Abstract:
The invention relates to operator assisted methods for making keys including automatically extracting key attributes from an object key, comparing the key attributes of the object key to known manufacturer's key attributes stored in memory of a data processing unit to identify a corresponding key blank, and verbally announcing to an operator the identity of the corresponding key blank so that the operator can secure the corresponding key blank in a clamp for cutting. In this process, the verbal announcement may comprise voice identification and a visual display. The invention relates to an improved key making machine that automatically extracts characteristics of an object key without human intervention. The position and alignment of the object key is automatically determined, key characteristics extracted and compared with known key manufacturers' information stored in memory, an appropriate key blank is identified, cut and dispensed to the customer.
Abstract:
In a method of machining a first and a second surface recess in a workpiece, the workpiece has a longitudinal axis and a first local Cartesian coordinate system. The machine tool has a longitudinal axis and a second local Cartesian coordinate system, the first and second surface recess are associated with a first and second recess longitudinal axis and a non-circular cross-section. The recesses are separated on the surface of the workpiece such that they are mirror images of each other about a plane along the longitudinal workpiece axis. A skew angle is defined between the first recess longitudinal axis and the workpiece axis in the first plane. The method includes setting the tool axis at a start or setting angle relative to a first major axis (Z-axis) in a first plane in the second local Cartesian coordinate system; rotating the first and second local Cartesian coordinate system relative to one another until a projection of the tool axis onto a second plane (X-Y plane) of the first local Cartesian coordinate system is parallel to a second major axis of the second local Cartesian coordinate system such that when the skew angle is 0.deg, the first surface recess is machined solely by displacement of the machine tool relative to the workpiece in the direction of the longitudinal tool axis (Z-axis), or when the skew angle of other than 0.deg, the first surface recess is machined solely by displacement of the machine tool relative to the workpiece in all three axes of the second local Cartesian coordinate system.
Abstract:
A cutting machine control determines a required stock-removal amount from a work for each of sections into which a tool path is divided, and feeds the rotating cutting tool at a speed that is controlled according to the required stock-removal volume so that the rotating cutting tool removes a predetermined or target stock-removal volume of material for the component path section from a work per unit time.
Abstract:
A method of guiding a tool for machining a work piece of a material block, the material-removing work portion of the tool being guided to move along a first guide path while a further point on the axis of the tool, which is located at a distance from the work portion, is guided along a prescribed second guide path, whereby the five kinematic coordinates of the movement of the tool are fully determined.
Abstract:
A method for determining the suitability of workpieces for machining. A workpiece is probed with a non-contact type sensor to produce a voltage reading corresponding to the mass of the workpiece. The reading is compared to a tolerance voltage range based on the mass of a reference workpiece and from this comparison it is determined whether the workpiece is an uncut or cut workpiece and if it is appropriate to machine the workpiece.
Abstract:
A material of which a golf club head or a prototype thereof is made is held such that it is pivoted and indexed about a single axis of a holding installation. This material is cut in a predetermined outer surface configuration of a golf club head by means of a cutter means while the material is rotated about said axis, and is successively brought to a standstill at predetermined angles, or while the material is continuously rotated.
Abstract:
The invention makes it possible to produce from a blank an article whose contour is altered, preferably linearly enlarged, with great precision in relation to a corresponding contour of a used model (1c). A copying machine is used in the production. The machine comprises, on the one hand, a first pair of units (1, 2) which are arranged so as to be rotatable. The model (1c) is arranged on the first unit (1) and the blank is arranged on the second unit (2). The machine also comprises a pair of second units (24, 25) in which one supports a detecting member (24a) which is brought into cooperation with the model, and the second unit supports a machining or actuating member which is brought into cooperation with and acts on the blank. The said pairs of units are displaced from and towards each other during production. In each pair of units, the units are also controlled individually so that the one unit executes second displacement movements relative to the other unit in such a way that the desired alteration is obtained.
Abstract:
A system and related method or process for producing a pattern for a lens to be formed and then placed in an opening in an eyeglass frame utilizes a frame tracing apparatus for providing coordinate data characterizing the size and shape of the lens opening in associated one specific eyeglass frame for transmission to a pattern generator having a cutter which moves relative to a blank fixtured at a work station in the generator to cut a pattern having the desired size and shape. A number of frame tracing apparatus are arranged to transmit data to a pattern generator via a central data base computer coupled to the frame tracing apparatus by a communications link whereby the pattern generator subsequently receives the dimensional data corresponding to the specific lens opening traced by the frame tracing apparatus to generate the desired pattern from blanks continuously and automatically fed to the pattern generator.
Abstract:
In a method and apparatus for making a lens for a pair of prescription eyeglasses a lens blank is shaped and finished on one of its major surfaces through the use of a machine controlled by the prescription information and with a new expendable lap being made each time a new lens is wanted. A machine for cutting a lens blank and/or a lap blank is controlled in three axes by a set of point data related to and obtained in response to the input into the control system for the machine or prescription information.
Abstract:
A flash removing method is provided for cutting off flash with a reamer which is freely movable while in contact with a polymeric molded product within a predetermined range of pressing forces. The reamer is provided with blades having normal clearance angles of substantially zero degree and the flanks of the blades follow the flash-forming region. The reamer is controlled in radial position according to the shape of the polymeric molded product, so that the reamer always receives a constant radial load from the product to leave even traces after the flash removal. A solidified gate is cut off before the flash removal. A flash removing apparatus for performing the method is also disclosed.