US 4,149,235 AGranted

Computer numerical control system for machine tool

AssigneeMcDonnell Douglas Corporation

InventorsStanley G. Froyd, William A. Frank, Richard Roome

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Abstract

A numerical control system for a machine tool. The relay controls for the machine tool are simulated in the read only memory of a computer which is used as a controller for the flow of digital information between the control display panel, the tape reader, a memory, the machine tool and other parts of the system. Since the simulation is based on relay diagrams, the user can customize the control system to his requirements without having been previously trained in computer programming or computer systems. Also, since the control system is adapted to the machine tool by software changes, the same hardware is usable without modification by a variety of machine tools, such as turret lathes and milling machines, and under a variety of operation conditions. Data debouncing and diagnostic aids are included in the system.

Claims8

Dependent claims

A numerical control system simulating the position of contacts of control relays for controlling a machine tool comprising:

a tape reader for reading numerical data stored on tape, said data describing the shape of a machined part and the control functions required of said machine tool to produce said part,
a interpolator for receiving said data describing the shape of said machined part, and for translating said data into discrete tool and part repositioning instructions in real time,
an axis controller coupled to said interpolator for converting said instructions into speed commands,
servo circuits, one for each machine tool axis, coupled to said axis controller for rotating said axis in accordance with said speed commands, and
an input/output controller for coupling said tape data describing the shape of said machine part to said interpolator and for controlling the control functions of said machine in accordance with the data received from said tape, and
means for causing said controller to simulate relay contact positions of said relays required to control said machine tool controllable by the operator during the operation of the machine tool.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.