Machine system using infrared telemetering
First Claim
Patent Images
1. In an automated machining system having a movable workpiece holder for holding a workpiece during machining of the workpiece, the improvement comprising:
- transducer means for detecting at least one given relative position between the workpiece and the workpiece holder, operative to generate an electrical signal in response to detection of said given position;
transmitter means coupled to the transducer for selectively transmitting an infrared frequency light signal in response to the transducer signal, said transmitter being mounted for movement with the workpiece holder;
remote receiver means for converting said infrared signal into an electrical signal; and
means for coupling the signal from said receiver means to a device for controlling an operation on the workpiece.
4 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Positional information about movable components in a machine system relative to the workpiece is wirelessly transmitted by infrared radiation to a remote receiver. The receiver is operative to convert the infrared signals into electrical signals for controlling operational cycles of the machine system.
-
Citations
17 Claims
-
1. In an automated machining system having a movable workpiece holder for holding a workpiece during machining of the workpiece, the improvement comprising:
-
transducer means for detecting at least one given relative position between the workpiece and the workpiece holder, operative to generate an electrical signal in response to detection of said given position; transmitter means coupled to the transducer for selectively transmitting an infrared frequency light signal in response to the transducer signal, said transmitter being mounted for movement with the workpiece holder; remote receiver means for converting said infrared signal into an electrical signal; and means for coupling the signal from said receiver means to a device for controlling an operation on the workpiece. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
-
-
10. A machining system comprising:
-
a machining center having a workpiece holder for securing a workpiece during a machining operation; robot means for placing a workpiece into the holder and retrieving the workpiece from the holder after work has been performed on the workpiece; transducer means for detecting at least one given relative position between the workpiece and the holder, operative to generate an electrical signal in response to detection of said given position; transmitter means coupled to the transducer for transmitting an infrared frequency signal as a function of the transducer signal; remote receiver means for converting the infrared signal into an electrical and; means for coupling the electrical signal from the receiver to a device for controlling robot operations on the workpiece. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
-
-
17. A method of performing work on a workpiece, said method comprising:
-
placing the workpiece on a conveyor and transporting the workpiece to a given station; lifting the workpiece with an automated robot and placing the workpiece in a multi-position workpiece holder; transmitting an infrared signal to a remotely spaced receiver indicating that the workpiece is in place in the tool holder; energizing the tool holder to clamp the workpiece in response to the presence of the infrared signal; transmitting the infrared signal with a selected frequency to indicate that the workpiece holder has clamped the workpiece; moving the workpiece holder to a station for performing work on the workpiece; energizing the tool holder to unclamp the workpiece; altering the frequency characteristics of the infrared signal to indicate that the holder has unclamped the workpiece; and operating the robot to remove the workpiece from the holder in response thereto.
-
Specification