Apparatus and methods for double ended processing

Abstract

System, including apparatus and method, involves processing materials in opposite directions between two machines along a processing path.

1 . A method of cutting material comprising 
 connecting a computer to a saw machine, the computer being programmed to optimize cutting of stock to satisfy a cut list,    measuring a piece of material to be cut,    marking defects in the piece of material by signaling location of the defect without affixing an actual mark on the piece of material,    automatically calculating a plan for optimal cutting of the piece of material to fulfill cut list requirements,    executing the plan including automatically pushing the piece of material toward the saw, and cutting the piece of material according to the plan into one or more cut list part, and    automatically printing labels for the cut list parts, each label indicating information about the part.    
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the marking step includes the step of deflecting a light beam at a location near a defect in the piece of material.  
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising 
 activating a visible signal in relation to the marking step, informing a user of a feature location.    
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the marking step includes the steps of positioning an object proximally and distally relative to a defect.  
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 4  wherein the marling step is carried out by a marking system including an object for marking location of defects, the object being slidable along a track parallel to the direction of material processing.