PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-9138814-B2
Application Number: US-201213542620-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Method for machining and related machining tool, machining apparatus, and computer code

Abstract:
A method for machining may include providing a workpiece with a major (e.g., top) surface and an edge at a perimeter thereof. The method may also include providing a machining tool including an outer rotary cutter and an inner rotary cutter. The workpiece may be machined in a single pass of the machining tool around the perimeter thereof. Machining the workpiece may include simultaneously machining the edge with the inner rotary cutter and machining at least a portion of the major surface with the outer rotary cutter. Accordingly, the edge and at least a portion of the major surface of the workpiece may be simultaneously machined in a single pass. The inner rotary cutter may also simultaneously machine an undercut at the edge of the workpiece. A related machining apparatus including the machining tool is provided. Further, a computer readable medium may include program code for performing the above-described operations.

Claims:
What is claimed is:  
     
       1. A method for machining, comprising:
 positioning a workpiece having a major surface and one or more edges at a perimeter of the workpiece; 
 machining the workpiece in a single pass of a machining tool around the perimeter of the workpiece, the machining tool including an outer rotary cutter and an inner rotary cutter, wherein machining the workpiece comprises simultaneously:
 machining the edge of the workpiece with the inner rotary cutter of the machining tool, and 
 machining at least a portion of the major surface of the workpiece with the outer rotary cutter of the machining tool; and 
 
 lifting the machining tool relative to the workpiece and machining a remaining portion of the major surface of the workpiece with the inner rotary cutter. 
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1 , wherein machining the workpiece in the single pass further comprises simultaneously machining an undercut at the edge of the workpiece with the inner rotary cutter. 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1 , wherein machining at least the portion of the major surface of the workpiece with the outer rotary cutter of the machining tool comprises machining an entirety of the major surface of the workpiece. 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 3 , wherein machining the entirety of the major surface of the workpiece comprises machining the major surface to a distance from the perimeter equal to at least one half of a width of the workpiece. 
     
     
       5. A machining tool assembly, comprising
 a machining tool comprising:
 an outer rotary cutter configured to machine at least a portion of a major surface of a workpiece, and 
 an inner rotary cutter configured to machine an edge of the workpiece, wherein the outer rotary cutter and the inner rotary cutter are configured to simultaneously machine the portion of the major surface of the workpiece and the edge of the workpiece in a single pass around a perimeter of the workpiece; and 
 
 an adjustment mechanism that adjusts a position of the machining tool relative to the workpiece, the adjustment mechanism lifts the machining tool relative to the workpiece and machine a remaining portion of the major surface of the workpiece with the inner rotary cutter. 
 
     
     
       6. The machining tool assembly of  claim 5 , wherein the inner rotary cutter defines an extension configured to machine an undercut at the edge of the workpiece. 
     
     
       7. The machining tool assembly of  claim 5 , wherein a bottom portion of the inner rotary cutter is configured to machine the remaining portion of the major surface of the workpiece. 
     
     
       8. The machining tool assembly of  claim 5 , wherein the outer rotary cutter is configured to extend from the inner rotary cutter to a distance equal to at least one half of a width of the workpiece. 
     
     
       9. A machining apparatus, comprising:
 a motor coupled to a rotatable shaft; 
 a machining tool coupled to the rotatable shaft, the machining tool comprising:
 an outer rotary cutter configured to machine at least a portion of a major surface of a workpiece, and 
 an inner rotary cutter configured to machine an edge of the workpiece, wherein the outer rotary cutter and the inner rotary cutter are configured to simultaneously machine the major surface of the workpiece and the edge of the workpiece in a single pass around a perimeter of the workpiece; and 
 
 an adjustment mechanism configured to adjust a position of the machining tool relative to the workpiece, the adjustment mechanism lifting the machining tool relative to the workpiece and machine a remaining portion of the major surface of the workpiece with the inner rotary cutter. 
 
     
     
       10. The machining apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the inner rotary cutter defines an extension configured to machine an undercut at the edge of the workpiece. 
     
     
       11. The machining apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein a bottom portion of the inner rotary cutter is configured to machine a remaining portion of the major surface of the workpiece. 
     
     
       12. The machining apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the outer rotary cutter is configured to extend from the inner rotary cutter to a distance equal to at least one half of a width of the workpiece. 
     
     
       13. The machining apparatus of  claim 9 , further comprising a fixture configured to hold the workpiece. 
     
     
       14. The machining apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein the fixture comprises a recessed portion configured to define a clearance with respect to the inner rotary cutter. 
     
     
       15. A non-transitory computer readable medium for storing computer instructions executed by a processor in a machining apparatus for controlling a position of a machining tool relative to a workpiece, the workpiece having a major surface and one or more edges at a perimeter of the workpiece, the non-transitory computer readable medium configured to cause the machining apparatus to carry out steps including:
 machining the workpiece in a single pass of the machining tool around the perimeter of the workpiece, the machining tool including an outer rotary cutter and an inner rotary cutter, wherein machining the workpiece in the single pass comprises simultaneously:
 machining the edge of the workpiece with the inner rotary cutter of the machining tool, and 
 machining at least a portion of the major surface of the workpiece with the outer rotary cutter of the machining tool; and 
 
 lifting the machining tool relative to the workpiece and machining a remaining portion of the major surface of the workpiece with the inner rotary cutter. 
 
     
     
       16. The non-transitory computer readable medium of  claim 15 , wherein machining the workpiece in the single pass further comprises simultaneously machining an undercut at the edge of the workpiece with the inner rotary cutter. 
     
     
       17. The non-transitory computer readable medium of  claim 15 , wherein a bottom portion of the inner rotary cutter is configured to machine the remaining portion of the major surface of the workpiece. 
     
     
       18. The non-transitory computer readable medium of  claim 15 , wherein machining at least the portion of the major surface of the workpiece with the outer rotary cutter of the machining tool comprises machining an entirety of the major surface of the workpiece. 
     
     
       19. The non-transitory computer readable medium of  claim 18 , wherein machining the entirety of the major surface of the workpiece comprises machining the major surface to a distance from the perimeter equal to at least one half of a width of the workpiece.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to machining workpieces, and more particularly to methods, machining tools, machining apparatuses, and computer code for machining a workpiece in a single pass. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Machining metal and other materials is known to be useable to produce a variety of products. For example, a workpiece may be machined to form a housing for a consumer electronic device such as a phone, tablet computer, or monitor. However, machining materials may take a relatively long period of time. For example, milling may typically involve directing a milling cutter about the periphery of a workpiece a number of times in order to machine the workpiece into a desired shape. 
     Further, repetitively directing a milling cutter about the periphery of a workpiece may introduce the possibility for increased imprecision in the machining processes. In this regard, to the extent the milling cutter deviates from the desired position as it moves about the periphery of the workpiece the resulting product may also deviate from the desired shape. Thus, since the milling cutter may move about the periphery of the workpiece numerous times, each pass may produce differing deviations from the desired shape of the end product. 
     The errors in the shape of the resulting product may be alleviated by sanding, polishing, or performing other finishing operations. However, in order to remove the imperfections in the end product, the finishing procedures may remove additional material that causes the end product to deviate further from the desired shape and size. For example, the thickness of the end product may be reduced by the finishing processes below a desired thickness. Further, finishing procedures may require additional time and expense that further increases the cost of the product. Accordingly, improved machining procedures may be desirable. 
     SUMMARY 
     A method for machining is provided. The method may include providing a workpiece with a major (e.g., top) surface and an edge at a perimeter thereof. The method may also include providing a machining tool including an outer rotary cutter and an inner rotary cutter. The workpiece may be machined in a single pass of the machining tool around the perimeter of the workpiece. Machining the workpiece may include simultaneously machining the edge with the inner rotary cutter and machining at least a portion of the major surface with the outer rotary cutter. Accordingly, the edge and at least a portion of the major surface of the workpiece may be simultaneously machined in a single pass. The inner rotary cutter may also simultaneously machine an undercut at the edge of the workpiece. 
     In one embodiment the method may additionally include lifting the machining tool relative to the workpiece and machining a remaining portion of the major surface with the inner rotary cutter. In another embodiment, the outer rotary cutter may machine the entire surface of the workpiece during the single pass. For example, the outer rotary cutter may extend to a distance equal to at least one half of the width of the workpiece, such that the major surface may be machined to a distance from the perimeter equal to at least half of the width at any given point as the machining tool completes the single pass. 
     The above-described operations may be embodied as computer code stored on a non-transitory computer readable medium, for execution by a processor in a machining apparatus. An example embodiment of a machining apparatus may include the above-described machining tool. The machining tool may include an extension to machine the undercut, and a bottom portion of the inner rotary cutter may be configured to machine the remaining portion of the major surface, in embodiments including that operation. 
     Further, the machining apparatus may include a motor, a controller, a machine table, an adjustment mechanism configured to adjust the position of the machining tool relative to the workpiece, and a fixture configured to hold the workpiece. The fixture may define a recessed portion configure to define a clearance with respect to the inner rotary cutter. 
     Other apparatuses, methods, computer code, features and advantages of the disclosure will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, computer code, features and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the disclosure, and be protected by the accompanying claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The included drawings are for illustrative purposes and serve only to provide examples of possible structures and arrangements for the disclosed methods for machining, machining tool, machining apparatus, and computer readable medium. These drawings in no way limit any changes in form and detail that may be made to the disclosure by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a side schematic view of a machining apparatus including a machining tool according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a cutting envelope of a machining tool while machining an edge and a portion of a major surface of a workpiece according to a first example embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates first and second machining paths of the machining tool of  FIG. 2  with respect to a workpiece according to the first example embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates the cutting envelope of the machining tool of  FIG. 2  while machining a remaining portion of the major surface according to the first example embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a cutting envelope of a machining tool while machining an edge and a major surface of a workpiece according to a second example embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a machining path of the machining tool of  FIG. 5  with respect to a workpiece according to the second example embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a cross-sectional view through the workpiece illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 6  along lines  7 - 7  according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a cross-sectional view through the workpiece illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 6  along lines  8 - 8  according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a method for machining according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a block diagram of an electronic device according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Exemplary applications of apparatuses, assemblies, systems, computer code, and methods according to the present disclosure are described in this section. These examples are being provided solely to add context and aid in the understanding of the disclosure. It will thus be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present disclosure may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well known process steps have not been described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present disclosure. Other applications are possible, such that the following examples should not be taken as limiting. 
       FIG. 1  schematically illustrates a portion of a machining apparatus  100  in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure. The machining apparatus  100  may include a motor  102  coupled to a rotatable shaft  104 . A machining tool  106  may be coupled to the rotatable shaft  104 . The machining tool  106  is tool is illustrated as partially cut-away in order to show receipt of the shaft  104  therein. Example embodiments of the machining tool  106  that may be employed in the machining apparatus  100  are discussed in detail below. 
     The machining apparatus  100  may further comprise an adjustment mechanism  108  configured to adjust a position of the machining tool  106 . In particular, the adjustment mechanism  108  may be configured to adjust the position of the machining tool  106  relative to a workpiece  110  which the machining apparatus  100  may machine, as explained below. In one embodiment the adjustment mechanism  108  may comprise one or more actuators  112 A-C respectively configured to adjust the position of the machining tool  106  along X, Y, and Z axes. By way of example, the actuators  112 A-C may comprise hydraulic actuators, although various other actuators may be employed in other embodiments. 
     In the illustrated embodiment the adjustment mechanism  108  is configured to adjust the position of the machining tool  106 . However, in other embodiments the adjustment mechanism  108  may additionally or alternatively be configured to adjust the position of the workpiece  110 . In this regard, the machining apparatus  100  may further comprise a machine table  114 . A fixture  116  may be mounted to the machine table  114  and configured to hold the workpiece. Thus, by adjusting the position of the machine table  114 , or the fixture  116  itself, the position of the machining tool  106  relative to the workpiece  110  may be adjusted. Accordingly, the position of the machining tool  106  relative to the workpiece  110  may be adjusted by adjusting the position of the machining tool and/or the workpiece. 
     The machining apparatus  100  may further comprise a controller  116 . The controller  116  may be configured to execute computer code and employ computer numerical control (CNC) to machine the workpiece  110 . In this regard, the controller  116  may be configured to execute computer code in order to control the relative position of the machining tool  106  with respect to the workpiece  110 , the rotational speed of the motor  102  and the machining tool  106 , and or various other parameters associated with performing machining operations. 
     As noted, above, the machining apparatus  100  may employ various embodiments of machining tools  106  to machine the workpiece  110 . Note that the various embodiments of machining tools  106  illustrated herewith show the cutting envelope of the machining tools. In this regard, the machining tools  106  may extend to the overall shape illustrated while rotating during use. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a first example embodiment of a machining tool  106 A. As illustrated, the machining tool  106 A may comprise an outer rotary cutter  118 A, which may be configured to machine at least a portion of a major surface  120  (e.g., a top surface) of the workpiece  110 . Further, the machining tool  106 A may comprise an inner rotary cutter  122 A configured to machine an edge  124  of the workpiece  110 . 
     The outer rotary cutter  118 A and the inner rotary cutter  122 A may comprise cutting tips, blades, inserts, and/or other features configured to cut the workpiece  110 . In one embodiment the outer rotary cutter  118 A and/or the inner rotary cutter  122 A may comprise a relatively strong material such as metal crystal diamond, high speed steel, titanium, cobalt steel, carbide, and/or ceramic, with or without a coating such as titanium nitride. However, the outer rotary cutter  118 A and the inner rotary cutter  122 A may comprise various other materials depending on the material of the workpiece  110  that is to be cut. In one example embodiment the workpiece  110  may comprise a metal such as aluminum. However, the machining tool  106  may be configured to machine other materials in other embodiments. 
     The outer rotary cutter  118 A and the inner rotary cutter  122 A may be configured to simultaneously machine the major surface  120  and the edge  124  of the workpiece  110 . In particular, as noted above, the inner rotary cutter  122 A may machine the edge  124 . As illustrated, in some embodiments the inner rotary cutter  122 A may define an extension  126 A configured to machine an undercut  128  at the edge  124  of the workpiece  110 . However, the inner rotary cutter  122 A may be configured to not define the undercut  128  in other embodiments, depending on the desired shape of the end product. 
     Returning to  FIG. 1 , the fixture  116  may comprise a recessed portion  128  configured to define a clearance with respect to an inner rotary cutter of the machining tool  106  (e.g., inner rotary cutter  122 A). In this regard, as noted above, the inner rotary cutter (e.g., inner rotary cutter  122 A) of the machining tool  106  may include an extension (e.g., extension  126 A). Accordingly, the recessed portion  128  may allow the machining tool  106  to extend partially underneath the workpiece  110  while avoiding contact with the fixture  116 . 
     As noted, the inner rotary cutter  122 A may machine the edge  124  of the workpiece  110 . Simultaneously, the outer rotary cutter  118 A machine the major surface  120  of the workpiece  110 . In particular, as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the outer rotary cutter  118 A may machine a portion  130  of the major surface  120 . 
     The outer rotary cutter  118 A and the inner rotary cutter  122 A may be configured to simultaneously machine the portion  130  of the major surface  120  of the workpiece  110  and the edge  124  of the workpiece in a single pass around a perimeter of the workpiece. In this regard,  FIG. 3  illustrates an overhead view of the workpiece  110  including an outline of an example end product  132  resulting from machining the workpiece with the machining apparatus  100 . The machining tool  106 A may move relative to the workpiece  110  (i.e. the machining tool and/or the workpiece may move) along a single pass illustrated by path  134  about a perimeter  136  of the workpiece. Although each portion  134 A-E of the path  134  is schematically illustrated as a discrete straight movement, the path may be configured to define the desired shape of the end product  132 . 
     As the machining tool  106 A completes a single pass along the path  134  about the perimeter  136  of the workpiece, portions  134 A,E of the path defined by the single pass may overlap. In this regard, a single pass, as used herein, refers to a path about the perimeter of a workpiece that involves less than two complete passes about the perimeter of the workpiece. For example, as illustrated, the overlapping portions  134 A,E of the path  134  of the single pass about the perimeter  136  of the workpiece may allow the machining tool  106 A to return to an initial starting position and continue past this starting position, if desired, in order to ensure that an even finish is achieved at the starting point. 
     After the machining tool  106 A completes a single pass along the path  134  around the perimeter  136  of the workpiece, the edge  124  and the portion  130  of the major surface  120  of the workpiece  110  may be machined into a desired shape. However, a remaining portion  138  of the major surface  120  of the workpiece  110  may still need to be machined. Accordingly, as illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the machining tool  106 A may be lifted relative to the workpiece  110 , and the inner rotary cutter  122 A may machine the remaining portion  138  of the workpiece. In particular, a bottom portion  140 A of the inner rotary cutter  122 A may be employed to machine the remaining portion  138  of the workpiece  110 . 
     In this regard, as illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the machining tool  106 A may be moved relative to the workpiece  110  along a second path  142  in order to machine the remaining portion  138  of the workpiece. Note that the second path  142  is illustrated by way of example, and various other paths may be employed to machine the remaining portion  138  of the workpiece  110 . By moving the machining tool  106 A relative to the workpiece  110  along the paths  134 ,  142 , the entirety of the major surface  120  and the edge  124  of the workpiece may be machined. In this regard, the edge  124  and the portion  130  of the major surface  120  of the workpiece  110  may be machined in an expedited manner through a single pass of the machining tool  106 A, and then the remaining portion  138  of the major surface may be machined. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a second embodiment of a machining tool  106 B. The machining tool  106 B may be substantially similar to the embodiment of the machining tool  106 A described above. Accordingly, for example, the machining tool  106 B may comprise an outer rotary cutter  118 B and an inner rotary cutter  122 B including an extension  126 B. However, as illustrated, the machining tool  106 B may differ in that the outer rotary cutter  118 B may be configured to extend from the perimeter  136  of the workpiece (when the inner rotary cutter  120 B is in contact therewith) to a distance  144  equal to at least one half of a width  146  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 6 ) of the workpiece  110 . The width, as used herein, refers to the shortest distance across the major surface  120  of the workpiece. In this regard, as illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the outer rotary cutter  118 B extends to, or past, a midpoint  148  of the workpiece. Accordingly, the machining tool  106 B may be configured to machine at least half of the width  146  of the major surface  120  of the workpiece  110  when in contact with the perimeter  136  thereof. 
     Thus, as illustrated in  FIG. 6 , which is an overhead view of the workpiece  110  including an outline of the example end product  132  resulting from machining the workpiece with the machining apparatus  100 . The machining tool  106 B may move relative to the workpiece  110  (i.e. the machining tool and/or the workpiece may move) along a single pass illustrated by path  150  about a perimeter  136  of the workpiece. Although each portion  150 A-E of the path  150  is schematically illustrated as a discrete straight movement, the path may be configured to define the desired shape of the end product  132 . 
     As the machining tool  106 B completes a single pass along the path  150  about the perimeter  136  of the workpiece, portions  150 A,E of the path may overlap. In this regard, as noted above, a single pass refers to a path about the perimeter of the workpiece that involves less than two complete passes about the perimeter of the workpiece. For example, as illustrated, the overlapping portions  150 A,E of the path  150  of the single pass about the perimeter  136  of the workpiece may allow the machining tool  106 B to return to an initial starting position and continue past this starting position, if desired, in order to ensure that an even finish is achieved at the starting point. 
     After the machining tool  106 B completes a single pass along the path  150  around the perimeter  136  of the workpiece, the edge  124  and the entirety of the major surface  120  of the workpiece  110  may be machined into a desired shape. In this regard, since the outer rotary cutter  118 B extends to at least one half of the width  146  of the workpiece  110  (i.e. at least to the midpoint  148  of the workpiece), the entirety of the major surface  120  may be machined as the machining tool completes the pass around the perimeter  136 . Accordingly, the workpiece  110  may be machined into the end product  132  in a single pass, which may expedite the production of the end product. 
       FIG. 7  and  FIG. 8  illustrate cross-sectional views through the workpiece  110  including an outline of the example end product  132  along lines  6 - 6  and  7 - 7  in  FIGS. 3  and  6 . As illustrated, the end product  132  defines a constant cross-sectional profile at the edge  124 . In this regard, the methods, apparatuses, and computer code described herein may be configured to produce various embodiments of end products defining an edge with a constant cross-sectional profile. 
     A related method for machining is also provided. As illustrated in  FIG. 9 , the method may include providing a workpiece at operation  200 . The workpiece may define a major surface and one or more edges at a perimeter of the workpiece. The method may further comprise providing a machining tool at operation  202 . The machining tool may comprise an outer rotary cutter and an inner rotary cutter. Further, the method may include machining the workpiece in a single pass of the machining tool around the perimeter of the workpiece at operation  204 . Machining the workpiece in the single pass at operation  204  may comprise simultaneously machining the edge of the workpiece with the inner rotary cutter of the machining tool and machining at least a portion of the major surface of the workpiece with the outer rotary cutter of the machining tool. 
     Machining the workpiece in the single pass at operation  204  may further comprise simultaneously machining an undercut at the edge of the workpiece with the inner rotary cutter. The method may also include lifting the machining tool relative to the workpiece and machining a remaining portion of the major surface of the workpiece with the inner rotary cutter. However, in an alternate embodiment machining at least the portion of the major surface of the workpiece with the outer rotary cutter of the machining tool may comprise machining an entirety of the major surface of the workpiece. Further, machining the entirety of the major surface of the workpiece may comprise machining the major surface to a distance from the perimeter equal to at least one half of a width of the workpiece. 
       FIG. 10  is a block diagram of an electronic device  300  suitable for use with the described embodiments. In one example embodiment the electronic device  300  may be embodied in or as the controller  116  for the machining apparatus  100 . In this regard, the electronic device  300  may be configured to control or execute the above-described operations including controlling the position of the machining tool  106 . 
     The electronic device  300  illustrates circuitry of a representative computing device. The electronic device  300  includes a processor  302  that may be microprocessor or controller for controlling the overall operation of the electronic device  300 . In one embodiment the processor  302  may be particularly configured to perform the functions described herein. The electronic device  300  also includes a memory device  304 . The memory device  304  may include non-transitory and tangible memory that may be, for example, volatile and/or non-volatile memory. The memory device  304  may be configured to store information, data, files, applications, instructions or the like. For example, the memory device  304  could be configured to buffer input data for processing by the processor  302 . Additionally or alternatively, the memory device  304  could be configured to store instructions for execution by the processor  302 . 
     The electronic device  300  may also include a user interface  306  that allows a user of the electronic device  300  to interact with the electronic device. For example, the user interface  306  can take a variety of forms, such as a button, keypad, dial, touch screen, audio input interface, visual/image capture input interface, input in the form of sensor data, etc. Still further, the user interface may be configured to output information to the user through a display, speaker, or other output device. A communication interface  308  may provide for transmitting and receiving data through, for example, a wired or wireless network such as a local area network (LAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), and/or a wide area network (WAN), for example, the Internet. 
     The electronic device  300  may also include a machining module  310 . The processor  302  may be embodied as, include or otherwise control the machining module  310 . The machining module  310  may be configured for controlling a position of a machining tool and various other related parameters associated with employing the machining tool to machine a workpiece. 
     The various aspects, embodiments, implementations or features of the described embodiments can be used separately or in any combination. Various aspects of the described embodiments can be implemented by software, hardware or a combination of hardware and software. The described embodiments can also be embodied as computer readable code on a computer readable medium for controlling machining operations. In this regard, a computer readable storage medium, as used herein, refers to a non-transitory, physical storage medium (e.g., a volatile or non-volatile memory device, which can be read by a computer system. Examples of the computer readable medium include read-only memory, random-access memory, CD-ROMs, DVDs, magnetic tape, and optical data storage devices. The computer readable medium can also be distributed over network-coupled computer systems so that the computer readable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion. 
     Although the foregoing disclosure has been described in detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity and understanding, it will be recognized that the above-described disclosure may be embodied in numerous other specific variations and embodiments without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of the disclosure. Certain changes and modifications may be practiced, and it is understood that the disclosure is not to be limited by the foregoing details, but rather is to be defined by the scope of the appended claims.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20120705
Publication Date: 20150922
Grant Date: 20150922
Priority Date: 20120705
Inventors: TRZASKOS PIOTR S.
ROSS, III DONALD Q.
MASEK WILLIAM S.
COPELAND BRIAN K.
TERNUS JOHN P.
GILLOW ERIK D.
TAN NAPTHANEAL Y.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "B23C5/14", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T409/303808", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T409/304144", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T407/19", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T409/300896", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B23C3/12", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T407/19", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T409/304144", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T409/303808", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B23C5/14", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B23C3/12", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T409/300896", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 49878639