A method for preparing tool paths for use in a computer numerically controlled machine whereby the appearance of undesirable horizontal tool marks are minimized, comprised of identifying a surface texture and resolving the surface texture into at least one contour and identifying an underlying relief. A tool path is then prepared which is suitable for use in a computer numerically controlled machine wherein the tool path moves in accordance with the at least one contour of the identified surface texture while simultaneously carving the underlying relief.

A method of altering a rate of executing a motion plan by a computer-numerically-controlled machine can include: receiving, at a control unit of a computer-numerically-controlled machine and from a general purpose computer that is housed separately from the computer-numerically-controlled machine, a motion plan defining operations for causing movement of a moveable component of the computer-numerically-controlled machine; and altering, in response to a command received at the computer-numerically-controlled machine, a first execution rate of the operations to a second execution rate of the operations to change a rate of movement of the movable component. Systems and articles of manufacture, including computer program products, are also provided.

A method may include generating, by a camera having a view of an interior portion of a computer-numerically-controlled machine, an image comprising a pattern. The image can be transformed into a set of machine instructions for controlling the computer-numerically-controlled machine to effect a change in a material. The change can correspond to at least a portion of the pattern. At least one machine instruction from the set of machine instructions can be executed to control the computer-numerically-controlled machine to effect at least a portion of the change. The execution can include operating, in accordance with the at least one machine instruction, a tool coupled with the computer-numerically-controlled machine. The tool can configured to effect the change on the material. Related systems and articles of manufacture, including computer program products, are also provided.

The present invention relates to apparatuses, systems, and methods for defining positions where characters such as text, numbers, symbols, or the like are to be inscribed. Specifically, the positions may correspond with geometric shapes including, without limitation, arcs, circles, angles, lines, rectangles, or the like. Even more specifically, the apparatuses, systems, and methods define the positions using a plurality of points, such that information such as coordinates, angles, radiuses, perimeters, centers, heights, lengths, circumferences, or the like are not required. Further, measuring tools, prints, or operator skill/knowledge is not required.

A method for preparing tool paths for use in a computer numerically controlled machine whereby the appearance of undesirable horizontal tool marks are minimized, comprised of identifying a surface texture and resolving the surface texture into at least one contour and identifying an underlying relief. A tool path is then prepared which is suitable for use in a computer numerically controlled machine wherein the tool path moves in accordance with the at least one contour of the identified surface texture while simultaneously carving the underlying relief.

An etching device includes a control unit, a transportation portion, a feeding portion, a conveyor belt, a plurality of cleaning bins spaced apart from each other, a first etching slot, a second etching slot, and a third etching slot. The transportation portion is arranged on one side of the cleaning bin facing away the first etching slot. The feeding portion is arranged at an outer side of a dry bin. The conveyor belt connects between the transportation portion and the feeding portion. The etching device further includes a fourth transportation bin, a first transportation bin, a second transportation bin, and a third transportation bin. The first transportation bin is arranged at one side of the first etching slot, and the first transportation bin connects with the first etching slot.

A selectable symbol engraving tool for use with a CNC machine. The engraving tool includes a housing and an array of styluses supported in the housing. A pattern disk is rotatably supported in the housing and is connectable to a spindle of the CNC machine. The pattern disk includes a plurality of hole patterns, each selectable via rotation of the spindle and including one or more clearance holes corresponding to a symbol. The array of styluses is positioned to confront a selected one of the plurality of hole patterns such that styluses corresponding to the clearance holes are refracted and the remaining styluses are extended. The extended styluses are operative to engrave the symbol corresponding to the selected hole pattern in a work piece via orbiting about a virtual axis of rotation when the selectable character engraving tool is moved in a circular motion by the CNC machine.

A harsh environment camera system. The system can include an enclosure having an electronics compartment and a camera compartment with a camera opening. A camera module is disposed within the camera compartment and one or more electronic components capable of generating heat are positioned in the electronics compartment. A compressed gas connector, connectable to a gas source, can be mounted on the enclosure. A metering orifice having an inlet and an outlet is in fluid communication with the connector. The metering orifice is operative to cool a gas flowing therethrough, thereby condensing moisture from the gas. A gas conduit is in fluid communication with the outlet of the orifice and extends through the electronics compartment to the camera compartment. A portion of the gas conduit is positioned in close proximity to the one or more electronic components, whereby the gas is heated prior to entering the camera compartment.

A moveable head of a computer numerically controlled machine may deliver electromagnetic energy sufficient to cause a first change in a material at least partially contained within an interior space of the CNC machine. A feature of the material may be imaged using at least one camera present inside the interior space to update a position of the material, and the moveable head may be aligned to deliver electromagnetic energy sufficient to cause a second change in the material such that the second change is positioned on the material consistent with the first change and with an intended final appearance of the material. Methods, systems, and article of manufacture are described.

An execution plan segment of an execution plan can be received at a control unit of a computer numerically controlled machine from a general purpose computer. The execution plan segment can define operations for causing movement of a movable head of the computer numerically controlled machine to deliver electromagnetic energy to effect a change in a material within an interior space of the computer numerically controlled machine. The execution plan segment can include a predefined safe pausing point from which the execution plan can be restarted while minimizing a difference in appearance of a finished work-product relative to if a pause and restart are not necessary. Operations of the computer numerically controlled machine can be commenced only after determining that the execution plan segment has been received up to and including the predefined safe pausing point by the computer numerically controlled machine.