U.S. patent application number 10/632561 was filed with the patent office on 2006-05-18 for optical alignment system.
Invention is credited to Jaime E. Garcia, Jeffrey D. Weston.
Application Number | 20060101969 10/632561 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29733666 |
Filed Date | 2006-05-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060101969 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Garcia; Jaime E. ; et
al. |
May 18, 2006 |
Optical alignment system
Abstract
The present invention is directed to an optical alignment system
for table saws. In an aspect of the invention, an optical alignment
system includes a support for positioning the system so that a
first optical indicator and a second optical indicator are
projected by at least one emitting device included in the system.
An alignment device is further included in the system to permit
adjustable alignment of the first and the second optical indicators
individually with respect to one of a first side and a second side
of a kerf created in a workpiece.
Inventors: |
Garcia; Jaime E.; (Jackson,
TN) ; Weston; Jeffrey D.; (Jackson, TN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THE BLACK & DECKER CORPORATION
701 EAST JOPPA ROAD, TW199
TOWSON
MD
21286
US
|
Family ID: |
29733666 |
Appl. No.: |
10/632561 |
Filed: |
July 31, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10174731 |
Jun 19, 2002 |
|
|
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10632561 |
Jul 31, 2003 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
83/477.2 ;
83/520 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B23Q 17/2404 20130101;
Y10T 83/839 20150401; Y10T 83/773 20150401; B23D 59/003 20130101;
Y10T 83/7688 20150401; Y10T 83/04 20150401; Y10T 83/7726 20150401;
Y10T 83/7788 20150401; Y10T 83/853 20150401; Y10T 83/828
20150401 |
Class at
Publication: |
083/477.2 ;
083/520 |
International
Class: |
B23D 45/06 20060101
B23D045/06 |
Claims
1. An optical alignment system for a table saw, comprising: a
support device for supporting the optical alignment system with
respect to a kerf having a first and a second side, said kerf
created in a workpiece by operation of rotating blade included in a
table saw; at least one optical emitting device mounted in the
support device, said at least one optical emitting device for
projecting a first optical indicator and a second optical
indicator; and an alignment devices coupled to the at least one
optical emitting device, the alignment device being configured for
adjusting the alignment of the projected first and second optical
indicators with respect to the kerf, wherein the at least one
optical emitting device is arranged and configured to project the
first and second optical indicators substantially in alignment with
the first and second sides of the kerf.
2. The optical alignment system of claim 1, wherein the at least
one optical emitting device is a laser.
3. The optical alignment system of claim 1, wherein the at least
one optical emitting device is a helium-neon laser.
4. The optical alignment system of claim 1, wherein the first
optical indicator and the second optical indicator are lines of
light visible to a human.
5. The optical alignment system of claim 1, wherein at least one
optical emitting device projects the first and the second optical
indicators adjacent the rotating blade's cutting interface.
6. The optical alignment system of claim 1, wherein the at least
one optical emitting device comprises two optical emitting devices
included in the optical alignment system.
7. The optical alignment system of claim 6, wherein each of the two
optical emitting devices are individually alignable.
8. The optical alignment system of claim 1, further comprising a
grating disposed on an end of the at least one optical emitting
device, the grating including two generally parallel linear
apertures therein.
9. The optical alignment system of claim 1, further comprising a
quick electrical coupling connected to the at least one emitting
device, said electrical coupling for coupling to a table saw's
electrical system.
10. A workpiece optical alignment system for a table saw including
a rotating blade, comprising: a support for supporting the optical
alignment system; a first optical emitting device coupled to the
support, said first optical emitting device being configured to
project a first optical indicator substantially aligned with a
first side of a kerf created in a workpiece by operation of the
rotating blade; and a second optical emitting device coupled to the
support, said second optical emitting device being configured to
project a second optical indicator substantially aligned with a
second side of the kerf created in a workpiece by operation of the
rotating blade, wherein said first optical indicator and said
second optical indicator can be projected adjacent a cutting
interface of the rotating blade, substantially indicating the first
and second sides of the kerf.
11. The workpiece optical alignment system of claim 10, wherein
said first and said second optical emitting devices are lasers.
12. The workpiece optical alignment system of claim 10, wherein
said first and said second optical emitting devices are helium-neon
lasers.
13. The workpiece optical alignment system of claim 10, wherein
said first optical indicator and the second optical indicator are
lines of light visible to a human.
14. The workpiece optical alignment system of claim 10, wherein
said first and said second optical emitting devices are fan laser
beam generators.
15. The workpiece optical alignment system of claim 10, wherein the
support is a riving knife.
16. The workpiece optical alignment system of claim 10, wherein the
support is a splitter.
17. The workpiece optical alignment system of claim 10, further
comprising a first mounting assembly disposed in the support, for
adjusting the alignment of the first optical emitting device and a
second mounting assembly disposed in the support, for adjusting the
alignment of the second optical emitting device.
18. The workpiece optical alignment system of claim 17, wherein an
individual mounting assembly includes: a barrel mounting coupled to
the support; a tabbed sleeve received in the barrel mounting, the
sleeve being configured for securing an individual optical emitting
device of the first and second optical emitting devices therein; a
macro-adjuster, said macro-adjuster being operable to adjust the
barrel mounting laterally in the support, with respect to the first
and the second sides of the kerf; and a micro-adjuster disposed in
the barrel mounting, said micro-adjuster being operable to adjust
the tabbed sleeve within the barrel mounting with respect to the
first and the second sides of the kerf.
19. The workpiece optical alignment system of claim 10, wherein the
support and the rotating blade are configured to simultaneously
bevel.
20. The workpiece optical alignment system of claim 10, further
comprising a quick electrical coupling connected to said first and
said second emitting devices, said electrical coupling for coupling
to the table saw's electrical system.
21. A table saw, comprising: a support surface with an aperture
therethrough, for supporting a workpiece; a beveling cutting device
adjustably extending through the support surface aperture, said
cutting device for cutting a workpiece, whereby operation of the
cutting device in the workpiece results in the formation of a kerf
having a first and a second side in the workpiece; a first optical
emitting device adjustably coupled to the table saw to project a
first optical indicator substantially aligned with the first side
of a kerf; and a second optical emitting device adjustably coupled
to the table saw to project a second optical indicator
substantially aligned with the second side of the kerf, wherein the
first and the second optical emitting devices are configured so as
to bevel with the cutting device, such that said first optical
indicator and said second optical indicator are projected to
substantially indicate the first and second sides of the kerf.
22. The table saw of claim 21, wherein said first and said second
optical emitting devices are lasers.
23. The table saw of claim 21, wherein said first and said second
optical emitting devices are helium-neon lasers.
24. The table saw of claim 21, wherein said first optical indicator
and said second optical indicator are lines of light visible to a
human.
25. The table saw of claim 21, wherein said first and said second
optical emitting device are fan laser beam generators.
26. The table saw of claim 21, further comprising a support for
mounting the first and the second optical emitting devices, said
support being configured to bevel with the cutting device.
27. The table saw of claim 26, wherein the support is at least one
of a splitter and a riving knife.
28. The table saw of claim 26, further comprising a first mounting
assembly disposed in the support, for adjusting the alignment of
the first optical emitting device and a second mounting assembly
disposed in the support, for adjusting the alignment of the second
optical emitting device.
29. The table saw of claim 28, wherein an individual mounting
assembly includes: a barrel mounting coupled to the support; a
tabbed sleeve received in the barrel mounting, the sleeve being
configured for securing an individual optical emitting device of
the first and second optical emitting devices therein; a
macro-adjuster, said macro-adjuster being operable to adjust the
barrel mounting laterally in the support, with respect to the first
and the second sides of the kerf; and a micro-adjuster disposed in
the barrel mounting, said micro-adjuster being operable to adjust
the tabbed sleeve within the barrel mounting with respect to the
first and the second sides of the kerf.
30. A workpiece optical alignment system for a table saw,
comprising: means for projecting a first optical indicator
substantially aligned with a first side of a kerf, created in a
workpiece by operation of a table saw blade, and a second optical
indicator substantially aligned with a second side of the kerf;
means for aligning the projecting means with respect to the
kerf.
31. The workpiece optical alignment system of claim 30, wherein
said projecting means is a laser.
32. The workpiece optical alignment system of claim 30, wherein
said projecting means is helium-neon laser.
33. The workpiece optical alignment system of claim 30, wherein
said first optical indicator and said second optical indicator are
lines of light visible to a human.
34. The workpiece optical alignment system of claim 30, further
comprising means for quick electrical connection of the projecting
means with a table saw electrical system.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE
[0001] The present application is a Continuation-In-Part, under 35
U.S.C. .sctn.120, of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/174,731,
entitled: Cutter With Optical Alignment System, filed on Jun. 19,
2002, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its
entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to the field of cutting
devices and more particularly to an optical system for aligning a
workpiece to a cutting device.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Table saws typically form the core of any woodshop. Often a
woodworker's first purchase will be a table saw because of it
versatility, accuracy, and ease of use. A table saw's versatility
may cause additional considerations for manufactures. For example,
table saws are usually equipped with a fence, which may be disposed
on either side of the saw blade, for aligning the workpiece.
Additionally, table saws often are outfitted with slots extending
parallel to the saw blade for receiving sliding miter gauges, panel
alignment devices (for plywood, etc.). For example, manufactures
may include a slot in the support surface on either side of the
blade to accommodate user preferences, the saw's environment, and
the like. Thus, a workpiece may be aligned on either of the flat
sides of a circular saw blade included in the table saw.
[0004] One difficulty for woodworkers is aligning the workpiece to
the cutting device. A workpiece is aligned to the edge of the saw
blade's kerf on which the desired piece is located. A blade's kerf,
or the channel of material removed during cutting, depends on a
number of factors such as the width of the blade, the size of the
blade's teeth, the planarity of the blade, and the like. For
example, a user may have to adjust the distance of the fence to
take into account for the kerf of the blade being used. In other
instances, such as when utilizing a sliding miter gauge or
cross-cutting, a user will work up to the final cut (by making a
series of cuts or initiating contact between the blade and the
workpiece at a longer length than is desired) to ensure that the
final cut is exact. While these techniques have been employed, they
are time consuming, cause inefficiency and may lead to user
dissatisfaction with the tool.
[0005] Therefore, it would be desirable to provide an apparatus for
aligning a workpiece on either side of a blade's kerf for
utilization with table saws.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Accordingly, the present invention is directed to an optical
alignment system for a table saw. The optical alignment system of
the present invention may be configured to project a first optical
indicator and a second optical indicator for promoting workpiece
alignment on either side of a rotating cutting blade.
[0007] In an aspect of the invention, an optical alignment system
includes a support for positioning the system so that a first
optical indicator and a second optical indicator are projected by
at least one emitting device included in the system. An alignment
device is further included in the system to permit adjustable
alignment of the first and the second optical indicators
individually with respect to one of a first side and a second side
of a kerf created in a workpiece.
[0008] In another aspect of the invention, a first and a second
optical emitting devices are included in an optical alignment
system for indicating a first and a second side of a kerf created
in a workpiece by operation of a rotating blade. Additionally, each
of the optical emitting devices may be mounted in individual
mounting assembly for permitting alignment of the first and the
second optical indicators with respect to the sides of the
kerf.
[0009] In a further aspect of the invention, a table saw includes a
first optical emitting device and a second optical emitting device
which are configured so as to bevel with a beveling cutting device
extending through a support surface included in the table saw.
[0010] It is to be understood that both the forgoing general
description and the following detailed description are exemplary
and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention as
claimed. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of the specification, illustrate an embodiment of
the invention and together with the general description, serve to
explain the principles of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The numerous advantages of the present invention may be
better understood by those skilled in the art by reference to the
accompanying figures in which:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a table saw including an
optical alignment system of the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a cut-away view of an optical alignment system
having a first and a second optical emitting devices for projecting
a first optical indicator and a second optical indicator
substantially in alignment with a first and a second side of a
kerf;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an optical alignment device
including a splitter;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a side view of an optical alignment system
including a splitter with linkages for connecting to a table saw's
arbor mounting;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a cut-away view of a guarding assembly implemented
with an optical alignment system having a first and a second
optical emitting devices for projecting a first optical indicator
and a second optical indicator;
[0017] FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a optical alignment system
including a first and a second optical emitting devices;
[0018] FIG. 7 is an exploded view of a optical emitting device and
corresponding mounting assembly of FIG. 6;
[0019] FIG. 8 is an exploded view of a mounting assembly of FIG. 7;
and
[0020] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a optical emitting
device disposed in a mounting assembly.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0021] Reference will now be made in detail to the presently
preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are
illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The optical alignment
system of the present invention may be utilized to facilitate
proper workpiece alignment with either side of a kerf formed by the
operation of a a rotating saw blade in a workpiece.
[0022] Referring to FIG. 1, a table saw 100, including an optical
alignment system 102 of the present invention is described. The
table saw 100 includes a rotating cutting blade 104 extending
through an aperture included in the saw's support surface 106 such
as through a throat plate 108. The support surface 106 may include
a recessed channel or trough for accepting a corresponding
protrusion included on an accessory for directing a workpiece to be
cut. For instance, a dovetailed slot 110 may be included in the
support surface for accepting a corresponding slide on a sliding
miter gauge 112. The table saw may include a dovetailed slot on
either side of the blade to allow the workpiece to be positioned on
either side to achieve a proper miter cut, accommodate user
preference, minimize chipping, and the like. For instance, a single
bevel table saw (such as a saw which only has the capability to
bevel to the right or left) may require the user to position the
workpiece 114 on a specific side of the blade 104 to achieve the
proper bevel cut. An optical alignment system 102 of the present
invention may be utilized to indicate the position of the sides of
a resultant kerf for the saw blade being utilized.
[0023] Referring to FIG. 2, when utilizing a table saw 200 an
operator needs to account for the saw blade's kerf or the channel
of material which will be removed by operation of the blade 204 in
the workpiece 214. A saw blade's kerf may be influenced by the size
of the teeth of the blade, the overall flatness of the blade
(planarity) and the like. For example, when cutting a workpiece 214
the saw blade creates a kerf with a first side 216 and a second
side 218. Therefore, in order to achieve the desired cut a user
aligns the workpiece 214 with the optical indicator on the side of
the kerf to which the cut is to be made.
[0024] The optical alignment system 202 may be utilized to project
a first optical indicator 222 and second optical indicator 224
substantially aligned with the first and the second sides of the
kerf 216 and 218, respectively. For example, prior to use the first
optical indicator 222 is aligned with the first side of the kerf
216 (for the blade being employed) and the second optical indicator
224 is aligned with the second side of the kerf (for the blade
being employed). For instance, the first and second optical
indicators 216 and 218, or indicia may be continuous lines of
light, dashed lines, alignment cross-hairs, arrows, or the like
visible to the human eye. Preferably, the optical indicators are
projected in an area adjacent to where the saw blade 204 contacts a
workpiece 214 (i.e. the saw's cutting interface). For example, the
optical indicators may be projected as a fan of light which is
projected to be visible from adjacent teeth included on the saw
blade forward on the support surface/workpiece so a user may align
a mark on the workpiece with the optical indicator corresponding to
a side of the kerf prior to cutting.
[0025] With reference to FIG. 2, an optical alignment system 202
includes a support device. In a preferred embodiment of the
invention, the support device is a splitter 220 included on the
table saw 200. In further embodiments, the support device may be a
riving knife, a mounting for attachment to a ceiling (over the
saw), an over arm guard (i.e. one mounted remotely from the work
area extending to cover the saw blade, such as a generally U-shaped
arm and plastic guard assembly) or the like for positioning the
system with respect to the kerf of the blade. Referring to FIGS. 3
and 4, utilization of a riving knife or splitter (i.e. a back
splitter) may be preferable inasmuch as these support devices may
be coupled with the beveling mechanism of the saw. For instance, a
splitter 410 (including associated linkages 430, 432) is fixedly
connected to the saw's arbor mounting 434 so that the optical
alignment system bevels with the saw blade 304. Referring to FIG.
2, thus, the optical alignment system may bevel with the saw blade
204 to ensure proper visual indication when a bevel cut is desired.
Referring to FIG. 5, an optical alignment system mounted to a
splitter may be disposed to project the first and second optical
indicators 222 and 224 through a clear plastic guard.
Alternatively, the optical indicators may be projected through an
opening on the front of the guard 536 included on the splitter
520.
[0026] Referring now to FIG. 6, an optical alignment system 602 of
the current invention is disclosed. Preferably, the optical
alignment system 602 includes a first optical emitting device 638
and a second optical emitting device 640. Those of skill in the art
will appreciate that a single optical emitting device may be
utilized such as by implementing a beam splitter/mirror system for
separating the generated light into discrete beams for projection.
Utilization of two optical emitting devices may allow for easy
lateral beam adjustment, individual alignment, compact emitting
units, without the drawbacks such as alignment and vibration
concerns which may be associated with a beam splitter mirror
system. Suitable optical emitting devices include lasers, gas
lasers (i.e. a helium neon laser), a diode laser, a fiber optic
emitting device, and the like for generating an indication visible
to the human eye. Moreover, optical emitting devices may include a
grating and/or a lens for forming a narrow beam of light (such as a
line) for projection on the workpiece and/or support surface. In
embodiments, the optical emitting device may be powered via a
battery supply or from the saw's electrical system such as through
the use of transformers and the like for optimization to the
emitter's electrical requirements. Preferably, if an optical
emitting device is powered from the saw's electrical system the
electrical connection will be equipped with a quick connect
coupling such as a plug, interlocking connectors, or the like for
quickly connecting/disconnecting to the saw's electrical system.
For example, when making a non-through cut (such as a dado cut) a
splitter and optical emitters may be removed, thus it is
advantageous to have a conveniently positioned quick disconnect
electrical coupling to allow easy removal of the alignment
system.
[0027] Referring to FIGS. 6 through 8, in exemplary embodiments,
individual optical emitting devices (two devices are shown, 638 and
640) are disposed in a mounting assembly for permitting variable
positioning of the projected light beam. For example, the optical
alignment system may include a bracket 642 for accepting a pair of
light emitting devices 638 and 640 (individually disposed in a
mounting assembly). As may be seen in FIGS. 7 and 8, a mounting
assembly 844 may be configured to allow lateral alignment (with
respect to a side of a kerf), rotational alignment (positioning of
the indicator with respect to the general direction in which the
workpiece enters into engagement with the saw blade), and lateral
micro alignment (is the visual indicator skewed from alignment with
a side of the kerf). In a further example, a user may laterally
adjust the optical emitters to accommodate a blade with a wider
kerf, such as a blade with carbide teeth.
[0028] For instance, a laser emitting device 746 is disposed in a
mounting assembly 744. The laser barrel may be secured via a
friction insert, a set screw (though the mounting barrel) or the
like for fixing the laser to the assembly 744. Additionally, a nut
748 may be utilized to secure and/or rotate the laser 746. The
mounting assembly 744 includes a macro-lateral adjustment device.
For example, the mounting assembly 744 is formed with a protrusion
having a laterally extending aperture for accepting a screw 752 or
a through pin. In the present embodiment, the barrel mounting 750
may be laterally fixed along the screw 752 via a set screw 754
through an aperture 756 protruding into the lateral aperture. For
example, a user may laterally position the emitting device by
sliding the barrel mounting 750 to the desired position with
respect to a side of the kerf and then fix the position by
tightening the set screw 754 into engagement with the screw 752.
Additionally, the screw 752/set screw 754 assembly may be
implemented to pivot the mounting assembly about the screw 752
extending through the lateral aperture such as if the bracket is
formed with an arced slot, or multiple apertures for accepting the
screw 752. For instance, multiple apertures may be disposed about
an aperture for receiving the barrel mounting 750. For example, a
user may wish to position the screw 752 within an arced slot such
that the optical indicator extends further forward of the blade.
Those of skill in the art will appreciate that macro lateral
adjustment may be accomplished via a threaded adjustment knob
assembly, a rail/groove mounting with a push screw, a slotted
mounting secured via a screw, and the like for laterally adjusting
the laser emitting device with respect to a side of the kerf.
[0029] Referring now to FIG. 8, in a further embodiment, a mounting
assembly 844 includes a tabbed sleeve 864 for containing an
emitting device. The sleeve 864 may be received in a corresponding
recess included in the barrel mounting 850. The tabbed sleeve 864
may be biased via a spring 862 disposed between the tabbed
extension 866 and a stop 860 (such as a threaded stop). Utilization
of a tabbed sleeve biased by a spring may allow lateral micro
adjustment and/or skew correction. For instance, the spring 862 may
act to align the optical emitting device whereby the projected
light is directed substantially perpendicular to the barrel
mounting's primary axis. Referring to FIG. 9, micro-adjustment may
be accomplished by threading a stop 958 against or away from
engagement with the tabbed extension 966 disposed in a recessed in
the barrel mounting 850 (FIG. 8). Therefore, adjusting the emitting
device in the barrel mounting 950. (Wherein the recess for
receiving the tab is of sufficient size to allow the tab extension
to be variably positioned within the recess.)
[0030] It is believed that the apparatus of the present invention
and many of its attendant advantages will be understood by the
forgoing description. It is also believed that it will be apparent
that various changes may be made in the form, construction and
arrangement of the components thereof without departing from the
scope and spirit of the invention or without sacrificing all of its
material advantages. The form herein before described being merely
an explanatory embodiment thereof. It is the intention of the
following claims to encompass and include such changes.
* * * * *