Abstract: A CNC system including a travelling drive bar assembly for support of material to be processed. A CNC system including a cutting tool operates on a work piece in at least three axes, with a gantry across the machine that a carriage moves along and a tool that moves vertically on the carriage. A drive bar, oriented perpendicularly to the gantry and to a vertical axis, may travel to support and move the workpiece along its line of orientation. The drive bar may include an elongated structural member, two tracks mounted longitudinally to the elongated member on opposite sides of the elongated member, and a rack, adapted to accept a pinion to urge the drive bar to move, also mounted longitudinally to the elongated member. Guide wheels may receive the tracks to support and align the drive bar. Rollers may further support material that is mounted to the drive bar.

Abstract: A CNC system including a travelling drive bar assembly for support of material to be processed. A CNC system including a cutting tool operates on a work piece in at least three axes, with a gantry across the machine that a carriage moves along and a tool that moves vertically on the carriage. A drive bar, oriented perpendicularly to the gantry and to a vertical axis, may travel to support and move the workpiece along its line of orientation. The drive bar may include an elongated structural member, two tracks mounted longitudinally to the elongated member on opposite sides of the elongated member, and a rack, adapted to accept a pinion to urge the drive bar to move, also mounted longitudinally to the elongated member. Guide wheels may receive the tracks to support and align the drive bar. Rollers may further support material that is mounted to the drive bar.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for interactive generation and provision of custom cutting files for CNC robotic tools. A generic model for a particular product that a user wishes to make with a CNC tool is provided on a server remote from a client, with corresponding representational images available to the user. The user may input changes to the default representational images, and transmit the data corresponding to the final design parameters to a remote site, where a custom cutting file is generated. The user executes a purchase of the custom cutting file, which is then transmitted or otherwise provided to the user.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for interactive generation and provision of custom cutting files for CNC robotic tools. A generic model for a particular product that a user wishes to make with a CNC tool is provided on a server remote from a client, with corresponding representational images available to the user. The user may input changes to the default representational images, and transmit the data corresponding to the final design parameters to a remote site, where a custom cutting file is generated. The user executes a purchase of the custom cutting file, which is then transmitted or otherwise provided to the user.

Abstract: An improved vise of the type comprising an elongated base defined by opposed, spaced-apart end edges and spaced-apart side edges, including a planar upper surface, and adapted to be mounted on the work surface of a machine that performs machining operations; an elongated first jaw fixedly mounted at one end of the base and having a jaw portion extending a short distance above the upper surface thereof; an elongated second jaw moveably mounted on the planar upper surface of the base, spaced-apart from the fixed jaw and parallel thereto, having a jaw portion extending a likewise short distance above the plane; opening/closing means passing underneath the planar upper surface and received in the second jaws in captive movement with the first jaw for drawing the jaws together and forcing them apart, and including a handle for turning the shaft means with respect to the jaws; the improvement comprising a plurality of elongated, floating jaw members, each member defined by a smooth base for sliding movement over th

Abstract: Rule die stock for assembly in the kerf of a laser cut board is formed by utilizing the same program used to guide the laser cutter in forming the kerf to control the bending apparatus. A controller is provided with the same program and controls the feed of the stock into the bending tooling which is carried on operating arms, one of which is reciprocal with respect to the other and which is driven by an air head, the operation of which is controlled in response to programmed commands from the controller. In this fashion, correspondence between the configuration of the kerf in the board and the configuration of the rule die is assured.