Performance Monitoring Patents (Class 700/174)
  • Publication number: 20130116817
    Abstract: A method for machining and inspecting a workpiece includes steps of: supporting the workpiece with a workpiece support; moving a machining tool relative to the workpiece with a tool positioning system, and machining a workpiece feature into the workpiece with the machining tool as a function of reference geometry data; moving a measuring device relative to the workpiece with a measuring device positioning system that is independent of the tool positioning system, and mapping a geometry of the workpiece feature with the measuring tool to provide workpiece geometry data indicative thereof; and processing the workpiece geometry data and the reference geometry data with a processor to compare the geometry of the workpiece feature to a reference geometry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Paul R. Faughnan, JR., Edward Marchitto, Jesse R. Boyer
  • Patent number: 8437878
    Abstract: The disclosure provides an HVAC data processing and communication network and a method of manufacturing the same. In one embodiment the network includes a system device and a user interface. The system device is configured to generate and locally store an alarm record in response to an alarm event. The system device is further configured to receive an alarm request message via a data bus. In response to receiving the alarm request message, the system device is configured to publish an alarm reporting message over the data bus. The user interface is configured to receive the alarm message and display an alert depending on a state of the flag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Lennox Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Wojciech Grohman, Amanda Filbeck
  • Patent number: 8428765
    Abstract: An optimal process determining system executes a step of calculating a temporary process that includes information of a plurality of individual processes. According to an example, each process includes a tooling including of a tool, a holder, a tool projection length, and a sequence of the plurality of individual processes. A similarity between the toolings of two individual processes is calculated. In addition, a calculation is performed relating to a plurality of integrated processes for which the tooling of one of the individual processes having a high similarity is integrated into the tooling of the other one of the individual processes. In addition, an optimal process is determined from the plurality of integrated processes on the basis of an actual machining time in each of the integrated processes, a unit integration reduction time reduced as one of the toolings of the individual processes is integrated, and the number of the individual processes integrated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: JTEKT Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Okita, Yoshimasa Kuwano, Kazunari Teramoto
  • Patent number: 8417370
    Abstract: Generating a machine tool program for performing coordinate measurements. The machine tool program may be communicated to a machine tool controller such that the machine tool controller is operable to execute the machine tool program. The machine tool program may be generated from a dimensional metrology program. As part of generating the machine tool program, a path definition and a machine definition may be combined. Measurement data resulting from an execution of the machine tool program may be received by a data server and analyzed using dimensional metrology analysis. Indicators may be provided within the machine tool program to be used during dimensional metrology analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Hexagon Metrology AB
    Inventors: Anthony J. Griggs, Charles Burbank, William Wilcox, Kenneth Woodbine
  • Patent number: 8402868
    Abstract: A slab shaping system includes a slab shaping device. The slab shaping device includes a cutting device and de-burring device, wherein the cutting device and the de-burring device, respectively cut and de-burr a slab. According to an embodiment, the slab shaping system may include a plurality of spaced apart slab support beams that form at least one slot therebetween. According to an embodiment, the cutting device and de-burring device may be axially-aligned. A method for operating a slab shaping system is disclosed. The method includes the steps of positioning a plurality of slab support beams on a table to form at least one slot; positioning a slab over the slab support beams; positioning a cutting device and de-burring device of a slab shaping device in axial-alignment; and cutting and de-burring the cut in the slab along a length of the at least one slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Edw. C. Levy Co.
    Inventors: Thierry Rozot, Kenneth William Wright
  • Patent number: 8386067
    Abstract: The invention relates to a machine tool monitoring device with an identification unity for identifying the operating situation of a machine tool. According to the invention, the machine tool monitoring device has at least one projection unit for defining at least one region to be monitored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Reiner Krapf, Heiko Braun, Michael Mahler, Alexander Werner Hees
  • Patent number: 8386068
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of calibrating drill depth of an ophthalmic processing device. A number of drill cycles are selected for drilling an expected number of holes in a lens blank. The selected number of drill cycles is performed. The drill depth of each consecutive drill cycle varies incrementally. An actual number of locations the drill bit contacted the lens blank during the drill cycles is compared to the expected number of holes. The drill depth is adjusted depending on the compared values. A method of calibrating drill hole size is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: National Optronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Kurt William Schaeffer
  • Patent number: 8374717
    Abstract: A vibration suppressing method and a vibration suppressing device are disclosed. After a tool is attached to a main spindle, a modal parameter of the tool or a workpiece is computed. Thereafter, a relation between chatter frequency and phase difference is calculated as an approximation formula based on the obtained modal parameter and machining conditions. If chatter vibration occurs after initiation of the machining, a chatter frequency corresponding to a target phase difference is obtained using the approximation formula, and based on the obtained chatter frequency, the number of tool flutes and the main spindle rotation speed, the optimum rotation speed is calculated. The rotation speed of the main spindle is then changed in accordance with the obtained optimum rotation speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignees: Okuma Corporation, National University Corporation Nagoya University
    Inventors: Norikazu Suzuki, Eiji Shamoto, Hiroshi Ueno
  • Patent number: 8374706
    Abstract: In a method for moving a machine element of an automation machine with separately controlled drive shafts moving in a common direction, a first controller receives a first desired control variable, which is filtered using a filter having a frequency-dependent transfer function. In one embodiment, first desired control variable represents an overall movement of a machine element. A difference is determined between the filtered first desired variable and a first actual variable, and the difference is supplied as a desired control variable to the second controller for controlling the movement of the second drive shaft. In another embodiment, the filtered first desired variable and a second desired variable are added to form a sum, and a difference between the formed sum and the first actual variable is supplied as a desired control variable to the second controller for controlling the movement of the second drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Marco Bock, Wolfgang Papiernik
  • Patent number: 8355812
    Abstract: A shaping machine system is presented. The shaping machine system includes a shaping device including at least one jig mount body for mounting a jig for supporting a workpiece, a shaping tool support body for supporting a shaping tool for shaping the workpiece, a first drive device for rotating the shaping tool, and a second drive device for driving at least one of the shaping tool support body, the jig mount body, or to change a posture of the shaping tool relative to the workpiece. The shaping machine system also includes a computer including an input unit for receiving a jig selection, a shaping tool selection, a shape data reading unit for reading shape data representing a shape of the workpiece after shaping, a shaping data producing unit for producing shaping data for controlling the first and the second drive devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Roland DG Corporation
    Inventors: Akihiro Suyama, Ryo Sato, Yoshimitsu Asahina, Makoto Yoshida
  • Patent number: 8339733
    Abstract: A base member on which a plurality of components are mounted includes a base main body, a coating formed on a surface of the base main body, and a display portion formed by a contrast between the coating and the surface of the base main body. The display portion displays a state by which it is determined whether or not the base main body has been machined in accordance with a corresponding machining program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Taizo Ikegawa, Shoichi Yoshikawa, Toshiyuki Ninomiya, Hiroshi Nasu
  • Patent number: 8328950
    Abstract: There are provided a system, method and computer program product for detecting foreign materials in a semiconductor manufacturing process. The manufacturing process uses a plurality of semiconductor manufacturing tools. The system categorizes at least one monitoring wafer according to one or more categories. The system supplies the categorized monitoring wafer to a semiconductor manufacturing tool. The system observes a level of contamination on the categorized monitoring wafer. The system compares the level of contamination to a threshold. The system cleans the tool in a response to determining that the level of contamination is larger than the threshold. The system determines which category of the wafer leaves a highest level of contamination on the tool. The system identifies a root cause of the highest level of contamination on the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. Baseman, Tomasz J. Nowicki
  • Patent number: 8326448
    Abstract: A method and a device for operating a machine tool are disclosed, wherein a machining operation of the machine tool is controlled by a parts program by storing a simulated configuration of the machine tool in the parts program, determining an actual configuration of the machine tool, comparing the actual configuration with the simulated configuration of the machine tool stored in the parts program, and generating a warning message if the actual configuration is not in conformance with the simulated configuration. This prevents errors in the machining process resulting from a discrepancy between the configuration of the machine tool used in the simulation of the parts program and the configuration of the actual machine tool during the actual machining operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Roland Schneider
  • Patent number: 8321046
    Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus including a controller connected to a plurality of sub-controllers for controlling a substrate processing, and an operating section having a display unit for showing an operation screen displaying a daily check data for checking utility equipment relating to each part and having a daily check initial parameter file defined in a client type, a presence of an item and unit conversion. The controller is configured to receive the daily check data from a sub-controller, to convert a unit of the received daily check data, and then to transfer the unit-converted daily check data to the operating section, and the operating section is configured to refer to the daily check initial parameter file and to display the daily check data transferred from the controller on the operation screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Hitachi Kokusai Electric Inc.
    Inventors: Masako Sueyoshi, Kazuhito Saito
  • Patent number: 8311661
    Abstract: The invention relates to a machine tool monitoring device having a detection unit for detecting an application in a machine tool. According to the invention, at least one component of the machine tool is used as a reflector for a transmitting and/or receiving signal of the detection unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Reiner Krapf, Heiko Braun, Michael Mahler, Alexander Werner Hees, Robert Green
  • Patent number: 8306645
    Abstract: Manufacturing planning data for a production process that is managed by a manufacturing execution system is updated by way of a plurality of steps, which include: Gathering data from a PLC level relevant to the manufacturing planning data and the execution of the production process; mapping the gathered data with the current manufacturing planning data in order to determine suggested changes between the gathered data and the current manufacturing planning data; applying a predetermined update scenario for the manufacturing planning data depending on the suggested changes to update the manufacturing planning data; and adapting the current production process and optionally following production processes according to the updated manufacturing planning data. The reliability of the so-called standard data used in production planning processes is thus dramatically improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Mark Mathieu Theodorus Giebels
  • Patent number: 8290610
    Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a method of manufacturing an article. According to at least one embodiment, a set of manufacturing instructions is stored for a machine, and at least one of the manufacturing instructions is imputed into the machine. In addition, an article is manufactured with the machine in accordance with the input manufacturing instructions, and a realisation log which is indicative of the operations that the machine has actually performed in manufacturing the article is generated. Further, a report by comparing the realisation log with the stored set of manufacturing instructions is generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Airbus Operations Limited
    Inventors: Robert Lloyd, Peter Lunt, Jeremy Cushen, Ashutosh Tiwari, Kostas Vergidis
  • Patent number: 8256590
    Abstract: A vibration suppressing device and a vibration suppressing method that are capable of obtaining an accurate optimum rotation speed and shortening a time period from generation of chatter vibration to calculation of the optimum rotation speed are provided. The vibration suppressing device includes: vibration sensors for detecting time-domain vibrational accelerations of a rotary shaft in rotation; and a control device for calculating a chatter frequency and a frequency-domain vibrational acceleration of the rotary shaft at the chatter frequency on the basis of the time-domain vibrational accelerations detected by the vibration sensors, and when the calculated frequency-domain vibrational acceleration exceeds a predetermined threshold value, calculating an optimum rotation speed on the basis of a predetermined parameter, and rotating the rotary shaft at the calculated optimum rotation speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignees: Okuma Corporation, National University Corporation Nagoya University
    Inventors: Norikazu Suzuki, Eiji Shamoto, Hiroshi Inagaki
  • Patent number: 8249830
    Abstract: A method and system for automatically determining an optimal re-training interval for a fault diagnoser based on online monitoring of the performance of a classifier are disclosed. The classifier generates a soft measure of membership in association with a class based on a training data. The output of the classifier can be utilized to assign a label to new data and then the members associated with each class can be clustered into one or more core members and potential outliers. A statistical measure can be utilized to determine if the distribution of the outliers is sufficiently different than the core members after enough outliers have been accumulated. If the outliers are different with respect to the core members, then the diagnoser can be re-trained; otherwise, the output of the classifier can be fed to the fault diagnoser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Rajinderjeet Singh Minhas, Vishal Monga, Wencheng Wu, Divyanshu Vats
  • Publication number: 20120185076
    Abstract: A base member on which a plurality of components are mounted includes a base main body, a coating formed on a surface of the base main body, and a display portion formed by a contrast between the coating and the surface of the base main body. The display portion displays a state by which it is determined whether or not the base main body has been machined in accordance with a corresponding machining program.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Inventors: Taizo IKEGAWA, Shoichi YOSHIKAWA, Toshiyuki NINOMIYA, Hiroshi NASU
  • Patent number: 8224477
    Abstract: A control system is provided for each pair of a work fixing part and a work machining part. In each control system, a work receiving program block, a work machining program block and a work discharge program block are provided, and the work machining program block starts on the condition that the work receiving program block ends and the work discharge block program starts on the condition that the work machining program block ends. The work receiving program block is associated with the work supply program of the work supply apparatus, or the work discharge program block is associated with a work transfer program of a work transfer apparatus so that a command is issued to the work receiving program block or the work discharge program block, and a command to perform a cue of the head of the program of each control system is provided at the last part of the control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Citizen Holdings Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hitoshi Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 8224478
    Abstract: A numerical controller that shortens time required for transferring control of a spindle between control systems. When the spindle control command is included, the command is carried out and information on designation of the spindle, commanded rotational velocity and direction is stored in a case of a velocity control mode, and information on designation of the spindle, commanded rotational position and velocity is stored in a case of a position control mode. When a command to cancel the control of spindle is read, the control of the designated spindle and also the stored information on the control status of the spindle are transferred to the other control system. A command to acquire the control of the spindle is read in a machining program for the other control system, the control of the designated spindle is started by the other control system according to the transferred control status of the spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Fanuc Ltd
    Inventors: Kentaro Fujibayashi, Masahiko Hosokawa, Shuji Ogawa, Masahiko Miyake
  • Patent number: 8195325
    Abstract: A machine tool has an oscillating axis that reciprocates in an optional region. A numerical controller that controls the machine tool designates positions of a lower dead point and a upper dead point when the oscillating axis of the machine tool reciprocates, and a reference speed during the oscillating operation when the oscillating axis reciprocates. The numerical controller then calculates, from the current position of the oscillating axis, a current phase in the case where one stroke of the oscillating axis is defined as one cycle, and calculates the speed of the oscillating axis at the current phase based upon the calculated current phase and the reference speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: FANUC Corporation
    Inventors: Masahiko Hosokawa, Makoto Haga, Yousuke Koyanaka
  • Patent number: 8195324
    Abstract: A probe polishing method is provided for polishing probes by brining a polishing member into slide-contact with probes through a mounting table having thereon the polishing member transferred from a first receiving part. The probe polishing method includes transferring the polishing member from the first receiving part to the mounting table; detecting a presence of foreign materials on a top surface of the polishing member mounted on the mounting table; transferring the polishing member from the mounting table to a second receiving part when the foreign materials are detected on the top surface of the polishing member; removing the foreign materials from the polishing member in the second receiving part; and transferring the polishing member from which the foreign materials are removed from the second receiving part to the first receiving part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Hideaki Tanaka, Satoshi Sano
  • Patent number: 8180487
    Abstract: A method of calibrating a vision based robotic system. The method includes engaging a calibration pin with a robotic tool and moving the calibration pin to a calibration block that includes at least one set of optical sensors having an optical transmitter to transmit an optical beam and an optical receiver to receive the optical beam. Further, the transmitted optical beam includes a center point. The method further includes: moving the calibration pin to the center point of the transmitted optical beam; determining a calibration pin center position relative to the robotic tool; and commanding a machine vision assembly having a camera to capture an image of a plurality of camera reading points of the calibration block and to determine a camera center position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jambunathan Vangal-Ramamurthy, Robert E. Foster
  • Patent number: 8180480
    Abstract: A system and method for monitoring the contact of tool bits of a lathe with surfaces of a brake disk being machined employs a vibration sensor coupled to the lathe. Signals from the vibration sensor are processed as time-averaged segments that can be grouped within time intervals; a microprocessor employs a qualifying routine to compare the signal level to a background noise threshold value and indicates as “failed” those time periods where the average signal level is not above the background noise threshold. An accumulator records the indications over a number of intervals and compares the result to a standard to make a determination of whether the lathe is likely actively cutting the disk surfaces. To isolate intermittent, high-intensity noises, a consistency routine can check further to see whether individual segments within an interval fall within a range based on the average signal level for that interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Pro-Cut Licensing Company, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher L. Greenwald, Martin C. Poppe
  • Patent number: 8180471
    Abstract: A method for estimating a state of a process implemented by a tool for fabricating workpieces includes collecting metrology data associated with a subset of workpieces processed in the tool. The collecting exhibits an irregular pattern. Metrology data associated with a selected state observation is received for a selected run of the process. A tuning factor for the selected run is determined based on the irregular pattern. The selected state observation is discounted based on the determined tuning factor. A state estimate of the process is determined based on the discounted selected state observation. At least one process tool operable to implement the process is controlled based on the state estimate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: GLOBALFOUNDRIES Inc.
    Inventors: Richard P. Good, J. Broc Stirton, Detlef Pabst
  • Patent number: 8155770
    Abstract: Metrology data associated with a plurality of workpieces processed at a selected operation in the process flow including a plurality of operations is retrieved. A processing context associated with each of the workpieces is determined. The processing context identifies at least one previous tool used to perform an operation on the associated workpiece prior to the selected operation. A plurality of performance metrics is determined for a plurality of tools capable of performing the selected operation based on the metrology data. Each performance metric is associated with a particular tool and a particular processing context. A set of the performance metrics is identified for the plurality of tools having a processing context matching a processing context of a selected workpiece awaiting performance of the selected operation. The selected workpiece is dispatched for processing in a selected one of the plurality of tools based on the set of performance metrics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: GLOBALFOUNDRIES Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Barlovic, Uwe Schulze, Jan Raebiger, Joerg Weigang, Jens Busch, Rolf Seltmann
  • Patent number: 8126588
    Abstract: By providing a look-ahead functionality for a tool internal substrate handling system of process tools on the basis of a process history, the tool internal substrate sequencing may be significantly enhanced. The look-ahead functionality enables a prediction of process time of substrates currently being processed in a respective process module, thereby enabling the initiation of transport activity for substrate load operations in order to significantly reduce the overall idle time of process modules occurring during substrate exchange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Kilian Schmidt, Matthias Becker
  • Patent number: 8116902
    Abstract: A method of detecting a dynamic path of a five-axis machine tool having a spindle and a turntable and has a preparing step, a correcting step and a detecting step. The preparing step includes mounting a detector on the spindle, mounting a cat-eye reflector on the turntable, emitting a laser light to the cat-eye reflector, reflecting the laser light to the detector and splitting into two light beams. One of the light beams is emitted to a four-quadrant position sensitive detector. The correcting step includes rotating the detector, detecting a signal of the laser light by the four-quadrant position sensitive detector to eliminate an offset between the detecting assembly and the spindle. The detecting step includes detecting the dynamic path of the five-axis machine tool by detecting the positions of at least two of the linear axes and at least one of the rotation axes of the five-axis machine tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: National Formosa University
    Inventors: Chien-Hung Liu, Wen-Yuh Jywe, Yi-Tsung Li
  • Patent number: 8108081
    Abstract: Systems and methods for associating a load demand with a variable power generation are described. A system includes a renewable variable power generation module including a sensor, the sensor configured to determine an output power capability value for the renewable variable power generation module. The system also includes a load demand module including a response device, the response device configured to receive the output power capability value directly from the renewable variable power generation module and to determine an input power demand value based on the output power capability value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Sunpower Corporation
    Inventor: Carl J. S. Lenox
  • Publication number: 20110320031
    Abstract: The invention relates to a machining device for machining a workpiece, wherein a rotatably mounted machining tool (2a) is held in a machining unit (2), and the axis of rotation (X) of the machining tool (2a) can be aligned with the workpiece surface to be machined, and therefore the axis of rotation (X) coincides with the geometric normal (N) in the machining point of the workpiece surface. The machining device comprises a pressure plate (6) mounted in a freely rotatable manner on the machining device via a bearing device (4), and a measuring device (8) for detecting a deviation in the position of the pressure plate (6). According to the invention, the bearing device (4) has a bearing body (40b) having at least one spherical surface region, and a bearing receptacle (40a) which surrounds the bearing body (40b) at the spherical surface regions in a form-fitting manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: THYSSENKRUPP SYSTEM ENGINEERING GMBH
    Inventors: Peter Cornelius, Matthias Eisner, Thomas Hahn, Stefan Kaiser, Helmut Kasper, Artur Klink, Michael Klos, Christoph Olaineck, Michael Schultz
  • Patent number: 8084708
    Abstract: Systems and related methods of programming a laser processing device for automated processing of a workpiece including indicating a processing location on a workpiece with a processing location indicator. The processing location is detected with a processing location detector. The scanner optics of the laser processing device are adjusted to a set position corresponding to the detected processing location. A set position of the scanner optics is detected with a processing location evaluator, and a control program corresponding to the detected set position of the scanner optics is generated with the processing location evaluator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Trumpf Laser-und Systemtechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Andreasch, Armin Horn, Peter Kaupp
  • Patent number: 8083446
    Abstract: The invention relates to a spindle for a machine tool, in particular a motor spindle having a housing (2) for accommodating an electric motor (3) and a shaft (6) which can be driven by the latter, in particular having a tool holder for a tool for machining workpieces, wherein at least one data acquisition element (8) for recording operating and/or state data of the spindle is provided, and wherein the data acquisition element is in the form of a radio chip and can be read by radio using a read element (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Paul Müller GmbH & Co. KG Unternehmensbeteiligungen
    Inventors: Bernd Möller, Edgar Verlemann
  • Patent number: 8055365
    Abstract: A system for supplying a reagent to multiple tools in an electronics fabrication facility is configured using a demand probability distribution. In specific examples the reagent is a non-atmospheric or a specialty gas and the demand probability distribution is developed using Monte Carlo statistical techniques. In one embodiment, a method for configuring a reagent supply system for an electronic device manufacturing facility is provided. The method includes (a) collecting representative information for process tools within the fabrication facility which use the reagent; (b) creating a simulation of process tool operation to model an overall demand profile for the process tools; (c) creating a statistical probability distribution of the reagent demand by the process tools using data from the model; and (d) correlating data from the probability distribution with supply system characterization data to configure the supply system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy Michael Cabral, Shrikar Chakravarti
  • Patent number: 8055391
    Abstract: A server device constituting a group management system includes one or more manufacturing apparatuses for performing a preset process on a target substrate, and the server device includes a measurement information storage unit for storing therein one or more measurement information; an instruction receiving unit for receiving an output instruction of the measurement information, which contains information specifying a predetermined start point and valid time information; a measurement information acquisition unit for acquiring, from the measurement information storage unit, measurement information ranging from the predetermined start point to a time point of the valid time; an output information composing unit for composing output information by using the acquired measurement information; and an output unit for outputting the output information composed by the output information composing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Masashi Takahashi, Minoru Obata, Noriaki Koyama
  • Patent number: 8055375
    Abstract: A guidance system of an industrial process captures process parameter data that is correlated with a human-machine interface (HMI) in order to learn how an experienced operator selects visualizations of key performance indicators (KPI) in order to take a corrective action to address an abnormal or non-optimal performance condition. Such solution learning can be invoked to recognize onset of another similar occurrence and responding by suggesting visualizations utilized by the experienced operator to diagnose the problem. Analytics can further determine which visualizations provided useful information relative to the problem. In addition, the corrective action can be suggested or automatically implemented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jan Pingel, Micheal John Pantaleano, Bruce Gordon Fuller, Robert Joseph McGreevy, Ian Edward Tooke, Kevin John Albert, John Joseph Baier
  • Patent number: 8050793
    Abstract: A method includes providing a design data file specifying at least one target feature on a first reticle. A reticle qualification data file specifying a plurality of feature measurements associated with features formed using the first reticle is provided. At least one of the feature measurements is linked to the target feature on the first reticle. The target feature and the linked feature measurement are stored in a data store.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Haskins, Chunliang Xia
  • Patent number: 8041447
    Abstract: A numerical controller controlling a 5-axis machine tool compensates setting error that arises when a workpiece is set on the table. Error in the three linear axes and the two rotation axes are compensated using preset error amounts to keep the calculated tool position and tool direction in a command coordinate system. If a trigonometric function used for error compensation has a plurality of solution sets, the solution set closest to the tool direction in the command coordinate system is selected from the plurality of solution sets and used as the positions of the two rotation axes compensated in the above error compensation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: FANUC Ltd
    Inventors: Toshiaki Otsuki, Soichiro Ide, Takafumi Sasaki
  • Publication number: 20110251714
    Abstract: A workpiece measuring apparatus has an external module provided outside an NC device to acquire position data of one or more movable axes of a movable unit having a measuring head attached thereto. The position data of the measuring head is acquired at the same time interval as that for the distance measurement by the measuring head. The position of the workpiece is acquired by calculation from the acquired distance measurement data and the position data of the measuring head. The continuous shape of the workpiece can be measured by performing continuous measurement while moving the measuring head. Therefore, no modification or change is required such as adding a new function to the NC device. In addition, the present invention is applicable to any machine tool equipped with an NC device of any configuration, without being restricted by constraints of the NC device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2011
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Applicant: MORI SEIKI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shizuo NISHIKAWA, Kenichiro Ueno, Hisayoshi Morita, Katsuhiko Ono
  • Patent number: 8032248
    Abstract: A method for finding the correlation between tool PM (prevention maintenance) and the product yield of the tool is disclosed. The method uses a moving average method to magnify a curve trend that is formed by the product yield data that is captured during a predetermined days before PM and after PM. The magnified curve trend is shown by a Cumulative sum chart. The Cumulative sum chart is analyzed for informing related workers of the effect between the tool PM and the product yield, so as to accurately estimate PM timing. Thereby, via the method, the effect between the tool PM and the product yield may be determined, which serves as an important reference for workers to execute further PM.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Inotera Memories, Inc.
    Inventors: Yi Feng Lee, Chun Chi Chen, Yun-Zong Tian, Wei Jun Chen, Tsung-Wei Lin
  • Publication number: 20110218668
    Abstract: A method for moving a tool of a CNC machine over a surface, wherein the CNC machine is provided with a sensor unit, comprising the steps of: (a) moving the tool over the surface in a predetermined direction and/or with a predetermined velocity and/or along a predetermined path, (b) treating the surface by the tool in accordance with a predetermined value of a treatment parameter, (c) determining, by the sensor unit, a response value indicating a response of the tool to treating the surface and/or to being pressed to the surface, and (d) determining a new direction and/or a new velocity and/or a new path and/or a new value for the treatment parameter based on the response value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicant: FIDIA S.P.A
    Inventor: Giuseppe Morfino
  • Patent number: 8014887
    Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus includes an operating section. The operating section includes a display unit having an operation screen, a screen file that stores daily check data monitor screen data in which a row number is settable as a data number, and a data name is settable as item data of a daily check. The operating section further includes a daily check initial parameter file that stores parameter data corresponding to the item data. The operating section displays the daily check data monitor screen data by extracting the screen file and placing the daily check data monitor screen data on the operation screen as a daily check data monitor screen, and by extracting the daily check initial parameter file, searching through the daily check initial parameter file based on the data number, and placing parameter data corresponding to the item data on the operation screen as the daily check data monitor screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Hitachi Kokusai Electric Inc.
    Inventors: Masako Sueyoshi, Kazuhito Saito
  • Patent number: 8011864
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for use in assessing the stability of simultaneous machining (SM) dynamics (which is also known as parallel machining). In SM, multiple cutters, which are generally driven by multiple spindles at different speeds, operate on the same work-piece. In an alternative implementation of SM, single milling cutters with non-uniformly distributed cutter flutes operate on a work-piece. When SM is optimized in the sense of maximizing the rate of metal removal constrained with or by the machined surface quality, “chatter instability” phenomenon appears. The present disclosure declares the complete stability picture of SM chatter within a mathematical framework of multiple time-delay systems (MTDS). A cluster treatment of characteristic roots (CTCR) procedure determines the regions of stability completely in the domain of the spindle speeds for varying chip thickness, thereby replicating the well-known “stability lobes” concept of STM for simultaneous machining.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: University of Connecticut
    Inventor: Nejat Olgac
  • Publication number: 20110208347
    Abstract: According to the present invention, even during and immediately before a machining operation by a machining apparatus, it is possible to improve positioning control accuracy thereof and, as a result, machining accuracy thereof. A robot 11 equipped with a machining tool 12 performs a moving operation to a target position 41 of a machining target workpiece 2 and a machining operation on the machining target. A robot moving mechanism 14 moves the robot 11 in parallel with the workpiece 2 that is being conveyed by a conveyance carriage 18. A robot control device 17 controls movement of the robot moving mechanism 14 using a detection result of a synchronizing sensor 15 and carries out positioning control of the robot 11 using the detection result of a visual sensor 13 or a synchronizing sensor 15.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshito Otake, Tomohiro Sugimoto, Gentoku Fujii, Shinichiro Watanabe, Takeshi Nakamura, Ryo Nakajima, Hideari Kamachi
  • Patent number: 7970487
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of calibrating drill depth of an ophthalmic processing device. A number of drill cycles are selected for drilling an expected number of holes in a lens blank. The selected number of drill cycles is performed. The drill depth of each consecutive drill cycle varies incrementally. An actual number of locations the drill bit contacted the lens blank during the drill cycles is compared to the expected number of holes. The drill depth is adjusted depending on the compared values. A method of calibrating drill hole size is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: National Optronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Kurt William Schaeffer
  • Publication number: 20110144794
    Abstract: A system and method for monitoring the contact of tool bits of a lathe with surfaces of a brake disk being machined employs a vibration sensor coupled to the lathe. Signals from the vibration sensor are processed as time-averaged segments that can be grouped within time intervals; a microprocessor employs a qualifying routine to compare the signal level to a background noise threshold value and indicates as “failed” those time periods where the average signal level is not above the background noise threshold. An accumulator records the indications over a number of intervals and compares the result to a standard to make a determination of whether the lathe is likely actively cutting the disk surfaces. To isolate intermittent, high-intensity noises, a consistency routine can check further to see whether individual segments within an interval fall within a range based on the average signal level for that interval.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Applicant: PRO-CUT LICENSING COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher L. Greenwald, Martin C. Poppe
  • Patent number: 7962250
    Abstract: A method for controlling the cooling of an industrial plant with at least one electrical component, such as, for example, a transformer, and having at least one cooling element for cooling the electrical components, uses at least one sensor for measuring the temperature and/or the viscosity of the coolant in the cooling system. An optimal control of the cooling system can be provided by way of controlling the electrical components with selected control profiles taking into account specific data for the electrical components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Thomas Bretzner, Günter Eckert, Walter Rebling, Helmut Theurer
  • Patent number: 7937164
    Abstract: Methods and systems to detect abnormal operations in a process of a process plant include collecting on-line process data. The collected on-line process data is generated from a plurality of dependent and independent process variables of the process, such as a coker heater. A plurality of multivariate statistical models of the operation of the process are generated using corresponding sets of the process data. Each model is a measure of the operation of the process when the process is on-line at different times, and at least one model is a measure of the operation of the process when the process is on-line and operating normally. The models are executed to generate outputs corresponding to loading value metrics of a corresponding dependent process variable, and the loading value metrics are utilized to detect abnormal operations of the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Fisher-Rosemount Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Nikola Samardzija, Ahmad A. Hamad
  • Patent number: 7933678
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system and a method for analyzing a production process. In order to make it possible to analyze the production process in an improved manner for the purpose of production planning, the invention proposes a method for analyzing a production process in which at least one production device that is controlled by a control program is involved, wherein the method has the following method steps: at least one part of the control program is simulated using a simulation program and instructions which are executed in this case are logged, and an associated data record, in which the real-time requirement of an action caused by the logged instruction on the production device is respectively assigned to the logged instructions, is generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Matthias Diezel, Carsten Hamm, Marc Holz, David Koch