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US3666930A
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Time shared positioning system for numerical control
Assignee: Bendix Corp
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Filing: 1970-08-05
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Granted: 1972-05-30
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Expires: 1990-08-05
Abstract
Abstract A numerical control system of the point-to-point type for a three-axis machine wherein a single arithmetic unit accommodates the arithmetic operations for all three axes in a time division multiplexed fashion.
Inventors
- 👤 George H Mcdaniel
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 09:39
CPC Classifications
G; G05; G05B; G05B19/00; G05B19/02; G05B19/18; G05B19/414; G05B19/4144; G05B2219/00; G05B2219/30; G05B2219/34; G05B2219/34239
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
198 words
In a numerical control system for a mechine tool having a plurality of position-controlled mechanisms for respective control axes; means for providing respective signals for commanding the position of each mechanism; an arithmetic unit for performing a serial sequence of operations on signals received thereby; and multiplexer means for sequentially gating the respective command signals to the arithmetic unit at spaced intervals to begin said serial sequence for each command signal at a different time, said multiplexer means including means for generating a first sequence of signals defining successive and relatively long input intervals, a plurality of gate means grouped according to respective control axes and connected between said means for providing and said arithmetic unit, said first sequence being applied to said gate means to input said command signals during successive input intervals, each interval corresponding to a different control axis, and means for generating a repeating second sequence of signals defining relatively short operating intervals of such duration as to permit the second sequence to occur in its entirety within each successive input interval, said second sequence being applied to the arithmetic unit to cause arithmetic operation thereof on said command signals during said input intervals.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
198 words
In a numerical control system for a mechine tool having a plurality of position-controlled mechanisms for respective control axes; means for providing respective signals for commanding the position of each mechanism; an arithmetic unit for performing a serial sequence of operations on signals received thereby; and multiplexer means for sequentially gating the respective command signals to the arithmetic unit at spaced intervals to begin said serial sequence for each command signal at a different time, said multiplexer means including means for generating a first sequence of signals defining successive and relatively long input intervals, a plurality of gate means grouped according to respective control axes and connected between said means for providing and said arithmetic unit, said first sequence being applied to said gate means to input said command signals during successive input intervals, each interval corresponding to a different control axis, and means for generating a repeating second sequence of signals defining relatively short operating intervals of such duration as to permit the second sequence to occur in its entirety within each successive input interval, said second sequence being applied to the arithmetic unit to cause arithmetic operation thereof on said command signals during said input intervals.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
31 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein the means for providing includes for each axis a command signal storage means, an offset signal storage means and a current position storage means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein the arithmetic unit produces an output signal related to the command signal plus the offset signal minus the position signal.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
38 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 3 wherein the sequence of operations includes comparing the output signal to at least one trip point for each axis to vary the character of mechanism control when the trip point is reached.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 4 wherein the multiplexer means comprises a plurality of coincidence gates and generator means for producing time-staggered signals to sequentially open the gates.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
101 words
A method of operating a numerical control system having a plurality of controlled axes and devices associated with such axes for responding to respective position command signals comprising the steps of: applying the command signals sequentially and at fixed intervals to an arithmetic operator for performing a serial sequence of arithmetic operations; performing the sequence of operations repeatedly for each command signal within said fixed intervals; and, as part of said sequence of operations, comparing signals derived by the arithmetic operator from the command signals to each of at least two trip points to determine the manner of controlling said devices.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
101 words
A method of operating a numerical control system having a plurality of controlled axes and devices associated with such axes for responding to respective position command signals comprising the steps of: applying the command signals sequentially and at fixed intervals to an arithmetic operator for performing a serial sequence of arithmetic operations; performing the sequence of operations repeatedly for each command signal within said fixed intervals; and, as part of said sequence of operations, comparing signals derived by the arithmetic operator from the command signals to each of at least two trip points to determine the manner of controlling said devices.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method defined in claim 6 wherein the step of applying includes the steps of presenting the command signals to a plurality of gates, generating phase-staggered timing signals defining the intervals, and applying the timing signals to the gates.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
69 words
A numerical control system for a machine tool having a plurality of position-controlled mechanisms for positioning the tool along respective axes comprising: means for providing position Data signals for each of the mechanisms, an arithmetic unit for producing position error signals for each of said mechanisms; and multiplexer means for applying said position data signals to the arithmetic unit in a time divided sequence according to the position-controlled axes.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
69 words
A numerical control system for a machine tool having a plurality of position-controlled mechanisms for positioning the tool along respective axes comprising: means for providing position Data signals for each of the mechanisms, an arithmetic unit for producing position error signals for each of said mechanisms; and multiplexer means for applying said position data signals to the arithmetic unit in a time divided sequence according to the position-controlled axes.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-05-30 | 1975-11-29 | 1976-05-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-05-30 | 1979-11-29 | 1980-05-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-05-30 | 1983-11-29 | 1984-05-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |