U.S. patent application number 10/441828 was filed with the patent office on 2003-10-23 for method of selecting a cutting system.
Invention is credited to Courtney, James C., Statler, Daniel C., Topka, Kenneth J., Woods, Gerald L..
Application Number | 20030200003 10/441828 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 24729271 |
Filed Date | 2003-10-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030200003 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Courtney, James C. ; et
al. |
October 23, 2003 |
Method of selecting a cutting system
Abstract
A tiered level cutting system and method that guides a user
through the process of selecting an appropriate tool or adapter for
specific cutting conditions and/or applications. The cutting system
may include a plurality of blocks, one or more sleeves for each
block, and a plurality of cutting tools. The method includes the
steps of selecting a block for a user's particular operation,
optionally, selecting a sleeve based on the selected block, and
selecting a cutting tool based on the selected sleeve. The cutting
system is selected based upon the type of machinery and cutting
environment. The block is selected based upon the particular
operation. Operation categories may include severe, heavy, medium
and light based upon conditions. The cutting tool is selected based
upon the shape and carbide content. The steps can be performed in
most any suitable order.
Inventors: |
Courtney, James C.;
(Jeannette, PA) ; Statler, Daniel C.; (Greensburg,
PA) ; Topka, Kenneth J.; (Cairnbrook, PA) ;
Woods, Gerald L.; (Bedford, PA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Kennametal Inc.
1600 Technology Way
P.O. Box 231
Latrobe
PA
15650-0231
US
|
Family ID: |
24729271 |
Appl. No.: |
10/441828 |
Filed: |
May 20, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10441828 |
May 20, 2003 |
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09680009 |
Oct 5, 2000 |
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6574527 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
700/179 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G05B 2219/45004
20130101; G05B 2219/36358 20130101; E21B 44/00 20130101; G05B
2219/36344 20130101; B23Q 13/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
700/179 |
International
Class: |
G06F 019/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method for selecting a tool by displaying tool data comprising
an alphanumeric code for identifying a specific tool, the method
comprising the steps of: setting and registering tool criteria for
a tool appropriate for a particular application; arranging and
displaying the tool data in accordance with the set criteria; and
selecting the desired tool data from among the tool data displayed
based upon the tool criteria.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the tool is selected based on the
user's type of machinery.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the block is selected based on
the user's particular operation.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein the user's particular operation
includes one of a severe, heavy, medium and light operation
category.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein the tool is selected based on a
color of one of the severe, medium and light operation
category.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the tool is selected based on a
shape of the tool.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the tool is selected based on
composition of the tool.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the tool data is displayed on an
Internet web page.
9. A method of selecting a tool for mining and construction
applications based upon a predetermined criteria comprising the
steps of: selecting either a block, sleeve or cutting tool from a
cutting system based upon the predetermined criteria, the cutting
system including a plurality of blocks, sleeves and cutting tools;
and selecting a tool from the cutting system based on the selected
block.
10. The method of claim 9, further including the step of selecting
a sleeve from the cutting system based on the selected block.
11. The method of claim 9, wherein the user's particular operation
includes one of a severe, heavy, medium and light operation
category.
12. The method of claim 9, wherein the cutting system is selected
based on the user's type of machinery.
13. The method of claim 9, wherein the cutting tool is selected
based on a shape of the cutting tool.
14. The method of claim 9, wherein the cutting tool is selected
based on a composition of the cutting tool.
15. The method of claim 9, further including the step of displaying
the cutting system on an Internet web page.
16. A system for selecting a cutting tool for a particular
operation, comprising: a plurality of blocks, each block based on a
particular operation; a plurality of sleeves for each block; and a
plurality of cutting tools for each sleeve, wherein the plurality
of cutting tools are categorized according to a plurality of
operation categories.
17. The system of claim 16, wherein the user's particular operation
includes one of a severe, heavy, medium and light operation
category.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein the cutting tool is selected
based on a color of one of the operation category.
19. The system of claim 16, wherein the cutting tool for each
sleeve is selected based on shape of the cutting tool or drill
bit.
20. The system of claim 16, wherein the cutting tool for each
sleeve is selected based on carbide content of the cutting tool or
drill bit.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention pertains to a method of selecting a
cutting system to be used in mining and construction operations.
More particularly, the present invention relates to a tiered level
system and method that guides a user through the process of
selecting the appropriate components for a specific cutting
condition or application such as in mining and construction
applications. This process is particularly applicable to e-commerce
type applications.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Cutting systems for mining or construction applications
typically comprise a cutting tool 3, sometimes referred to as a
cutting pick, rotatably mounted within a sleeve 2 within a support
block 1. An example of a cutting system is shown in FIG. 10. The
support block 1 in turn is mounted onto a drum or other body,
typically by welding, which in turn is driven by a suitable drive
means. When a number of such support blocks carrying cutting tools
are mounted onto a drum, and the drum is driven, the cutting tools
will engage and break up the material sought to be mined or
removed. The general operation of such a mining or construction
machine is well known in the art.
[0003] As used herein cutting tool refers to a wear resistant
element used for machining, cutting, drilling, pulverizing,
impacting or scraping a work piece. Known wear resistant elements
include cemented carbide pieces, cermets and ceramics and the like
as well known in the art.
[0004] It will be appreciated that to specify an appropriate
cutting tool for a particular mining operation, it is necessary for
an operator to understand the relationships between the block,
sleeve and the cutting tools and the material to be worked. With
the large number of available cutting tools and cutting tool
systems and varying cutting conditions, it is extremely difficult
for an operator to configure the optimum system for a particular
operation.
[0005] In the past, an operator was required to search through a
catalog with illustrations of blocks, sleeves and cutting tools and
little or no information about the optimum operating parameters of
the blocks, sleeves and cutting tools for a particular operation.
This method consumes much time and labor to design the required
cutting tool system and may result in specifying an inefficient
cutting tool system for a particular application. Thus, it would be
desirable to provide a selection system and method that enables the
user to design a cutting system tailored to the user's specific
equipment and cutting environment.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] An aspect of the invention is to provide a tiered tool
cutting system that guides a user through the process of selecting
an appropriate tool or adapter for specific cutting conditions
and/or applications.
[0007] It is another aspect of the invention to provide a system
and method that enables a user to design a cutting system.
[0008] In one aspect of the invention, a method for selecting a
tool by displaying tool data comprising an alphanumeric code for
identifying a specific tool, the method comprises the steps of:
[0009] setting and registering tool criteria for a tool appropriate
for a particular application;
[0010] arranging and displaying the tool data in accordance with
the set criteria; and
[0011] selecting the desired tool data from among the tool data
displayed based upon the tool criteria.
[0012] In another aspect of the invention, a method of selecting a
tool for mining and construction applications based upon a
predetermined criteria comprises the steps of:
[0013] selecting either a block, sleeve or cutting tool from a
cutting system based upon the predetermined criteria, the cutting
system including a plurality of blocks, sleeves and cutting tools;
and
[0014] selecting a tool from the cutting system based on the
selected block.
[0015] In yet another aspect of the invention, a system for
selecting a cutting tool for a particular operation comprises:
[0016] a plurality of blocks, each block based on a particular
operation;
[0017] a plurality of sleeves for each block; and
[0018] a plurality of cutting tools for each sleeve,
[0019] wherein the plurality of cutting tools are categorized
according to a plurality of operation categories.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] While various embodiments of the invention are illustrated,
the particular embodiments shown should not be construed to limit
the claims. It is anticipated that various changes and
modifications may be made without departing from the scope of this
invention.
[0021] FIG. 1 is a flow chart of the method of selecting a cutting
tool or drill bit in accordance with the invention.
[0022] FIGS. 2-9 are schematic diagrams of tool cutting systems in
accordance with the invention.
[0023] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a cutting system in
accordance with the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0024] A method of selecting a cutting system including a cutting
tool by displaying tool data consisting of an alphanumeric code and
at least tool shape for identifying a specific tool is shown in
FIG. 1.
[0025] In general, the method comprises the steps of setting and
registering tool criteria for a tool appropriate for a particular
application, arranging and displaying the tool data in accordance
with the set criteria, then selecting the desired tool data from
among the tool data displayed based upon the tool criteria.
[0026] The tool criteria for a particular application can be set by
arranging a plurality of alphanumeric codes in a cutting system
corresponding to a type of machinery. The cutting system can be
stored in data base format in any suitable electronic media, such
as a memory storage device, microprocessor, controller, PLC, RAM,
ROM, ASIC, CDROM, DVD, and the like. The tool criteria can be
registered by creating a database containing a tiered level of the
alphanumeric codes. The registered alphanumeric codes can be
displayed by the user on a CRT device by viewing an Internet web
page, reading the CDROM, DVD, or printing or inscribing the cutting
system of alphanumeric codes on hard copy paper output, or by any
other suitable means known in the art.
[0027] By definition, a cutting system is a system comprising
blocks, sleeves and tools that are available for a user's type of
machinery. Because the cutting system is based on the user's type
of machinery, it will be appreciated that the method of the
invention is not limited by the number of cutting systems, and that
the invention can be practiced with any desired number of cutting
systems.
[0028] It will be appreciated that the method of the invention is
not limited by the number of cutting tools, blocks and/or sleeves,
and that the invention can be practiced with any desired number of
cutting tools, blocks and/or sleeves based upon the operating
conditions of the cutting system and the machine.
[0029] Examples of the method of the invention are illustrated in
FIGS. 2-9. For example, FIG. 2 illustrates a cutting system 20,
designated with an alphanumeric code K177SE, for a medium-to-high
horsepower continuous miner type of machinery. It will be
appreciated that although the cutting system is illustrated with
reference to mining applications, the present invention is equally
applicable to construction applications.
[0030] First, the user selects a block that best fits a user's
particular mining operation. The mining operation includes the
machine on which the blocks will be mounted and the material to be
worked. For example, the user may select a block 22, designated
with an alphanumeric code K177SE. As shown in FIG. 2, only one
block 22 is available for selection in the K177SE system. However,
it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited by the
number of blocks in the system, and that the invention can be
practiced with any desired number of blocks within a cutting
system.
[0031] Next, the user then selects a sleeve from one or more
sleeves 24, 26 to fit the selected block 22. For example, the user
may select the sleeve 24 designated with an alphanumeric code
U70K1177S to fit that particular block based on the diameter of the
cutting tool 27, 28, 29. Alternatively, the user may select the
sleeve 26 designated with an alphanumeric code U80K177S. As shown
in FIG. 2, two sleeves 24, 26 are available for the selected block
22. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not
limited by the number of sleeves available for each block, and that
the invention can be practiced with any desired number of sleeves
within a block.
[0032] Lastly, the user then selects the cutting tool that fits the
selected sleeve. The selection of the appropriate cutting tool may
be based on several factors, such as the cost of the cutting tool,
the shape and size of the cutting tool, the severity of the
conditions in which the cutting tool will be used for the user's
particular application, and the composition of the cutting
tool.
[0033] As shown in FIG. 2, there are three operation categories for
each sleeve 24, 26: HEAVY, MEDIUM and LIGHT. When the user's
particular operation involves cutting high-density substances, such
as rock, granite, sandstone, limestone, and the like, the user can
select one of the cutting tools 27 designated under the HEAVY
operation category. For example, the user may select the cutting
tool designated with an alphanumeric code U76KHD under the HEAVY
operation category based on the shape and composition of the
cutting tool for the user's particular application. To assist the
operator in selecting the cutting tool for a particular mining
operation category, each mining operation category can be color
coded to correspond to a color of the cutting tool.
[0034] When the mining operation involves cutting medium-density
substances, such as porous rock, coal, trona, and the like, the
user selects one of the cutting tools 28 designated under the
MEDIUM operation category. For example, the user may select the
cutting tool designated with an alphanumeric code UC70TLR under the
MEDIUM operation category.
[0035] When the mining operation involves drilling low-density
substances, such as loamy soil, sand, gypsum, and the like, the
user selects one of the cutting tool 29 designated under the LIGHT
operation category. For example, the user may select the cutting
tool designated with an alphanumeric code U76KP under the LIGHT
operation category.
[0036] As shown in FIG. 2, three mining operation categories are
available for each sleeve 24, 26. However, it will be appreciated
that the invention is not limited by the number of mining operation
categories available for each sleeve, and that the invention can be
practiced with any desired number of mining operation categories
for a sleeve.
[0037] Once the desired cutting tool 27, 28, 29 is selected from a
particular operation category based on the selected sleeve 24, 26
and the selected block 22, the user has configured a
block/sleeve/cutting tool system that best fits that user's
particular operation in accordance with the method of the
invention.
[0038] It will be appreciated that the method of the invention is
not limited by the number of cutting systems, and that the
invention can be practiced with any desired number of cutting
systems.
[0039] FIG. 3 shows another example of a cutting system 30,
designated with an alphanumeric code U43H, for continuous mining,
crushers, roadheaders, and miscellaneous applications. In the U43H
system, the user may select the block 32, designated with an
alphanumeric code U43H. Next, the user may select NO SLEEVE 33, or
one of two different sleeves 34, 35, designated as U50 and U43,
that fit the U43H block 32.
[0040] It should be noted that if the user selects the NO SLEEVE 33
as the appropriate sleeve, then only cutting tools 36, 37 for the
HEAVY or MEDIUM operation categories can be selected, respectively.
On the other hand, if the user selects the sleeve designated with
an alphanumeric code U50, then only cutting tools for the LIGHT
operation category can be selected.
[0041] However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not
limited to the selections available to the user for a particular
cutting system, and that the invention can be practiced by adding
and/or deleting blocks, sleeves, cutting tools and operation
categories that can be selected by the user.
[0042] FIG. 4 shows another example of a cutting system 40,
designated with an alphanumeric code U40H, for cutter chains,
miscellaneous applications, and low horsepower continuous miners.
The U40H system includes only one block 42, designated with an
alphanumeric code U40H, and NO SLEEVE selection. Under the NO
SLEEVE selection, the user may select cutting tools 45, 46, 47 for
HEAVY, MEDIUM and LIGHT operation categories, respectively.
[0043] FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 show examples of cutting systems 50, 60, 70
similar to the cutting system 40 in which only one block 52, 62, 72
and one sleeve 54, 64, 74 can be selected by the user,
respectively. However, the user may select cutting tools 55-57,
65-67, 75-77 for HEAVY, MEDIUM and LIGHT operation categories,
respectively.
[0044] FIG. 8 shows another example of a cutting system 80,
designated with an alphanumeric code K175S, for medium horsepower
longwall shearers and continuous miners. The K175S system 80
includes one block 82, designated with an alphanumeric code
K175S-NR, and one sleeve 84, designated with an alphanumeric code
U90K175S. For the selected sleeve, the user may select cutting
tools 85, 86, 87 for HEAVY, MEDIUM and LIGHT operation
categories.
[0045] FIG. 9 shows another example of a cutting system 90,
designated with an alphanumeric code K225, for high horsepower
longwall shearers and continuous miners. The K225 system includes
one block 92, designated with an alphanumeric code K225S-NR. Under
the K225S-NR block 92, the user can select one of three sleeves 93,
94, 95, designated with the alphanumeric codes U170K225S-NR,
U90K225S-NR, and U170K225S. Under the sleeves 93, 95 designated
with the alphanumeric codes U170K225S-NR and the U170K225S, the
user can select cutting tools 96 for a SEVERE operation category in
which the cutting tools are designed for use in very dense or hard
substances, such as high-density rock, granite, and the like. In
addition, the user can select cutting tools 97, 98 for HEAVY and
MEDIUM operation categories. For the sleeve 94 designated with
U90K225S-NR alphanumeric code, the user can select cutting tools 99
from the LIGHT operation category.
[0046] It should be noted that the system is not order dependent.
For example, the user can begin the method by selecting the cutting
tool for the user's particular operation, optionally, selecting a
sleeve for the selected cutting tool, and then selecting the block
for the cutting system.
[0047] As described above, the present invention relates to a
tiered level system and method that guides a user through the
process of selecting an appropriate tool or adapter for specific
cutting conditions and/or applications.
[0048] A cutting system can be easily selected for a user's machine
from a desired operational category in accordance with the
teachings of the present invention. Thus, the system and method of
the invention enables the user to configure a block, sleeve and
cutting tool that best fits that user's particular operation.
[0049] The patents and publications referred to herein are hereby
incorporated by reference.
[0050] Having described presently preferred embodiments the
invention may be otherwise embodied within the scope of the
appended claims.
* * * * *