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US 7,435,157 B1Granted
Grinding machine, computer software to operate such a machine, and their uses therefor
OwnerSteven G. Smarsh, Brian M. Gehrkeinventors
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An extremely precise computer controlled grinding machine having the capability to write its own computer programs for controlling the grinding machine to perform individual tasks, including both grinding and dressing to several millionths of an inch. A new device for dressing is included which is directly on the machine, alleviating the need for a separate dressing machine. The Windows-based computer program is easy to use, and includes numerous features for self-maintenance and reproducibility.
Claims9
A workpiece support apparatus for centerless grinding, comprising:
- a carriage having an edge;
- a rotatable spindle extending through the carriage that has an extending portion extending beyond the edge of the carriage;
- a regulating roller mounted on the extending portion of the spindle for supporting and rotating the workpiece;
- a wheel dressing roller having a polishing outer surface and being mounted on the extending portion of the spindle distal of the carriage relative to the regulating roller;
- and
- means for rotating the spindle which hereby rotates the regulating roller and the wheel dressing roller.
3 more elements
A centerless grinding machine, comprising:
- a workpiece support apparatus including a carriage with an edge;
- a rotatable spindle extending through the carriage that has an extending portion extending beyond the edge of the carriage;
- a regulating roller mounted on the extending portion of the spindle for supporting and rotating the workpiece;
- a wheel dressing roller having a polishing outer surface and being mounted on the extending portion of the spindle distal of the carriage relative to the regulating roller;
- and
- means for rotating the spindle which hereby rotates the regulating roller and the wheel dressing roller;
- a computer system having a user interface, including a means for data input and a monitor;
- an input/output (I/O) interface board electronically connected to the user interface;
- a data processor electronically connected to the I/O board;
- a motion controller electronically connected to the I/O board;
- a y-axis drive unit electronically connected to the motion controller;
- a z-axis drive unit electronically connected to the motion controller;
- a y-axis motor electronically connected to the y-axis drive unit;
- a z-axis motor electronically connected to the z-axis drive unit;
- and
- a grinding wheel;
- wherein the grinding wheel and the wheel dressing roller being connected to the y-axis motor and the z-axis motor such that the y- and z-axis motors can cause the grinding wheel and the wheel dressing roller to contact each other so that when the grinding wheel and the wheel dressing roller are rotating, the wheel dressing roller will smooth the surface of the grinding wheel, and
- the data processor is operable for controlling the y-axis motor to control the depth of grinding and for controlling the x-axis to control the grinding wheel and the wheel dressing roller to sweep past one another longitudinally.
15 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.