Gauge system

Abstract

Gauge system, including methods and apparatus, for positioning workpieces to be processed. In some embodiments, the gauge system may have a plurality of stops for positioning the end of a workpiece at distinct distances from a processing station. In some embodiments, the plurality of stops may be arrayed along a rail assembly having an adjustable length.

1 . A system for cutting lengths of product from stock, comprising:
 a housing defining a cavity;   a drive assembly including a motor connected to a linkage assembly, the linkage assembly being disposed in the cavity of the housing;   a stop assembly connected to the linkage assembly and slidably supported by a track formed outside the cavity, the stop assembly including at least one stop driven along the track by operation of the drive assembly and configured to be engaged with an end of a workpiece to adjustably position the end along a positioning axis that is parallel to the track;   a saw configured to cut pieces of stock at a cutting site that crosses the positioning axis; and   a controller that operates the drive assembly for movement of the stop according to inputs that correspond to desired lengths of products to be cut from pieces of stock at the cutting site.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the housing is rectangular in cross section. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the saw is a miter saw configured to make miter cuts. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a support member connected to and supporting the housing, the linkage assembly, and the saw. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 4 , wherein the support member is a table. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the track is formed by a guide member that is not part of the housing. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the linkage assembly includes a belt. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the linkage assembly includes a pulley. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the stop assembly includes a plurality of stops arranged along the positioning axis from each other. 
     
     
         10 . A system for cutting lengths of product from stock, comprising:
 a drive assembly including a motor connected to a linkage assembly, the linkage assembly being disposed in a cavity;   a guide member forming a track outside the cavity;   a stop assembly connected to the linkage assembly and slidably supported by the track, the stop assembly including at least one stop driven along the track by operation of the drive assembly and configured to be engaged with an end of a workpiece to adjustably position the end along a positioning axis that is parallel to the track;   a miter saw configured to make miter cuts in pieces of stock at a cutting site that crosses the positioning axis; and   a controller that operates the drive assembly for movement of the stop according to inputs that correspond to desired lengths of products to be cut from pieces of stock at the cutting site.   
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the linkage assembly is disposed in a housing having a rectangular cross section. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 10 , further comprising a support member connected to and supporting the assembly, the guide member, and the miter saw. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein the support member is a table. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 10 , further comprising a housing that defines the cavity, wherein the guide member is separate from the housing. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the linkage assembly includes a belt. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the linkage assembly includes a pulley. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the stop assembly includes a plurality of stops arranged along the positioning axis from each other.