The Valeron Corporation

Larry E Cameron

Kenneth J Cook

Vance E Neff

Keith L Rowland

A power measuring device is disclosed featuring the capability of converting resistively coupled load current and voltage signals to a digital pulse train whose frequency is proportional to the instantaneous power drawn. The digital pulse train can be optically coupled to a microcomputer-based display or process controller for conversion of the pulse train frequency to a power consumption indicating signal.

Power measuring device

The controller includes a power sensing device which monitors the instantaneous power drawn by the machine and compares it with a predetermined limit level of desired power consumption. A user programmable timer is manually accessible for loading a selected time delay period therein. The controller provides an output capable of altering the machine operation when the machine power consumption has continuously exceeded the limit value for the selected time period. The controller outputs may be latched or nonlatched once an overlimit condition is detected in accordance with a user selectable programmed parameter. In an adaptive mode, the controller forces the feed rate to a programmable feed rate for a selected period of time upon initial impact between the workpiece and the machine tool. The controller then maintains a normal adaptive power level in which the feed rate response may be selectively altered as a percentage of an exponential function of the difference between the actual machine power consumption and the programmable desired adaptive power level. Provision is made for automatically referencing the feed rate control signal to the voltage rating of the feed rate drive motor in the machine.

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Troy, MI, United States of America

Larry E Cameron