Renishaw Plc

Victor Gordon Stimpson

William Kenneth Davies

Colin Timothy Bell

Jonathan Paul Fuge

Benjamin Jason Merrifield

Jon P Fuge

Norman J Leete

David R McMurtry

Paul Maxted

David J Rogers

William Martin Barnard

Sharon Ann Ashton

An object detector apparatus. The object detector apparatus comprises a receiver which is configured to receive a signal from an object having a repetitive motion, in which the signal repeats at a frequency that is dependent on the frequency of the repetitive motion of the object. The object detector apparatus further comprises an analyzer which is configured to sample a signal received by the receiver according to a first set of sampling parameters into a first sampled data set, and to produce an output based on a comparison of the first sampled data set with at least one previously sampled data set. The analyzer is also operable to sample a signal received by the receiver using a second set of sampling parameters which differs to the first set of sampling parameters into a second sampled data set, and to produce an output based on a comparison of the second sampled data set with at least one previously sampled data set.

Object detector apparatus and method

A device and method for detecting the presence or absence of an object which has repetitive motion are disclosed comprising, a receiver for receiving a signal from the object, and circuitry for determining the presence or absence of the object to be detected, wherein the circuitry records the signal from the receiver as a pattern of data during at least part of the repetitive motion of the object, compares the data with a previously recorded data pattern and, produces an output signal based on the comparison. The signal may be received during discrete time intervals, and may be light which can be transmitted with varying intensity. The circuitry may determine the value of signal received at a receiver and produce a binary value. The signal received at the receiver can be reflected from the object to be detected.

Detection device and method for detecting objects subject to cyclic or repetitive motion

The invention relates to a device and method for analysis of a tool () e.g. used on a machine tool. A tool detector () includes a light emitter () and a light receiver (). Tool () when progressed into a beam () of light emitted from the emitter () will cause a signal from the receiver to change. Circuitry () includes a digital signal processor which processes the signal from the receiver and produces an output only if the signal conforms to a predetermined condition. Preferably this predetermined condition could be e.g. a characteristic shape of the signal from the receiver, a change in a value derived from a succession of such signals or a change in the minimum or maximum values of a succession of signals from the receiver.

Machine tool analysis device and method

The invention relates to a measuring deviceof the type which detects the interruption of a beam of radiation (e.g. light) by an object () in the beam. The device includes a light emitterand a light detectoreach enclosed in a housingand. In order to accommodate different spacings between the housings different capshaving varying size aperturesare fittable to the housings. This allows varying amounts of light to be issued and/or detected. Other ways of adjusting the amount of light passing through the cap are disclosed.

Measuring device and method for detecting objects interrupting a beam of radiation

The present invention teaches a method and apparatus for making measurement of an object on a machine, such as a machine tool, using an optical measuring apparatus which includes a light source for generating a beam of light which is incident on a detector. A detection signal is generated within the detector each time the beam is interrupted. The duration and/or frequency of the detection signals are evaluated and an output signal is emitted from the detection only if a further detection signal is present within the detector in a specified time interval from the generation of an earlier detection signal.

Optical measuring apparatus for measuring objects on machines

A programmable device which produces a plurality of outputs is connected to a controller having less input ports than there are outputs to be received by the controller. To overcome this problem the controller is programmed to send different signals to the device, one at a time, upon receipt of a particular one of which, the device sends back a corresponding one of its outputs. In the specific example described the signals are different sequences of timing pulses.

Position determining apparatus for coordinate machine

Described is a device which enables toolsetting on a machine tool. The device includes a light emitting unit ( ) and a light detecting unit ( ). A light source ( ) causes a light beam ( ) to propagate from the emitting unit ( ) to the detecting unit ( ). A light detector ( ) detects the presence or absence of the beam. A trigger signal is produced when occlusion occurs and so the position of an object can be determined by reference to the machine's coordinate readings. The beam ( ) may be uncollimated and thus provide a device with an easier set-up and a greater resistance to vibration in use. The light detector ( ) and/or light source may be protected from contamination by windows ( ) or a protector having an aperture therein. The light emitting and detecting units each have an aperture for the light beam. The apertures may be oblique conduits ( ) for pressurised air flow, thereby keeping the conduits free from contamination, while minimising turbulence in the path of the beam which could cause noise in the resulting signal.

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Avening, United Kingdom

Victor Gordon Stimpson