Allen-bradley Company, LLC

William A Donze

Ernst H Dummermuth

Timothy Bielawski

Ronald J Toke

A numerical control system which employs a programmed numerical control processor to perform the numerical control functions is coupled to a bulk storage device by a host computer. The bulk storage device stores a download library which includes not only part programs, but also system software programs and diagnostic programs which may be downloaded to the numerical control system upon request. By downloading a system software program the numerical control capabilities of the system can be completely reconfigured to, in essence, provide a new machine.

Numerical control system with downloading capability

An industrial control processor is employed in a numerical control system to operate the servo mechanisms on a machine tool in response to a part program stored on a tape. The industrial control processor includes unique hardware and software features which also allow it to operate as a programmable controller to control the discrete digital devices associated with the machine tool. The industrial control processor is programmed with a conventional computer type instruction set to perform numerical control functions and is programmed with a programmable controller type instruction set to perform the machine dependent logic functions. The resulting system maintains the state-of-the-art capabilities of a computer numerical control (CNC) and adds to it the flexibility and programming ease of a programmable controller.

Growing community of inventors

Mentor, OH, United States of America

William A Donze