U.S. patent application number 11/241148 was filed with the patent office on 2006-02-23 for workpiece clamping device for automated machining processes.
Invention is credited to Grey Newman.
Application Number | 20060039769 11/241148 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34526553 |
Filed Date | 2006-02-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060039769 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Newman; Grey |
February 23, 2006 |
Workpiece clamping device for automated machining processes
Abstract
A workpiece engraving machine provides for a way to clamp, align
and identify a workpiece for engraving. An engravable band with a
permanently embedded flexible engravable tag and a method of
engraving the tag in the engraving machine. In a first aspect, a
workpiece clamping table comprising a support surface, a clamp, one
or more workpiece alignment devices, a positional sensor and a
processor. The processor determines the workpiece type, keeps the
automatic inventory and may indicate when workpieces need to be
ordered. In a second aspect, a workpiece engraving machine may also
have workpiece inventory doors which comprise containers with
workpiece holders. The containers are attached to the engraving
machine by rotators.
Inventors: |
Newman; Grey; (Chandler,
AZ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SCHMEISER OLSEN & WATTS
18 E UNIVERSITY DRIVE
SUITE # 101
MESA
AZ
85201
US
|
Family ID: |
34526553 |
Appl. No.: |
11/241148 |
Filed: |
September 30, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10859880 |
Jun 2, 2004 |
6976814 |
|
|
11241148 |
Sep 30, 2005 |
|
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60510538 |
Oct 9, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
409/225 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 409/309016
20150115; Y10T 409/30868 20150115; B44B 3/065 20130101; Y10T
409/3056 20150115; B44C 5/0446 20130101; Y10T 409/303752 20150115;
Y10T 409/303808 20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
409/225 |
International
Class: |
B23D 7/08 20060101
B23D007/08 |
Claims
1-25. (canceled)
26. Workpiece inventory doors for an engraving machine, the
workpiece inventory doors comprising: at least one workpiece
container, detachably and rotatably coupled to the engraving
machine; multiple workpiece holders attached to the at least one
workpiece container; and at least one rotator operably attached to
the at least one workpiece container.
27. The workpiece inventory doors of claim 26, wherein the rotator
is a lazy susan device.
28. The workpiece inventory doors of claim 26, wherein the
workpiece inventory doors may be used as a freestanding display
case.
29. The workpiece inventory doors of claim 26, wherein the rotator
comprises wheels.
30. The workpiece inventory doors of claim 26, wherein the
workpiece inventory doors interlock in order to form a multi-sided
display case.
31. Workpiece inventory doors for use with a pet tag engraving
machine, the workpiece inventory doors comprising: at least one
open faced chamber detachably coupled to a pet tag engraving
machine; at least one workpiece holder attached to at least one
closed face of the at least one open faced chamber; and wherein the
at least one open faced chamber may be used to form a display
case.
32. The workpiece inventory doors of claim 31, wherein the at least
one open faced chamber is connected to at least one rotator.
33. The workpiece inventory doors of claim 31, wherein two at least
one open faced chambers connect to form a multi sided display
case.
34. The workpiece inventory doors of claim 33, wherein the multi
sided display case is rotatable.
35. The workpiece inventory doors of claim 31, wherein the at least
one open faced chamber is free standing.
36. The workpiece inventory doors of claim 31, wherein the at least
one open faced chamber is coupled to the pet tag engraving machine
by at least one detachable hinge.
38. Workpiece inventory doors for an engraving machine, the
workpiece inventory doors comprising: at least one rectangular door
with a lip surrounding the perimeter of one face of the at least
one door, the at least one door being rotatably and detachably
coupled to the engraving machine, wherein the at least one
rectangular door rotates to conceal at least one face of the
engraving machine; multiple workpiece holders attached to the at
least one rectangular door, wherein the workpiece holders are
placed on the face of the at least one door which is surrounded by
the lip; and wherein the workpiece inventory doors form a workpiece
display case when detached from the engraving machine.
39. The workpiece inventory doors of claim 38, wherein there are
two at least one rectangular doors.
40. The workpiece inventory doors of claim 38, wherein the at least
one rectangular door locks into place when concealing the at least
one face of the engraving machine.
41. The workpiece inventory doors of claim 38, further comprising a
rotator operably attached to the at least one rectangular door.
Description
[0001] This application claims priority to the earlier provisional
application entitled "Workpiece Clamping Device for Automated
Machining Processes," Ser. No. 60/510,538, filed Oct. 9, 2003 by
Newman, now pending, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated
herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Technical Field
[0003] This invention generally relates to the field of engraving.
More particularly, the invention relates to identification collars
with embedded workpieces and a system for indexing, clamping and
storing a workpiece in preparation for engraving which is usually
accomplished by a computerized engraving machine.
[0004] 2. Background Art
[0005] In engraving, it is very important that the workpiece that
is being engraved is held securely in position. For modem
engraving, which is often done by a machine run by computer
generated codes, this positioning is even more important. The
computer generated codes give the engraving machine instructions
through a series of directions and coordinates. These directions
and coordinates are in reference to a few specific datum points and
a coordinate system that the machine recognizes and which is
positioned on the machine itself. Therefore, the engraving machine
begins to blindly engrave and the workpiece must be in the
appropriate position and must be the appropriate size in order to
be engraved properly. If the workpiece is out of position or the
wrong size, then the engraving on the workpiece will be crooked or
may even run off of the workpiece possibly damaging the workpiece
holder or damaging the engraving machine itself. Another concern
involved in engraving is that the workpiece must be firmly secured.
If the workpiece is not firmly secured in place, then the piece can
shift and can be damaged.
[0006] In the current state of the art, there are several different
methods for properly placing and gripping the workpiece. One method
involves clamps that clamp over the edges of the workpiece and grip
it firmly to the workpiece clamping table. Standard clamping
creates several problems. First, it is often hard to precisely
place a workpiece in the clamps. Second, if the clamps are not
placed in the appropriate areas, the engraving machine may run into
the clamps. This may damage the machine, damage the clamps and
could even injure people who are around the machine. Injury to
people is a particularly serious problem when the engraving machine
is placed in a mall or a pet store as they often are. Also,
standard clamping requires a specific clamp set up depending on the
shape of the workpiece. This is most often a manual process and can
be quite time consuming.
[0007] Another method of securing the workpiece in place for
engraving is to use a workpiece carrier. A workpiece carrier is a
fixture that is specifically designed to hold the specific
workpiece. For instance, if the machine is engraving a heart shaped
dog tag, then the workpiece carrier would have a setup for holding
only a heart shaped dog tag. The workpiece carrier would not hold
any other shape of tag. The workpiece carrier is then attached to
the workpiece clamping table and the machine can engrave the
workpiece. This presents the first problem with using workpiece
carriers. In order for a machine that uses workpiece carriers to
engrave different types and shapes of workpieces, the machine must
have several different workpiece carriers. These carriers must be
interchanged either manually, or automatically by the machine. The
use of workpiece carriers also limits the number of different types
of workpieces that can be engraved by a machine. The machine can
only engrave the workpieces for which it has a carrier. This also
raises the expense of the machine, because the individual workpiece
carriers must each be counted into the cost.
[0008] In the current state of the art, there are many different
ways to attach a tag to a pet collar. The most common way involves
collars that have a band that runs through a metal ring or have a
metal ring suspended from the band. The tag is then attached to
this ring, usually by means of an S-hook or spring-clip. This
configuration also has disadvantages in that the identification
tags tend to hang on the underside of the animal's neck, thereby
making them difficult to access for reading. Another disadvantage
of this configuration is that since the tags are hanging loose from
the collar, and since the tags and hardware for attaching them to
the collar are most often made of metal, they typically cause a
jingling noise when the animal moves. The noise caused by the
animal's movement can be annoying or even detrimental, as in the
case of dogs used for hunting in situations where stealth is
desired. In addition, when the tags are in a hanging position, they
can be pulled loose when they become caught in foliage or the wires
of kennel cages and fences. Even worse, if the tag is not pulled
loose in such a situation, the result can be injury or death to the
animal.
[0009] A commonly available alternative to the previously
referenced configuration is a metal identification plate that is
permanently affixed to the collar band by means of rivets, staples,
and the like. Another technique makes use of a transparent window
integral to the collar band which permits the insertion of an
identification strip. These methods of attaching a tag to a collar
all have the problem that the tag is not permanently attached and
therefore it is possible to lose the tag. Several also have the
problem that the tag must be engraved and then attached to the
collar. This complicates matters, because the tag is usually
engraved someplace accessible to the purchaser which means that the
collar dealer must have the tools to attach the tag to the collar
in addition to the tools to engrave the tag.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention relates to engraving machines in
general. Specifically, this invention relates to identification
collars with embedded workpieces and a system for securing and
identifying workpieces in engraving machines. The invention,
however, is not limited to this field, but may be used in many
different areas of identification and of machining or in which
positioning, identifying and securing of an item is desired.
Various novel aspects of the invention disclosed herein may be used
in conjunction, or separately and those of ordinary skill in the
art will readily understand how to apply the many novel aspects of
the invention to other machining applications from the disclosure
provided.
[0011] Embodiments of the invention include a nonmetallic pet
collar with an embedded workpiece or pet tag for engraving. The pet
collar or identification collar may be formed from multiple pieces
of nonmetallic material. The pet tag or workpiece is attached to
one piece of the nonmetallic material. Another piece of the
nonmetallic material is cut so that it has an opening like a window
in it. This second piece of nonmetallic material is positioned so
that the window is over the pet tag and the second piece of
nonmetallic material is attached to the first piece, directly in
line with the first piece. The edges of the nonmetallic material
are then sewn sealing the pet tag into the collar permanently. This
prevents loss of the tag and eliminate the noise caused by tags
jingling together. The design of the following system enables
engraving on the pet tag embedded in the collar as well as many
other shapes and sizes of workpieces.
[0012] Embodiments of the invention include a method of securing
multiple sizes and shapes of workpieces in an engraving machine
without the need for multiple workpiece carriers or clamping and
positioning by hand. A workpiece is placed on a support surface of
a workpiece clamping table of an engraving machine. A workpiece
clamping table contains multiple workpiece alignment devices.
Workpiece alignment devices are arranged so that they will align
one or more points on a workpiece. When a workpiece is placed on a
workpiece clamping table, one or more points on the workpiece are
aligned with workpiece alignment devices. Workpiece alignment
devices help to properly align a workpiece with respect to the
machine's datum points or coordinate system.
[0013] Once a workpiece has been placed with respect to workpiece
alignment devices on a support surface of a workpiece clamping
table, at least one clamp is moved into position securing the
workpiece against the workpiece alignment devices. Multiple clamps
may be used. Clamps may even be used as workpiece alignment
devices. Movement of the clamps may be manual, or movement of a
clamp may be automated by placing the clamp on a chain or a belt
drive.
[0014] A positional sensor may also be attached to the clamp. The
positional sensor senses a positional characteristic of the clamp
in relation to the workpiece alignment device. This positional
characteristic which is often the distance that the clamp traveled
in order to secure the workpiece against the workpiece alignment
devices, is transferred to a processor that uses the positional
characteristic in order to determine what type of workpiece has
been secured to the workpiece clamping table for engraving. This is
beneficial because it allows the machine to alter the message that
it is engraving in order to fit the message on the workpiece. It
also makes it possible for an inventory to be automatically kept of
the available workpieces. It is even possible for the machine to
automatically keep track of which workpieces need to be
ordered.
[0015] The foregoing and other features and advantages of the
present invention will be apparent from the following more detailed
description of the particular embodiments of the invention, as
illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 is a side view of a workpiece clamping table
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a top view of a workpiece clamping table
configured according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a top view of a workpiece clamping table with a
rectangular workpiece in place on workpiece alignment devices
configured according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a top view of a workpiece clamping table with a
heart-shaped workpiece in place on workpiece alignment devices
configured according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 5 is a top view of a workpiece clamping table with an
elongated workpiece in place on workpiece alignment devices
configured according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 6 is a top view of a workpiece clamping table with a
circular workpiece in place on workpiece alignment devices
configured according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 7 is a top view of a workpiece clamping table with an
elongated metal pet tag embedded in a nonmetallic pet collar in
place on workpiece alignment devices configured according to an
embodiment of the present invention; and
[0023] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a method of clamping a workpiece to
a workpiece clamping table.
[0024] FIG. 9a is a top view of an identification tag with an
embedded engravable tag.
[0025] FIG. 9b is a side view of the identification tag of FIG.
9a.
[0026] FIG. 10 is a side view of an engraving machine with
workpiece inventory doors configured according to an embodiment of
the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0027] FIGS. 9a and 9b illustrate an identification collar 41
configured according to an embodiment of the present invention. The
disclosed invention is useful in many different areas requiring
identification tags, such as medical identification bracelets,
hospital identification tags and pet identification tags. The
collar 41 itself is formed from multiple pieces (i.e. 43 and 45) of
flexible material. The engravable tag or workpiece 47 is a pliable
or malleable piece of engravable material which is sandwiched
between the pieces of flexible material. One embodiment of the
present invention uses two pieces of flexible material 43 and 45.
The first piece of flexible material 45 is the underside of the
identification collar. The engravable tag or workpiece 47 is
affixed to the first piece of flexible material 45 using an
adhesive. The second piece of flexible material 43 is the outside
of the identification collar. This piece of flexible material has
an opening 49 cut into it. This opening 49 may be a square, oval or
other shape that provides a window for the engravable tag 47 to be
viewable through. The second piece of flexible material 43 is
attached to the first piece of flexible material 45, in such a way
that the opening is over the engravable tag or workpiece 47 so that
it is viewable from the outside of the identification collar 41.
The first and second pieces 43 and 45 of flexible material are
aligned so that they are directly in line with each other and on
top of each other. The edges of the collar 51 are then sewn
together so that the engravable tag 47 is held firmly in place.
Additional stitching may be placed on the collar 41 adjacent the
engravable tag 47 to further ensure the tag 47 is held firmly in
place. A connector is then attached to both ends of the pieces of
flexible material (43, 45). This connector may be a buckle or other
means of connecting the collar 41.
[0028] In another embodiment of the identification collar 41, three
pieces of flexible material are used, though the pieces are not all
the same size. In this embodiment, the top piece 43 is formed of
two pieces, each smaller than the third, underside piece 45. All of
the pieces of flexible material are the same length. The first
piece of flexible material is the largest of the three. This piece
45 is the inside of the identification collar 41. The engravable
tag or workpiece 47 is affixed to the first piece of the flexible
material 45 with an adhesive. Half of a window 49 is cut out of the
edge of each of the smaller pieces of flexible material forming
piece 43. These pieces of flexible material 43 and 45 will form the
outside of the identification collar 41. One of the smaller pieces
of flexible material will be placed on the pet tag or workpiece 47
forming the first half of the top piece 43. The edge of the piece
of flexible material should align with the edge of the first piece
of flexible material 45. The half window that was cut out of the
edge of the smaller piece of flexible material should align so that
it frames the engravable tag or workpiece 47. The other small piece
of flexible material will also be placed on the engravable tag or
workpiece 47 forming the second half of the top piece 43. The edge
of the piece of flexible material should align with the edge of the
first piece of flexible material 45. The half window that was cut
out of the edge of the smaller piece of flexible material should
also align so that it frames the engravable tag or workpiece 47.
The pieces of flexible material are then sewn together so that the
engravable tag or workpiece 47 is securely held in the
identification collar 41. Additional sewing may be added, such as
around the workpiece 47 or along the seam between the two halves of
the top piece 43 to ensure the workpiece 47 is securely held in
place. A connector is then attached to both ends of the pieces of
flexible material (43, 45). This connector may be a buckle, velcro
or other means of connecting the collar 41.
[0029] Another embodiment, would use flexible material that is
created in a tube. A window is then cut through at least one of the
sides of the tube. The workpiece 47 is glued into the window and
the tube is flattened in order to form a collar 41. The tube of
flexible material may be glued flat, sewn flat or in some other way
formed into a flat collar. A connector is then attached to both
ends of the pieces of flexible material (43, 45). This connector
may be a buckle or other means of connecting the collar 41. This
embodiment illustrates that it does not matter how the two or more
pieces of flexible material are attached to each other. In this
case, they were created attached.
[0030] Additionally, a window may be cut in both the front and the
back of the collar 41. This allows the workpiece 47 to be seen on
the inside and outside of the collar 41. This is useful for
additional information to be printed on the inside of the workpiece
47. For instance, a pet owner could put the pet's name, address and
other relevant information on the front of the workpiece 47 while
putting the pet's vaccination information on the inside of the
workpiece 47.
[0031] Additional assembly after the engravable tag or workpiece 47
has been engraved is not required. Furthermore rivets, which add
weight to the collar and allow the tag to be ripped off or get
caught on things, are not needed. Using conventional engraving
methods, engravers of engravable tags have been unable to engrave
on a tag embedded in a collar. Consequently, collars with
permanently embedded engravable tags are not available as an option
for pet owners. It is believed that the invention of this
identification collar coupled with the techniques and apparatus for
engraving the collar which follows is unique in the industry.
[0032] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention.
The present invention is useful in many different types of
machining processes, i.e. most computer controlled machining
processes, and provides a way for workpieces to be clamped, aligned
and identified for machining. The invention will, however, be
discussed with particulars referring to the area of pet tag
engraving. This invention consists of at least one supporting
surface 3 as shown in FIG. 2. The supporting surface 3 supports the
workpiece for machining. This supporting surface 3 may be like a
table top or a platform on which a workpiece is held to be
machined. One embodiment of the supporting surface 3 is a
horizontal flat table-like surface on which the workpiece is placed
for machining.
[0033] Another embodiment of a supporting surface 3 is a vertical
wall-like surface. The workpiece can be attached to the supporting
surface 3 by some sort of adhesive or it could also hang on some
sort of protrusion from the supporting surface 3. The workpiece
could fit into a groove on the supporting surface 3 or sit on a
ledge on the supporting surface 3. This embodiment would allow for
machining where the engraving tool moves in a vertical plane or
even a controlled three-dimensional plane.
[0034] Yet another embodiment of the invention contemplates a
supporting surface 3 at some angle to the horizontal. This angle
could be as small or as big as is necessary for a particular
application and may be motivated by, for example, a desire to
display the workpiece for more easy viewing during engraving. The
workpiece would be held to the supporting surface 3 by hanging from
a protrusion or fitting in a groove or recess. Other options for
attaching the workpiece to the supporting surface 3 may include
attaching the workpiece to the supporting surface 3 an adhesive or
sitting the workpiece on a ledge on the supporting surface 3.
Another option is to provide the supporting surface 3 with a rough,
or high friction coefficient, rubber surface that would create
enough friction with the workpiece to hold it in place. This
embodiment would allow for machining with machines that do not have
a flat coordinate plane. The supporting surface 3 may be horizontal
or placed at an angle depending on the type of machining operation
to be performed or the type of machine being used.
[0035] Multiple supporting surfaces 3 are also contemplated. For
example, the supporting surface 3 may be made expandable (like a
dining table) with a leaf or piece that fits into the gap in order
to make the surface larger. Multiple supporting surfaces 3 may also
be used if the workpiece has multiple faces that need to be
supported. An example of this embodiment is a 3-dimensional
hexagonal workpiece. If more than one of the faces is to be
engraved, then either the workpiece must be rotated with respect to
a single supporting surface 3, the workpiece must be secured to the
supporting surface 3 in a way that prevents movement, or there
needs to be multiple supporting surfaces 3 to support multiple
faces in order to prevent movement during the engraving process.
The multiple surfaces can even be hinged or otherwise configured to
adjust. This makes it possible to have the supporting surfaces 3 at
a different angle to each other depending on the workpiece that is
being machined. Support surfaces 3 may be manufactured from wood,
fiberglass, metal, plastics or any other suitable material or
combination of materials. The material must simply have the
qualities necessary to provide support to the workpiece during the
machining process.
[0036] As best illustrated in FIG. 3, workpiece alignment devices 5
are connected to the supporting surface 3. Workpiece alignment
devices 5 are used to align the workpiece on the supporting surface
3. The workpiece is aligned with respect to datum points on the
machine. These datum points are inherent in the engraving machine.
Each automated engraving machine has an origin and coordinate
system, or datum points that it recognizes. It is very important
that the workpiece be placed appropriately on the support surface 3
because the automated machine will engrave at the coordinates it is
given regardless of where the workpiece is. The coordinate system
is on the machine itself and is not changed by the clamping table.
The workpiece alignment devices 5 may be indexing pins as in the
embodiment illustrated. Pins extend from the supporting surface 3
through openings in the workpiece in order to properly align the
workpiece with the machine. Alignment is important, because
computer machining is based on coordinates measured from specific
datum points on the machine. If the workpiece is not correctly
aligned, then the machining process will not work properly.
Indexing pins 5 may have cross sections of any shape, for example,
round, square, oval, triangular. Specifically shaped openings may
be made in the workpieces to match specifically shaped pins in
order to keep the workpiece properly aligned and reduce the risk
that a particular workpiece is skewed from its proper alignment.
For instance, one pin may have a square cross section and another
may have a triangular cross section. To align with those pins 5,
the workpiece would have a square opening and a triangular opening.
In this way, the workpiece would only fit on the pins 5 at a
certain alignment.
[0037] The workpiece alignment devices 5 may be small indentations
or raised areas on the supporting surface 3. In another particular
embodiment of the workpiece alignment devices 5, a pin on the
workpiece aligns with an opening in the supporting surface 3. The
pin or pins attached to the workpiece may also have different cross
sections in order to more specifically align the workpiece with the
machine.
[0038] In yet, another embodiment of the workpiece alignment
devices 5, the workpiece alignment devices 5 include two or more
movable pieces that are parallel to the sides of the workpiece.
These movable pieces may consist of metal, rubber, or plastic
bumpers or clamps that move until they abut the sides of the
workpiece, aligning the workpiece with the datum points of the
machine. The alignment of the workpiece depends upon the rates of
the movement of the different bumpers/clamps. If the bumpers/clamps
are all moving at the same rate and they all move the same
distance, then the workpiece may be aligned in the center of the
support surface 3 or at least in the center of the bumpers/clamps.
By varying the speeds of the bumpers/clamps and the distance that
the bumpers/clamps are moved, it may be possible to adjust the
alignment of the workpiece. It is also possible to automatically
adjust the alignment of the workpiece using a computer
controller.
[0039] Another possible embodiment of the workpiece alignment
devices 5 includes multiple bumpers/clamps like those described
above that may be biased by springs or some other means of applying
force. The workpiece is placed between the multiple bumpers/clamps
which apply consistent force to center the workpiece with respect
to the bumpers/clamps.
[0040] The workpiece alignment devices 5 need not be attached to
the supporting surface 3. The workpiece alignment devices 5 could
be attached to the machine itself or may be attached in anyway that
aligns the workpiece with the datum points on the machine. The
workpiece alignment devices 5 may be permanently attached to the
supporting surface 3 or they may even be removable. The workpiece
alignment devices 5 may be immovable or may move with respect to
the workpiece.
[0041] As shown in FIG. 4, embodiments of the invention may also
contain at least one clamp 7. The clamp 7 attaches the workpiece to
the support surface 3 or machine and may aid in aligning the
workpiece. In one embodiment, the clamp 7 may slide along the
support surface 3 until the clamp 7 abuts the workpiece, forcing it
firmly against at least one workpiece alignment device 5. The clamp
7 may manually be slid along a groove 4 in the support surface 3
until the clamp 7 abuts the workpiece or movement of the clamp 7
may be automated by way of a chain or belt drive. The clamp 7 may
be attached to the support surface 3 or to a portion of the machine
itself.
[0042] In another embodiment of the invention there may be two
clamps 7, which abut the sides of the workpiece, forcing it into
alignment along one axis while the workpiece alignment devices 5
align the workpiece along the other axis. Three clamps 7 may also
be used. One clamp 7 may force the workpiece against the workpiece
alignment devices 5, while the other two clamps 7 abut against
opposite sides of the workpiece, forcing the workpiece into
alignment along another axis.
[0043] A clamp 7 may act as a workpiece alignment device 5 and as a
clamp 7. In this embodiment, four clamps 7 could be used. Each of
them abutting a side of the workpiece. If each of these clamps 7
moves at the same rate, the workpiece will be forced into the
center of the support surface 3, aligning the workpiece with the
machine. In this way, the clamps 7 act as clamps 7 and also as
alignment devices 5. Embodiments with multiple clamps 7 (some with
more than four or with odd numbers of clamps 7) are also possible.
In these embodiments the clamps 7 act both as clamps 7 and as
workpiece alignment devices 5, clamping the workpiece to the
supporting surface 3 and forcing the workpiece into the appropriate
position to be machined.
[0044] The clamps 7 may have different shapes and be made of many
different materials. In one embodiment the clamps 7 may be shaped
as bars with flat surfaces. The clamps 7 may be two posts that
extend vertically. The clamps 7 may also be shaped as a hollow half
circle with the convex or concave surface abutting the workpiece.
The surface of the clamps 7 may be smooth or may have a saw-tooth
edge 11 in order to grip the workpieces better. This saw-tooth edge
11 may also allow the clamp 7 to grip workpieces with edges that
are not flat. As shown in FIGS. 2 through 7, another embodiment of
the clamp 7 includes a saw-tooth edge 11 with rounded spots for
gripping circular or elongated workpieces. The clamps 7 may be made
of metal, metal with a rubber bumper, all rubber or even plastic or
other materials.
[0045] Particular embodiments of the invention also include a
positional sensor. A positional sensor is anything that senses a
positional characteristic of the clamp 7 in relation to the
workpiece alignment device 5 or other datum point associated with
the machine. A positional sensor may be a single entity or may be a
system with different devices working together for the final
outcome. The positional sensor may be placed in or on the clamp 7,
or it may be in or adjacent to the support surface 3. The
positional sensor may sense several different positional
characteristics of the clamp 7 in relation to the workpiece
alignment device 5. The positional sensor may determine the
distance that the clamp 7 has moved in order to abut the workpiece
securely against the workpiece alignment devices 5. The positional
sensor may also determine the distance between the clamp 7 after it
has moved into position against the workpiece and the workpiece
alignment devices 5. An alternate embodiment of the positional
sensor involves a camera that takes measurements of the workpiece
or takes pictures of the workpiece.
[0046] The information obtained by the positional sensor is then
transferred to a processor 13 (illustrated in FIG. 1). The
processor 13 may be the processor found in a conventional personal
computer with appropriately configured software. The processor 13
is configured to receive an indication of the positional
characteristic and determine a workpiece type in response to the
positional characteristic. This identification of the workpiece
type is done through either an estimation performed by an algorithm
or by comparing the measurement to a database that has information
stored relevant to all known workpieces. Once the processor 13 has
determined the dimensions, and/or characteristics of the workpiece
to be machined, the machine automatically adjusts its machining
area and the message to be machined so that it fits on the
workpiece.
[0047] Along with determining the type of workpiece being machined,
it is possible that the processor 13 could be configured so that it
also automatically inventories the workpieces to determine how many
are available. The processor 13 can be programmed to keep track of
the inventory of workpieces available at the machining site. This
processor 13 configuration may consist of a database containing the
number and types of workpieces that are available at the machining
site. As workpieces are machined, the processor 13 receives data
from the positional sensor which allows the processor 13 to
determine what type of workpiece is in position to be engraved. The
processor 13 keeps track of the number and types of workpieces that
are still available for machining. It is also possible that the
processor 13 may store this inventory remotely, so that the
processor 13 sends the information to the parts supplier. One
possible embodiment for the processor 13 configured to
automatically inventory the workpieces available for use includes a
computer program that has a list of all of the workpieces with
which the machine was stocked. As parts are machined, the processor
13 determines what type of workpiece is being machined. The
information concerning the type of the machined workpiece is then
transferred automatically to the inventory, and the processor 13
keeps a running tally of which parts are in stock. This can all be
done through multiple or even a single computer program which would
keep track of what workpieces had been used and which workpieces
are left to be machined.
[0048] The processor 13 may also be configured to automatically
order workpieces when they are running low. The processor 13
automatically takes the inventory requirements and uses these
requirements to request more workpieces from the entity that
provides the workpieces for the machine. One embodiment of this
processor 13 configuration is simply a computer program that has
access to the internet. The computer program receives data from the
processor 13 on which workpieces are almost gone. The program then
sends an email, other message, or an order to the workpiece
provider. The processor 13 could also be programmed to keep track
of the rate at which the workpieces were being used up to
anticipate how many and when the parts needed to be ordered. This
automatic ordering process may be part of a computer program that
inventories or it may be its own program.
[0049] FIG. 10 illustrates that while not in use, the workpieces
may be stored in workpiece inventory doors 53. These workpiece
inventory doors 53 are a feature that may be added to the workpiece
engraving machine 57. The doors 53 are rectangular chambers with
hooks 59 that hold the workpieces. The workpieces are attached to
these hooks 59 and are displayed so that a customer can view the
workpieces. These workpiece inventory doors 53 may be hinged 55 to
the engraving machine 57. This hinge 55 makes it so that the doors
53 can be closed against the machine 57 or open to show the
workpieces. This makes it possible for the machine 57 to be packed
up and moved without being required to pack the workpieces in a
separate container. The workpiece inventory doors 53 are also
removable, being mounted on detachable hinges 55. By simply pulling
up on the workpiece inventory doors 53, they can be removed from
the engraving machine 57. This allows the workpiece inventory doors
53 to be used as a stand alone display for the workpieces. The
doors 53 can then be leaned against something in order to create a
display where the workpieces can be viewed. The doors 53 may even
be set up as a freestanding display case. It is possible to attach
the workpiece inventory doors 53 to wheels or a lazy susan in order
to make it possible for the doors 53 to be rotated when they are
being used to display the workpieces. The workpiece inventory doors
53 may also be arranged so that they lean against each other and
with their tops meeting at an angle and coupled together in order
to serve as a display case with one set of workpieces on one side
and another set of workpieces on the other side. This multi-sided
display may also be placed on a lazy susan in order to create a
multi-sided rotational display case similar to that commonly found
in jewelry stores. The workpiece inventory doors 53 may be formed
from metal, plastic or any other material that is sturdy enough to
support the weight of the workpieces on display. The workpiece
inventory doors 53 may be formed in one piece or in multiple pieces
and attached together.
[0050] This system may allow a variety of workpieces to be machined
that have traditionally been difficult or impossible to machine in
an automatic engraver. For example, it may be possible to
automatically engrave on pet tags 27 that are embedded into a
nonmetallic collar 25, 23 (as shown in FIG. 7). This can be
accomplished by placing the collar 23 so that it is abutting one or
more indexing pins and then clamping the collar 23 into place. The
positional sensor calculates how far the clamp 7 moved and this
information is transferred to the processor 13 which identifies the
workpiece and adjusts the engraver settings so that the engraver
will engrave the pet tag 27 and not the flexible collar material
25.
[0051] FIG. 8 illustrates a method 28 by which the system operates.
The first step, Step 29, involves the workpiece being placed on the
support surface 3 in the approximate position required for
machining (or at least in the position required for the system to
secure the workpiece.) This may mean that the workpiece needs to be
placed in the approximate center of the supporting surface 3. It
may also mean that the workpiece needs to be placed in a specific
position with respect to the workpiece alignment devices 5.
[0052] Next, step 31, the workpiece is aligned with the workpiece
alignment device 5. Often, steps 29 and 31 occur at the same time.
Step 31 may require that an opening in the workpiece be placed
around a workpiece alignment device 5 such as an indexing pin.
Another embodiment involves a pin being attached to the workpiece.
The workpiece is placed so that the pin on the workpiece fits into
an opening on the supporting surface 3. Yet another embodiment
involves a workpiece being placed on a ledge on the supporting
surface 3. These different embodiments of step 31 allow multiple
sizes and shapes of workpieces to be aligned by the same workpiece
alignment devices 5.
[0053] Step 33 involves manually, or automatically moving a clamp 7
into a position abutting the workpiece. One embodiment of step 33,
involves moving one clamp 7 so that the clamp 7 forces the
workpiece firmly against a set of indexing pins which are used as
workpiece alignment devices 5. In step 31, the workpiece is placed
so that openings in the workpiece surround the indexing pins. Step
33 forces the workpiece into position firmly against these
workpiece alignment devices 5 and firmly into alignment. Another
embodiment of step 33, involves moving multiple clamps 7 at once,
forcing the workpiece into position on the support surface 3 and
clamping the workpiece in place. In this embodiment, the clamps 7
act as both the workpiece alignment devices 5 and as the clamps
7.
[0054] The fourth step, step 35, involves sensing an indication of
a positional characteristic of the clamp 7. One embodiment of step
35 has a positional sensor, which determines the distance that the
clamp 7 moved in order to abut the workpiece firmly against the
workpiece alignment devices 5. Another embodiment of step 35
involves a positional sensor sensing the distance between the
workpiece alignment devices 5 and the clamp 7. Yet another
embodiment of step 35 involves the positional sensor acting as a
camera that measures dimensions of the workpiece.
[0055] The fifth step, step 37, in the method embodied in FIG. 8
involves the processor 13 automatically determining what type of
workpiece has been placed on the table to be machined. In one
embodiment of step 37, the processor 13 takes the information
gathered by the positional sensor from sensing the clamp position
35. The processor 13 then determines the type of workpiece that is
about to be machined, or at the very least it determines the area
on which the machine should machine. One embodiment of the
processor 13 is a computer. In this embodiment, the positional
characteristics gathered by the positional sensor are transferred
through wires, or by some other means to the computer. The computer
takes the positional characteristics and compares these
characteristics to a list of data stored in a database. When the
computer finds a match, it returns the type of workpiece that is on
the support surface 3 ready to be machined. For instance, the
computer could be given the measurement of how far a clamp 7 has
moved in order to abut the edge of the workpiece and hold it firmly
against the workpiece alignment devices 5. The computer that is
determining what type of workpiece is being machined may contain a
database that has a list of all of the known workpieces and the
distance that the clamp 7 moves in order to abut the edge of the
workpiece and hold it firmly against the workpiece alignment
devices 5. The computer runs a comparison of the characteristic
with the measurements that are stored in the database. When the
computer finds a measurement that matches the characteristic, the
computer returns an indication of the type of workpiece that is
secured to the support surface 3 for machining. In another
embodiment of step 37, the positional characteristics are taken by
a camera that measures the lengths of the different sides of the
workpiece. These characteristics are transferred to the processor
13. The processor 13 includes an algorithm that uses these lengths
to determine the area on which it can engrave. The processor 13
determines this area and the machine alters the message it is
engraving to fit it on the workpiece.
[0056] Other steps may be added to the method above. For instance,
the workpiece type determined by the processor 13 is also useful
for automatically inventorying workpieces (Step 39) available for
machining. Once the processor 13 determines what workpiece is being
machined, the information may be fed to an inventory program
associated with the processor 13, which keeps track of the quantity
and type of workpieces that are in stock. Step 39 utilizes a
computer database that keeps a running total of which workpieces
were ordered and which have been used. In this way, it is possible
to always know how many workpieces are available for use.
[0057] In yet another step, it may even be possible to configure
the processor 13 to automatically order additional workpieces. The
processor 13 takes the information from the inventory (Step 39) and
passes the information pertaining to how much inventory is
available to a program in the processor that automatically orders
the needed workpieces. This automatic ordering program uses the
information from the inventory in order to determine which
workpieces need to be reordered. The processor 13 may even be
configured to determine which workpieces are used the fastest and
to order in anticipation of this fact.
[0058] Steps 37, 39 and the automatic ordering program may be
embodied as a single computer program that performs these functions
in this order or in other possible orders.
[0059] As shown in FIG. 7, these methods also make it possible to
secure a workpiece that is affixed to a non-metallic material such
as a metallic dog tag 27 embedded in a non-metallic dog collar 25.
The collar 23 itself can be placed in position on the supporting
surface 3 and then aligned with the workpiece alignment devices 5.
This can be done by several different methods. One embodiment for
aligning a non-metallic dog collar 23 may involve placing the dog
collar 23 so that it is directly abutting the indexing pins which
would align the dog collar 23 properly with the machine. A clamp 7
then presses forward abutting the collar 23 and holding it in place
so that the embedded metallic dog tag 27 is secured for engraving.
The type of workpiece in place for machining could then be
determined by a method of determining the type of workpiece secured
FIG. 7. Another embodiment for aligning the non-metallic dog tag 23
would be to place the dog tag 23 in the center of the supporting
surface 3. Multiple clamps 7 then move forward, aligning and
securing the collar with respect to the machine datum points. The
type of workpiece in place for machining could then be determined
by a method of determining the type of workpiece secured FIG. 7.
The engraving machine is then be able to engrave the metallic dog
tag 27 embedded in the non-metallic collar 25.
[0060] The embodiments and examples set forth herein were presented
in order to best explain the present invention and its practical
applications and to thereby enable those of ordinary skill in the
art to make and use the invention. However, those of ordinary skill
in the art will recognize that the foregoing description and
examples have been presented for the purposes of illustration and
example only. The description as set forth is not intended to be
exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed.
Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the
teachings above without departing from the spirit and scope of the
forthcoming claims. Accordingly, any components of the present
invention indicated in the drawings or herein are given as an
example of possible components and not as a limitation. Similarly,
any steps or sequence of steps of the method of the present
invention indicated herein are given as examples of possible steps
or sequence of steps and not as limitations, since numerous
workpiece clamping methods and sequences of steps may be used to
secure workpieces for engraving.
* * * * *