초록 ▼

Various techniques are disclosed for controlling the operation of a workpiece inspection procedure using a battery operated probe to contact the workpiece and transmit information back to a controller in a machine tool system. In one embodiment, battery power is applied to the probe transmission cir

Various techniques are disclosed for controlling the operation of a workpiece inspection procedure using a battery operated probe to contact the workpiece and transmit information back to a controller in a machine tool system. In one embodiment, battery power is applied to the probe transmission circuitry in response to a flash of infrared radiation. In another embodiment, the probe is turned on by touching the probe against a reference surface. In both embodiments, a timer is provided to automatically disconnect the batteries after a predetermined time period. In such manner battery life is prolonged.

대표청구항 ▼

Apparatus for use in a machine tool system, said apparatus comprising: first means including a probe for sensing information about a workpiece, said first means including circuit means for transmitting information relating to the workpiece to a remote receiver, a power source, and detector means ope

Apparatus for use in a machine tool system, said apparatus comprising: first means including a probe for sensing information about a workpiece, said first means including circuit means for transmitting information relating to the workpiece to a remote receiver, a power source, and detector means operative to connect power from the source to the circuit to enable operation thereof upon receipt of a given signal; second means remotely located from the first means for wirelessly transmitting the given signal to the detector means to thereby initiate the supply of power to the circuit; said second means including a flash tube and tube activation means for energizing said tube to create said given signal in the form of a flash of light having an intensity of substantially 100 watt-seconds and a duration of substantially 50 microseconds; and said detector means including photodetector means having an electrical characteristic responsive to light, and said detector means further including filter means coupled to the photodetector means for rendering said detector means responsive to said flash to cause connection of power from the source to the circuit to enable operation thereof while rendering the detector means essentially unresponsive to other light sources which may be located in the area of the probe; whereby power drain from the source is minimized by selectively using energy therefrom only during periods of anticipated use.