This conveyance system (190) comprises: a main control device (150) that receives a conveyance request for a workpiece (W) from a plurality of processing machines (1A, 1B); and a conveyance device (100) that conveys the workpiece (W) between a storage shelf (2) and the plurality of processing machines (1A, 1B). The main control device (150) transmits a standby signal indicating whether or not a plurality of conveyance requests are held in the main control device (150). A local control device (70) of the conveyance device (100) moves a carriage (10) with a first travel control parameter when the standby signal indicates that the plurality of conveyance requests are held in the main control device (150), and moves the carriage (10) with a second travel control parameter when the standby signal indicates that the plurality of conveyance requests are not held in the main control device.

To provide a numerical controller for facilitating mass production of various types of workpieces in comparison with a prior art, by controlling a rotary index machine or the like having a plurality of machining stations. A numerical controller for a machine tool executes multi-path control for collectively controlling a plurality of paths requiring conveyance operations between the processes when each of workpieces receives a plurality of processes. The numerical controller includes an execution unit for executing a plurality of machining programs each of which is generated for each of the workpieces so as to correspond to each of the paths, the plurality of machining programs including execution commands of the processes and conveyance commands between the processes.

An apparatus for orienting a partially coated spherical-object includes a pedestal, a camera, and a controller. The spherical object contains a coating over a portion of a surface. The coating defines a spherical-cap, and the spherical cap defines a polar-axis. The polar-axis is oriented normal to a plane defining a base of the spherical cap, wherein an intersection of the plane and the surface defines a boundary line. The pedestal retains the spherical object and selectively rotates the spherical object about a longitudinal axis of the pedestal. The camera captures an image of the spherical object on the pedestal. The controller is in communication with the pedestal and the camera. The controller is operable to control the rotation of the pedestal, detect the boundary line in the image, and determine when the pedestal has positioned the spherical object to cause the boundary line to have a zero curvature.

To provide a numerical controller for facilitating mass production of various types of workpieces in comparison with a prior art, by controlling a rotary index machine or the like having a plurality of machining stations. A numerical controller for a machine tool executes multi-path control for collectively controlling a plurality of paths requiring conveyance operations between the processes when each of workpieces receives a plurality of processes. The numerical controller includes an execution unit for executing a plurality of machining programs each of which is generated for each of the workpieces so as to correspond to each of the paths, the plurality of machining programs including execution commands of the processes and conveyance commands between the processes.

An apparatus for orienting a partially coated spherical-object includes a pedestal, a camera, and a controller. The spherical object contains a coating over a portion of a surface. The coating defines a spherical-cap, and the spherical cap defines a polar-axis. The polar-axis is oriented normal to a plane defining a base of the spherical cap, wherein an intersection of the plane and the surface defines a boundary line. The pedestal retains the spherical object and selectively rotates the spherical object about a longitudinal axis of the pedestal. The camera captures an image of the spherical object on the pedestal. The controller is in communication with the pedestal and the camera. The controller is operable to control the rotation of the pedestal, detect the boundary line in the image, and determine when the pedestal has positioned the spherical object to cause the boundary line to have a zero curvature.