CA2548879A1 - Gantry counterbalancing system - Google Patents
Gantry counterbalancing system Download PDFInfo
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- CA2548879A1 CA2548879A1 CA 2548879 CA2548879A CA2548879A1 CA 2548879 A1 CA2548879 A1 CA 2548879A1 CA 2548879 CA2548879 CA 2548879 CA 2548879 A CA2548879 A CA 2548879A CA 2548879 A1 CA2548879 A1 CA 2548879A1
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- gantry
- work surface
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Abstract
The present invention provides a work table for use with a tool, comprising an inclined work surface, which is substantially planar and is supported by a frame having a base. The work table further comprises a gantry assembly having a combined effective weight, wherein the gantry assembly includes a gantry movably attached to the work surface and having two ends, a longitudinal axis and extending within a plane parallel to the work surface.
The gantry assembly further includes a movable tool mount slidably attached to the gantry for removable attachment of a tool. The work table further comprises a first movement means attached to one end of said gantry for translation of the gantry over said work surface and a second movement means attached to the tool mount for translation of said tool between the ends of the gantry.
Furthermore, the work table comprises a weight counterbalancing means operatively associated with the gantry for neutralising the combined effective weight of the gantry assembly.
The gantry assembly further includes a movable tool mount slidably attached to the gantry for removable attachment of a tool. The work table further comprises a first movement means attached to one end of said gantry for translation of the gantry over said work surface and a second movement means attached to the tool mount for translation of said tool between the ends of the gantry.
Furthermore, the work table comprises a weight counterbalancing means operatively associated with the gantry for neutralising the combined effective weight of the gantry assembly.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to work tables and more particularly to an inclined work surface with a gantry assembly and counterbalancing system.
BACKGROUND
There are several types of supporting tables that have been suggested for the use of tools, with these tables providing support for these tools on the surface of the table or by connection to the underside of the table. Typically, these tables comprise a flat, generally horizontally extending top, which is supported by legs. The top of a supporting table typically has an upper planar surface which supports the item to be shaped and an under surface to which the tool may be attached. These horizontally extending tables require a large amount of floor space in order to be installed, thus drastically reducing the available work area. Furthermore, these tables typically require disassembly in order to relocate them from one room to another due to restrictions of, for example, the size of a doorway.
By inclining a supporting table the resulting floor footprint of the table is dramatically reduced when compared to that of a horizontal table having the same surface area. By inclining the supporting table, however, the tool which may typically be manoeuvred on a plane parallel to the surface of the supporting table, will be operating at an inclined angle. A
gantry on a horizontal working table typically supports the weight of the tool being used, however this support is decreased if the working table is inclined.
As a result of the inclination of the table, the required applied vertical force in order to translate a horizontal gantry in a vertical direction will be increased, while the applied force required for horizontal translation of the tool positioned on the gantry will remain relatively unchanged.
Thus there will be a variation in the required applied force necessary to move the horizontal gantry, depending on the direction of the translation. This variation in the applied force may result in unsteady movement of the gantry resulting in uneven shaping or etching through a laser of the item being prepared.
Typically, in order to reduce the applied force necessary to move an object vertically, a counterbalance system is incorporated into the apparatus. A typical method of counterbalancing an object is achieved by the suspension of a weight using a pulley mechanism such that this additional weight counteracts the weight of the object. This technique requires a plurality of varying weights providing a means for the adjustment of the counter weight enabling the counterbalancing of objects of varying weights. U.S. Patent No. 5,806,245 describes the use of this method as applied to the opening of a lift gate. Tn this example the counterweight was adjusted such that the full weight of the lift gate was compensated enabling the user to easily move the lift gate in a vertical direction.
Furthermore, pneumatic means have been used, for example, to open and close gates, doors and windows, for example. U.S. Patent No. 5,806,245 also describes a pneumatic means enabling the opening and closing of a lift gate; with the volume of the air within the system being controlled by a switch operated by a user. The force created within the pneumatic means is transmitted to the lift gate by a conventional pulley system. As the air volume within the pneumatic means increases the gate will rise and as the air volume within said means decreases the gate will lower. This pneumatic means was used to open and close the gate only and the pressure within said pneumatic means is not regulated to compensate for the full weight of the Iift gate enabling the user to easily move the gate in a vertical direction.
In a related patent, U.S. Patent No. 6,612,792 describes a pneumatic system used in conjunction with a worktable. It provides a work table for use with a tool, comprising an inclined work surface, which is substantially planar and is supported by a frame having a base; a gantry movably attached to the work surface and having two ends, a longitudinal axis and extending within a plane parallel to the work surface; a movable tool mount slidably attached to the gantry for removable attachment of the tool wherein the tool mount and the tool have a combined effective weight; a first movement means attached to one end of said gantry for translation of the gantry over said work surface; a second movement means attached to the tool mount for translation of said tool between the ends of the gantry; and a weight counterbalancing means operatively associated with the tool mount fox neutralising the combined effective weight.
Neutralisation of the weight is accomplished by attaching the tool mount to a counterbalancing system that counterbalances the combined effective weight of the tool and tool mount along the length of the gantry, enabling its smooth movements when the work surface is in an inclined position.
This background information is provided for the purpose of making known information believed by the applicant to be of possible relevance to the present invention. No admission is necessarily intended, nor should be construed, that any of the preceding information constitutes prior art againstthe presentinvention.
SUMMARY OF TIC INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to provide a work table having a gantry assembly counterbalancing system. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a work table for use with a tool, the work table comprising an inclined work surface which is substantially planar and is supported by a frame having a base; a gantry assembly including a gantry movably attached to said work surface, said gantry having two ends, a longitudinal axis and extending within a plane parallel to the work surface, the gantry assembly further including a movable tool mount slidably attached to said gantry and configured for removable attachment of the tool, wherein said gantry assembly has a combined effective weight; a first movement means operatively associated with said gantry for translation of the gantry over said work surface; a second movement means attached to the tool mount for translation of said tool and said tool mount between the ends of said gantry;
and a pneumatic weight counterbalancing means operatively associated with said gantry for neutralising the combined effective weight of said gantry assembly.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
Figure 1 is a side view of one embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2 is a front view of the top half of one embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 3 is an exploded view of the pulley mechanism in one embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 4 is an exploded view of the piston system in one embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 5 is a front view of a counterbalancing system in one embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 6 is a front view of another counterbalancing system in one embodiment of the present invention;
Figure '7 is a front view of a counterbalancing system in one embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 8 is a front view of a counterbalancing system in one embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 9 is a front view of a counterbalancing system in one embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 10 is a front view of a counterbalancing system in one embodiment of the present invention;
S
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Definitions The term "inclined vertical axis" is used to describe the axis which is parallel to the inclination of the work surface.
The term "effective weight" is used to describe the force component of the gravitational weight along the inclined vertical axis.
The term "gantry assembly" is used to describe a gantry together with a tool mount secured there to and/or a tool.
The term "tool" is used to describe a device where the operation of said device would be affected by the inclination of the surface upon which it is used, such as but not limited to a router, panel saw, laser, paint or ink applicator, sampling device, a cutting device and a marking device.
The term "tool mount" is used to describe a device which allows attachment of a tool to the apparatus of the present invention such that the tool is oriented in an operational position. It would be readily appreciated by a worker skilled in the art that the tool can be removably or permanently attached via the tool mount.
Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs.
The present invention provides a work table for use with a tool, comprising an inclined work surface, which is substantially planar and is supported by a frame having a base.
The work table further comprises a gantry assembly having a combined effective weight, wherein the gantry assembly includes a gantry movably attached to the work surface and having two ends, a longitudinal axis and extending within a plane parallel to the work surface. The gantry assembly further includes a movable tool mount slidably attached to the gantry for removable attachment of a tool. The work table further comprises a first movement means attached to one end of said gantry for translation of the gantry over said work surface and a second movement means attached to the tool mount for translation of said tool between the ends of the gantry. Furthermore, the work table comprises a weight counterbalancing means operatively associated with the gantry fox neutralising the combined effective weight of the gantry assembly.
Neutralisation of the weight is accomplished by attaching the gantry to a counterbalancing system that counterbalances the combined effective weight of the gantry assembly enabling its smooth movements in the inclined vertical axis.
In the apparatus of the present invention, the effective weight of the gantry assembly along the length of the work surface is zero when the work surface is in the horizontal position. As the work surface is raised to an inclined position, the effective weight of the gantry assembly along the length of the inclined surface increases, rendering the ability to support and raise the gantry assembly along the height of the work surface (the inclined vertical axis) increasingly difficult.
The counterbalancing means of this invention generates a force equal in magnitude to counter-act the combined effective weight of the gantry assembly along the height of the work surface (the inclined vertical axis), wherein the generated counter-force is applied by a flexible line attached to the gantry, wherein said flexible line is carried by a pulley.
In one embodiment of the present invention and with reference to Figure 1, the apparatus is mobile with this mobility being provided by a rolling mechanism 10, for example casters or wheels which are connected to the base of a supporting frame 20. The apparatus can be transported to a desired location and the subsequent activation of a braking system maintains the desired location of the apparatus. The inclination of a work surface 30 reduces the floor footprint of the apparatus and thus there is a reduction in the floor area required to set-up said apparatus as compared to a horizontal work surface having the same surface area. Furthermore, by inclining the work surface 30 the apparatus may be able to move through standard doors, resulting in easy relocation of said apparatus. Material 40 may also be easily installed on the work surface 30. Such material may include, but is not limited to, stone, granite, glass, wood acrylic, carpet, and leather.
In a further embodiment of the present invention, the supporting frame may be constructed such that the inclination of the work surface may be adjusted or fixed at a particular angle depending on the preference of the user. The adjustment of the inclination of the work surface may be performed by a variety of means, for example manual, mechanical or electrical as would be known to a worker skilled in the art. The inclined work surface may be inclined at an angle within a range of 0 to 90 degrees from the vertical axis emanating from the base of the supporting frame. In an embodiment of the present invention, the inclined work surface is inclined at an angle between 0 to 45 degrees from the vertical axis. Fn another embodiment, the inclined work surface is inclined at an angle between 10 to 25 degrees. In still a further embodiment, the inclined work surface is inclined at an angle of 22.5 degrees.
Gantry Assembly In one embodiment of the present invention and with reference to Figure 2, the gantry 50 comprises a main elongated tubular member. Although it is not necessarily so, the components of the gantry 50 can be designed such that a tool is able to reach all corners of the inclining work surface 30. In a related embodiment the elongated tubular member spans the width of the wark surface.
In one embodiment of the present invention and with further reference to Figure 2, a tool mount may be connected to the gantry 50 such that the tool mount is able to move smoothly and freely along said gantry 50. For example, the tool mount can incorporate a collar which can be mounted on the gantry 50, providing a means for said member to guide the translation of the tool mount along its length. The smooth and free movement of the tool mount along the gantry 50 may be provided by a plurality of guide bearings, or any other friction reduction means, for example various lubricants. A tool connected to the tool mount is capable of freely moving along the length of the elongated tubular member of the gantry and together with the gantry, over the work surface such that the tool can translate over a defined area of the work surface. In one embodiment of the present invention the defined area is the entire work surface. Guide rails b0 are also provided along the side extremities of the inclined work surface 30.
The smooth and free movement of the gantry 50 along said guide rails GO may be provided by a plurality of guide bearings. A variety of alternate guiding means providing substantially frictionless movement of the gantry would be known to one skilled in the art.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the tool 70 is firmly attached to the tool mount 75 using adjustable brackets, or any other means that can firmly connect the tool to the tool mount.
In one embodiment of the present invention the translation of the tool is controlled by a computing system. This computing system controls a series of electrical means, for example speed reduction motors and/or electro servo motors, which provide a means for the movement of the tool using a gearing mechanism. Electrical means control the movement of the gantry over the work surface and another electrical means controls the movement of the tool mount along the length of the elongated tubular member. In one embodiment, a further electrical means may be installed to enable the movement of the tool in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the inclining work surface, with this electrical means being incorporated into the tool mount assembly. The control of the movement of the tool, tool mount and gantry using electrical means would be known to a worker skilled in the art of CAD/CAM systems (computer aided design/
computer aided manufacturing). For example, a CAD/CAM system provides a means for a designer to create a virtual representation of the object to be manufactured using a computer, or format of computing device as would be known to a worker skilled in the art.
The computing device can subsequently create a set of instructions for the system to manufacture the desired object, where these instructions control the apparatus in the desired manner.
Counterbalancing Means The counterbalancing means of the present invention counter acts the combined effective weight of the gantry assembly along the inclined vertical axis. This counterbalancing force remains constant independent of the position of the gantry and the tool over the work surface.
Furthermore, this counterbalancing means enables equilibration of the required applied force for the translation of the gantry assembly over the work surface.
In one embodiment of the present invention and with reference to Figure 2, the counterbalancing means incorporates a pulley mechanism comprising pulleys, flexible lines 80 and 90, pneumatic cylinders 100 and 110 and a pressure controlling system. Flexible line 80 is associated with pneumatic cylinder 110 and flexible line 90 is associated with pneumatic cylinder 160. In this embodiment, the pneumatic cylinders 100 and 110 are parallel to each other and offset.
In one embodiment of the present invention and with reference to Figure 3 and Figure 4, the flexible line 80 connected to the piston 130 in pneumatic cylinder 110 is relayed to one end of the gantry by a conventional pulley 120. The pressure within the pneumatic cylinder 110 is monitored and regulated by the pressure control system, which initiates the insertion or removal of air from the pneumatic cylinder through a valve 140 (e.g. hose) such that a predeternuned internal pressure within the pneumatic cylinder is maintained. A pressure sensor monitors and helps to regulate the pressure within said cylinder such that a constant pressure is maintained within the cylinder at all times. In one embodiment of the present invention, a safety valve can be installed W thin the pneumatic system to prevent pressure lcss Am case of breaks in the - -- -pressurized supply lines. Pneumatic cylinder 100 has similar components as described for pneumatic cylinder 110. , In one embodiment of the present invention the pressure sensor is operatively coupled to a computing device, wherein the computing device can sample the pressure within a pneumatic cylinder and regulate the pressure therein through a feedback type loop. For example the feedback loop can be configured to sample the pressure at predetermined intervals of time or sampling rate, for example every one second, two seconds, 10 seconds, 30 seconds or 1/10 of a second, in order to maintain a desired pressure within a pneumatic cylinder.
For example the computing device can adjust the sampling rate of the pressure sensor based on the amount and speed of required movement of the gantry relative to the work surface. A
worker skilled in the art would readily understand haw to configure a computing system in order that the desired function of the pressure feedback loop is enabled.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the computing device which regulates the pressure within the pneumatic cylinder can be integrated with the computer system configured tv control the movement of the toot, tool mount and gantry.
In one embodiment of the present invention and with further reference to Figure 2, the pulley mechanism and the pneumatic cylinders 100 and 110 are positioned on the top edge of the inclined work surface 30. The gantry 50 is counterbalanced by flexible lines 80 and 90 such as cables which are connected to the gantxy SO and which are carried by conventional pulleys mounted near the pneumatic cylinders 100 and 110. The flexible Junes 80 and 90 extend through an opening in the pneumatic cylinders 100 and 110 and are attached to pistons, which are movably disposed inside the pneumatic cylinders 100 and 110. Thus the movement of the gantry 50 is directly linked to the movement of the pistons. As the gantry 50 translates over the inclined work surface 30, the pistons will translate a corresponding distance within the pneumatic cylinders 100 and 110, altering the volume of the air within the pneumatic cylinders 100 and 110. This translation of the pistons results in a pressure change within the pneumatic cylinders 100 and 110, with said pressure being monitored by pressure sensors and accordingly adjusted to a desired level for the counterbalancing of the gantry assembly.
1n one embodiment of the present invention and with further reference to Figures 3 and 4, the apparatus comprises sealing means 150 located on the piston 130, the top of the pneumatic cylinder 110 and the entry location of the flexibte line 80 into the pneumatic cylinder 110. An example of such a sealing means includes what are known in the art as "O
rings" or any other sealing means, which result in similar sealing qualities. These sealing means 1~0 provide the air seal between the piston 130 and the internal wall of the pneumatic cylinder 110, with said sealing means 150 attached directly to the piston 130 enabling the movement of the piston 130 within the pneumatic cylinder 110 while maintaining said pressure seal. Similar sealing means 155 are installed at the entry point of the flexible line 80 into the pneumatic cylinder 110, enabling the sealing of the pneumatic pressurized chamber in front of the piston inside cylinder 110 during the movement of the flexible line 80.
In another embodiment of the present invention and with reference to Figures 5, 6 and 7, the counterbalancing system comprises two pneumatic cylinders. In Figure 5, pneumatic cylinders 100 and 110 are aligned and mating at one point. Flexible lines 80 and 90 extending from pneumatic cylinders 100 and lI0 are connected to the gantry 50 through pulleys 120 and 160. In another embodiment and with further reference to Figure 5, the pneumatic cylinders 100 and 110 can be combined into a single cylinder comprising both pistons 130 and 170. In this case the central portion of the cylinder should be vented to allow air movement into and out of this region during movement of the pistons. Such an embodiment requires that the pneumatic cylinder be of a sufficient length enabling the pistons 130 and 170 to travel the required distance to enable movement of the gantry over the desired area of the work surface and to properly counterbalance the gantry assembly as required under the present invention. The counterbalancing system of Figure 6 comprises pneumatic cylinders 100 and 110 which are positioned along the side edges of the work surface 30. The counterbalancing system of Figure 7 comprises pneumatic cylinder 100 positioned along the top edge of the work surface 30 and a pneumatic cylinder 110 positioned along the bottom edge of the work surface 30. As would be known to a worker skilled in the relevant art the flexible line and pulley mechanism may take a variety of configurations which still provide the required counterbalancing force to the gantry in order to counterbalance the effective weight of the gantry assembly.
In another embodiment of the present invention and with reference to Figures 8, 9 and 10, the counterbalancing system comprises a single pneumatic cylinder 100 which may be positioned either at the top or side edge of the work surface 30. The counterbalancing system of Figure 8 comprises two flexible lines 80 and 90 connected to the piston head 130. The counterbalancing systems of Figures 9 and 10 require a suitable guiding rail system for the gantry 50 given the presence of a single flexible line 80. The embodiments illustrated in Figures 9 and 10 may cause the gantry 50 to rotate during its movement unless a proper guiding rail system is provided as would be known by a worker skilled in the relevant art.
Pressure Control System In one embodiment of the present invention, upon detection of a decrease of the internal pressure within the pneumatic cylinders by the pressure sensors, the pressure control system will initiate the insertion of compressed air from a compressed air source such as an air compressor into the pneumatic cylinders through valves. This insertion of air will continue until the internal air pressure has reached the desired level. Conversely, the pressure control system, upon detection of an increase in the pressure within the pneumatic cylinders by the pressure sensors, will bleed air from the pneumatic cylinders through valves until the internal air pressure has decreased to the desired level. A pneumatic cylinder pressure in excess of that desired may cause the gantry to rise and conversely the gantry may fall if the pneumatic cylinder pressure is below that which is required. The pressure sensors which are attached-to the valves and monitors the pressure within the pneumatic cylinders, are sufficiently sensitive such that the required internal pressure within the pneumatic cylinders will be maintained by the pressure control system, to within far example, ~0.05 psi of the pre-selected pressure. There are a variety of pressure control systems which are capable of providing this level of sensitivity with one such system being manufactured by NUMATICSTM. See also Willcerson~ (e.g. see Precision Regulators Application Guide FRL-APP-C00, July 2004, http://www.wilkersoncorp.com~brochure/FRL-APP-600.pdf) A type of pressure control system may be embodied by a pneumatic pressure regulator, also known as a pressure-reducing valve which reduces pressure from supply to output. The regulator is used to control and kip the reduced pressure constant or at least stabilized when either the primary or secondary pressure fluctuate. A common use of the regulator is to make air driven devices operate consistently with constant pressure for functions involving force, torque, speed, control and finesse. The regulator valve opens, closes and modulates on demand to keep the pressure constant. This is a balance between the force (spring tension) set to control the pressure and the internal force of the compressed air attempting to close it.
A feature common to many regulators is relieving capability, The energy required to compress the valve spring force, open the valve and stabilize the moving parts is reflected in initial pressure drop. When the relief passage opens the excess pressure will vent from the regulator without further pressure increase up to maximum relief flow. When the maximum relief flow is exceeded the outlet pressure will increase. This is how a "high relief' regulator, which may be used in one embodiment of the invention, operates. See White Paper #8, Air Regulators, by Thomas W. Kreher, Applied Pneumatic Controls, http://www.ifps.or~/Education/WhitePaperslAirRe ators.htm.
In one embodiment of the invention wherein there are two pneumatic cylinders, the pressure control system is monitoring pressure within only one cylinder. In this case, the pressure control system applies the determined adjustment to both cylinders. Alternatively, there may be a pressure control system associated with each of the pneumatic cylinders for controlling the pressure therein independently.
The required speed of response of the pressure control system to a change in the internal pressure of the pneumatic cylinders is directly linked to the translational speed at which the gantry is being moved. For example, rapid movement of the gantry will result in sudden changes in the volume of the air chamber within the pneumatic cylinders and thus the regulation of the internal pressure within said cylinders must be equilibrated at a faster rate in order to maintain a consistent counterbalancing force.
The pulley mechanism transmits the force generated within the pneumatic cylinders to the gantxy and thus counterbalances the combined effective weight of the gantry assembly along the inclined vertical axis. The force transmitted via the flexible Iines is equivalent to the pressure within the pneumatic cylinders times the surface area of the piston. Thus, by maintaining a constant pressure within the pneumatic cylinders, even during volumetric changes of the air chambers within said pneumatic cylinders, a constant counterbalancing force will be exerted on the gantry.
By counterbalancing the combined effective weight of the gantry assembly the required power associated with an electrical means that translates the gantry over the work surface, is reduced.
Furthermore, this counterbalancing means may reduce the wear of the components of the electrical means due to the reduction of the weight being translated in comparison to a situation in which the tool is translated in the absence of the counterbalancing means.
In one embodiment of the present invention the desired pneumatic cylinder pressure is determined based upon the effective weight, along the inclined vertical axis, of the gantry assembly. The pressure within the pneumatic cylinder may be systematically increased until the gantry assembly reaches a state of weight neutrality. At this point the combined effective weight of the gantry assembly is completely counter acted by the counterbalancing mechanism, as such the gantry assembly will remain at a constant position until movement of said gantry assembly is initiated. Upon the determination of the required internal pneumatic cylinder pressure, the pressure sensor is calibrated to this value for the subsequent operation of the apparatus. As would be readily appreciated by a worker skilled in the art upon the adjustment of the inclination of the work surface, the counterbalancing system must be re-calibrated. The same is true if the tool associated with the gantry is changed.
The present invention provides a means for counterbalancing the combined effective weight of a gantry assembly which is being used in conjunction with an inclined work surface. By counteracting the combined effective weight of the gantry assembly using pneumatic means, the varying weights of the gantry assembly (which may occur through the variation of various tools used on the gantry) operated using the present invention are counterbalanced by adjusting the internal pressure within the pneumatic cylinder.
The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.
IS
The present invention relates generally to work tables and more particularly to an inclined work surface with a gantry assembly and counterbalancing system.
BACKGROUND
There are several types of supporting tables that have been suggested for the use of tools, with these tables providing support for these tools on the surface of the table or by connection to the underside of the table. Typically, these tables comprise a flat, generally horizontally extending top, which is supported by legs. The top of a supporting table typically has an upper planar surface which supports the item to be shaped and an under surface to which the tool may be attached. These horizontally extending tables require a large amount of floor space in order to be installed, thus drastically reducing the available work area. Furthermore, these tables typically require disassembly in order to relocate them from one room to another due to restrictions of, for example, the size of a doorway.
By inclining a supporting table the resulting floor footprint of the table is dramatically reduced when compared to that of a horizontal table having the same surface area. By inclining the supporting table, however, the tool which may typically be manoeuvred on a plane parallel to the surface of the supporting table, will be operating at an inclined angle. A
gantry on a horizontal working table typically supports the weight of the tool being used, however this support is decreased if the working table is inclined.
As a result of the inclination of the table, the required applied vertical force in order to translate a horizontal gantry in a vertical direction will be increased, while the applied force required for horizontal translation of the tool positioned on the gantry will remain relatively unchanged.
Thus there will be a variation in the required applied force necessary to move the horizontal gantry, depending on the direction of the translation. This variation in the applied force may result in unsteady movement of the gantry resulting in uneven shaping or etching through a laser of the item being prepared.
Typically, in order to reduce the applied force necessary to move an object vertically, a counterbalance system is incorporated into the apparatus. A typical method of counterbalancing an object is achieved by the suspension of a weight using a pulley mechanism such that this additional weight counteracts the weight of the object. This technique requires a plurality of varying weights providing a means for the adjustment of the counter weight enabling the counterbalancing of objects of varying weights. U.S. Patent No. 5,806,245 describes the use of this method as applied to the opening of a lift gate. Tn this example the counterweight was adjusted such that the full weight of the lift gate was compensated enabling the user to easily move the lift gate in a vertical direction.
Furthermore, pneumatic means have been used, for example, to open and close gates, doors and windows, for example. U.S. Patent No. 5,806,245 also describes a pneumatic means enabling the opening and closing of a lift gate; with the volume of the air within the system being controlled by a switch operated by a user. The force created within the pneumatic means is transmitted to the lift gate by a conventional pulley system. As the air volume within the pneumatic means increases the gate will rise and as the air volume within said means decreases the gate will lower. This pneumatic means was used to open and close the gate only and the pressure within said pneumatic means is not regulated to compensate for the full weight of the Iift gate enabling the user to easily move the gate in a vertical direction.
In a related patent, U.S. Patent No. 6,612,792 describes a pneumatic system used in conjunction with a worktable. It provides a work table for use with a tool, comprising an inclined work surface, which is substantially planar and is supported by a frame having a base; a gantry movably attached to the work surface and having two ends, a longitudinal axis and extending within a plane parallel to the work surface; a movable tool mount slidably attached to the gantry for removable attachment of the tool wherein the tool mount and the tool have a combined effective weight; a first movement means attached to one end of said gantry for translation of the gantry over said work surface; a second movement means attached to the tool mount for translation of said tool between the ends of the gantry; and a weight counterbalancing means operatively associated with the tool mount fox neutralising the combined effective weight.
Neutralisation of the weight is accomplished by attaching the tool mount to a counterbalancing system that counterbalances the combined effective weight of the tool and tool mount along the length of the gantry, enabling its smooth movements when the work surface is in an inclined position.
This background information is provided for the purpose of making known information believed by the applicant to be of possible relevance to the present invention. No admission is necessarily intended, nor should be construed, that any of the preceding information constitutes prior art againstthe presentinvention.
SUMMARY OF TIC INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to provide a work table having a gantry assembly counterbalancing system. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a work table for use with a tool, the work table comprising an inclined work surface which is substantially planar and is supported by a frame having a base; a gantry assembly including a gantry movably attached to said work surface, said gantry having two ends, a longitudinal axis and extending within a plane parallel to the work surface, the gantry assembly further including a movable tool mount slidably attached to said gantry and configured for removable attachment of the tool, wherein said gantry assembly has a combined effective weight; a first movement means operatively associated with said gantry for translation of the gantry over said work surface; a second movement means attached to the tool mount for translation of said tool and said tool mount between the ends of said gantry;
and a pneumatic weight counterbalancing means operatively associated with said gantry for neutralising the combined effective weight of said gantry assembly.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
Figure 1 is a side view of one embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2 is a front view of the top half of one embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 3 is an exploded view of the pulley mechanism in one embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 4 is an exploded view of the piston system in one embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 5 is a front view of a counterbalancing system in one embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 6 is a front view of another counterbalancing system in one embodiment of the present invention;
Figure '7 is a front view of a counterbalancing system in one embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 8 is a front view of a counterbalancing system in one embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 9 is a front view of a counterbalancing system in one embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 10 is a front view of a counterbalancing system in one embodiment of the present invention;
S
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Definitions The term "inclined vertical axis" is used to describe the axis which is parallel to the inclination of the work surface.
The term "effective weight" is used to describe the force component of the gravitational weight along the inclined vertical axis.
The term "gantry assembly" is used to describe a gantry together with a tool mount secured there to and/or a tool.
The term "tool" is used to describe a device where the operation of said device would be affected by the inclination of the surface upon which it is used, such as but not limited to a router, panel saw, laser, paint or ink applicator, sampling device, a cutting device and a marking device.
The term "tool mount" is used to describe a device which allows attachment of a tool to the apparatus of the present invention such that the tool is oriented in an operational position. It would be readily appreciated by a worker skilled in the art that the tool can be removably or permanently attached via the tool mount.
Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs.
The present invention provides a work table for use with a tool, comprising an inclined work surface, which is substantially planar and is supported by a frame having a base.
The work table further comprises a gantry assembly having a combined effective weight, wherein the gantry assembly includes a gantry movably attached to the work surface and having two ends, a longitudinal axis and extending within a plane parallel to the work surface. The gantry assembly further includes a movable tool mount slidably attached to the gantry for removable attachment of a tool. The work table further comprises a first movement means attached to one end of said gantry for translation of the gantry over said work surface and a second movement means attached to the tool mount for translation of said tool between the ends of the gantry. Furthermore, the work table comprises a weight counterbalancing means operatively associated with the gantry fox neutralising the combined effective weight of the gantry assembly.
Neutralisation of the weight is accomplished by attaching the gantry to a counterbalancing system that counterbalances the combined effective weight of the gantry assembly enabling its smooth movements in the inclined vertical axis.
In the apparatus of the present invention, the effective weight of the gantry assembly along the length of the work surface is zero when the work surface is in the horizontal position. As the work surface is raised to an inclined position, the effective weight of the gantry assembly along the length of the inclined surface increases, rendering the ability to support and raise the gantry assembly along the height of the work surface (the inclined vertical axis) increasingly difficult.
The counterbalancing means of this invention generates a force equal in magnitude to counter-act the combined effective weight of the gantry assembly along the height of the work surface (the inclined vertical axis), wherein the generated counter-force is applied by a flexible line attached to the gantry, wherein said flexible line is carried by a pulley.
In one embodiment of the present invention and with reference to Figure 1, the apparatus is mobile with this mobility being provided by a rolling mechanism 10, for example casters or wheels which are connected to the base of a supporting frame 20. The apparatus can be transported to a desired location and the subsequent activation of a braking system maintains the desired location of the apparatus. The inclination of a work surface 30 reduces the floor footprint of the apparatus and thus there is a reduction in the floor area required to set-up said apparatus as compared to a horizontal work surface having the same surface area. Furthermore, by inclining the work surface 30 the apparatus may be able to move through standard doors, resulting in easy relocation of said apparatus. Material 40 may also be easily installed on the work surface 30. Such material may include, but is not limited to, stone, granite, glass, wood acrylic, carpet, and leather.
In a further embodiment of the present invention, the supporting frame may be constructed such that the inclination of the work surface may be adjusted or fixed at a particular angle depending on the preference of the user. The adjustment of the inclination of the work surface may be performed by a variety of means, for example manual, mechanical or electrical as would be known to a worker skilled in the art. The inclined work surface may be inclined at an angle within a range of 0 to 90 degrees from the vertical axis emanating from the base of the supporting frame. In an embodiment of the present invention, the inclined work surface is inclined at an angle between 0 to 45 degrees from the vertical axis. Fn another embodiment, the inclined work surface is inclined at an angle between 10 to 25 degrees. In still a further embodiment, the inclined work surface is inclined at an angle of 22.5 degrees.
Gantry Assembly In one embodiment of the present invention and with reference to Figure 2, the gantry 50 comprises a main elongated tubular member. Although it is not necessarily so, the components of the gantry 50 can be designed such that a tool is able to reach all corners of the inclining work surface 30. In a related embodiment the elongated tubular member spans the width of the wark surface.
In one embodiment of the present invention and with further reference to Figure 2, a tool mount may be connected to the gantry 50 such that the tool mount is able to move smoothly and freely along said gantry 50. For example, the tool mount can incorporate a collar which can be mounted on the gantry 50, providing a means for said member to guide the translation of the tool mount along its length. The smooth and free movement of the tool mount along the gantry 50 may be provided by a plurality of guide bearings, or any other friction reduction means, for example various lubricants. A tool connected to the tool mount is capable of freely moving along the length of the elongated tubular member of the gantry and together with the gantry, over the work surface such that the tool can translate over a defined area of the work surface. In one embodiment of the present invention the defined area is the entire work surface. Guide rails b0 are also provided along the side extremities of the inclined work surface 30.
The smooth and free movement of the gantry 50 along said guide rails GO may be provided by a plurality of guide bearings. A variety of alternate guiding means providing substantially frictionless movement of the gantry would be known to one skilled in the art.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the tool 70 is firmly attached to the tool mount 75 using adjustable brackets, or any other means that can firmly connect the tool to the tool mount.
In one embodiment of the present invention the translation of the tool is controlled by a computing system. This computing system controls a series of electrical means, for example speed reduction motors and/or electro servo motors, which provide a means for the movement of the tool using a gearing mechanism. Electrical means control the movement of the gantry over the work surface and another electrical means controls the movement of the tool mount along the length of the elongated tubular member. In one embodiment, a further electrical means may be installed to enable the movement of the tool in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the inclining work surface, with this electrical means being incorporated into the tool mount assembly. The control of the movement of the tool, tool mount and gantry using electrical means would be known to a worker skilled in the art of CAD/CAM systems (computer aided design/
computer aided manufacturing). For example, a CAD/CAM system provides a means for a designer to create a virtual representation of the object to be manufactured using a computer, or format of computing device as would be known to a worker skilled in the art.
The computing device can subsequently create a set of instructions for the system to manufacture the desired object, where these instructions control the apparatus in the desired manner.
Counterbalancing Means The counterbalancing means of the present invention counter acts the combined effective weight of the gantry assembly along the inclined vertical axis. This counterbalancing force remains constant independent of the position of the gantry and the tool over the work surface.
Furthermore, this counterbalancing means enables equilibration of the required applied force for the translation of the gantry assembly over the work surface.
In one embodiment of the present invention and with reference to Figure 2, the counterbalancing means incorporates a pulley mechanism comprising pulleys, flexible lines 80 and 90, pneumatic cylinders 100 and 110 and a pressure controlling system. Flexible line 80 is associated with pneumatic cylinder 110 and flexible line 90 is associated with pneumatic cylinder 160. In this embodiment, the pneumatic cylinders 100 and 110 are parallel to each other and offset.
In one embodiment of the present invention and with reference to Figure 3 and Figure 4, the flexible line 80 connected to the piston 130 in pneumatic cylinder 110 is relayed to one end of the gantry by a conventional pulley 120. The pressure within the pneumatic cylinder 110 is monitored and regulated by the pressure control system, which initiates the insertion or removal of air from the pneumatic cylinder through a valve 140 (e.g. hose) such that a predeternuned internal pressure within the pneumatic cylinder is maintained. A pressure sensor monitors and helps to regulate the pressure within said cylinder such that a constant pressure is maintained within the cylinder at all times. In one embodiment of the present invention, a safety valve can be installed W thin the pneumatic system to prevent pressure lcss Am case of breaks in the - -- -pressurized supply lines. Pneumatic cylinder 100 has similar components as described for pneumatic cylinder 110. , In one embodiment of the present invention the pressure sensor is operatively coupled to a computing device, wherein the computing device can sample the pressure within a pneumatic cylinder and regulate the pressure therein through a feedback type loop. For example the feedback loop can be configured to sample the pressure at predetermined intervals of time or sampling rate, for example every one second, two seconds, 10 seconds, 30 seconds or 1/10 of a second, in order to maintain a desired pressure within a pneumatic cylinder.
For example the computing device can adjust the sampling rate of the pressure sensor based on the amount and speed of required movement of the gantry relative to the work surface. A
worker skilled in the art would readily understand haw to configure a computing system in order that the desired function of the pressure feedback loop is enabled.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the computing device which regulates the pressure within the pneumatic cylinder can be integrated with the computer system configured tv control the movement of the toot, tool mount and gantry.
In one embodiment of the present invention and with further reference to Figure 2, the pulley mechanism and the pneumatic cylinders 100 and 110 are positioned on the top edge of the inclined work surface 30. The gantry 50 is counterbalanced by flexible lines 80 and 90 such as cables which are connected to the gantxy SO and which are carried by conventional pulleys mounted near the pneumatic cylinders 100 and 110. The flexible Junes 80 and 90 extend through an opening in the pneumatic cylinders 100 and 110 and are attached to pistons, which are movably disposed inside the pneumatic cylinders 100 and 110. Thus the movement of the gantry 50 is directly linked to the movement of the pistons. As the gantry 50 translates over the inclined work surface 30, the pistons will translate a corresponding distance within the pneumatic cylinders 100 and 110, altering the volume of the air within the pneumatic cylinders 100 and 110. This translation of the pistons results in a pressure change within the pneumatic cylinders 100 and 110, with said pressure being monitored by pressure sensors and accordingly adjusted to a desired level for the counterbalancing of the gantry assembly.
1n one embodiment of the present invention and with further reference to Figures 3 and 4, the apparatus comprises sealing means 150 located on the piston 130, the top of the pneumatic cylinder 110 and the entry location of the flexibte line 80 into the pneumatic cylinder 110. An example of such a sealing means includes what are known in the art as "O
rings" or any other sealing means, which result in similar sealing qualities. These sealing means 1~0 provide the air seal between the piston 130 and the internal wall of the pneumatic cylinder 110, with said sealing means 150 attached directly to the piston 130 enabling the movement of the piston 130 within the pneumatic cylinder 110 while maintaining said pressure seal. Similar sealing means 155 are installed at the entry point of the flexible line 80 into the pneumatic cylinder 110, enabling the sealing of the pneumatic pressurized chamber in front of the piston inside cylinder 110 during the movement of the flexible line 80.
In another embodiment of the present invention and with reference to Figures 5, 6 and 7, the counterbalancing system comprises two pneumatic cylinders. In Figure 5, pneumatic cylinders 100 and 110 are aligned and mating at one point. Flexible lines 80 and 90 extending from pneumatic cylinders 100 and lI0 are connected to the gantry 50 through pulleys 120 and 160. In another embodiment and with further reference to Figure 5, the pneumatic cylinders 100 and 110 can be combined into a single cylinder comprising both pistons 130 and 170. In this case the central portion of the cylinder should be vented to allow air movement into and out of this region during movement of the pistons. Such an embodiment requires that the pneumatic cylinder be of a sufficient length enabling the pistons 130 and 170 to travel the required distance to enable movement of the gantry over the desired area of the work surface and to properly counterbalance the gantry assembly as required under the present invention. The counterbalancing system of Figure 6 comprises pneumatic cylinders 100 and 110 which are positioned along the side edges of the work surface 30. The counterbalancing system of Figure 7 comprises pneumatic cylinder 100 positioned along the top edge of the work surface 30 and a pneumatic cylinder 110 positioned along the bottom edge of the work surface 30. As would be known to a worker skilled in the relevant art the flexible line and pulley mechanism may take a variety of configurations which still provide the required counterbalancing force to the gantry in order to counterbalance the effective weight of the gantry assembly.
In another embodiment of the present invention and with reference to Figures 8, 9 and 10, the counterbalancing system comprises a single pneumatic cylinder 100 which may be positioned either at the top or side edge of the work surface 30. The counterbalancing system of Figure 8 comprises two flexible lines 80 and 90 connected to the piston head 130. The counterbalancing systems of Figures 9 and 10 require a suitable guiding rail system for the gantry 50 given the presence of a single flexible line 80. The embodiments illustrated in Figures 9 and 10 may cause the gantry 50 to rotate during its movement unless a proper guiding rail system is provided as would be known by a worker skilled in the relevant art.
Pressure Control System In one embodiment of the present invention, upon detection of a decrease of the internal pressure within the pneumatic cylinders by the pressure sensors, the pressure control system will initiate the insertion of compressed air from a compressed air source such as an air compressor into the pneumatic cylinders through valves. This insertion of air will continue until the internal air pressure has reached the desired level. Conversely, the pressure control system, upon detection of an increase in the pressure within the pneumatic cylinders by the pressure sensors, will bleed air from the pneumatic cylinders through valves until the internal air pressure has decreased to the desired level. A pneumatic cylinder pressure in excess of that desired may cause the gantry to rise and conversely the gantry may fall if the pneumatic cylinder pressure is below that which is required. The pressure sensors which are attached-to the valves and monitors the pressure within the pneumatic cylinders, are sufficiently sensitive such that the required internal pressure within the pneumatic cylinders will be maintained by the pressure control system, to within far example, ~0.05 psi of the pre-selected pressure. There are a variety of pressure control systems which are capable of providing this level of sensitivity with one such system being manufactured by NUMATICSTM. See also Willcerson~ (e.g. see Precision Regulators Application Guide FRL-APP-C00, July 2004, http://www.wilkersoncorp.com~brochure/FRL-APP-600.pdf) A type of pressure control system may be embodied by a pneumatic pressure regulator, also known as a pressure-reducing valve which reduces pressure from supply to output. The regulator is used to control and kip the reduced pressure constant or at least stabilized when either the primary or secondary pressure fluctuate. A common use of the regulator is to make air driven devices operate consistently with constant pressure for functions involving force, torque, speed, control and finesse. The regulator valve opens, closes and modulates on demand to keep the pressure constant. This is a balance between the force (spring tension) set to control the pressure and the internal force of the compressed air attempting to close it.
A feature common to many regulators is relieving capability, The energy required to compress the valve spring force, open the valve and stabilize the moving parts is reflected in initial pressure drop. When the relief passage opens the excess pressure will vent from the regulator without further pressure increase up to maximum relief flow. When the maximum relief flow is exceeded the outlet pressure will increase. This is how a "high relief' regulator, which may be used in one embodiment of the invention, operates. See White Paper #8, Air Regulators, by Thomas W. Kreher, Applied Pneumatic Controls, http://www.ifps.or~/Education/WhitePaperslAirRe ators.htm.
In one embodiment of the invention wherein there are two pneumatic cylinders, the pressure control system is monitoring pressure within only one cylinder. In this case, the pressure control system applies the determined adjustment to both cylinders. Alternatively, there may be a pressure control system associated with each of the pneumatic cylinders for controlling the pressure therein independently.
The required speed of response of the pressure control system to a change in the internal pressure of the pneumatic cylinders is directly linked to the translational speed at which the gantry is being moved. For example, rapid movement of the gantry will result in sudden changes in the volume of the air chamber within the pneumatic cylinders and thus the regulation of the internal pressure within said cylinders must be equilibrated at a faster rate in order to maintain a consistent counterbalancing force.
The pulley mechanism transmits the force generated within the pneumatic cylinders to the gantxy and thus counterbalances the combined effective weight of the gantry assembly along the inclined vertical axis. The force transmitted via the flexible Iines is equivalent to the pressure within the pneumatic cylinders times the surface area of the piston. Thus, by maintaining a constant pressure within the pneumatic cylinders, even during volumetric changes of the air chambers within said pneumatic cylinders, a constant counterbalancing force will be exerted on the gantry.
By counterbalancing the combined effective weight of the gantry assembly the required power associated with an electrical means that translates the gantry over the work surface, is reduced.
Furthermore, this counterbalancing means may reduce the wear of the components of the electrical means due to the reduction of the weight being translated in comparison to a situation in which the tool is translated in the absence of the counterbalancing means.
In one embodiment of the present invention the desired pneumatic cylinder pressure is determined based upon the effective weight, along the inclined vertical axis, of the gantry assembly. The pressure within the pneumatic cylinder may be systematically increased until the gantry assembly reaches a state of weight neutrality. At this point the combined effective weight of the gantry assembly is completely counter acted by the counterbalancing mechanism, as such the gantry assembly will remain at a constant position until movement of said gantry assembly is initiated. Upon the determination of the required internal pneumatic cylinder pressure, the pressure sensor is calibrated to this value for the subsequent operation of the apparatus. As would be readily appreciated by a worker skilled in the art upon the adjustment of the inclination of the work surface, the counterbalancing system must be re-calibrated. The same is true if the tool associated with the gantry is changed.
The present invention provides a means for counterbalancing the combined effective weight of a gantry assembly which is being used in conjunction with an inclined work surface. By counteracting the combined effective weight of the gantry assembly using pneumatic means, the varying weights of the gantry assembly (which may occur through the variation of various tools used on the gantry) operated using the present invention are counterbalanced by adjusting the internal pressure within the pneumatic cylinder.
The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.
IS
Claims (14)
1. ~A work table for use with a tool, the work table comprising:
a) an inclined work surface which is substantially planar and is supported by a frame having a base;
b) a gantry assembly including a gantry movably attached to said work surface, said gantry having two ends, a longitudinal axis and extending within a plane parallel to the work surface, the gantry assembly further including a movable tool mount slidably attached to said gantry and configured for removable attachment of the tool, wherein said gantry assembly has a combined effective weight;
c) a first movement means operatively associated with said gantry for translation of the gantry over said work surface;
d) a second movement means attached to the tool mount for translation of said tool and said tool mount between the ends of said gantry; and e) a pneumatic weight counterbalancing means operatively associated with said gantry for neutralising the combined effective weight of said gantry assembly.
a) an inclined work surface which is substantially planar and is supported by a frame having a base;
b) a gantry assembly including a gantry movably attached to said work surface, said gantry having two ends, a longitudinal axis and extending within a plane parallel to the work surface, the gantry assembly further including a movable tool mount slidably attached to said gantry and configured for removable attachment of the tool, wherein said gantry assembly has a combined effective weight;
c) a first movement means operatively associated with said gantry for translation of the gantry over said work surface;
d) a second movement means attached to the tool mount for translation of said tool and said tool mount between the ends of said gantry; and e) a pneumatic weight counterbalancing means operatively associated with said gantry for neutralising the combined effective weight of said gantry assembly.
2. ~The work table according to claim 1, wherein said pneumatic weight counterbalancing means~
comprises:
a) one or more pneumatic cylinders adapted to receive and release compressed air;
b) one or more pistons sealably disposed within said one or more pneumatic cylinders and movable between a first position and a second position;
c) a pulley mechanism comprising one or more pulleys and one or more flexible lines where each said flexible line is carried by said one or more pulleys and each said flexible line has a first and second end, wherein said first end is attached to said gantry assembly and wherein said second end is attached to one of said pistons;
d) a pressure control means for regulating the pressure within said one or more pneumatic cylinders, such that a constant pressure is maintained within said one or more pneumatic cylinders, independent of volumetric changes within said one or more pneumatic cylinder; said changes being generated by movement of said piston.
comprises:
a) one or more pneumatic cylinders adapted to receive and release compressed air;
b) one or more pistons sealably disposed within said one or more pneumatic cylinders and movable between a first position and a second position;
c) a pulley mechanism comprising one or more pulleys and one or more flexible lines where each said flexible line is carried by said one or more pulleys and each said flexible line has a first and second end, wherein said first end is attached to said gantry assembly and wherein said second end is attached to one of said pistons;
d) a pressure control means for regulating the pressure within said one or more pneumatic cylinders, such that a constant pressure is maintained within said one or more pneumatic cylinders, independent of volumetric changes within said one or more pneumatic cylinder; said changes being generated by movement of said piston.
3. ~The work table according to claim 2, wherein said pressure control means comprises:
a) a valve connected to said one or more pneumatic cylinders for regulating flow of~
compressed air into and out of said one or more pneumatic cylinders;
b) a compressed air supply connected to said valve; and c) a pressure sensing means for detecting an increase or decrease in pressure within said one~
or more pneumatic cylinders and for regulating operation of said valve.
a) a valve connected to said one or more pneumatic cylinders for regulating flow of~
compressed air into and out of said one or more pneumatic cylinders;
b) a compressed air supply connected to said valve; and c) a pressure sensing means for detecting an increase or decrease in pressure within said one~
or more pneumatic cylinders and for regulating operation of said valve.
4. ~The work table according to claim 2, wherein said pneumatic weight counterbalancing means comprises first and second pneumatic cylinders operatively coupled to opposite ends of the gantry.
5. ~The work table according to claim 4, wherein said first and second pneumatic cylinders are positioned along opposite side edges of said work surface.
6. ~The work table according to claim 4, wherein the first pneumatic cylinder is positioned along a top edge of said work surface and the second pneumatic cylinder is positioned along a bottom edge of said work surface.
7. ~The work table according to claim 1, further comprising a device operatively associated with the first and second movement means, for controlling said first and second movement means.
8. ~The work table according to claim 7, wherein said device is a computing system, configured to operate as a computer aided design, computer aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) system, said computing system controlling a series of electrical means, wherein said electrical means control the movement of said gantry over said work surface and movement of said tool mount along the length of said gantry.
9. ~The work table according to claim 1, wherein said tool is selected from a group comprising a router, a panel saw, a laser, a paint or ink applicator, a sampling device, a cutting device or a marking device.
10. The work table according to claim 1, wherein said frame comprises a rolling mechanism attached to the base.
11. The work table according to claim 3, wherein said pressure sensing means is operatively coupled to a computing device, wherein said computing device samples pressure within said one or more pneumatic cylinders via the pressure sensing means and said computing device is configured to maintain the pressure at a substantially constant level.
12. The work table according to claim 15, wherein said computing device is configured for sampling the pressure within said one or more pneumatic cylinders at predetermined intervals of time.
13. The work table according to claim 1, wherein said inclined work surface is inclined at an angle from 0 to 4S degrees from a vertical axis emanating from the base of said frame.
14. The work table according to claim 1, wherein said inclined work surface is inclined at an angle of 22.5 degrees from a vertical axis emanating from the base of said frame.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US68498105P | 2005-05-27 | 2005-05-27 | |
| US60/684,981 | 2005-05-27 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2548879A1 true CA2548879A1 (en) | 2006-11-27 |
Family
ID=37480439
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2548879 Abandoned CA2548879A1 (en) | 2005-05-27 | 2006-05-29 | Gantry counterbalancing system |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2548879A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN109262285A (en) * | 2018-11-20 | 2019-01-25 | 陕西海力特精密机械有限公司 | Oblique slide unit gravitational equilibrium relief arrangement |
| CN109366538A (en) * | 2018-11-30 | 2019-02-22 | 济南微尔激光设备有限公司 | A kind of pad cutter device and method |
-
2006
- 2006-05-29 CA CA 2548879 patent/CA2548879A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN109262285A (en) * | 2018-11-20 | 2019-01-25 | 陕西海力特精密机械有限公司 | Oblique slide unit gravitational equilibrium relief arrangement |
| CN109366538A (en) * | 2018-11-30 | 2019-02-22 | 济南微尔激光设备有限公司 | A kind of pad cutter device and method |
| CN109366538B (en) * | 2018-11-30 | 2023-12-01 | 济南微尔激光设备有限公司 | Cushion body cutting device and method |
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