Patent ID: 6498962
Filing Date: 2002-12-24
Classification: B23H,G05B,Y02P

Abstract:
A numerically controlled machining apparatus operative under control of a computer program for defining a sequence of operational steps, including a tool exchanging command, and for specifying tools required to perform such operational steps, comprising:a tool exchanging means, comprising a multiple tool carrier and a tool selection and transfer device, for carrying a plurality of different tools, each having a unique identifier, and for automatically exchanging a tool in response to a command in said program sequence; a specified tool registration means for obtaining from said program the unique identifier for the tools specified for use in said operational steps and for registering said unique identifiers; a tool set detecting means, comprising a unique identifier detector for detecting the unique identifier of tools currently present in said multiple tool carrier and being responsive to said unique identifiers in said specified tool registration means, for detecting whether a registered tool is present or not present in said tool exchanging means on the basis of a comparison of said detected unique identifiers and said stored unique identifiers; and a tool set condition displaying means for displaying an identification of each of the plurality of registered tools and identifying for each such registered tool whether or not said registered tool is set in said tool exchanging means and is detected by said tool set detecting means.