Systems for processing workpieces
AssigneePrecision Automation, Inc.
InventorsSpencer Dick, Stuart Aldrich, David Morgan, David Lee
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Systems, including method and apparatus, for processing workpieces driven automatically along a linear path to a plurality of positions disposed substantially along the linear path. In some embodiments, a workpiece may be processed at one or more of the positions using two or more processing stations, such as a first processing station that cuts the workpiece into segments and a second processing station that performs another processing operation on the workpiece.
Claims37
A system for processing workpieces, comprising:
- a pusher mechanism configured to move a workpiece along a linear path to a plurality of positions disposed substantially along the linear path;
- a first processing station configured to cut the workpiece into segments at one or more of the plurality of positions;
- a second processing station configured to modify the workpiece at one or more of the plurality of positions;
- and
- a computer configured to receive data corresponding to a cut list, a characteristic dimension of the workpiece, and a position of one or more defects, if any, within the workpiece, and to control operation of the pusher mechanism and the first and second processing stations according to the data so that the operation is automated during workpiece processing and utilization of the workpiece is optimized.
A system for processing workpieces, comprising:
- a pusher mechanism configured to move a workpiece along a linear path to a plurality of positions disposed substantially along the linear path;
- a saw station configured to cut the workpiece at one or more of the plurality of positions;
- a drill station configured to drill the workpiece at one or more of the plurality of positions;
- and
- a computer configured to receive a cut list and to control operation of the pusher mechanism according to the cut list so that utilization of the workpiece is optimized.
A method of processing workpieces, comprising:
- receiving data, the data corresponding to a cut list, a characteristic dimension of a workpiece, and a position of one or more defects, if any, within the workpiece;
- pushing a workpiece automatically along a linear path to a plurality of positions disposed substantially along the linear path;
- cutting the workpiece into segments with a first processing station at one or more of the plurality of positions;
- and
- modifying the workpiece with a second processing station at one or more of the plurality of positions,
- wherein pushing, cutting, and modifying are performed automatically according to the data during workpiece processing and so that utilization of the workpiece is optimized.
A method of processing a workpiece, comprising:
- receiving a cut list defining a characteristic dimension of each member of a set of desired products;
- pushing a workpiece automatically along a linear path to a plurality of positions disposed substantially along the linear path;
- cutting the workpiece at one or more of the plurality of positions;
- and
- drilling the workpiece at one or more of the plurality of positions,
- wherein pushing and cutting are performed according to the cut list and so that utilization of the workpiece is optimized.
A system for cutting and drilling workpieces, comprising:
- means for receiving a cut list defining a characteristic dimension of each member of a set of desired products;
- means for pushing a workpiece automatically along a linear path to a plurality of positions disposed substantially along the linear path;
- means for cutting the workpiece at one or more of the plurality of positions;
- and
- means for drilling the workpiece at one or more of the plurality of positions,
- wherein pushing and cutting are performed according to the cut list and so that utilization of the workpiece is optimized.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.