Multi-step systems for processing workpieces

• US 7,966,714 B2
• Filed: 02/05/2007
• Issued: 06/28/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 10/12/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Precision Automation Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Precision Automation Incorporated
• Inventors: Lee, David, Aldrich, Stuart, Morgan, David A., Dick, Spencer B.
• Primary Examiner(s): Cadugan; Erica E
• Application Number:
  US11/702,905
• Publication Number:
  US 20070240547A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,604 Days
• Field of Search: 295/63, 29/33.P, 295/64, 29/26.A, 295/646, 295/648, 294/070.9, 295/58, 298/97, 298/973.12, 298/973.2, 294/070.5, 294/071, 295/251.1, 295/57, 144/356, 144/357, 144/360, 144/387, 144/388, 144/392, 144/397, 144/426, 144/3.1, 144/35.1, 144/1.1, 144/382, 144/394, 144/404, 408/4, 408/12, 83/755, 834/68, 832/21, 836/00, 700 95- 96, 700/117, 700/159, 700/171, 700/167, 700/174
• US Class Current: 29/563
• CPC Class Codes: B27M 1/08 by multi-step processes
• CPC Class Codes: F16B 2200/30 Dovetail-like connections
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49616 Structural member making
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49963 Threaded fastener
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49996 Successive distinct removal operations
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/5107 Drilling and other
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/5124 with means to feed work intermittently from one tool station to another
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/5136 Separate tool stations for selective or successive operation on work
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/5138 and means to machine work part to fit cooperating work part
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/5143 and means to machine product
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/5145 to sever product to length
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 83/162 With control means responsive to replaceable or selectable information program

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.

Claims

1. A method of making a face frame assembly for a cabinet comprising

providing a cut list including dimensions of processed pieces required for construction of face frames for cabinets,

providing a supply of workpieces for processing into dimensions specified in the cut list, each workpiece being preprocessed into a substantially straight elongate form having a rectangular cross-section,

providing an apparatus configured to cut length dimensions and to drill holes for receiving face frame screws in a workpiece from the supply in a single pass through the apparatus, and a computer connected to the apparatus, the apparatus having a linear processing path, a pusher configured for reciprocal movement along a length of the processing path to push a trailing end of an elongate workpiece having a long axis parallel to the processing path, and a plurality of processing stations arranged along the processing path downstream from the pusher, at least a first processing station including a saw orientated perpendicular to the processing path for cutting the workpiece in a direction perpendicular to the long axis of the workpiece, and at least a second processing station including a drilling device configured to drill holes in the workpiece for receiving face frame screws,

entering the cut list into the computer,

programming the computer with an optimization program configured to calculate an optimum processing plan for a workpiece based on a starting length of the workpiece, and current requirements specified in the cut list stored in the computer,

selecting a first workpiece from the supply,

inputting data into the computer including the length of the first workpiece,

calculating, in the computer, an optimum plan for processing the first workpiece to satisfy current cut list requirements,

driving the pusher, under computer control, along a length of the processing path to push the trailing end of the first workpiece down the processing path toward the processing stations,

cutting the first workpiece, under computer control, perpendicular to the long axis of the workpiece at the first processing station,

drilling a hole in the first workpiece at the second station for receiving a face frame screw, wherein the hole is drilled near an end of the first workpiece, and

assembling the first workpiece with a second workpiece by securing a face frame screw in the hole of the first workpiece.

2. A method of making a face frame assembly for a cabinet comprising

providing a cut list including dimensions of processed pieces required for construction of face frames for cabinets,

providing a supply of workpieces for processing into dimensions specified in the cut list, each workpiece being preprocessed into a substantially straight elongate form having a rectangular cross-section,

providing an apparatus configured to cut length dimensions and to drill holes for receiving face frame screws in a workpiece from the supply in a single pass through the apparatus, and a computer connected to the apparatus, the apparatus having a linear processing path, a pusher configured for reciprocal movement along a length of the processing path to push a trailing end of an elongate workpiece having a long axis parallel to the processing path, and a plurality of processing stations arranged along the processing path downstream from the pusher, at least a first processing station including a saw orientated perpendicular to the processing path for cutting the workpiece in a direction perpendicular to the long axis of the workpiece, and at least a second processing station including a drilling device configured to drill holes in the workpiece for receiving face frame screws,

entering the cut list into the computer,

programming the computer with an optimization program configured to calculate an optimum processing plan for a workpiece based on a starting length of the workpiece, and current requirements specified in the cut list stored in the computer,

selecting a first workpiece from the supply,

inputting data into the computer including the length of the first workpiece,

calculating, in the computer, an optimum plan for processing the first workpiece to satisfy current cut list requirements,

driving the pusher, under computer control, along a length of the processing path to push the trailing end of the first workpiece down the processing path toward the processing stations,

cutting the first workpiece, under computer control, perpendicular to the long axis of the workpiece at the first processing station,

drilling a hole in the first workpiece at the second station for receiving a face frame screw, wherein the drilling step is performed after the cutting step, and

assembling the first workpiece with a second workpiece by securing a face frame screw in the hole of the first workpiece.