Abstract: A datuming device is provided for use with a machine tool having a movable member which is guided under computer numerical control. The datuming device permits measurement of displacements in a direction not parallel with a displacement probe's line of travel. The device includes a non-sensitive surface which, when probed by the displacement probe, does not indicate a changing displacement when the movable member is moved from a first position to a second position. The nonsensitive surface serves as a reference surface. The device further includes a sensitive surface which, when probed by the displacement probe, exhibits a changing displacement when the movable member is moved from the first position to the second position. The sensitive surface is generally configured as an inclined surface on the datuming device.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for automatically, accurately, and repeatable aligning computer numerically controlled (CNC) movable machine components with respect to their respective degrees of freedom of motion. One embodiment of the invention, particularly useful for maintenance purposes, provides a programmable CNC programmer that uses a spindle mounted probe to measure at least two different positions of a point on a movable machine component to evaluate the geometric condition of the component with respect to a degree of freedom of motion of the component and issue alignment instructions to the machine operator. One embodiment provides the invention in a CNC computer program on a programmable media having a programmed set of instructions. The preferred embodiment uses the controller control the CNC machine's operation and spindle movement, perform the machine components' maintenance evaluation, and issue instructions for aligning the components in a consistent manner.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method to accurately provide three-dimensional rotary tool point compensation by evaluating a CNC machining center's geometric condition with respect to a trunnioned spindle mechanism of the machining center as it applies to the degrees of freedom of motion that affect the rotary tool point positioning of a cutting tool mounted in a tool holder of the spindle mechanism. The present invention evaluates the geometric condition of the trunnioned spindle mechanism by positioning the tool point in contact with a reference point or datum and recording a first coordinate position, then rotating the spindle mechanism 90.degree. about a trunnion axis and positioning the tool point in contact with the same reference point a second time. A second coordinate location is recorded when the tool point contacts the reference point the second time.

Abstract: The invention provides a system, method, and computer program for automatically evaluating the linear displacement and inclination of the centerline of a piece of hardware to be machined on a computer numerically controlled (CNC) machine relative to an axis of rotation of the machine about which the hardware will be rotated. The invention also provides a compensation for correcting for any hardware axis misalignment.