US4074350A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Soft-wired machine tool control
Assignee: Hurco Manufacturing Co Inc
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Filing: 1976-03-03
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Granted: 1978-02-14
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Expires: 1996-03-03
Abstract
Abstract A microprocessor unit (MPU), together with appropriate memory devices of the read only (ROM) and random access (RAM) type, and peripheral interface adapters (PIA), light emitting diode (LED) displays, and back lighted information displays, is included in a pendant control cabinet having on the front thereof a control panel with arrays of push-buttons for entering data and instructions, and windows displaying data and operational information. The pendant control is mountable as original equipment or as a retrofit installation to a machine tool, such as a press brake or milling machine, to control tool or gauge slide drives for positioning as needed during the desired sequences of operation.
Inventors
- 👤 Gerald V. Roch
- 👤 James P. Wiles
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 15:51
CPC Classifications
B; B21; B21D; B21D5/00; B21D5/004; B30; B30B; B30B15/00; B30B15/26; G; G05; G05B; G05B19/00; G05B19/02; G05B19/18; G05B19/409; G05B19/414; G05B19/4142; G05B2219/00; G05B2219/20; G05B2219/23; G05B2219/23144; G05B2219/30; G05B2219/34; G05B2219/34215; G05B2219/35; G05B2219/35556; G05B2219/36; G05B2219/36008; G05B2219/45; G05B2219/45143
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
152 words
In positioning apparatus for machines, the improvement comprising: a machine drive means, and a workpiece material locating gauge; a controller having read-only memory means therein and random access memory means therein and a microprocessor therein and a numerical keyboard for sequential entry into said random access memory means of a group of gauge and machine drive position data numbers to identify gauge and machine drive position to be achieved, and additional keys for entry of instructions to said random access memory means and microprocessor for processing said data numbers according to said instructions to produce output control signals in a desired sequence; said controller supplying first control signals for controlling said gauge positioning and second control signals for controlling said machine drive, said controller being programmed to produce control signals to automatically drive said gauge and machine drive to positions in accordance with said position data in sequence according to said instructions.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
152 words
In positioning apparatus for machines, the improvement comprising: a machine drive means, and a workpiece material locating gauge; a controller having read-only memory means therein and random access memory means therein and a microprocessor therein and a numerical keyboard for sequential entry into said random access memory means of a group of gauge and machine drive position data numbers to identify gauge and machine drive position to be achieved, and additional keys for entry of instructions to said random access memory means and microprocessor for processing said data numbers according to said instructions to produce output control signals in a desired sequence; said controller supplying first control signals for controlling said gauge positioning and second control signals for controlling said machine drive, said controller being programmed to produce control signals to automatically drive said gauge and machine drive to positions in accordance with said position data in sequence according to said instructions.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
31 words
The combination of claim 1 and further comprising: digital number display means; and digital number review key for displaying on said display means, the position designating numbers entered on said keyboard.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
36 words
The combination of claim 1 and further comprising: delimiting key means for defining groups of said position representative numbers for advance of the controller through one group at a time repetitively before advancing to another group.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
40 words
The combination of claim 1 and further comprising: a bend allowance key for manually entering digitally into the controller memory a number to be subtracted from a component position designating number entered by position designating key means of said keyboard.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
The improvement of claim 1 wherein: said controller is pendant and has swivel mounting arm means thereon for connection to a machine tool.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
41 words
The improvement of claim 5 wherein the swivel mounting means include: a pair of arms swivel mounted together at a joint and at least one of said arms having a swivel at the end of the arm remote from said joint.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
23 words
The improvement of claim 1 wherein said controller includes a cabinet having outside dimensions encompassing a volume of less than 1200 cubic inches.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
27 words
The improvement of claim 7 wherein: said microprocessor can be programmed to process information and produce outputs including dimension data, dimension correction data, and cycle repetition data.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
34 words
The improvement of claim 1 wherein said controller includes a cabinet having outside dimensions enclosing said memory means, microprocessor, keyboard and additional keys, said cabinet enclosing a volume of less than 1100 cubic inches.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
34 words
The improvement of claim 1 and further comprising: a gauge drive motor coupled to said controller, and a screw coupled to said gauge and to said motor for driving the gauge to various positions.
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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) | 1981-02-13 | 1981-08-15 | 1982-02-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1985-02-13 | 1985-08-15 | 1986-02-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1989-02-13 | 1989-08-15 | 1990-02-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |