Abstract: A method for generating data defining a tool path for a numerically controlled machine is designed for generating machining tool path data without establishing offset plane data so that the machining tool path depth data can be established for discontinuous, surfaced, offset planes which might otherwise cause interference in the tool path. The method includes the steps of forming a plurality of patches defining a three-dimensional plane to be machined, subdividing each patch into a predetermined number of segments as divided by a plurality of dividing points, with the number of segments being variable depending upon the distance between adjacent dividing points so that the distance is maintained to be smaller than the machining area of a machine tool. The machining depth at each dividing point within the tool path is derived with respect to the maximum height position at which the machining tool comes into contact with the dividing point.

Abstract: A number of improvements relating to methods and apparatuses for kidney dialysis are disclosed.

Abstract: A controller for a cutting machine has a machining power extracting unit for extracting machining power related to machining from the consumed power of the cutting machine, a detection range setter for setting a detection range for the machining power thus extracted, an integrator for integrating output values of the machining power extracting unit within the detection range thus set, a maximum value detector for detecting the maximum value of the output values of the machining power extracting unit within the detection range, and a judging unit for comparing an input signal with a variable comparative reference value and producing a control signal if the input signal exceeds the comparative reference value. The judging unit has an input which is selectively connectable to the machining power extracting unit, the integrator and the maximum value detector.

Abstract: In a sewing machine having a remote battery powered foot pedal control, that communicates with the sewing machine proper via a wireless signal, a monitoring system that periodically monitors the status of the battery and provides that information from the foot pedal control, along with speed instructions, to the sewing machine proper. A display on the sewing machine informs the operator when battery change time is approaching and when replacement is urgently needed. If the battery is not replaced when replacement is urgent, the sewing machine ceases operations.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus and method for the presentation of mail to the post office with assurance that postage has been paid for each mail piece. It is more particularly concerned with mail on which there is no evidence of postage payment, such as permit mail. This is accomplished by weighing each mail piece to determine the weight, packaging the mail either in batches with a fixed weight or in batches with variable weight that gives but fixed stack dimension and sending a statement sheet to the post office that gives the number of mail pieces in a batch of mail, the weight of the batch and the postage due.

Abstract: A method of processing sheets, comprising: providing portable sheet supporting structure including electronic structure for storing data; stacking a plurality of sheets in the sheet supporting structure in an order for feeding each sheet from the sheet supporting structure; and storing data relating to each sheet in the data storing structure in said order for feeding the sheets.

Abstract: A method for forwarding automatically liquid samples, etc. and a device for realizing same are disclosed, in which needle forwarding information for forwarding a needle is stored in a memory so that the needle can be inserted in sample vessels mounts on a sample vessel table. The needle is forwarded to the position of a desired sample vessel on the basis of the needle forwarding information stored in the memory apparatus and procedure to be inserted therein so that liquid sample is sucked and ejected through the needle. The storage of the needle forwarding information is effected by first setting apparatus and procedure for setting the needle forwarding information by inputting numerical values by means of an inputting device or second setting apparatus and procedure for setting the magnitude of the forwarding when the needle is really forwarded as the needle forwarding information.

Abstract: A tool abnormality detecting device for a machine tool for machining a work with a machining tool selected according to a machining program. The device has a machining load detector for detecting a load during machining with a machining tool. A memory is provided to store threshold data for judging a tool life, detection starting time data and detection time data for each machining stage carried out with respective machining tools. Further the device is provided with a comparison/judgement unit for judging abnormality of the tool by taking detection data corresponding to the machining tool from the memory and comparing an output value of the machining load detector with a threshold within a detection time set in the detection data.

Abstract: A numerical control information generating system evaluates all the factors comprehensively in determination of a machining method simply by comparing a threshold with a sum of evaluation values of plural judgement factors. The evaluation values of the judgement factors may be obtained by an evaluation function assigned to each of the factors. If the evaluation values are defined to be varying continuously, they become close to dimensions which are approximate to each other. This may minimize the inconveniences heretofore caused in determination of a machining method such that an extremely small dimensional difference in a step distinguishes a face machining from a longitudinal machining. If the weight which is to be multiplied on each of the judgement factors is suitably varied, the factors may easily be selected or prioritized according to the intent of an operator. Moreover, the ratio of the face machining against the longitudinal machining may be adjusted by suitably setting a threshold.

Abstract: A noncontact tracing control system for machining or digitizing a workpiece through tracing the shape of a model without a contact therewith. Coordinate values of each vertex of a micro quadrangle on a model surface (6) are obtained from measured values at the previous sampling and the present sampling from two noncontact distance detectors (5a, 5b), a normal direction is obtained using the coordinate values of three necessary vertexes thereof, and the rotation of two axes (B1, C1) of a tracer head (4) is controlled in this direction. Accordingly, optical measuring axes of the noncontact distance detectors are always at a right angle to the model surface, which enables a distance measuring with a high accuracy.

Abstract: An automated production line monitoring system is presented to provide; setting and control of process parameters necessary to operate the various automated processing machine units installed on the line; and surveillance of abnormalities which may occur in the line. The line operator, working in a centralized CRT display and control center, monitors CRT screens showing: an operational preparation display consisting mostly of output signals from various sensors; an operational mode display showing a table of control switches; an interlock display showing various interlocked machine units; a product-type display showing processing steps to be performed on current product; an abnormality list display showing causes of various abnormalities on the line; a status display showing the operating conditions of various machine units; step monitor display showing the sequential step numbers of a production cycle; unit stepping display showing the details of the respective steps shown in the unit stepping display.

Abstract: In a method for determining a groove machining process based on numerical control information generating functions, a groove machining process is automatically determined based on characteristics of shape elements adjacent to groove shape elements as well as the shapes of the groove shape elements. The groove machining process can therefore be easily optimized.

Abstract: An improved setpoint control system is disclosed for use in conjunction with process control equipment. The system generates signals representing a statistical characteristic of batches, or subgroups, of monitored values of a controlled variable. From these statistical characteristic signals, the system generates an optimum setpoint signal as a sum of a specification limit and a scaled value of the standard deviation of averages of each of a plurality of batches controlled variable values.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a production control system for dealing with the demand of producing many kinds of products in small quantities within a short delivery period by improving productivity of production lines and unmanned operation of the lines. The production control system has a plurality of facilities (1) including parts mounters (14) for processing products through processes, cell controllers (2) for controlling the facilities, a line control system (3) for centrally controlling all the cell controllers, and a transporting unit (4) controlled by the line control system to transport the products between the facilities. The line control system (3) comprises a unit (401) for preparing a detailed execution schedule by considering, in real time, a schedule of a relatively short period extracted from a schedule of a relatively long period, half-finished conditions of the products in a line, and actual events.

Abstract: In a numerical control of a machine tool, the relation between the total number of instructions, or the range of movement of the movable member of the machine tool and the actual amount of movement is not represented by a straight line but periodically change sinusoidally over substantially equal ranges of movement, due to a lead error of a ball screw used for moving the movable element. For the purpose of correctly compensate the position error in a short time, the total range of movement of the movable element is divided into a plurality of ranges, and start and end points of movement, types of movement of respective ranges and periods thereof are stored in memory means. The actual position of the movable element and the data stored in the memory means are used to correct the actual position of the movable member.

Abstract: A coin operated, computer controlled vending machine prints and dispenses novelty business cards, change of address cards and the like. The vending machine comprises a computer having a keyboard and video screen. The vending machine includes a card dispenser, a printer and a coin acceptor which are interconnected with and controlled by the computer. When a user inserts a minimum preset amount of money into the coin acceptor, the card dispenser is activated whereby a preset number of blank cards are dispensed to the user. The computer is simultaneously activated and prompts the user to input the information to be printed onto the cards. The information to be printed on the cards is keyed into the computer and is visually displayed on the video screen. Various printed card formats are available.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for measuring surface treatment coverage, and more particularly, to such methods for measuring shot peening coverage. Such methods generally employ an automated computer analysis of the peened surface coverage by analyzing surface line traces to determine when a particular surface has been surface hardened enough.

Abstract: A method of continuously self configuring a distributed control system. The method comprises scanning a plurality of potential address codes to locate an active object (13). Software senses an identity code (17) which is associated with the active object (13). Then a machine map (14) is built which provides the current address code (15, 31) of the active object (13). Within a network (28), a network map (21) is constructed by getting information from the appropriate machine map (14) for each computer (23). The network map (21) provides the current network address (32) of each active object (13) available to the network (28).

Abstract: A method for perforating a printed circuit board on two perforating position identifying patterns using two perforating devices which have respective coordinate systems, wherein the two patterns are imaged by TV cameras. The pattern positions are detected by an image processing device with image signals. An inter-pattern spacing is calculated based on the detected values of the pattern positions, using an arithmetic circuit. An error between an inter-perforating-hole spacing and an inter-pattern spacing is calculated. Perforating positions are calculated from the patterns by the arithmetic circuit. A perforating control circuit controls the two perforating members to perforate at the printed circuit board at the same time.

Abstract: Scheduling software provides date and time allocation of resources to a sequence of processes for manufacturing a desired item. Scheduling is performed by a backward-forward method and alternatively by an backward-jump forward method to meet a requested due date. Resources are dynamically allocated to satisfy processes according to pre-established rules for allocation. Also resources are allocated in certain amounts or in a predetermined pattern to minimize waste or left over amounts of the resource. To allocate certain resources, purchase or production of the resource is scheduled first.