With Program Control Patents (Class 82/118)
  • Publication number: 20080196563
    Abstract: A method for mechanical machining, in particular for drilling and turning light alloy wheels , comprising prior to the mechanical machining step, a step of orientation and measurement of the wheel including the steps of arranging a device for seating the wheel with at least three seating areas spaced apart from each other angularly at a regular angular pitch and forming respective seating surfaces coplanar with each other and belonging to a common reference plane, a wheel being brought into seating contact on these surfaces with a portion of its front flange, the wheel being approximately coaxial with a central reference axis of the device perpendicular to the reference plane; determining using distance sensing means the radial coordinates of a first plurality of points of a common surface of the flange, the points of this plurality being identified by moving the sensing means radially relative to the central reference axis along respective directions radial to this axis until the flange is intercepted, and c
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2005
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventor: Roberto Sammartin
  • Patent number: 7404347
    Abstract: A working device of a noncircular workpiece, such as a piston of an internal combustion engine, is improved. A workpiece 10 is held by a work spindle and rotated. A noncircular working device 100 has a noncircular working unit base 110 and is provided with a servo motor 104. A noncircular working unit 120 is positioned along a Y axis, and an arbitrary cutting tool 133 is selected from a cutting tool group 130. A servo motor 112 reciprocates the noncircular working unit 120 on an X2 axis in synchronization with the rotation of the work spindle and performs noncircular working of the workpiece 10.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Yamazaki Mazak Corporation
    Inventors: Noriyasu Hayashi, Masaki Hibino, Norio Naganuma, Kiyokazu Kainuma
  • Patent number: 7395742
    Abstract: A cutting tool assembly having a tool post capable of lateral movement along a work piece to be cut and an actuator with a tool tip. The actuator provides for variable control of the movement of the tool tip in a z-direction laterally along the work piece, while maintaining the tool tip at a substantially constant position in an x-direction into the work piece, for use in making microstructures in the work piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Dale L. Ehnes, Alan B. Campbell, Daniel S. Wertz
  • Publication number: 20080159808
    Abstract: Described herein is an apparatus for machining elements for axial couplings for mechanical connection, with non-circular cross section, which comprises: a work spindle (1) fitted on the shaft (103) of appropriate means (3) for actuation in rotation; a tool (7) guided by appropriate means (5, 6) in the displacements both along the axis perpendicular to that of rotation of the spindle and along the axis parallel to that of rotation of the spindle; means (105, 106) for actuation of the displacements of said tool on said guide means (5, 6); and a central control unit (4) connected to said displacement means (105, 106) of said tool and to said means for actuation in rotation (3) of said spindle (1), capable, via an appropriate program, of supervising turning of the side coupling surface of said elements for axial couplings for angular connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicants: AKTIEBOLAGET SKF, MINGANTI INTERNATIONAL LTD
    Inventors: Jean-Gerard Loustanau, Marcus Caldana
  • Publication number: 20080105094
    Abstract: A machine tool control method is disclosed employing a machine tool for carrying out a work producing process having a cutting implement for machining a workpiece according to the process, the cutting implement comprising a first part having a shank and a second part having a cutting surface and, optionally a tool holder, a sensor device provided on the second part of the cutting implement for sensing at least one condition of the process, and a machine controller, the method comprising: operating the machine under the control of the machine controller to cause a process to commence, sensing at least one condition of the process, and adapting controller or sensor based cutting parameters during the process in accordance with the sensed condition. The cutting implement may be changeable during the process. The process can be a single cutting operation. Sensor based parameters can be adapted independently of the machine controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2005
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Applicant: Renishaw PLC
    Inventors: David Roberts McMurtry, Geoffrey McFarland, Paul Maxted
  • Publication number: 20080098864
    Abstract: A lathe includes a supporting base having a rear rail, an intermediate rail, and a front rail and a rotatable threaded shank, a headstock supported on the supporting base and having a chuck for holding a work piece, a tailstock slidably engaged onto the rear rail and having a center for being moved to engage with the work piece, a carriage slidably engaged onto the intermediate rail and the front rail, and a slide slidably attached onto the carriage and having a cutting member for being moved to machine the work piece. The tailstock is slidably engaged onto the rear rail and the carriage is slidably engaged onto the intermediate rail and the front rail such that the movement of the tailstock and the carriage will not be interfered with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventor: Yuan Tang Kao
  • Patent number: 7340985
    Abstract: A device and method for vibration control in a machine for cutting, said machine comprising a cutting tool supported by a tool holder. The device comprises a control unit and converting means which are connectible to the control unit and comprise a vibration sensor and an actuator. The actuator comprises an active element which converts an A.C. voltage supplied by the control unit to the actuator into dimensional changes. Said active element is adapted to be embedded in the body of the tool holder and in such manner that said dimensional changes impart bending to the body of the tool holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Staffansboda Compagnie AB
    Inventors: Ingvar Claesson, Thomas Lago, Lars Hakansson
  • Patent number: 7290316
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments are directed to an improved automatic screw machine employing a first servomotor connected to cause rotation of a first set of tooling cams independently of the operation of a spindle drive, and a second servomotor to cause rotation of a second set of cams independently of the operation of the spindle drive, wherein a multi-axis controller controls at least the speed of the spindle drive in conjunction with at least each of the two servomotors, and where the operation of at least the two servomotors is electronically synchronized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Inventors: Patrick L. Muscarella, Ronald LaRock, Charles D. Jackson
  • Patent number: 7249545
    Abstract: A numerically controlled machine tool can simultaneously perform a variety of machining operations using work on a first main shaft and work on a second main shaft. A first tool post is movable together with a second main shaft in the direction of a main shaft axis and in a direction orthogonal thereto in a plane, while a second tool post is movable at least in the same biaxial direction as the directions of movement of the first tool post. A control device superposes the movement required for the first tool post to machine work on the movement required for the second tool post to machine work, so that the machining operation of the work by the tool on the first tool post and the machining operation of the work by the tool on the second tool post are simultaneously performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Citizen Watch Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Shinohara, Takayasu Saitou, Umeo Tsuyusaki, Toru Takahashi
  • Patent number: 7228771
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments are directed to an improved automatic screw machine employing a first servomotor connected to cause rotation of a first set of tooling cams independently of the operation of a spindle drive, and a second servomotor to cause rotation of a second set of cams independently of the operation of the spindle drive, wherein a multi-axis controller controls at least the speed of the spindle drive in conjunction with at least each of the two servomotors, and where the operation of at least the two servomotors is electronically synchronized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Ram Technology LLC
    Inventors: Patrick L. Muscarella, Ronald LaRock, Charles D. Jackson
  • Patent number: 7219411
    Abstract: A feed rate of a single-point cutting tool, which is an axial relative moving distance of the cutting tool along an outer peripheral surface of an unfinished commutator product per revolution of the unfinished commutator product, is reduced in an end part of a cutting region of the outer peripheral surface of the unfinished commutator product, which is adjacent to a commutator riser of each commutator segment provided in the outer peripheral surface of the unfinished commutator product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: ASMO Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shinji Ikeda
  • Patent number: 7203569
    Abstract: There is provided a machining tool for machining a workpiece on a workpiece support in response to control signals. The machining tool includes a cutting tool configured to cut a surface of the workpiece. The machining tool also includes a first displacement mechanism and a second displacement mechanism. The first displacement mechanism arranged to displace the cutting tool relative to the workpiece in a first set of coordinates in response to the control signals. The second displacement mechanism supported by the first translation mechanism and arranged to displace the cutting tool relative to the workpiece in a second set of coordinates, the second displacement mechanism capable of a higher frequency response than the first displacement mechanism. The machining tool also includes a controller configured to receive the control signals and synchronize the displacement of the cutting tool due to the first displacement mechanism with the displacement of the cutting tool due to the second displacement mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Erwin Wenti Liang, Eugene George Olczak, Joseph Lucian Smolenski, Teeporn Paul Tanpitukpongse, Eric Redito Robrigado
  • Patent number: 7168351
    Abstract: A process for generating a curved surface on a workpiece with high speed is disclosed, in which an acceleration of a slider is set to a predetermined desired acceleration while a rotating velocity of a work spindle is made varied to keep the acceleration of the slider as constant as possible. Rotation of the work spindle and movement of an X-axis table are made synchronized with the movement of the slider having the desired acceleration to generate a preselected desired curve on a surface of the workpiece, which lies in perpendicular to a Y-axis along which a cutting tool moves in and out, thereby shortening the cycle time it takes for the curve generation on the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Seibu Electric & Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinobu Hirayama, Toshiro Morikawa, Masahiro Minohara, Kouki Shingai
  • Patent number: 7153073
    Abstract: The single point machining head includes a probe that is removably mounted on a carriage that moves radially relative to a central axis of the machining head. A system controller moves the carriage in a radial direction while the machining head is fed in a vertical direction so that the probe contacts the surface of a workpiece. Each point of contact on the workpiece becomes a datapoint including the radial position and the vertical position when contact occurred. The surface of the workpiece is scanned with the probe and a profile is generated using the points of contact. A system controller calculates a difference between the measured profile and a desired profile to be machined to determine the amount of material to remove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Harmand Family Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Brice Harmand, Pierre Harmand
  • Patent number: 7099719
    Abstract: In accordance with a first preferred embodiment, a control method comprises monitoring a position of a motion control axis and controlling an output device responsive to the position of the motion control axis. The controlling step further includes latching a cam element that controls the output device, and unlatching the cam element that controls the output device. The, manner in which the latching step is performed and the manner in which the unlatching step is performed are configurable in a programming interface. The programming interface is capable of receiving a latch position for the cam element and an unlatch position for the cam element. The programming interface is further capable of receiving additional configuration information to configure the manner in which the latching step is performed and different additional configuration information to separately configure the manner in which the unlatching step is performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Juergen K. Weinhofer, Jacob S. Baker, Kendal R. Harris
  • Patent number: 7089835
    Abstract: A method and control system for forming workpiece surfaces with at least a portion being non-rotationally symmetric (i.e., axis asymmetric) is provided. In one aspect, a slow tool servo system is provided to fabricate a surface having at least an axis asymmetric portion, and optionally, a superimposed axis symmetric asphere or spherical portion. A workpiece is mounted on a spindle and a tool is mounted to a translatable tabletop surface. The z position of the contact point of the workpiece and working tool is determined as a function of the x position of the same contact point and as a function of the angle of rotation of the spindle about the spindle axis. By making the z position of the contact point a function of both the angle of spindle rotation and the x position, the lateral and longitudinal position of the working tool can be moved at designated spindle rotation angles to form a surface having both axis asymmetric and axis symmetric asphere or spherical portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: CDM Optics, Inc.
    Inventor: James B. Bryan
  • Patent number: 7036408
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for substantially nullifying vibration and deflection in a single point lens turning lathe having a rapidly reciprocating lens cutting tool and shuttle assembly. The apparatus includes three or more tool shuttles of similar mass mounted for reciprocating movement along respective generally parallel shuttle paths. The shuttles are reciprocally moveable by respective actuators along their respective shuttle paths. The shuttle and tool assemblies are moved by their respective actuators in opposite directions at a rate which causes forces generated by shuttle and tool assemblies moving in one direction to cancel forces arising from the shuttle and tool assembly movement in the opposite direction. Should an odd number of shuttle and tool assemblies be used, the amount of force generated by the mass moving in one direction may be compensated by having a different rate of movement, and hence a different stroke length from the mass moving in the opposite direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Satisloh GmbH
    Inventors: Marc Y. Savoie, Edward McPherson
  • Patent number: 7007575
    Abstract: An on-car disc brake lathe system for resurfacing a brake disc of a vehicle brake assembly includes a lathe body with a driving motor, a cutting head operably attached to the lathe body, and a drive shaft. The system also includes an alignment system having an electronic controller, input and output adaptors configured to rotate with the drive shaft, one or more adjustment discs, and an adjustment mechanism. The adjustment disc is positioned between the input adaptor and the output adaptor, and an axial alignment of the input adaptor relative to the output adaptor may be varied based on a rotational orientation of the adjustment disc. The adjustment mechanism is configured to change the rotational orientation of the adjustment disc in response to commands from the electronic controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Pro-Cut Licensing Company, LLC
    Inventors: Harold Newell, John Wiggins
  • Patent number: 6971294
    Abstract: An NC lathe performs various processing at the same time to a plurality of works. The NC lathe includes a first spindle and a second spindle, and a tool rest having tools for processing works. The tool rest is freely movable in the direction of Z1-axis and X1-axis. The second spindle is freely movable in the direction of X2-axis and Z2-axis. An NC unit controls the movement in the direction of the X1-axis and the Z1-axis of the tool rest, and controls the movement in the direction of the X2-axis and the Z2-axis of the second headstock. The NC unit superposes the movement in the direction of the X2-axis on the movement of the X1-axis of the tool rest. Furthermore, the movement of the Z2-axis is superposed on the movement in the direction of the Z1-axis of the tool rest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Citizen Watch Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Shinohara, Yuji Miyazaki
  • Patent number: 6948411
    Abstract: The invention relates to a machine tool, especially a lathe, comprising a machine frame upon which a first and second spindle housing carrier are arranged in such a way that they can move in a direction Z in relation to each other; a first working spindle; a second working spindle; a first tool carrier which is associated with the first working spindle; a second tool carrier which is associated with the second working spindle, said first and second tool carriers being arranged on the same side of the spindle axis; and a machine control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Index-Werke GmbH & Co. KG Hahn & Tessky
    Inventor: Walter Grossmann
  • Patent number: 6931971
    Abstract: A laser-based jaw setting device for an accurate work holding jaw placement on a lathe, wherein the laser-based jaw setting device has a housing with a laser diode, an internal battery supply, and an operating switch mounted therein; and further having a main mounting plate secured to housing in order to releasably secure the laser-based jaw setting device to the desired lathe, especially a computer numeric controlled lathe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Inventor: Richard L. Lucchetti
  • Patent number: 6895841
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically compensating for the lateral runout between an on-car lathe apparatus and a vehicle hub axis including one or more stop discs that rotate with the drive shaft of the lathe and that can be selectively stopped from rotating with the shaft by a stop mechanism. In response to such stopping, one or more adjustment discs are caused to rotate in order to adjust the relative position of the axis of the lathe with respect to the axis of the disc brake assembly. In this manner, the system compensates for and corrects lateral runout that exists between two concentrically attached rotating shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Pro-Cut Licensing Company, LLC
    Inventors: Harold Newell, John Wiggins
  • Patent number: 6886436
    Abstract: A device and a method are disclosed for attenuating a chatter oscillation in a processing machine, for example a cutting machine, such as a lathe. The machine includes at least one feed system with a primary section and a secondary section driven by a linear motor which can be powered via a converter. The device has a magnetic field control to control an in-phase component (d-component) of the magnetic field which produces the attractive force between of the primary section and the secondary section. An actual signal that is proportional to the chatter oscillation is generated and compared with a predetermined setpoint for a chatter oscillation. The comparison produces a control variable which is applied as a current setpoint to a field control that controls the current of the linear motor. This sufficiently attenuates chatter oscillations so that a reduction of the cutting depth is no longer required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Gerhard Forster, Jens Hamann, Dietmar Stoiber
  • Patent number: 6886435
    Abstract: A rotational machining and quality assurance method for thermally extruded linings of turbomachinery are provided. First, a harder top coating is removed by turning, then the lining is finish-turned to size. During the finish-turning, defined turning parameters are maintained and a cutting force characteristic is quantitatively detected and stored. The force characteristic is compared with predetermined limit values, and, depending on the result of the comparison, the lining is approved for use or is produced again.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: MTU Aero Engines GmbH
    Inventor: Wolf-Dieter Feist
  • Patent number: 6848347
    Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-spindle machine system having a control arrangement for selectively slowing down the speed of a stock feeder mechanism. The machine is operable at a low speed or a high speed. A braking arrangement for slowing the advance of stock is operative responsive to a machine controller. The feeder mechanism is slowed prior to engagement of feed stock with a stock stop device. The operation of the system of the present invention enables slowing the feed stock during its feeding into the machine to reduce stock bounce back to ensure more accurate initial positioning of the stock in the machine. The braking arrangement may comprise a machine brake clutch and/or a snubbing clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Logan Clutch Corporation
    Inventor: Robert M. Kalinsky
  • Patent number: 6842664
    Abstract: This invention relates to a control apparatus for numerical control in a cutting machine having a turret which can be rotated to arbitrary positions, and characterized by including means for obtaining turret axis data (?X, ?Z) from reference offset values (X0, Z0) corresponding to a length from a cutting edge to a turret axis B, turret angle data ?, and cutting edge data (m, n), and moving the turret on the basis of these turret axis data (?X, ?Z) to perform a cutting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Mori Seiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hisao Harada, Hiroki Nakahira, Katsuaki Ono
  • Patent number: 6815917
    Abstract: A method for controlling an automatically operated lathe provided with at least one spindle and at least one tool rest includes the following steps. First, each of a plurality of transfer position data required in a sequence of machining programs in connection with at least one spindle and at least one tool rest is provided in a form of either one of two types of transfer position data, one of which is cam-reference data directing a transfer position as a function of a cam rotation quantity and the other is time-reference data directing a transfer position as a function of an elapsed time. Next, a time-series allocation of the cam-reference data and the time-reference data is designated in the sequence of machining programs. Then, the cam-reference data and the time-reference data are processed in accordance with the time-series allocation, so as to control a relative feed motion between at least one spindle and at least one tool rest in the sequence of machining programs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Citizen Watch Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tadashi Fujinawa
  • Patent number: 6812664
    Abstract: A method for controlling an automatically operated lathe, provided with at least one spindle and at least one tool rest, includes the following steps. First, each of a plurality of transfer position data required in a sequence of machining programs in connection with at least one spindle and at least one tool rest is provided in a form of a cam-reference data directing a transfer position as a function of a cam rotation quantity. A plurality of pulse-train generating sources, each of which generates any pulse train, is also provided. Next, with regard to each of the plural transfer position data, a pulse-train generating source for generating a pulse train defining the cam rotation quantity as one component of the cam-reference data is designated, with the pulse-train generating source being selected from the plural pulse-train generating sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Citizen Watch Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tadashi Fujinawa
  • Patent number: 6776563
    Abstract: An elliptical vibratory cutting apparatus includes a control mechanism which applies a sinusoidal voltage having a predetermined phase difference to piezoelectric elements. Flexure vibrations are accordingly generated in X and Y directions. The vibrations in the X direction cause interference with the vibrations in the Y direction and vice versa. An amount of interference, caused by vibrations in one direction, with vibrations in another direction, is correctively eliminated by the control mechanism (interference eliminating unit. A workpiece is thus cut by means of a cutting tool through elliptical vibrations with high precision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Inventors: Eiji Shamoto, Norikazu Suzuki, Toshimichi Moriwaki, Makoto Matsuo
  • Patent number: 6748834
    Abstract: A method for preparing a contact surface of an implantable bone, joint or similar prosthetic component subject to contact or motion includes the steps of mounting the prosthetic component on a turning or cutting machine and cutting the face of the prosthetic component with a diamond cutting tool using computerized control of tool position along a cross direction to machine cut a super finished surface. The variations of contour and the surface roughness are both under about 0.5 micrometers, and preferably under about 0.2 micrometers or less. The super finished surface generates wear particles at an asymptotically low or residual level during wear-in which may enhance wear characteristics and reduce local reaction or systemic rejection effects. The component is preferably formed by a strong hard polymer, such as UHMWPE.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Professional, Inc.
    Inventors: Dexter Corbin, Pierre S. Ostiguy
  • Patent number: 6742422
    Abstract: There is provided a numerically controlled lathe capable of simultaneously performing various kinds of machining to a plurality of workpieces. An NC lathe according to the present invention has a first main shaft 121 and a second main shaft, a first tool rest 160 to which a tool T1 and/or a tool T2 used to machine workpieces W1 and W2 grasped by these main shafts are attached, and a second tool rest 180 to which a tool T3 and/or a tool T4 used to machine the workpieces W1 and W2 are attached. The first tool rest 160, the second tool rest 180 and the second head stock 130 can move in the direction of a Z axis and the direction of an X axis without restraint. A numerical control device 191 controls movement of the first tool rest 160, the second tool rest 180 and the second head stock 130 in the direction of the X axis and movement of the same in the direction of the Z axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Citizen Watch Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Shinohara, Yuji Miyazaki, Atsushi Aoyagi
  • Patent number: 6718854
    Abstract: A material shaping machine has a frame, a work-piece holder and a tool holder, for rotatably holding a tool. A computer performs real-time tool path calculations based upon stored mathematical representations of a desired work-piece surface and stored mathematical representations of an actual tool geometry, by calculating a desired position of a tool cutting edge relative a measured position of the tool cutting edge and a measured position of the work-piece, and adjusting a distance between the desired tool cutting edge and the measured position of the tool cutting edge in a first direction, so that the tool cutting edge reaches the desired position. Manipulation means provide a relative movement of the work-piece and the tool cutting surface in a second direction and a third direction. The manipulation means are operated outside the computer control. Sensors determine the position of the work-piece relative the cutting surface of the tool and send the position data to the computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Inventors: Sanjeev Bedi, Ben Huynh, Lee Chi Chau
  • Patent number: 6705186
    Abstract: A sensor 42d is provided for detecting release of a state of a workpiece fixed and held with workpiece holding members during rotation of a spindle 9. When the release of the state of the wokpiece fixed and held is detected, the sliding members are driven in a direction of an axial center (in a direction as shown by an arrow D) by a reciprocating drive means 42. Even if holding force, such as the oil pressure of the workpiece holding member, is lowered, the decrease of the holding force of the workpiece can be extremely avoided by moving the sliding members in the direction of the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Yamazaki Mazak Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tsunehiko Yamazaki, Haruhiko Koike, Noboru Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 6705184
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for adjusting the position of a cutting tool. In one embodiment, a boring tool includes a coupling member which is driven by a CNC boring machine, and a sliding tool holder which is slidably coupled to the coupling member. A frictional force resists sliding movement of the cutting tool holder. The frictional force is sufficient to retain the position of the cutting tool during machining operations. However, the frictional force is insufficient to resist a lateral force applied parallel to the direction of sliding, as used during adjustment of the tool position. In another embodiment, either a surface of the sliding tool holder or a surface of a frictional member are contoured with a shape that corresponds to a desired contour of a sidewall of a hole. During machining, a follower in contact with the contoured surface causes the cutting tool holder to slide laterally during machining, thus contouring the sidewall of the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Cardemon Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Cardemon, Joseph Baker
  • Patent number: 6701772
    Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring buildings to detect harmful chemical or biological agents. Self-propelled harmful agent detectors are provided that can propel themselves using motors and self-contained power sources. On-board harmful agent sensors can detect the presence of harmful agents and transmit information for reception by a receiving unit. Some sensors can identify the type of agent and transmit the agent type. Some detectors can measure the intensity or concentration of the harmful agent presence and transmit that intensity. Some systems include locating devices for determining positions of the roaming detectors, as well as mapping software to map the location of the individual moving detectors. Systems may include software for plotting the relative concentrations of agents detected to locate the origination of the source within the building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Ruth D. Kreichauf, Keith L. Curtner
  • Patent number: 6701211
    Abstract: A control command is provided to a control computer, by which a workpiece can be machined by a machine tool over a predetermined total height and a predetermined contiguous region by cutting, in particular by turning with a lathe. The control computer automatically determines, based on the control command, a number of travel paths, based on which the workpiece is machined in the predetermined region over a partial height until reaching the total height. The control computer determines the travel paths so that the partial height is varied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Jürgen Orczykowski, Uwe Scheuermann
  • Patent number: 6684742
    Abstract: A tool for shaping sculpted surfaces where at least one portion of the silhouette of the cutting edge is curved and has a radius of curvature larger than the radius of the tool itself. The profile, or silhouette of the cutting tool may have a constant radius of curvature, or a changing radius of curvature. This invention could be used either for insert-type cutters, or standard, solid cutters. It could potentially also be used for grinding or polishing. In addition, mathematical definitions which can be used for the implementation of these cutters are also presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Inventor: Keith Alan White
  • Patent number: 6651534
    Abstract: An NC machine tool includes an NC circular table and an NC circular table apparatus which dispense with the original restoration or calibration operation in an absolute type encoder using a backup battery. The NC circular table has an NC controller for performing a positional detection by an absolute type encoder and a backup battery for the encoder is provided in the NC circular table body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Yukiwa Seiko Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuo Sakamaki, Akira Sakamaki, Kiyohiro Kinefuchi
  • Patent number: 6647840
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for indicating a reference point on a workpiece for a program in a CNC machine tool is disclosed. A camera is mounted in a CNC toolholder so that the lens of the camera is coaxial with a rotational axis of the CNC toolholder. A pair of crosshairs or other indica are provided in the view from the camera, the crosshairs being centered in the view so that when the camera is mounted in the toolholder, the crosshairs indicate the center of rotation of the toolholder. The camera may then be positioned with respect to the workpiece so that it images an area of the workpiece containing a reference point with respect to the coordinate system of the CNC program. The toolholder is then adjusted so that the crosshairs are directly on the desired reference point, and this reference point entered into the CNC program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Inventor: Ilmar Luik
  • Patent number: 6640676
    Abstract: A tool presetter and a tool offset amount calculation method are provided which ensure easy and accurate determination of reference tool offset amounts in a machine tool having a pivotal tool spindle stock. The tool presetter is mounted in a composite lathe having a pivotal tool spindle stock 17. The tool presetter calculates tool offset amounts Oz (=A−Zm), Ox (=B−Xm) on the basis of machine coordinate values Zm, Xm of the tool spindle stock detected when a nose of a tool T is in contact with Z-axis and X-axis detection points of a presetter sensor 18 with the tool spindle stock 17 pivoted by a pivot angle &agr;, and machine coordinate values A, B of the Z-axis and X-axis detection points of the presetter sensor 18, and calculates reference tool offset amounts Lz, Lx from predetermined expressions on the basis of the tool offset amounts Ox, Oz and the pivot angle &agr; of the tool spindle stock 17.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Mori Seiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Katsuaki Ono
  • Patent number: 6634264
    Abstract: A turret tool rest (10) including a tool slide (20), a tool rest body (22) movable on the tool slide, a turret (26) rotatable on the tool rest body and for mounting tools (24) at angularly-indexed positions, a servomotor (30) for rotating the turret, a clutch (32) for releasably connecting the turret with the servomotor, an engaging unit (36) for releasably engaging the turret, and a power transmission device (38) for transmitting output of the servomotor to engaging unit. A drive mechanism (34) for operating the clutch includes an interlocking device (72) operative in association with the movement of the tool rest body on the tool slide so that when the engaging unit is disengaged, the clutch is engaged and the turret is rotatably indexed by the servomotor. When the clutch unit is released, the engaging unit is engaged by operation of the servomotor and the turret is secured at an indexed position on the tool rest body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Citizen Watch Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoji Takeuchi, Tamotsu Emura
  • Patent number: 6629480
    Abstract: The present invention has for its object a device for assembling tools in a tool carrier by thermal expansion and preadjustment and measurement of the mounted assembly. The device is characterized in that it is essentially constituted by a support frame (1) provided with an interchangeable tool carrying socket (2), by at least one column (3) supporting a dimensional measuring arm (4) and an induction heater (5), by a console (6) for displaying measurements, by a control panel (7) and by a device (8) for precise adjustment of the outwardly extending length of the tool. The invention is more particularly applicable to the field of the environment of machine tools, in particular digitally controlled machines, machining centers, machines or line transfer, for high speed machining or for which high dimensional precision and concentricity are required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: E.P.D.
    Inventors: Alain Freyermuth, Laurent Mallet
  • Patent number: 6626075
    Abstract: A two-opposed-main-shaft type composite NC lathe provided with a tool changeable tool spindle and tool turrets, comprising: a left turret rest and a right turret rest provided on a lower front side of a left main shaft and a right main shaft facing each other on a Z-axis; a third tool rest positioned on an upper rear side of the left and right main shafts and provided with a tool spindle; a tool magazine holding tools therein which are to be fixed to the third tool rest; and an automatic tool changing device. The left and right main shafts are provided with main shaft motors capable of controlling a C-axis and being driven independently and synchronously with each other. The tool spindle on the third tool rest is capable of controlling the directions of the Z-axis, an X-axis, a Y-axis and a B-axis and fixing the rotations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Nakamura-Tome Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomoyasu Hirose, Tadashi Yamamoto, Manabu Sawada
  • Patent number: 6626072
    Abstract: A dual machining clutch apparatus (10) for a multiple spindle machine has at least two stations (20) for holding work pieces (22, 23). A first machining tool (24) is guided on a first slide (26). A controller (34) is notified that the earlier of the first or second machining tool has reached its selected position for completion of its machining operation. The respective machining clutch is de-energized, allowing its shaft to free-wheel. The later machining tool continues to perform its machining operation. As the later machining tool reaches its selected position for completion, the threading clutch for the earlier machining tool is engaged and the high speed clutch is engaged. The machining tools are then backed off the work piece to return to their original positions. The machining operation is complete and the main drum may index.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Logan Clutch Corporation
    Inventors: Robert M. Kalinsky, Scott W. Stevens
  • Patent number: 6619162
    Abstract: Specific lengths of tube sections have to be severed from a run of spiral seam tubes being produced, in order to facilitate handling and storage. A cutter, with which sections of tubes can be severed cleanly without the formation of burrs from the run of tubes, comprises a carriage that can be slid back and forth on guides at right angle to the axis of the tube and on which carriage are mounted in the cut plane a milling cutter and shears, both of which can be moved on the tube independently of each other and back again with controlled drives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Drossbach GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Karl Dietrich
  • Patent number: 6615697
    Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a machine tool that the process accuracy does not deteriorate even if the accuracy of the machine itself changes to some extent. A work support means 3 of a spindle 8 etc. to support a work (W), a cutting means 4 of a movable feed bar 9 to the work support means 3 to process the work (W) and a tool base 10 and the like and a control unit 2 are provided. The control unit 2 controls the movement of the cutting means 4 by the measured positional information based on a process origin (Ow) of the work support means 3. The position measurement means 25 like a linear sensor is provided as the means to measure the position to the moving direction of the cutting means 4 based on the process origin (Ow).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Murata Kikai Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Atsushi Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 6601484
    Abstract: A cutting tool for a machine tool is provided in order to cut an inside corner of a workpiece. The cutting tool has at least one cutting edge formed on its bottom. In operation, the cutting tool is rotated by the machine tool. Further, both cutting tool and workpiece move relatively to each other in accordance with the rotating angle of the cutting tool so that the cutting tool has its outer end describing a moving track in agreement with the contour of an inside corner of the workpiece. The cutting tool further moves along the direction of a rotating axis of the cutting tool in rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Toshiba Kikai Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kouichi Katoh, Takamasa Ito, Nobuyuki Endo, Makoto Sagara
  • Publication number: 20030131698
    Abstract: A correction apparatus 1 comprises a correction amount setting section 3 and a correction execution section 4 and provides in an NC lathe 100 equipped with a first tool rest 106 and a second tool rest 108 which are movable in the X-axis direction and in the Z-axis direction. The correction amount setting section 3 sets correction amounts for canceling the displacement of the second tool rest 108 in the X-axis direction caused depending on the position of the first tool rest 106 in the Z-axis direction and for canceling the displacement of the first tool rest 106 in the X-axis direction caused depending on the position of the second tool rest 108 in the Z-axis direction. The correction execution section 4 corrects movement target position data regarding the first tool rest 106 and the second tool rest 108 in the X-axis direction on the basis of the correction amounts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2003
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Applicant: MORI SEIKI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masamitsu Nakaminami, Tomoki Inui
  • Patent number: 6588307
    Abstract: A CNC lathe with double-speed shifting feature in spindle axis comprises a frame, a screw rod pivotally disposed along a lengthwise spindle axis of the frame, a worktable assembly and a tool holder assembly; characterized in that the screw rod includes a positive thread section and a counter thread section for engaging two nuts respectively secured on the worktable assembly and the tool holder assembly; thereby when the screw rod is rotated by a servomotor, the tool holder assembly and worktable assembly are simultaneously shifted in opposite directions along the spindle axis for obtaining a relatively shifting speed at the double of conventional one, so that the non-cutting operation time of a CNC lathe is greatly reduced, and so that the overall machining speed and efficiency are improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Inventor: Hsi-Kuan Chen
  • Patent number: RE38571
    Abstract: A turret (11) is clamped to a tool rest main body (10) by a pair of coupling members (27). During indexing rotation for selecting a tool, the tool rest main body (10) and the turret (11) are moved relatively in a Z-axis direction, and the pair of coupling members (27) are unclamped. At this time, the tool rest main body (10) is moved in the Z-axis direction relative to a lathe main body (100) in synchronization with the relative movement in the Z-axis direction between the tool rest main body (10) and the turret (11). This movement of the tool rest main body (10) is adjusted in direction and moving distance so that the relative movement between the turret (11) and a spindle table (1) is eliminated. As a result of this movement control, the turret (11) and the tool fitted to the former do not have relative displacement to the spindle table (1) and to a work, so that the danger of mutual interference among these constituent elements and the work can be eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Citizen Watch Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Shinohara, Takaichi Nakaya