Part forming machine controller having integrated sensory and electronics and method thereof

• US 20050033472A1
• Filed: 07/06/2004
• Published: 02/10/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 06/19/2000
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Benjamin J. Pryhoda, Edward F. Kachnic
• Original Assignee: Benjamin J. Pryhoda, Edward F. Kachnic
• Inventors: Pryhoda, Benjamin J., Kachnic, Edward F.
• Application Number:
  US10/885,517
• Publication Number:
  US 20050033472A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 700/200
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 2945/76006 Pressure
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 2945/76163 Errors, malfunctioning
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 2945/76167 Presence, absence of objects
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 2945/76257 cavity
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 2945/7629 Moulded articles
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 2945/76418 Ejection
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 2945/76461 Optical, e.g. laser
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 2945/76464 cameras
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 2945/76648 Sequence, e.g. the order in which operations are conducted
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 2945/76709 clamping or closing drive means
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 2945/76725 drive means thereof
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 2945/76943 compare with thresholds
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 45/76 Measuring, controlling or regulating measuring in general G01; controlling or regulating in general G05
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 19/402 characterised by control arrangements for positioning, e.g. centring a tool relative to a hole in the workpiece, additional detection means to correct position G05B19/19 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/31125 Signal, sensor adapted interfaces build into fielddevice
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/37005 Absence of tool accessories, material, like nails, staples, glue
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/45204 Die, mould making

Abstract

The present invention replaces the multiple controller systems by incorporating the controller of sensory devices with the part-forming machine controller (typically a personal computer), thereby producing a synergistic combination. More specifically, sensory devices such as, for exemplary purposes only, cameras, infrared sensors, ultrasonic sensors, or other sensing devices are connected directly to one or more preexisting serial, parallel or USB ports or other bus interfaces of the machine controller. By programming the machine controller or loading software therein, the machine controller can receive the input signal(s)/data from the sensory device, analyze the data, provide an output signal to the sensory device and communicate directly and contemporaneously with the machine controller software.

Claims

1. An integrated controller for use with a part-forming machine and a sensory device, comprising:

a computer having at least one data interface;

a program for controlling the part-forming machine; and

a program for analyzing data from the sensory device and for communicating with said part-forming machine program,

wherein the sensory device is functionally communicatable with said at least one data interface of said computer, and wherein the part-forming machine is functionally communicatable with said at least one data interface of said computer.

2. The integrated controller of claim 1, further comprising means for displaying information, said display means being in communication with said computer.

3. The integrated controller of claim 1, wherein said at least one data interface of said computer is a bus.

4. The integrated controller of claim 1, wherein said at least one data interface of said computer is a USB port.

5. The integrated controller of claim 1, wherein said at least one data interface of said computer is a serial port.

6. The integrated controller of claim 1, wherein said at least one data interface of said computer is a parallel port.

7. The integrated controller of claim 1, wherein said computer has a first data interface and a second data interface, wherein the sensory device is functionally communicatable with said first data interface of said computer, and wherein the part-forming machine is functionally communicatable with said second data interface of said computer.

8. An integrated controller for use with an injection-molding machine and a sensory device, comprising:

a computer having a data interface;

a program for analyzing data from the sensory device and controlling the injection-molding machine and the sensory device in response to the sensory device data; and

means for displaying information, said display means being in communication with said computer,

wherein the sensory device is functionally communicatable with said data interface of said computer, and wherein the injection-molding machine is functionally communicatable with said data interface of said computer.

9. The integrated controller of claim 8, wherein said data interface of said computer is a bus.

10. The integrated controller of claim 8, wherein said data interface of said computer is a USB port.

11. The integrated controller of claim 8, wherein said data interface of said computer is a serial port.

12. The integrated controller of claim 8, wherein said data interface of said computer is a parallel port.

13. The integrated controller of claim 8, wherein said computer has a first data interface and a second data interface, wherein the sensory device is functionally communicatable with said first data interface of said computer, and wherein the part-forming machine is functionally communicatable with said second data interface of said computer.

14. The integrated controller of claim 8, wherein said display device is a monitor.

15. The integrated controller of claim 8, wherein said display device is a printer.

16. An integrated controller for use with an part-forming machine, comprising:

a computer having a data interface;

a sensory device in communication with said data interface of said computer, said sensory device outputting sensory data to said computer via said data interface;

a program for analyzing said sensory data from said sensory device and controlling the part-forming machine and said sensory device in response to said sensory data; and

means for displaying information, said display means in communication with said computer,

wherein said sensory device functionally communicates with said data interface of said computer, and wherein the injection-molding machine is functionally communicatable with said data interface of said computer.

17. The integrated controller of claim 16, wherein said sensory device is at least one vision sensor.

18. The integrated controller of claim 16, wherein said sensory device is at least one infrared sensor.

19. The integrated controller of claim 16, wherein said sensory device is at least one air pressure sensor.

20. The integrated controller of claim 16, wherein said sensory device is at least one vacuum sensor.

21. The integrated controller of claim 16, wherein said sensory device is at least one ultrasonic sensor.

22. The integrated controller of claim 16, wherein said display device is a monitor.

23. The integrated controller of claim 16, wherein said display device is a printer.

24. The method of controlling a part-forming machine, comprising the steps of:

a. using a sensory device to collect data regarding the condition of the part-forming machine;

b. communicating said data with a computer having a program to analyze said data and to generate data commands for controlling the part-forming machine; and

c. communicating said data commands to the part-forming machine.