STONE SLAB TRANSFER AND PROCESSING SYSTEM AND METHODS

Abstract

A dual platform bed system has an associated machine for transferring material sheets from one platform bed to another. There are associated methods for both transferring and processing sheets on either or both platforms. Placing the platform beds adjacent one another reduces both human worker requirement and human and machine down time.

Claims

1. A system for cutting, lifting, and preparing multiple sheets, the system comprising: a) a pair of associated platforms each housed on corresponding frame beds, each platform and corresponding frame bed being stationed beside and in proximity to the other platform and corresponding frame bed; i) each platform being pivotable and moveable about a longitudinal axis along the corresponding associated frame bed; ii) the second platform and frame bed stationed next to the first platform and frame bed wherein the second platform is pivotable and moveable ranging in motion from contacting and covering the second frame bed to aligning over and covering the first platform and back to contacting and covering the second frame bed; iii) the first platform and frame bed stationed next to the second platform and frame bed wherein the first platform is pivotable and moveable ranging in motion from contacting and covering the first frame bed to away from both the first platform frame bed and away from the second platform and then back to contacting and covering the first frame bed; iv) a mean associated with each platform to pivotably move said platforms through each corresponding range of motion; and b) a programmable and moveable tool arm associated with both platforms and moveable over and between both platforms to position tools in a desired location and with a desired orientation; i) a mean to program and move the tool arm over and between each platform associated with the tool arm; and ii) adapting the tool arm to hold a pre-selected operable tool.

2. The system in claim 1, wherein the pre-selected operable tool is selected from any one from a group of saw, router, grinder, welder, torch, and buffer.

3. A method for cutting and preparing a stone slab comprising the steps of: I) providing a) a pair of associated platforms housed on corresponding frame beds, each platform and corresponding frame bed being stationed beside and in proximity to the other platform and corresponding frame bed; i) each platform being pivotable and moveable about a longitudinal axis along the corresponding associated frame bed; ii) the second platform and frame bed stationed next to the first platform and frame bed wherein the second platform is pivotable and moveable ranging in motion from contacting and covering the second frame bed to aligning over and covering the first platform and back to contacting and covering the second frame bed; iii) the first platform and frame bed stationed next to the second platform and frame bed wherein the first platform is pivotable and moveable ranging in motion from contacting and covering the first frame bed to away from both the first platform frame bed and away from the second platform and then back to contacting and covering the first frame bed; iv) a mean associated with each platform to pivotably move said platforms through each corresponding range of motion; and b) a programmable and moveable tool arm associated with both platforms and moveable over and between both platforms to position tools in a desired location and with a desired orientation; i) a mean to program and move the tool arm over and between each platform associated with the tool arm; and ii) adapting the tool arm to hold a pre-selected operable tool; whereupon the following steps are undertaken: II) a first phase comprising the following steps: a) the first platform is pivoted away from both the first platform frame bed and second platform to receive and mount the stone slab onto the first platform with the slab facing finished side up and contacting the first platform with the unfinished side facing down on the first platform; b) mounting the stone slab onto the first platform finished side up; c) pivoting the first platform back to contacting and covering the first platform frame bed; d) defining on the slab selected shapes to be cut and removed from excess remains; e) programming the tool arm to move over the first platform and cut the selected stone shapes, and upon completion move away from both the first and second platform; f) adapting the tool arm with an operable tool namely a stone-cutting saw; g) moving the tool arm and saw over the first platform and cutting the selected stone shapes with the stone-cutting saw to separate the selected cut shapes from excess remains; h) upon cutting completion moving the tool arm away from both the first and second platform; and III) a second phase comprising the following steps: a) providing a plurality of dual-end pneumatic vacuum clamps; b) placing onto the selected cut stone shapes finished side the plurality of dual-end pneumatic vacuum clamps for selectively vacuum sealing to either and both of the cut stone shapes finished side and the second platform upon vacuum activation at either and both clamp ends; c) activating vacuum seals between the plurality of clamps and the cut stone shapes on the stone finished side to form a vacuum between each clamp and each corresponding cut stone shape; d) moving the second platform to align over and cover the first platform and contact the plurality of clamps; e) activating vacuum seals between the clamps and the second platform to form a vacuum between clamp and the second platform; and f) thereafter moving the second platform back to contact and cover the second frame bed, with the selected cut stone shapes facing finished side down and atop the suction cups, to separate the selected cut stone shapes from excess remains on the first platform.

4. The method for cutting and preparing , as in claim 3, the method further comprising the step of: IV) a third phase comprising the following steps: a) disconnecting the stone-cutting saw the tool arm; b) connecting a router to the tool arm; c) aligning the router to the cut stone shapes at a level measured from the stone finished side on the second platform; and d) routering the selected cut stone shapes along a perimeter defined by each cut stone shape.

5. The method for cutting and preparing , as in claim 4, wherein the third phase further comprises the steps of: e) while routering the cut stone shapes, clearing excess remains from the first platform; and f) upon excess remains removal from the first platform, thereafter continually restarting the first phase in respect of each subsequent slab on completion of each third phase for each preceding slab.

6. The method for cutting and preparing, as in claim 3, wherein a stone first side is said finished side .

7. The method for cutting and preparing , as in claim 3, wherein a stone second side is said unfinished side.

8. A method for stone slab production comprising the steps of: I) placing adjacent to one another: a) a pair of associated platforms each housed on corresponding frame beds, each platform and corresponding frame bed being stationed beside and in proximity to the other platform and corresponding frame bed; i) each platform being pivotable and moveable about a longitudinal axis along the corresponding associated frame bed; ii) the second platform and frame bed stationed next to the first platform and frame bed wherein the second platform is pivotable and moveable ranging in motion from contacting and covering the second frame bed to aligning over and covering the first platform and back to contacting and covering the second frame bed; iii) the first platform and frame bed stationed next to the second platform and frame bed wherein the first platform is pivotable and moveable ranging in motion from contacting and covering the first frame bed to away from both the first platform frame bed and away from the second platform and then back to contacting and covering the first frame bed; iv) a mean associated with each platform to pivotably move said platforms through each corresponding range of motion; v) a programmable and moveable tool arm associated with both platforms and moveable over and between both platforms to position tools in a desired location and with a desired orientation; vi) a mean to program and move the tool arm over and between each platform associated with the tool arm; and vii) adapting the tool arm to hold a pre-selected operable tool; II) loading a stone slab on the first platform; III) processing the slab on the first platform using the tool arm and tool; IV) after processing the slab transporting at least a portion of the slab to the second platform by using dual ended pneumatic vacuum clamps connected to both the portion of slab to be transported and the second platform when the second platform is aligned over and covering the first platform and by subsequently moving the second platform back over to the second frame bed; V) further processing the slab portion on the second platform using the tool arm and another pre-selected operable tool; and VI) removing from the first platform any excess slab in preparation to receive a subsequent slab for processing.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a dual platform bed system with associated CNC machine with the first platform empty and the second platform processing a stone slab perimeter.

[0045] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a dual platform bed system with associated CNC machine with a stone slab being loaded on the first platform and the second platform processing a stone slab perimeter.

[0046] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a dual platform bed system with associated CNC machine with a stone slab loaded on the first platform and the second platform processing a stone slab perimeter. [0041] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a dual platform bed system with associated CNC machine with a saw cutting the stone slab on the first platform and the second platform standing idle.

[0047] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a dual platform bed system with associated CNC machine with cut stone slab pieces on the first platform and the second platform processing a stone slab perimeter.

[0048] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a dual platform bed system with associated CNC machine with dual end pneumatic vacuum clamps placed on the cut stone slab pieces on the first platform and the second platform processing a stone slab perimeter.

[0049] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a dual platform bed system with associated CNC machine with dual end pneumatic vacuum clamps on the cut stone slab pieces on the first platform and unloading cut stone slab pieces from the second platform.

[0050] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a dual platform bed system with associated CNC machine with dual end pneumatic vacuum clamps placed on the cut stone slab pieces on the first platform and the second platform empty and idle.

[0051] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a dual platform bed system with associated CNC machine with dual end pneumatic vacuum clamps placed on the cut stone slab pieces on the first platform and the second platform moving toward the first platform.

[0052] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a dual platform bed system with associated CNC machine with dual end pneumatic vacuum clamps placed on the cut stone slab pieces on the first platform and the second platform moving toward the first platform.

[0053] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a dual platform bed system with associated CNC machine with dual end pneumatic vacuum clamps placed on the cut stone slab pieces on the first platform and the second platform moving toward the first platform.

[0054] FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a dual platform bed system with associated CNC machine with dual end pneumatic vacuum clamps placed on the cut stone slab pieces on the first platform and the second platform contacting the clamps on the first platform.

[0055] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a dual platform bed system with associated CNC machine with the second platform connected to dual end pneumatic vacuum clamps and cut stone slab pieces moving away from and leaving excess stone slab remains on the first platform.

[0056] FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a dual platform bed system with associated CNC machine with the second platform connected to dual end pneumatic vacuum clamps and cut stone slab pieces moving away from and leaving excess stone slab remains on the first platform.

[0057] FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a dual platform bed system with associated CNC machine with the second platform connected to dual end pneumatic vacuum clamps and cut stone slab pieces moving away from and leaving excess stone slab remains on the first platform.

[0058] FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a dual platform bed system with associated CNC machine with the first platform empty and the second platform processing a stone slab perimeter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0059] The present invention can be worked in relation to preparing a single stone slab (10) or multiple stone slabs (10) processed sequentially with one subsequent to another.

[0060] More generally, the present invention can be worked in relation to preparing sheets based on a variety of materials, be it wood, concrete, stone, glass, or even food-based product.

[0061] The present description equates slabs with sheets but acknowledges there are extra and special considerations for dealing particularly with stone slabs (10).

[0062] The present invention provides a system and methods for processing at least one sheet (or slab (10) as the case may be) at one station and then efficiently transporting (at least a portion of) that sheet to a second station for further processing.

[0063] The present invention can run continuously to process multiple sheets or slabs (10) because of the way the system is designed, how the system is laid out, and the methods employed in using the system.

[0064] With respect to apparatus, the system lifts, transports, and processes multiple sheets of any particular material.

[0065] The system is comprised of a pair of associated platforms (20, 30) each housed on corresponding frame beds (40, 50), each platform (20, 30) and corresponding frame bed (40, 50) being stationed beside and in proximity to the other platform (20, 30) and corresponding frame bed (40, 50).

[0066] Each platform (20, 30) is pivotable and moveable about a corresponding longitudinal axis (60, 70) along the corresponding associated frame bed (40, 50).

[0067] The second platform (30) and frame bed (50) are stationed next to the first platform (20) and frame bed (40).

[0068] The second platform (30) is pivotable and moveable, and ranges in motion starting from a) contacting and covering the second frame bed (50) to b) aligning over and covering the first platform (20) and back to a) contacting and covering the second frame bed (50).

[0069] The second platform (30) range of motion is best shown sequentially in FIG. 8 through to FIG. 15.

[0070] The first platform (20) and frame bed (40) is stationed next to the second platform (30) and frame bed (50).

[0071] The first platform (20) is pivotable and moveable, and ranges in motion from a) contacting and covering the first frame bed (40) to b) away from both the first platform frame bed (40) and away from the second platform (30) and then back to a) contacting and covering the first frame bed (40).

[0072] The first platform (20) is moveable and pivotable in range such that the platform (20) can lie horizontal and level, or can be positioned at an angle suitable for loading a stone slab (10) (such as shown in FIG. 2).

[0073] A mean (not shown) is associated with each platform (20, 30) to pivotably move said platforms (20, 30) through each corresponding range of motion.

[0074] Numerous prior art known means are readily known and publicly available, in respect of moving the platforms (20, 30) including long-known computerized hydraulic and pneumatic machinery as well as human labour.

[0075] These known hydraulic and pneumatic means are typically part of or otherwise easily integrate into machinery (80).

[0076] Machinery (80) (like CNC) is ubiquitous in numerous industries requiring commercial or industrial scale cutting, lifting, milling, grinding, routing, moving, processing and the like.

[0077] Typical industrial machinery (80) can be programmed with tasks such as moving platforms (20, 30), moving tool arms (90), operating tool arms (90) in a particular fashion, and executing complicated computer programs as required.

[0078] Machinery (80) tool arms (90) can be adapted with known operable tools such as blade saws (100), routers (110), grinders (not shown), welders (not shown), torches (not shown), and buffers (not shown).

[0079] The aforementioned tools are easily interchangeable by known means and techniques.

[0080] In the invention, a programmable and moveable tool arm (90) is associated with both platforms (20, 30) and moveable over and between both platforms (20, 30) to position tools in a desired location and with a desired orientation (for example, contrast FIGS. 1 and 4 with respect to tool orientation).

[0081] Typical machinery (80) also easily integrates known means (not shown) to program and move the tool arm (90) over and between each platform (20, 30) associated with the tool arm (90).

[0082] Just by laying out the associated platforms (20, 30) (one next to the other with ranges of motion as indicated above) and machinery (80) as described above, the invention reduces physical real estate demand, human down time, and machine down time in the stone slab processing industry.

[0083] Because the platforms (20, 30) are in proximity to each other and moveable as they are in terms of motion range, this arrangement aspect of the present invention also improves over the prior art.

[0084] Moreover, this system arrangement lays the groundwork for optimized methods particularly with respect to processing stone slabs (10).

[0085] The following methods can apply to various material sheets, but particular benefits relating to stone slab (10) processing will become immediately apparent.

[0086] Although the advantageous methods are described in respect of processing multiple slabs (10) in sequence and one subsequent to another, the method can also be limited to single slabs (10) and single sheets (of various material) where desired.

[0087] The first step in one such advantageous method for cutting and preparing multiple stone slabs (10) is to provide the system of associated platforms (20, 30) and beds (40, 50) and machinery (80) as described above.

[0088] Thereafter, the following three phases are implemented.

[0089] A first phase (of steps) comprises pivoting the first platform (20) away from both the first platform frame bed (40) and second platform (30), to receive and mount the stone slab (10) onto the first platform (20).

[0090] The positioning of the first platform (20) is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0091] The stone slab (10) is mounted onto the first platform (20) with the unfinished stone slab side facing downward onto the first platform (20), and the finished side facing upward as in FIG. 2.

[0092] The first platform (20) is then pivoted back to a position where the first platform (20) is contacting and covering the first platform frame bed (30) as in FIG. 3.

[0093] Best seen in FIG. 5, a worker using appropriate markers then defines and marks on the stone slab (10) selected cut shapes (120) for cutting and removal from excess remains (130).

[0094] By positioning the slab (10) with the finished side up, a saw (100) can cut through the stone slab (10) without concern for blow out on the slab (10) unfinished side.

[0095] The tool arm (90) is adapted with an appropriate cutting saw (100), be it a steel, diamond, water, or laser-based saw.

[0096] The tool arm (90) is then programmed to move over the first platform (20) and cut the selected stone shapes (120), and upon completion move away from both the first (20) and second (30) platform.

[0097] The computer program is then executed to move the tool arm (90) and saw (100) over the first platform (20) and cut (see FIG. 4) the selected stone shapes (120) to separate same from excess remains (130).

[0098] Upon cutting completion, the tool arm (90) is moved away (such as in FIG. 5) from the first platform (20), and this step completes the first phase.

[0099] A second phase of steps comprises providing a plurality of dual-end pneumatic vacuum clamps (140).

[0100] The clamps (140) are placed onto the selected cut stone shapes (120) finished side (see FIGS. 6 and 7), and activated to form a vacuum between each clamp (140) and the corresponding selected shape (120).

[0101] Thereafter the second platform (30) is moved to align over and cover the first platform (20) and contact the plurality of clamps (140), as shown in FIGS. 8 through 12.

[0102] The clamps (140) are then activated to correspondingly form vacuum seals between the clamps (140) and the second platform (30).

[0103] At this point the clamps (140) are vacuum sealed to both the cut pieces (120) and the second platform (30).

[0104] As shown in FIGS. 13 through 15, the second platform (30) is thereafter moved back to contact and cover the second frame bed (50).

[0105] Because the selected cut stone shapes (120) are vacuum sealed to the clamps (140) that are in turn sealed to the second platform (30), the cut stone shapes (120) travel with the second platform (30).

[0106] The cut stone shapes (120) as shown in FIG. 15 are now facing finished side down and atop the clamps (140), and the cut stone shapes (120) have been separated from excess remains (130) on the first platform (20).

[0107] The second phase is completed upon return of the second platform (30) to the second frame bed (50) as in FIG. 15.

[0108] A third phase of steps comprises disconnecting the stone-cutting saw (100) from the tool arm (90) and connecting in place thereof, a router (110).

[0109] The router (110) is then aligned to the cut stone shapes (120) at a level measured from the stone finished side on the second platform (30).

[0110] The router (110) is used to create a desired perimeter profile of the cut stone shapes (120) by routering away undesired portions yet maintaining a flat and level finished surface.

[0111] The machinery (80) is programmed with relevant data to guide the router (110), and thereafter each cut stone shape (120) perimeter is routered.

[0112] FIG. 16 shows routering occuring while excess remains (130) are being cleared from the first platform (20).

[0113] Upon excess remains (130) removal from the first platform (20), the third phase is complete.

[0114] Thereafter this method is continually restarted at the first phase described above, in respect of each subsequent slab (10) on completion of each third phase for each preceding slab (10).

[0115] While each second phase is started for each subsequent slab (10), the second platform (30) is correspondingly cleared of cut stone pieces (120) and clamps (140) once routering is complete.

[0116] This system and method yields a number of unexpected but measurable improvements when employed for a typical stone slab (10) preparation (into a counter top) including: a) reducing the human worker requirement from two to one; b) reducing the CNC machine (80) requirement from two to one; c) reducing the real estate requirement by almost two-thirds; and d) reducing the total (human plus machine) down time almost thirty-five percent.

TABLE-US-00001 Task or Phase/Time 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 Unloading W W W W W W Finishing C C C C C C C C W W T Cutting W W C C C W W W W W C C T Loading W W W T T T

[0117] Table 1 above elaborates on the operation cycle for multi-slab (10) / sheet preparation involving one human worker (W) and one machine system (C) described herein.

[0118] Reference letter T in Table 1 refers to platform (20, 30) movement, and the overall Table is presented as a matrix describing tasks in terms of five time intervals (for a total seventy minute cycle).

[0119] As such and for example, in a typical 70 minute cycle the human worker W can be tracked in the operation (including marking up and down time) as follows: from minutes 5 to 10, W is unloading and loading slabs (10).

[0120] From minutes 15 to 25, human worker W prepares pneumatic vacuum clamps, and from minutes 30 to 50 W places those clamps on cut pieces (120) on the first platform (20).

[0121] At minute 55, human worker W prepares a new slab (10) and from minutes 60 to 70, human worker W removes finished pieces (120) from the second platform (30).

[0122] Likewise, in a typical 70 minute cycle the platform (20, 30) and machine (80) system C can be tracked in the operation (including marking up and down time as follows: from minutes 5 to 10, system C works on routering pieces (120) on the second platform (30).

[0123] Between minutes 15 and 25, system C moves over to the first platform (20) and begins to cut a slab (10) into pieces (120).

[0124] Between minutes 30 and 55, system C moves back to the second platform (30) and continues routering cut pieces (120).

[0125] Between minutes 60 and 65, system C is parked as the second platform (30) is unloaded by human worker W.

[0126] Reference letter T in Table 1 shows times when either the first platform (20) or the second platform (30) are engaged in pivotal movement in transferring slabs (10) or cut pieces (120).