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US 2015/0073579 A1Published application
Gauge system for workpiece processing
AssigneeLean Tool Systems, LLC
InventorsSpencer B. Dick, Stuart R. Aldrich, Brennan J. McClure, David L. Lee, Brandon J. Vaughn, Simon A. Soot, Norman F. Gorny, Matthew T. Harris, Richard R. Gilmore
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Gauge system, including methods and apparatus, for positioning workpieces according to entered and/or calculated target dimensions and processing the workpieces with a tool to generate products having the target dimensions.
Claims20
An apparatus for linear positioning of workpieces, comprising:
- a rail;
- a stop;
- a drive assembly that drives motion of the stop back and forth in a travel path along the rail;
- and
- a controller programmed to receive a set point that corresponds to a position in the travel path and to control the drive assembly to drive the stop such that the stop halts at the position;
- wherein the drive assembly includes a motor operatively coupled to the controller, further comprising an integrated drive unit that includes the motor, the controller, and a user interface in communication with the controller, the motor and the controller being at least substantially enclosed by a same housing.
3 more elements
A method of processing a workpiece, comprising:
- providing (1) a tool to modify workpieces and having a site of action, and (2) a positioning apparatus connected to the tool and including (i) a rail module including a beam and a first member connected rotatably to the beam, (ii) a stop connected or connectable to the rail module such that rotation of the first member drives the stop back and forth along the beam, (iii) a power module including a motor and a second member driven to rotate by operation of the motor, and (iv) a controller in communication with and programmed to control operation of the motor;
- mating the power module with the rail module by fitting the first and second members together such that the operation of the motor transmits motive power to the first member;
- entering into the controller a target dimension of a product to be generated from the workpiece;
- causing the controller to operate the motor such that the stop is driven to a target position spaced along the beam from the site of action according to the target dimension;
- and
- modifying the workpiece with the tool to generate the product, with the workpiece aligned with the beam and disposed against the stop at the target position.
3 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.