Metal working – Plural diverse manufacturing apparatus including means for... – Binding or covering and cutting
Reexamination Certificate
1998-12-04
2001-11-27
Briggs, William (Department: 3722)
Metal working
Plural diverse manufacturing apparatus including means for...
Binding or covering and cutting
C198S345100, C198S867050, C206S323000, C221S119000, C269S287000, C409S219000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06321430
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to the field of engraving. More particularly, the invention relates to a method and system for holding and transporting engraveable workpieces of different configurations.
There is a great consumer demand for personally engraved items of many different shapes and sizes. To meet this demand, many stores offer a variety of engraveable items to consumers. These stores maintain engraving machines on the premises so that the engraveable items may be engraved with a message or design chosen by the consumer.
There are two basic types of engraving machines, manual and automated. Typically, a manual engraving machine must be operated by a skilled engraver. One of the necessary skills is the ability to properly position a workpiece in the engraving machine. If the workpiece is not positioned properly in the machine, the engraving process will result in a ruined workpiece. Maintaining a skilled engraver on site can be an expensive proposition for many small stores.
Automated engraving machines are viable alternatives to the manual engraving machines. An automated engraving machine is designed to perform many of the detailed portions of the engraving operation and, thus, avoid the need to have a skilled engraver complete the engraving. However, a problem with the known automated engraving machines is the cost associated with the need to handle workpieces of different configurations. To handle differently shaped workpieces, the known automated machines, like the machine disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,569,003, utilize a design that includes a series of storage columns that store blank workpieces and a series of corresponding shuttles that transport the workpieces from the storage area to the engraving area. The shuttles also hold the workpiece in place during the engraving operation. Because the orientation of the workpiece is critical to producing a properly engraved item, each storage column and shuttle must be uniquely configured to handle a particular size and shape of workpiece. Thus, to engrave a workpiece having a new shape, many parts of the automated engraving machine must be exchanged to accommodate the new shape.
Another problem with the known automated engraving machines is the manner in which workpieces are stored. In the typical automated engraving machine, blank workpieces are stacked one on top of another in storage columns. When workpieces are loaded into the storage columns or when workpieces are removed from the storage columns for engraving, the workpieces tend to slide against each other. The resulting contact of workpiece on workpiece may result in scratches or other damage on one or both of the workpieces. This damage, which occurs prior to the engraving process, results in a poor quality product.
In light of the foregoing, there is a need for a workpiece carrying system that will eliminate the need to account for each individually shaped workpiece and that will protect the workpieces.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a system and method for holding and transporting engraveable workpieces of different configurations. The advantages and purposes of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The advantages and purposes of the invention will be realized and attained by the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
To attain the advantages and in accordance with the purposes of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, the invention is directed to a system for holding workpieces of different configurations. The system includes a first engraveable workpiece that has a first configuration and a second engraveable workpiece that has a second configuration that is different from the first configuration. There is provided a first workpiece carrier that has an internal relief configured to receive and hold the first engraveable workpiece. There is also provided a second workpiece carrier that has an internal relief configured to receive and hold the second engraveable workpiece. The outer shape of the second workpiece carrier has substantially the same shape as the outer shape of the first workpiece carrier.
In another aspect, the invention is directed to an engraving system. The engraving system includes a first engraveable workpiece that has a first configuration and a second engraveable workpiece that has a second configuration that is different from the first configuration. There is provided a first workpiece carrier that has an internal relief configured to receive and hold the first workpiece and a second workpiece carrier that has an internal relief configured to receive and hold the second workpiece. The outer surface of the second workpiece carrier has substantially the same shape as the outer surface of the first workpiece carrier. There is further provided an engraving machine that includes a workpiece clamping device. The workpiece clamping device is configured to receive either the first workpiece carrier or the second workpiece carrier to position the first or second workpiece held therein for engraving.
In still another aspect, the invention is directed to an engraving system that includes an engraveable workpiece and a workpiece carrier that has an internal relief configured to receive the engraveable workpiece. A snap lock is disposed along the internal relief to hold the engraveable workpiece within the internal relief.
In yet another aspect, the invention is directed to an automated engraving system that includes a storage device for storing a plurality of engraveable workpieces. There is also provided a plurality of workpiece carriers to be stacked within the storage device. Each of the workpiece carriers is configured to carry one of the plurality of engraveable workpieces and provide a buffer from an adjacent workpiece to prevent the workpieces from being damaged in the storage device.
It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.
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Goldman Mark E.
Mueller Michael A.
Axxess Technologies, Inc.
Briggs William
Finnegan Henderson Farabow Garrett & Dunner L.L.P.
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