CNC machine tools
AssigneeGlassline Corporation
InventorCharles E. Gottschalk
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
This device is a computer numerically controlled (CNC) machine tool such as an edge grinding apparatus. More specifically, the device is a CNC apparatus for processing blanks such as a glass sheet. The device uses a sensor to program the path of the grinding wheel. The system requires a CNC machine, a sensor such as a laser and software to calculate the offset parameters.
Claims22
An apparatus for tooling a blank, the apparatus comprising a computer numerically controlled machine having:
- a holder having a blank mounted thereon, the blank having edges;
- a tool assembly including a tool for tooling the blank;
- a plurality of machine members and a plurality of programmable controllers movable under the control of a program to cause relative movement of the tool so as to cause the tool to move along a programmed path relative to the blank, the plurality of members and controllers including;
- a sensor attached to the tool assembly and positioned over the blank;
- a controller that initiates measuring the blank;
- a controller that positions the sensor over the blank;
- a controller that finds the edges of the blank with the sensor;
- a controller that calculates a plurality of points on the blank;
- a control that calculates a new position for the sensor;
- a control that positions the sensor over the next point;
- a control that repeats the steps until a plurality of points on the blank is reached;
- and
- a control that initiates tooling of the blank using the calculated points from the finding of the edges of the blank.
A process for establishing data for a programmed path for tooling a blank comprising the steps of providing a computer numerically controlled machine, a tool assembly including a tool for tooling the blank, and a plurality of machine members and a plurality of programmable controllers moveable under the control of a program to cause relative movement of the tool so as to cause the tool to move along a programmed path relative to the blank;
- placing a blank having edges on the machine;
- attaching a sensor to the tool assembly and positioning it over the blank;
- initiating a measuring cycle of the blank;
- positioning the sensor over a point on the blank;
- finding the edges of the blank with the sensor;
- calculating a plurality of points on the blank;
- storing the calculated points;
- calculating a new position for the sensor;
- positioning the sensor over the next point;
- repeating the steps until a plurality of points on the blank are reached;
- and
- initiating the tooling of the blank using the calculated points from the finding of the edges of the blank.
A process for tooling glass comprising the steps of providing a computer numerically controlled machine, a tool assembly including a tool for tooling the glass, and a plurality of machine members and a plurality of programmable controllers moveable under the control of a program to cause relative movement of the tool so as to cause the tool to move along a programmed path relative to the glass;
- placing glass having edges on the machine;
- loading the data for a programmed path into a controller;
- attaching a sensor to the tool assembly and positioning it over the glass;
- initiating a measuring cycle of the glass;
- moving the sensor to a check point on the glass;
- finding the edges of the glass with the sensor;
- checking points with established data for programmed path;
- using data from check points to calculate offsets and tool path;
- starting a tooling process on the glass.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.