Abstract:
A three-axis machine is disclosed. The machine includes a machine component to which a workpiece or tool can be attached. An actuator, such as three powered extensible legs, is connected between the machine component and a support structure. Three control arms also are connected between the machine component and the support structure. Preferably, each control arm is pivotably connected to the support structure and the machine component and includes a pair of four-bar linkages connected in series. The control arms are oriented to permit rapid movement of the machine component along any or all of the three linear axes, while restricting rotational movement of the machine component along the rotational axes.
Abstract:
The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for moving tools between a storage structure and a machine tool. The apparatus includes a framework on which is mounted a linkage assembly comprising a plurality of individual links pivotably interconnected. A tool holder is attached to one link and is configured to select tools from the storage structure and move them into proximity with the machine tool. The apparatus also removes the tool from the machine tool and returns it to the storage structure. The linkage assembly provides for efficient movement of the tool holder along a complex curvilinear path by pivoting a single link or element of the linkage assembly.
Abstract:
A three-axis machine control structure includes a support structure and a machine component to which a workpiece or tool can be attached. Three control arms are connected between the machine component and the support structure. Preferably, each control arm is pivotably connected to the support structure and to the machine component and includes a pair of four-bar linkages connected in series. The control arms are oriented to permit rapid movement of the machine component along any or all of the three linear axes, while restricting movement of the machine component along the rotational axes.
Abstract:
A linear actuator cylinder reduces the stiction otherwise present during initiation of rod extension or retraction. The actuator cylinder includes a cylinder assembly having a piston that slides longitudinally through a cylinder barrel. A rod is connected to the piston and extends from the cylinder barrel. A rotator mechanism is connected to the rod to rotate the piston and rod with respect to the cylinder barrel. The rotator mechanism typically includes a hydraulic or electric motor connected to the rod by, for example, a chain engaged with a pair of sprockets.
Abstract:
A three-axis continuous, sensor device, such as a probe, includes a base structure and a stylus supporting member. The base structure and stylus supporting member are connected by three control arms that limit movement of the stylus supporting member relative to the base structure to movement along the three linear axes. Each control arm includes a pair of four-bar parallel linkages connected in series. Three sensor legs also are connected between the base structure and the stylus supporting member to sense movement of one with respect to the other.
Abstract:
A pivotable joint usable, for instance, with a multi-legged machine tool, is disclosed. The basic design of the joint includes a central block to which is connected a first yoke pivotably mounted for motion about one axis. A second yoke is also pivotably mounted to the central block for motion about a second axis. The central block includes an opening extending therethrough between two surfaces, and the cross-sectional area of the opening decreases towards the central region of the block. This type of opening permits the use of an extensible mounting leg having a rod that moves through the opening during pivoting of the joint.
Abstract:
A machine such as a machine tool includes a pair of spaced platforms. One platform (11, 31, 185, 72, 159, 142) may mount an operator such as a tool in a spindle and the other platforms (10, 20, 180, 170, 144, 163) may mount an object such as a workpiece. The spaced platforms are joined by six powered and extensible legs (20-25, 40-45, 64-69, 145-150, 166, 182-84, 187-89) joined to the respective platforms by universal joints. The length of the legs is individually manipulated to vary the position of the platforms and, therefore, the object and operator relative to each other in six axes. The powered legs may be hydraulic cylinders (20-25) or recirculating ball screw driven (195, 197, 198). The distance between the spaced platforms may be measured by separate extensible instrument arms (130, 131, 171) which join the platforms. The instrument arms may use a digital position device (238, 240) to measure the extension and contraction of the instrument arms or may use a laser interferometer (267) for that purpose. The changes in the length of the instrument arms may be used to generate signals that control the extension and contraction of the powered legs. A method is also disclosed for converting part program coordinate block instructions into instructions for varying the length of the powered legs.
Abstract:
A multi-axis machine is disclosed. The machine includes an adjustable external framework having a pair of support structures connected by a plurality of servostruts. A multi-axis manipulator is attached to one support structure and may be designed to carry a tool. A workpiece may be attached to the other support structure for interaction with the tool as the tool is moved by the multi-axis manipulator. The controlled extension and retraction of both the framework struts and manipulator struts provide the multi-axis machine with increased versatility of operation.
Abstract:
A space frame system for use with a machine, such as a machine tool, is disclosed. The system as used with a machine tool includes a base and a machine component, such as a workpiece support, mounted to the base. A first space frame is mounted solely to the workpiece support. A second and separate space frame is connected to the first space frame by a plurality of extensible legs. Another machine component, such as a tool holder, is rigidly mounted to the second space frame for cooperation with a workpiece mounted on the workpiece support. Thus, as the extensible legs are independently controlled, the tool holder is moved along a desired path with respect to the workpiece support to perform various cutting operations on the workpiece.
Abstract:
The present invention relates generally to a metrology framework for determining the position of a first object, such as an operator, relative to a second object when the first object is moved relative to the second object. The metrology framework comprises a plurality of extensible instrument arms that are operatively connected in proximity to the first object and the second object. A sensor is in communication with each extensible instrument arm to provide a signal indicative of the extension of the instrument arm. The combination of the signals can be used to determine the position of the first object relative to the second object in all six degrees of freedom.