Multi-step systems for processing workpieces

• US 8,117,732 B2
• Filed: 10/22/2008
• Issued: 02/21/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 10/12/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Precision Automation Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Precision Automation Incorporated
• Inventors: Dick, Spencer B., Aldrich, Stuart, Morgan, David A., Lee, David
• Primary Examiner(s): Cadugan, Erica E
• Application Number:
  US12/256,386
• Publication Number:
  US 20090103977A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,217 Days
• Field of Search: 295/58, 295/57, 295/64, 295/641, 295/642, 295/646, 295/647, 295/648, 295/63, 144/344, 144/345, 144/354, 144/355, 144/359, 144/360, 144/367, 144/368, 144/369, 144/371, 144/379
• US Class Current: 29/564.2
• 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 constructing a mortise and tenon joint for a cabinet component comprising

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

providing an apparatus configured to cut length dimensions and to form a mortise or a tenon in a workpiece 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 one of the stations 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 one of the stations including a device configured to form a mortise or a tenon in the workpiece,

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,

entering the cut list into the computer,

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

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

forming a mortise or a tenon, under computer control, in the first workpiece at the second processing station, and

assembling a face frame component for a cabinet by forming a mortise and tenon joint between the first workpiece and a second workpiece.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the forming step includes forming a mortise in the first workpiece.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the cutting step produces a newly cut end on the first workpiece, the forming step including formation of a mortise or tenon in the newly cut end of the first workpiece.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the first workpiece has a joint surface, the mortise or tenon being formed in the joint surface.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the joint surface is on an end of the first workpiece.

6. The method of claim 4, wherein the joint surface is on an edge of the first workpiece.

7. The method of claim 4, wherein the joint surface is on a face of the first workpiece.

8. The method of claim 1 further comprising

inputting data into the computer indicating location of one or more defects of the first workpiece, wherein the calculating step includes calculating an optimum plan for processing the first workpiece to satisfy current cut list requirements and to remove the one or more defects.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the forming step includes operating a router bit at the second station to form the mortise in the first workpiece.