Gauge system for workpiece processing
First Claim
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1. An apparatus for linear positioning of workpieces, comprising:
- a fence module including a rail defining a long axis, and also including a first coupling member mounted in the rail on a rotation axis that is orthogonal to the long axis;
a stop connected or connectable to the fence module such that rotation of the first coupling member about the rotation axis drives the stop along a travel path parallel to the long axis;
a power module including a motor and a second coupling member, the first and second coupling members having complementary structures configured to become meshed with one another when the coupling members are mated with one another parallel to the rotation axis, such that rotation of the second coupling member, driven by the motor, is coupled to rotation of the first coupling member about the rotation axis; and
a controller programmed to receive a set point that corresponds to a position in the travel path and to control the motor to drive the stop such that the stop halts at the position.
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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.
170 Citations
19 Claims
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1. An apparatus for linear positioning of workpieces, comprising:
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a fence module including a rail defining a long axis, and also including a first coupling member mounted in the rail on a rotation axis that is orthogonal to the long axis; a stop connected or connectable to the fence module such that rotation of the first coupling member about the rotation axis drives the stop along a travel path parallel to the long axis; a power module including a motor and a second coupling member, the first and second coupling members having complementary structures configured to become meshed with one another when the coupling members are mated with one another parallel to the rotation axis, such that rotation of the second coupling member, driven by the motor, is coupled to rotation of the first coupling member about the rotation axis; and a controller programmed to receive a set point that corresponds to a position in the travel path and to control the motor to drive the stop such that the stop halts at the position. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. An apparatus for linear positioning of workpieces, comprising:
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a fence module including a rail defining a long axis, and a first coupling member mounted in the rail on a rotation axis that is orthogonal to the long axis; a stop connected or connectable to the fence module such that rotation of the first coupling member about the rotation axis drives the stop along a travel path parallel to the long axis; a power module including a motor and a second coupling member, the power module being configured to be mated, as a unit, with the fence module, as a unit, while the first coupling member remains mounted in the rail on the rotation axis, such that complementary structures of the first and second coupling members become meshed with one another, thereby coupling rotation of the second coupling member, driven by the motor, to rotation of the first coupling member about the rotation axis; and a controller programmed to receive a set point that corresponds to a position in the travel path and to control the motor to drive the stop such that the stop halts at the position. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9)
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10. A gauge system for workpiece processing using a tool having a site of action, comprising:
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a fence module including a rail defining a long axis, and a first coupling member mounted in the rail on a rotation axis that is orthogonal to the long axis; a stop connected or connectable to the fence module and configured to be abutted with an end of a workpiece; and a power module including a motor, a second coupling member, and a controller, the motor and the controller being substantially contained by a same housing, wherein the power module is configured to be mated, as a unit, with the fence module, as a unit, along a vertical axis from above the rail while the first coupling member remains mounted in the rail on the rotation axis, such that complementary structures of the first and second coupling members become meshed with one another, thereby coupling rotation of the second coupling member, driven by the motor, to rotation of the first coupling member about the rotation axis, and wherein the controller is programmed (i) to receive and/or calculate a target dimension of a product to be generated from the workpiece with the tool and (ii) to control operation of the motor such that the stop is driven to a target position spaced from the site of action according to the target dimension, thereby allowing the workpiece abutted with the stop to be modified by the tool to generate the product. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification