Patent ID: 7857019
Filing Date: 2010-12-28
Classification: B27C,B27G,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A system for cutting a profile along the linear edge of a workpiece having a linear edge and two side edges between which the linear edge extends, the system comprising: a pair of rotatable cutting tools which are supported for rotation about parallel axes and in a spaced-apart relationship with one another and having cutting edges so that when either of the cutting tools is rotated about its rotation axis and the linear edge of a workpiece is moved in cutting engagement with and along the cutting edges of the rotating cutting tool, material is removed from the workpiece to form a profile along the linear edge thereof; means for supporting the workpiece in condition to be cut by the cutting tools as the linear edge of the workpiece is moved in cutting engagement with and along the cutting edges of the cutting tools; and means for rotating the cutting tools in opposite rotational directions about the axes of rotation so that by arranging the workpiece upon the means for supporting so that the linear edge of the workpiece extends between the cutting tools and then moving the workpiece in an initial direction into cutting engagement with the cutting edges of one of the cutting tools so that a side edge of the workpiece which acts as the leading edge of the workpiece is the first edge of the workpiece to be engaged by the cutting edges of said one of the cutting tools, halting the movement of the workpiece in the initial direction before the cutting edges of said one of the cutting tools exits the workpiece through a side edge thereof which acts as the trailing edge, and then moving the workpiece in the direction opposite the initial direction so that material is removed from the workpiece by the other cutting tool, the linear edge of the workpiece is profiled along its entire length; and the means for supporting defines a substantially planar support surface upon which the workpiece can be positioned and which extends along X and Y coordinate axes so then when the workpiece is positioned upon the support surface, the linear edge of the workpiece extends along a path which is substantially parallel to the X-coordinate axis; the cutting tools are adapted to rotate about axes which are parallel to the Z-coordinate axis; the support surface is supported for movement relative to the cutting tools along positive and negative X-coordinate directions so that by moving the support surface relative to the cutting tools as aforesaid, the linear edge of the workpiece is moved into cutting engagement with the cutting tools; and clamping means associated with the support surface for releasably clamping the workpiece upon the support surface and in a condition to be cut by the cutting tools wherein the clamping means includes an elongated clamping bar arranged so that its longitudinal axis is substantially parallel to the X-coordinate axis and mounted for movement toward and away from the support surface along the Z-coordinate direction, and the clamping means further includes a parallel linkage assembly which is pivotally connected to the clamping bar enabling the clamping bar to be moved toward and away from the support surface as the linkage assembly is pivotally moved relative to the clamping bar so that when the clamping bar is used to clamp a workpiece against the support surface, the clamping pressure exerted against the workpiece by the clamping bar is relatively uniform as a path is traced along the clamping bar.