Abstract: A system for determining depth, height and other reference information with respect to features on a workpiece is disclosed. A camera is mounted in a CNC toolholder so that the lens of the camera is coaxial with a rotational axis of the CNC toolholder. A laser is mounted radially outward from the camera, and directs a laser beam angularly toward the workpiece and within the field of view of the camera. With knowledge of the precise angle of, the laser beam with respect to the rotational axis of the toolholder, height and depth information of features on the workpiece may be obtained from where the reflection of the laser beam falls on the CCD array of the camera. A computer, which may be the computer of the CNC machine, may be provided with the height, depth and other reference information.

Abstract: Calibration and resolution-determining apparatus for dial indicators is disclosed. In this apparatus, a dial indicator to be tested is rigidly mounted in an upper frame member, with a plunger of the dial indicator bearing against a movable gage block having upper and lower parallel surfaces. A reference indicator of a higher accuracy than the dial indicator under test is mounted to the frame below the gage block, with a plunger thereof bearing against the lower surface thereof. The gage block is mounted to a distortable structure connected to the frame by living hinges so that distortion of the structure causes the gage block to move, causing corresponding movement of the respective plungers of the dial indicator and reference indicator. A readout of the reference indicator may then be compared to a reading on the dial indicator, allowing determination of accuracy and resolution of the instrument under test.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for indicating a reference point on a workpiece for a program in a CNC machine tool is disclosed. A camera is mounted in a CNC toolholder so that the lens of the camera is coaxial with a rotational axis of the CNC toolholder. A pair of crosshairs or other indica are provided in the view from the camera, the crosshairs being centered in the view so that when the camera is mounted in the toolholder, the crosshairs indicate the center of rotation of the toolholder. The camera may then be positioned with respect to the workpiece so that it images an area of the workpiece containing a reference point with respect to the coordinate system of the CNC program. The toolholder is then adjusted so that the crosshairs are directly on the desired reference point, and this reference point entered into the CNC program.

Abstract: Calibration and resolution-determining apparatus for dial indicators is disclosed. In this apparatus, a dial indicator to be tested is rigidly mounted in an upper frame member, with a plunger of the dial indicator bearing against a movable gage block having upper and lower parallel surfaces. A reference indicator of a higher accuracy than the dial indicator under test is mounted to the frame below the gage block, with a plunger thereof bearing against the lower surface thereof. The gage block is mounted to a distortable structure connected to the frame by living hinges so that distortion of the structure causes the gage block to move, causing corresponding movement of the respective plungers of the dial indicator and reference indicator. A readout of the reference indicator may then be compared to a reading on the dial indicator, allowing determination of accuracy and resolution of the instrument under test.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for indicating a reference point on a workpiece for a program in a CNC machine tool is disclosed. A camera is mounted in a CNC toolholder so that the lens of the camera is coaxial with a rotational axis of the CNC toolholder. A pair of crosshairs or other indica are provided in the view from the camera, the crosshairs being centered in the view so that when the camera is mounted in the toolholder, the crosshairs indicate the center of rotation of the toolholder. The camera may then be positioned with respect to the workpiece so that it images an area of the workpiece containing a reference point with respect to the coordinate system of the CNC program. The toolholder is then adjusted so that the crosshairs are directly on the desired reference point, and this reference point entered into the CNC program.

Abstract: A machine tool operated by gyroscopic precession is disclosed. The machine tool is provided with a rotatable member disposed for rotation in a single plane, the member mounted to a base. A gyroscopic mass supported by a gimbal is mounted to the rotatable member so that the spin axis of the gyroscopic mass, in a null position, is parallel to a plane of rotation of the rotatable member. A sensor is provided for sensing position of the rotatable member, the sensor providing a control input to a computer, which in turn develops a drive signal for driving an actuator coupled to the gimbal. When the actuator is activated by the drive signal, the gimbal is displaced, precessing the gyroscopic mass and generating a force used to rotate the rotatable member.

Abstract: A prime mover for a rotatable member supported for rotation in a single plane on a stationary base is provided wherein reaction torque applied to the base due to powering such rotation is greatly reduced. At least one gyroscopic mass in a gimbal support is mounted to the rotatable member, with an axis of rotation of the gyroscopic mass being generally parallel to the plane of movement of the member. A force is applied, as by a solenoid, to the gimbal in a direction normal to the plane of rotation so as to cause precession of the gyroscopic mass, thereby rotating the rotatable member. Applications of the invention include robotics and machine tools, where the rotatable member may be a swinging arm robot having a tool affixed to an end thereof, or a rotary table to which a workpiece is mounted.