Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for the automated reproduction of three dimensional objects of complex and unique geometry. A computer acquires data describing an object and its surroundings, constructs a computer-based three dimensional model of the object from that data, superimposes an ideal geometry on the computer-based model, alters the ideal geometry to fit the form and function required of the reproduction, and then guides a milling machine in the fabrication of the reproduction. In contrast to the prior art, the present invention does not require human intervention in the reproduction process. The present invention provides two preferred embodiments for the automated high precision reproduction of objects of complex and unique geometry. Both embodiments can machine reproductions solely from generic forms stored in the computer, thus eliminating the need for scanning.

Abstract: A control system for a patterning device which provides a method for sequentially loading look-up tables, representing pattern conversion values for different patterns to be printed in sequence, into a patterning device in real time. The system also provides a method for reloading a paricular look-up table or group of look-up tables in a prioritized sequence as necessary in order to change the characteristics of the pattern or patterns represented by the table or tables.

Abstract: A program, consisting of data and a plurality of successive operations on the data, is executed on a distributed heterogeneous multiple computer system having a plurality of autonomous nodes each including a processor and associated memory. A control arrangement initiates execution of the program on a first autonomous node in the multiple computer system. A coupling arrangement transfers execution of the program to a second autonomous node in the multiple computer system in response to one of the successive operations in the program.

Abstract: A digitizing system for automatically recording data points representative of, for example, sheet metal templates having varying shapes is disclosed. A stylus connected to a tracing arm is guided along the edge of a template. As the arm moves, digital scales generate a stream of encoded electrical pulses which yield direction and distance information. These pulses are then decoded, counted, and stored. If the operator has selected the automatic digitize mode, a data point is automatically stored each time the stylus moves a predetermined distance in the X, Y, or Z direction. The present invention also provides an improved method of optimizing or compressing the stored set of data points.

Abstract: A control system is provided for coordinating and monitoring material flow through a nonferrous extrusion facility. The system maintains first-in/first-out queues between stations within the facility to improve tracking of the material through the process. The extrusion equipment is controlled in response to the queues and to stored job information to move the material efficiently and automatically through each station within the facility.

Abstract: A medication delivery device includes a housing containing separate first and second storage locations for holding medication dosages away from access by the user. Associated separate first and second delivery mechanisms permit selective delivery of a medication dose from either the first or second storage locations to the patient. The invention provides a control element that discriminates between the actuation of the first delivery mechanism and the second delivery mechanism, thereby discriminating between the delivery of medication housed in the first and second storage locations. The control element discriminates between different first and second input criteria. In response to the first input criteria but not in response to the second input criteria, the control element actuates the first delivery mechanism. In response to the second input criteria, the control element actuates the second delivery mechanism.

Abstract: An improved plate flatness control method adapted to effect a control so that plate flatness of a rolled material is made optimum by adjusting manipulated variables. In determining correction quantities of the manipulated variables, under the constraint that upper and lower limits exist in at least one of the manipulated variables and the correction quantities, a weighted square sum of deviations of a plate flatness distribution in the width direction of the rolled material is taken as an objective function to determine, using a non-linear programming, correction quantities of the manipulated variables where the objective function becomes minimum, thus, to control the plate flatness of the rolled material on the basis of the determined correction quantities of the manipulated variables.

Abstract: Measurement apparatus and procedure for use with lithographic equipment is provided for the construction of electronic and other devices wherein a photoresist is deposited as a layer upon a substrate. A Nomarski differential interference contrast microscope in conjunction with a scanned image detector is employed to examine verification marks produced by projection of an overlay, such as the mask or reticle, upon the photoresist layer. The projection results in a production of verification marks in the form of a latent image which, while invisible with conventional viewing means, can be viewed by phase-contrast imaging employing differential phase shift. Various characteristics of the resultant image are employed to align secondary verification marks with primary verification marks previously provided on the substrate, and to allow for a checking of line width, dosage, focusing, temperature control, and global alignment.

Abstract: The system contains measurement elements (MK) associated with the workstations, and means (PC) for evaluating the signals supplied by the measurement elements (MK), characteristic parameters being obtained during the evaluation for the individual workstations and analyzed for significant deviations from the corresponding desired values. The desired values are formed from the behavior of a statistically comparable collective. At the beginning of each monitoring operation generalized start values are used for the individual desired values, which are converted during the course of the monitoring into more accurate, absolute values. These are updated continuously and form the core data for an automatic inference process. Consequently, the method of functioning of the system, which can be employed in particular in winding rooms for monitoring automatic spoolers, is automatic and objective, and the evaluation of the measurement results becomes independent of the interpretation of the operating personnel.

Abstract: A remote maintenance monitoring system retrofits to a given hardware device with a sensor implant which gathers and captures failure data from the hardware device, without interfering with its operation. Failure data is continuously obtained from predetermined critical points within the hardware device, and is analyzed with a diagnostic expert system, which isolates failure origin to a particular component within the hardware device. For example, monitoring of a computer-based device may include monitoring of parity error data therefrom, as well as monitoring power supply fluctuations therein, so that parity error and power supply anomaly data may be used to trace the failure origin to a particular plane or power supply within the computer-based device. A plurality of sensor implants may be rerofit to corresponding plural devices comprising a distributed large-scale system. Transparent interface of the sensors to the devices precludes operative interference with the distributed network.

Abstract: Apparatus incorporating a movable dispensing head provided with a supply of material which solidifies at a predetermined temperature, and a base member, which are moved relative to each other along "X," "Y," and "Z" axes in a predetermined pattern to create three-dimensional objects by building up material discharged from the dispensing head onto the base member at a controlled rate. The apparatus is preferably computer driven in a process utilizing computer aided design (CAD) and computer-aided (CAM) software to generate drive signals for controlled movement of the dispensing head and base member as material is being dispensed.Three-dimensional objects may be produced by depositing repeated layers of solidifying material until the shape is formed. Any material, such as self-hardening waxes, thermoplastic resins, molten metals, two-part epoxies, foaming plastics, and glass, which adheres to the previous layer with an adequate bond upon solidification, may be utilized.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for the manipulating computer-based representations of objects of complex and unique geometry. A computer acquires data describing an object and its surroundings, constructs a computer-based three dimensional model of the object from the data, superimposes an ideal geometry on the computer-based model, and alters the ideal geometry to fit the form and function required of the reproduction. The present invention presents two embodiments for manipulating computer-based representations of three dimensional objects.

Abstract: A transfer or production line utilizing a plurality of stations is described which has a computer at each station. Each computer has a part processing record for all workpieces currently in the line. As the workpiece transfers down the line, a part position index, contained in each of the station computers, is updated to indicate which part processing record is associated with the workpiece at each station. The information in the part processing record is utilized by the station computer to inhibit the station from cycling if the record indicates that a prerequisite had not been completed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for the automated machining of three dimensional objects of complex and unique geometry. A computer acquires data describing an object and its surroundings and then guides a milling machine in the fabrication of the reproduction. The present invention discloses a method for preventing tool paths generated in a computer from erroneously intersecting with surface patches representing an object to be machined. The present invention also discloses methods for optimizing tool path step lengths, machine tool commands, and tool path scallop heights. In addition, the present invention discloses a method for fixturing a workpiece material to be shaped into a reproduction of a object.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for permitting the selective suspension and resumption of computer based manufacturing processes which include a plurality of manufacturing operations. A plurality of sequentially ordered textual instructions are displayed, each corresponding to a particular one of said plurality of manufacturing operations. The particular one of said plurality of manufacturing operations under current execution is determined and its corresponding textual instruction is graphically designated such that upon suspension of the manufacturing process prior to completion thereof the operation in question may be rapidly and accurately determined upon resumption of the process. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a graphic image of the product being manufactured is also displayed, including a plurality of reference numerals which correspond to the plurality of sequentially ordered textual instructions.

Abstract: A controlling apparatus comprises a portion for calculating a deviation between a process variable from a controlled system and a target value, a first portion for receiving the deviation and executing a velocity-type I controlling calculation to obtain a first calculation output, a second portion for receiving the deviation and executing a velocity-type P or PD controlling calculation to obtain a second calculation output, a summing portion for summing the first and second calculation outputs to obtain a velocity-type manipulative variable, a conversion portion for converting the velocity-type manipulative variable into a positional manipulative variable, a portion for limiting a magnitude of the positional manipulative variable between upper and lower limits, and limiting a change rate of the positional manipulative variable within a predetermined change rate, and a judgment portion for judging whether or not the positional manipulative variable is deviated from at least one of upper and lower limits and th

Abstract: A computer implemented process and apparatus for selecting components of an assembly from input design specifications and displaying the selected component to a system user is provided. The selected components can be displayed in one of many formats including in a bill-of-material format. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes selection means for selecting a component from input design specifications and display means for displaying the selected assembly components.

Abstract: A control assembly for use in controlling the operation of a can end press of the type having a plurality of operating stations for performing different work operations on a can end passing through the press, each operating station including a fixed station portion and a reciprocally movable station portion which engages a can end mounted on the fixed station portion, comprising: strain gauge operatively associated with at least one of the operating stations for detecting the strain experienced in a portion of the station during press operation and for providing a strain gauge signal indicative thereof; data processing assembly for receiving and processing the signal of the strain gauge for detecting a signal condition conforming to predetermined criteria associated with an abnormal operating state of the press and for providing a control signal responsive to the detected abnormal operating state.

Abstract: A conventional design method intended for repetitive target values utilizes a tracking error of one period before or such a error at the time t' at the preceding trial corresponding to the present time t. The error from the time of one period before up to the present or what is the time t' after has not been utilized, though it is very useful when the present invention uses an algorithm for making the output of a controlled system follow up a periodic target value in an optimum determined manner with only four fundamental arithmetic operations, using an incremental amount of modification at individual sampling time, tracking errors of one period before and thereafter, the present tracking error, the past incremental amounts of modification, the control input of one period before and preset constants.

Abstract: A machine for cutting lengths of strip or tube from a moving length of strip or tube includes a carriage reciprocable in the direction of movement of the strip and mounting a cutter mechanism operable to sever the strip. The carriage is driven by a motor through a crank mechanism having a rotary input member. The motor speed is controlled so that during a substantial portion of one revolution of the input member the motor speed is constant and during the remaining portion of the one revolution the motor speed is controlled so that the linear speed of the carriage corresponds to that of the strip to be cut. During the latter period the motor speed is controlled in accordance with a plurality of secant values contained in a map.