A system, comprising a plurality of slave devices collecting real time data from process stations, a master device receiving the collected data from the plurality of slave devices, wherein the master device polls the plurality of slave devices in a predetermined order and an analysis device processing the collected data and producing output data as a function of the collected data.

Method and apparatus for sequentially collecting and analyzing real time data with interactive monitoring

A riveting system is operable to join two or more workplaces with a rivet. In another aspect of the present invention, a self-piercing rivet is employed. Still another aspect of the present invention employs an electronic control unit and one or more sensors to determine a riveting characteristic and/or an actuator characteristic.

Riveting system and process for forming a riveted joint

A system for producing an assembly comprising at least one component includes at least one 3D metrology system, a workstation processing element, numerical control apparatus and a flexible work cell. The metrology system maps the components for use by the workstation processing element, which electronically displays three-dimensional authority models representative of the components. The workstation processing element compares the as-built models to an electronic display of three-dimensional authority models of the components, and alters a position of at least one of the at least one actual model and the at least one authority model. The workstation processing element then commands the numerical control apparatus to perform a machine operation on the components based upon the comparison. As the numerical control apparatus performs the machine operation on the components, the workstation processing element dynamically displays the actual models such that the electronic display of the actual models is automatically and repeatedly updated.

System and method for producing an assembly by directly implementing three-dimensional computer-aided design component definitions

A machining method in which a numerically controlled apparatus carries out a series of operations such as the determination of machining procedures, the selection of a tool, the preparation of a workpiece and inspection programs, machining operation, and inspection, required when a numerically controlled machine tool carries out a machining operation on the basis of input graphics and process information, using at least machine tool information, tool information, cutting condition information, material information, machining method symbol information, finishing symbol information, finishing allowance information, surface treatment information, information about thermal refining, and cost information, the method includes the steps of, while using electronic calculators including a numerical control unit, an FA system, and a personal computer, and a series of data processing units and machine tools, registering a variety of information files; inputting machining pattern data; processing a finished pattern; processing a machining pattern before a workpiece has finished undergoing another process; identifying the pattern; making a decision with regard to a machining process; and deciding whether or not material should be measured.

Machining method using numerical control apparatus

An inspection and sorting system for part repair includes at least one sensor for inspecting a part. The sensor is configured to obtain inspection data for the part. A comparison module is configured to receive the inspection data, to generate a repair profile for the part using the inspection data, and to compare the repair profile with a baseline to arrive at a repair recommendation for the part. A method includes inspecting a part with at least one sensor to obtain preliminary inspection data for the part. The method further includes generating a preliminary repair profile from the preliminary inspection data, comparing the preliminary repair profile with a baseline, and arriving at a repair recommendation for the part based on the comparison.

Inspection and sorting system and method for part repair

A method and apparatus is disclosed for 'intelligent' control (410) of production processes such as machining, casting, heat treating and welding. The key enabler of such control is of an electro-optical (25, 95, 305, 405) or other suitable sensor type. The sensor is generally of non contact type, capable of rapidly and accurately acquiring data from parts and the tools used to produce the parts in a production 'in-process' environment. Systems are disclosed to control not only the instant operation, but those processes connected therewith, both upstream and downstream. Data bases are generated and knowledge bases are used. Application of the invention can improve quality and productivity, and allow the production of parts which have unusual or individual material characteristics (1000-1008).

Timothy R. Pryor

Papers

Intelligent machining and manufacturing