Abstract: Method and apparatus for engraving a surface by a rotating tool movable along X, Y and Z axes under computer control. The tool projects through a slit in a housing, the slit having a height greater than that of the characters to be engraved and a length longer than the series of characters to be engraved. Mechanical structure is contained in the housing to drive the tool along X and Y axes for forming the characters and along a Z axis to engage the work. The beginning and end of the engraving operation as well as character size and sequence are all controlled by a computer.

Abstract: An intelligent Tool System used with Computer Numerical Controlled machining centers consisting of a method of establishing tool presence and type of tooling device and a method of eliminating any error due to thermal growth.The spindle mechanism provides CNC Communicating and Operating means with spindle mounted devices for establishing tool presence and type of tooling for eliminating error due to thermal growth and for determining the function of tooling devices such as telescoping tool holders for determining work surface location with random length tools and for sensing tool condition; automatic boring tools for high precision boring and contouring; probing devices for work surface location, measurement and definition; combination boring and probing tools for boring and measuring a hole without removing the tool from the spindle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a pattern from a blank in accordance with a set of coordinates defining a plurality of data points and collectively characterizing the size and shape of a lens opening in an eyeglass frame is presented. A controller includes an instruction set to control the operation of a router coupled to a carraige arranged for rectilinear movement toward and away from a work station and relative to the rotation of a blank fixtured at the work station whereby a pattern is cut with the desired size and shape. The apparatus further includes a sensor and light source in the feeding and staging area of the apparatus to advance a blank to a fixturing spindle located at the work station and to determine the nasal side orientation of the blank at the work station.

Abstract: A method of approach in area cutting includes giving in advance an angle .theta. between a workpiece plane (WPL) and a straight line (SL) connecting an approach starting point (P.sub.A) and a cutting starting point (P.sub.i), and a distance dz between the approach starting point (P.sub.A) and the cutting starting point (P.sub.i) in a direction perpendicular to the workpiece plane. Coordinate values of the approach starting point (P.sub.A) are calculated using the angle .theta. and the distance dz in such a manner that a projection (SL') of the straight line (SL) on the workpiece plane (WPL) is brought into orientation with a direction of a normal line at the cutting starting point (P.sub.i) on a curve (OLC) of the external shape. A tool (TL) is positioned at the approach starting point (P.sub.A) in a rapid-traverse mode, and the tool is subsequently moved to the cutting starting point (P.sub.i) in a cutting-feed mode. Thereafter, cutting is started.

Abstract: An automated machine tool is provided having an adjusting apparatus for changing the cutting radius of a cutting tool by changing the tool's position on a horizontal axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the cutting tool. A constant cutter feed rate is maintained by adjusting the rotation rate of the cutting tool in proportion to the distance of the cutting tool from the centerline of rotation.

Abstract: The controller attaches to a milling machine such as the well-known Bridgeport miller so as to adapt the machine to programmed automatic operation. Controls are associated with all axes of operation, however, the control is described herein with regard to X and Y axis control. A control panel for all operations is physically mounted in association with the X axis table. The basic components of the system include power motors for respectively controlling lead screws associated with X and Y axis control, electrical relays which in turn control the power motors, optical encoders which essentially read lead screw rotation, and a microprocessor. The electrical relays are used to start, stop, and set the directional rotation of the power motors upon commands from the microprocessor. The microprocessor has two basic modes of operation including a program mode in which the steps performed by the machinist are recorded for subsequent repeatability.

Abstract: A drilling machine tool is disclosed having a machine tool body with a movable frame which is movable in the three axial directions X, Y and Z, of a rectangular coordinate system.

Abstract: A machine tool is provided with a controller for computing, as a function of an established radius and a preset feedrate, a rotational speed for rotating the machine spindle to provide a uniform surface speed at the working edge of a tool as the tool alternates between linear movement along an X and/or Y axis and arcuate movement along the C-axis of the spindle. A method is provided for gauging straight surfaces and adjoining arcs at a constant feedrate without interruption.

Abstract: Provided is a tracer control method in a master-slave type tracer system having first and second tracer units in each of which a tracer controller (TCC.sub.1, TCC.sub.2) generates velocity commands (V.sub.x, V.sub.y, V.sub.z) along respective axes by using a detection signal generated by a tracer head (TC.sub.1, TC.sub.2), motors (XM.sub.1, YM.sub.1, ZM.sub.1 ; XM.sub.2, YM.sub.2, ZM.sub.2) provided for respective axes are driven on the basis of the velocity commands and a workpiece (WK.sub.1, WK.sub.2) is subjected to tracer machining conforming to the profile of a model (MDL), tracer machining being performed by tracing a model (MDL.sub.1) with the tracer head (TC.sub.1) on the first tracer unit side and providing the second tracer unit with a move command on the basis of the tracing. In the tracer control method, the first tracer unit (TCC.sub.1, TCM.sub.1) produces the velocity commands (V.sub.x, V.sub.y, V.sub.z) in digital form to drive the motors (XM.sub.1, YM.sub.1, ZM.sub.

Abstract: An area cutting method for cutting the interior of an area (AR) bounded by an external shape curve (OLC) including a number of straight lines (S1, S2, . . . S6) and a circular arc (A1). The method includes linearly approximating a circular arc portion (A1') of an offset curve (OFC) which is offset a predetermined amount from the external shape curve. Then an area bounded by the linearly approximated offset curve is divided into a plurality of convex polygons (PG1-PG3). The centroid (Wi) of each convex polygon and the mid-points (M1, M2) of boundary lines (B1, B2) of two mutually adjacent convex polygons are calculated, and a base line (BL) is generated by successively connecting each centroid and each mid-point.

Abstract: A tapping machine of the type in which the workpiece is automatically positioned, has a releasable connection of the worktable and carriage with the means for horizontally moving the worktable and the means for horizontally moving the carriage, so that the worktable and carriage may be released for manual operation. The tapping machine also has a means for detecting the position of the carriage and a means for detecting excessive thrust from the workpiece. In addition, the tapping machine may be provided with means for detecting the position of the worktable and a control device having a memory connected with the means for positioning the worktable so that when the worktable is manually positioned, the manual position may be entered and recorded in the memory of the control device. The tapping machine may thus be programmed so that multi-variety, small volume tapping is efficiently performed.

Abstract: A tool of a metal-cutting machine provided with numerical control has an information data carrier for storing various data of tool characteristics such as the length, diameter, service life and other parameters of the tool. The data carrier is formed by an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory which has a large storage capacity. The memory is rigidly inserted in the tool or tool holder and is protected against damage and contamination. Inadvertent release and loss of the data carrier are avoided.

Abstract: A series of steps are performed at a plurality of stations on a component as it is automatically transferred from one station to the next during a manufacturing operation. Means and methods for measuring and recording the time cycles for each of the steps are provided. The recorded times cycles may then be compared with predetermined standards to determine the location of any faulty operation.

Abstract: A mechanical tool manipulating method and apparatus including apparatus and process for splitting axes of drive, wherein the drive means include preloaded lead screw nuts for minimal backlash, and "v" wheels and cylindrical slides for lineal tracking, as well as apparatus and process for precision clamping of the workpiece, and for recirculating exhaust air for clearing debris.

Abstract: A numerical-control (NC) method and system for machining a desired three-dimensional contour in a workpiece with an axial tool, e.g. a rotary milling cutter or electroerosion electrode, formed at its axial end with an active machining surface which is spherical about a center intersected by the axis of the tool. According to the invention, numerical coordinate values for the positions of this center of the tool to be displaced relative to the workpiece need not to be preprogrammed and stored on a record medium.

Abstract: A machine tool having a numerically controlled adjustable arbor for facilitating different straddle milling operations on random workpieces without the need for manual adjustment of the cutter width comprises a frame which carries a power station thereon. The power station has a rotary driven spindle which is journaled within a quill which is movable out from and into the power station under numerical control. A bifurcated arbor, configured of a pair of coaxial shafts which are in sleeved engagement with each other so as to be axially movable to and from each other while rotating co-jointly with each other, is coupled at one end to the power station spindle and is journaled at its distal end in a fixed arbor support. Each shaft of the bifurcated arbor carries a straddle milling cutter thereon in spaced apart relationship with the cutter on the other arbor member.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a tracer control system for a system performing tracing in an arbitrary direction using a combination tracer control-numerical control unit which is a combination of a tracer control unit and a numerical control unit, and is intended to increase the cutting accuracy and cutting speed by controlling the feed by tracer control, as compared with a conventional system which controls the feed by numerical control.The numerical control unit is provided with a signal generating device, such as a controller, for generating a signal representing the angle of a feed shaft according to numerical information indicating a path of cutting.

Abstract: A valve seat (28) having a generally saddle-shaped, eccentric surface (52); a groove (50) of constant depth and width formed in the eccentric surface, having sidewalls (70) perpendicular to the eccentric surface and a base (72) parallel to the eccentric surface; and a flexible O-ring (54) retained by friction within the groove. The groove sidewalls and base have a surface finish in the range of about 32 to 125, which provides sufficient smoothness to retain the O-ring in the required non-planar shape.The valve seat groove (50) can be produced according to the disclosed method, which is preferably implemented in a numerically controlled four-axis horizontal milling tool system. The valve seat part (100) is mounted in a fixture (102) on a rotary table (104) such that the part axis (56) is aligned with the longitudinal axis (Z) of the tool (106).

Abstract: A tool compensation method for cutting a surface on a workpiece having a slanted surface. A radius at a final point is determined by a path computing unit using coordinates of the final cutting point and a tool height. Based on these values thus determined, coordinates of a final offset position, which is aligned with a tool center, is also computed. Corrective values in the directions of the X and Y axes are determined using the computed coordinates and coordinates of a starting offset position, to thereby correct the movement of the tool center.

Abstract: A pinless router comprising a router coupled to a movable support arranged and configured such that it has at least one separable portion which may be decoupled from the remainder of the support, a means for vertically moving the router and the support, a helical brush having a large central opening concentric with the router tool and which engages with a work piece when the pinless router is in operation, a means for moving the router together with the support in a horizontal plane, a means for decoupling the separable portion from the remainder of the support and a continuous vacuum applied to the central opening in the brush.In operation, the pinless router is moved downwardly until the brush engages with the surface of the work piece. The routing operation is then substantially performed until just before the routing is completed. The pinless router is then stopped and moved downwardly until the separable portion engages with the work piece.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the control of the path of the grinding tool of an all-around edge grinding machine supporting a glass pane for movement about a rotational axis. The grinding tool is positively guided into contact with the edge of the glass pane as controlled by the contour of the glass pane. A scanning roller, also guided into contact with the edge of the glass panel provides the control heretofore described. Both the grinding head and scanning roller are movable in a direction toward the rotational axis of the glass pane. Path signals determined by the scanning roller are stored in a sliding register, and delayed at its output for a period of time required for movement of the glass pane through an angle which corresponds to the rotational angle (.alpha.,.beta.) between the point of contact of the scanning roller and the point of contact of the grinding tool on the edge of the glass pane. The path signals from the sliding register are used in position controlling the grinding tool.

Abstract: The invention is in a process, and the apparatus, for path control of a processing tool of a grinding machine for an all-around edge grinding of a glass pane. A cross sled supports the processing tool for movement in an X-Y coordinate system wherein the path of movement of the cross sled is controlled by a program. The path control, however, is critically controlled by the use of a scanning instrumentality including a scanning organ which scans the edge of the glass pane along a path of movement in front of the processing tool. The scanning organ is supported by an arm articulated about the axis of the processing tool. The scanning organ leads the processing tool by a set distance, equal to the length of the arm, and determines the values for the X- and the Y-coordinates. The values that are developed by the scanning organ are stored in a sliding register having an input from each of the two axes.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for the transverse and/or longitudinal machining of wooden workpieces, comprising a workpiece carriage for mounting a workpiece or a plurality of workpieces thereon and adapted to be displaced in the direction of the X-axis of a spatial X-Y-Z coordinate system along at least one transverse machining tool itself adapted to be displaced in the Y- and/or Z-axis for the machining operation. The object of the invention is to provide an apparatus of the above indicated type, which is of simple construction and by means of which the transverse machining of a workpiece can be carried out in a single mounting position of the workpiece and at a single machine location. In order to attain this object, the invention provides that the workpiece carriage comprises a mounting table adapted to be tilted about an axis parallel to the X-axis.

Abstract: A three-dimensional laser cutting system by a playback method, adapted to cut work pieces by means of a laser beam. The system comprises a three-dimensional drive machine provided on its main head with a laser head, high speed spindle head and tracer head; a laser unit disposed beside said machine; laser beam delivery means for guiding a laser beam from said laser unit to a laser beam emission nozzle of said laser head; and a computer having a CNC function of driving said tracer head on the basis of a two-dimensional NC tape, and a CTC function of preparing a three-dimensional NC tape on the basis of said two-dimensional NC tape and data obtained by scanning and driving said laser head by a playback method on the basis of said three-dimensional NC tape. The system of the invention may be used for various purposes.

Abstract: A horizontal drilling and milling machine comprises a vertically movable headstock and a spindle sleeve mounted for horizontal run-out from the headstock. Typically, an outer end of the spindle sleeve undergoes a vertical deflection relative to the headstock during run-out, which deflection is an exponential function of the extent of the run-out. A correcting means is connected to the headstock to move the latter as the run-out proceeds, to effect a vertical correction displacement of the forward end of the spindle sleeve, which displacement is the same exponential function of the extent of the run-out as that of the vertical deflection relative to the headstock. Correction is achieved by comparing a signal indicative of the extent of the run-out, with a predetermined exponential function for the particular spindle sleeve and tool, and generating a suitable correction signal in response thereto. A memory and computer device is employed to make the necessary comparison.

Abstract: A vertical-type machining center having a spindle carrier which travels in the vertical direction and a turret capable of both rotation and upward and downward movement provided on the spindle carrier, wherein tools are automatically changed over through rotation of the turret caused by relative movement between the turret and the spindle carrier when the upward movement of the turret is checked by a restraining member. A Z-axis position pulse generator is provided on a spindle mechanism drive member, such as the vertical drive motor or a screw shaft, and is adapted to generate a pulse for each revolution of the drive member. The pulses are counted by a counter which delivers a counted value for use in computing the vertical position of the spindle mechanism. The arrangement is such that the rotational speed of the vertical drive motor is controlled so as to move the spindle mechanism at an optimum speed suitable for the vertical position thereof.

Abstract: Apparatus for cutting patterns from successive contiguous segments of an elongated layup of sheet material has a zoned vacuum table which includes an endless bristle mat conveyor, for shifting a layup along the table to position a segment of the layup in the cutting zone of the table and for holding the layup segment in the cutting zone, and a carriage assembly, which moves a cutting mechanism relative to the table and in cutting engagement with the segment to cut patterns from the segment in response to signals from a programmable controller. A rotary encoder mounted on the carriage assembly has a pinion which engages a rack carried by the conveyor to detect movement of the carriage assembly relative to the conveyor when the carriage assembly returns to its starting position after completing its cutting cycle.

Abstract: A crankshaft milling machine comprising a bed, a pair of rails fixedly secured to the bed, a spindle fixedly mounted on the bed, a chuck mounted for rotation on one end of the spindle, a first motor for imparting a rotation to the chuck, a tool guide slidably mounted on the rails, the tool guide being inverted U-shape in cross-section, a tool support movably accommodated within the tool guide, the tool support being reciprocally movable in a vertical plane, and a second motor for causing a reciprocal movement of the tool support. An internal tooth cutter is rotatably supported by the tool support and a third motor is installed for rotating the internal tooth cutter. A numerical control device is provided for controlling the relative movement of the chuck and the tool support in such a way that the rotation of the chuck is synchronized with the reciprocal movement of the tool support.

Abstract: A machine for machining sheets comprises an arrangement for compressing the sheets to be machined. The arrangement is rotatable about a longitudinal axis comprises at least two rollers for bearing resiliently against the sheets during machining, each of which rollers are rotatable about a transverse axis perpendicular to said longitudinal axis. The arrangement is driven by a motor via a pinion, which motor also drives reduction gearing connected to an angular control means whereby it is possible to control the angular position of the arrangement so that the axis of rotation of the rollers can be orientated in relation to the direction of machining. The control means are themselves controlled by programmable electronic means which operate with reference to the angular position of the machining head of the machine.

Abstract: The invention provides apparatus and a method for use in machining cam profiles, and is suitable for use in grinding, milling, turning or otherwise forming cams. A workpiece, i.e. a cam blank, is rotated adjacent a machine tool (e.g. a grinding wheel) and is moved relative thereto laterally of its axis of rotation so that stock is removed from the workpiece to form a predetermined cam profile thereon. At the same time, the angular displacement of the workpiece relative to a datum is continuously monitored and the rotational speed of the workpiece is varied in dependence on its instantaneous angular displacement so that the stock can be removed at a substantially constant rate, preferably defined by a predetermined program corresponding to the particular cam profile to be machined on the workpiece.

Abstract: An automatic machine for displacing a shaping tool, such as a router, over a work area includes a tool mounting assembly carried by support means such as an articulated arm. The arm is movable by first movement means relative to fixed structure of the machine over the whole work area, while the tool mounting assembly can be moved within a limited zone relative to the arm by second movement means. The movement of the tool mounting assembly (and thus of the tool) is directly measured relative to the machine fixed structure and compared with a required movement to generate an error signal. This signal is fed to the second movement means which endeavors to move the tool mounting assembly as required over the work area.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for edge-trimming a board by means of an edger having two cutter heads adjustable in relation to each other in which the cutter heads are arranged to be movable in a direction transverse to the movement of the board while it is passing the edger. The movement of the cutter heads is controlled in such a manner that a trimmed board of optimum width is obtained.

Abstract: The feed rate of a computer controlled machine tool is periodically calculated every 9.6 milliseconds to produce a horsepower equal to a target horsepower at the cutting tool during a milling operation. When the feed rate rises above a predetermined level, the target horsepower is progressively lowered, and when the feed rate drops below a predetermined level, the target horsepower is progressively raised. The total amount of cutting time for each tool is measured and the amount of cutting time under increased target horsepower is also measured. When the amount of cutting time under increased target horsepower exceeds a predetermined percentage of the total cutting time for any given tool, a DULL TOOl signal is generated and the designated tool is subsequently replaced. If no cutting time is recorded, a BROKEN TOOL signal is generated and the broken tool is replaced.

Abstract: A transfer machine composing of a rotary indexing table with a positioning device for transferring plural jig plates holding workpieces to be machined thereon and which are intermittently indexed and working units being arranged near the circumference of the indexing table. Every working unit having a cutting infeed device to make its cutter head step forward or backward in a working direction and multi-axes sliding devices for changing & adjusting the relative position between the cutter head and the jig plate, and these sliding devices being controlled by feed-volume setting devices corresponded with setting volumes selected therein and with the result that the said relative position being decided and set.

Abstract: This invention provides a frictional clamping arrangement for holding the workpiece being cut by a router so as to prevent movement of the cutout portion of the workpiece in the last increment of the cut. The device includes a pressure foot having a clamping member which is forced downwardly against the surface of the workpiece when the cut is nearly completed for holding the cutout portion of the workpiece motionless relative to the worktable so as to prevent its lateral movement during completion of the cut. The clamping member is fixed relative to the spindle during the principal part of the cut, but is released for limited movement relative to the spindle when holding the workpiece.