Hem Inc.

Mark P Richards

Gerald R Harris

Richard H Porterfield

Michael L Jackson

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.

Active measurement and control system for a material cutting apparatus

A method and bandsaw apparatus (30) which facilitates maintenance access to a continuous loop bandsaw blade (43) rotatably mounted thereon. The bandsaw apparatus (30) includes a base frame (31) and a cutting table (32) supported on top of the frame (31) to provide a cutting surface (33). A saw carriage assembly (37) is provided including a saw arm assembly (37) rotatably supporting the saw blade (43) which extends through a blade receiving slot (34) in the table (32). A support frame (42) movably mounted to a guide assembly (44) enables selective reciprocating movement of the saw arm assembly (40) relative the cutting table (32) so that the blade (43) can move along the receiving slot (34). A coupling device (45) of the carriage assembly (37) movably couples the saw arm assembly (40) to the support frame (42) for movement of the saw arm assembly (40) between a cutting position and a maintenance access position. In the maintenance access position, when the carriage assembly (37) is positioned at the table second end (36), the saw arm assembly (40) can be moved away from the cutting table (32) which further moves the bandsaw blade (43) to a position outwardly of the slot (34). This substantially enhances access to the blade drive wheels (41, 41') and the blade (43).

Bandsaw apparatus with pivotally-mounted saw head assembly arm and method

A method for cutting at least one elongated workpiece (13b) with a saw head assembly (10b) having a cutting blade (11b). The saw assembly (10b) further includes a guide mechanism for providing relative guided movement between the cutting blade (11b) and the workpiece (13b) along a cutting line (14b). The method comprises the steps of placing the workpiece (13b) across the cutting line (14b). Further, moving at least one of the cutting blade (11b) and the workpiece (13b) along the cutting line (14b) from a starting position (28b) on one side (27b') of said workpiece (13b) to a parked position (37b) on an opposite side (27b) of the workpiece (13b). In the parked position, the entire cutting stretch is positioned beyond the workpiece (13b). Next, the cut part or portion (32b) is displaced away from the cutting line (14b) using the workpiece (13b), while the cutting blade (11b) is in the parked position (37b). Thereafter, the workpiece (13b) is returned to the opposite side of the cutting line (14b), and the cutting blade (11b) is returned from the parked position (37b) to the starting position (28b). Accordingly, the cut parts (32b) and the workpiece (13b) are repositioned away from the cutting kerf (15b), which prevents their contact with the cutting blade (11b) during return of the cutting blade (11b) to the starting position (28b).

Method for cutting workpieces using a shuttle vise

A band saw having a controller responsive to sensing signals as to operating parameters of the saw to generate a material distribution profile during a first cut of a piece of bar stock is disclosed. During subsequent cuts, the controller for the band saw operates control circuits for blade cutting force, blade feed rate and blade speed to maintain a desired, usually constant, material cutting rate of the bar stock, notwithstanding changes in bar stock cross section and changes in band saw geometry during the cut. A method is disclosed in which operating parameters are sensed, a distribution profile generated, and the profile employed during subsequent cuts to control the operating parameters for optimum cutting efficiency.

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Chouteau, OK, United States of America

Mark P Richards