Having Particular Measuring Device (e.g., Probe) Patents (Class 700/195)
  • Patent number: 11526149
    Abstract: A machining command improving system is in an integrated system in which a CNC machine tool for machining of a machining target into a predetermined machining geometry a machining command and a shared database are connected to each other. The machining command improving system includes: a machining state recording unit that associates requested information indicating a request to be satisfied in the machining when the CNC machine tool performs the machining and state information indicating a state of implementation of the machining, and registers the associated requested information and state information as machining technique information; and a machining method improving unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yousuke Ootomo, Osamu Hanaoka, Kiwamu Saitou, Hidehiro Miyajima
  • Patent number: 11498217
    Abstract: Methods of calibrating a position of a component include providing a robot with a gripper and crush and crash sensors, a calibration tool coupled to the gripper, and the component, which has a recess and a crush zone. The methods also include moving the gripper in a first direction to sense contact between the calibration tool and the crush zone, recording the contact position, and moving the gripper to insert the tool into the recess. The gripper is then moved in second directions to sense contact between the tool and the recess and moved in third directions to also sense contact between the tool and the recess. The methods further include recording and processing the contact positions to determine a surface location in the first direction and a physical center of the recess. Robot calibration apparatus for performing the method is also disclosed, as are other aspects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin S. Pollack, Steven Pollack
  • Patent number: 11493899
    Abstract: A method for measuring a workpiece by a measurement device includes capturing an identification feature of a workpiece by a capture device, determining an item of identity information relating to the workpiece, comparing the identity information with identity information relating to a plurality of workpieces from a database which stores the identity information relating to the plurality of workpieces, identifying the workpiece in the database, and/or characterizing the workpiece from the comparison with the database, determining a measurement sequence stored in the database for the identified workpiece, or suggesting features or steps of a measurement sequence for the identified workpiece, and measuring the workpiece in accordance with the measurement sequence in the measurement device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss Industrielle Messtechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Matthias Riek, Thomas Mueller
  • Patent number: 11433498
    Abstract: A method is provided for monitoring a milling method for a milling machine provided with a milling tool comprising cutting teeth, the method including: determining measured values of a first parameter corresponding to a bending of the milling tool as a function of a second parameter corresponding to an angle of rotation of the milling tool in a rotating frame of reference of the milling tool and analyzing the measured values as a function of at least one monitoring criterion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: CENTRE TECHNIQUE DES INDUSTRIES MECANIQUES ET DU DECOLLETAGE
    Inventors: Patrice Laurent, Roger Busi
  • Patent number: 11243507
    Abstract: A manufacturing control system for an additive, subtractive, or hybrid machining system implements a morphic manufacturing approach that integrates in situ inspection and related decision-making into the manufacturing process. After execution of a machining or deposition operation, the system performs a sensor scan to collect sensor measurement data for the resulting part while the part remains in the manufacturing work cell. The measurement data is compared with an as-designed digital model of the part to determine whether further machining or deposition is necessary to bring the finished part into tolerance with the model. If necessary, the system performs another additive and/or subtractive manufacturing operation on the part based on analysis of the measurement data to bring the part into tolerance. The measured inspection data can be stored in association with each manufactured part for auditing purposes or for creation of part-specific digital twins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: GRALE TECHNOLOGIES
    Inventors: Michael Garvey, Fred Persi, Matthew Walther
  • Patent number: 11229967
    Abstract: A wire electrical discharge machine which performs electrical discharge machining on a workpiece, includes: a worktable on which the workpiece is placed; a placement area detector that divides the top surface of the worktable into multiple areas and detects the areas where the workpiece is placed; a placement time measuring unit that measures placement time for which the workpiece is placed on each of the areas detected by the placement area detector; and a cumulative time storage that adds up the placement times measured by the placement time measuring unit for each of the areas as a cumulative time for the area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ryou Nishikawa, Shouji Takahashi
  • Patent number: 11224936
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for producing a welded assembly including a plurality of welded connections between first contact partners of a contact substrate and second contact partners of a placement unit. The contact partners are arranged in an overlapping position and a sonotrode is moved into a position overlapping with the second contact partner using a positioning device, is lowered onto the second contact partner in a welding contact position, and is subjected to ultrasonic vibrations to produce a welded connection. The sonotrode is positioned relative to the second contact partner with a camera and the sonotrode is positioned relative to the second contact partner based on a determination of a position deviation of a sonotrode imprint of a sonotrode working surface produced on a reference imprint carrier by the welding process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: SCHUNK SONOSYSTEMS GMBH
    Inventor: Valentin Muela
  • Patent number: 10976724
    Abstract: The present disclosure concerns machine tools and more specifically compensation of variations which may occur within a multi-axis machine tool during a cutting process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE plc
    Inventor: Phillip Midwinter
  • Patent number: 10928135
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for drying electronic devices are disclosed. Embodiments include methods and apparatuses that heat and decrease pressure within the electronic device. Some embodiments increase and decrease pressure while adding heat energy, such as by using a heated platen in contact with the electronic device or by supplying a gas (e.g., air), which may be heated, into the interior of the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: Revive Electronics, LLC
    Inventors: Reuben Zielinski, Joel Trusty, David Douberteen, Mark Earle, Imran Arain, James M. Shrake
  • Patent number: 10688664
    Abstract: An arrangement for the model-based calibration of a mechanism in a workspace with calibration objects that are either directed laser radiation patterns together with an associated laser radiation-pattern generator or radiation-pattern position sensors. Functional operation groups made up of at least one laser radiation pattern and at least one position sensor interact in such a way when a radiation pattern impinges on the sensor that measured sensor position information values are passed along to computing devices that determine the parameters of a mathematical mechanism model with the aid of these measured values. In the process, at least two different functional operation groups are used to calibrate the mechanism, and at least two calibration objects from different functional operation groups are rigidly connected to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Inventor: Peter Kovacs
  • Patent number: 10534344
    Abstract: An operation management system configured to acquire measured values of a workpiece from a numerical controller which controls a machine tool to measure the workpiece is provided with a measurement macro receiving unit configured to read a measurement macro for controlling the measurement from the numerical controller, a measurement macro analysis unit configured to analyze the measurement macro to identify the name of a measurement result variable loaded with the measured values, and a measurement result read-out unit configured to read out the value of the measurement result variable from the numerical controller. The operation management system easily acquires the result of the workpiece measurement from the numerical controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shogo Inoue, Takashi Hosaka
  • Patent number: 10480933
    Abstract: A PLC system includes a displacement sensor, drives, and a PLC. The PLC system obtains line measurement data including a plurality of pieces of measurement information or 1D information from the displacement sensor and a plurality of pieces of positional information from the drives that are read in accordance with measurement intervals, generates 2D shape data, and generates 2D shape data as 1D arrangement information for every measurement interval from combination line measurement data combining the 1D information and the positional information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: OMRON Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Sawaragi, Mitsuru Nakamura, Manabu Kawachi
  • Patent number: 10466034
    Abstract: A contactlessly or tactilely measuring measuring system having a multipurpose interface socket for accommodating and for connecting a contactlessly or tactilely measuring measuring device having a light transmitter and a light receiver, for determining the position of a tool or for determining the longest cutting edge of a rotating tool in a machine tool. The multipurpose interface socket has the following features: at least one mechanical stop, corresponding to a counterstop on the measuring device, for accommodating and repeatably placing the measuring device on the multipurpose interface socket; and at least one second fluid transfer point on the multipurpose interface socket, which corresponds to a first fluid transfer point on the measuring device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: BLUM-NOVOTEST GmbH
    Inventors: Heribert Bucher, Martin Klugger, Norbert Moersch
  • Patent number: 10346575
    Abstract: Systems and techniques are described for transparently editing physical data in hierarchical IC designs. Some embodiments allow a user to access objects at any level of the physical hierarchy and to specify a particular editing operation (move, rotate, delete, cut, split, etc.) relative to the top-level block. The embodiments can automatically transform and apply the editing operations in the context of the block where the edited object resides. Systems and techniques for automatic context selection, logical connection analysis, cross hierarchical routing, transparent hierarchical routing, and maintaining physical connectivity across hierarchy boundaries are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: Synopsys, Inc.
    Inventors: Karlo Tskitishvili, Jeffrey J. Loescher, Luis D. Guilin, Paul M. Furnanz
  • Patent number: 10151585
    Abstract: A non-contact and optical measuring automation system includes a base, a rotating chuck to clamp a disk cam, a moving stage module and an optical measuring module. The moving stage module includes a first linear motion stage movably disposed on the base, a second linear motion stage movably disposed on the first linear motion stage, and a rotary motion stage rotatably disposed on the second linear motion stage. The optical measuring module disposed on the rotary motion stage includes a laser-emitting unit and an image-capturing unit. The laser-emitting unit projects a light beam onto a cam surface of the disk cam, and the image-capturing unit receives scattering light to capture a grayscale measuring image including a profile speckle pattern. A computer calculates a profile speckle characteristic value according to the grayscale measuring image and the surface roughness value according to the profile speckle characteristic value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: National Taiwan Ocean University
    Inventors: Wen-Tung Chang, Chun-Cheng Lu, Hsiang-Lun Kao
  • Patent number: 10059051
    Abstract: An assembly mountable on a machine including a gantry displaceable along an x-axis, a carriage mounted on such gantry displaceable along the y-axis, provided with means for extruding a beam of molten thermoplastic material, a tool carrier mounted on such carriage displaceable along a z-axis, a tool holder mounted on such tool carrier displaceable about a z-axis, a tool support shaft provided with an axis disposed in an x-y plane journalled in such tool holder and rotatable about the axis thereof, a dispenser conduit mounted on such shaft, perpendicular to such shaft axis, means on such dispenser conduit for ejection of a beam of molten thermoplastic material and a flexible hose with a first end supported on such carrier forming a rotary union with such material extrusion means, and a second end communicating with an inlet of such dispenser conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: Thermwood Corporation
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Susnjara
  • Patent number: 10016892
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for determining tool offset data for a tool attached to a robot at an attachment point. In an embodiment, a method includes controlling the robot to contact a reference object with the tool. The reference object is a rigid object with a known location. A force feedback sensor of the robot may indicates when the tool has contacted the reference object. Once contact is made, data indicating robot position during tool contact is received. Additionally, the robot may temporarily stops movement of the tool to prevent damage to the tool or the reference object. Next, tool offset data s determined based on the position of the reference object relative to the robot and the received robot position data. The tool offset data describes the distance between at least one point on the tool and the attachment point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: X Development LLC
    Inventor: Benjamin M. Davis
  • Patent number: 9898570
    Abstract: Systems and techniques are described for transparently editing physical data in hierarchical IC designs. Some embodiments allow a user to access objects at any level of the physical hierarchy and to specify a particular editing operation (move, rotate, delete, cut, split, etc.) relative to the top-level block. The embodiments can automatically transform and apply the editing operations in the context of the block where the edited object resides. Systems and techniques for automatic context selection, logical connection analysis, cross hierarchical routing, transparent hierarchical routing, and maintaining physical connectivity across hierarchy boundaries are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: Synopsys, Inc.
    Inventors: Karlo Tskitishvili, Jeffrey J. Loescher, Luis D. Guilin, Paul M. Furnanz
  • Patent number: 9855615
    Abstract: A disclosed method utilizes virtual representations of gear profiles produced in view of accuracies and capabilities of specific machine and tool combinations to validate profile finishing parameters. The virtual representations are utilized to identify modifications needed to account for process capability and are implemented into the process to change the nominal profile utilized for producing the finished gear profiles. The resulting nominal gear profile accounts for process variations and thereby provides a more accurate and repeatable gear tooth profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Changsheng Guo
  • Patent number: 9855606
    Abstract: In the process of cutting the outer circumference 10o of a hollow rotating shaft 10 by using a finishing turning tool 36, the position of the finishing turning tool 36 is adjusted in the direction orthogonal to the virtual reference shaft center VS so that the center position CPo of the outer circumference 10o of the hollow rotating shaft 10 is deviated from the virtual reference shaft center VS in the same direction as the direction of the deviation vector ?Di by an amount corresponding to the magnitude |?Di| of the deviation vector ?Di. This can reduce the unbalance to zero also in the middle of the shaft and sufficiently reduce runout of the hollow rotating shaft 10 even if the rotation speed of the hollow rotating shaft 10 increases. Accordingly, it is possible to further improve the reliability of the hollow rotating shaft 10 at high rotation speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: IHI Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Ochiai, Yutaka Watanabe, Masanobu Natsuake, Kouzou Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 9400178
    Abstract: A method is described for calculating an optimum stand-off distance for surface position measurements to be acquired by a coordinate positioning apparatus including a measurement probe. The coordinate positioning apparatus may include a machine tool and the measurement probe may include a touch trigger probe having a deflectable stylus. The method includes the step of calculating an optimum stand-off distance using at least one measured acceleration characteristic of the coordinate positioning apparatus. In this manner, measurement cycle times may be optimised.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: RENISHAW PLC
    Inventors: Derek Marshall, David J. Rogers, Jean-Marc Giacalone
  • Patent number: 9278452
    Abstract: An Automated handling system has a working area, at least one object in the working area, at least a first numerically controlled arm and at least a second numerically controlled arm. The arms are movable above the working area and have a collision avoidance mechanism. The current actual topography of the working area is determinable, a movement planning algorithm determines a path from a first position to a second position, wherein in the first application of the movement planning algorithm a reference path, a quasi-static collision examination for the path, which has been provided by the movement planning algorithm, is applicable, a dynamic collision examination for the path, which has been suggested by the movement planning algorithm, is applicable, and wherein the collision examination determine whether, when moving the first arm a collision would be provoked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: TECAN TRADING AG
    Inventor: Joel Brandenberger
  • Patent number: 9020629
    Abstract: Loads that act on all the bearings that support a main spindle are derived from a variation in the state of the main spindle and, in addition, raceway surface contact pressures of the respective bearings are analyzed, so it is possible to accurately keep track of the state of each bearing. Then, when the raceway surface contact pressure exceeds a corresponding threshold, a machining condition is changed to execute control such that the raceway surface contact pressure does not exceed the corresponding threshold, and, furthermore, when the raceway surface contact pressure exceeds the corresponding threshold even when the machining condition is changed, the main spindle is controlled to stop, so it is possible to prevent a seizure of each bearing. Thus, it is possible to improve machining accuracy by controlling the main spindle with high accuracy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: JTEKT Corporation
    Inventor: Shigeru Matsunaga
  • Publication number: 20150066196
    Abstract: A method of scanning an object using an analogue probe mounted on a machine tool, so as to collect scanned measurement data along a nominal measurement line on the surface of the object, the analogue probe having a preferred measurement range. The method includes controlling the analogue probe and/or object to perform a scanning operation in accordance with a course of relative motion, the course of relative motion being configured such that, based on assumed properties of the surface of the object, the analogue probe will be caused to obtain data within its preferred measuring range, as well as cause the analogue probe to go outside its preferred measuring range, along the nominal measurement line on the surface of the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: RENISHAW PLC
    Inventors: Michael Wooldridge, Paul Moore, John Ould
  • Patent number: 8965552
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method and a device for titling, which can achieve automatic correction when deviation occurs between a real titling position of a product to be titled and a preset titling position, so as to avoid an ID shift phenomenon, and thus ensure accuracy of titling positions and improve titling efficiency. The titling method provided in the present disclosure comprises: determining a real titling position of a product to be titled; comparing the real titling position with a preset titling position; and titling the product to be titled in accordance with the comparison result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Beijing Boe Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Fengguo Wang
  • Patent number: 8959766
    Abstract: In a method for machining grooves, especially fir-tree grooves (13), which are provided for accommodating blades (19), on a rotor (10) of a turbine, especially a low-pressure steam turbine, great simplification and high flexibility is achieved by the fact that in the grooves, or fir-tree grooves (13), material is removed by a program-controlled milling device, wherein the milling device is inserted into the groove, or fir-tree groove (13), with a milling tool (20) which is guided along the places in the groove, or fir-tree groove (13), which are to be machined, by a milling tool positioning device, which is freely movable in space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Alstom Technology Ltd
    Inventors: Wilfried Storch, Stephan Fiedler, Björn Heucke, Michael Schwaar, Thomas Jaehnert, Günter Gnirss
  • Patent number: 8841575
    Abstract: A laser match honing system and method are provided for processing one of a pair of mechanically matching components (1, 2) having matching portions (12, 22, 16, 26) that will be fitted with each other. A dimension of the matching portion (12, 16) of the first component (1) is measured and is then used for calculating the desired dimension of the corresponding matching portion (22, 26) of the second component (2). An actual dimension of the matching portion (22, 26) of the second component (2) is also measured. Then, the matching portion (22, 26) of the second component (2) is honed by laser beam in the condition that the actual dimension is not equal to the desired dimension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Frank Meyer, Jannis Stemmann, Harald-Thomas Stumpp, Fernanda Rojas
  • Publication number: 20140222189
    Abstract: A computing device is connected to a computer numerical control (CNC) machine, and an object positioned on a work table of the CNC machine includes one or more touch points. A probe from the CNC machine touches each touch point on an object and measures actual 3D mechanical coordinates of touch points. A 3D workpiece coordinates system is created according to the actual 3D mechanical coordinates of all touch points. Actual 3D workpiece coordinates of all touch points are calculated. Deviation values of each touch point are calculated between the actual 3D workpiece coordinates and theory 3D workpiece coordinates of each touch point. The deviation values are transformed to mechanical deviation values. The mechanical deviation values are compensated of each touch point for the CNC machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: CHIH-KUANG CHANG, XIN-YUAN WU, YI LIU
  • Patent number: 8712577
    Abstract: An electronic system for compensating the dimensional accuracy of a 4-axis CNC machining system includes a CNC machining system configured to machine a plurality of features into a part, a dimensional measuring device configured to measure a plurality of dimensions of the part, and to provide an output corresponding to the measured dimensions and a compensation processor in communication with the CNC machining system and dimensional measuring device. The CNC machining system includes a global coordinate system, and at least one feature being defined relative to a local coordinate system that is translated from the machine coordinate system. Additionally, the compensation processor is configured to receive the output from the dimensional measuring device, to calculate a plurality of CNC offsets, including at least one local offset, and to provide the offsets to the CNC machining system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jie Gu, Sheri K. Kurgin, Paula J. Deeds
  • Publication number: 20140075754
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing an aircraft component according to one embodiment of this disclosure includes providing a machining system including a controller, at least one sensor, and a tool for machining. The method further includes providing an aircraft component, and machining the aircraft component with the tool based on feedback from the at least one sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Alan C. Barron, Mark F. Zelesky, Charles A. Blizzard, Gregory A. Gilbert, James Masloski, Allan J. Brockett, Jeffrey P. Smith, Bartolomeo Palmieri, Aleah J. Edwards
  • Patent number: 8666534
    Abstract: A machine for machining a work piece with at least one revolving or rotating tool, having a ball screw, which is pivoted by a fix and a floating bearing whereas the machine has a device for measuring the length of the extension of the ball screw. Furthermore, a method is provided for measuring and compensation a thermal displacement comprising the steps of: detecting the length U of the axis of the ball screw, detecting the length I2 of the axis of the ball screw, calculating the difference ?l of the length I1 extended axis and the reference length I2 of the axis and compensating the difference value to the correct value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Mikron Agie Charmilles AG
    Inventors: Jean-Philippe Besuchet, Erwin Degen
  • Patent number: 8620471
    Abstract: A system for controlling a numerical control machine tool with movable component parts carrying tools (5) and/or mechanical component parts to be checked includes a control unit (7) and a sensor device (9) having an associated interface unit (15). A digital channel (20), through which there are transmitted measuring signals from the interface unit to the control unit, is used, at different moments and as an alternative to the measuring process, for transmitting confirmation pulse signals (ACK) consequent to request/instruction messages that the control unit sends to the interface unit. A method for controlling the machine tool includes the sending of request/instruction messages (M) from the control unit to the interface unit, for example for checking the efficiency and the operativeness of the measuring chain, and the reception of confirmation pulse signals through the transmission channel which is a component part of the measuring chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Marposs Societa' per Azioni
    Inventor: Andrea Turrini
  • Publication number: 20130345854
    Abstract: A method of controlling a numerical control machine tool, includes generating a flag which designates a kind of operation of the numerical control machine tool and an operating variable which is used for controlling the operation of the numerical control machine tool, based on an instruction used for controlling a three-dimensional measuring device different from the numerical control machine tool, storing the flag in a flag storage area and storing the operating variable in an operating variable storage area, selecting an operation to be executed by the numerical control machine tool by referring to a value of the flag stored in the flag storage area, and executing a control of the selected operation of the numerical control machine tool in accordance with a value of the operating variable stored in the operating variable storage area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventor: Hirokazu MICHIWAKI
  • Patent number: 8615317
    Abstract: A process and an apparatus for generating control data for controlling a tool on a machine tool comprising at least 5 axes for the production of a predetermined finished part having a base body and at least one flank section protruding from the base body, finished part geometry data of the predetermined finished part geometry of the finished part being generated by means of fundamental geometry parameters and path data being generated by means of the finished part geometry data, the path data indicating the tool path along the surface of the flank section over which the tool has to travel with what tool orientation relative to the workpiece to remove material from the workpiece, the tool orientation of the tool corresponding to an orientation of a axis of rotation of the tool and the tool rotating about the axis of rotation of the tool to remove material from the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Deckel Maho Pfronten GmbH
    Inventors: Josef Neumaier, Thomas Lochbihler
  • Publication number: 20130304250
    Abstract: An analogue probe for a machine tool apparatus, including a probe body and a stylus member movably secured to the probe body in a suspended rest position via a suspension mechanism. A sensor is provided for measuring the extent of displacement of the stylus member relative to the probe body from a rest position. The analogue probe further includes a first compliant sealing member extending between the probe body and stylus member such that the sensor is contained within a chamber sealed from external contaminants. The analogue probe also has for a suppressor for suppressing movement of the stylus member away from its suspended rest position induced by changes in the chamber's internal pressure and/or changes in the analogue probe's operating environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: RENISHAW PLC
    Inventors: David Roberts McMurtry, David Collingwood
  • Patent number: 8577495
    Abstract: A method for calibrating a CNC machine comprises mounting a gauge to a table of the CNC machine and calibrating a probe to the gauge mounted on the CNC machine. A total deviation of the probe and an actual table center position from a nominal table center position for a coordinate system associated with the CNC machine are determined. A controller operatively connected to the CNC machine and the probe is programmed to compensate for the total deviation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jie Gu, John S. Agapiou, Sheri K. Kurgin, Paula J. Deeds
  • Publication number: 20130282162
    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: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: Hexagon Metrology AB
    Inventor: Hexagon Metrology AB
  • Patent number: 8543237
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method are presented for finding positional relationships and geometrical changes of at least one rotating part attached to or forming part of a machine when the part is in a rotating mode. In the apparatus and method, geometrical changes of the part caused by its state of production and use, determine any locations on the rotating part which exhibit contaminants, and subsequently remove or compensate effects of such contaminants present on the rotating part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Conoptica AS
    Inventors: Gudmunn Slettemoen, Christian Askeland, Espen Stenberg, Torstein Osa Greger, Jean-Philippe Besuchet
  • Patent number: 8538575
    Abstract: A machine controller includes a memory and a processor configured for operating a machine control for automatically controlling apparatus for performing a machining process on a workpiece at least partially as a function of data relating to a parameter of the workpiece, and a gage control for automatically controlling gaging apparatus for collecting and processing the data relating to the parameter of the workpiece and storing the data in the memory. At least a portion of the memory in which the data relating to the parameter of the workpiece is stored, is configured as a shared memory so as to allow the machine control to immediately retrieve and use the stored data relating to the parameter of the workpiece. The controller has particular utility for use in controlling a honing process and a gaging process, which can be in-process or post-process, and which can be used for bore sizing and other parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Sunnen Products Company
    Inventors: Timothy P. Hoth, Carl A. Mik, Russell L. Jacobsmeyer
  • Patent number: 8534169
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a machining system etc. capable of highly accurately machining a workpiece even in a case where the workpiece is deflected. A machining system 1 is configured with a lathe 10 having end portion supporting mechanisms 13, 15 for supporting both end portions of an elongated workpiece W horizontally, a tool rest 20 for holding a tool, a feed mechanism for moving the tool rest 20 in three orthogonal directions, and a control device 25 for controlling the feed mechanism, and a non-contact measuring device 30 for measuring the deflection shape of the workpiece W when the workpiece W is rotated. The control device 25 moves the tool along the deflection shape measured by the non-contact measuring device 30.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Mori Seiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Miyamoto, Ryuichi Fujiwara, Shizuo Nishikawa, Hisayoshi Morita
  • Patent number: 8506352
    Abstract: An eyeglass lens processing apparatus for processing a peripheral edge of an eyeglass lens, includes: a processing unit including a plurality of processing tools that process the peripheral edge of the eyeglass lens held by a lens chuck shaft; a calibrating lens; a mode selector that selects a calibration mode; a memory that stores calibration processing data for processing the calibrating lens to a predetermined shape; a detecting unit that includes a tracing stylus that contacts a surface of the calibrating lens which is processed by the processing unit based on the calibration processing data to detect the shape of the processed calibrating lens in the calibration mode; and a calculating unit that obtain calibration data by comparing a detected result by the detecting unit with the calibration processing data in the calibration mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Nidek Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kyoji Takeichi, Ryoji Shibata, Motoshi Tanaka, Katsuhiro Natsume, Yuya Nakako
  • Patent number: 8463421
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of drilling a hole in a workpiece in order to control breakthrough of the workpiece comprising the steps of: a) initiating contact between a drill bit of a drill unit and the workpiece; b) operating the drill unit to rotate the drill bit to drill the workpiece; c) during drilling of the workpiece measuring the force, F and torque, T, experienced by the drill bit; d) calculating a variable F?, based on the measured force, F, representing the rate of change of F; e) calculating a variable, T? based on the measured torque, T, representing the rate of change of T; f) calculating a variable F? representing the rate of change of F?; g) calculating a variable T? representing the rate of change of T?; h) detecting the onset of breakout of the workpiece by use of the variables F?, F?, T? and T?; i) thereby controlling the speed of rotation of the drill bit during breakthrough of the workpiece to control the degree of breakout of the drill bit from the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Aston University
    Inventors: Peter Brett, Robin Taylor, David Proops, Chris Coulson, Mansel V. Griffiths
  • Patent number: 8423167
    Abstract: For use in connection with evaluating prosthetic sockets (and other objects) designed and fabricated with computer aided design and manufacturing software, the shape of a socket is accurately scanned and digitized. The scanned data are then compared to either an electronic shape data file, or to the shape of another socket, a positive model of a residual limb (or socket), or a residual limb. Differences detected during the comparison can then be applied to revise the design or fabrication of the socket, to more accurately achieve a desired shape that properly fits the residual limb of a patient and can be used to solve the inverse problem by correcting for observed errors of a specific fabricator before a socket is produced. The digitizing process is implemented using a stylus ball that contacts a surface of the socket to produce data indicating the three-dimensional shape of the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: University of Washington
    Inventors: Joan E. Sanders, Michael R. Severance, Timothy R. Myers, George Turkiyyah, Elizabeth A. Sorenson, Ellen L. Lee
  • Patent number: 8379224
    Abstract: A prismatic alignment artifact includes an artifact body having a prismatic shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Michael Louis Piasse, John Costello, Mike D. Cleland
  • Patent number: 8380338
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for stripping foreign matter from holes in a substrate, such as a turbine component, which includes using a scanner to locate the hole and operating a water jet apparatus to direct a water jet or an abrasive water jet into the hole for stripping. A CAD model of the original turbine component may be used in the control system of the water jet apparatus to initially locate the scanner at the general or theoretical location of the hole. A reverse flow of low pressure water may be provided to further clear foreign matter from the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Huffman Corporation
    Inventors: Mitchell O. Miller, Clyde W. Caskey
  • Patent number: 8346385
    Abstract: An early-warning apparatus for health detection of a servo motor and a method for operating the same are applied to estimate vibration phenomenon of a CNC tool machine. First, a vibration signal is produced through a vibration detecting unit. Afterward, the vibration signal is sequentially sent to a data buffer. Afterward, the vibration signal is transformed in time and frequency domains through a time-frequency transforming unit. Finally, a deterioration index is calculated through a deterioration index calculating unit to obtain a health index which is calculated through a health index calculating unit. Therefore, the build-in vibration detecting unit is provided to dispense with additional external sensors. Furthermore, the vibration phenomenon of the servo motor of the CNC tool machine is estimated according to the health index, thus analyzing non-linear and non-stationary characteristics of the estimated vibration phenomenon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Delta Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Ching-Shiong Tsai, Meng-Chang Lin
  • Publication number: 20120179287
    Abstract: A contacting or non-contacting probe (2) is mounted to a spindle (6), preferably a tool spindle, of a machining device, such as a chamfering device (4), whereby it has a home position retracted out of the way of the machining (e.g. chamfering) process and an active position where it can contact a workpiece before or after the machining (e.g. chamfering) process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: THE GLEASON WORKS
    Inventors: William D. McGlasson, Kenneth E. Glasow
  • Patent number: 8200359
    Abstract: A method for machining a slide core hole in a mold and a measurement/correction system for use in machining of a slide core hole. A spindle head is pivoted to meet the inclination angle of the slide core hole to be machined in the mold. A shallow flat-bottomed spot-faced hole is spot-faced in the surface of the mold. A guide hole is drilled in the bottom surface of the spot-faced hole. A rod hole is drilled using the guide hole as a guide. An intermediate pocket hole is formed while expanding the spot-faced hole. A reference point is corrected based on measurement of the shape of the intermediate pocket. A corrected machining program is executed with the corrected reference point to carry out precision shaping machining of the core pocket while expanding the intermediate pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Toshiba Kikai Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kouichi Katoh, Takamasa Itoh, Tsuyoshi Fujita, Masaru Usui
  • Patent number: 8180477
    Abstract: A machining status monitoring apparatus is provided on a machine tool, and has an actual CCD camera for imaging the tool and the workpiece and generating actual two-dimensional image data thereof, a virtual image generating section having a virtual CCD camera corresponding to the actual CCD camera, in which the tool and workpiece of three-dimensional model are imaged by the virtual CCD camera and virtual two-dimensional image data thereof are generated, and a display control section for receiving from a control device of the machine tool, information relating to the coolant supply state and checking whether coolant is being supplied to the contact portion of the tool and the workpiece, and displaying on a display device actual two-dimensional image data when coolant is not being supplied and displaying on the display device virtual two-dimensional image data when coolant is being supplied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Mori Seiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiko Mori, Xiaodong Tian, Bingyan Zhao, Makoto Fujishima, Zhe Jin
  • Patent number: 8180476
    Abstract: The present invention provides a machining state checking apparatus and method for checking whether a workpiece mounted on a machine tool and a workpiece fixture are shifted. A machining state checking apparatus has an actual CCD camera for imaging a workpiece fixed on a machine tool and a workpiece fixture and generating actual two-dimensional image data thereof, a virtual image generating section for generating virtual two-dimensional image data of the workpiece and workpiece fixture based on data on three-dimensional models of the workpiece and workpiece fixture, a comparing section for comparing the actual two-dimensional image data and virtual two-dimensional image data generated by the actual CCD camera and the virtual image generating section, respectively, and determining whether they match each other by comparing the portions corresponding to the workpiece and workpiece fixture in the actual two-dimensional image and the virtual two-dimensional images of the workpiece and workpiece fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Mori Seiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiko Mori, Xiaodong Tian, Bingyan Zhao, Makoto Fujishima, Zhe Jin