Abstract: A system coupleable to a heated wafer chuck control system provides an indication that the heated chuck is operating at a temperature outside of a desired operational range. An operational temperature circuit generates an operational temperature limit signal which is reflective of a selected limit for a heated wafer chuck. An input circuit configured for coupling to a heated wafer chuck control system provides a chuck temperature signal which is reflective of the actual measured temperature of the heated chuck. A comparator circuit coupled to the operational temperature circuit and the input circuit compares the limit signal to the chuck temperature signal and provides an output signal for generating a humanly-perceptible indication of the chuck temperature status, and an interlace circuit controls other aspects of the system for turning the chuck OFF. The system includes circuitry for verifying and calibrating the operation of the control board for the heated chuck.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process and a device for the recognition of screws used in extruders or metering devices. In order to create a process that excludes the possibility that mixtures of granulates or powders with incorrect mixing ratios occur through installation of inappropriate screw shafts in metering screws, the screws are coded and the code is electronically identifiable.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dynamically monitoring in real-time the operation of a press machine and tooling during actual production operations, in order to evaluate the true interaction between actual vibration activity occurring at multiple locations within the press machine geometry. A configuration of accelerometers is used to acquire measurement data indicating the acceleration of the press machine and for tooling at a plurality of press machine locations. An integrator converts the acceleration data into displacement data representing the displacement activity of the press machine at the indicated machine locations. Filtering the displacement data provides deflection measurements representing the vibrational activity occurring at the relevant machine and tooling location. Measurements of the relative press motion activity between selected machine locations provide an indication of the influence that deflection activity occurring at respective press machine locations has on one another.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for preventing accidents caused by blockage of a rotatable tool when working with a hand-held tool including the rotatable tool (8), a drive motor (7) for driving the rotatable tool (8), and means (5, 6) for interrupting transmission of a drive torque from the drive motor (7) to the rotatable tool (8) dependent on an operational condition of the hand-held tool, with the method including determining the operational condition of the hand-held tool by measuring displacement of the hand-held tool in space in at least two points of the hand-held tool spatially spaced from each other and spaced from a tool axis; subtracting two obtained displacement measurement variable (a.sub.1, a.sub.2) from each other; and thereafter, calculating an actuation signal that actuates the interrupting means (5, 6); and with the apparatus including sensors and an evaluation circuit for implementing the method.

Abstract: A hand-held, portable device recommends dynamically preferred speeds for stabilizing or reducing undesirable vibration such as chatter in a machining process. The device may be applied to machining processes such as turning, boring, milling and drilling which exhibit a relative rotational motion between the cutting tool and workpiece. The device measures in a safe, non-contact manner via a microphone the dominant audio signal component of the sound pressure emanating from the machining processes. Without prior knowledge of the machining process parameters or the dynamic characteristics of the machine tool or workpiece, the audio signal is conditioned and processed to determine the frequency component levels. The rotational speeds which are more likely to lead to a stable machining process are calculated based on the number of teeth on the cutting tool and the identified dominant frequency of vibration. The dynamically preferred speeds are displayed as recommendations to the process operator or machinist.

Abstract: A system coupleable to a heated wafer chuck control system provides an indication that the heated wafer chuck is operating at a temperature outside of a desired operational temperature range for the chuck. The system comprises: an operational temperature circuit for generating an operational temperature limit signal. The operational temperature limit signal is reflective of a selected operational temperature limit for a heated wafer chuck. An input circuit configured for coupling to a heated wafer chuck control system provides a chuck temperature signal which is reflective of the actual measured temperature of the heated chuck. A comparator circuit coupled to the operational temperature circuit and the input circuit compares the operational temperature limit signal to the chuck temperature signal and provides an output signal.

Abstract: An object sensing system (10) employs a resonant sensor (20) that receives drive energy coupled from an oscillator (12) operating at a frequency equal or close to the resonant frequency of the resonant sensor. The resonant sensor preferably includes an planar winding (60) that maximizes its distributed inductive and capacitive components, which are sensitive to a proximal conductive, nonconductive, magnetic, or nonmagnetic object (22). The resonant sensor is electrically connected in one leg of a voltage divider that produces a changing output signal voltage in response to resonant frequency changes caused by the object in proximity to the resonant sensor. The signal voltage is amplified, filtered, and processed to extract relevant data indicative of the presence, distance, movement, or proximity of the object.

Abstract: A system for transmitting a radio-frequency signal from a contact detecting probe (1), powered by a battery (4), to a remote interface (11), that includes the transmitting, by way of coded serial signals, of messages containing information regarding the state of the probe, the level of charge of its associated battery, and other possible control and identification information. In order to guarantee the repeatability of the delay time that cannot be avoided in the transmission of the change of state of the probe, the bit periods of the single bits that form the message are changed, with respect to a nominal bit period (TN) of the serial signal, on the basis of the delay or the advance at which there occurs the change of state, with respect to a theoretical instant (C0) pre-set within the nominal bit period.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring the condition of a tool or a workpiece includes an electromagnetic energy source for directing electromagnetic energy toward the tool and also receives electromagnetic energy reflected off the tool. A detector is arranged to receive the reflected electromagnetic energy from the electromagnetic energy source and converts the reflected energy into electronic signals. The electronic signals are transmitted from the detector to a control signal generator and then to a signal analyzing device. The signal analyzing device compares the electronic signals received from the control signal generator to reference signals to determine the condition of the tool or workpiece. Then, the control signal generator generates a control signal based on the result of the comparison performed by the signal analyzing device and transmits the control signal to a tool controlling device controlling the operation of the tool.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for marking entrance and exit opening sites in opposite surfaces of a wall member of a perforation to extend therethrough and is provided, at one surface at a site corresponding to one of the entrance and exit openings with a wave signal transmitter and, at the other surface with a wave signal receiver responding to transmitted signals by rendering an indication of a maximum strength wave signal as a function of the location of the other of the entrance and exit opening. In a preferred embodiment, the receiver is mounted on a drill or the like at a predetermined distance from the axis thereof and the transmitter is provided with a cantilever provided with a marker spaced from the transmitter at a distance corresponding to the predetermined distance.

Abstract: The invention has utility generally for monitoring any part for severance of the part. The invention is specifically useful for monitoring severance of a tension blade in a tension blade grid. For general monitoring of a part, the apparatus has wireless connection between the sensing unit and the control unit. The wireless connection is achieved with a transmit/receive unit using radiofrequency power transfer for electrical power and using infrared transmitters and receivers for signal transfer. For food processing, specifically for a vegetable cutting method employing at least one tension blade in a first tension blade grid through which vegetables are passed for cutting the vegetables wherein the at least one tension blade is severed during the cutting, the invention provides for diverting the vegetables to a second tension blade grid.

Abstract: The invention described here in is a computer-implemented method and apparatus for controlling a hand-held tool. In particular, the control of a hand held tool is for the purpose of controlling the speed of a fastener interface mechanism and the torque applied to fasteners by the fastener interface mechanism of the hand-held tool and monitoring the operating parameters of the tool. The control is embodied in intool software embedded on a processor within the tool which also communicates with remote software. An operator can run the tool, or through the interaction of both software, operate the tool from a remote location, analyze data from a performance history recorded by the tool, and select various torque and speed parameters for each fastener.

Abstract: A pneumatic tool having a radio frequency transmitting monitor as part of a system for monitoring operation of the pneumatic tool is disclosed. A pneumatic pressure valve including a sensor that generates a signal in response to sensing a predetermined condition occurring in the cycle of the pneumatic tool. The sensor provides an input to a transmitter integrated circuit that generates a radio frequency signal. A remote radio frequency receiver receives the signal and upon receipt of the radio frequency signal a processor manifests receipt of the signal and records or generates an output indicating that the predetermined condition has occurred.

Abstract: A tool for use in manipulating telecommunications modules comprises a housing having a grip, engagement means for engaging with a module so as to securely grasp the module and a transmitter/receiver unit for transmitting signals to and receiving information from the module. Information received from the module is displayed on the tool. The tool also has a control for allowing a user to request decommissioning of the module to which it is engaged, the tool being arranged to receive a reply from a module indicating that decommissioning is complete. Preferably an interlock mechanism couples an unlocking control on the tool to a key, the interlock inhibiting key until receiving the reply from the module indicating that decommissioning is complete. The tool can also be used to configure a module.

Abstract: A safety-related control system (SRCS) designed to safeguard personnel operating hazardous production equipment. The SRCS integrates the safety-related part of a machine into one homogenous system for the purpose of increasing safety. In so doing, the SRCS monitors the machine, the operator, and itself for safe operation. The SRCS utilizes a non-material barrier to sense the intrusion of a person's body into a hazardous area of a machine. The SRCS uses machine feedback and/or operator interface to determine whether a hazardous condition is present. If such condition is present, the hazard is rendered harmless by the time the intruding body member can reach the potential danger area. The system includes separable means for stopping motion of the moving parts of the equipment, starting movement of the movable parts, and detecting faults in sections of the system.

Abstract: A tool detection system combines a sensor nozzle with an ultrasonic transducer capable of propagating and detecting ultrasonic waves. A wave is propagated in a coolant fluid stream directed at a tool to be monitored. A control unit powers the ultrasonic transducer and contains circuits for analyzing the ultrasonic waves detected by the ultrasonic transducer. The control compares the actual time between the propagation of an ultrasonic wave and detection of an echo wave reflected from the tool, to an expected time. An alarm is generated when the tool is not present as indicated by the actual time exceeding the expected time. An alarm signal generated by the alarm generator either stops the tool or signals an operator that the tool is absent.

Abstract: A sensing device and a method for sensing the presence and absence of an object in a machine using the sensing device. The sensing device generally including a sensing mechanism, a resistive element, and a control mechanism communicatively coupled to the sensing mechanism and resistive element. The sensing mechanism being coupled to the resistive element. The method comprising actuating the sensing mechanism so that it senses the location of the object. Recording the voltage across the resistive element in the control mechanism when the sensing mechanism senses the location of the object. Reactuating the sensing mechanism at least one more time to sense the location of the object. Measuring a subsequent voltage across the resistive element when the sensing mechanism is reactuated and comparing the subsequent voltage with the recorded voltage across the resistive element when the resistive element sensed the location of the object.

Abstract: In a first preferred embodiment a transmitting acoustic transducer mounted on the tool axis or spindle of a grinding tool affords a method for pre-contact recognition and control (touch-off) independent of tool grit, workpiece material, and all natural machining frequencies. The transmitting transducer such as a piezoelectric polymer or crystal generates a selected frequency of approximately 1-5 MHz. As the tool enters a lubricating plume surrounding the workpiece, the ultrasonic transmission couples through the fluid interface to the workpiece. A receiving transducer mounted on the optical workpiece gives a unequivocal and rapid detection of the transmission by a highly filtered(band pass) receiving transducer before the tool contacts the workpiece. In a second preferred embodiment, a photoacoustic laser excites a modulated frequency to the grinding tool and to the receiving transducer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for demolishing a structure is disclosed. A crusher member (12) is provided supported by a support frame (14). A reference position vertically above an operator is established. The relative distance between the crusher member (12) and the reference position in a generally vertical direction is monitored. The crusher member (12) is guided to the reference position as a function of the relative distance in order to prepare for a demolition cycle of removing a portion of the structure. The crusher member (12) is then manually manipulated through a demolition cycle.

Abstract: A sensing device and a method for sensing the presence and absence of an object in a machine using the sensing device. The sensing device generally including a sensing mechanism, a resistive element, and a control mechanism communicatively coupled to the sensing mechanism and resistive element. The sensing mechanism being coupled to the resistive element. The method comprising actuating the sensing mechanism so that it senses the location of the object. Recording the voltage across the resistive element in the control mechanism when the sensing mechanism senses the location of the object. Reactuating the sensing mechanism at least one more time to sense the location of the object. Measuring a subsequent voltage across the resistive element when the sensing mechanism is reactuated and comparing the subsequent voltage with the recorded voltage across the resistive element when the resistive element sensed the location of the object.

Abstract: A method for detecting wear in a battery tester probe. The method includes providing a battery tester unit having at least one tester finger, generating a tester signal using the tester fingers and battery tester unit with the signal characteristic of the electrochemical condition of the battery and the tester finger, applying wavelet transformation to the tester signal including computing a mother wavelet to produce finger wear indicator signals, analyzing the signals to create a finger wear index, comparing the wear index for the tester finger with the index for a new tester finger and generating a tester finger signal change signal to indicate achieving a threshold wear change.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for texturizing magnetic storage disks. The disk texturizing apparatus utilizes a combination of servomotors for rotating the disk and oscillating the disk towards and away from a texturizing media. The servomotors are controlled by a closed-loop control system which monitors and synchronizes the angular and linear position of the disk. Through such control, the disk rotation speed may be modulated in conjunction with the linear oscillation, thereby allowing a higher degree of triangularity in the texturization pattern. A pattern generation system and a graphical user interface for specifying, modeling, generating, modifying and displaying disk texturizing patterns are also disclosed. The texturizing pattern may be displayed in polar plot and linear plot form so that the user can more easily visualize and design the texturizing pattern.

Abstract: A feedback apparatus for an operator to control an effector that is remote from the operator to interact with a remote environment has a local input device to be manipulated by the operator. Sensors in the effector's environment are capable of sensing the amplitude of forces arising between the effector and its environment, the direction of application of such forces, or both amplitude and direction. A feedback signal corresponding to such a component of the force, is generated and transmitted to the environment of the operator. The signal is transduced into a vibrotactile sensory substitution signal to which the operator is sensitive. Vibration producing apparatus present the vibrotactile signal to the operator. The full range of the force amplitude may be represented by a single, mechanical vibrator. Vibrotactile display elements can be located on the operator's limbs, such as on the hand, fingers, arms, legs, feet, etc.

Abstract: A device for sensing a state change of a mechanical system, comprises at least one sound emitter (E), a receiver (R) as well as an electronic circuit (4) which allows to compare the received sound signal with reference values. The state of the mechanical system, such as the existence or the absence of contact among parts, is monitored by the processing of the signals corresponding to the emitted and received sound signals with the aim to allow to recognize the monitored state by the difference between the received signals and reference values. The sensing device may be used to monitor a number of variables such as contact, location, orientation, etc. of the mechanical parts by the same sensors there where traditionally different kinds of sensors were traditionally needed.

Abstract: A tool monitoring system monitors the condition of an electrically powered tool performing a cyclical operation. The tool monitoring system operates generally in two modes: learning mode and monitor mode. In learning mode, the tool monitoring system gathers statistical data on the power consumption of tools of the selected tool type during learning cycles. A power threshold is generated based upon the statistical data. The tool monitoring system then counts the number of crossings by each of the learning cycles of the power threshold and generates statistical data regarding the number of crossings. Preferably, the mathematical operation of wavelet packet transform is used to calculate the power threshold. Feature wavelet packets of the power consumption signal of the tool are calculated. The power consumption signal is then reconstructed from the feature wavelet packets and used to determine the power threshold.

Abstract: A control signal transmitting device is used for a control device, such as a position detecting device. The transmitting device includes a position detecting sensor, and a receiving device situated near the position detecting sensor. The position detecting sensor includes a sensing device, a radio wave transmitting device electrically connected to the sensing device, and a device for directing the radio wave in one direction. The radio wave transmitting device emits radio wave in a direction opposite the sensing device upon receiving a signal from the sensing device. The receiving device includes a radio wave receiving device disposed to face the radio wave transmitting device for receiving the radio wave transmitted from the transmitting device, and a shielding device for covering the receiving device to receive the radio wave from one direction.

Abstract: A feedback apparatus for an operator to control an effector that is remote from the operator to interact with a remote environment has a local input device to be manipulated by the operator. Sensors in the effector's environment are capable of sensing the amplitude of forces arising between the effector and its environment, the direction of application of such forces, or both amplitude and direction. A feedback signal corresponding to such a component of the force, is generated and transmitted to the environment of the operator. The signal is transduced into an auditory sensory substitution signal to which the operator is sensitive. Sound production apparatus present the auditory signal to the operator. The full range of the force amplitude may be represented by a single, audio speaker. Auditory display elements may be stereo headphones or free standing audio speakers, numbering from one to many more than two.

Abstract: An electronic bubble level display is provided for determining surface normality when coupled with three sensors (18, 20, 22) sensing distance to the surface. The signals from the sensors are provided to an electronic processor (34) for computing the surface angularity and translating the angularity to specific positions on an LED dot matrix display chip (38).

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for predicting a tool life which reports a tool life ratio to an operator or a control device, when a remarkable change of work load values is detected. In a predicted life setting section 122, there is set a percentage of a quantity worked until the detection of the noticeable change of the work load values based on the workable quantity until the breakage of the tool which is regarded as 100%. A predicted residual work quantity calculating section 123 calculates a residual tool life value converted into a parameter at a point of time when an alarm is input from a work load monitoring section 121, on the basis of data of a work quantity accumulating section 120 and the predicted life setting section 122. A predicted residual work quantity outputting section 124 reports the residual tool life value to an operator or a control device.

Abstract: Failure detection in an operating cutting tool utilizing a frequency domain analysis of the vibration of the cutting tool. A signal is generated based on vibration of the tool during its operation to determine the energy of the signal in a plurality of signal component frequency bands. The energy of the signal in each of the plurality of frequency bands is compared to corresponding threshold values to generate a tool failure signal when the energy of the signal in a preselected number of frequency bands exceeds the corresponding threshold values for a predetermined period of time. In a second embodiment, time domain analysis of the signal generated based on vibration of the tool is utilized in addition to frequency domain analysis. The averaged signal is compared to a threshold signal to generate a tool failure signal when both the energy of the signal in a preselected number of frequency bands exceeds the corresponding threshold values and the averaged signal exceeds the threshold signal.

Abstract: A toolholder device for a machine tool comprises a holder body driven by a machine tool drive spindle, and a toolholder supported on the holder body so as to be circumferentially and axially displaceable. The holder body and the toolholder are provided with displacement detection elements which are arranged circumferentially in interdigitating relation. A support shaft extends from either member of the holder body and the toolholder toward the other member. The outer surface of the support shaft and the inner surface of a support hole of the other member to be fitted over the support shaft are formed with helical guide grooves which are opposite to each other and slopingly extends with respect to the rotational axis of the toolholder device.

Abstract: Peck drilling operations using a drilling tool with a rotatable bit are controlled according to the present invention. A control computer is used to detect various drilling conditions, such as dull or broken bits, transitions between different materials in a workpiece and a breakthrough condition. The control computer continually monitors the thrust and torque applied to the drill bit. A separate feed amp and computer having a pre-programmed feed motion routine for controlling the feeding movement of the drill bit signals the control computer when the bit is in a peck cycle. The control computer is responsive to an indication that the bit is a peck cycle for ignoring the thrust and torque readings during the peck cycle. By determining when the bit is in a peck cycle, the control computer is able to differentiate between a normal peck cycle and other drilling conditions, such as a dull or broken drill bit, transition between materials or breakthrough.

Abstract: Breaking of a cutter insert in a multiple insert metal cutter is detected by selecting a periodic vibration generated electrical signal having components which track individual insert contribution. These components are filtered to provide RMS values whose predetermined ratio values indicate insert breakage.

Abstract: One or more sensors located on or surrounding a dangerous condition anticipate when an individual is approaching a hazard zone associated with the dangerous condition and then arms an alarm and activates an interactive protective system which protects an individual from exposure to the dangerous condition. The interactive system comprises a protective garment adapted to be worn by the individual. The protective garment includes a sensor for sensing when the protective garment is being worn and a signalling device responsive to the sensor for generating a signal indicating when the protective garment is being worn. A detector and control device responsive to the signal from the signalling device triggers an alarm sensible to the individual when it is activated by the motion sensor and does not sense the signal from the signalling device.

Abstract: By forcibly grounding a selected one of three phases of a three-phase power distribution line, a higher line-to-ground voltage is applied to other phases thereby causing very small-scale grounding at a fault position so that the fault position can be specified by detecting the small-scale grounding current as generated.

Abstract: A composite low frequency high frequency electrical signal from a metal cutting tool in a metal cutting operation is processed through separate high frequency and low frequency systems and the resulting signals digitized and combined for analysis of a tool break event.

Abstract: A data carrier according to the present invention writes a signal of a duty ratio corresponding to write data from a resonance circuit at the time of writing data using a shift register as a memory, causes the shift register to store the data, and then holds the data as a circulation mode. Then, the data held in the shift register is externally read out based on identification codes. In this way, a data carrier of a small storage capacity is made with a relatively simple structure.

Abstract: In a metal cutting tool wear indicator system, a ratio of an estimated ultrasonic emission signal from a metal cutting process to a measured ultrasonic emission signal, e.g. UE/UE is utilized in place of a prior ratio of horsepower to ultrasonic emission, e.g. HP/UE, together with a continuous revision of the estimator during the cutting process.

Abstract: In a machine tool such as a machining center or the like having an automatic tool changing apparatus, the tool holders adapted to respectively hold the tools provided for the automatic tool change are equipped with transmitters for transmitting signals indicative of tool data including the tool discrimination data of the tools. The receiver which receives the transmitted signals from the transmitters is attached to the machine tool. When a transmitter approaches the receiver, the transmitted data is received by the receiver. The kind and other data concerning the tool stored in the tool holder to which a transmitter is attached can be discriminated by the control unit of the machine tool on the basis of the received data.

Abstract: This invention utilizes a system of interlinked modular hardware and modular software for continuously controlling the manufacture of a workpiece. By using a modular architecture, the system capabilities can be expanded or modified without requiring major redesign.

Abstract: Non-contact measurement of the sharpness of the cutting edge of a slitting or chopping knife is made repeatably placing a capacitance sensor probe symmetrically over the cutting edge at a predetermined distance (nominal offset) from the calibrated sharp edge of the knife and measuring the capacitance to derive a measurement that varies with knife wear (increasing knife edge radius). A novel sensor holder allowing for repeatable precision placement of the sensor.

Abstract: A drill collar position verifier for use with a drill bit having a drilling depth control collar positioned coaxially thereon. The drill bit is inserted in a cylindrical opening in a plastic block to a depth determined by the position of the collar. Three optical beam sources are positioned at three different predetermined depths in the plastic block. Each optical beam source projects an optical beam across the cylindrical opening and onto a corresponding optical beam detector, unless the drill bit breaks such optical beam projections. The optical beam detectors are connected to logic circuitry which is further connected to LED indicators. If the drill bit protrudes far enough through the plastic block to break the first but not the second and third optical beams, an LED is lit to indicate that the collar is positioned too close to the tip of the drill bit.

Abstract: A method of controlling chatter in a rotating, chip cutting machine tool cutting at a predetermined depth on a workpiece in which the speed of rotation of the cutting tool relative to the workpiece and the rate of speed of the cutting tool relative to the workpiece both adjustably controlled between predetermined minimum and maximum rates for the particular combination of machine tool and workpiece material. The method includes the steps of detecting vibration signals representative of relative vibrations between the machine tool and the workpiece and generated by preliminary operation of the machine tool at predetermined conditions, processing that generated signal as a function of signal frequency, obtaining a signal indicative of the rotational speed and determinating the threshold of the signal level above which are excluded harmonics of the predetermined rotational frequencies that are indicative of chatter in the cutting tool.

Abstract: A process and device for monitoring the chip-removing treatment of a workce by analyzing the sound emission detectable on the tool which is transformed into an electrical signal, filtered, and compared with respect to its amplitude determined over a predetermined period of time with a predetermined adaptable threshold value. The constituents contained in the sound emission signal of the continuous basic noise signal resulting from the cutting and friction noise, and of the pulse-type chip-break signals superposed with respect to this with a higher amplitude, are separated and separately analyzed and evaluated.

Abstract: A toolholder assembly is divided into a drive toolholder coupled to the drive spindle of a machine tool, and a driven toolholder carrying a cutting tool such as a drill. The driven toolholder is coupled end to end to a drive toolholder so as to be rotatable relative to the same through a preassigned angle about the toolholder axis. A coiled torsion spring acts between the drive and the driven toolholders for torque transmission from the former to the latter. The drive and the driven toolholders have interdigitating teeth with clearances therebetween. A phase detector such as a proximity switch detects a relative phase displacement that will occur between the interdigitating teeth against the force of the torsion spring upon development of abnormal torque load on the cutting tool.

Abstract: Probes (18A,18B,18C) can be interchangably mounted in the spindle (12) of a machine tool. Each probe has an optical signal transmission system, in which an optical signal from a light emitting diode (26) is transmitted to a receiver module 28. Such an arrangement requires a battery in the probe. To conserve battery power, the probe is normally in a stand-by mode, but can be switched on by an optical signal transmitted from the module 28 to a receiving photodiode 32 on the probe. This switch-on signal is modulated at a different frequency for each probe. Each probe contains a filter for the signal received by the photodiode 32, responsive only to the frequency of modulation of its own switch-on signal. Probes which are not intended to be switched on therefore do not react to the switch-on signal of another probe, thus conserving battery power further.

Abstract: A machining fluid temperature deviation alarm device is attached to an electrical discharge machining device which, having a temperature sensor (S1) for machining fluid temperature detection and a cooler (2) for machining fluid cooling, controls the cooler in response to a temperature sensor output signal, thereby controlling the machining fluid temperature within an allowable range. The alarm device employs a second temperature sensor (S2) for determining whether the machining fluid temperature is within a predetermined temperature range set by means of a second setter (5) and encompassing the allowable machining fluid temperature range.

Abstract: A method for operating a computer to control the manufacture process of zirconium tubes in a pilger mill operation, the computer including an electronic memory and being coupled to the pilger mill to receive, as input, data related to the operation of the mill. The method comprising, in one embodiment, the steps of storing in the computer memory respective test signals, each test signal corresponding to a signal obtained by inspecting a tube manufactured by the mill with a respective, known defective operation condition, inspecting a zirconium tube finished by the manufacture process and generating a signal representative of the physical dimensions and material configuration of the tube, comparing the generated representative signal of the zirconium tube with the stored test signals, alerting an operator if the generated representative signal of the zirconium tube correlates to a stored test signal, and identifying the defective operation condition which corresponds to the correlated stored test signal.

Abstract: The tool monitor according to this invention comprises an acoustic emissions (AE) sensor to be mounted in the neighborhood of and without contact with a machine tool and a tool damage detection means adapted to detect any damage to a tool of the machine tool according to a level of an output AE signal within a predetermined frequency band generated from the AE sensor at the time of occurrence of damage. Since this AE sensor is not in contact with the machine tool spindle, work table or work piece, it is easy to set the sensitivity of the AE sensor and variations in the AE sensor output signal level are minimized. The AE sensor is also effectively protected against flying chips, and noise due to contact with the chips is reduced, thereby minimizing the possibility of erroneous operation.

Abstract: The presence, size and location of a crack in a shaft is determined by comparing actual measured natural frequencies of the shaft system with the results of an analytical model. From a multi-station analytical model of an uncracked shaft system, natural frequencies and associated mode shapes are derived. A suspected axial location of a crack is defined, and a natural frequency of interest is selected which has an associated mode shape exhibiting significant localized bending at the suspected axial location of the crack and at a site of response measurement. The analytical model is modified to include a representation of an asymmetric crack at the suspected crack location, and a predicted split and downward shift of a lateral natural frequency of interest and/or a predicted downward shift of a torsional natural frequency of interest as a function of crack depth is calculated from the modified model. The actual shaft system is subjected to an excitation force, and vibrational response measurements are taken.