Multi-tool machine provided with a numerical control system
AssigneeU.S. Philips Corporation
InventorRobert Carey
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method of and device for machining workpieces on a multi-tool machine provided with a numerical control system. For the automatic, simultaneous execution of machining instructions which relate to the control of more than one tool, instruction groups are formed from machining instructions which can be simultaneously executed on the basis of their mutual independence. Within an instruction group, partial dependency can exist, on the basis whereof a subsequent instruction is executed, after a condition imposed in a previous instruction has been satisfied.
Claims5
A method of machining a workpiece by means of a multi-tool machine provided with a numerical control system for individually controlling different tools of the machine, comprising the steps of:
- providing machining instructions for controlling individual ones of said tools, said instructions being divided into groups, the instructions in one group being further divided into sets, the instructions in a first set relating to the control of different tools being executable simultaneously;
- simultaneously executing the instructions in said first set;
- and
- subsequently simultaneously executing a second set of instructions within said group after a condition imposed by a first instruction in said first set has been satisfied.
A multi-tool machine control system for individually controlling different tools of the machine, comprising:
- means for supplying a group of sets of instructions for operating said machine, including at least a first set and a second set;
- means for simultaneously executing instructions of each of said sets, each instruction relating to the control of different ones of said machine tools;
- and
- means for detecting a condition specified by a first instruction within said first set, and preventing execution of a second instruction within said second set of said one group until said condition is satisfied.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.