Patent ID: 7300333
Filing Date: 2007-11-27
Classification: B24B

Abstract:
1. A processing control system for controlling processing of a series of workpieces, comprising: a gantry unit having a frame and a horizontal work plate mounted on the frame, and a gantry system having x, y and z translational directions of freedom, each direction of freedom having an associated sliding carriage and drive motor; a gimbal unit mounted on the gantry system above the work plate and having x, y and z rotational degrees of freedom and associated x, y and z gimbal motors for controlling rotation about the x, y and z rotational axes of the gimbal unit; a gripper unit secured to the gimbal unit for holding a workpiece to be processed and an actuator for actuating the gripper unit to grip and release a workpiece; a plurality of processing stations mounted on the work plate, each processing station having at least one associated actuator for controlling operation of one or more tools at the processing station; a controller linked to the gantry and gimbal unit motors, the gripper unit actuator, and the processing station actuators for controlling movement of the gripper unit from a start position to pick up a workpiece and move it along a programmed path between the processing stations, and for controlling operation of actuators at each processing station to process workpieces according to stored program instructions including grinding force parameters; at least one user input device linked to said controller for selective manual control of said gantry and gimbal unit motors, gripper unit actuator, and processing station actuators; and an output monitor for displaying machine and operating parameters to a user.