Machine tool controller and part inspection monitor
First Claim
1. A machine tool controller and part inspection monitor for controlling the cutting of parts by a machine tool and producing a readout denoting deviations of the actual cutting path from the desired path beyond a predetermined tolerance, said machine tool controller and part inspection monitor comprising:
- (A) position sensors for continuously sensing the relative position of a part to be cut and a cutter along predetermined axes and continuously producing axes position signals related thereto;
(B) centerline signal producing means for producing centerline signals that define the centerline of the cutting path of travel to be followed by said cutter as a part is being cut;
(C) positioning means for controlling the relative position of said part and said cutter in response to position command signals; and
,(D) data processing means coupled to said position sensors, said centerline signal producing means and said positioning means for;
(1) receiving said axes position signal;
(2) receiving said centerline signals;
(3) continuously determining the transfer function of said machine tool;
(4) using said continuously determined transfer function and said centerling signals to produce position command signals adapted to cause said relative position of said cutter and said part to follow the centerline of the cutting path of travel defined by said centerline signals;
(5) applying said position command signals to said positioning means for controlling the operation of said positioning means such that the relative position of said cutter and said part follow the centerline of the cutting path of travel defined by said centerline signals; and
,(6) determining when the relative position of said cutter and said part deviates from said centerline of the cutting path of travel defined by said centerline signals beyond a predetermined amount and storing for readout data related to said deviations.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A machine tool controller and part inspection monitor that controls part cutting by a machine tool (21) and provides a readout of cutter deviation beyond a preset tolerance is disclosed. Axis position sensors (23) continuously sense the position of the part (if the part is moved), the position of the cutter (if the cutter is moved) or the position of the part and the cutter (if both are moved) along various control axes. A data processor (31) uses the sensed axis position data to continuously determine the transfer function of the machine tool (21). The data processor (31) combines the transfer function information with data that defines the centerline of the cut to produce control signals suitable for controlling part and/or cutter movement. The location and amount of deviation from the defined centerline greater than the allowable tolerance are recorded and read out.
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Citations
13 Claims
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1. A machine tool controller and part inspection monitor for controlling the cutting of parts by a machine tool and producing a readout denoting deviations of the actual cutting path from the desired path beyond a predetermined tolerance, said machine tool controller and part inspection monitor comprising:
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(A) position sensors for continuously sensing the relative position of a part to be cut and a cutter along predetermined axes and continuously producing axes position signals related thereto; (B) centerline signal producing means for producing centerline signals that define the centerline of the cutting path of travel to be followed by said cutter as a part is being cut; (C) positioning means for controlling the relative position of said part and said cutter in response to position command signals; and
,(D) data processing means coupled to said position sensors, said centerline signal producing means and said positioning means for; (1) receiving said axes position signal; (2) receiving said centerline signals; (3) continuously determining the transfer function of said machine tool; (4) using said continuously determined transfer function and said centerling signals to produce position command signals adapted to cause said relative position of said cutter and said part to follow the centerline of the cutting path of travel defined by said centerline signals; (5) applying said position command signals to said positioning means for controlling the operation of said positioning means such that the relative position of said cutter and said part follow the centerline of the cutting path of travel defined by said centerline signals; and
,(6) determining when the relative position of said cutter and said part deviates from said centerline of the cutting path of travel defined by said centerline signals beyond a predetermined amount and storing for readout data related to said deviations. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. In a machine tool controller for controlling a machine tool such that the relative position of a part to be machined and a cutter for machining said part follow a predetermined path, the improvement comprising:
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position sensors for continuously determining the relative position of the part to be machined and the cutter along predetermined axes and continuously producing axes position signals related thereto; and
,data processing means connected to said position sensors for;
(a) receiving said continuously produced axes position signals;
(b) continuously determining the transfer function of said machine tool based on the information contained in said continuously produced axes position signals; and
, (c) utilizing said transfer function information to control the production of position command signals adapted to control said machine tool such that said cutter follows said predetermined path of travel. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13)
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Specification