Patent GB-1310130-A (GB)
Title: Tape programmer for operating machines of various types in par ticular operational machines and test machines
IPC: G05B19/14
Filed: 1970-06-03
Abstract: 1310130 Program control INDUSTRIE PIRELLI S p A 3 June 1970 [19 June 1969] 26804/70 Heading G3N  A programmer comprises a central unit 3 which receives information from a tape 2 via a reader 1, decodes it, and sends it to a number of peripheral units 4, 4A which thus provide signals 19, 19A to actuators of the movable members of a machine. Signals 9', 9", 9'A, 9"A are returned to the central unit and contain information relative to the functioning of the units 4, 4A, and the execution of the desired functions by the machine members, the signals modifying the control of the movement and reading of the tape 2 by means of signals 8', 8"respectively. Operation of the programmer is controlled via manual controls 15, which comprise the following control functions:- (i) A start working and pre-selection signal 14' causes the tape 2 to move without being read until a program block with the pre-selected address is reached, where the tape stops, the letter and number information of the address being supplied to a tape control unit 26 via signals 21"' and 22""".  (ii) An automatic operation signal 14" causes the tape to be advanced and read from the previously selected address, the programmed  control functions being carried out. (iii) A tape arrest signal 14"' which causes the tape to stop, and authorizes some of the  manual controls 16 via amplifier 31 so that certain machine functions can be carried out via signals 18 to peripheral units 4, it being possible subsequently for tape movement and reading to continue from the point of arrest. (iv) A tape arrest signal 14"" which stops the tape and authorizes all the manual controls 16, further automatic operation being possible only after a new pre-selection (i) has been made. Signals 11 from limit switches (10) Fig. 1, ensure the stopping of actuation by the peripheral units when the machine elements reach desired, or limit points, and signals 13 from other peripheral units ensure the absence of conflicting movements, corresponding signals 12 being transmitted to other peripheral units. Construction of central unit, 3 The unit 3 is designed to receive program blocks of information, each block having an address comprising a number and a letter. Decoder 20 passes number information on lines 21, and letter information on lines 22, a memory 24 being provided to store number information as required. Information 6', 6" is thus passed to operate the peripheral units, 4, provided signals 11, 13 permit. Reader control 26 allows signals 8', 8'' to pass to the tape reader when information 7 is required, the tape advancing rhythmically under the control of waveform f, Fig.9 (not shown), and being read under the control of waveform c, Fig. 10 (not shown), provided the waveforms are not blocked. To block advance of the tape while a given function is carried out, a "call for wait executed" signal 22'" is fed to device 25 which blocks control 26 until a signal 9' is received from a peripheral unit. A "call for timed wait" signal 22''''' can block 26 via device 35 for a predetermined duration defined by the signal 28. Alarm signals 9" fed via device 33 can also block 26 should the units 4 malfunction. The waveform 29 c, (Fig. 10) passes to timer 30 to provide the reading waveform 8". Device 23 provides visual information to an operator, and device 27 is an oscillator. The signal 22"" represents "stop tape" information on the tape itself, and blocks 26, as well as authorizing some of the controls 16. The functioning of the reader control 26 is described in detail with reference to its circuit Fig. 7 (not shown), utilizing logic devices of the NAND type, and memory units comprising pairs of NAND devices with D.C. feedback. Peripheral Units. A circuit diagram of a peripheral unit is given, Fig. 3 (not shown), comprising an elaboration and memory circuit (40), and a power switching circuit (41). Its functioning is described. In the case where motion of a machine element in either direction to one of a number of given positions is required, a peripheral unit is provided for motion in each of the forward or reverse directions respectively (4a, 4b) Fig. 4 (not shown), and a positioning unit (100 Fig. 4, not shown), connected between the central unit 3 and the peripheral units determines which unit (4a or 4b) is to be activated. A circuit diagram of the positioning unit is given, Fig. 6 (not shown), and the means whereby the machine member is controlled to the desired position is described with reference to Fig. 5 (not shown). A peripheral unit 4A may be of the retro-active digital type, in which case the machine element is driven until desired and reference positions in digital form are coincident. With reference to Figs. 8-10 (not shown), the function of the circuit blocks (252, 253, 254 Fig.7) of the reader control 26 in producing the waveforms necessary for reading and advancing the tape is described.