Optical alignment system
The present invention is directed to an optical alignment system for table saws. In an aspect of the invention, an optical alignment system includes a support for positioning the system so that a first optical indicator and a second optical indicator are projected by at least one emitting device included in the system. An alignment device is further included in the system to permit adjustable alignment of the first and the second optical indicators individually with respect to one of a first side and a second side of a kerf created in a workpiece.
The present application is a Continuation-In-Part, under 35 U.S.C. §120, of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/174,731, entitled: Cutter With Optical Alignment System, filed on Jun. 19, 2002, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates to the field of cutting devices and more particularly to an optical system for aligning a workpiece to a cutting device.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONTable saws typically form the core of any woodshop. Often a woodworker's first purchase will be a table saw because of it versatility, accuracy, and ease of use. A table saw's versatility may cause additional considerations for manufactures. For example, table saws are usually equipped with a fence, which may be disposed on either side of the saw blade, for aligning the workpiece. Additionally, table saws often are outfitted with slots extending parallel to the saw blade for receiving sliding miter gauges, panel alignment devices (for plywood, etc.). For example, manufactures may include a slot in the support surface on either side of the blade to accommodate user preferences, the saw's environment, and the like. Thus, a workpiece may be aligned on either of the flat sides of a circular saw blade included in the table saw.
One difficulty for woodworkers is aligning the workpiece to the cutting device. A workpiece is aligned to the edge of the saw blade's kerf on which the desired piece is located. A blade's kerf, or the channel of material removed during cutting, depends on a number of factors such as the width of the blade, the size of the blade's teeth, the planarity of the blade, and the like. For example, a user may have to adjust the distance of the fence to take into account for the kerf of the blade being used. In other instances, such as when utilizing a sliding miter gauge or cross-cutting, a user will work up to the final cut (by making a series of cuts or initiating contact between the blade and the workpiece at a longer length than is desired) to ensure that the final cut is exact. While these techniques have been employed, they are time consuming, cause inefficiency and may lead to user dissatisfaction with the tool.
Therefore, it would be desirable to provide an apparatus for aligning a workpiece on either side of a blade's kerf for utilization with table saws.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONAccordingly, the present invention is directed to an optical alignment system for a table saw. The optical alignment system of the present invention may be configured to project a first optical indicator and a second optical indicator for promoting workpiece alignment on either side of a rotating cutting blade.
In an aspect of the invention, an optical alignment system includes a support for positioning the system so that a first optical indicator and a second optical indicator are projected by at least one emitting device included in the system. An alignment device is further included in the system to permit adjustable alignment of the first and the second optical indicators individually with respect to one of a first side and a second side of a kerf created in a workpiece.
In another aspect of the invention, a first and a second optical emitting devices are included in an optical alignment system for indicating a first and a second side of a kerf created in a workpiece by operation of a rotating blade. Additionally, each of the optical emitting devices may be mounted in individual mounting assembly for permitting alignment of the first and the second optical indicators with respect to the sides of the kerf.
In a further aspect of the invention, a table saw includes a first optical emitting device and a second optical emitting device which are configured so as to bevel with a beveling cutting device extending through a support surface included in the table saw.
It is to be understood that both the forgoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention as claimed. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate an embodiment of the invention and together with the general description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSThe numerous advantages of the present invention may be better understood by those skilled in the art by reference to the accompanying figures in which:
Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The optical alignment system of the present invention may be utilized to facilitate proper workpiece alignment with either side of a kerf formed by the operation of a a rotating saw blade in a workpiece.
Referring to
Referring to
The optical alignment system 202 may be utilized to project a first optical indicator 222 and second optical indicator 224 substantially aligned with the first and the second sides of the kerf 216 and 218, respectively. For example, prior to use the first optical indicator 222 is aligned with the first side of the kerf 216 (for the blade being employed) and the second optical indicator 224 is aligned with the second side of the kerf (for the blade being employed). For instance, the first and second optical indicators 216 and 218, or indicia may be continuous lines of light, dashed lines, alignment cross-hairs, arrows, or the like visible to the human eye. Preferably, the optical indicators are projected in an area adjacent to where the saw blade 204 contacts a workpiece 214 (i.e. the saw's cutting interface). For example, the optical indicators may be projected as a fan of light which is projected to be visible from adjacent teeth included on the saw blade forward on the support surface/workpiece so a user may align a mark on the workpiece with the optical indicator corresponding to a side of the kerf prior to cutting.
With reference to
Referring now to
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For instance, a laser emitting device 746 is disposed in a mounting assembly 744. The laser barrel may be secured via a friction insert, a set screw (though the mounting barrel) or the like for fixing the laser to the assembly 744. Additionally, a nut 748 may be utilized to secure and/or rotate the laser 746. The mounting assembly 744 includes a macro-lateral adjustment device. For example, the mounting assembly 744 is formed with a protrusion having a laterally extending aperture for accepting a screw 752 or a through pin. In the present embodiment, the barrel mounting 750 may be laterally fixed along the screw 752 via a set screw 754 through an aperture 756 protruding into the lateral aperture. For example, a user may laterally position the emitting device by sliding the barrel mounting 750 to the desired position with respect to a side of the kerf and then fix the position by tightening the set screw 754 into engagement with the screw 752. Additionally, the screw 752/set screw 754 assembly may be implemented to pivot the mounting assembly about the screw 752 extending through the lateral aperture such as if the bracket is formed with an arced slot, or multiple apertures for accepting the screw 752. For instance, multiple apertures may be disposed about an aperture for receiving the barrel mounting 750. For example, a user may wish to position the screw 752 within an arced slot such that the optical indicator extends further forward of the blade. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that macro lateral adjustment may be accomplished via a threaded adjustment knob assembly, a rail/groove mounting with a push screw, a slotted mounting secured via a screw, and the like for laterally adjusting the laser emitting device with respect to a side of the kerf.
Referring now to
It is believed that the apparatus of the present invention and many of its attendant advantages will be understood by the forgoing description. It is also believed that it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the components thereof without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention or without sacrificing all of its material advantages. The form herein before described being merely an explanatory embodiment thereof. It is the intention of the following claims to encompass and include such changes.
Claims
1. An optical alignment system for a table saw, comprising:
- a support device for supporting the optical alignment system with respect to a kerf having a first and a second side, said kerf created in a workpiece by operation of rotating blade included in a table saw;
- at least one optical emitting device mounted in the support device, said at least one optical emitting device for projecting a first optical indicator and a second optical indicator; and
- an alignment devices coupled to the at least one optical emitting device, the alignment device being configured for adjusting the alignment of the projected first and second optical indicators with respect to the kerf,
- wherein the at least one optical emitting device is arranged and configured to project the first and second optical indicators substantially in alignment with the first and second sides of the kerf.
2. The optical alignment system of claim 1, wherein the at least one optical emitting device is a laser.
3. The optical alignment system of claim 1, wherein the at least one optical emitting device is a helium-neon laser.
4. The optical alignment system of claim 1, wherein the first optical indicator and the second optical indicator are lines of light visible to a human.
5. The optical alignment system of claim 1, wherein at least one optical emitting device projects the first and the second optical indicators adjacent the rotating blade's cutting interface.
6. The optical alignment system of claim 1, wherein the at least one optical emitting device comprises two optical emitting devices included in the optical alignment system.
7. The optical alignment system of claim 6, wherein each of the two optical emitting devices are individually alignable.
8. The optical alignment system of claim 1, further comprising a grating disposed on an end of the at least one optical emitting device, the grating including two generally parallel linear apertures therein.
9. The optical alignment system of claim 1, further comprising a quick electrical coupling connected to the at least one emitting device, said electrical coupling for coupling to a table saw's electrical system.
10. A workpiece optical alignment system for a table saw including a rotating blade, comprising:
- a support for supporting the optical alignment system;
- a first optical emitting device coupled to the support, said first optical emitting device being configured to project a first optical indicator substantially aligned with a first side of a kerf created in a workpiece by operation of the rotating blade; and
- a second optical emitting device coupled to the support, said second optical emitting device being configured to project a second optical indicator substantially aligned with a second side of the kerf created in a workpiece by operation of the rotating blade,
- wherein said first optical indicator and said second optical indicator can be projected adjacent a cutting interface of the rotating blade, substantially indicating the first and second sides of the kerf.
11. The workpiece optical alignment system of claim 10, wherein said first and said second optical emitting devices are lasers.
12. The workpiece optical alignment system of claim 10, wherein said first and said second optical emitting devices are helium-neon lasers.
13. The workpiece optical alignment system of claim 10, wherein said first optical indicator and the second optical indicator are lines of light visible to a human.
14. The workpiece optical alignment system of claim 10, wherein said first and said second optical emitting devices are fan laser beam generators.
15. The workpiece optical alignment system of claim 10, wherein the support is a riving knife.
16. The workpiece optical alignment system of claim 10, wherein the support is a splitter.
17. The workpiece optical alignment system of claim 10, further comprising a first mounting assembly disposed in the support, for adjusting the alignment of the first optical emitting device and a second mounting assembly disposed in the support, for adjusting the alignment of the second optical emitting device.
18. The workpiece optical alignment system of claim 17, wherein an individual mounting assembly includes:
- a barrel mounting coupled to the support;
- a tabbed sleeve received in the barrel mounting, the sleeve being configured for securing an individual optical emitting device of the first and second optical emitting devices therein;
- a macro-adjuster, said macro-adjuster being operable to adjust the barrel mounting laterally in the support, with respect to the first and the second sides of the kerf; and
- a micro-adjuster disposed in the barrel mounting, said micro-adjuster being operable to adjust the tabbed sleeve within the barrel mounting with respect to the first and the second sides of the kerf.
19. The workpiece optical alignment system of claim 10, wherein the support and the rotating blade are configured to simultaneously bevel.
20. The workpiece optical alignment system of claim 10, further comprising a quick electrical coupling connected to said first and said second emitting devices, said electrical coupling for coupling to the table saw's electrical system.
21. A table saw, comprising:
- a support surface with an aperture therethrough, for supporting a workpiece;
- a beveling cutting device adjustably extending through the support surface aperture, said cutting device for cutting a workpiece, whereby operation of the cutting device in the workpiece results in the formation of a kerf having a first and a second side in the workpiece;
- a first optical emitting device adjustably coupled to the table saw to project a first optical indicator substantially aligned with the first side of a kerf; and
- a second optical emitting device adjustably coupled to the table saw to project a second optical indicator substantially aligned with the second side of the kerf,
- wherein the first and the second optical emitting devices are configured so as to bevel with the cutting device, such that said first optical indicator and said second optical indicator are projected to substantially indicate the first and second sides of the kerf.
22. The table saw of claim 21, wherein said first and said second optical emitting devices are lasers.
23. The table saw of claim 21, wherein said first and said second optical emitting devices are helium-neon lasers.
24. The table saw of claim 21, wherein said first optical indicator and said second optical indicator are lines of light visible to a human.
25. The table saw of claim 21, wherein said first and said second optical emitting device are fan laser beam generators.
26. The table saw of claim 21, further comprising a support for mounting the first and the second optical emitting devices, said support being configured to bevel with the cutting device.
27. The table saw of claim 26, wherein the support is at least one of a splitter and a riving knife.
28. The table saw of claim 26, further comprising a first mounting assembly disposed in the support, for adjusting the alignment of the first optical emitting device and a second mounting assembly disposed in the support, for adjusting the alignment of the second optical emitting device.
29. The table saw of claim 28, wherein an individual mounting assembly includes:
- a barrel mounting coupled to the support;
- a tabbed sleeve received in the barrel mounting, the sleeve being configured for securing an individual optical emitting device of the first and second optical emitting devices therein;
- a macro-adjuster, said macro-adjuster being operable to adjust the barrel mounting laterally in the support, with respect to the first and the second sides of the kerf; and
- a micro-adjuster disposed in the barrel mounting, said micro-adjuster being operable to adjust the tabbed sleeve within the barrel mounting with respect to the first and the second sides of the kerf.
30. A workpiece optical alignment system for a table saw, comprising:
- means for projecting a first optical indicator substantially aligned with a first side of a kerf, created in a workpiece by operation of a table saw blade, and a second optical indicator substantially aligned with a second side of the kerf;
- means for aligning the projecting means with respect to the kerf.
31. The workpiece optical alignment system of claim 30, wherein said projecting means is a laser.
32. The workpiece optical alignment system of claim 30, wherein said projecting means is helium-neon laser.
33. The workpiece optical alignment system of claim 30, wherein said first optical indicator and said second optical indicator are lines of light visible to a human.
34. The workpiece optical alignment system of claim 30, further comprising means for quick electrical connection of the projecting means with a table saw electrical system.
Type: Application
Filed: Jul 31, 2003
Publication Date: May 18, 2006
Inventors: Jaime Garcia (Jackson, TN), Jeffrey Weston (Jackson, TN)
Application Number: 10/632,561
International Classification: B23D 45/06 (20060101);