U.S. patent application number 17/145484 was filed with the patent office on 2022-07-14 for automated rod coil cutting station.
This patent application is currently assigned to PRIMETALS TECHNOLOGIES USA LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is PRIMETALS TECHNOLOGIES USA LLC. Invention is credited to Margaret Gentile, David Gow, Matthew Palfreman, Sudhakar Teegavarapu.
Application Number | 20220219215 17/145484 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-07-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220219215 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gentile; Margaret ; et
al. |
July 14, 2022 |
AUTOMATED ROD COIL CUTTING STATION
Abstract
Disclosed within are various embodiments that provide for an
automated rod coil cutting station for both ferrous and non-ferrous
wire rod mills.
Inventors: |
Gentile; Margaret;
(Shrewsbury, MA) ; Teegavarapu; Sudhakar;
(Hopkinton, MA) ; Palfreman; Matthew; (Worcester,
MA) ; Gow; David; (Sterling, MA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
PRIMETALS TECHNOLOGIES USA LLC |
Alpharetta |
GA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
PRIMETALS TECHNOLOGIES USA
LLC
Alpharetta
GA
|
Appl. No.: |
17/145484 |
Filed: |
January 11, 2021 |
International
Class: |
B21C 47/14 20060101
B21C047/14; B21C 47/26 20060101 B21C047/26 |
Claims
1. A system comprising: (a) a stem and a nose cone coaxially
located above the stem; (b) a reform tub coaxially located with the
nose and stem, the reform tub enclosing the nose and at least a
portion of the stem; (c) at least one retractable iris mounted to
the reform tub; (d) a retractable shear mounted to the reform tub
and located underneath the retractable iris; (e) a coil plate
located underneath the retractable shear; and (f) a robotic arm
positioned underneath the retractable shear; the controller: (1)
setting the retractable iris to engage the nose while holding a
coil within the reform tub, and upon the coil attaining a
pre-determined height, the controller retracting, for a
pre-determined time period, the retractable iris to no longer
engage the nose wherein, upon such retraction for the
pre-determined time period, a portion of the coil falls to the coil
plate; (2) after expiration of the pre-determined time period,
setting the retractable iris to engage the nose where a remainder
of the coil is held within the reform tub; (3) setting the
retractable shear to not impede with the portion of the coil or the
remainder of the coil, wherein the portion of the coil and the
remainder of the coil are separated by an umbilical cord, (4)
setting the retractable shear to sever the umbilical cord, and (5)
sending one or more instructions to the robotic arm to convey a
severed end of the umbilical cord to a feed mechanism or a
carrier.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the system further comprising a
height sensor to monitor the height of the coil, wherein the height
sensor transmits a signal to the controller to indicate that the
pre-determined height has been attained.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the portion of the coil and the
remainder of the coil are of equal height, wherein the equal height
is 1/2 of coil's height.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein, prior to conveying the severed
end of the umbilical cord to the feed mechanism or the carrier, a
sample of coil is trimmed for analysis.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the feed mechanism or the carrier
is picked from a plurality of feed mechanisms or a plurality of
carriers.
6. The system of claim 5, wherein feed mechanism or the carrier is
picked based on any one of the following properties: wire diameter,
steel grade, or finish temperature.
7. A method as implemented in a reform station unit of a wire rod
mill system, the reform station unit comprising: a stem and a nose
cone coaxially located above the stem; a reform tub coaxially
located with the nose and stem, the reform tub enclosing the nose
and at least a portion of the stem; at least one retractable iris
mounted to the reform tub; a retractable shear mounted to the
reform tub and located underneath the retractable iris; a coil
plate located underneath the retractable shear; and a robotic arm
positioned underneath the retractable shear, the method comprising
the steps of: (a) setting the retractable iris to engage the nose
while holding a coil within the reform tub, and upon the coil
attaining a pre-determined height, the controller retracting, for a
pre-determined time period, the retractable iris to no longer
engage the nose wherein, upon such retraction for the
pre-determined time period, a portion of the coil falls to the coil
plate; (b) after expiration of the pre-determined time period,
setting the retractable iris to engage the nose where a remainder
of the coil is held within the reform tub; (c) setting the
retractable shear to not impede with the portion of the coil or the
remainder of the coil, wherein the portion of the coil and the
remainder of the coil are separated by an umbilical cord; (d)
setting the retractable shear to sever the umbilical cord, and (e)
sending one or more instructions to the robotic arm to convey a
severed end of the umbilical cord to a feed mechanism or a
carrier.
8. A system comprising: (a) a stem and a nose cone coaxially
located above the stem; (b) a reform tub coaxially located with the
nose and stem, the reform tub enclosing the nose and at least a
portion of the stem; (c) at least one retractable iris mounted to
the reform tub; (d) a robotic arm with a shear mounted thereon and
a set of pincers, the robotic arm and the pincers located beneath
the retractable iris; and (e) a coil plate located underneath the
robotic arm; the controller: (1) setting the retractable iris to
engage the nose while holding a coil within the reform tub, and
upon the coil attaining a pre-determined height, the controller
retracting, for a pre-determined time period, the retractable iris
to no longer engage the nose wherein, upon such retraction for the
pre-determined time period, a portion of the coil falls to the coil
plate; (2) after expiration of the pre-determined time period,
setting the retractable iris to engage the nose while holding a
remainder of the coil within the reform tub; (3) setting the
robotic arm and the set of pincers to not impede with the portion
of the coil or the remainder of the coil, wherein the portion of
the coil and the remainder of the coil are separated by an
umbilical cord; (4) sending instructions to the set of pincers to
position the umbilical cord for shearing; (5) sending instructions
to the robotic arm to sever the umbilical cord using the shear
mounted thereon, and (6) sending instructions to the robotic arm to
convey a severed end of the umbilical cord to a feed mechanism or a
carrier.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein the system further comprising a
height sensor to monitor the height of the coil, wherein the height
sensor transmits a signal to the controller to indicate that the
pre-determined height has been attained.
10. The system of claim 8, wherein the portion of the coil and the
remainder of the coil are of equal height, wherein the equal height
is 1/2 of coil's height.
11. The system of claim 8, wherein, prior to conveying the severed
end of the umbilical cord to the feed mechanism or the carrier, a
sample of coil is trimmed for analysis.
12. The system of claim 8, wherein the feed mechanism or the
carrier is picked from a plurality of feed mechanisms or a
plurality of carriers.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein feed mechanism or the carrier
is picked based on any one of the following properties: wire
diameter, steel grade, or finish temperature.
14. A method as implemented in a reform station unit of a wire rod
mill system, the reform station unit comprising: a stem and a nose
cone coaxially located above the stem, a reform tub coaxially
located with the nose and stem, the reform tub enclosing the nose
and at least a portion of the stem, at least one retractable iris
mounted to the reform tub, a robotic arm with a shear mounted
thereon and a set of pincers, the robotic arm and the pincers
located beneath the retractable iris, and a coil plate located
underneath the robotic arm, the method comprising the steps of: (a)
setting the retractable iris to engage the nose while holding a
coil within the reform tub, and upon the coil attaining a
pre-determined height, the controller retracting, for a
pre-determined time period, the retractable iris to no longer
engage the nose wherein, upon such retraction for the
pre-determined time period, a portion of the coil falls to the coil
plate; (b) after expiration of the pre-determined time period,
setting the retractable iris to engage the nose while holding a
remainder of the coil within the reform tub; (c) setting the
robotic arm and the set of pincers to not impede with the portion
of the coil or the remainder of the coil, wherein the portion of
the coil and the remainder of the coil are separated by an
umbilical cord; (d) sending instructions to the set of pincers to
position the umbilical cord for shearing; (e) sending instructions
to the robotic arm to sever the umbilical cord using the shear
mounted thereon; and (f) sending instructions to the robotic arm to
convey a severed end of the umbilical cord to a feed mechanism or a
carrier.
15. A system comprising: (a) a stem and a nose cone coaxially
located above the stem; (b) a reform tub coaxially located with the
nose and stem, the reform tub enclosing the nose and at least a
portion of the stem; (c) at least one retractable iris mounted to
the reform tub; (d) a first robotic arm with a shear mounted
thereon, the robotic arm located beneath the retractable iris; (e)
a second robotic arm and a third robotic arm for positioning coils;
and (f) a coil plate located underneath the first, second, and
third robotic arms; the controller: (1) setting the retractable
iris to engage the nose while holding a coil within the reform tub,
and upon the coil attaining a pre-determined height, the controller
retracting, for a pre-determined time period, the retractable iris
to no longer engage the nose wherein, upon such retraction for the
pre-determined time period, a portion of the coil falls to the coil
plate; (2) after expiration of the pre-determined time period,
setting the retractable iris to engage the nose while holding a
remainder of the coil within the reform tub; (3) setting the first,
second and third robotic arms to not impede with the portion of the
coil or the remainder of the coil, wherein the portion of the coil
and the remainder of the coil are separated by an umbilical cord;
(4) sending instructions to the second and third robotic arms to
position the umbilical cord for shearing; (5) sending instructions
to the first robotic arm to sever the umbilical cord using the
shear mounted thereon, and (6) sending instructions to the first
robotic arm to convey a severed end of the umbilical cord to a feed
mechanism or a carrier.
16. The system of claim 15, wherein the severed end of the
umbilical cord is conveyed to the feed mechanism or the carrier via
a fourth robotic arm for conveying coils.
17. The system of claim 15, wherein the system further comprising a
height sensor to monitor the height of the coil, wherein the height
sensor transmits a signal to the controller to indicate that the
pre-determined height has been attained.
18. The system of claim 15, wherein the portion of the coil and the
remainder of the coil are of equal height, wherein the equal height
is 1/2 of coil's height.
19. The system of claim 15, wherein, prior to conveying the severed
end of the umbilical cord to the feed mechanism or the carrier, a
sample of coil is trimmed for analysis.
20. The system of claim 15, wherein the feed mechanism or the
carrier is picked from a plurality of feed mechanisms or a
plurality of carriers.
21. The system of claim 20, wherein feed mechanism or the carrier
is picked based on any one of the following properties: wire
diameter, steel grade, or finish temperature.
22. A method as implemented in a reform station unit of a wire rod
mill system, the reform station unit comprising: a stem and a nose
cone coaxially located above the stem, a reform tub coaxially
located with the nose and stem, the reform tub enclosing the nose
and at least a portion of the stem, at least one retractable iris
mounted to the reform tub, a first robotic arm with a shear mounted
thereon, the robotic arm located beneath the retractable iris, a
second robotic arm and a third robotic arm for positioning coils,
and a coil plate located underneath the first, second, and third
robotic arms, the method comprising the steps of: (a) setting the
retractable iris to engage the nose while holding a coil within the
reform tub, and upon the coil attaining a pre-determined height,
the controller retracting, for a pre-determined time period, the
retractable iris to no longer engage the nose wherein, upon such
retraction for the pre-determined time period, a portion of the
coil falls to the coil plate; (b) after expiration of the
pre-determined time period, setting the retractable iris to engage
the nose while holding a remainder of the coil within the reform
tub; (c) setting the first, second and third robotic arms to not
impede with the portion of the coil or the remainder of the coil,
wherein the portion of the coil and the remainder of the coil are
separated by an umbilical cord; (d) sending instructions to the
second and third robotic arms to position the umbilical cord for
shearing; (e) sending instructions to the first robotic arm to
sever the umbilical cord using the shear mounted thereon, and (f)
sending instructions to the first robotic arm to convey a severed
end of the umbilical cord to a feed mechanism or a carrier.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of Invention
[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of wire
rod mills. More specifically, the present invention is related to
an automated rod coil cutting station for ferrous and non-ferrous
wire rod mills.
Discussion of Related Art
[0002] FIG. 1 depicts a typical production operation 100 in
non-ferrous mills. In non-ferrous mills, such as ones used for
copper and aluminum rod production, the production operation is
usually carried out as a continuous process, starting with a
casting mechanism 102 (e.g., a casting wheel or similar method)
that continuously casts raw material into a shape. Next, one or
more hot rolling units 104 are used to hot roll the product in a
series of steps down to the desired rod diameter and cooled via
cooling unit 106. Many mills then use a vertical coiler 108 to form
the rod into a continuous helix that is deposited onto a pallet so
that a coil is formed as the pallet is lowered below the vertical
coiler 108.
[0003] FIG. 2A depicts the coil being formed in a tub, with the
leading end of the rod temporarily attached to a support, ready for
manual handling after coil formation is complete.
[0004] When the desired coil mass is obtained, a set of retractable
supports or fingers, also known as iris fingers, close to catch
subsequent rings for the formation of a new coil. Between the first
coil and the second coil, a section of rod, referred to as the
umbilical cord, connects the two coils. This section of the rod
(i.e., the umbilical cord) is then manually cut (a sample often
taken from the end trailing from the first coil), where the loose
end of the rod is wrapped by hand into a tidy bundle and placed
next to the coil. This manual operation can be dangerous and
monotonous for the operators.
[0005] FIGS. 2B-E further depict the manual separation of the
umbilical cord and wrapping of loose ends.
[0006] FIG. 3 depicts a typical production operation 300 in
non-ferrous mills. Ferrous mills can operate either continuously,
with direct casting (via casting mechanism 302) to rolling (via one
or more hot rolling units 304), or semi-continuously, with billets.
After rolling (via one or more hot rolling units 304), the rod is
also formed into a helix (via a helix formation unit 306) and
placed onto a cooling conveyor or cooling unit 308, after which the
rings go into a reform station 310 for collection in the form of a
coil. When the desired mass is collected on a first coil, a set of
retractable supports or fingers, also known as reform tub iris 312,
close to start collecting a second coil, which a coil plate lowers
with the first coil. Similar to the case above, an umbilical cord
of rod remains between the two coils.
[0007] On ferrous mills, the cord must be simple cut--this is done
now with a reform tub shear, which is mechanically complex and
expensive. FIG. 4 depicts an example of a ferrous mill reform
station and FIG. 5 depicts an example of a ferrous mill reform
station with a tub shear.
[0008] FIG. 6 depicts an example of a typical process for forming
steel rod in a wire rod mill involves reheating cast steel billets
in a furnace 602 and carrying out a continuous hot rolling process
in roughing section 604, intermediate section 606 and finishing
section 608 to form continuous wire rod. The wire rod is partially
cooled in cooling section 610 and formed into loops 614 by a laying
head 612 and laid on a cooling conveyor 616, such as a Stelmor-type
conveyor, which carries the loops 614 to a reform chamber 618. At
the reform chamber 618, the loops are dropped vertically onto a
central guide in a reform tub and formed into an annular coil in
the reform tub with the assistance of a rotating guide surface, for
example of the type as described in EP0583099.
[0009] The reform chamber 618 of FIG. 6 in which such a divider can
be used is illustrated in more detail in FIGS. 7A through 7C. As
shown in FIG. 7A, a ring distributor 702 is provided at the entry
to the reform tub 704. Reform tub 704 is generally cylindrical
about an axis 706 and a nose cone 708 is provided above a stem 710,
co-axial with the reform tub 704. A first iris 712 and a second
iris 714 are mounted to the reform tub 704 as well as a shear 716.
At the bottom of the reform tub 704 is a coil plate 718. A first
control and drive system 720 is provided for the first iris 712 and
the second iris 714, and a second control and drive system 722 is
provided for the shear 716. Sensors 724 at the top of the reform
tub are connected to the first control system 720. FIG. 7B shows
the iris in its operating position, whereby the tabs 726, or
fingers, of the iris protrude through the wall of the reform tub
704, the tips of the fingers close to, or in contact with the nose
cone 708 to provide support to a coil being formed. In FIG. 7C, the
iris is in its open position with the tabs retracted through the
walls, so that the coil can fall down to the next support
level.
[0010] FIGS. 7D-7H illustrate an example of operation of the reform
device of FIGS. 7A-7C. As shown in FIG. 7D, loops 730 are brought
by the conveyor 732 to the entry to the reform tub 704. At the
entry to the reform tub 704, the rotating guide surface, or ring
distributor 702, assists in producing a uniform distribution of
coils in a controlled manner. The loops drop vertically passing
through the ring distributor 702 onto the first iris 712 in the
reform tub 704. A coil 728 forms inside the cylindrical reform tub
704, supported on the fingers 726 of the first iris 712 which are
set at a position part-way down the reform tub 704. Typically, the
tabs 726 are retractably mounted to project through the wall of the
reform tub, their tips close to, in contact with, or passing
through slots into the nose cone 708 in the center of and co-axial
with the reform tub 704 when providing support, then retracted
through the tub wall and out of the reform tub 704 when the first
iris 712 is in its open position. The nose cone 708 assists in
guiding the coils as they are formed. Sensors 724 determine when
the coil 728 has reached a predetermined upper limit of coil height
and send a signal to the controller 720 to cause the tabs 726 of
the first iris 712 to be retracted, allowing the formed coil to
drop by a fixed distance to the second iris 714, as illustrated in
FIG. 7E. This second iris 714 will be in the position as previously
depicted in FIG. 7B, with tabs of the second iris 714 extended into
the reform tub 704.
[0011] The coiling process continues increasing the size of coil
730 until the top of the coil is determined to have reached the
upper limit of coil height and a signal from the sensor 724 to the
controller 720 causes the tabs of the second iris 714 to retract
and drop this coil 730 a predetermined distance onto the coil plate
718. Between the coil plate 718 and the second iris 714, the shear
716 is mounted in an open position and does not interfere with the
coil 730 dropping to the coil plate 718. Formation of the coil 732
continues as shown in FIG. 7F until the coils are again above the
position of the first iris 712. The controller 720 then causes
actuators to move the tabs 726 of the first iris 712 back into
place, as illustrated in FIG. 7G and the coil plate 718 is dropped
by a required amount in order for the coil 734 to be separated from
coil 740 now held above the first shear 716. The separation
distance opens out a helix, so that there is rod between the two
coils 734, 740 set at a suitable angle for cutting and the shear
716 then operates to cut the rod. Where the tabs pass through into
the nose cone 708, this allows the nose cone 708 and ring
distributor 702 to be lifted by the first iris 712, so that the
controller 720 can move the stem 710 down and away from the nose
cone 708. Alternatively, the stem 710 may be lowered, whilst the
first iris 712 provides support. The completed coil 734 on the coil
plate 718 is moved down and extracted as shown in FIG. 7H. The coil
plate 718 is then returned to its initial position.
[0012] As noted above, on non-ferrous mills, the coil separation
process has historically been done manually, with no automation.
Also, as noted above, on ferrous mills, reform tub shears are used,
but they are expensive, require space in the reform station and are
difficult to retrofit into existing reform stations.
[0013] Embodiments of the present invention are an improvement over
prior art systems and methods.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a system
comprising: (a) a stem and a nose cone coaxially located above the
stem; (b) a reform tub coaxially located with the nose and stem,
the reform tub enclosing the nose and at least a portion of the
stem; (c) at least one retractable iris mounted to the reform tub;
(d) a retractable shear mounted to the reform tub and located
underneath the retractable iris; (e) a coil plate located
underneath the retractable shear; and (f) a robotic arm positioned
underneath the retractable shear; the controller: (1) setting the
retractable iris to engage the nose while holding a coil within the
reform tub, and upon the coil attaining a pre-determined height,
the controller retracting, for a pre-determined time period, the
retractable iris to no longer engage the nose wherein, upon such
retraction for the pre-determined time period, a portion of the
coil falls to the coil plate; (2) after expiration of the
pre-determined time period, setting the retractable iris to engage
the nose where a remainder of the coil is held within the reform
tub; (3) setting the retractable shear to not impede with the
portion of the coil or the remainder of the coil, wherein the
portion of the coil and the remainder of the coil are separated by
an umbilical cord, (4) setting the retractable shear to sever the
umbilical cord, and (5) sending one or more instructions to the
robotic arm to convey a severed end of the umbilical cord to a feed
mechanism or a carrier.
[0015] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a
method as implemented in a reform station unit of a wire rod mill
system, the reform station unit comprising: a stem and a nose cone
coaxially located above the stem; a reform tub coaxially located
with the nose and stem, the reform tub enclosing the nose and at
least a portion of the stem; at least one retractable iris mounted
to the reform tub; a retractable shear mounted to the reform tub
and located underneath the retractable iris; a coil plate located
underneath the retractable shear; and a robotic arm positioned
underneath the retractable shear, the method comprising the steps
of: (a) setting the retractable iris to engage the nose while
holding a coil within the reform tub, and upon the coil attaining a
pre-determined height, the controller retracting, for a
pre-determined time period, the retractable iris to no longer
engage the nose wherein, upon such retraction for the
pre-determined time period, a portion of the coil falls to the coil
plate; (b) after expiration of the pre-determined time period,
setting the retractable iris to engage the nose where a remainder
of the coil is held within the reform tub; (c) setting the
retractable shear to not impede with the portion of the coil or the
remainder of the coil, wherein the portion of the coil and the
remainder of the coil are separated by an umbilical cord; (d)
setting the retractable shear to sever the umbilical cord, and (e)
sending one or more instructions to the robotic arm to convey a
severed end of the umbilical cord to a feed mechanism or a
carrier.
[0016] In yet another embodiment, the present invention provides a
system comprising: (a) a stem and a nose cone coaxially located
above the stem; (b) a reform tub coaxially located with the nose
and stem, the reform tub enclosing the nose and at least a portion
of the stem; (c) at least one retractable iris mounted to the
reform tub; (d) a robotic arm with a shear mounted thereon and a
set of pincers, the robotic arm and the pincers located beneath the
retractable iris; and (e) a coil plate located underneath the
robotic arm; the controller: (1) setting the retractable iris to
engage the nose while holding a coil within the reform tub, and
upon the coil attaining a pre-determined height, the controller
retracting, for a pre-determined time period, the retractable iris
to no longer engage the nose wherein, upon such retraction for the
pre-determined time period, a portion of the coil falls to the coil
plate; (2) after expiration of the pre-determined time period,
setting the retractable iris to engage the nose while holding a
remainder of the coil within the reform tub; (3) setting the
robotic arm and the set of pincers to not impede with the portion
of the coil or the remainder of the coil, wherein the portion of
the coil and the remainder of the coil are separated by an
umbilical cord; (4) sending instructions to the set of pincers to
position the umbilical cord for shearing; (5) sending instructions
to the robotic arm to sever the umbilical cord using the shear
mounted thereon, and (6) sending instructions to the robotic arm to
convey a severed end of the umbilical cord to a feed mechanism or a
carrier.
[0017] In yet another embodiment, the present invention provides a
method as implemented in a reform station unit of a wire rod mill
system, the reform station unit comprising: a stem and a nose cone
coaxially located above the stem, a reform tub coaxially located
with the nose and stem, the reform tub enclosing the nose and at
least a portion of the stem, at least one retractable iris mounted
to the reform tub, a robotic arm with a shear mounted thereon and a
set of pincers, the robotic arm and the pincers located beneath the
retractable iris, and a coil plate located underneath the robotic
arm, the method comprising the steps of: (a) setting the
retractable iris to engage the nose while holding a coil within the
reform tub, and upon the coil attaining a pre-determined height,
the controller retracting, for a pre-determined time period, the
retractable iris to no longer engage the nose wherein, upon such
retraction for the pre-determined time period, a portion of the
coil falls to the coil plate; (b) after expiration of the
pre-determined time period, setting the retractable iris to engage
the nose while holding a remainder of the coil within the reform
tub; (c) setting the robotic arm and the set of pincers to not
impede with the portion of the coil or the remainder of the coil,
wherein the portion of the coil and the remainder of the coil are
separated by an umbilical cord; (d) sending instructions to the set
of pincers to position the umbilical cord for shearing; (e) sending
instructions to the robotic arm to sever the umbilical cord using
the shear mounted thereon; and (f) sending instructions to the
robotic arm to convey a severed end of the umbilical cord to a feed
mechanism or a carrier.
[0018] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a
system comprising: (a) a stem and a nose cone coaxially located
above the stem; (b) a reform tub coaxially located with the nose
and stem, the reform tub enclosing the nose and at least a portion
of the stem; (c) at least one retractable iris mounted to the
reform tub; (d) a first robotic arm with a shear mounted thereon,
the robotic arm located beneath the retractable iris; (e) a second
robotic arm and a third robotic arm for positioning coils; and (f)
a coil plate located underneath the first, second, and third
robotic arms; the controller: (1) setting the retractable iris to
engage the nose while holding a coil within the reform tub, and
upon the coil attaining a pre-determined height, the controller
retracting, for a pre-determined time period, the retractable iris
to no longer engage the nose wherein, upon such retraction for the
pre-determined time period, a portion of the coil falls to the coil
plate; (2) after expiration of the pre-determined time period,
setting the retractable iris to engage the nose while holding a
remainder of the coil within the reform tub; (3) setting the first,
second and third robotic arms to not impede with the portion of the
coil or the remainder of the coil, wherein the portion of the coil
and the remainder of the coil are separated by an umbilical cord;
(4) sending instructions to the second and third robotic arms to
position the umbilical cord for shearing; (5) sending instructions
to the first robotic arm to sever the umbilical cord using the
shear mounted thereon, and (6) sending instructions to the first
robotic arm to convey a severed end of the umbilical cord to a feed
mechanism or a carrier.
[0019] In yet another embodiment, the present invention provides a
method as implemented in a reform station unit of a wire rod mill
system, the reform station unit comprising: a stem and a nose cone
coaxially located above the stem, a reform tub coaxially located
with the nose and stem, the reform tub enclosing the nose and at
least a portion of the stem, at least one retractable iris mounted
to the reform tub, a first robotic arm with a shear mounted
thereon, the robotic arm located beneath the retractable iris, a
second robotic arm and a third robotic arm for positioning coils,
and a coil plate located underneath the first, second, and third
robotic arms, the method comprising the steps of: (a) setting the
retractable iris to engage the nose while holding a coil within the
reform tub, and upon the coil attaining a pre-determined height,
the controller retracting, for a pre-determined time period, the
retractable iris to no longer engage the nose wherein, upon such
retraction for the pre-determined time period, a portion of the
coil falls to the coil plate; (b) after expiration of the
pre-determined time period, setting the retractable iris to engage
the nose while holding a remainder of the coil within the reform
tub; (c) setting the first, second and third robotic arms to not
impede with the portion of the coil or the remainder of the coil,
wherein the portion of the coil and the remainder of the coil are
separated by an umbilical cord; (d) sending instructions to the
second and third robotic arms to position the umbilical cord for
shearing; (e) sending instructions to the first robotic arm to
sever the umbilical cord using the shear mounted thereon, and (f)
sending instructions to the first robotic arm to convey a severed
end of the umbilical cord to a feed mechanism or a carrier.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] The present disclosure, in accordance with one or more
various examples, is described in detail with reference to the
following figures. The drawings are provided for purposes of
illustration only and merely depict examples of the disclosure.
These drawings are provided to facilitate the reader's
understanding of the disclosure and should not be considered
limiting of the breadth, scope, or applicability of the disclosure.
It should be noted that for clarity and ease of illustration these
drawings are not necessarily made to scale.
[0021] FIG. 1 depicts a typical production operation in non-ferrous
mills.
[0022] FIG. 2A depicts the coil being formed in a tub, with the
leading end of the rod temporarily attached to a support, ready of
for manual handling after coil formation is complete.
[0023] FIGS. 2B-2E further depict the manual separation of the
umbilical cord and wrapping of loose ends.
[0024] FIG. 3 depicts a typical production operation in non-ferrous
mills.
[0025] FIG. 4 depicts an example of a ferrous mill reform
station.
[0026] FIG. 5 depicts an example of a ferrous mill reform station
with a tub shear.
[0027] FIG. 6 depicts an example of a typical process for forming
steel rod in a wire rod mill.
[0028] FIGS. 7A-7C depict in more detail the reform chamber of FIG.
6.
[0029] FIGS. 7A-7H illustrate an example of operation of the reform
device of FIGS. 7A-7C.
[0030] FIGS. 8A-8H depict one embodiment of the present invention
for grabbing a coil beneath a tub shear at the reform end of a wire
rod mill, wherein a robot arm is used to convey a cut end of a coil
to a feed mechanism or carrier.
[0031] FIGS. 9A-9F depict another embodiment of the present
invention that uses a robot arm for conveying the cut while using a
set of pincers to position the coil for cutting with a shear
mounted on the robot arm.
[0032] FIGS. 10A-10G depict yet another embodiment of the present
invention that uses three (3) robot arms, two for separating the
coil and one for shearing/conveying or, optionally, using four
robot arms, two for separating the coil, one for shearing, and one
for conveying.
[0033] FIGS. 11A-11B depict sample arrangements showing a setup
with 3 robot arms and a setup with 4 robot arms, respectively.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0034] While this invention is illustrated and described in a
preferred embodiment, the invention may be produced in many
different configurations. There is depicted in the drawings, and
will herein be described in detail, a preferred embodiment of the
invention, with the understanding that the present disclosure is to
be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the
invention and the associated functional specifications for its
construction and is not intended to limit the invention to the
embodiment illustrated. Those skilled in the art will envision many
other possible variations within the scope of the present
invention.
[0035] Note that in this description, references to "one
embodiment" or "an embodiment" mean that the feature being referred
to is included in at least one embodiment of the invention.
Further, separate references to "one embodiment" in this
description do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment;
however, neither are such embodiments mutually exclusive, unless so
stated and except as will be readily apparent to those of ordinary
skill in the art. Thus, the present invention can include any
variety of combinations and/or integrations of the embodiments
described herein.
[0036] FIGS. 8A through 8H depict one embodiment of the present
invention for grabbing a coil beneath a tub shear at the reform end
of a wire rod mill, wherein a robot arm 801 is used to convey a cut
end of a coil to a feed mechanism or carrier. This arrangement uses
a robot with gripper attachment to hold the coil while a horizontal
shear cuts the coil. The robot arm may also contain a shear for the
purpose of trimming a sample from the end of the rod.
[0037] FIG. 8A depicts rings falling into the reforming tub and
landing on the uppermost iris 802. The rest of the system is
waiting for enough coil to accumulate in order to begin action.
This action is determined by coil height which is measured
electronically using photo eye height sensors, system timing, or
similar.
[0038] FIG. 8B depicts rings continuing to accumulate in the tub.
The iris(es) 802, 804, and 806 open sequentially (i.e., iris 802
opens first, iris 804 opens second, and iris 806 opens last) as
necessary to ensure the coil forms uniformly and does not overflow
the tub.
[0039] FIG. 8C depicts, when the coil 808 is tall enough, iris 806
opening and dropping the unfinished coil portion 808 onto coilplate
810.
[0040] FIG. 8D depicts, when enough coil mass is on coilplate 810
(typically defined by half the coil weight), iris 806 inside the
tub closes to create separation between the two halves of the coil
808-1 and 808-2, leaving two separate coil halves connected by a
single strand of wire (or umbilicus) 812.
[0041] FIG. 8E depicts the robotic arm 801 gripping the wire 812 in
preparation for the shear cut. It locates the wire by means of a
vision system camera or similar device.
[0042] FIG. 8F depicts the horizontal shear 814 mounted below the
reform tub severing coil 812. There are now two separate coils one
inside the tub 808-1 and one below the tub 808-2.
[0043] FIG. 8G depicts the robot arm 801 that is left holding the
cut coil end. A sample of rod for analysis can be trimmed from the
end of the coil at this time if necessary.
[0044] FIG. 8H depicts the robot arm 801 delivering the newly
severed coil end to a holder or feed mechanism 816. Where the coil
end is placed depends on the mill's specific coil handling
procedure. The mill may have several different types of
holders/feed mechanisms available and the robot may be asked to
choose one from the lot depending on input from the mill's central
controls on properties such as rod diameter, steel grade, finish
temperature, etc. At this time, a sample may be trimmed from the
rod either by the robot or the holder mechanism after the rod is
placed inside of it by the robot.
[0045] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a system
comprising: (a) a stem and a nose cone coaxially located above the
stem; (b) a reform tub coaxially located with the nose and stem,
the reform tub enclosing the nose and at least a portion of the
stem; (c) at least one retractable iris mounted to the reform tub;
(d) a retractable shear mounted to the reform tub and located
underneath the retractable iris; (e) a coil plate located
underneath the retractable shear; and (f) a robotic arm positioned
underneath the retractable shear. In this embodiment: (1) the
controller sets the retractable iris to engage the nose while
holding a coil within the reform tub, and upon the coil attaining a
pre-determined height, the controller retracts, for a
pre-determined time period, the retractable iris to no longer
engage the nose wherein, upon such retraction for the
pre-determined time period (e.g., until 1/2 of the coil height
falls to the coil plate), a portion of the coil falls to the coil
plate; (2) after expiration of the pre-determined time period
(e.g., until 1/2 of the coil height falls to the coil plate), the
controller sets the retractable iris to engage the nose where a
remainder of the coil is held within the reform tub; (3) the
controller sets the retractable shear to not impede with the
portion of the coil or the remainder of the coil, wherein the
portion of the coil and the remainder of the coil are separated by
an umbilical cord, (4) the controller sets the retractable shear to
sever the umbilical cord, and (5) the controller sends one or more
instructions to the robotic arm to convey a severed end of the
umbilical cord to a feed mechanism or a carrier.
[0046] In this embodiment, the present invention provides a method
as implemented in a reform station unit of a wire rod mill system,
the reform station unit comprising: a stem and a nose cone
coaxially located above the stem; a reform tub coaxially located
with the nose and stem, the reform tub enclosing the nose and at
least a portion of the stem; at least one retractable iris mounted
to the reform tub; a retractable shear mounted to the reform tub
and located underneath the retractable iris; a coil plate located
underneath the retractable shear; and a robotic arm positioned
underneath the retractable shear, the method comprising the steps
of: (a) setting the retractable iris to engage the nose while
holding a coil within the reform tub, and upon the coil attaining a
pre-determined height, the controller retracting, for a
pre-determined time period, the retractable iris to no longer
engage the nose wherein, upon such retraction for the
pre-determined time period, a portion of the coil falls to the coil
plate; (b) after expiration of the pre-determined time period,
setting the retractable iris to engage the nose where a remainder
of the coil is held within the reform tub; (c) setting the
retractable shear to not impede with the portion of the coil or the
remainder of the coil, wherein the portion of the coil and the
remainder of the coil are separated by an umbilical cord; (d)
setting the retractable shear to sever the umbilical cord, and (e)
sending one or more instructions to the robotic arm to convey a
severed end of the umbilical cord to a feed mechanism or a
carrier.
[0047] FIGS. 9A through 9F depict another embodiment of the present
invention that uses robot arm 901 for conveying the cut while using
a set of pincers to position the coil for cutting with a shear
mounted on the robot arm. This arrangement uses the robot to both
grip/manipulate the coil and shear the coil. The robot is mounted
with a combination tool that allows it to hold the rod and cut the
rod.
[0048] FIG. 9A depicts rings falling into the reforming tub and
landing on the uppermost iris 902. The rest of the system is
waiting for enough coil to accumulate in order to begin action.
This action is determined by coil height which is measured
electronically using photo eye height sensors, system timing, or
similar.
[0049] FIG. 9B depicts rings continuing to accumulate in the tub.
Iris(es) 902, 904, and 906 open sequentially (i.e., iris 902 opens
first, iris 904 opens second, and iris 906 opens last) as necessary
to ensure the coil forms uniformly and does not overflow the
tub.
[0050] FIG. 9C depicts, when the coil 908 is tall enough, iris 906
opening and dropping the unfinished coil portion 908 onto the
coilplate 910.
[0051] FIG. 9D depicts, when enough coil mass is on the coilplate
910 (typically defined by half the coil weight), iris 906 inside
the tub closes to create separation between the two halves of the
coil 908-1 and 908-2, leaving two separate coil halves connected by
a single strand of wire (or umbilicus) 912.
[0052] FIG. 9E depicts the robotic arm 901 gripping the wire 912 in
preparation for the shear cut. The shear mounted on the end of the
robot arm 901 cuts the coil at the indicated location. The two
halves of the coil are now separate, and the robot arm 901 is left
gripping the end of the newly formed coil on the mandrel stem.
[0053] FIG. 9F depicts the robot arm 901 delivering the newly
severed coil end to a holder or feed mechanism 916. Where the coil
end is placed depends on the mill's specific coil handling
procedure. The mill may have several different types of
holders/feed mechanisms available and the robot may be asked to
choose one from the lot depending on input from the mill's central
controls on properties such as rod diameter, steel grade, finish
temperature, etc.
[0054] In this embodiment, the present invention provides a system
comprising: (a) a stem and a nose cone coaxially located above the
stem; (b) a reform tub coaxially located with the nose and stem,
the reform tub enclosing the nose and at least a portion of the
stem; (c) at least one retractable iris mounted to the reform tub;
(d) a robotic arm with a shear mounted thereon and a set of
pincers, the robotic arm and the pincers located beneath the
retractable iris; and (e) a coil plate located underneath the
robotic arm. In this embodiment: (1) the controller sets the
retractable iris to engage the nose while holding a coil within the
reform tub, and upon the coil attaining a pre-determined height,
the controller retracts, for a pre-determined time period, the
retractable iris to no longer engage the nose wherein, upon such
retraction for the pre-determined time period (e.g., until 1/2 of
the coil height falls to the coil plate), a portion of the coil
falls to the coil plate; (2) after expiration of the pre-determined
time period (e.g., until 1/2 of the coil height falls to the coil
plate), the controller sets the retractable iris to engage the nose
while holding a remainder of the coil within the reform tub; (3)
the controller sets the robotic arm and the set of pincers to not
impede with the portion of the coil or the remainder of the coil,
wherein the portion of the coil and the remainder of the coil are
separated by an umbilical cord; (4) the controller sends
instructions to the set of pincers to position the umbilical cord
for shearing; (5) the controller sends instructions to the robotic
arm to sever the umbilical cord using the shear mounted thereon,
and (6) the controller sends instructions to the robotic arm to
convey a severed end of the umbilical cord to a feed mechanism or a
carrier.
[0055] In this embodiment, the present invention provides a method
as implemented in a reform station unit of a wire rod mill system,
the reform station unit comprising: a stem and a nose cone
coaxially located above the stem, a reform tub coaxially located
with the nose and stem, the reform tub enclosing the nose and at
least a portion of the stem, at least one retractable iris mounted
to the reform tub, a robotic arm with a shear mounted thereon and a
set of pincers, the robotic arm and the pincers located beneath the
retractable iris, and a coil plate located underneath the robotic
arm, the method comprising the steps of: (a) setting the
retractable iris to engage the nose while holding a coil within the
reform tub, and upon the coil attaining a pre-determined height,
the controller retracting, for a pre-determined time period, the
retractable iris to no longer engage the nose wherein, upon such
retraction for the pre-determined time period, a portion of the
coil falls to the coil plate; (b) after expiration of the
pre-determined time period, setting the retractable iris to engage
the nose while holding a remainder of the coil within the reform
tub; (c) setting the robotic arm and the set of pincers to not
impede with the portion of the coil or the remainder of the coil,
wherein the portion of the coil and the remainder of the coil are
separated by an umbilical cord; (d) sending instructions to the set
of pincers to position the umbilical cord for shearing; (e) sending
instructions to the robotic arm to sever the umbilical cord using
the shear mounted thereon; and (f) sending instructions to the
robotic arm to convey a severed end of the umbilical cord to a feed
mechanism or a carrier.
[0056] FIGS. 10A through 10G depict yet another embodiment of the
present invention that uses three (3) robot arms 1001-1, 1001-2 and
1001-3, two for separating the coil and one for shearing/conveying
or, optionally, using four robot arms (not shown), two for
separating the coil, one for shearing, and one for conveying. This
arrangement can have variable numbers of robot arms depending on
how the mill wants to process the coil. The robot arms can
individually be mounted with any arrangement of gripper tools,
shearing tools, or combination tools that both grip and shear the
bar at once, or any other type of specialty tool useful for
completing the coil cutting and handling process. The robots can be
arranged symmetrically or radially around the tub, or in any other
suitable arrangement, depending on the mill's unique needs, as long
as the robots do not interfere with each other or with the movement
of the coils.
[0057] FIG. 10A depicts rings falling into the reforming tub and
land on the uppermost iris 1002. The rest of the system is waiting
for enough coil to accumulate in order to begin action. This action
is determined by coil height which is measured electronically using
photo eye height sensors, system timing, or similar.
[0058] FIG. 10B depicts rings continuing to accumulate in the tub.
The iris(es) 1002, 1004 and 1006 open sequentially (i.e., iris 1002
opens first, iris 1004 opens second, and iris 1006 opens last) as
necessary to ensure the coil forms uniformly and does not overflow
the tub.
[0059] FIG. 10C depicts, when the coil 1008 is tall enough, iris
1006 opening and dropping the unfinished coil portion onto the
coilplate 1010.
[0060] FIG. 10D depicts, when enough coil mass is on the coilplate
1010 (typically defined by half the coil weight), iris 1006 inside
the tub closing to create separation between the two halves of the
coil 1008-1 and 1008-2, leaving two separate coil halves connected
by a single strand of wire (or umbilicus) 1012.
[0061] FIG. 10E depicts two of the robot arms 1001-1 and 1001-3
(the gripper robots) gripping the umbilical wire 1012 at strategic
locations chosen according to the wire's current position (relative
to the mandrel stem and shearing robot) and positioning the wire
1012 at an optimal location for the upcoming shear cut.
[0062] FIG. 10F depicts the shearing robot 1001-2 moving in and
cutting the wire 1012. The position can be determined from feedback
from a vision camera system, relative positions of the other
robots, or similar arrangements.
[0063] FIG. 10G depicts the coil that is now separated into two
halves 1008-1 and 1008-2. A gripper robot 1001-1 and 1001-3
maintains hold on each half. At this time, a sample may be trimmed
from the coil end by one or more of the robot arms before the robot
holding the coil tail end conveys it to a holder or feed mechanism
1016. Where exactly the coil end is placed depends on the mill's
specific coil handling procedure. The mill may have several
different types of holders/feed mechanisms available and the robot
may be asked to choose one from the lot depending on input from the
mill's central controls on properties such as rod diameter, steel
grade, finish temperature, etc.
[0064] In this embodiment, the present invention provides a system
comprising: (a) a stem and a nose cone coaxially located above the
stem; (b) a reform tub coaxially located with the nose and stem,
the reform tub enclosing the nose and at least a portion of the
stem; (c) at least one retractable iris mounted to the reform tub;
(d) a first robotic arm with a shear mounted thereon, the robotic
arm located beneath the retractable iris; (e) a second robotic arm
and a third robotic arm for positioning coils; and (f) a coil plate
located underneath the first, second, and third robotic arms.
[0065] In this embodiment: (1) the controller sets the retractable
iris to engage the nose while holding a coil within the reform tub,
and upon the coil attaining a pre-determined height, the controller
retracts, for a pre-determined time period, the retractable iris to
no longer engage the nose wherein, upon such retraction for the
pre-determined time period, a portion of the coil falls to the coil
plate; (2) after expiration of the pre-determined time period, the
controller sets the retractable iris to engage the nose while
holding a remainder of the coil within the reform tub; (3) the
controller sets the first, second and third robotic arms to not
impede with the portion of the coil or the remainder of the coil,
wherein the portion of the coil and the remainder of the coil are
separated by an umbilical cord; (4) the controller sends
instructions to the second and third robotic arms to position the
umbilical cord for shearing; (5) the controller sends instructions
to the first robotic arm to sever the umbilical cord using the
shear mounted thereon, and (6) the controller sends instructions to
the first robotic arm to convey a severed end of the umbilical cord
to a feed mechanism or a carrier.
[0066] According to this embodiment, the present invention provides
a method as implemented in a reform station unit of a wire rod mill
system, the reform station unit comprising: a stem and a nose cone
coaxially located above the stem, a reform tub coaxially located
with the nose and stem, the reform tub enclosing the nose and at
least a portion of the stem, at least one retractable iris mounted
to the reform tub, a first robotic arm with a shear mounted
thereon, the robotic arm located beneath the retractable iris, a
second robotic arm and a third robotic arm for positioning coils,
and a coil plate located underneath the first, second, and third
robotic arms, the method comprising the steps of: (a) setting the
retractable iris to engage the nose while holding a coil within the
reform tub, and upon the coil attaining a pre-determined height,
the controller retracting, for a pre-determined time period, the
retractable iris to no longer engage the nose wherein, upon such
retraction for the pre-determined time period, a portion of the
coil falls to the coil plate; (b) after expiration of the
pre-determined time period, setting the retractable iris to engage
the nose while holding a remainder of the coil within the reform
tub; (c) setting the first, second and third robotic arms to not
impede with the portion of the coil or the remainder of the coil,
wherein the portion of the coil and the remainder of the coil are
separated by an umbilical cord; (d) sending instructions to the
second and third robotic arms to position the umbilical cord for
shearing; (e) sending instructions to the first robotic arm to
sever the umbilical cord using the shear mounted thereon, and (f)
sending instructions to the first robotic arm to convey a severed
end of the umbilical cord to a feed mechanism or a carrier.
[0067] FIG. 11A depicts sample arrangements showing a setup with 3
robot arms.
[0068] FIG. 11B depicts sample arrangement showing a setup with 4
robot arms.
[0069] On non-ferrous mills, the present invention's system and
method would completely eliminate the problem of manual cutting of
the umbilical cord, sample taking and wrapping of the loose ends.
It would provide a consistent process and eliminate potential
safety hazards. On ferrous mills, the system would provide a
cost-effective alternative to reform tub shears and be
retrofittable to many existing coil reforming stations.
[0070] The present invention's system and method also incorporates
within the coil forming process, strategic use of sensors, vision
systems, robotics, etc.
[0071] The present invention's system and method has the capability
to handle a wide range of sizes and grades. The present invention's
system and method is also able to perform shearing, conveying, etc.
within a window of time that does not affect the cycle time of the
coil forming operation.
[0072] The present invention's system provides an automatic
function for severing the umbilical cord rather than a risky,
manual operation. This provides a more efficient and consistent
operation in the case of non-ferrous products. In the case of
ferrous coil-separation, the present invention provides a less
mechanically involved system.
[0073] The logical operations of robotic arms in the various
embodiments are implemented as: (1) a sequence of computer
implemented steps, operations, or procedures running on a
programmable circuit within a general use computer, (2) a sequence
of computer implemented steps, operations, or procedures running on
a specific-use programmable circuit; and/or (3) interconnected
machine modules or program engines within the programmable
circuits.
[0074] The above-described features associated with the logical
operations of the robotic arms in the various embodiments may be
implemented as software processes that are specified as a set of
instructions recorded on a computer readable storage medium (also
referred to as computer readable medium). When these instructions
are executed by one or more processing unit(s) (e.g., one or more
processors, cores of processors, or other processing units), they
cause the processing unit(s) to perform the actions indicated in
the instructions. Embodiments within the scope of the present
disclosure may also include tangible and/or non-transitory
computer-readable storage media for carrying or having
computer-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon.
Such non-transitory computer-readable storage media can be any
available media that can be accessed by a general purpose or
special purpose computer, including the functional design of any
special purpose processor. By way of example, and not limitation,
such non-transitory computer-readable media can include flash
memory, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage,
magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any
other medium which can be used to carry or store desired program
code means in the form of computer-executable instructions, data
structures, or processor chip design. The computer readable media
does not include carrier waves and electronic signals passing
wirelessly or over wired connections.
[0075] Computer-executable instructions include, for example,
instructions and data which cause a general purpose computer,
special purpose computer, or special purpose processing device to
perform a certain function or group of functions.
Computer-executable instructions also include program modules that
are executed by computers in stand-alone or network environments.
Generally, program modules include routines, programs, components,
data structures, objects, and the functions inherent in the design
of special-purpose processors, etc. that perform particular tasks
or implement particular abstract data types. Computer-executable
instructions, associated data structures, and program modules
represent examples of the program code means for executing steps of
the methods disclosed herein. The particular sequence of such
executable instructions or associated data structures represents
examples of corresponding acts for implementing the functions
described in such steps.
[0076] Processors suitable for the execution of a computer program
include, by way of example, both general and special purpose
microprocessors, and any one or more processors of any kind of
digital computer. Generally, a processor will receive instructions
and data from a read-only memory or a random access memory or both.
The essential elements of a computer are a processor for performing
or executing instructions and one or more memory devices for
storing instructions and data. Generally, a computer will also
include, or be operatively coupled to receive data from or transfer
data to, or both, one or more mass storage devices for storing
data, e.g., magnetic, magneto-optical disks, or optical disks.
[0077] In this specification, the term "software" is meant to
include firmware residing in read-only memory or applications
stored in magnetic storage or flash storage, for example, a
solid-state drive, which can be read into memory for processing by
a processor. Also, in some implementations, multiple software
technologies can be implemented as sub-parts of a larger program
while remaining distinct software technologies. In some
implementations, multiple software technologies can also be
implemented as separate programs. Finally, any combination of
separate programs that together implement a software technology
described here is within the scope of the subject technology. In
some implementations, the software programs, when installed to
operate on one or more electronic systems, define one or more
specific machine implementations that execute and perform the
operations of the software programs.
[0078] A computer program (also known as a program, software,
software application, script, or code) can be written in any form
of programming language, including compiled or interpreted
languages, declarative or procedural languages, and it can be
deployed in any form, including as a stand-alone program or as a
module, component, subroutine, object, or other unit suitable for
use in a computing environment. A computer program may, but need
not, correspond to a file in a file system. A program can be stored
in a portion of a file that holds other programs or data (e.g., one
or more scripts stored in a markup language document), in a single
file dedicated to the program in question, or in multiple
coordinated files (e.g., files that store one or more modules, sub
programs, or portions of code). A computer program can be deployed
to be executed on one computer or on multiple computers that are
located at one site or distributed across multiple sites and
interconnected by a communication network.
[0079] These functions described above can be implemented in
digital electronic circuitry, in computer software, firmware or
hardware. The techniques can be implemented using one or more
computer program products. Programmable processors and computers
can be included in or packaged as mobile devices. The processes and
logic flows can be performed by one or more programmable processors
and by one or more programmable logic circuitry. General and
special purpose computing devices and storage devices can be
interconnected through communication networks.
[0080] Some implementations include electronic components, for
example microprocessors, storage and memory that store computer
program instructions in a machine-readable or computer-readable
medium (alternatively referred to as computer-readable storage
media, machine-readable media, or machine-readable storage media).
Some examples of such computer-readable media include RAM, ROM,
read-only compact discs (CD-ROM), recordable compact discs (CD-R),
rewritable compact discs (CD-RW), read-only digital versatile discs
(e.g., DVD-ROM, dual-layer DVD-ROM), a variety of
recordable/rewritable DVDs (e.g., DVD-RAM, DVD-RW, DVD+RW, etc.),
flash memory (e.g., SD cards, mini-SD cards, micro-SD cards, etc.),
magnetic or solid state hard drives, read-only and recordable
BluRay.RTM. discs, ultra density optical discs, any other optical
or magnetic media, and floppy disks. The computer-readable media
can store a computer program that is executable by at least one
processing unit and includes sets of instructions for performing
various operations. Examples of computer programs or computer code
include machine code, for example is produced by a compiler, and
files including higher-level code that are executed by a computer,
an electronic component, or a microprocessor using an
interpreter.
[0081] While the above discussion primarily refers to
microprocessor or multi-core processors that execute software, some
implementations are performed by one or more integrated circuits,
for example application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) or
field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). In some implementations,
such integrated circuits execute instructions that are stored on
the circuit itself.
[0082] It is understood that any specific order or hierarchy of
steps in the processes disclosed is an illustration of example
approaches. Based upon design preferences, it is understood that
the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the processes may be
rearranged, or that all illustrated steps be performed. Some of the
steps may be performed simultaneously. For example, in certain
circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing may be
advantageous. Moreover, the separation of various system components
illustrated above should not be understood as requiring such
separation, and it should be understood that the described program
components and systems can generally be integrated together in a
single software product or packaged into multiple software
products.
[0083] Various modifications to these aspects will be readily
apparent, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied
to other aspects. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited
to the aspects shown herein, but is to be accorded the full scope
consistent with the language claims, where reference to an element
in the singular is not intended to mean "one and only one" unless
specifically so stated, but rather "one or more." Unless
specifically stated otherwise, the term "some" refers to one or
more. Pronouns in the masculine (e.g., his) include the feminine
and neuter gender (e.g., her and its) and vice versa. Headings and
subheadings, if any, are used for convenience only and do not limit
the subject technology.
[0084] A phrase, for example, an "aspect" does not imply that the
aspect is essential to the subject technology or that the aspect
applies to all configurations of the subject technology. A
disclosure relating to an aspect may apply to all configurations,
or one or more configurations. A phrase, for example, an aspect may
refer to one or more aspects and vice versa. A phrase, for example,
a "configuration" does not imply that such configuration is
essential to the subject technology or that such configuration
applies to all configurations of the subject technology. A
disclosure relating to a configuration may apply to all
configurations, or one or more configurations. A phrase, for
example, a configuration may refer to one or more configurations
and vice versa.
[0085] The various embodiments described above are provided by way
of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the scope
of the disclosure. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize
various modifications and changes that may be made to the
principles described herein without following the example
embodiments and applications illustrated and described herein, and
without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.
[0086] While this specification contains many specific
implementation details, these to should not be construed as
limitations on the scope of any invention or of what may be
claimed, but rather as descriptions of features that may be
specific to particular embodiments of particular inventions.
Certain features that are described in this specification in the
context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in
combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features
that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also
be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any
suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be
described above as acting in certain combinations and even
initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed
combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and
the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or
variation of a subcombination.
[0087] Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in
a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that
such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in
sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed,
to achieve desirable results.
[0088] As noted above, particular embodiments of the subject matter
have been described, but other embodiments are within the scope of
the following claims. For example, the actions recited in the
claims can be performed in a different order and still achieve
desirable results. As one example, the processes depicted in the
accompanying figures do not necessarily require the particular
order shown, or sequential order, to achieve desirable results. In
certain implementations, multitasking and parallel processing may
be advantageous.
CONCLUSION
[0089] A system and method have been shown in the above embodiments
for the effective implementation of an automated rod coil cutting
station. While various preferred embodiments have been shown and
described, it will be understood that there is no intent to limit
the invention by such disclosure, but rather, it is intended to
cover all modifications falling within the spirit and scope of the
invention, as defined in the appended claims.
* * * * *