makes it possible to automatically adjust the process parameters for the grinding process so that changes due to temperature drift, mechanical imprecisions of the mechanical system of the grinding machine or wear on the grinding disks are automatically compensated. This makes possible production of relatively large batches within very close tolerances and with high precision.

Abstract: Numerically controlled surface processing wherein contour coordinates of a workpiece clamped in a clamping device are determined in a number of default positions by a sensor, and the coordinates are imaged point by point. Through interpolation of these coordinates, at least one continuous function for the contour profile of one coordinate is determined in one spatial direction from at least one other coordinate in a second spatial direction.

Abstract: In order to produce a reproduction of an object such as a human face, a three-dimensional form of the object is measured with a three-dimensional measuring device, and the measured form is displayed. After a user approves the displayed form, a material is worked according to the measured form to work a reproduction of the object. If the user cancels the displayed form, the form is measured again and the measured form is displayed. Characteristics of the measured form are extracted, and an appropriate material is selected among a plurality of materials. On the other hand, the data of the measured form are converted to work data with reference to the size and the quality of a product to be worked which have been stored in a database. Preferably, the data are compressed in the depth direction in order to shorten the working time. Then, the material is worked in a series of processes from the form input to the working in a simple way, and the user can obtained a desired three-dimensional reproduction.

Abstract: In a method and system to control an engraving device for the engraving of printing forms by means of an engraving tool controlled by a driving system, set engraving values for the cups along with engraving signal values are produced from engraving data as a control signal for the driving system. Working strokes of the engraving tool and distances between the printing form and the engraving tool are measured and actual values of engraving depth are determined from the differences and compared to set engraving depth values. The control signal is turned on at beginning of engraving and off when the engraving depth is reached. Set values for pressure force and tracking force are obtained and compared to actual pressure force values applied to the engraving tool and the actual tractive force values applied to a return element of the engraving tool. Exceeded set values are indicated.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for measuring an original key, a line of the light is focused onto the key surface in a direction perpendicular to the key surface. A camera, or other type of detector is disposed to receive light deflected by the key at an oblique angle. The keyway and keycode of the key can be determined from the deflected pattern of light.

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 novel, portable coordinate measuring machine comprises a multijointed (preferably six joints) manually positionable measuring arm for accurately and easily measuring a volume. In addition to the articulated measuring arm, the present invention employs a software interface which permits the arm to be used in connection with one or more applications programs.

Abstract: A method of controlling a dispensing system, having a robot that moves along a motion segment and applies a material to a workpiece, automatically determines a backup distance for the robot after an error has occurred during the dispensing of a first portion of the material. The backup distance is based on an operational speed of the robot. The robot is relocated to a backup position based on this backup distance to ensure that the robot reaches the operational speed at least by a time that the robot reaches a re-application position. The re-application position is at or near where the application of the first portion of the material ended. Therefore, gaps, overlaps, and puddles in the material on the workpiece are prevented.

Abstract: A method for controlling a machining process of a workpiece includes a step of measuring amounts of machining of the workpiece by a plurality of sensors located at different positions on the workpiece, the sensors providing detection signals which represent the respective measured amounts, a step of removing the detection signal when the detection signal has an abnormal value which is extremely different in comparison with values of the other detection signals by using a smoothing method, and a step of controlling the machining of the workpiece depending upon the remaining detection signals from the sensors.

Abstract: A robot apparatus for detecting a sound signal outputted from a sound signal generating unit to move to a position of the sound signal generating device, wherein the sound signal has a specific pattern, includes: at least three sound receiving unit (114) for receiving the sound signal; a phase difference detecting unit (118) for detecting a phase difference between each sound signal from the sound receiving unit (114); a processing unit (125) for determining a position of the sound generating unit using the phase difference, to generate a moving control signal; and a moving unit (130) for moving the robot apparatus in response to the moving control signal.

Abstract: An apparatus for calculating an operating time of a measuring machine, includes: a part program storing unit storing a part program; a command analyzing unit extracting commands relating to movement of a measurement probe from the part program stored in the part program storing unit, calculating operating times required for the measuring machine to implement the respective extracted commands, on the basis of movement parameters for the movement of said measurement probe, and summing up the calculated operating times to calculate a total operating time from a start of measurement to an end of measurement; and a displaying unit displaying the total operating time thus calculated by the command analyzing unit.

Abstract: So as to achieve accurate detection of the bonding tool position in, for instance, a wire bonding apparatus, the positional relationship between a position detection camera and a reference hole formed in, for instance, a clamper is measured by imaging the reference hole by the position detection camera. The position detection camera and a bonding tool are moved by an XY table, and the tip end of the bonding tool is inserted into the reference hole. Then, the bonding tool is moved in the X and Y directions, and the contact of the bonding tool to an edge of the reference hole is detected based upon changes in the waveform of the ultrasonic vibrations applied to the bonding tool, thus measuring the positional relationship between the tool and the reference hole. The offset amount between the position detection camera and the bonding tool is then determined based upon the measured values and the amounts of movement of the bonding tool between the locations for such measured values.

Abstract: A machine tool is controlled through a process incorporating the steps of (1) measuring geometric and thermal errors with accurate instruments, (2) creating a global differential wet model of machine tool position, and (3) using this model to control real time compensation of machine tool operation. A controller modifies encoder-type position feedback signals used by the machine to compensate for geometric and thermal errors in the manner dictated by the global differential wet model.

Abstract: A portable electronic system which obtains power from a dry-electrolyte fuel cell. Water which is produced by the fuel cell is atomized by an ultrasonic transducer, to avoid user inconvenience due to reservoirs or dripping.

Abstract: A method of and system for increasing the efficiency of drillers in performing drilling operations measures performance parameters of drilling events performed by drillers, stores measurements of the performance parameters in a database, and displays a measurement of a selected performance parameter for a selected driller.

Abstract: The Boiler Automated Welding System (BAWS) is an automatic welding system for repair of worn boiler tubes in cyclone boilers. Repair of these tubes is essential for extending the life of this component used within electrical power plants. The BAWS utilizes: 1) a multiaxis positioner which forms the required cylindrical coordinate motion system, 2) a tube tracking systems for determination of motion paths during welding, 3) a two axis gimbaled welding torch holder for orientation of the welds relative to the motion path, 4) an integrated welding system and 5) a computer controller which coordinates these devices in a logical method. The BAWS multiaxis positioner allows for orientation of the system within the cyclone boiler to take advantage of the symmetry of the tube layout (cylindrical coordinates). The positioner allows each individual tube to be scanned and a weld path determined using a laser scanning device.

Abstract: A system for analyzing the quality of the sawing of a material which includes a scanning unit, a cut parameter identifier and a cut analyzer. The scanning unit scans along cuts of the material and views at least a portion of a cut. The cut parameter identifier identifies and stores parameters of the viewed cut portion. The cut analyzer analyzes the parameters of a multiplicity of viewed cut portions and which determines the quality of the cuts therefrom.

Abstract: A method of operating a coordinate measuring machine (CMM) provides the operator with the ability to automatically set the tolerance value of the part measurement based on preset conditions, and make an educated guess or estimate of the nominal part value during the measurement. This nominal estimation technique is based on the actual measurement value taken by the CMM, and the information supplied about the tolerance limits. This estimation technique of the present invention makes it much easier for the operator to measure the part and produce a report, since it significantly reduces the amount of operator keystroke information required to be manually input via the keyboard.

Abstract: A method and apparatus measures cylinder head combustion chambers and provides inputs to machines which can perform operations to assure that all combustion chambers are at a correct volume. Also disclosed are devices for matching volumes of engine assemblies as well as precise machining of gears, turbine blades and other parts. Measurements are ideally made via electro-optical sensors, particularly triangulating types.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring three-dimensional (3-D) coordinates. A 3-D object can be digitized into a mesh representation manipulable by a computer system by tracing a stylus of a probe apparatus over surfaces of the object. The probe apparatus includes an arm having a series of linkages and joints. The arm can be assembled by placing the joints of the arm in joint fixtures a desired distance and angle apart and bonding the joints to a linkage. The probe apparatus is calibrated by placing the tip of the stylus at an arbitrary point in a work volume and varying the stylus' orientation to find error values and determine calibration parameters. The sensors of the probe apparatus are zeroed by placing the probe apparatus in the only possible home position and assigning assumed starting angles to the sensors. A rotary table can be used to support the object being digitized, where the rotation of the rotary table and object during digitization is sensed and included in coordinate calculations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring three-dimensional (3-D) coordinates. A 3-D object can be digitized into a mesh representation manipulable by a computer system by tracing a stylus of a probe apparatus over surfaces of the object. The probe apparatus includes an arm having a series of linkages and joints. The arm can be assembled by placing the joints of the arm in joint fixtures a desired distance and angle apart and bonding the joints to a linkage. The probe apparatus is calibrated by placing the tip of the stylus at an arbitrary point in a work volume and varying the stylus' orientation to find error values and determine calibration parameters. The sensors of the probe apparatus are zeroed by placing the probe apparatus in the only possible home position and assigning assumed starting angles to the sensors. A rotary table can be used to support the object being digitized, where the rotation of the rotary table and object during digitization is sensed and included in coordinate calculations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring three-dimensional (3-D) coordinates. A 3-D object can be digitized into a mesh representation manipulable by a computer system by tracing a stylus of a probe apparatus over surfaces of the object. The probe apparatus includes an arm having a series of linkages and joints. The arm can be assembled by placing the joints of the arm in joint fixtures a desired distance and angle apart and bonding the joints to a linkage. The probe apparatus is calibrated by placing the tip of the stylus at an arbitrary point in a work volume and varying the stylus' orientation to find error values and determine calibration parameters. The sensors of the probe apparatus are zeroed by placing the probe apparatus in the only possible home position and assigning assumed starting angles to the sensors. A rotary table can be used to support the object being digitized, where the rotation of the rotary table and object during digitization is sensed and included in coordinate calculations.

Abstract: Method and system are provided for building a data model of a physical part in a data format useful for reproduction of the part. The system preferably includes a Moire interferometry system including a camera mounted on a portable coordinate measuring system (CMM) to obtain high density data scans in the form of 3-D point data from different positions and orientations of the interferometry system relative to the part. The CMM provides position data to enable an engineering workstation to convert the data scans obtained in multiple local coordinate systems into a single global coordinate system. The engineering workstation then integrates the data scans in the global coordinate system and joins the point data to form a polygonal structure corresponding to multiple continuous surfaces of the physical part. From this data, a tool path can be generated to cut a reproduction of the part or a mold for molding the reproduction.

Abstract: A method and system for routing a digital probe which signals either a triggered or non-triggered state to continuously scan a part surface without having to return to a rest position each time the probe is triggered. The probe is carried by manufacturing equipment capable of moving in response to control signals and providing manufacturing equipment feedback signals indicating the current position of the probe. Continuous movement of the digital probe is achieved by testing the probe to determine if it is triggered or not at a series of closely spaced time intervals, and rotating a move vector (corresponding to desired probe velocity) in each computation cycle to alter the probe trajectory as a function of the operating state of the probe and its position during the previous computation cycle. These techniques allow relatively inexpensive digital probing systems to gather data at speeds comparable to those of much more expensive analog systems.

Abstract: A machine-side position detection control unit (20) is provided in order to read a position feedback signal of a position detector (64) associated with a control axis (X axis) requiring machine-side position detection for controlling of a closed loop system. This makes unnecessary for providing a position detection control unit in a servoamplifier (30, 40, 50) for each axis. A numerical control unit (10) and the servoamplifier (30, 40, 50) for each axis are connected in a daisy chain form by a serial communication line.

Abstract: To determine whether a machine tool is operating effectively, the present invention system, instead of directly measuring the operating parameters of the machine tool, monitors the presence or absence of any holes made by the machine tool and the quality of those holes, if made. The operational effectiveness of the machine tool is then correlated with the data thus monitored.

Abstract: In a machine tool, a component such as a grinding wheel acts on a workpiece to form the latter into a circularly asymmetric shape, for example, a crankpin. Movement of the grinding wheel is controlled by a control signal which is derived from theoretical relative positions and positional velocities of the grinding wheel relative to the workpiece. In the course of at least one revolution of the workpiece, the respective positions of the grinding wheel relative to the workpiece are measured for each of a succession of angular positions of the workpiece. The measured positions are compared with corresponding theoretical positions and data indicative of any differences are stored, and then used to modify the control signal during a subsequent revolution of the workpiece so as to compensate for any of said differences and thereby reduce the magnitude of any error which would have resulted from the measured positional differences.