Single and/or dual surface automatic edge sensing trimmer
OwnerGerald L. Kerninventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An apparatus for trimming at least one overhanging layer from a workpiece, the apparatus comprising a laser configured to produce a cutting beam capable of cutting the overhanging layer, a cutting head comprising an upper element and a lower element, wherein the cutting head is configured to receive the cutting beam and split the cutting beam into a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion exits the cutting head through a upper element and the second portion exits the cutting head through a lower element, and a sensor configured to detect and control movement of the cutting head relative to the workpiece.
Claims24
An apparatus for trimming at least one overhanging layer from a workpiece, the apparatus comprising:
- a laser configured to produce a cutting beam capable of cutting the overhanging layer;
- a cutting head, the cutting head comprising an upper element and a lower element, wherein the cutting head is configured to receive the cutting beam and split the cutting beam into a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion exits the cutting head through a upper element and the second portion exits the cutting head through a lower element;
- and
- a sensor configured to detect the position of the workpiece relative to the cutting head.
A method of trimming a workpiece, the workpiece including a core with a perimeter, the workpiece also including at least one laminate layer dispsoed on the core and extending over at least a portion of the perimeter, the method comprising:
- providing at least one trimming means configured to remove the laminate layer extending over at least a portion of the perimeter;
- aligning the trimming means with the perimeter;
- moving the trimming means along the perimeter while the trimming means removes only the laminate surface extending over at least a portion of the perimeter;
- and
- securing the workpiece with a fastening means.
An automatic edge sensing laser cutter comprising:
- a laser configured to produce a cutting beam;
- a cutting head rotatable attached to the laser and configured to receive the cutting beam;
- a sensor disposed on the cutting head;
- and
- a cutting head comprising:
- a upper element;
- a lower element;
- an adjustable top focus for adjusting the distance between the upper element and the workpiece;
- an omni-directional beam splitter configured to evenly divide energy from the cutting beam as the cutting head rotates, wherein a portion of the energy exits the cutting head through the upper element and a portion of the energy exits the cutting head through the lower element;
- and
- at least one zero phase shift mirror for directing a portion of the energy through the lower element.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.