Tool setting or analysis device with backup or repeated trigger signal for detecting a rotating tool

A tool setting or tool analysis device comprising:

• a light source for producing a light beam;
• a light receiver for receiving light of the light beam and producing therefrom a signal indicative of the amount of light received;
• a circuit which receives the signal from the light receiver and generates repeated trigger signals after an initial trigger signal when a tool obstructs the light beam, wherein if the initial trigger signal is generated within a blind window of a control machine, the repeated trigger signals will continue to be generated by the circuit after the blind window to ensure the control machine reacts.

A method of generating a trigger signal for a machine controller having a movable spindle on which may be mounted a tool, a light source for producing a light beam and a light receiver for receiving light of the light beam and producing therefrom a signal indicative of the amount of light received, the method comprising:

• generating an initial trigger signal and repeated trigger signals after the initial trigger signal when the tool obstructs the light beam such that, if the initial trigger signal is generated within a blind window of a control machine, the repeated trigger signals will continue after the blind window to ensure the control machine reacts.

A method of generating a trigger signal for a machine controller having a movable spindle on which may be mounted a tool, a light source for producing a light beam and a light receiver for receiving light of the light beam and producing therefrom a signal indicative of the amount of light received, the method comprising:

• analyzing the signals from the light receiver to determine if patterns of the signals match that of a rotating tool obstructing the light beam, generating an initial trigger signal and repeating trigger signals after the initial trigger signal if patterns of the signals match that of a rotating tool obstructing the light beam, and sending the initial trigger signal and the repeating trigger signals to a skip input of a controller of a machine tool to cause the controller to react,
• wherein the repeating trigger signals can cause the controller to react if the initial trigger signal is generated within a blind window of the controller.