Collecting debris from a tool
First Claim
Patent Images
1. An apparatus that processes a workpiece, comprising:
- a surface that is sized to support the workpiece;
a tool that is configured to impart a predefined process to the workpiece while the workpiece is supported on the surface; and
a controller executing programming instructions stored in memory to move the tool along a predetermined operative tool path to impart the predefined process, wherein the controller is responsive to an intermittent debris collect signal in altering a trajectory of the operative tool path in order to engage the tool with a debris collecting device having a collecting feature that operably collects the debris from the tool.
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Abstract
An apparatus and associated method for collecting debris from a tool, wherein programming instructions are stored in memory and executed by a machine tool controller, and wherein the controller is responsive to an intermittent debris collect signal in altering an operative path of the tool in order to engage the tool with a debris collecting device.
32 Citations
21 Claims
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1. An apparatus that processes a workpiece, comprising:
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a surface that is sized to support the workpiece; a tool that is configured to impart a predefined process to the workpiece while the workpiece is supported on the surface; and a controller executing programming instructions stored in memory to move the tool along a predetermined operative tool path to impart the predefined process, wherein the controller is responsive to an intermittent debris collect signal in altering a trajectory of the operative tool path in order to engage the tool with a debris collecting device having a collecting feature that operably collects the debris from the tool. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A method comprising:
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executing a first control mode on a tool imparting an operative path associated with operating the tool; receiving a debris collect signal; and executing a second control mode in response to the debris collect signal altering a trajectory of the operative path to engage the tool with a debris collecting device having a collecting feature that collects the debris from the tool. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. An apparatus that processes a workpiece, comprising:
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a surface that is sized to support the workpiece; a tool that is configured to impart a predefined process to the workpiece while the workpiece is supported on the surface; a debris monitor that non-manually generates a debris collect signal when a predefined criteria exceeds a threshold; and a controller executing programming instructions stored in memory to move the tool along a predetermined operative tool path to impart the predefined process, the controller being responsive to the generated debris collect signal in altering a trajectory of the operative tool path in order to engage the tool with a debris collecting device having a collecting feature capable of collecting debris from the tool. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21)
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Specification