Abstract: A system is provided including a current sensor arranged to sense current drawn by an electric motor of a powered device through an AC power line from a power supply and provide current data related to the powered device; a monitoring device arranged to receive the current data from the electrical sensor, the monitoring device including a controller processing the current data to obtain performance data associated with the powered device, the performance data relating to load applied to the electric motor; a data communication device communicating with the monitoring device and arranged to receive the performance data associated with the powered device; and a computing device including a graphical user interface, the computer device receiving a user's selection of the powered device from a list of powered devices and presenting the performance data to the user via the graphical user interface in response to the user's selection.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes receiving one or more articles at an inspection station that includes an inspection processor, inspecting the one or more articles in view of at least one repairability criterion presented via one or more graphical elements, and updating an inspection database if the one or more articles fails the at least one repairability criterion. The method includes inspecting the one or more articles in view of at least one local repair criterion presented via one or more graphical elements, inspecting the one or more articles in view of at least one inspector-driven criterion presented via one or more graphical elements, the action type including at least one of determining an inspection failure or a passed inspection, and updating inspection history data stored in an inspection database in communication with the inspection processor based on the at least one repairability criterion, local repair criterion, or inspector-driven criterion.

Abstract: A robot system, including one or more robots which are provided to a first area where an entry by a person is restricted, and configured to perform a first work which includes one or more steps in the first area, a controller configured to control an operation of the one or more robots, and a visitor detector configured to detect a visitor to the first area.

Abstract: A machine tool includes a machining chamber, an illuminator in the machining chamber, and an NC unit. The NC unit includes a manual execution unit for executing the machining operation via a pulse signal generated in response to operation of a manually operated part, and has a one-block stop mode in which the NC program is executed for one block and then stopped. A notification unit issues a notification of completion of the execution of one block of the NC program while the machining operation is executed manually using the manual execution unit in the one-block stop mode, and the notification unit includes the illuminator. A change in the illumination state of the illuminator enables an operator to observe the interior of the machining chamber continuously while being notified of the completion of the execution of the one block of the NC program.

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.

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.

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.

Abstract: Quick recovery or recovery support of a faulty power generating facility by real time diagnoses such as facility failure diagnosis, supervision for failure symptoms, facility diagnosis by evaluation of performance using databases between the power generating facilities and an operation control system. The operation control system transfers information on operating status and secular characteristic changes of apparatus from power generating facilities or information from operators of selected power generating facilities. The level of a failure of a power generating facility which has a failure is evaluated and repairing information (e.g. recovery procedures, processes, required parts, inventory of the parts, possible failure causes, etc.) is automatically created from repairing information prepared in advance for each evaluation condition. The repairing information is then sent to the operation supporting section of the power generating facility.

Abstract: A system that allows a material to be marked while still on the CNC tooling table and allows an operator to input marking information just prior to, or even during, the tooling cycle. The present invention comprises a sequence controller associated with a computer readable medium and adapted for communication with the CNC controller. An HMI device and a marker controller are also connected with the sequence controller. A lifter assembly is connected with the sequence controller to raise and lower a marker assembly. The lifter assembly is connected to the gantry of the CNC tooling system with an adaptor block. The present invention provides the advantage of reduced time when compared to marking the part at a separate station remotely located from the CNC system, and allows the operator to input marking information just prior to or during the CNC tooling cycle.

Abstract: A method for defining machine cutting path safety zones for use in laser machining devices. The method includes indentifying safety zone positional coordinates in a computer aided design model, using a machine vision system to image the modeled physical machining device, determining the positional difference between the design model safety zone points and the imaged points and converting the design model safety zone coordinates into machine specific coordinates for input into a machining cutting path program.

Abstract: The present inventors devised, among other things, systems, methods, and software that radically simplify and reduce the time necessary to specify, design, manufacture, and document control panels and wiring harnesses for semi-custom and custom equipment, such as HVAC equipment. One exemplary system includes a computerized product configuration module that defines product family parameters from user input and outputs a product family data structure, for example, a coded character string, to a technical design module. The technical design module, which incorporates engineering design rules for control panels and wiring modules, automatically processes the coded character string, outputting detailed engineering drawings, component listings, and even assembly instructions to robotic manufacturing equipment.

Abstract: In a numerical control apparatus, a machining-condition storage device stores in a storage device machining conditions including a tool number, servo-axis feed speed, and the number of main-axis rotations, and override values of a servo axis and a main axis specified through an override switch. A machining-condition checking unit monitors whether a combination of machining conditions that matches machining conditions specified in a machining block to be executed is present in the storage device, and, if any, outputs a signal. An interpolation processor multiplies, based on the signal output from the machining-condition checking unit servo-axis feed speed and the number of main-axis rotations specified in the machining block by the override values stored in the storage device.

Abstract: A method of controlling a machine tool and other controlled devices, as well as a programmable numerical control (PNC) system, are disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the method of controlling includes receiving a first part program at a programmable logic controller (PLC), and storing the first part program in a string array library of a memory portion of the PLC. The method further includes communicating information between the PLC and an operator interface regarding the first part program, and providing a first signal from the PLC to a first port so as to cause the first machine tool to be operated in accordance with the first part program. Also, in at least some embodiments, the PNC system allows for control of multiple machine tools and/or other controlled devices, by way of one or more part programs, and/or for editing of a part program while that program is being executed.

Abstract: A new method for assessing the probability of production at a wellsite. The process includes the four steps of: 1) Data Collection and Uncertainty Analysis; 2) Wellsite Preparation; 3) Treatment Selection/Job Execution; and 4) Evaluation and Upscaling to Field Level.

Abstract: In a feed drive apparatus wherein a moving element 27 is driven by drive legs 21, 22 having extension/contraction deforming parts 23 and shear deforming parts 24, sine wave drive voltages are respectively applied to the extension/contraction deforming parts 23 and shear deforming parts 24 of the drive legs 21, 22 in order to permit high speed operation, and make the average voltage effectively zero.

Abstract: Mechanisms for facilitating and performing precision bending of an orthodontic bracket archwire. A digital representation of an ideal bent orthodontic bracket archwire is obtained. The digital representation is then used to generate a holographic image of the bent orthodontic bracket archwire. The orthodontist then has a three-dimensional image to use as a guide in properly bending an actual physical archwire.

Abstract: A room occupancy sensor, a home automation system and a method for automatic control of controlled devices throughout a home. A unique architecture of occupancy sensors includes entry/exit sensors for detecting movement through doorways that separate rooms in the home, room motion sensors for detecting room occupancy, spot sensors to detect occupancy of specific locations within the rooms, and house status sensors to detect the status of certain parameters of the home. A central controller communicates with the sensors and controlled objects over a communications network, where the sensors and controlled objects can be added to the system in a ‘plug and play’ manner. The central controller controls the controlled objects in response to the entry/exit sensors, room motion sensors, spot sensors and the house status sensors. This control is accomplished by assigning each room to one of a plurality of room states, which dictate how the controlled objects are controlled by the central controller.

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: An apparatus and method for performing standard operating procedures using a computer directed interactive system. The interactive assembly system includes a workstation having a support assembly for a workpiece, and further includes a microprocessor and monitor to convey operator instructions, a plurality of removable attachable tools to assist the user in performing each step of a standard operating procedure. The method comprises: (a) reading instructions provided on the monitor describing each step to be performed for a desired task; (b) observing various indicators located on the workstation to determine the proper tool for a specific step; (c) choosing the desired tool or part for a specific step; (d) performing the required step according to instructions displayed on the monitor; (e) entering data into the microprocessor if necessary; and (f) repeating steps (a)-(e) until the desired task is complete.

Abstract: The chuck 10, for positioning and holding a pipe at any rotational angle position around the axial center, is provided with the three dimensional linear processing machine. When the machining program PRO is composed, a plurality of the shape patterns KPT classified machining modes concerning pipes by machining shape is displayed on the display 23. Furthermore, dimensional data item concerning selected shape pattern is displayed on the display 23. Then, the machining program PRO is composed on the basis of the input code parameter CP and the selected shape pattern KPT. Besides, shift quantity TMz and TMy are measured when the pipe to be machined is installed on the chuck 10, and on the basis of this, the machining program PRO is amended and executed.

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: An interactive system involves a machine tool and an operator of the machine tool comprising a controller. The controller is formed of a central processing unit and a control panel connected with the central processing unit. The interactive system comprises a storage unit connected with the central processing unit and composed of a public data area and a program data area, a profile path editor disposed in the central processing unit and connected with the storage unit for converting a workpiece profile coordinate into an actual workpiece profile path pattern and a path program, and a pattern interface unit connected with the central processing unit and the storage unit for transmitting a signal from the central processing unit to the operator in the form of a pattern, so as to guide the operator to enter a finishing condition to actuate the controller to bring about a control signal to regulate the finishing operation of the machine tool.

Abstract: A part identification system for non-intrusively identifying a subset of parts cut from a sheet material. The part identification system includes a visual signal generator for projecting an identifying image associated with a given subset of cut parts. A labelling program accesses a database, generates a control signal including the part location and identifying image and sends the signal to a controller. The controller directs the identifying image from the visual signal generator to identify the cut parts.

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: A programming language for programming industrial controllers in relay ladder logic language, the programming language including both extensions to standard RLL rung form itself and extensions wholly independent of the standard form. The language uses a plurality of templates, each template including truly reusable relay ladder language sections. Most templates also include specifications identifying other templates which provide additional language logic required to define job-specific aspects of the referencing template. Using the templates a machine tree can be provided which mirrors an industrial process. By compiling all of the templates, a relay ladder language program can be provided.