Stone slab transfer and processing system and methods

A method for cutting and preparing at least one of a stone slab or a sheet, having a finished side, the method comprising:

• I) Providing
• a) a pair of associated platforms including a first platform and a second platform housed on corresponding frame beds including a first frame bed and a second frame bed, each platform and corresponding frame bed being stationed beside and in proximity to the other platform and corresponding frame bed;
• i) each platform being pivotable and moveable about a respective longitudinal axis along the corresponding associated frame bed;
• ii) the second platform and second frame bed stationed next to the first platform and first frame bed wherein the second platform is pivotable between a first position contacting and covering the second frame bed and a second position aligning with and covering the first frame bed;
• iii) the first platform and first frame bed stationed next to the second platform and second frame bed wherein the first platform is pivotable and moveable between a working position wherein the first platform is contacting and covering the first frame bed and a loading position wherein the first platform is rotated away from the first frame bed in a direction away from the second platform;
• iv) the second platform having a plurality of dual-end pneumatic vacuum clamps for selectively vacuum sealing one or more cut shapes finished side and the second platform upon vacuum activation at either or both clamp ends;
• and
• b) a programmable and moveable tool arm associated with both platforms and moveable over and between both platforms to position tools in a desired location and with a desired orientation;
• i) a computer and associated program to facilitate the movement the movable tool arm over and between each platform associated with the movable tool arm;
• and
• ii) the movable tool arm adapted to hold a pre-selected operable tool;
• whereupon the following steps are undertaken:
• II) performing a first phase comprising:
• a) pivoting the first platform to the loading position;
• b) mounting either the stone slab or sheet onto the first platform finished side up;
• c) pivoting the first platform to the working position;
• d) defining on either the stone slab or sheet selected shapes to be cut and removed from excess remains;
• e) programming the tool arm to move over the first platform and cut the selected stone shapes, and upon completion move away from both the first and second platform;
• f) adapting the tool arm with an operable tool comprising a saw;
• g) moving the tool arm and saw over the first platform and cutting the selected shapes with the saw to separate the selected cut shapes from excess remains;
• h) upon cutting completion moving the tool arm away from both the first and second platform;
• III) performing a second phase comprising the following steps:
• a) activating vacuum seals between the plurality of clamps and the second platform to form a vacuum between each clamp and the second platform;
• b) moving the second platform to the second position to align with and cover the first platform and contact the cut shapes;
• c) activating vacuum seals between the clamps and the cut shapes to form a vacuum between each clamp and the cut stone shape with which each clamp is associated;
• and
• d) thereafter moving the second platform back to the first position contacting and covering the second frame bed, with the selected cut shapes facing finished side down and atop the vacuum clamps, to separate the selected cut shapes from excess remains on the first platform.