Abstract: A docking assembly connected to a movable couch (30) docks the couch with an imaging apparatus (10). Couch alignment surfaces (72) mate with corresponding alignment surfaces (64) of a connecting region (50) of the imaging apparatus (10) to define a docked position of the movable couch (30) with respect to the imaging apparatus. A docking sensor (160) detects the movable couch (30) approaching the docked position. A latch (82) mates with the connecting region (50) of the imaging to apparatus (10). An actuator (130, 154) cooperates with the latch (82) to bias the movable couch (30) into the docked position responsive to a signal produced by the docking sensor (160).

Abstract: A docking assembly connected to a movable couch (30) docks the couch with an imaging apparatus (10). Couch alignment surfaces (72) mate with corresponding alignment surfaces (64) of a connecting region (50) of the imaging apparatus (10) to define a docked position of the movable couch (30) with respect to the imaging apparatus. A docking sensor (160) detects the movable couch (30) approaching the docked position. A latch (82) mates with the connecting region (50) of the imaging to apparatus (10). An actuator (130, 154) cooperates with the latch (82) to bias the movable couch (30) into the docked position responsive to a signal produced by the docking sensor (160).

Abstract: A numerical controller accepts an instruction for the cutting of pockets with perimeters of irregular shapes, the instruction defining the perimeter by a series of vertex points and a straight-line, circular, or some other interpolation to move between these vertices. The numerical controller cuts the perimeter of the pocket by reference to the vertex points and constructs a bit map indicating the cut and uncut material after completion of the perimeter. A rule-based path generator employs the bit map to complete the interior of the pocket without explicit programming of those interior tool motions. The bit map is constructed on a real-time basis by offsetting the tool motion coordinates to roll over in the bit map space regardless of the tool starting position.

Abstract: A data handling module connects to the memory of a programmable controller and operates to periodically steal memory cycles from the controller processor to read data out of the memory and write data into it. The data handling module includes a microprocessor which is programmed to perform a number of functions. The function to be performed is indicated by a control status register which is set by the control program and which is periodically examined by the data handling module. The status of the data handling module is also indicated by a register which is examined by programmable controller instructions. In response to directions indicated by the control status register, data files may be transferred between a data file storage and an active data file storage area and messages may be coupled to a TTY which connects to the data handling module.

Abstract: An industrial control processor is employed in a numerical control system to operate the servo mechanisms on a machine tool in response to a part program stored on a tape. The industrial control processor includes unique hardware and software features which also allow it to operate as a programmable controller to control the discrete digital devices associated with the machine tool. The industrial control processor is programmed with a conventional computer type instruction set to perform numerical control functions and is programmed with a programmable controller type instruction set to perform the machine dependent logic functions. The resulting system maintains the state-of-the-art capabilities of a computer numerical control (CNC) and adds to it the flexibility and programming ease of a programmable controller.