Digitizing probe

Details Digitizing probe Digitizing probe

1995-10-10

2000-06-20

Elmore, Reba I.

Boots, shoes, and leggings

36447403, 324173, G06F 1900

Patent

active

06076953&

ABSTRACT:
A digitizing probe and method is disclosed for accurately locating the edges and determining the orientation of a generally planar, metal workpiece relative to the orthogonal axes of a computer numerical control ("CNC") cutting machine. The CNC cutting machine includes a microcomputer controller for moving a transverse gantry in the longitudinal and lateral directions which define the orthogonal axes of the cutting machine. The digitizing probe and the cutter of the cutting machine are mounted on separate vertically movable support arms secured to support brackets provided on the transverse gantry. Thus, the digitizing probe and the cutter may be independently positioned at predetermined heights above the top surface of the workpiece. The digitizing probe includes a plurality of analog inductive proximity sensors arranged in a fixed, predetermined array. The digitizing probe is positioned above the workpiece and moved by the controller incrementally in the longitudinal and lateral directions around the perimeter of the workpiece. The electrical signals from the sensors are continuously monitored by the controller such that the edges of the workpiece are located and the orientation of the workpiece relative to the orthogonal axes is determined. The digitizing probe maps the footprint of a workpiece, or a remnant workpiece, to select a particular machined part to be produced from the workpiece with a minimum amount of scrap.

REFERENCES:
patent: 4820980 (1989-04-01), Dodson-Edgars
patent: 4999555 (1991-03-01), Yamazaki et al.
patent: 5115401 (1992-05-01), Oyama et al.
patent: 5317517 (1994-05-01), Matsuura et al.
patent: 5343402 (1994-08-01), Matsuura et al.

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