Abstract: A method and apparatus for executing a set-up cycle of operation to automatically move a cutting tool and workpiece into close proximity from an unknown positional relationship. After selecting the set-up mode of operation, the cutting tool and workpiece are moved together; and upon detecting superficial contact, the cutting tool and workpiece are separated by a selectable distance. The cycle of operation may also be used to establish the absolute position of the working edge of the cutting tool from which subsequent cutting tool motion may be measured.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for modifying coordinate data in a machining program in response to workpiece measurements made by a programmably controlled surface sensing element. The location of the workpiece and position of workpiece characteristics are determined by a series of programmed scanning cycles. The maximum, minimum and average measured positions of points on a workpiece surface are stored and may be used to calculate position offsets which may be used to modify a machining program. Further, the measured positions and offsets may be tested against programmed maximum and minimum limits to determine if the measured positions are within a tolerance band. In one embodiment, the positions of points on the workpiece surface are measured by a cutting tool operating in conjunction with a torque measuring circuit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for transporting products to and from the machine function operating stations of an integrated machine. The apparatus provides a table for carrying the products which is rotatably indexed by a drive system as required by the overall machine cycle of operation. The indexing drive system comprises an indexer, a driving motor, a brake, means for monitoring the orientation of the table and indexer input and circuitry operative to control the motor and brake to execute the cycle of operation of the indexer while simultaneously initiating activity of the machine operating station mechanisms in accordance with the disclosed method.

Abstract: The apparatus is for controlling the generation of dot matrix characters of a plurality of fonts for display on the screen of a cathode ray tube. The apparatus uses character generators responsive to signals representing a code specifying a particular character. The character generator for each font is driven by a clock derived from a single clock source. The outputs of the character generators can be selectively used to control the duty cycle of the cathode ray tube electron beam so as to display characters all of one font or mixed from all fonts.

Abstract: A computer control is utilized to exclusively control the cycles of operation of a machine. The computer control contains a memory for storing a part program defining a number of independent machine processes. Each machine process is defined by a series of machine functions. In accordance with the execution of a part program or the exercise of pushbuttons, the control requests the execution of a machine process. An instruction block defining the first function in the process is examined, and the actual states of selected input signals defining the current machine conditions are compared to predetermined states. If there is a difference between the actual and predetermined states of the selected input signals, an error signal is generated identifying the selected input signals which are in error. If the actual and predetermined states are the same, an output signal is transferred to the machine to actuate a device thereby executing the first function.