Automated system for machining parts to close tolerances
First Claim
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1. A lapping machine control system comprising:
- a. means for measuring the relative positions of first and second laps to develop analog signals representing the instantaneous distance between said laps;
b. analog to digital converter means for converting said analog signals to digital form;
c. control computer means for reading said digital signals as periodic intervals;
d. curve fitting means in said computer means for developing a curve representing the separation of said laps as a function of time;
e. extrapolation mans in said computer means for predicting the point in time when the separation of said laps will reach a desired value; and
,f. means coupled to said extrapolation means for changing mode of said lapping machine when said point in time is reached.
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Abstract
A lapping machine control system which utilizes a electromechanical probe to generate a signal responsive to the separation of the laps, which also represents the thickness of the part being lapped. The separation signal, which is unsuitable for direct control since it is too noisy, is used with a best fit algorithm to estimate the time to reduce the part to the desired thickness, based on the rate of material removal provided by extrapolated line representing the best fit of the lap separation signal. The machining is terminated when the extrapolated line reaches the intercept of time and thickness.
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Citations
15 Claims
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1. A lapping machine control system comprising:
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a. means for measuring the relative positions of first and second laps to develop analog signals representing the instantaneous distance between said laps; b. analog to digital converter means for converting said analog signals to digital form; c. control computer means for reading said digital signals as periodic intervals; d. curve fitting means in said computer means for developing a curve representing the separation of said laps as a function of time; e. extrapolation mans in said computer means for predicting the point in time when the separation of said laps will reach a desired value; and
,f. means coupled to said extrapolation means for changing mode of said lapping machine when said point in time is reached. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A system according to claim wherein said means for measuring the relative positions of first and second laps includes a linear variable differential transformer.
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11. A method of operating a lapping machine comprising the steps of:
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a. making periodic measurements of the distance between the laps with an analog measuring device; b. converting said analog measurements to signals in digital form; c. storing said digital signals; d. fitting said stored digital signals to a curve representing the distance between laps as a function of time; e. extrapolating said curve to predict the time when the distance between said curve will reach a predetermined value; f. measuring the time to determine when the predicted time is reached; and
,g. signalling a termination of the lapping operation when the predicted time is reached. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15)
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Specification