Abstract: A machine tool 10 to fashion objects from blocks of material having a material-remover 16 able to move in at least two degrees of freedom and having the material 18 controlled by processing circuitry. The processing circuitry 18 determines a path along which the material-remover 16 should move, allowing the depth of a cut made by the material remover to vary. The movement of the material-remover 16 is so controlled to improve bulk material removal when compared to prior art machines.

Abstract: A cutting machine control determines a required stock-removal amount from a work for each of sections into which a tool path is divided, and feeds the rotating cutting tool at a speed that is controlled according to the required stock-removal volume so that the rotating cutting tool removes a predetermined or target stock-removal volume of material for the component path section from a work per unit time.

Abstract: Coated milling insert has a WC—Co cemented carbide with a low content of cubic carbides and a highly W-alloyed binder phase and a coating including an inner layer of TiCxNy with columnar grains followed by a layer of &kgr;-Al2O3 and a top layer of TiN. The coated milling insert is particularly useful for milling of grey cast iron with or without cast skin under wet conditions at low and moderate cutting speeds and milling of nodular cast iron and compacted graphite iron with or without cast skin under wet conditions at moderate cutting speeds.

Abstract: A customized prosthesis, or instrument, for medical/dental applications is provided which replicates the desired bone-graft, tooth, or tool, being replaced. The dimensions of the prosthesis, or instrument, are determined by mathematically interpolating key-points that characterize a specific part. A computer controlled machine then cuts the desired part out of a pre-fabricated blank, directly at the site of operation. Methods of the invention relate to selecting the type of part being replaced, identifying and measuring the coordinates of key-points for that part, and initializing the automated machining process. Also, special supporting devices that include pre-fabricated features common between certain parts, are used in order to facilitate the machining process. The identification of key-points is done by comparing a schematic drawing of the type of part being replaced to the actual part. A grid is then used to measure the coordinates for those key-points.

Abstract: A method of simulating a milling operation is provided. The method includes approximating the milling operation as a first two-dimensional representation; approximating the milling operation as a second two-dimensional representation; and computing a chip length. The first two-dimension representation is a first plane of intersection of a milling tool with a work piece. The second two-dimension representation is a second plane of intersection of the milling tool with the work piece. The chip length is computed from the first and second planes of intersection.

Abstract: The invention relates to operator assisted methods for making keys including automatically extracting key attributes from an object key, comparing the key attributes of the object key to known manufacturer's key attributes stored in memory of a data processing unit to identify a corresponding key blank, and verbally announcing to an operator the identity of the corresponding key blank so that the operator can secure the corresponding key blank in a clamp for cutting. In this process, the verbal announcement may comprise voice identification and a visual display. The invention relates to an improved key making machine that automatically extracts characteristics of an object key without human intervention. The position and alignment of the object key is automatically determined, key characteristics extracted and compared with known key manufacturers' information stored in memory, an appropriate key blank is identified, cut and dispensed to the customer.

Abstract: In a method for machining a workpiece, and for identifying a sequence of steps for machining a workpiece, a final shape required for the whole or part of the workpiece (is identified at 34), a three dimensional envelope shape is generated around the required shape (36), differences between the current shape and the envelope shape are generated at (38) to allow a sequence of cuts to be generated at (40) and a tool path at (42) from which the current stock part can be cut down to the envelope shape. The definition of the current stock is then updated at (44) and the sequence repeated until the workpiece has been machined to the required shape.

Abstract: A method of guiding a tool for machining a work piece of a material block, the material-removing work portion of the tool being guided to move along a first guide path while a further point on the axis of the tool, which is located at a distance from the work portion, is guided along a prescribed second guide path, whereby the five kinematic coordinates of the movement of the tool are fully determined.

Abstract: A milling method is provided in which a finished part of any desired contour is milled from a blank of any desired contour by the milling tool being guided on a continuous, spiral guide path from the blank continuously to the finished part. In this case, material is continuously removed during the milling operation without ever lifting the tool or clamping the workpiece in place again. This results in a reduced machining time of the workpiece. The continuous, spiral guide path permits a harmonic change of form from the blank to the finished part with smooth guidance of the tool. The method can also be carried out with ceramic tools.

Abstract: A system and method for inscribing an item is provided. The system includes a housing having a door, an inscriber, and a support. The inscriber is disposed in the housing and is operable to inscribe the surface of an item secured in an item carrier. The support has a positioning structure that is configured to engage the item carrier and establish a reference point so that the location of the surface of the item with respect to the support is determinable. The support moves between a loading position and an inscribing position to position the item for inscribing. There is also provided a controller that governs the movements of the inscriber and includes an input device. The input device is moveable between a first position to receive characteristics about the item to be inscribed and a second position to receive a message to be inscribed on the surface of the item.

Abstract: A method of determining machining instructions during machining of a workpiece using a machine having a cutter, the surfaces of the workpiece being defined by a plurality of programmed instructions obtained by trigonometric analysis of the required curvatures of the surfaces.

Abstract: A method is described for producing embossing plates, in particular steel intaglio printing plates. A plane element is determined from a line drawing, the edge of the plane element defining a desired contour. A tool track is then calculated from the desired contour and a desired depth associated with the plane element, to be used for guiding an engraving tool such that the partial area is removed.

Abstract: A computer assisted manual machine tool system and method for milling, turning and grinding uses a computer model of machine objectives and location feedback signals from the tool to control motion switch means enabling and disabling tool motion. The manual machinist may position a tool to a target position by enabling motion along each controlled axis while the tool's position feedback for that axis is outside of the tolerance specification and disabling motion once the tool is within that tolerance. The machinist may contour within a specified tolerance zone by toggling the motion switch means for each axis to produce motion along that contour. The machinist may pocket by enabling motion while the tool is away from the pocket surfaces and disabling motion when the tool position is within a predetermined distance of any pocket surface.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for duplicating an original key, the keyway and keycode of the original key are measured and duplicated in a preform. The preform used in the duplication process need not include any keyway or keycode prior to the duplication process and, therefore, a single type of preform may be used in generating duplicates of many different types of keys. The apparatus may be automated to take the measurements of the original key and to cut the duplicate key, thus reducing the possibility of producing a nonfunctional duplicate.

Abstract: A method for determining the suitability of workpieces for machining. A workpiece is probed with a non-contact type sensor to produce a voltage reading corresponding to the mass of the workpiece. The reading is compared to a tolerance voltage range based on the mass of a reference workpiece and from this comparison it is determined whether the workpiece is an uncut or cut workpiece and if it is appropriate to machine the workpiece.

Abstract: A controller for optimization of metal-working on CNC-operated machine tools, includes a first unit for monitoring the torque of the main drive of the machine tool to establish the actual, instantaneous cutting torque, a second unit for setting the rated cutting torque in the teaching mode in dependence on the main-drive torque as monitored, a third unit for calculating the feed rate required to maintain the cutting torque at a constant level and controlling the feed drive, and a fourth unit responsive to the monitored main-drive torque and providing feed rate limiting signals to the third unit for protecting the tool against breakage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the simultaneous duplication of both the bit notch pattern and shoulder position of a master key onto a key blank. The key blank is longitudinally and laterally aligned relative to a key cutter. A master key is longitudinally and laterally aligned relative to a key follower. The key follower is then longitudinally and laterally displaced relative to the master key to trace the contour of the key master. The key cutter is simultaneously displaced relative to the key blank in an identical manner to reproduce the traced contour of the master key on the key blank and to longitudinally reposition the key blank shoulder to coincide with the relative longitudinal location of the master key shoulder by cutting away a portion of the shank to reduce the length of the shank.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing signs having raised, prismatic graphic images such as letters, numbers and other graphic images. Initial values for the graphic images are provided, and includes information defining an initial graphic representation for the graphic images, and may also include a return, which is the measure of distance by which the graphic images are raised relative to a background of a sign. A cutting tool is provided and has a radius and a cutting angle. One tool path is determined using the initial graphic representation. Tool passes and depths for the other passes are determined using the initial graphic representation, the cutting angle, and a distance which is not greater than the tool radius. A controller generates signals indicative of the tool paths and respective depths, and presents the signals to operate an automatic cutting machine and cutting tool to selectively remove material from a sheet material to produce the graphic images.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the simultaneous duplication of both the bit notch pattern and shoulder position of a master key onto a key blank. The key blank is longitudinally and laterally aligned relative to a key cutter. A master key is longitudinally and laterally aligned relative to a key follower. The key follower is then longitudinally and laterally displaced relative to the master key to trace the contour of the key master. The key cutter is simultaneously displaced relative to the key blank in an identical manner to reproduce the traced contour of the master key on the key blank and to longitudinally reposition the key blank shoulder to coincide with the relative longitudinal location of the master key shoulder by cutting away a portion of the shank to reduce the length of the shank.

Abstract: A method for determining machining instructions for flank milling of a workpiece which reduces the undercut by analyzing the cutter orientation at a plurality of orientations to determine an orientation which results in a minimum undercut, smooths the machining instructions by analyzing the movement of the cutter and the workpiece in spherical coordinates and improves machinability by analyzing for near-axial conditions and selecting a modified cutter orientation for such near-axial conditions using a multi-criteria weighting factor.

Abstract: In a numerical control machining system, a leftover area on a work produced by cutting the work with a larger diameter ball end mill is cut with a small diameter ball end mill. When the cutting trajectories of the small diameter ball end mill are determined, the leftover portions are identified in the directions of the cutting trajectories for the larger diameter ball end mill which are set at regular pitches and reference cutting trajectories for the small diameter ball end mill which are the cutting trajectories when cutting the leftover portions with the small diameter ball end mill in the direction of the cutting trajectories for the larger diameter ball end mill are obtained.

Abstract: A material of which a golf club head or a prototype thereof is made is held such that it is pivoted and indexed about a single axis of a holding installation. This material is cut in a predetermined outer surface configuration of a golf club head by means of a cutter means while the material is rotated about said axis, and is successively brought to a standstill at predetermined angles, or while the material is continuously rotated.

Abstract: Movement of a tool is delayed for a specified time from the movement of a tracer head that probes a model and traces the same path so that a cutter does not attain a state of excessive overshoot at a corner of a workpiece. The tracer head is driven independent of the tool on all axes of a machine tool by submotors provided in conjunction with feed axes of the tool. Profiling command values are stored in the FIFO memory 41 and output to the axes of the machine tool after being delayed for the specified time. In an operating circuit 43, speed command values Vxs to submotors are calculated based on the profile command values. The tracer head probes the model in precedence to the tool in response to the speed command values Vxs.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of producing restorations, prosthesis or the like within dentistry and medical service, a measuring device, a computer and a shaping machine being utilized. According to the invention the method is characterized by the combination of the following moments: a measuring probe (3) provided with at least two lighting points (5-7) and being an integral part of a measuring device provided with at least two cameras (1, 2) is conveyed along the treatment area at the same time as the movements of the measuring probe (3) are registered by means of the cameras (1, 2); data from the cameras are collected by and stored in a computer which is specially programmed for this field of use and which on basis of incoming data can determine the form of the treatment area; the data information stored in the computer is utilized for controlling a shaping machine which out of a working piece shapes a suitable restoration or prosthesis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the simultaneous duplication of both the bit notch pattern and shoulder position of a master key onto a key blank. The key blank is longitudinally and laterally aligned relative to a key cutter. A master key is longitudinally and laterally aligned relative to a key follower. The key follower is then longitudinally and laterally displaced relative to the master key to trace the contour of the key master. The key cutter is simultaneously displaced relative to the key blank in an identical manner to reproduce the traced contour of the master key on the key blank and to longitudinally reposition the key blank shoulder to coincide with the relative longitudinal location of the master key shoulder by cutting away a portion of the shank to reduce the length of the shank.

Abstract: A method is provided for embodying a plane reference defined by a specific equation within a rough surface of a frame of a structure being assembled. The equation characterizing the reference surface is stored in a memory. With the aid of an optical sighting mechanism, spatial data is obtained which makes it possible to calculate an equation characterizing the rough surface. The data relating to the equations of the reference surface and the rough surface are compared in an information processing unit. A mobile machining device is positioned close to the rough surface. The machining device is controlled by specific orders generated by the comparison of the equations for the reference and rough surfaces respectively. The machining device gradually rectifies the rough surface to make it progressively coincide with that of the spatial equation of the reference surface.

Abstract: A method and system for machining a contoured surface of a part, such as a vane of a vane segment of a nozzle ring in a gas turbine engine. A plurality of original data points from the original surface of the vane are sensed. The system comprises an algorithm for creating a matrix of data and for generating a revised contour profile corresponding to the cross-sectioned contour of the vane for points which lie in a common plane. The original contour may have missing sections in its profile or may have areas where brazing material has been applied to the vane. The revised contour profile is adjusted in accordance with certain predefined parameters. The revised contour profile is also adjusted so that all of its points lie on or inside the perimeter shape defined by the original data points. All of the revised contour profiles associated with each cross-section of the vane is compiled to generate one machining contour.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to an apparatus and method for automated edge finishing using hybrid position/force control of an XY table. The disclosure is particularly directed to learning the trajectory of the edge of a workpiece by "guarded moves". Machining is done by controllably moving the XY table, with the workpiece mounted thereon, along the learned trajectory with feedback from a force sensor.

Abstract: A 2-dimensional drawing of closed shapes and/or letters is processed for incised carving with a conical tool. Each closed shape is processed independently to generate a plurality of connected cutter paths. While carving each path it is necessary to change the tool depth so that the edge of the tool at the surface of work remains tangent to two sides at all times. A recursive process is used to handle parts of the work where the cutting path splits.

Abstract: A method of setting a tracing zone in a contour tracing in which a surface of a model is traced by a contour tracing to thereby machine a workpiece. The contour tracing zone is set by a plurality of straight lines forming a polygonal shape (43, 44, 45), and when a stylus (5) reaches the straight lines forming a polygonal shape line (43, 44), pick feed is carried out to thus machine the workpiece by a contour machining. Because a tracing zone in the contour tracing is set by a plurality of straight lines forming a polygonal shape (43, 44, 45), the necessary contour tracing zones can be precisely set and therefore, unnecessary machining time is eliminated and life and so on of tools is prolonged.

Abstract: The invention makes it possible to produce from a blank an article whose contour is altered, preferably linearly enlarged, with great precision in relation to a corresponding contour of a used model (1c). A copying machine is used in the production. The machine comprises, on the one hand, a first pair of units (1, 2) which are arranged so as to be rotatable. The model (1c) is arranged on the first unit (1) and the blank is arranged on the second unit (2). The machine also comprises a pair of second units (24, 25) in which one supports a detecting member (24a) which is brought into cooperation with the model, and the second unit supports a machining or actuating member which is brought into cooperation with and acts on the blank. The said pairs of units are displaced from and towards each other during production.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment is directed to a lens shaper and finisher which can readily accommodate large sized lens blanks. The preferred embodiment includes a chuck for supporting a lens blank and a lens pattern. A cutter is operably associated with the chuck. A plurality of piston and cylinder assemblies displace the chuck relative to the cutter between a first position wherein the lens blank is removed from the cutter and a second position wherein the lens blank engages the cutter. A control device is operably connected to a least one of the piston and cylinder assemblies to vary the rate at which the lens blank is fed to the cutter. Accordingly, the feed rate may be readily adjusted such that during a rough cutting cycle a lens blank is fed at a slower rate than during a finish cutting cycle to reduce the likelihood of shattering of the lens blank during the cutting process.

Abstract: A system and related method or process for producing a pattern for a lens to be formed and then placed in an opening in an eyeglass frame utilizes a frame tracing apparatus for providing coordinate data characterizing the size and shape of the lens opening in associated one specific eyeglass frame for transmission to a pattern generator having a cutter which moves relative to a blank fixtured at a work station in the generator to cut a pattern having the desired size and shape. A number of frame tracing apparatus are arranged to transmit data to a pattern generator via a central data base computer coupled to the frame tracing apparatus by a communications link whereby the pattern generator subsequently receives the dimensional data corresponding to the specific lens opening traced by the frame tracing apparatus to generate the desired pattern from blanks continuously and automatically fed to the pattern generator.

Abstract: A tracer head for a copy milling machine which is digitally controlled and causes a model to be scanned by a stylus mechanically mounted in the tracer head. The stylus is deflected both at right angles and tangentially to the surface of the model when the stylus contacts the model to produce scanning signals which are proportional to the deflections at right angles to the model surface and the deflections tangential to the model surface. These signals then are transmitted to a processor which processes, amplifies and subsequently feeds the processed and amplified scanning signals to servomotors of the machine to cut and shape a workpiece in such manner as to produce a copy of the model. The amount of spring pressure exerted on the stylus inside the head by the mechanical spring mounting when the stylus contacts the model is determined by establishing the pressure separately along each of the three mutually orthogonal x, y and z axes.

Abstract: A method of machining the contour of a printed circuit board by effecting a relative feed movement between a rotating tool and the other periphery of the printed circuit board. The electrical current value of a drive motor for driving a spindle to which the tool is attached is detected and an operation is conducted for changing the machining condition in such a manner as to reduce the electrical current value of the spindle drive motor and, at the same time, for changing also tool diameter compensation amount to a value corresponding to the machining condition after the change, at every time the detected electrical current value has reached a predetermined current value immediately before tool breakage and repeatedly by a predetermined number of times.

Abstract: A trimmer apparatus and method for utilizing the same is presented which includes a cutting assembly formed from a quadrangular frame which is pivotally joined to a stand and a laminated object is moved therealong on a support in a lineal path whereby the edge of the laminate is trimmed to the contour of the substrate. The quandrangular cutting assembly frame allows the cutting blade to move in an arcuate path for trimming rounded ends of table tops or the like.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for making a lens for a pair of prescription eyeglasses a lens blank is shaped and finished on one of its major surfaces through the use of a machine controlled by the prescription information and with a new expendable lap being made each time a new lens is wanted. A machine for cutting a lens blank and/or a lap blank is controlled in three axes by a set of point data related to and obtained in response to the input into the control system for the machine or prescription information.

Abstract: A flash removing method is provided for cutting off with a reamer which is freely movable while in contact with a polymeric molded product within a predetermined range of pressing forces. The reamer is provided with blades having normal clearance angles of substantially zero degrees and the flanks of the blades follow the flash-forming region. The reamer is controlled in radial position according to the shape of the polymeric molded product, so that the reamer always receives a constant radial load from the product to leave even traces after the flash removal. A solidified gate is cut off before the flash removal. A flash removing apparatus for performing the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A three dimensional surface shaping tool comprising a machining portion, wherein a graphical projection of the outermost locus of the motion of the machining portion, onto a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tool, has a shape comprising a curve expressed by at least one equation or a combination of at least one straight line and at least one of the curve, and a three dimensional surface shaping method using the above mentioned tool, which comprises the steps of determining the desired shape of the surface; choosing a shape of the tool based on the desired shape of the surface; and contacting the tool with a workpiece under tool motion control such that the contact with the tool occurs at points along the machining portion of the tool where a curvature thereof is most appropriate for the desired surface shape.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for machining multiple holes in a workpiece to a uniform depth and at a predetermined angle to the surface of the workpiece. The method is performed by a numerically controlled machine tool which orients the workpiece in space with respect to a reference coordinate system which establishes an expected position of the surface of the workpiece. The actual position of the surface of the workpiece is determined by sensing contact between the workpiece and the boring tool. Once the actual position of the workpiece surface has been sensed, the tool is advanced a predetermined distance to provide a uniform depth cut. The expected position, the actual position, and the deviation between the two are recorded to assure that the surface of the workpiece is accurately sensed during subsequent machining steps.

Abstract: A machine for grinding the peripheries of ophthalmic lenses to predetermined outlines is characterized by a head having a rotatable workholder for moving an edge of a lens against a rough grinding or finishing wheel and a pattern holder positioned vertically above the workholder for controlling movement of the lens toward and away from the grinding wheel. The head is mounted for horizontal, vertical and pivotal movement, is allowed to freely pivot during finishing or bevel edging of a lens but not during rough grinding, and is automatically locked against pivotal movement upon completion of bevel edging so that the lens may, if required, be returned to the same position against the finishing wheel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the angular position of a workpiece and for positioning the same relative to at least one tool. The workpiece has at least one set of teeth. Pulses are derived from a rotating reference workpiece and from a reference shaft which has a known gear ratio with the reference workpiece, and consequently also turns. A first phase measurement is undertaken between the pulses, the result of which is stored as the reference value. The reference workpiece is replaced with a workpiece which is to be machined and which is provided with teeth. A second phase measurement between the pulses of the refernece shaft and of the reference workpiece are undertaken in a second measuring operation. The reference value of the first phase meaasurement is compared with the result of the second phase measurement. The workpiece is turned relative to the reference shaft in conformity with the difference between the two measured values.

Abstract: An arrangement is used for the efficient mass production of individual bodies for the artificial rebuilding of teeth, for example. The arrangement comprises a first pair of co-rotating elements, of which the first element (1) is so arranged as to support a replica (21) of a body which is to be produced, and the second element (2) is so arranged as to support a blank from which the body is to be produced. The replica and the blank are caused to rotate synchronously about the axis of rotation (3, 4) of the respective element. In a second pair of elements a third element supports a sensing device (31) which is capable of interacting with the external contour of the replica, and a fourth element supports a tool (52) by means of which the blank is capable of being machined. The first and second pairs of elements are capable of being displaced relative to one another.

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: A method for forming a template for use in the garment manufacture industry. Apparatus used in the method comprises a support table (10) having an opening (26) therein. A router (13) is mounted below the support table for vertical movement relative thereto and drives a routing cutter (15) that may extend through the opening (26). A blank comprising hinged, overlying plates is positioned so that part of the blank overlies the opening (26) beneath a stylus (38) which can guide a pattern attached to the blank so that the cutter forms a track in the blank having a shape corresponding to the shape of the pattern. The track is cut simultaneously through both plates, and separating cuts are made across the hinge line through the thickness of the first plate only. During the cutting operation cut material is extracted through a tube (27) connected to a source of vacuum.

Abstract: A groove is milled along a predetermined line using a cutter (2) mounted at the end of a rotary shaft (3) which is displaced under computer control (A) via a control interface (B) in such a manner as to ensure that its axis X.sub.4 remains constantly substantially perpendicular to the wall of the tube and that the depth to which the cutter penetrates into the thickness of the wall is under constant control.

Abstract: In a profiling method constructed so that NC working is performed on the basis of profile locus data obtained by profiling a shape of a model by a profiling machine, a digitized method of the profile locus is characterized in that position data of the model surface, obtained by adding a position of the profiling machine and a displacement signal from a tracer head at each sampling time, are rounded through a low-pass filter upon a profiling operation, and a time constant of the filter is automatically changed in response to the rate of change of the shape of the model. According to this method, fluctuation of the profiling machine, which can not be corrected by the filter heretofore and is an error as it is, is corrected, and a stylus displacement signal, delayed as compared with a response of a profiling machine position signal upon high speed profiling operation, is greatly improved so that high speed profiling operation can be attained.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a workpiece or chair mat with cleats on the underside thereof, and with a marginal peripheral area void of cleats, and for trimming the edge of a generally planar workpiece. A rotatable work table is provided for positioning the workpiece. A router head includes an inclined router blade engageable with the edge of the workpiece to form a beveled ramp edge thereabout. A template is positioned between the workpiece and the work table, and the router head has a cam follower engageable with and movable along the edge of the template for guiding the router blade along the edge of the workpiece during rotation of the work table. A cooling medium is directed toward the area of engagement between the router blade and the edge of the workpiece. The depth of cut is controlled by a cam disk mounted on the bottom of the router head engageable with the top of the workpiece.

Abstract: An advanced memory type profiling control method for a machine tool including a tracer which is relatively moved along a surface of a model and a machine body provided with a cutting tool such as an end mill whereby a work having the same shape as that of the model is made, includes driving the tracer along the model surface with the tracer preceding the machine body by a predetermined time, sampling coordinate data of a position of the tracer and data of displacement of a stylus, which is moved in contact with the model surface, to the tracer at a predetermined sampling time, calculating coordinate values of points on a locus formed by a movement of a central point of the stylus ball on the basis of the sampled data, calculating a coordinate value of a point following the central point of the stylus ball at retard, for each sampling time to obtain a command position data to the machine body, storing the command position data in a memory successively, and supplying the stored data to a drive control unit of t

Abstract: Apparatus for scribe engraving a workpiece with a miniature representation of a two-dimensional pattern in response to movement of a stylus following the pattern includes a spherically rotatable member having a frusto-spherical surface rotatably retained within a frusto-spherical bearing race remote from the pattern and having a passageway therethrough axially skew to the pattern, where the scribe extends fixedly from the spherically rotatable member for movement unitarily with the rotatable member, including means for connecting the rotatable member with the stylus so that the rotatable member rotates in response to stylus movement following the pattern where the connecting means is selectably disengageable from the rotatable member.