Milling machine

• US 7,270,592 B2
• Filed: 02/22/2005
• Issued: 09/18/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 08/12/2004
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: D4D Technologies L P (D4D Technologies)
• Original Assignee: D4D Technologies L P (D4D Technologies)
• Inventors: Quadling, Henley, Quadling, Mark, Duncan, Rod, Witt, Joel, Bern, Branko
• Primary Examiner(s): Eley; Timothy V.
• Application Number:
  US11/062,986
• Publication Number:
  US 20060035776A1
• Time in Patent Office: 938 Days
• Field of Search: 433/55, 433/218, 433/223, 451/5, 451/6, 451 8- 11, 451/41, 451/57, 451/58, 451/65, 451/66, 451/132, 451/190, 451/194, 451/262, 451/264, 451/265, 451/451, 451/457
• US Class Current: 451/6
• CPC Class Codes: A61C 13/0004 Computer-assisted sizing or machining of dental prostheses
• CPC Class Codes: A61C 13/0009 using a copying machine
• CPC Class Codes: B23B 31/103 Retention by pivotal elements, e.g. catches, pawls
• CPC Class Codes: B23C 1/045 Opposed - spindle machines
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 409/301792 including means to sense optical or magnetic image
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 409/303808 including infeeding
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 409/30756 Machining arcuate surface
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 409/309296 Detachable or repositionable tool head
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 483/10 Process
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 483/11 with safety means
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 483/136 Responsive to tool
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 483/1733 Rotary spindle machine tool [e.g., milling machine, boring, machine, grinding machine, etc.]
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 483/174 Abrading wheel
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 483/1752 including tool holder pivotable about axis
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 483/1793 Spindle comprises tool changer
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 483/1795 Matrix indexes selected tool to transfer position
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 483/1798 including means to project tool from matrix
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 483/1809 Matrix including means to latch tool
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 483/1827 Rectilinear
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 483/1873 Indexing matrix

Abstract

The improved milling machine makes use of individually controlled x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis carriages. These carriages provide positive and precise control of the position of the cutting tools and the blank to be cut. The tools are located in spindles that are moved in the x-axis. A work piece or blank is manipulated in the y-axis and the z-axis. The tools are offset in the x-axis. Lights on a work space door are used to signal the condition of the mill machine and the milling operation. A tool changer allows the tools to be changed to accommodate other materials. A camera or other sensor is used to detect the location and wear on the tools.

Claims

1. A milling machine for milling a blank for producing a dental item comprising

(a) an x-axis carriage having a first and second spindle, which are each operable to translate independently along an x-axis,

i) said first spindle having a first central axis and operable to receive a first tool in line with said first central axis and

ii) said second spindle having a second central axis and operable to receive a second tool in line with said second central axis and in an opposing orientation to said first tool;

 

wherein said first and second central axes are axially offset from one another but parallel to said x-axis;

(b) a subassembly mechanism operable for holding and adjusting the position of said blank, comprising

i) a y-axis carriage operable to translate independently along a y-axis and;

ii) a z-axis carriage contained within said y-axis carriage and operable to translate independently along a z-axis.

2. The milling machine of claim 1 wherein the x-axis carriage further comprises a pair of rails for aligning and translating said first and second spindles along said x-axis.

3. The milling machine of claim 1 wherein the spindles each comprise a motor for rotating said tool when received and coupled to its respective spindle.

4. The milling machine of claim 1 wherein at least one spindle comprises a means for delivering a cooling fluid to the blank.

5. The milling machine of claim 4 wherein the means for delivering comprises at least one fluid jet.

6. The milling machine of claim 5 wherein the fluid jet obtains a cooling fluid from a reservoir located beneath the milling machine.

7. The milling machine of claim 6 wherein the reservoir allows for the settlement of particulate located within the fluid.

8. The milling machine of claim 1 further comprising said first and second tools received and coupled into the first and second spindles, respectively.

9. The milling machine of claim 1 further comprises a tool changer for storing at least one replacement tool.

10. The milling machine of claim 9 wherein said tool changer is attached to and aligned with said z-axis carriage.

11. The milling machine of claim 10 wherein said tool changer comprises a plurality of ports for receiving a plurality of substitute tools.

12. The milling machine of claim 11 wherein said plurality of substitute tools includes a first substitute tool operable for working on a first material and a second substitute tool operable for working on a second material.

13. The milling machine of claim 12 wherein each of said tools includes a first and second flange for assisting in engaging said tool to said tool changer and registering said tool with said blank when coupled in one of said spindles.

14. The milling machine of claim 1 further comprises an image sensor.

15. The milling machine of claim 14 wherein the image sensor is positioned to view said first and second tools.

16. The milling machine of claim 14 wherein the image sensor is a CCD camera.

17. The milling machine of claim 1 wherein said z-axis carriage further comprises a mandrel having one end attached to said blank and a distal end operable for engaging said z-axis carriage.

18. The milling machine of claim 17 wherein said distal end of said mandrel includes a socket for engaging a cam pin attached to said z-axis carriage.

19. The milling machine of claim 1 further comprising a CPU and memory for controlling the movement of said first and second spindles within said x-axis carriage and said blank attached to said subassembly mechanism.

20. A method of milling a blank using an improved milling machine comprising the steps of:

(a) milling a surface on the blank, comprising

i) affixing said blank to a mandrel,

ii) engaging a distal end of said mandrel in a mandrel socket of a z-axis carriage, wherein said z-axis carriage is contained within a y-axis carriage and operable to translate independently along a z-axis and said y-axis carriage is operable to translate independently along a y-axis,

iii) positioning said blank between a first and second spindle by adjusting said y-axis carriage along said y-axis and said z-axis carriage along said z-axis,

iv) positioning said first spindle relative to said blank along an x-axis, and

v) positioning said second spindle relative to said blank along said x-axis;

(b) detecting a condition during the milling;

(c) signaling the condition by illuminating a part of a cover with a colored light.

21. The method of claim 20 wherein the step of milling a surface on the blank comprises receiving data from an intra-oral digitizer.

22. The method of claim 20 wherein the step of milling the blank comprises selecting a first and second tool for milling.

23. The method of claim 22 wherein the step of detecting a condition comprises comparing the actual surface to a planned surface and creating a signal output if an error occurs.

24. The method of claim 23 further comprising illuminating a part of the cover with a colored light in response to the signal output.

25. The method of claim 24 wherein the light has a color indicative of the condition.

26. The method of claim 20 wherein the light is on the perimeter of the cover.