An automated manufacturing system includes two simultaneous and independently operating toolheads accessing any location within the same work volume, with the exception of locations in proximity to each other. The system includes a bed platform connected with X and Y linear axes. A θ rotational axis rotates the bed and its linear axes as a unit. A first toolhead has a fixed position relative to the θ axis, and a second toolhead is coupled with a linear R axis parallel to the bed. The bed X and Y axes move the bed relative to the first toolhead, enabling the first toolhead to reach any portion of the bed. The R linear axis and θ rotational axis allow the second toolhead to move almost anywhere in a circular area that is always centered near the first toolhead. The system's kinematics ensure that it is impossible for the toolheads to collide.

An automated manufacturing system includes two simultaneous and independently operating toolheads accessing any location within the same work volume, with the exception of locations in proximity to each other. The system includes a bed platform connected with X and Y linear axes. A θ rotational axis rotates the bed and its linear axes as a unit. A first toolhead has a fixed position relative to the θ axis, and a second toolhead is coupled with a linear R axis parallel to the bed. The bed X and Y axes move the bed relative to the first toolhead, enabling the first toolhead to reach any portion of the bed. The R linear axis and θ rotational axis allow the second toolhead to move almost anywhere in a circular area that is always centered near the first toolhead. The system's kinematics ensure that it is impossible for the toolheads to collide.

A method includes simulating a cutting tool drilling an earth formation by incrementally rotating the cutting tool at a plurality of time intervals, determining a true trajectory of a cutting element disposed on the cutting tool for the duration of the plurality of time intervals, and determining a dynamic work profile for the cutting element based on the true trajectory and a force acting on the cutting element at each time interval.

A method includes simulating a cutting tool drilling an earth formation by incrementally rotating the cutting tool at a plurality of time intervals, determining a true trajectory of a cutting element disposed on the cutting tool for the duration of the plurality of time intervals, and determining a dynamic work profile for the cutting element based on the true trajectory and a force acting on the cutting element at each time interval.

The present disclosure relates to systems and processes for controlling the relative positions or phasing of advancing substrates and/or components in absorbent article converting lines. The systems and methods may utilize feedback from technologies, such as vision systems, sensors, remote input and output stations, and controllers with synchronized embedded clocks to accurately correlate component placement detections and placement control on an absorbent article converting process. The systems and methods may accurately apply the use of precision clock synchronization for both instrumentation and control system devices on a non-deterministic communications network. In turn, the clock synchronized control and instrumentation network may be used to control the substrate position. As such, the controller may be programmed to the relative positions of substrates and components along the converting line without having to account for undeterminable delays.

Systems and methods for automated workflow comprise assigning a set of first targets to an uncompiled first workflow. The uncompiled first workflow specifies a first set of process modules. Each such module is associated with a subset of unit operations. Each unit operation includes a time interval and specifies an instrument. For each target in the set of first targets, the uncompiled workflow is translated into an instance of a compiled first workflow comprising a linear temporal order of unit operations, each including execution instructions for an addressed instrument. A set of second targets is obtained and assigned a second uncompiled workflow. Compilation of the second uncompiled workflow for each second target produces a different instance of a compiled second workflow. Each second compiled workflow comprises a linear temporal order of unit operations, with each unit operation including execution instructions for an addressed instrument and specifying a time interval.

Systems and methods for automated workflow comprise assigning a set of first targets to an uncompiled first workflow. The uncompiled first workflow specifies a first set of process modules. Each such module is associated with a subset of unit operations. Each unit operation includes a time interval and specifies an instrument. For each target in the set of first targets, the uncompiled workflow is translated into an instance of a compiled first workflow comprising a linear temporal order of unit operations, each including execution instructions for an addressed instrument. A set of second targets is obtained and assigned a second uncompiled workflow. Compilation of the second uncompiled workflow for each second target produces a different instance of a compiled second workflow. Each second compiled workflow comprises a linear temporal order of unit operations, with each unit operation including execution instructions for an addressed instrument and specifying a time interval.

The interference monitoring device comprises: an advanced position calculation unit that calculates an advanced position of the tool or the workpiece ahead by a predetermined period of time based on the program; an interference check unit that draws an estimated shape of a machined part of the workpiece after machining based on the advanced position, and makes the interference check based on the estimated shape of the machined part of the workpiece in the drawing; and an uncut region calculation unit that calculates an error between the estimated shape of the machined part of the workpiece in the drawing and an actual shape of the machined part of the workpiece after machining as an uncut region in the estimated shape of the machined part of the workpiece in the drawing. The interference check unit does not make the interference check in the uncut region.

The interference monitoring device comprises: an advanced position calculation unit that calculates an advanced position of the tool or the workpiece ahead by a predetermined period of time based on the program; an interference check unit that draws an estimated shape of a machined part of the workpiece after machining based on the advanced position, and makes the interference check based on the estimated shape of the machined part of the workpiece in the drawing; and an uncut region calculation unit that calculates an error between the estimated shape of the machined part of the workpiece in the drawing and an actual shape of the machined part of the workpiece after machining as an uncut region in the estimated shape of the machined part of the workpiece in the drawing. The interference check unit does not make the interference check in the uncut region.

Disclosed are various systems and features for use with a machine, such as a sewing machine, to facilitate multi-patch multi-view systems that may reduce errors associated with material thickness, object height, perspective. Such systems and features may be useful in the context of performing an action along a self-guided path on a substrate.