Conveyors: power-driven – Conveyor section – Reciprocating conveying surface
Reexamination Certificate
1998-07-15
2001-02-06
Valenza, Jospeh E. (Department: 3651)
Conveyors: power-driven
Conveyor section
Reciprocating conveying surface
Reexamination Certificate
active
06182818
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is related generally to an apparatus for performing work operations on one or more layers of sheet-type work material, and is more specifically directed to an apparatus whereby the work material is supported on a conveyor defined in-part by a plurality of consecutively oriented movable slats coupled to, and driven by at least three flexible drive members.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention has particular utility in the manufacture of garment pattern pieces and will be described herein as directed to such use. Generally, garment pattern pieces are fabricated by positioning one or more layers of sheet-type work material on a cutter table. A cutting head movably mounted on the cutter table traverses the length and width of the work material cutting the pattern pieces from the layers, in response to commands issued from a controller. The support surface upon which the work material is positioned is usually a conveyor comprised in-part by a plurality of slats positioned consecutively in a side-by-side relationship relative to one another, longitudinally of the cutter table. Collectively, the slats form a support surface for carrying the work material during the performance of a work operation.
In prior art cutter tables, each slat is usually coupled to a conveyor drive mechanism that includes a pair of chains, spaced apart relative to one another and extending longitudinally along the cutter table. Generally, the chains are driven by rotatable sprockets mounted to the cutter table at opposite ends thereof. Since the cutter tables are as wide as possible to accommodate large fabric widths, the slats have a tendency to sag between the chains. This causes the surface upon which the work material is supported to be cambered rather than flat which has the potential to cause the production of inaccurately cut pattern pieces.
Upon completion of a cutting operation, the work material is generally conveyed from the cutter table to what is referred to by those skilled in the pertinent art as a “take-off table.” To accommodate the transition from the cutter table to the take-off table, a ramped surface composed of a number of finger-like extensions projects from, and across the take-off table onto the cutter table. A problem associated with large portions of the slats being unsupported, is that the slats have a tendency to be overly flexible and to “bounce” causing gaps to open and close between the ramped surface and the slats. This can result in the work material being misfed into the gaps rather than onto the take-off table, thereby damaging the cut pattern pieces.
Another problem associated with the above-described unsupported slat spans, is that as the slats move along the cutter table, they can pile on top of one another, a phenomena referred to as “shingling.” When this occurs, the integrity of the cutting operation can be compromised, and the operation of the cutter table must be interrupted adding to the time and expense associated with producing the pattern pieces.
Based on the foregoing, it is the general object of the present invention to provide a conveyorized cutter table that overcomes the above-described drawbacks of prior art cutter tables.
It is a more specific object of the present invention to provide increasingly wide conveyorized cutter tables, wherein the slats and thereby the work material are adequately driven and supported during the performance of a work operation, without the sagging or shingling problems associated with prior art cutter tables.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a conveyorized cutter table for performing work operations on one or more layers of sheet-type work material that includes a frame, and at least three flexible advancing members coupled to the frame for movement in a direction longitudinally thereof. The flexible advancing members are approximately parallel, and spaced apart relative to one another.
A plurality of elongated slats are consecutively positioned relative to one another and extend transversely across the frame. Each slat defining a first upper surface, and a second lower surface coupled to each of the flexible drive members. The first upper surfaces of the slats collectively define a support surface adapted to carry the work material during the performance of a work operation. Drive means are provided for selectively moving the flexible advancing members, and thereby the slats coupled thereto in a direction longitudinal of the frame, in response to commands issued from a controller.
In a preferred embodiment, the flexible drive members comprise at least three chains, preferably a matched set, coupled to at least two approximately parallel, spaced-apart shafts extending transversely across and rotatably coupled to the frame at opposite ends thereof. At least one of the shafts is coupled to the drive means, such that during operation the drive means selectively causes the shaft to rotate thereby moving the chains and the slats attached thereto, in a direction longitudinal of the frame in response to commands issued from the controller. Preferably, each of the shafts are rotatably coupled to at least three bearings that in turn are mounted to the frame.
At least six sprockets are also provided, three of which are coupled to each shaft, adjacent to each of the bearings for engaging and driving the chains. In addition, at least three advancing member guides are mounted on, and extend longitudinally along the frame, each being positioned, adjacent at one end, to one of the sprockets mounted on one of the shafts; and at an opposing end, to a corresponding sprocket mounted on the other of the shafts. Preferably, each of the advancing member guides defines an upper surface for supporting the slats, thereby preventing the slats from sagging or shingling as they are advanced.
REFERENCES:
patent: 705474 (1902-07-01), St. James
patent: 796947 (1905-08-01), Thomas
patent: 1723357 (1929-08-01), Koopman
patent: 3194102 (1965-07-01), Jarnagin
patent: 4995287 (1991-02-01), Nasu
patent: 5412836 (1995-05-01), Kuchta
patent: 1 563 505 (1980-03-01), None
patent: 2 179 906 (1987-03-01), None
Hasiuk Peter
Kuchta Richard
Gerber Technology, Inc.
McCormick Paulding & Huber LLP
Valenza Jospeh E.
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