Geometrical instruments – Gauge – Collocating
Reexamination Certificate
1999-05-28
2001-04-03
Bennett, G. Bradley (Department: 2859)
Geometrical instruments
Gauge
Collocating
C033S628000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06209218
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to a squaring system. More particularly, the present invention relates to a squaring system particularly well suited for aligning and calibrating a panel saw assembly.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Panel saw assemblies are used for cutting various types of materials and typically comprise a frame upon which a saw carriage is mounted in a vertically movable relationship with respect to the assembly. The saw carriage normally is attached to the frame via vertical guide rails along which the saw carriage can be moved. The saw carriage typically can be locked in any desired vertical position along the length of the guide rails for horizontal (rip) cuts, or can be unlocked so that it can be used to make vertical (cross) cuts. The saw carriage supports a panel saw mounted thereto that performs the cutting of the material placed on the frame of the assembly. The frame normally also has a support pan mounted thereon that supports the material being sawed.
One problem with conventional panel saw assemblies, is that it is often difficult to ensure that square cuts can be made, especially after continued use. In such conventional panel saw assemblies, squaring of the assembly normally is accomplished by adjusting the vertical guide rails. In particular, either the top or bottom end of each guide rail is laterally adjusted with respect to the frame to both ensure that each guide rail is perpendicular to the work piece supported by the frame, as well as parallel to the other guide rail. Although it is possible to correctly square a panel saw assembly through such adjustment of the vertical guide rails, typically it is difficult to do so. Even if one of the guide rails is aligned correctly, it still may be difficult to ensure that the guide rails are parallel to each other. Moreover, even if the guide rails are aligned so as to be parallel, it is possible for either or both of the guide rails to become skewed over time as the saw panel assembly is used. Furthermore, it is difficult to make small alignment adjustments. Often, the guide rails are laterally moved either too far or not far enough. Therefore, the alignment process can be a time consuming process requiring protracted trial and error.
From the above, it can be appreciated that it would be desirable to have a squaring system which provides for simplified squaring of two structural members such as the vertical guide rails of a panel saw assembly, and which allows for simplification of the alignment process and which prevents these members from falling out of alignment once so aligned.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a squaring system for aligning structural elements. The system comprises a first alignment member, a second alignment member, a plurality of alignment openings provided in each of the first and second alignment members, the alignment openings being arranged in a first row in the first alignment member and being arranged in a second row in the second alignment member, the openings of the first row being uniformly spaced from each other a predetermined distance X and the openings of the second row being uniformly spaced from each other a predetermined distance Y, wherein distance X is different from distance Y, and a lock member that is sized and configured to extend into the alignment openings to fix the relative positions of the first and second alignment members.
The present invention further relates to a method for aligning structural elements. The method comprises the steps of providing a first alignment member with a first row of alignment openings and providing a second alignment member with a second row of alignment openings, the openings of the first row being uniformly spaced from each other a predetermined distance X and the openings of the second row being uniformly spaced from each other a predetermined distance Y, wherein distance X is different from distance Y, and extending a lock member into selected alignment openings to fix the relative positions of the first and second alignment members.
The objects, features, and advantages of this invention will become apparent upon reading the following specification, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is intended that all such additional features and advantages be included therein with the scope of the present invention, as defined by the claims.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4137643 (1979-02-01), Carmel
patent: 4566193 (1986-01-01), Hackleman et al.
patent: 5735054 (1998-04-01), Cole
patent: 5797193 (1998-08-01), Amend et al.
Bennett G. Bradley
Thomas Kayden Horstemeyer & Risley, L.L.P.
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