Abstract: A computer system and method for the assisted setup of an instrumented computer-controlled machine tool table, which in principle manufactures only good parts, is disclosed. The invention allows a plurality of users, such as machinists, designers, administrators, and showroom operators, to access and share data related to computer-assisted setup (CAS) of an instrumented computer-controlled machine tool table in a manner that is interactive in real time and internal to the CAS infrastructure architecture.

Abstract: A non-volatile computer readable storage medium has instructions executed by a processor to collect from a communication interface a first set of probe signals from a three dimensional axis gauge characterizing axis directions of a table. Axes directions for the table relative to a vise on the table are computed from the first set of probe signals. A second set of probe signals from electronic gauge blocks that characterize position of the table are collected from the communication interface. Actual table positions are computed from the second set of probe signals. Table position residuals between the actual table positions and desired table positions are computed. The table position residuals are conveyed to the communication interface.

Abstract: A non-transitory computer readable storage medium has instructions executed by a processor to compute an x-axis axial position based upon a first host border measurement signal, a second host border measurement signal, first x-axis axial measurement signals and second x-axis axial measurement signals. A y-axis axial position is computed based upon the first host border measurement signal, the second host border measurement signal, first y-axis axial measurement signals and second y-axis axial measurement signals. A z-axis axial position is computed based upon the first host border measurement signal, the second host border measurement signal, first z-axis axial measurement signals and second z-axis axial measurement signals. The operation of a computer numerical control milling machine is coordinated based upon the x-axis axial position, the y-axis axial position and the z-axis axial position.

Abstract: An apparatus to assist a machinist in the setup of a remote computer controlled machine tool table has an X-axis electronic gauge block assembly, a Y-axis electronic gauge block assembly, and a Z-axis electronic gauge block assembly each positioned on the machine tool table, to respectively collect X-axis probe position values, Y-axis probe position values, and Z-axis probe position values. Environmental sensors collect environmental values. An electronics processing system establishes a raw X-axis probe position, a raw Y-axis probe position, and a raw Z-axis probe position. A wireless interface transmits the environmental values, the raw X-axis probe position value, the raw Y-axis probe position value, and the raw Z-axis probe position value to the remote computer and receives from the remote computer refined probe position values to assist the machinist in the setup of the machine tool table.

Abstract: An apparatus to assist a machinist in the setup of a remote computer controlled machine tool table has an X-axis electronic gauge block assembly, a Y-axis electronic gauge block assembly, and a Z-axis electronic gauge block assembly each positioned on the machine tool table, to respectively collect X-axis probe position values, Y-axis probe position values, and Z-axis probe position values. Environmental sensors collect environmental values. An electronics processing system establishes a raw X-axis probe position, a raw Y-axis probe position, and a raw Z-axis probe position. A wireless interface transmits the environmental values, the raw X-axis probe position value, the raw Y-axis probe position value, and the raw Z-axis probe position value to the remote computer and receives from the remote computer refined probe position values to assist the machinist in the setup of the machine tool table.

Abstract: An apparatus for finding a machine tool origin includes a probe, a base, and a sensor positioned on a first side of the base. Probe engagement components are configured for movable engagement with a probe of the machine tool to produce electronic signals processed by electronic circuitry to provide a signal indicative of the machine tool origin. Mechanical positioning components are positioned on a second side of the base. The mechanical positioning components include a pedestal with a first tab (301) and a second tab (302) aligned to be operable as a mechanical stop with the first tab (301) corresponding to a position of a left-hand origin (107) for the machine tool and the first tab (301) and a third tab (303) aligned to be operable as a mechanical stop with the first tab (301) corresponding to a position of a right-hand origin (108) for the machine tool.

Abstract: An apparatus for finding a machine tool origin includes a base and a sensor positioned on a first side of the base. The sensor includes probe engagement components and electronic circuitry. The probe engagement components are configured for movable engagement with a probe of the machine tool to produce electronic signals processed by the electronic circuitry to provide a signal indicative of the machine tool origin. Mechanical positioning components are positioned on a second side of the base. The mechanical positioning components include a pedestal with a first tab and a second tab aligned to be operable as a mechanical stop with the second tab corresponding to the position of a right-hand origin for the machine tool and the second tab and a third tab aligned to be operable as a mechanical stop with the second tab corresponding to the position of a left-hand origin for the machine tool.

Abstract: A method and device for moving optical beams including a conduit and an attached, independently movable structure that moves the conduit with up to 6 degrees of freedom both controlled and restricted as required. This structure may include a conductor positioned by an electromagnetic field generator. A cam or flexible capacitor plate or combination of such could also form the independently moveable structures. A control provides a current through the conductor, thereby providing a force on the conductor to move the conduit. A position sensor detects the position of the conduit and provides feedback to the control to aid in accurate and rapid movement.

Abstract: A method and device for moving optical beams including a conduit and an attached, independently movable structure that moves the conduit with up to 6 degrees of freedom both controlled and restricted as required. This structure may include a conductor positioned by an electromagnetic field generator. A cam or flexible capacitor plate or combination of such could also form the independently moveable structures. A control provides a current through the conductor, thereby providing a force on the conductor to move the conduit. A position sensor detects the position of the conduit and provides feedback to the control to aid in accurate and rapid movement.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for scanning of optical beams are disclosed. A beam is optically coupled to an optical conduit, and the optical conduit is made to bend. A set of positions of the optical conduit is measured and the optical conduit is bent. The properties of the exiting light beam are determined by the optical conduit and the bending of the optical conduit, thereby scanning the beam.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for scanning of optical beams are disclosed. A beam is optically coupled to an optical conduit, and the optical conduit is made to bend. A set of positions of the optical conduit is measured and the optical conduit is bent. The properties of the exiting light beam are determined by the optical conduit and the bending of the optical conduit, thereby scanning the beam.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for scanning of optical beams are disclosed. A beam is optically coupled to an optical conduit, and the optical conduit is made to bend. A set of positions of the optical conduit is measured and the optical conduit is bent. The properties of the exiting light beam are determined by the optical conduit and the bending of the optical conduit, thereby scanning the beam.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for scanning of optical beams are disclosed. A beam is optically coupled to an optical conduit, and the optical conduit is made to bend. A set of positions of the optical conduit is measured and the optical conduit is bent. The properties of the exiting light beam are determined by the optical conduit and the bending of the optical conduit, thereby scanning the beam.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for displaying a picture are disclosed. Birefringent material has an optically recorded birefringence pattern, which represents a picture. A beam passing through a polarizer, the birefringent material, and another polarizer, reaches the screen, which displays the picture.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatus for machine vision illumination by moving a non-diffuse light beam over selected points on the object so that each is illuminated at substantially the same angle by multiple rays during acquisition of an image frame. An apparatus for illuminating an object to facilitate its being imaged by an image acquisition device, e.g., a camera, includes a radiation source that generates and transmits to a region of the a non-diffuse beam of imaging radiation having a non-point cross-section. A dithering element moves the beam so that at least a region of the object is illuminated at substantially the same angle by multiple rays during an image acquisition period.