US3704641A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Automatic tool setting sensor
Assignee: General Electric Co
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Filing: 1971-05-27
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Granted: 1972-12-05
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Expires: 1991-05-27
Abstract
Abstract A numerical control system for a machine tool including an electromechanical transducer for producing compensating signals proportional to errors in the setting of a cutting tool in its toolholder relative to a programmed setting. The numerical control is programmed to drive the toolholder to a predetermined position in which the tip of the cutting tool engages a deflectable stylus of the transducer. The stylus is mechanically locked in its deflected position by an electromagnetic brake. Sensing coils within the transducer provide continuous signals indicative of the deflected position of the stylus and thus of any errors in the setting of the cutting tool. This information is used to continually modify input data to compensate for those errors.
Inventors
- 👤 John M Rhoades
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 20:59
CPC Classifications
G; G05; G05B; G05B19/00; G05B19/02; G05B19/18; G05B19/401; G05B19/4015; G05B2219/00; G05B2219/30; G05B2219/50; G05B2219/50031; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T82/00; Y10T82/14; Y10T82/141; Y10T82/25; Y10T82/2502
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
143 words
A control system for compensating for the dimensional errors of a cutting tool on an automatically controlled machine tool comprising: a. a position transducer including a deflectable stylus for engaging the edge of the cutting tool and sensing means for indicating the deflected position of said stylus; b. locking means for mechanically locking the position of said deflected stylus after deflection by the cutting tool; c. data input means for providing dimensional input data indicative of the desired motion of the axes of the controlled machine tool; and d. motion command circuits operatively connected to said data input means for storing the dimensional input data, said circuits being operatively connected to said sensing means whereby the input data is modified by the output of said sensing means so as to compensate for errors in the location of the edge of said cutting tool.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
143 words
A control system for compensating for the dimensional errors of a cutting tool on an automatically controlled machine tool comprising: a. a position transducer including a deflectable stylus for engaging the edge of the cutting tool and sensing means for indicating the deflected position of said stylus; b. locking means for mechanically locking the position of said deflected stylus after deflection by the cutting tool; c. data input means for providing dimensional input data indicative of the desired motion of the axes of the controlled machine tool; and d. motion command circuits operatively connected to said data input means for storing the dimensional input data, said circuits being operatively connected to said sensing means whereby the input data is modified by the output of said sensing means so as to compensate for errors in the location of the edge of said cutting tool.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
The compensating control system as recited in claim 1 wherein said locking means comprises an electromagnetic brake.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
The compensating control system as recited in claim 2 wherein said sensing means comprises a plurality of coils whose air gap changes as said stylus is deflected.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
124 words
A controL system according to claim 1 wherein said position transducer comprises: a. a casing having an opening form in the top thereof; b. a flexible member mounted across said opening in the top of said casing; c. a deflectable stylus; d. a stylus mount for mounting said stylus slightly off center of said flexible member to facilitate proper alignment; e. a stylus bearing to permit stylus to deflect its planes of contact which are tangent to the edge of the cutter surface; f. an extension of said stylus mount projecting below said flexible member into said casing; g. sensing means arranged within said casing to electromagnetically sense the position of said extension; and h. locking means for mechanically engaging and holding said extension.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
The electromechanical position transducer as recited in claim 4 wherein said locking means comprises an electromagnetic brake.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
27 words
The electromechanical position transducer as recited in claim 5 wherein said extension of said stylus mount includes an extension rod projecting substantially vertically downward into said casing.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
45 words
The electromechanical position transducer as recited in claim 6 wherein said electromagnetic brake includes a brake plate which is vertically upwardly spring biased whereby de-energization of said electromagnetic brake results in forcing said brake plate into contact with the lower end of said extension rod.
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) | 1975-12-05 | 1976-06-05 | 1976-12-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-12-05 | 1980-06-05 | 1980-12-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-12-05 | 1984-06-05 | 1984-12-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |