US 7,036,411 B1Granted

Active measurement and control system for a material cutting apparatus

AssigneeHEM, Inc.

InventorsGerald R. Harris, Mark P. Richards, Michael L. Jackson

Life of this patent

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Abstract

An active measurement and control system for a material cutting apparatus. The apparatus comprises a cutting tool which may be pivoted for cutting a workpiece in a cutting area at a selectable angle. The cutting area defines a datum plane, and a feed table with a shuttle vise is used to move the workpiece toward the cutting area. A controller controls the feed distance of the shuttle vise and the cutting angle of the tool in response to a signal from a sensor used for sensing a transverse dimension of the workpiece relative to the datum plane. In this way, the feed distance and cutting angle are adjusted to compensate for variations in the transverse dimension. This transverse dimension can include a displacement from the datum plane of a distal and/or proximate surface of the workpiece. A method of cutting a workpiece is also disclosed.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A method of cutting parts from an elongated workpiece on a miter saw comprising the steps of:

(a) selecting a nominal transverse dimension of the workpiece;
(b) selecting at least two dimensional criteria of the parts from the group of criteria consisting of a first length dimension, a second length dimension, a linear offset between said first and second length dimensions, a first cutting angle and a second cutting angle;
(c) providing sensing means on the miter saw for sensing at least one surface of the workpiece, and determining an actual transverse dimension of the workpiece with said sensing means as the workpiece is being fed longitudinally;
(d) generating a feed length of the workpiece and a cutting angle of a saw head to position the workpiece and the saw head in response to any variation between said actual and nominal transverse dimensions;
and
(e) actuating the saw head for cutting the parts from the workpiece by cutting off a length of the workpiece such that the selected critical dimensional criteria are substantially maintained.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 10/176,120Filed 21 Jun 2002
Granted: 2 May 2006
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification22 codes

G05B 19/401
Numerical control [NC], i.e. automatically operating machines, in particular machine tools, e.g. in a manufacturing environment, so as to…
B23D 55/04
Sawing machines or sawing devices working with strap saw blades, characterised only by constructional features of particular parts: of devices for…
B23D 55/088
Of devices for guiding or feeding strap saw blades: devices for feeding strap saw blades
B23D 59/002
Measuring or control devices, e.g. for automatic control of work feed pressure on band saw blade: for the position of the saw blade