Abstract: A plurality of paths controlled by a multi-path numerical control device is divided into several groups in advance. When an alarm or single block stoppage occurs in any one path while the multi-path numerical control device is being operated, the operations of all the paths in the group to which the path belongs are stopped, whereas the operations of paths belonging to other groups are not stopped but instead continued.

Abstract: The invention relates to a maintenance system for machine tool. In the maintenance system 1, a user management apparatus 10 connected to a numerical control section of a machine tool 15, and a manufacturer management apparatus 20 disposed on a side of a manufacturer are connected to each other via Internet 5. The user management apparatus 10 collects data relating to an operating condition of each driving mechanism of the machine tool 15, and accumulates the data. When a predetermined transmission condition is satisfied, the user management apparatus 10 transmits the accumulated operating condition data to the manufacturer management apparatus 20 in the form of an electronic mail. The manufacturer management apparatus 20 evaluates the consumption degree of each driving mechanism based on the received operating condition data, and outputs an alarm when the consumption degree exceeds a reference value.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control method and a control device for the operation of rotationally or linearly driven axes with a position control. This involves determining the difference between the setpoint position value (LS) and actual position value (WI) caused by an additional movement component during the time period of the occurrence of at least one superposed movement by subtraction of one value from the other. Furthermore, it is possible to eliminate movement components which are known, periodic and can be mathematically determined as desired from all the required control data paths during the time period of the superposed movement.

Abstract: A programmable coolant nozzle system includes a coolant fluid nozzle fixed to a manifold so that the centerline of the nozzle and the centerline of the manifold block are perpendicular. This feature allows coolant fluid to be rotatably directed from the nozzle at great pressure and/or volume with an actuator that does not have to withstand severe tortional force. The invention includes a method which allows coolant fluid to be rotatably directed from a nozzle assembly and to be commensurate with any change in position of the working tool of a machine tool center.

Abstract: An image of a reference object is captured using a camera and displayed. A measurement starting point is pointed by an image position pointing device. A corresponding view line is obtained using a position on the image and a position and a direction of the camera, a robot approaches to the reference object such that it does not deviate from a projecting direction to move to a position suitable for measurement. A light is projected on the reference object and measurement of an inclination of a face of the object in the vicinity of a measuring point is started. An image including a bright line image on the reference object is photographed and 3-dimensional positions of points sequentially measured along a working line. A movement path of a robot is created using these positions as teaching points for a working robot.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of frequency modulated end-point detection. Control signals are sent to the manufacture device for performing the manufacturing process, wherein process signals are generated along with the manufacturing process. Process signals are filtered to obtain synchronization signals synchronized with the control signals. A judging standard is provided according to the synchronization signals corresponding to a specific state of the process. The synchronization signals are continuously monitored, and a process end-point is determined when the synchronization signals do not meet the judging standard.

Abstract: A method for controlling a process includes processing a first workpiece in a first process tool. An output characteristic of the first workpiece is measured. A second workpiece is processed in the first process tool. A tool health metric is determined for the first process tool corresponding to the processing of the second workpiece. A control action is determined based on the measured output characteristic and the tool health metric.

Abstract: A system for universal guidance and control of automated machines incorporates with an IMU (Initial Measuring Unit) installed at an end effector of a motion element of an automated machine, fast-response feedback control for both position and angle servo-loops (for the end effector) greatly decreases the operational time needed to complete a preplanned trajectory. In addition, the closed-control loop design provides stabilization and isolation of the end effector from external disturbances. This unique navigation solution is based upon the uses of a set of equations performing an open loop computation with the inertial data as its input. This formulation of equations requires a periodic update of the open loop solution in order to bind the growth of system errors. The source of this update is the automated machine position measurement derived from the mechanical sensors in the system.

Abstract: The invention is directed to rendering a three-dimensional view of a workpiece shape based on a point set using a normal vector representation. The distribution of the normal vectors can be analyzed by a centered view of the normal vectors, which can be done manually and/or automatically. These structures give a first indication of the surface quality. In addition to the centered representation, the normal vectors can also be directly overlaid on the path, which facilitates the determination of local flaws. In addition, a pseudo-surface view can be generated based on the position of the normal vectors.

Abstract: Techniques characterize a circuit breaker device utilizing an apparatus having an energy storage device for storing and releasing a particular amount of energy and a controller. The controller (i) disconnects the energy storage device from an interface and connects the energy storage device to an external power source to store the particular amount of energy in the energy storage device, and (ii) disconnects the energy storage device from the external power source and connects the energy storage device to the interface such that energy is released from the energy storage device through the interface and through the circuit breaker device. The circuit breaker device is deemed to belong to a first category when the circuit breaker device trips in response to the released energy, and a second category when the circuit breaker device does not trip in response to the released energy.

Abstract: A numerical controlling unit according to the present invention includes: an inputting part into which a machining program for machining a workpiece is inputted; an analyzing part that analyzes the machining program to generate an instructed spindle rotational speed and calculates a spindle load ratio indicating a ratio of a load applied to a spindle under a machining condition according to the machining program, with respect to a spindle load being caused when the workpiece is machined under a machining condition of a certain reference; and a distributing part that generates, based on the machining program, a distribution amount per unit period to be inputted into a feed-axis servo driver for moving a feed axis. A spindle-rotational-amount-command outputting part receives the instructed spindle rotational speed and outputs a spindle-rotational-amount command for commanding a rotational amount per unit period. The spindle-rotational-amount command is inputted into a spindle driver.

Abstract: A controlling method and apparatus for positioning a robot that can output an optimal speed instruction for controlling residual vibration after completion of a moving operation, achieve reduction in tact time for the moving operation, and shorten the length of setting time. The method is a controlling method for positioning a robot (1) for performing a point-to-point moving operation comprising: performing a test operation to measure a frequency of a residual vibration that is stopped at a target position; measuring a magnitude of the residual vibration based on the frequency during each of different lengths of moving time for a predetermined moving distance to find a relationship between the length of moving time and the magnitude of the vibration; calculating a shortest moving time at which vibration magnitude is minimized; and performing the point-to-point operation for the calculated shortest moving time, thereby to position the robot (1) at the target position.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel systems for testing guards closures or barriers used on hazardous machinery for personnel protection. The guards are tested separately or in conjunction with safety devices which may include interlocks, locking mechanisms and latching devices. The testing process proceeds without having to shut down the machine on which the guarding system is mounted. Testers are incorporated in the process for establishing the integrity of the safety devices and for executing self-testing. Also included are various novel devices that are unable in such systems.

Abstract: A method for identifying and characterizing shape variations in parts. Measurements are taken of a population of parts and the shapes of the parts are expressed as a function having a plurality of coefficients. Discrete or function error maps are developed from the coefficients and a principal components analysis is performed on the error maps to identify the principal components of variation of the parts. The parts may be grouped into sub-populations representing ranges of variation along each of the principal components of variation, and downstream processes may be controlled differently for each sub-population. In one embodiment, a typical (re-generated) part shape is identified along multiple principal components of variation, and a tool path is controlled to be responsive to the typical part shape. Information regarding the principal components of variation may further be used to revise upstream manufacturing processes to advantageously affect the distribution of error in subsequently manufactured parts.

Abstract: A numerical control device for synchronously controlling the movement of a plurality of axes of a machine by repeatedly controlling a cyclic motion. An axis of the machine is designed to stop at a predetermined position upon the occurrence of an emergency stop. To achieve this stop position, an amount of retraction is set up to a position where a tool of machine does not interfere with a work piece or other obstacles. When an emergency stop signal is entered during a binary operation, because of an occurrence of an abnormality, a movement control amount for each period, corresponding to a set amount of retraction, is added to the movement control amount for each period of the binary operation and the axis is thereby driven by the resultant modified movement control amount. The binary operation is stopped upon the reaching of the stop position, and the tool can be held at this retracted position, by the set amount of retraction.

Abstract: For optimizing data processing in a safety system for a machine, such as a robot or the like, while permitting a simple, safety-uncritical diagnosis, the invention provides a process for processing safety-relevant data in a safety system for a machine, such as a robot or the like, with several nodes connected in a ring and which is characterized in that in parallel in each node are processed the data received by it, which are retransmitted to the next node and for diagnosis purposes a diagnostic unit is provided which passively receives the data present in at least one node.

Abstract: A method for monitoring consumable performance in a processing tool comprises storing a performance model of the processing tool; receiving a consumable item characteristic of a consumable item in the processing tool; determining a predicted processing rate for the processing tool based on the consumable item characteristic and the performance model; determining an actual processing rate of the processing tool; and determining a replacement interval for the consumable item based on at least the actual processing rate. A processing system includes a processing tool and an automatic process controller. The processing tool is adapted to process wafers and includes a consumable item.

Abstract: Process data are recorded by accumulating process data in a delay-time critical cyclic time plane—e.g., a main processor clock—and storing the accumulated data in an data buffer memory having a FIFO characteristic using a cyclic clock. The data buffer memory is read out in a delay-time uncritical acyclic time plane—e.g., a pre-process clock—and the read out data are processed and stored as data sets in a log memory. To achieve synchronous recording of process data of different time planes, such as process data generated in a cyclic interpolator time plane and a cyclic position control time plane, the process data for position control are accumulated over the time interval of an interpolation clock cycle and provided synchronously with the data of the interpolator for recording.

Abstract: Signals are emitted with a FMCW sensor system, are received after reflection at targets and are processed to form a measured signal whose frequency spectrum is analyzed. Discrete, equidistant samples are stored and are arranged in a double Hankel matrix in the existing sequence. This matrix is diagonalized with a singular value decomposition, and an approximation is identified taking only the “principle values” into consideration, in order to calculate the frequencies and their amplitudes therefrom according to known methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides a welding system and methodology to facilitate communications and control. The system includes a cell controller to control one or more welders over a control network. An interface module associated with the cell controller and the control network communicates with the welders and employs a communications protocol adapted to the interface module to facilitate communications and control between the cell controller and the one or more welders over the control network.

Abstract: An electronic control unit (ECU) includes a microcontroller, a first non-volatile memory bank, a second non-volatile memory bank and a volatile memory. The microcontroller is coupled to an external tool and executes a control algorithm, which controls a subsystem coupled to the ECU. The first non-volatile memory bank is coupled to the microcontroller and initially stores a plurality of initial calibration tables. The second non-volatile memory bank and the volatile memory are also coupled to the microcontroller. The microcontroller executes code, which calibrates the ECU without interrupting the normal operation of the subsystem.

Abstract: A memory-programmable controller used, in particular, in a larger automation system and a method for operation of a memory-programmable controller (S1-Sn). The memory programmable controller (S1-Sn) is linked to a central computer (R) of the automation system over a network (2). All of the user data (3), application programs (4), configuration data (5) and the operating systems (6) of the memory-programmable controller (S1-Sn) are stored on a central computer. However, only working copies of the data are stored in the memory of the memory-programmable controller (S1-Sn). In the case of a failure of the memory-programmable controller (S1-Sn) or components therein, the user data (3), application programs (4), configuration data (5) and/or the operating system (6) are loaded in the memory of the memory-programmable controller from a central computer (R) by way of the network (2). Because of this, updates to the operating system can be carried out centrally and very easily.

Abstract: An apparatus for converting measurement signals into digital signals suitable for processing in a microprocessor (12), with the signals having been initiated in a piezo sensor (6) by accelerations acting on the sensor during the impacts of a percussion device (1), particularly a hydraulic hammer, and being used to determine the number of work strokes that have been executed in the impact direction (arrow 3) of the percussion device (1).

Abstract: A numerically controlled machining apparatus that displays data, such as a tool reduction allowance, a tool core gap amount, and a tool shape and the like for a tool. The data is displayed along with the setting condition of a tool as it is set by a tool exchanging device. The data is detected by a tool set detecting device. A tool setting condition display identifies a tool which is set in the tool exchanging device and a tool that is not set in the tool exchanging device by use of a different color.

Abstract: The present invention provides a visual drag diagnostic apparatus, software and method for CNC machines. The present invention creates a visual display or plot of the drag values associated with the CNC machine's moving components along each axis of movement of a tool holder or table. The plot created by the present invention provides a diagnostic tool to evaluate the operational status of the CNC machine, which is quick to perform and easy to understand by the operator. Knowing the drag values allows an operator to foresee problems with tool holder or table movement before making a product, thereby saving time and money during machining operations.

Abstract: A multi-tasking system in which tasks are grouped and the action of the safety function is different for each group so that the control of a machine can safely and easily be performed with one control device and that the monitoring of each device can be performed at all times, and a medium and a processing device in which a program thereof is recorded. A multi-tasking system 100 for controlling a plurality of tasks has a program executing unit 11 for processing a plurality of tasks by the multi-tasking processing and a task table 21 for keeping grouping information set for each of the plurality of tasks, and the program executing unit 11 has stop units (an emergency stop unit 16, a temporary stop unit 17 as the safety function, and the stop unit obtains grouping information from the task table 21 on the basis of a stop instruction and identifies a group of each task, and performs a different control for each group.

Abstract: A method, system, and storage medium for increasing the efficiency of integrated circuit (IC) manufacture by improvements in manufacturing equipment usage are provided. Process tools are assigned to one of three operating states: up, down, or conditional. In the up state, process tools are available for manufacturing. After certain manufacturing steps, the quality of the ICs being made upon wafers is evaluated. If potentially defective ICs are found, process tools that have processed the wafer may be placed in the conditional state. In this state, process tools are allowed to continue manufacturing, albeit only for a limited period. The conditional state gives personnel time to determine which process tool is responsible for the defective product. The responsible process tool is then placed in the down state while all others are placed back in the up state. Once the problem with the process tool in the down state is presumably repaired, it is placed in the conditional state.

Abstract: The present invention provides a machine tool which is adapted to detect the end of the service life of a spring of a clamp unit for fixing a tool to a spindle for systematic replacement of the spring. The machine tool comprises a clamp unit (47) for fixing a tool in a taper hole provided in a spindle, and a controlling section (63) for controlling the operation of the clamp unit. The clamp unit (47) includes a holder for holding a holder portion of the tool, a driving rod coupled to the holder, a driver for moving the driving rod along an axis thereof, and a spring for biasing the driving rod in one direction along the axis thereof. The machine tool further comprises a service life end detecting section (11) for counting the number of times of actuation of the clamp unit (47) and, when the count of the number reaches a predetermined reference actuation number, judging that the service life of the spring ends.

Abstract: A device for analyzing NC program is provided with a machining method analyzing means (34) which extracts machining conditions for every machining work element by analyzing an actual NC machining program, and data base creating means (35). The device extracts necessary machining information from the actual NC machining program and allows the data bases (21, 22, 23 and 24) to reflect the information.

Abstract: The present invention provides a maintenance system, which centrally performs a management operation on the life expectancies of expendable components of machine tools (21) provided in a plant for systematic maintenance of the machine tools (21). The maintenance system comprises a plurality of machine tools (21) and a management unit (20) connected to the machine tools (21). The management unit (20) comprises: a life expectancy determining section (92) for determining the degrees of wear of driver mechanisms on the basis of data indicative of the operating conditions of the driver mechanisms received from a controller (80) provided in each of the machine tools (21); a data storage section (91) for storing data indicative of the wear degrees determined by the life expectancy determining section (92), and an output section (93,95) for outputting information on the wear degrees stored in the data storage section (91).

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system and method for analyzing fault log data from a malfunctioning machine. The system comprises a processor for receiving new fault log data comprising a plurality of faults from the malfunctioning machine and selecting a plurality of distinct faults from the new fault log data. The processor generates at least one distinct fault cluster from the selected plurality of distinct faults. Thereafter, the processor predicts at least one repair for at least one distinct fault cluster using a plurality of predetermined weighted repair and distinct fault cluster combinations.

Abstract: The present invention provides a processing machine having the function of sensitively detect collisions or other abnormalities to prevent the machine from being operated under abnormal conditions. Means 22 is provided for detecting a load on a drive source 1 for driving a movable member 2. Abnormality determining means 23 is provided for determining the load is abnormal if the lead as detected by the abnormality means 22 exceeds an abnormality determination level (Lb). The abnormality determining means 23 sets the abnormality determination level (Lb) on the basis of the load as measured during the preceding driving operation of the movable member 2 or the average of loads as measured during several past driving operations that are temporally close to the current one.

Abstract: A method for controlling a machining process of a workpiece includes a step of measuring amounts of machining of the workpiece by a plurality of sensors located at different positions on the workpiece, the sensors providing detection signals which represent the respective measured amounts, a step of removing the detection signal when the detection signal has an abnormal value which is extremely different in comparison with values of the other detection signals by using a smoothing method, and a step of controlling the machining of the workpiece depending upon the remaining detection signals from the sensors.

Abstract: A modeling operation of a shape of a work (3) is performed by a CAD (1). A tool path calculation section (15) calculates path data having, as an attribute, position and force information by a fuzzy inference or the like by shape information, machining information and machined surface information. A machining program is produced on the basis of the path data in a machining program producing section (17). Orbit data for every renewal cycle Tm concerning the position, posture, force and moment are calculated in a position and/or force operation planning section (19) and a position and/or force orbit producing section (21). Then, a simultaneous feedback control is performed for the position and the frictional force in a controlling section (23).

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus and methods for collision detection and recovery for waterjet and abrasive-jet cutting systems. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a first mount member coupleable to a controllably positionable mounting portion of the cutting system, and a second mount member coupleable to the cutting head and disengageably or movably coupled to the first mount member. Embodiments of the inventions may also have a sensing circuit having at least one first conductive element disposed on the first mount member and at least one second conductive element disposed on the second mount member. In the event of a collision between the cutting head and an obstruction, the second mount member disengages from or moves with respect to the first mount member to prevent breakage of the cutting head. This movement causes the first and second conductive elements to touch, signaling a collision and shutting down one or more internal systems.

Abstract: A lost motion correction value setting method for a machine tool of a hybrid control system that performs a positional loop control with both machine position signals outputted from position detecting scales (9x and 9y) for detecting machine positions and motor position signals outputted from rotary encoders (7x and 7y) for detecting a rotational angle of a feed driving servomotor includes executing a test program; periodically inputting the machine position signals outputted from the position detecting scale and the motor position signals outputted from the rotary encoder; determining errors by determining the difference between the machine position signals and the motor position signals, determining the difference between an average value on an advance side and an average value on a return side of the errors, and storing the difference in lost motion correction value memories (19x and 19y) as a dynamic lost motion correction value.

Abstract: A method for automatically minimizing an undesirable motion of a workpiece during a machining operation, and a universal adaptive machining chatter control fixture that operates in accordance with the method. The method comprises the steps of mounting the workpiece to an active, supporting structure, and then machining the workpiece. During the step of machining, an undesirable motion of the workpiece is sensed in the supporting structure. Thereafter, a compensating motion is applied to the supporting structure for minimizing the undesirable motion of the workpiece. The chatter control fixture can be attached to various types of machine tool devices, without requiring that the machine tool devices be retrofitted, and operates to minimize undesirable motions of the workpiece independently of the machine tool devices.

Abstract: A numerical control system for a machine tool comprises a feed speed setting unit, which outputs a signal of a set feed speed of the machine tool, and a feed speed overriding unit, which outputs a signal of a feed speed overriding according to an input of the feed speed overriding. An interpolation unit connects to the feed speed setting unit and the feed speed overriding unit. The interpolation unit determines a command signal of the feed speed of the machine tool by performing interpolation calculations according to he signal of the set feed speed unit and the signal of the feed speed overriding unit. Based upon its calculations, the interpolation unit outputs a target position of each spindle at each sampling time.

Abstract: The present invention provides for satellite-based remote monitoring of equipment under test to perform predictive assessment from a central diagnostic site which houses a central diagnostic station. The satellite-based remote diagnostic system monitors several machines at various geographically remote locations. Information gathered enables the user to assess the health of the equipment under test. The user may also utilize the present invention to conduct specialized tests on the equipment under test to aid in predictive maintenance.

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

Abstract: A numerical controller includes a control section for controlling operation of a machine, an application section which is separated from the control section and adapted to input data into the control section and to monitor a control status, and a communication network for connecting the control section and the application section. This structure makes it possible to reduce the overall size of the numerical controller. A program for a new function or an abnormality diagnosis program is also transmitted from the application section to the control section when required.