Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
130 words
A method for machining a workpiece under control of a microprocessor, comprising the steps of: (a) synchronously controlling movement of first and second spindle motors along first and second axes, respectively, in response to a synchronous control command provided by the microprocessor, the first and second spindle motors being coupled to the workpiece; (b) performing a first type of machining on the workpiece while the first and second spindle motors are coupled to the workpiece; (c) automatically controlling the movement of the second spindle motor independently of the first spindle motor in response to an independent control command from the microprocessor, and uncoupling the first spindle motor from the workpiece; and (d) automatically performing a second type of machining while the workpiece is coupled only to the second spindle motor.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
130 words
A method for machining a workpiece under control of a microprocessor, comprising the steps of: (a) synchronously controlling movement of first and second spindle motors along first and second axes, respectively, in response to a synchronous control command provided by the microprocessor, the first and second spindle motors being coupled to the workpiece; (b) performing a first type of machining on the workpiece while the first and second spindle motors are coupled to the workpiece; (c) automatically controlling the movement of the second spindle motor independently of the first spindle motor in response to an independent control command from the microprocessor, and uncoupling the first spindle motor from the workpiece; and (d) automatically performing a second type of machining while the workpiece is coupled only to the second spindle motor.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method of machining according to claim 1, wherein the first type of machining comprises turning machining and the second type of machining comprises drilling.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
168 words
A numerical control unit comprising: means for providing first and second types of machining data, a synchronous control command, and an independent control command; a first spindle motor coupled to a workpiece, said first spindle motor being moved along a first axis in accordance with the first type of machining data in response to the synchronous control command; a second spindle motor coupled to the workpiece, for moving the workpiece along a second axis in accordance with the first type of machining data in response to the synchronous control command and for moving the workpiece along the second axis in accordance with the second type of machining data in response to the independent control command; means for performing a first type of machining in accordance with the first type of machining data; and means for performing a second type of machining in accordance with the second type of machining data, the second type of machining being performed while only the second spindle motor is coupled to the workpiece.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
168 words
A numerical control unit comprising: means for providing first and second types of machining data, a synchronous control command, and an independent control command; a first spindle motor coupled to a workpiece, said first spindle motor being moved along a first axis in accordance with the first type of machining data in response to the synchronous control command; a second spindle motor coupled to the workpiece, for moving the workpiece along a second axis in accordance with the first type of machining data in response to the synchronous control command and for moving the workpiece along the second axis in accordance with the second type of machining data in response to the independent control command; means for performing a first type of machining in accordance with the first type of machining data; and means for performing a second type of machining in accordance with the second type of machining data, the second type of machining being performed while only the second spindle motor is coupled to the workpiece.