EP0466633A2
Expired / Lapsed
EP
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for monitoring the operation of a working tool, particularly a cutting torch
Assignee: Cmi Computerized Machines Industries Ltd
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Filing: 1991-07-04
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Granted: —
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Expires: 2011-07-04
Abstract
Abstract A cutting torch (2) machine includes a microphone (8) for each cutting torch to detect the sound or "whistle" produced by the gas flow through a cut formed in the workpiece (4) when the workpiece (4) is being properly cut, and to compare the detected sound with a stored reference sound. If there is no match between the two, an indicator is energized to indicate this condition for the respective cutting torch (2); and if the machine is in the Automatic mode, it automatically reverses the drive in order to retrace the path of the cutting torch (2) with respect to the workpiece (4) until a match is produced with respect to the stored reference sound, whereupon the cutting is resumed.
Inventors
- 👤 Aaron Shafir
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
EP
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 18:25
CPC Classifications
G; G05; G05B; G05B19/00; G05B19/02; G05B19/18; G05B19/406; G05B19/4065
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
84 words
A method of monitoring the operation of a working tool with respect to a workpiece, comprising: detecting a predetermined characteristic produced by the working tool during its proper working of a workpiece, and storing, as a reference, information corresponding to said predetermined characteristic; detecting the predetermined characteristic produced by the working tool during a subsequent working of a workpiece; and comparing said latter characteristic with the stored reference information to produce an indication whether or not the working tool is properly working the workpiece.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method according to Claim 1, further comprising: automatically terminating the operation of said working tool with respect to said workpiece when an indication is produced that the working tool is not properly working the workpiece.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
46 words
The method according to Claim 2, wherein preprogrammed relative movement is effected between said working tool and said workpiece during a normal working operation; said preprogrammed relative movement being automatically interrupted when an indication is produced that the working tool is not properly working the workpiece.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method according to Claim 3, wherein said preprogrammed relative movement is also automatically reversed when an indication is produced that the working tool is not properly working the workpiece, until an indication is produced that the working tool is properly working the workpiece.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method according to Claim 1, wherein the working tool is a cutting torch for cutting workpieces, and the predetermined characteristic is the sounds produced by the cutting torch.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
103 words
Apparatus for monitoring the operation of a working tool with respect to a workpiece, comprising: a detector for detecting a predetermined characteristic produced during the working of said workpiece by the working tool; a reference storage device for storing information corresponding to the predetermined characteristic produced by the working tool during its proper working of a workpiece; and comparison means for comparing the information stored in said reference storage device with the detected predetermined characteristic produced by the working tool during a subsequent working of a workpiece, to thereby provide an indication whether or not the working tool is properly working the workpiece.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
39 words
The apparatus according to Claim 6, further comprising control means for automatically terminating the operation of said working tool with respect to said workpiece when an indication is produced that the working tool is not properly working the workpiece.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
57 words
The apparatus according to Claim 7, wherein said control means further includes: programmable drive means for effecting preprogrammed relative movement between said working tool and said workpiece during a normal working operation; and interruption means for automatically interrupting said preprogrammed relative movement when an indication is produced that the working tool is not properly working the workpiece.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
61 words
The apparatus according to Claim 8, wherein said control means further includes: reversing means for automatically reversing said preprogrammed relative movement when an indication is produced that the working tool is not properly working the workpiece, until an indication is produced that the working tool has been returend to the point where the proper working of the workpiece had been interrupted.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
74 words
The apparatus according to Claim 9, wherein said working tool is a cutting torch having means for feeding a supply of gas thereto, said predetermined characteristic is the sounds produced by the cutting torch, and said control means includes means for automatically terminating the supply of said gas to the cutting torch, and then for restarting said supply of gas, when said indication is produced following the automatic reversing of said preprogrammed relative movement.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
128 words
The apparatus according to any one of Claims 7-11, wherein said control means further includes a mode selector for selecting: a Teach mode, in which the sounds produced during the proper working of a workpiece by the working tool, as detected by the detector, are stored in said reference storage device; an Operational mode, in which the actual sounds produced during the operation of a working tool on a subsequent workpiece are compared with the sounds stored in said reference storage device to provide an indication whether or not the working tool is properly working the subsequent workpiece; and a Manual mode, in which an indicator is energized to indicate when the actual sounds produced by the working tool are operating in a proper manner on a workpiece.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
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