US3912925A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for machining workpieces
Assignee: J & M Associates Inc
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Filing: 1974-01-02
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Granted: 1975-10-14
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Expires: 1994-01-02
Abstract
Abstract Light radiation is generated and conducted by an optical fiber so that it is incident on a machining tool. The dimensional distortion of the tool, including cracking and fracturing, results in the reception of the generated light by another optical fiber. The received light is detected by a transducer and, in response, the position of the machining tool is arrested and a warning signal is generated.
Inventors
- 👤 Jesse Gaskell
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 15:02
CPC Classifications
B; B23; B23Q; B23Q17/00; B23Q17/24; B23Q17/2452; B23Q17/2457; B23B; B23B49/00; B23B49/001; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T408/00; Y10T408/13; Y10T408/14
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 33
Claim 1
Independent Claim
201 words
Apparatus comprising a machining tool; means for generating light radiation at a location remote from said tool; means for transducing said light radiation at a location remote from said tool; optical fiber transmitting means for conducting said light radiation; optical fiber receiving means for conducting said light radiation; said transmitting means being coupled to said light generating means at one end and being open at its other end; said receiving means being coupled to said transducing means at one end and being open at its other end; said receiving means open end and said transmitting means open end being adjacent said tool and disposed relative to each other so that the light radiation conducted by said transmitting means emerges from its open end and is substantially directed to the open end of said receiving means; a common support having aligned passages for supporting said open ends and having an open interior; and said machining tool being disposed in said open interior between said passages for said transmitting and receiving means so that light radiation emerging from the open end of said transmitting means is substantially incident on said machining tool and occluded from entering the open end of said receiving means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
201 words
Apparatus comprising a machining tool; means for generating light radiation at a location remote from said tool; means for transducing said light radiation at a location remote from said tool; optical fiber transmitting means for conducting said light radiation; optical fiber receiving means for conducting said light radiation; said transmitting means being coupled to said light generating means at one end and being open at its other end; said receiving means being coupled to said transducing means at one end and being open at its other end; said receiving means open end and said transmitting means open end being adjacent said tool and disposed relative to each other so that the light radiation conducted by said transmitting means emerges from its open end and is substantially directed to the open end of said receiving means; a common support having aligned passages for supporting said open ends and having an open interior; and said machining tool being disposed in said open interior between said passages for said transmitting and receiving means so that light radiation emerging from the open end of said transmitting means is substantially incident on said machining tool and occluded from entering the open end of said receiving means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
13 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said machining tool is a drill bit.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said light generating means is an incandescent bulb.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
33 words
Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein said common support is a planar polymeric plastic member having generally parallel legs, each leg having one of said passages supporting one of said open ends.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
12 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said transducing means is a photocell.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 including arresting means for arresting the position of said machining tool in response to said transducing means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
17 words
Apparatus according to claim 6 wherein said arresting means is a relay connected to said transducing means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
18 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 including means for producing an acoustic signal in response to said transducing means.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
13 words
Apparatus according to claim 8 wherein said acoustic signal means is a siren.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
18 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 including means for producing a visible signal in response to said transducing means.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
13 words
Apparatus according to claim 10 wherein said visible signal means is a bulb.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
191 words
Apparatus comprising a machining tool; means for generating light radiation; means for transducing said light radiation; transmitting means for conducting said light radiation; receiving means for conducting said light radiation; u-shaped work engaging means for supporting each of said transmitting and receiving means; said supporting means having an open interior; said machining tool being adapted for reciprocating displacement within said supporting means open interior; said transmitting means being coupled to said light generating means at one end and being open at its other end; said receiving means being coupled to said transducing means at one end and being open at its other end; said receiving means open end and said transmitting means open and being disposed relative to each other so that the light radiation conducted by said transmitting means emerges from its open end and is substantially directed to the open end of said receiving means; and said machining tool being disposed relative to said transmitting and receiving means so that light radiation emerging from the open end of said transmitting means is substantially incident on said machining tool and occluded from entering the open end of said receiving means.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
191 words
Apparatus comprising a machining tool; means for generating light radiation; means for transducing said light radiation; transmitting means for conducting said light radiation; receiving means for conducting said light radiation; u-shaped work engaging means for supporting each of said transmitting and receiving means; said supporting means having an open interior; said machining tool being adapted for reciprocating displacement within said supporting means open interior; said transmitting means being coupled to said light generating means at one end and being open at its other end; said receiving means being coupled to said transducing means at one end and being open at its other end; said receiving means open end and said transmitting means open and being disposed relative to each other so that the light radiation conducted by said transmitting means emerges from its open end and is substantially directed to the open end of said receiving means; and said machining tool being disposed relative to said transmitting and receiving means so that light radiation emerging from the open end of said transmitting means is substantially incident on said machining tool and occluded from entering the open end of said receiving means.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
13 words
Apparatus according to claim 12 wherein said machining tool is a drill bit.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
14 words
Apparatus according to claim 12 wherein said light generating means is an incandescent bulb.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
14 words
Apparatus according to claim 12 wherein said transmitting and receiving means are optical fibers.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
12 words
Apparatus according to claim 12 wherein said transducing means is a photocell.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
22 words
Apparatus according to claim 12 including arresting means for arresting the position of said machining tool in response to said transducing means.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
17 words
Apparatus according to claim 12 wherein said arresting means is a relay connected to said transducing means.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
18 words
Apparatus according to claim 12 including means for producing an acoustic signal in response to said transducing means.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
13 words
Apparatus according to claim 12 wherein said acoustic signal means is a siren.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
18 words
ApparatUs according to claim 12 including means for producing a visible signal in response to said transducing means.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
13 words
Apparatus according to claim 12 wherein said visible signal means is a bulb.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
82 words
Apparatus according to claim 12 wherein said supporting means includes a wall, the interior of said wall being a continuous extension of the exterior of said wall, said wall being provided with a first passage for supporting said transmitting means in secure engagement and a second passage for supporting said receiving means in secure engagement, said first and second passages being disposed substantially opposite each other and beginning along the exterior of said wall and terminating along the interior of said wall.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
10 words
Apparatus according to claim 13 wherein said wall is arcuate.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
13 words
Apparatus according to claim 13 wherein said wall is a polymeric plastic material.
Claim 28
Independent Claim
144 words
A method comprising the steps of generating light radiation; transmitting said light radiation through a first optical fiber to a location adjacent a machining tool; positioning the end of a second optical fiber opposite the end of said first optical fiber; positioning a movable machining tool intermediate said oppositely disposed ends of said first and second optical fibers so that the transmitted light radiation is incident on said machining tool and is occluded from entering the second optical fiber; supporting said fiber optic ends on a common support member engaging the work acted on by said tool and without marring the work by such engagement; causing relative movement between said tool and work; detecting light radiation in said second optical fiber received from the first optical fiber when the machining tool malfunctions; and arresting the machining tool in response to said detected light radiation.
Claim 29
Independent Claim
144 words
A method comprising the steps of generating light radiation; transmitting said light radiation through a first optical fiber to a location adjacent a machining tool; positioning the end of a second optical fiber opposite the end of said first optical fiber; positioning a movable machining tool intermediate said oppositely disposed ends of said first and second optical fibers so that the transmitted light radiation is incident on said machining tool and is occluded from entering the second optical fiber; supporting said fiber optic ends on a common support member engaging the work acted on by said tool and without marring the work by such engagement; causing relative movement between said tool and work; detecting light radiation in said second optical fiber received from the first optical fiber when the machining tool malfunctions; and arresting the machining tool in response to said detected light radiation.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method according to claim 26 wherein said detecting step includes transducing the light radiation received by said second optical fiber into an electrical signal.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method according to claim 27 including the step of generating an acoustic warning signal in response to said electrical signal.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method according to claim 27 including the step of generating a visible warning signal in response to said electrical signal.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
35 words
A method in accordance with claim 27 including using a single light source for simultaneously monitoring a plurality of said tools with each tool having a set of said first and second fibers associated therewith.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-10-13 | 1979-04-14 | 1979-10-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-10-13 | 1983-04-14 | 1983-10-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-10-13 | 1987-04-14 | 1987-10-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |