Grinding Machine, Computer Software to Operate Such a Machine, And Their Uses Therefore

Abstract

An extremely precise computer controlled grinding machine having the capability to write its own computer programs for controlling the grinding machine to perform individual tasks, including both grinding and dressing to several millionths of an inch. A new device for dressing is included which is directly on the machine, alleviating the need for a separate dressing machine. The Windows-based computer program is easy to use, and includes numerous features for self-maintenance and reproducibility.

1 . A workpiece support apparatus for centerless grinding, comprising:
 a carriage having an edge;   a rotatable spindle extending through the carriage and having an extending portion, the extending portion extending beyond the edge of the carriage;   a regulating roller mounted on the extending portion of the spindle, the regulating roller for supporting and rotating the workpiece;   a wheel dressing roller having a polishing outer surface and being mounted on the extending portion of the spindle distal of the carriage relative to the regulating roller; and   means for rotating the spindle which thereby rotates the regulating roller and the wheel dressing roller.   
   
   
       2 . The support apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the wheel dressing roller has an outer diameter which is less than the outer diameter of the regulating roller. 
   
   
       3 . (canceled) 
   
   
       4 . (canceled) 
   
   
       5 . (canceled) 
   
   
       6 . (canceled) 
   
   
       7 . (canceled) 
   
   
       8 . (canceled) 
   
   
       9 . A grinding apparatus capable of dressing a grinding wheel using a computer system having a user interface, the apparatus comprising:
 a user interface including a means for data input and a monitor;   an input/output (I/O) interface board electronically connected to the user interface;   a data processor electronically connected to the I/O board;   a motion controller electronically connected to the I/O board;   a y-axis drive unit electronically connected to the motion controller;   a z-axis drive unit electronically connected to the motion controller;   a y-axis motor electronically connected to the y-axis drive unit;   a z-axis motor electronically connected to the z-axis drive unit;   a grinding wheel;   a rotatable wheel dressing roller;   the combination of the grinding wheel and the wheel dressing roller being connected to the y-axis motor and the z-axis motor such that the y- and z-axis motors can cause the grinding wheel and the wheel dressing roller to contact each other so that when the grinding wheel and the wheel dressing roller are rotating, the wheel dressing roller will smooth the surface of the grinding wheel,   the data processor for controlling the y-axis motor to control the depth of grinding and for controlling the x-axis to control the grinding wheel and the wheel dressing roller to sweep past one another longitudinally.   
   
   
       10 . A centerless grinding apparatus capable of dressing a regulating roller using a computer system having a user interface, the apparatus comprising:
 a user interface including a means for data input and a monitor;   an input/output (I/O) interface board electronically connected to the user interface;   a data processor electronically connected to the I/O board;   a motion controller electronically connected to the I/O board;   a y-axis drive unit electronically connected to the motion controller;   a z-axis drive unit electronically connected to the motion controller;   a y-axis motor electronically connected to the y-axis drive unit;   a z-axis motor electronically connected to the z-axis drive unit;   a grinding wheel;   a regulating roller;   the combination of the grinding wheel and the regulating roller being connected to the y-axis motor and the z-axis motor such that the y- and z-axis motors can cause the grinding wheel and the regulating roller to contact each other so that when the grinding wheel and the regulating roller are rotating, the grinder wheel will smooth the surface of the regulating roller,   the data processor being designed for controlling the y-axis motor to control the depth of grinding and for controlling the x-axis to control the grinding wheel and the regulating roller to sweep past one another longitudinally.   
   
   
       11 . (canceled)