Canadian Space Agency

R.d. Corporation Ltd.

Robert Dworkowski

Peter Wojcik

Romulad Stoncel

A distance tracking control system, for use with a working member such as a robotic head, includes a non-contact distance sensor for sensing a distance of the working member from a surface. An actuator is provided for making positional adjustments of the working member in response to changes in the distance sensed by the non-contact distance sensor. A controller is connected to the distance sensor and the actuator. The controller receives data from the non-contact distance sensor and then sends signals to the actuator to make positional adjustments of the working member.

Distance tracking control system for single pass topographical mapping

A gantry-style apparatus for positioning a working member with respect to plurality of 'X' and 'Y' coordinate positions is described which includes a pair of parallel spaced apart 'X' support members defining a plurality of 'X' coordinate positions and a 'Y' support member defining a plurality of 'Y' coordinate positions. The 'Y' support member extends transversely across the 'X' support members and has a first end, a second end and a mid-point between the first end and a second end. A center-pull 'X' drive system is provided for moving the 'Y' support member axially along the 'X' support members. A working member mounting is movably secured to the 'Y' support member. A 'Y' drive system is provided for moving the working member mounting axially along the 'Y' support member. The 'Y' support member is of a length which is greater than the spacing between the 'X' support members, such that the 'Y' support member has a first overhanging portion adjacent the first end and a second overhanging portion adjacent the second end which extend past the 'X' support members. The apparatus as described is particularly suited for laser cutting applications.

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Edmonton, Canada

Robert Dworkowski