Abstract: Positional information about movable components in a machine system relative to the workpiece is wirelessly transmitted by infrared radiation to a remote receiver. The receiver is operative to convert the infrared signals into electrical signals for controlling operational cycles of the machine system.

Abstract: There are disclosed herein power tool boring bits having boring depth indicating markings on the shanks thereof. The markings are produced by colored oxiding of substantially the entire shank of the tool followed by selective abrasion of the shank to remove bands of substantially only the thin surface oxide in alternate array with bands of the colored oxide.

Abstract: A drilling monitor employs laser optics and an associated signal processing device to provide intelligent control capable of making the optimum decision to maintain hole quality and maximize drill life during the drilling of via holes in a circuit board. Twist angle, bending and temperature of the drill are monitored and the drill motor and/or the board is controlled accordingly in response to present data being compared to preprogrammed acceptable standardized data.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting the presence of a tool in a spindle which can be used where automatic unattend operation occurs and it must be known that a tool is in the spindle. For example, if the tool changer on a machining center dropped a tool when transferring it from a magazine to a spindle the machine would continue to operate but machining would not occur. In the invention, air pressure is supplied to a point through a series of holes in the spindle and if a tool is present in the spindle, it will prevent air from escaping. If the tool is absent, air will escape from the spindle or when the tool is not properly seated in the taper of the spindle which will cause the air pressure to drop and to stop the spindle motor and/or provide a suitable indication and warning to the operator.

Abstract: A Drill Bit detector for use with numerically controlled drilling machine capable of sensing missing or broken Drill Bits in the range of 1 mil to 30 mils in diameter, or larger, is described. An infrared emitting diode is driven at a predetermined frequency with the pulsed light being directed through fiber optic cable directed at a portion of the Drill Bit to be detected. A change of light intensity occurring when a Drill Bit is missing is detected and the pulsed light detected converted to a pulsating electrical signal at the input frequency of the pulse light source. A frequency responsive circuit converts the pulsating electrical circuit to a digital signal indicative of the absence of the sensed Drill Bit. A timer determines whether or not the sensed digital signal occurs for a predetermined threshold time period, and causes it to be ignored as spurious if less than the predetermined time interval, or causes the drilling machine operation to be halted if occurring longer than the threshold time period.

Abstract: A method for making a wheel and a wheel so made is disclosed in which the tire bead seats in the rim are deformed inwardly, the wheel is held by the deformed bead seats, and the bolting surfaces of the web are machined in fixed relation to the bead seats. Preferably, the bead seats are deformed sequentially to work welded metal attachment of a web to the rim, and then place it under compression. Preferably, the bolting surface is machined in the form of a flat cone that is approximately three degrees from planar, and the lug holes are chamfered to place surrounding metal in direct compression, and to deform the conically shaped bolting surfaces into flat engagement with planar surfaces on the hubs on which the wheels are to be installed. A method of determined angularity of the web to the rim is utilized to reject poorly aligned webs before machining the bolting surfaces, and thereby prevent undo thinning of the web, and as a means of product control.

Abstract: A workpiece drilling machine includes to be moved to any of several drilling locations along the workpiece. A plurality of indexing detents is formed along the rail coinciding with each drilling location. A cam follower on the drill carriage is engageable with the detents to coarsely position the drill carriage. An index-cancelling device is associated with each detent and controllable by a preprogrammed input device to determine which of the detents is to be available for engagement by the cam follower. The programmed input device has a visual marking thereon corresponding to the information encoded therein and a visually perceptible status readout is controlled by the index-cancelling means to permit visual verification that the index-cancelling devices are arranged in accordance with the desired pattern.

Abstract: A drilling machine is provided with a quill feed device for reciprocating a quill, a driving member and a driven member, disposed between a spindle rotatably supported by the quill and a driving source therefor in such a manner as to produce a relative angular displacement therebetween according to magnitude of a load applied on a tool held by the spindle, a detector generating a series of pulse signals correlated to the relative angular displacement between both members, a counter numerically counting the pulse signals generated from the detector in respect of one rotation of the spindle, a memory memorizing numerical data, corresponding to the relative angular displacement while the tool being separated from a workpiece, counted by the counter device, and a comparator for comparing the value memorized in the memory and an actual counted value in the counter.

Abstract: Apparatus for inplace refinishing of the annular seating surfaces in top ded ball valves which comprises a locating ring adapted to be mounted on the top surface of the valve housing. An alignment gage is provided for precisely positioning the locating ring. A cutting apparatus is mounted on the precisely positioned locating ring. The cutting apparatus includes a carriage plate for mounting on the locating ring, channel-forming means mounted on the carriage plate and a cutting tool having a housing adapted to side in the channels and having a cutting head oriented to cut the seating surface at the desired angle.

Abstract: A leveling attachment for a power tool having an inverted V-shaped block attached to the power tool by an adjustable flexible strap secured to the V-shaped block. The V-shaped block further includes a bifurcated member extending upwardly therefrom having an opening extending therethrough to receive a bolt to which the ends of the strap are affixed and a level having a bracket extending therefrom, the bracket being retained by said bifurcated member and having a central bolt receiving opening so that the level can be fixed in any selected position by tightening the bolt.

Abstract: An electronic power tool provided with a microprocessor operated speed control system and having a multiple gear reduction drive mechanism is provided with a gear ratio indicator system employing a dual purpose cam shaft for coordinating the mechanical gear shifting and electrical microprocessor systems. The cam shaft is provided with a first cam element for performing the gear shifting function and a second cam element, operably interconnected with the first cam element for automatically moving a switch between positions corresponding to the gear engagement selected. The switch is electrically interconnected with the microprocessor to communicate the gear ratio selected thereto.

Abstract: A multi-stop depth control for a milling machine is disclosed which includes a fixed member connected to the milling machine frame having a rotatable wheel mounted thereon. The wheel carries a plurality of stop posts each with a stop member. Each stop is engageable with a through bore of a movable part of the milling machine which is connected to the movable quill thereof. By rotating a selected one of the posts into alignment with the movable part of the milling machine a selected depth of movement for the movable part of the milling machine is established.

Abstract: A tool setting device for a machine tool (10) having a numerical control (22) includes a gage unit (24) with a frame (26) adapted to be secured upon a slide (20) of the machine tool. A photodetector, which includes a source (96) and a receiver (98), is mounted upon the frame for generating a first signal indicating the arrival of the tip of a tool (18). A slide (64) mounted upon the frame carries an engagement head (38) adapted to be contacted and displaced by the tool tip. An LVDT (60) is mounted upon the frame in proximity to the engagement head for sensing its axial displacements. A control meter relay (86,88) is operatively connected to the LVDT and generates a second signal after initial displacement of the engagement head and a third signal after displacement of the engagement head to a reference position.

Abstract: A chuck for drilling tools is formed with a hollow shank which can be accommodated in a machine spindle, and is provided with a sleeve, which is adapted for accommodating a quick-change insert in the form of a tool or serves to accommodate a tool and which is coupled with the shank through an adjustable torque clutch device which, in the event of an overload, automatically disengages along with an axial relative displacement between the shank and the sleeve. The chuck has a high-frequency transmission device which is provided with a current source of its own, a high-frequency transmitter, a switch, which is closable during the axial relative movements between the shank and the sleeve, in the current supply circuit of the high-frequency transmitter and an external aerial ring.

Abstract: To determine whether an object, such as a tool, is worn or broken, there is embedded in the object an elongate fiber optic. One end of the fiber optic is at a surface of the object and such that a second, light emitting end of said fiber optic is located within the body of said object and spaced a distance from a further surface of the object, such that a portion of the object overlies the other end. When the object is broken or worn to such an extent that the other end of the fiber optic is exposed, light directed at the first mentioned end of the fiber optic will be detectable at the other end. Thus, by directing light onto the one end, and by detecting any light emitted at the second end, a worn or broken object is readily detected. The invention has particular use in the automatic inspection of tools in automated manufacturing.

Abstract: A scale is connected with the vertically movably tracer so as to provide an indication of the surface of the tracer abutting the underside of a stem of a T profile. The scale is adjustable relative to the tracer by an amount equal to one half the stem width and cooperates with an indicator of the center line of the drill of the drilling unit.

Abstract: A leveling mechanism having bubble levels is removably attachable to a hand-held power drill. In one form, the leveling mechanism includes a drive shaft coupled between the drill and a chuck for rotation therewith. The drive shaft is rotatably mounted to a support, and the support is held stationary relative to the drill housing. The support may include first and second surfaces parallel and perpendicular, respectively, to the axis of rotation of the drive shaft for supporting first and second bubble levels. Alternatively, the support may include a support plate and a level plate hinged thereto for supporting one or more bubble levels; a grooved alignment plate engages the edges of the support plate and level plate for maintaining a predetermined angular relationship therebetween. In another form, the leveling mechanism is removably attached to the front face of the drill housing.

Abstract: An angle measuring device for establishing a position of a frame member in two orthogonal planes or in an azimuth plane, relative to a reference plane, comprising a frame member supporting a plurality of equally radially and angularly spaced linear potentiometers having rods which engage a base plate and are pivotally connected thereto to permit the frame to be swiveled in any location about the base plate. The potentiometers are calibrated to provide an indication of the position of the frame relative to the base plate as a result of movement of the rods within the potentiometers. A torque and thrust sensing device is utilized in conjunction with a rotatable shaft supported in the frame coaxially with the positions of the potentiometers and rods to analyze the torque and thrust applied to the shaft as well as the angle of the shaft relative to the base plate.

Abstract: A machine tool is provided with an arrangement for increasing its precision by compensating for deviations in tool positioning caused by factors, such as elastic deformation of the machine structure, which vary in their effect in dependence on the current working state of the machine tool. The arrangement includes a compensator device arranged to physically act upon the machine tool to cancel at least one deviation component, and signal processing means controlling the action of the compensator device in dependence on the current machine working state as sensed by a plurality of transducers. The signal processing means stores data interrelating the machine working state to a corresponding appropriate magnitude of action of the compensator device.

Abstract: A broken bit detector for use in conjunction with printed circuit board drilling machines or the like. The detector includes a light emitter and a light sensor contained within a pressure foot. The light emitter projects a beam of light through a central opening in the pressure foot and toward the light detector. Normally, the beam will be broken by a drill bit which passes through the opening. If a bit is not present, the light beam will not be broken and will be detected by the photosensor. Pressurized air is forced outward from both the light emitter and light detector in order to prevent any chips created by the drilling operation from striking the emitter or detector. The use of the air creates a shield which results in an accurate detector having a long life.

Abstract: A manually operated apparatus for driving a member such as a tool or fastening element into the surface of a receiving material includes a device for driving the member, a base supportable on the surface into which the member is to be driven, and a holder attached to the device and pivotally connected to the base for providing a visual indication of an angular disposition of the drive axis of the device relative to the surface of the receiving material and for positioning the drive axis perpendicular to the surface.

Abstract: A device for use in conjunction with a power tool, such as an electric drill, the device including an elongate housing in place on the drill motor housing. The forward end of the housing telescopically supports a carrier within which is universally mounted a foot member. Electrical contacts within the carrier are contactable by the foot member upon the elongate housing inadvertently being out of a desired perpendicular relationship to a work piece surface. An indicator at the rearward end of the elongate housing provides signal lamps indicating to the tool operator which direction the tool must be moved to re-establish the desired tool-to-work piece perpendicular relationship.

Abstract: A tool guide for providing controlled support for a portable power tool such as an electric drill. When the lower portion of the device is clamped between the vise jaws of a portable workbench and vise, an electric drill slidably mounted on the device may be used to drill either perpendicular or angular holes in a workpiece positioned on top of the vise jaws. The device may also be used independently to add accuracy to free hand drilling for both perpendicular and angular holes.

Abstract: A critical torque detector is disclosed made up of a rotating input member, an output member supporting a drill and connected in a "flexible driving connection" with the input rotating member, and means for detecting difference in rotational speed between the input and output members due to a greater torsional resistance encountered by the drill during its operation than the critical torque predetermined for a specific drill. The input and output members are drivingly connected, as by a coil spring, magnetic repelling forces and so on, so as to rotate conjointly whenever a torsional resistance or a torque encountered by a running drill is lower than the predetermined value, but they are not always rigidly connected. Upon occurrence of greater torque imposed on the drill, the output member will be permitted to delay in rotation as compared to the input member. Such difference in rotational speed can be taken out mechanically or electromagnetically as a signal to detect occurrence of the critical torque.

Abstract: A critical torque detector is disclosed made up of a rotating input member, an output member supporting a drill and connected in a "flexible driving connection" with the input rotating member, and means for detecting difference in rotational speed between the input and output members due to a greater torsional resistance encountered by the drill during its operation than the critical torque predetermined for a specific drill. The input and output members are drivingly connected, as by a coil spring, magnetic repelling forces and so on, so as to rotate conjointly whenever a torsional resistance or a torque encountered by a running drill is lower than the predetermined value, but they are not always rigidly connected. Upon occurrence of greater torque imposed on the drill, the output member will be permitted to delay in rotation as compared to the input member. Such difference in rotational speed can be taken out mechanically or electromagnetically as a signal to detect occurrence of the critical torque.

Abstract: There is disclosed an ablatible drill comprising a soft or frangible matrix having embedded therein a multiplicity of hard inclusions which act as cutting teeth. During drilling, the matrix gradually wears away so that worn inclusions are circulated out of the hole and fresh inclusions are exposed as new cutting teeth. A plurality of joints of the ablatible drill are interconnected on the bottom of a drill string. The comminuted material of each joint of the ablatible drill provides a characteristic distinguishable from the comminuted material of adjacent joints so that in examination of the circulated returns provides an indication of which joint is then being drilled.

Abstract: A tool guide for providing a stationary support for a portable power tool such as an electric drill. When the lower portion of the device is clamped between the vise jaws of a portable workbench and vise, an electric drill slidably mounted on the device may be used to drill either perpendicular or angular holes in a workpiece positioned on top of the vise jaws. An adjustable depth stop operatively associated with the slideway of the device provides accurate depth control. The device may also be used independently in order to add accuracy to free hand drilling for both perpendicular and angular holes.

Abstract: Apparatus for making holes in arm sections of structural components which employs a vertically movable sensor and indicator device for aligning a perforating device for making a hole in a section of the structural component. The sensor and indicating device provides for precise alignment of the perforating device and includes a gauge and index device attached to the perforating device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining alignment of the drill steel or drill rod of a drilling machine in which a midpoint centralizer or indicator ring having an aperture therethrough substantially greater than the diameter of the drill rod or drill steel is used like a rifle sight to indicate the nature and degree of misalignment so that adjustments can be made in the operating mechanisms of the drilling machine or the support and positioning mechanisms for the drilling machine to remove the cause of the misalignment and to return the drill steel to its centered, aligned position in the indicator ring. In normal operation the drill steel does not contact the indicator ring so that noise transmission and frictional losses normally associated with midpoint centralizers is avoided. Mechanical contact between the drill steel and indicator ring occurs only to limit the maximum deflection and maximum stress which will occur in the drill steel due to bending.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a safety mechanism for a multiphase forming machine, in which trigger signalling is used to automatically stop the machine by means of the insulation state formed between one leg of a clamp and a stock conveyor to which the clamp is attached as well as whether a nut stock is firmly held by the clamp so as to prevent any part of the machine from being damaged or destroyed.

Abstract: A dust-intercepting member is so mounted on a hand-held power tool as to contact a structure being acted upon around the tool element of the power tool, by a mounting arrangement which includes two hollow elongated mounting members one of which is received within the other for telescoping relative thereto while being retained against rotation with respect to the other mounting member about the common axis of the mounting members, and a helical compression spring the ends of which are respectively received in the interiors of the mounting members and urge the latter in opposite directions. The other mounting member is attached to an auxiliary hand grip which, in turn, is mounted on a cylindrical extension of the housing by a quick-release clamping arrangement. A setting ring on the inner one of the mounting members determines the depth of penetration of the tool element into the structure. A depth-determining profiled rod is displaceably and arrestably mounted on the auxiliary hand grip.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for use in conjunction with an electric drill to achieve precision drilling of holes at various desired angles in a workpiece. The apparatus comprises a base member which supports two pivoted, spring-containing columns bridged by a sliding carriage member carrying a spindle and chuck. The base member fits into an underlying anchoring means which assures accurate placement of the drill and steadiness of support. Hole indicator means, used in conjunction with said anchoring means enable precise location of hole sites on the workpiece.

Abstract: The assembly includes an electrically insulative support member which overlies electrical contacts on the handpiece and further includes a pair of contact members which press a flexible printed circuit against the electrical contacts to couple a pair of bulbs to the electrical power source. The light source assembly additionally includes means for effectively sealing the contact regions from environmental fluids.

Abstract: A device to be attached to drills, particularly power drills, for indicating the angular relation of the rotational axis of the drill to a surface being drilled and permitting the drill operator to guide the drill in accurately pointing the axis of the drill bit at any angle up to about 45.degree. out of square, or plumb to about 45.degree. out of plumb, or any combination thereof. Furthermore, the device can be utilized as an angle drilling gauge independently of its attachment to a drill in order to determine the angle between two planar surfaces joined at an angle from square to about 45.degree. right or 45.degree. left out of square.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to apparatus and method of forming circular holes in plate glass. A circular cut is made in the glass to a predetermined depth, which is less than the thickness of the glass by approximately 0.5 to 1.0 mm. After this cut has been made, the cutting apparatus is removed and the glass is softly struck adjacent to the circular cut in order to break loose the glass disc enclosed by the cut. The edge or margin of the hole may then be smoothed by grinding or polishing. The glass cutting apparatus includes a circular saw or glass cutter which is rotated to cut the glass. A stopper of the apparatus is adjustably mounted adjacent the cutting edge of the saw and stops the saw from cutting further after a predetermined depth has been reached. The position of the stopper may be adjusted for different thicknesses of glass.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring tool wear and breakage as a function of the electrical power dissipated by a machine tool which is carrying out subsequent cuts for removing stock. Optimal tool life is achieved by monitoring tool wear and breakage as a function of the power dissipated by a machine tool by monitoring said power, storing pertinent selected values thereof associated with successive cuts of the tool and periodically comparing the stored values with one another to determine if the difference therebetween exceeds a predetermined limit value, in which case the operator is warned and/or the machine tool is de-energized. The analysis phase can be carried out by a general-purpose microprocessor or discrete digital or analog components.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus for drilling holes in the web and a flange of an H-beam on opposite sides of the web, which comprises a framework having a first, fixedly mounted section and a second section which is mounted on the first section for guided vertical movement with respect to it. Vertical drills for drilling the holes in the webs and horizontal drills for drilling holes in the flange are mounted on the second section of the framework for vertical movement together into positions to permit the beam to be moved through the framework. A means is mounted on the second framework section to monitor undulations in the web so as to maintain the desired position of the horizontal drills relative to the web.

Abstract: A hydraulic drill unit for drilling multimaterial, thick layer stock having a conventional hydraulic drill modified to have its feed controlled by a servo valve and its spindle speed controlled by a servo valve. A linear encoder is attached to the drill to provide an indication of drill position. The linear encoded provides 20,000 forward and reverse pulses per inch, depending upon the direction of travel, which are used to determine net feed rate. The net feed rate signal is compared with a command feed rate to control the feed servo valve. A magnetic pickup is used to provide a pulse signal proportional to RPM. This signal is compared with a command speed signal to control the spindle speed servo valve. Differential pressure transducers are used to measure pressure across the hydraulic feed pistion and the hydraulic drill motor to provide signals which can be used as indications of chip packing or a dull drill.

Abstract: A machine tool is provided with a measuring device having two outer steel rods each fixed at one end to the machine casing and each connected at its free end with an aluminium rod of about the same length, the aluminium rods being joined together at their opposite ends which carry an inner steel rod having a free end fixed to which is a measuring detector in the region of the ends of the outer rods.

Abstract: A chuck unit for boring, drilling or cutting tools having a safety clutch so as to prevent overload resulting from broken or dull tools and wherein when the clutch is actuated by an overload a transmitter in the tool support is actuated to radiate a signal which is detected by a receiver so as to indicate the malfunction and/or stop the tool so as to prevent damage to the tool or workpiece.

Abstract: An alignment device comprising a plurality of hollow arcuate sections secured together at their inner edges so as to form a hollow center with a base support member, an aperture for admitting fluid and scalar indicia about the outer edges of the arcuate section. The device may be adapted to removably accept a rigid rod opposite said base, said rod being adapted for insertion into the chuck of a drill.

Abstract: A portable, hand-held drill, or an attachment therefor, comprising an assembly of parts for generating focused beams of light to be directed alongside the drill bit, whereby the positions of the light spots projected on the work surface serve as indicia of the angle between the drill bit and the work surface. In a preferred embodiment, the light beams are generated 90.degree. apart along the circumference of a circle concentric with the bit, and normal thereto, such that perpendicularity of the bit is indicated by positioning the light spots at equal distances from the bit. It is also preferred to include means for adjusting the beam angle, such that the projections on the work surface can be located at the same distance from the tip of a short drill bit as from the tip of a long bit.

Abstract: An electric motor driven drill and a battery therefor are mounted within a toolholder for a machine tool. The battery is coupled to the motor through a centrifugal switch which closes when the toolholder is rotated about its axis above a predetermined speed and opens when the rotary speed of the toolholder falls below the predetermined speed. The toolholder is mounted in the spindle of a machine tool and the drill turns on when the spindle is rotated and turns off when the spindle stops, the rotary speed of the spindle being added to the rotary speed of the drill in one direction of spindle rotation and subtracted from the rotary speed of the drill in the opposite direction of spindle rotation.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for accurately positioning a blank angular position transducer element for boring at its center. A relatively high frequency carrier signal is applied to the blank transducer element to be bored and is thereby induced in a master rotor element which is rotated at a constant speed in an operative relationship with the blank. The rotor is made deliberately eccentric with respect to its axis of rotation, and the induced signal contains a carrier signal, a component indicative of relative angular position, and a once-per-revolution eccentricity error component, if the blank element is also eccentric with respect to the axis of rotation. Error detection circuitry isolates the once-per-revolution eccentricity error component, and resolution circuitry resolves it into x and y directions for application to error display devices, or to actuators connected to move the blank transducer element automatically until the x and y components are both zero.

Abstract: A gauge body with a longitudinal flat bottom adapted to be placed on a surface of one part of a machine; a longitudinal top surface on said gauge body, and a scale element longitudinally adjustably held to said top surface; a guide rail formed along one side of said gauge body and a longitudinal groove along said guide rail; spaced pointer members, each having a pointer body slidably fitting cross-sectionally over said guide rail and in said groove, and a pointer finger projecting from the pointer body over said scale element to indicate the distance adjustment between the pointer members; and a pointer extending over said scale element from another machine part moveable longitudinally relatively to said gauge.

Abstract: A drilling fixture for use in precisely drilling long bores in a workpiece, such as a door, comprises a pair of plates secured to each other in parallel spaced relationship, a sleeve mounted in the space between the pair of plates, and a pair of rotatable bearings carried by the sleeve for receiving the drill and securely holding same in position during the drilling operation. A clamp is secured to the pair of plates for clamping same to the workpiece in alignment with the longitudinal axis of the sleeve, and presetting means are provided for moving the sleeve at right angles to its longitudinal axis to thereby precisely preset same with respect to the workpiece. A pair of parallel sighting devices are fixed to the sleeve in spaced relationship along the sleeve longitudinal axis to precisely align the sleeve, and the drill when received therein, with the drilling axis.

Abstract: Precision ball bushings running on pecision shafts provide the basic movement and positioning for both the X and Y axes. For smooth precise operation there must be practically nil deflection of the shafts. To accomplish this, cam followers running on guide bars are provided to carry the load; the guide bars being supported along their entire length. The work bed, which can accommodate 4 .times. 8 foot plates, has replaceable nylon pieces screwed on to steel tubing of the frame assembly. Thus, when the drill penetrates the work, it usually encounters the air space, but if it strikes a nylon piece, there is no adverse affect on the operation, and the nylon may eventually be replaced.

Abstract: A multiple spindle drilling machine can simultaneously drill a plurality of bores for inserting the rivets or the bolts through the web and a pair of flanges of wide flange beams which are used in building and construction by a first, second and third drilling assembly. A supporting device mounted on the upper side of a machine table which stops the wide flange beam is fed by a feeding device thereon and supports it at a predetermined drilling position. The first drilling assembly is mounted so as to be movable toward the vertical direction from the upper position of the machine table and has multi-drills for drilling a plurality of bores through the web of the wide flange beam. The second and third drilling assemblies are mounted so as to be movable toward the horizontal direction from both of the side positions of the machine table and have multi-drills for drilling a plurality of bores through both flanges of the wide flange beam.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for controlling automatic machines such as a metal cutting tool to perform predetermined operations on a work-piece. Different means are provided for sensing the workpiece as to shape, diameter or length to determine the degree of its adjustment or wear. An inspection device or probe is provided with a transducing means operable to generate signals which are indicative of workpiece dimensions and or location. The signals are analyzed by means of computing circuits which generate control signals for performing such functions such as cycle starting, correction of tool adjustment and varying the control program to permit the performance of predetermined operations on the work by the tool.