Cutting – Tool engages work during dwell of intermittent workfeed – Means to change tool position – or length or datum position...
Reexamination Certificate
1998-02-02
2001-04-17
Goodman, Charles (Department: 3724)
Cutting
Tool engages work during dwell of intermittent workfeed
Means to change tool position, or length or datum position...
C083S268000, C083S393000, C083S468000, C083S468700, C083S522210
Reexamination Certificate
active
06216574
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The field of this invention relates generally to automated cutting or sawing systems. In particular, the field of this invention relates to automated precision metering means or stop manipulation for a tabletop cutting system.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Cutting systems such as that depicted in
FIG. 2
(prior art) have been around for some time, as gleaned from the Speed Cut, Inc. brochure. However, advances in the stop positioning systems of such cutting systems have been limited. There are numerous drawbacks to prior art metering or stop positioning systems such as that depicted in FIG.
2
. For instance, the time it takes to manually change a desired length of a cut from, say, one foot, six inches to one foot, eight inches, or five feet, six inches to five feet, eight inches, is limited by the dexterity of the user of the apparatus vis-a-vis crank C and handle H. Certainly, as can be seen in large scale operations, time lost in repositioning a system such as this over the course of high usage results in unnecessary labor costs.
Another drawback of the prior art system of
FIG. 2
is that, upon repeated use wherein workpieces are forcefully pushed against the stops S, the stops S tend to creep from their desired position to an undesired position, resulting in undesired cutting lengths. This is true of such prior art devices even if a brake is employed because prior art brakes have been inadequate for repeated, rough treatment from users. Of course, this also results in having to readjust the stop position from time to time due to the movement of the stop positions. Corollarily, this also results in a user having to check those stop positions periodically to ensure that they are accurately set. Again, this results in a serious waste of labor, time and money over the long haul.
Again, where we are considering a system such as that depicted in
FIG. 2
, we are looking at an industrial or shop setting wherein that system is intended for high volume usage. By further automating wood or metal cutting or other workpiece cutting as it relates to such a tabletop cutting apparatus, certain efficiencies can be achieved which the prior art is incapable of at the present.
The following prior art reflects the state of the art of which applicant is aware and is included herewith to discharge applicant's acknowledged duty to disclose relevant prior art. It is stipulated, however, that none of these references teach singly nor render obvious when considered in any conceivable combination the nexus of the instant invention as disclosed in greater detail hereinafter and as particularly claimed.
OTHER PRIOR ART (Including Author, Title, Date, Pertinent Pages, Etc.) “Turntable Cutting System”, Speed Cut, Inc., date unknown, entire brochure (4 pages).
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Generally speaking, the instant invention is an automated precision metering means for defining workpiece cut lengths. A plurality of spaced stops may be precisely relocated by a linear electric motor means by merely repositioning a pointer on a scale. Correspondingly, the distance displaced by the pointer on the scale will be the resulting equal distance of displacement of the linear motor means and therefore the stops. This is accomplished via a closed-loop circuit design which causes motor action that follows, precisely, pointer displacement. That is, a two inch movement of the pointer on a scale by the hand of a user (really the touch of a finger) will result in a guide rail, and therefore all stops attached thereto, to move that same distance in that same direction.
Additionally, a braking system is likewise disclosed so that once a desired position for the stops is located, that position is held fast; this is so even after repeated workpiece collisions with the stops. An electromechanical braking system is capable of withstanding forces in excess of those commonly experienced for such an apparatus (i.e., slamming workpieces into stops).
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
The primary object of the present invention is to automate the process of relocating the stop positions for a predetermined length cutting apparatus.
Another overall object of the present invention is to provide such an automated system wherein, once the stops are relocated to a desired position, the stops remain fixed in their position until relocation is again desired.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an automated stop relocation system.
It is another object of the present invention to utilize a linear motorized means to relocate stops.
It is another object of the present invention to use an electric braking system to prevent the stops of the present invention from dislocating from desired points.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a precise metering system whereby displacement is accomplished by sliding a pointer on a scale.
Viewed from a first vantage point, it is an object of the present invention to provide a cutting apparatus, comprising, in combination, a saw, a table extending from and beneath the saw, a plurality of workpiece abutment means extending upwardly and outwardly from a top surface of the table, means for automatically repositioning the stops, the automatic repositioning means operatively coupled to the stops.
Viewed from a second vantage point, it is an object of the present invention to provide a method for precisely specifying the length of a cut for a workpiece on a table saw, the steps comprising, in combination, orienting a pointer on a scale in the direction and distance desired for a cut length change, driving a guide having a plurality of spaced stops thereon correlative to the orientation of the pointer.
Viewed from a third vantage point, it is an object of the present invention to provide a table saw automatic stop adjustment kit, comprising, in combination, guide rail means coupleable to the table, a plurality of stops coupled to the guide, electromechanical reorientation means operatively coupled to the guide for adjusting the stops on the table.
These and other objects will be made manifest when considering the following detailed specification when taken in conjunction with the appended drawing figures.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2838078 (1958-06-01), Cusanza
patent: 3304824 (1967-02-01), Hess, Sr. et al.
patent: 3811353 (1974-05-01), Miles
patent: 3910142 (1975-10-01), Jureit et al.
patent: 4175458 (1979-11-01), Paris, Jr. et al.
patent: 4412468 (1983-11-01), Bucy
patent: 5040443 (1991-08-01), Price
patent: 5134914 (1992-08-01), Morosini
patent: 5144994 (1992-09-01), Stecker, Sr.
“Turntable Cutting System”, Speed Cut, Inc., date unknown, entire brochure (4 pages).
Goodman Charles
Kreten Bernard
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