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US 6,325,697 B1Granted
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 device analyzes the position of all like-workpieces placed in the machine and creates offset parameters to accurately process each workpiece in accordance with the initial preprogrammed path.
Claims6
A process for machining a series of workpieces, comprising the steps of:
- placing a first workpiece on a workpiece holder;
- positioning a sensor in communication with a controller over the first work piece;
- moving the sensor over the first workpiece from a start position to a stop position, wherein the sensor monitors the peripheral edge of the workpiece and provides data to the controller regarding the positional orientation of the workpiece;
- calculating a programmed path f from the positional data received from the sensor;
- positioning a tool for machining the workpiece, wherein the tool is a communication with the controller and is directed to machine the workpiece in accordance with the programmed path;
- removing the first workpiece from the workpiece holder;
- positioning subsequent workpieces on the workpiece holder;
- positioning the sensor over each of the subsequent workpieces and moving the sensor over each of the subsequent workpieces to provide data to the controller regarding the positional orientation of each of the subsequent workpieces;
- and
- comparing the positional data received for each of the subsequent workpieces with the positional data received from the first workpiece, wherein the controller calculates offset parameters to create a program path for each of the subsequent workpieces that correlates with the original program path for the first workpiece.
7 more elements
A process for machining a series of workpieces, comprising the steps of:
- placing a first workpiece on a workpiece holder;
- positioning a sensor in communication with a controller over the first work piece;
- moving the sensor over the first workpiece from a start position to a stop position, wherein the sensor monitors the peripheral edge of the workpiece and provides data to the controller regarding the positional orientation of the workpiece;
- calculating a programmed path from the positional data received from the sensor;
- positioning a tool for machining the workpiece, wherein the tool is a communication with the controller and is directed to machine the workpiece in accordance with the programmed path;
- removing the first workpiece from the workpiece holder;
- positioning subsequent workpieces in the workpiece holder;
- and
- positioning a machine tool in communication with the controller over each subsequent workpiece and machining each subsequent workpiece with the machine tool in accordance with the programmed path.
6 more elements
A process for machining a series of workpieces, comprising the steps of:
- placing a workpiece on a workpiece holder;
- positioning a sensor in communication with a controller over the work piece;
- moving the sensor over the workpiece from a start position to a stop position, wherein the sensor monitors the peripheral edge of the workpiece and provides data to the controller regarding the positional orientation of the workpiece;
- calculating a programmed path from the positional data received from the sensor;
- positioning a tool for machining the workpiece, wherein the tool is a communication with the controller and is directed to machine the workpiece in accordance with the programmed path;
- and wherein the workpiece holder is designed to move in at least one direction corresponding to the X, Y and Z axes and is in communication with the controller and the controller signals the workpiece holder to move in at least one axial direction and directs the tool to move in at least one axial direction to create a coordination of movement between the tool and the workpiece holder which matches the programmed path or the programmed path with offset parameters.
3 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.