Blind cutting machine

Abstract

An improved blind cutting machine has a work surface on which a blind to be cut is placed and at least one end stop against which an end of the blind to be cut rests prior to being cut by a cutting mechanism. An actuator is connected to the end stop. The actuator moves the end stop relative to the work surface and the cutting mechanism in response to signals from a controller. An operator enters information about the blind to be cut and the dimensions of an opening over which the blind to be cut is to be mounted into the controller. The controller then calculates the location where the end stop should be so that a sufficient amount of material can be trimmed from an end of the blind to be cut to enable the blind to fit the opening. Then the controller sends a signal to the actuator that causes the actuator to move the end stop to that location. In alternative embodiments the end stop is fixed and the actuator moves the cutting mechanism or a work surface on which the blind to be cut has been placed.

1 .- 22 . (canceled) 
     
     
         23 . A blind cutting machine comprised of:
 a stand;   a cutting mechanism attached to the stand;   a movable work surface connected to the stand so as to be movable relative to the cutting machine;   an actuator connected to the movable work surface for moving the work surface relative to the cutting mechanism; and   a controller connected to the actuator, the controller having a housing, a data entry device attached to the housing, a display attached to the housing, a memory, and a processor;   the memory containing a program such that when an operator enters information that comprises at least one product identifier which is not merely a dimension of the product and with which at least one dimension of the blind to be cut is associated and the dimensions of an opening over which the blind to be cut is to be mounted the controller sends a signal to the actuator which causes the actuator to position the work surface at a location where a correct amount of material can be trimmed from an end of the blind to be cut to enable the blind to fit the opening.   
     
     
         24 . The improved blind cutting machine of  claim 23  wherein the dimensions of the opening over which the blind to be cut is to be mounted is comprised of dimensions of a window or door and whether the blind will have an inside mount or an outside mount. 
     
     
         25 . The improved blind cutting machine of  claim 23  wherein the data entry device is comprised of at least one of a keypad and a bar code reader. 
     
     
         26 . The improved blind cutting machine of  claim 23  also comprising at least one display on the controller. 
     
     
         27 . The improved blind cutting machine of  claim 26  wherein the display is a liquid crystal display. 
     
     
         28 . The improved blind cutting machine of  claim 23  wherein the memory contains a program the will cause an error message to appear in the display whenever:
 i.) an operator enters a width of a blind to be cut and a width provided by the customer and 
 ii.) the width of a blind to be cut is not greater than the width provided by the customer. 
 
     
     
         29 . The improved blind cutting machine of  claim 23  wherein the blind cutting machine has a second end stop and a second cutting mechanism and further comprising a second actuator connected to the second end stop and to the controller. 
     
     
         30 . The improved blind cutting machine of  claim 23  wherein the memory contains a look-up table containing product identifiers and a blind width associated with each product identifier. 
     
     
         31 . The improved blind cutting machine of  claim 23  wherein the actuator is comprised of a hydraulic cylinder or a servomotor. 
     
     
         32 . The improved blind cutting machine of  claim 23  wherein the controller comprises at least one data entry device which enables a user to enter at least one of product type and installation type. 
     
     
         33 . The improved blind of  claim 32  wherein the data entry device is comprised of at least one button.