Gauge system for workpiece processing

Abstract

Gauge system, including methods and apparatus, for positioning workpieces according to entered and/or calculated target dimensions and processing the workpieces with a tool to generate products having the target dimensions.

1 . A gauge system for cutting workpieces for use in miter joints, comprising:
 a stop configured to be abutted with workpieces;   a drive assembly connected to the stop and capable of driving the stop back and forth along a linear measurement axis that intersects a cutting path of a saw to define an origin; and   a controller programmed (i) to receive a width and a target dimension of a product to be generated from a workpiece, (ii) to determine at least one miter offset based on the width, to compensate for a miter at one or both ends of the product, (iii) to calculate an adjusted dimension at least in part by incorporating the miter offset into the target dimension, and (iv) to control operation of the drive assembly based on the adjusted dimension such that the stop is driven to an adjusted position spaced from the origin according to the adjusted dimension.   
     
     
         2 . The gauge system of  claim 1 , wherein the controller is programmed to receive an angle related to the miter and to determine the miter offset based on the width and the angle. 
     
     
         3 . The gauge system of  claim 2 , wherein the controller is programmed to use a default angle of 45 degrees for the angle if the angle is not received. 
     
     
         4 . The gauge system of  claim 1 , wherein the controller includes a user interface having a plurality of keys, wherein at least one of the plurality of keys is a miter key, and wherein pressing the miter key instructs the controller to calculate the adjusted dimension. 
     
     
         5 . The gauge system of  claim 4 , wherein the miter key is associated with a graphic representation of a mitered workpiece and/or product. 
     
     
         6 . The gauge system of  claim 4 , wherein the keys include a first miter key and a second miter key, wherein pressing the first miter key instructs the controller to compensate for a miter at only one end of the workpiece, and wherein pressing the second miter key instructs the controller to compensate for a miter at both ends of the workpiece. 
     
     
         7 . The gauge system of  claim 4 , wherein the plurality of keys includes a width key, and wherein pressing the width key instructs the controller to receive a value for the width of the workpiece. 
     
     
         8 . The gauge system of  claim 1 , wherein the adjusted dimension is greater than the target dimension. 
     
     
         9 . The gauge system of  claim 1 , further comprising a rail connected to the stop, wherein the stop is driven back and forth along the rail. 
     
     
         10 . The gauge system of  claim 1 , further comprising a rail module and a power module, wherein the rail module includes a beam and also includes a first member connected to the beam such that rotation of the first member drives the stop back and forth along the beam, wherein the power module forms at least part of the drive assembly and includes a motor and a second member rotated by operation of the motor, and wherein the power module detachably mates with the rail module by fitting the first and second members together such that the operation of the motor transmits motive power to the stop. 
     
     
         11 . The gauge system of  claim 1 , wherein the drive assembly includes a motor, wherein the controller is programmed to restrict power supplied to the motor according to a predefined limit, and wherein the predefined limit increases at least once in correspondence with increased speed of the motor, thereby reducing or eliminating generation of power spikes when motion of the stop is blocked or hampered. 
     
     
         12 . A gauge system for cutting workpieces for use in miter joints, comprising:
 a longitudinal fence;   a transverse fence configured to be abutted with ends of workpieces;   a drive assembly connected to the transverse fence and capable of driving the transverse fence back and forth along the longitudinal fence and along a measurement axis that intersects a cutting path of a saw to define an origin; and   a controller programmed (i) to receive a width and a target dimension of a product to be generated from a workpiece, (ii) to determine at least one miter offset based on the width, to compensate for a miter at one or both ends of the product, (iii) to calculate an adjusted dimension at least in part by incorporating the miter offset into the target dimension, and (iv) to control operation of the drive assembly based on the adjusted dimension such that the transverse fence is driven to an adjusted position spaced from the origin according to the adjusted dimension.   
     
     
         13 . The gauge system of  claim 12 , further comprising a rail assembly that includes a beam forming the longitudinal fence and also includes a pair of pulleys and a belt that couples rotation of the pulleys to one another,
 wherein the beam includes an exterior surface and a pair of cavities each extending transversely into the beam from the exterior surface, and wherein the pulleys are mounted in the cavities.