Tool, machine for controlling the tool and machine comprising the tool

Abstract

Disclosed are manufacturing device assemblies, systems, apparatuses, kits, mechanisms, and methods for utilizing the same. The manufacturing device assemblies, systems, apparatuses, kits, mechanisms include a stacked spring assembly (100), a blade orientation and identification system (200), a color sensor device (300), a blade keying assembly (400), a blade assembly (500), a blade replacement kit (600), and a door latch mechanism (700).

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with international application number PCT / US2018 / 044371, international application date July 30, 2018, national application number 201880058793.9, date of entry into the Chinese national phase March 11, 2020, and invention name “Manufacturing device components, systems, equipment, kits, mechanisms and methods”.

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] This U.S. patent application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. X119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 538,614 filed on July 28, 2017, the disclosure of which is considered part of the disclosure of this application and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0004] The present disclosure relates to manufacturing device assemblies, systems, apparatus, kits, mechanisms, and methods for utilizing the same. Background Art

[0005] Although existing manufacturing devices are adequate for their intended purpose, improvements to manufacturing devices are always sought in order to advance the state of the art. Summary of the invention

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, a tool is provided, comprising: a tool having a surface; a coding mark, which is at least indirectly associated with the surface of the tool, can be detected by a sensor, and is used as an indication of information related to the tool or the use of the tool.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the invention, the tool comprises an overmoulded part.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the invention, the overmolded part comprises a surface and the coded marking is associated with both the surface of the overmolded part.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the invention, the coded marking is associated with a surface of the tool and with a surface of the overmoulded part.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present invention, it further comprises a driven gear at least indirectly associated with the tool.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the invention, the driven gear has a surface and the coded marking is associated with the surface of the driven gear.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the coding mark includes one of dyeing, ink, paint marking and a detectable irregular pattern.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the invention, the tool comprises a rotatable cutter.

[0014] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a machine for controlling the above-mentioned tool, the machine comprising: a sensor for detecting a coding mark; a computer for extracting information related to the tool or the use of the tool from the coding mark; and modifying the state of the machine according to the information extracted from the coding mark.

[0015] According to another aspect of the present invention, a tool is provided, comprising: a shell having a surface, wherein the surface includes a non-circular flat surface portion; and a coding mark, which is at least indirectly associated with the surface of the shell, and can be detected by a sensor, and the coding mark is used as an indication of information related to the tool or the use of the tool.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the surface is a radially outward surface of the housing, wherein the radially outward surface further comprises a rounded surface portion.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the invention, the non-circular flat surface portion and the circular surface portion form a circumferential band of the housing of the tool.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the tool is a cutting tool comprising a blade held by the housing; the non-circular flat surface portion of the circumferential band of the surface is fixed relative to the orientation of the blade; and the coded mark is detected from the surface based on the orientation of the blade.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the invention, said coded marking comprises the length of a non-circular flat surface portion of said circumferential band of said surface.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, the length of the non-circular flat surface portion of the circumferential band of the surface comprises the distance between edge portions of the non-circular flat surface portion, wherein the non-circular flat surface portion transitions to the circular flat surface portion.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the circular surface portion is one of a plurality of circular surface portions; the non-circular flat surface portion is one of a plurality of non-circular flat surface portions; and the coding mark is based on a pattern of a plurality of circular surface portions and a plurality of non-circular flat surface portions of a circumferential band of the surface.

[0022] According to another aspect of the present invention, a tool is provided, comprising: a shell configured to hold a cutting device, wherein the shell comprises a radially outward surface, the radially outward surface comprising a circular surface portion and a non-circular flat surface portion; and a coding mark at least indirectly associated with the radially outward surface of the shell, the coding mark being detectable by a sensor, the coding mark being used as an indication related to the tool or an application of the tool.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, said coded mark comprises the length of a non-circular flat surface portion of said surface.

[0024] According to an embodiment of the invention, the length of the non-circular planar surface portion of the surface comprises a distance between edge portions of the non-circular planar surface portion, wherein the non-circular planar surface portion transitions to the circular planar surface portion.

[0025] According to another aspect of the present invention, a machine is provided, which includes the above-mentioned tool, wherein the machine also includes a sensor arranged to receive and transmit signals with a circumferential band on the radially outward surface of the tool, and the tool includes a non-circular flat surface portion and a circular surface portion; wherein the sensor is configured to detect signals from the non-circular flat surface portion of the circumferential band on the radially outward surface of the tool.

[0026] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a portion of a cutting device for a manufacturing device, comprising a support rod, a blade housing including a blade, a support member, a support member moving device, and at least one spring. The blade is arranged opposite to a workpiece support surface. The support member supports the blade housing. The support member is movably connected to the support rod. The support member moving device is connected to the support member. The support member moving device drives the movement of the support member relative to the support rod in two directions, the two directions including a lifting direction for lifting the blade from the workpiece support surface and a cutting direction for driving the blade toward the workpiece support surface. The at least one spring connects the support member moving device to the support member.

[0027] Implementations of the present disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. In some implementations, the at least one spring includes at least one non-linear spring surrounding a support rod.

[0028] In some examples, the at least one nonlinear spring surrounding the support rod includes a first nonlinear spring and a second nonlinear spring.

[0029] In other examples, the first nonlinear spring comprises a light spring and the second nonlinear spring comprises a heavy spring. When the support member moving device drives the movement of the support member in the cutting direction, the light spring provides a lower spring constant at a lower cutting force for the blade. When the support member moving device drives the movement of the support member in the cutting direction, the heavy spring provides a higher spring constant at a higher cutting force for the blade.

[0030] In some cases, the portion of the cutting device of the manufacturing apparatus includes a washer having a central passage sized to allow the support rod to extend therethrough. The washer includes a first nonlinear spring support surface and a second nonlinear spring support surface opposite the first nonlinear spring support surface. A first end of the first nonlinear spring is disposed adjacent to the first nonlinear spring surface of the washer. A first end of the second nonlinear spring is disposed adjacent to the second nonlinear spring surface of the washer.

[0031] In some configurations, the second end of the first nonlinear spring is disposed adjacent to a surface of the support member moving device. The second end of the second nonlinear spring is disposed adjacent to a surface of the support member.

[0032] In some examples, the support member moving device includes a gear rack drive mechanism, the gear rack drive mechanism including a rack and a pinion. The rack defines a central channel, the central channel is sized to allow the support rod to extend therethrough. The first end of the first nonlinear spring is disposed adjacent to the first nonlinear spring support surface of the rack.

[0033] In other examples, the first nonlinear spring support surface of the rack further defines a first nonlinear spring receiving cavity that is coaxially aligned with a central passage extending through the rack.

[0034] In some cases, the portion of the cutting device of the manufacturing apparatus further includes a washer having a central passage sized to allow the support rod to extend therethrough. The washer includes a first nonlinear spring support surface and a second nonlinear spring support surface opposite the first nonlinear spring support surface. The second end of the first nonlinear spring is disposed adjacent to the first nonlinear spring surface of the washer. The first end of the second nonlinear spring is disposed adjacent to the second nonlinear spring surface of the washer. The second end of the second nonlinear spring is disposed adjacent to a surface of the support member.

[0035] In some configurations, the portion of the cutting device of the manufacturing apparatus further includes a balancing spring having a first end and a second end. The first end of the balancing spring is disposed adjacent to the balancing spring support surface of the rack. The balancing spring support surface of the rack is opposite to the first nonlinear spring support surface of the rack. The second end of the balancing spring is disposed adjacent to the balancing spring support surface of the support member.

[0036] In some examples, a portion of a cutting device of a manufacturing apparatus includes a drive shaft, an encoder, and a motor. The drive shaft includes a first end and a second end. The first end of the drive shaft is connected to a pinion. The second end of the drive shaft is connected to the encoder. The motor drives the rotation of the drive shaft. The encoder and the motor are connected to a central processing unit in communication. The central processing unit includes data processing hardware and memory hardware in communication with the data processing hardware, the memory hardware storing instructions that, when executed on the data processing hardware, cause the data processing hardware to perform an operation, the operation including actuating the motor to control the rotation of the drive shaft for causing a corresponding rotation of the pinion, and determining the amount of rotation of the drive shaft based on a feedback signal received from the encoder.

[0037] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a portion of a cutting device of a manufacturing apparatus, comprising a blade housing and a housing supporting the blade housing. The blade housing includes a blade arranged relative to a workpiece support surface. The blade housing includes a driven gear. The blade housing includes an outer surface having one or more surface portions. The housing includes a blade housing rotation mechanism and a rotation sensor. The blade housing rotation mechanism rotates the blade housing around a rotation axis. The rotation sensor senses the rotation of the blade housing around the rotation axis.

[0038] Implementations of the present disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features.In some implementations, the rotation sensor is arranged opposite one or more surface portions of the outer surface of the blade housing.

[0039] In other examples, the one or more surface portions are defined by a plurality of rotation sensor signal feedback surface portions separated by a plurality of rotation sensor signal feedback interruption surface portions.

[0040] In some cases, the plurality of rotation sensor signal feedback surface portions are configured to reflect signals generated by the rotation sensor when the blade housing is rotated by the blade housing rotation mechanism. The plurality of rotation sensor signal feedback interruption surface portions are configured to interrupt signals generated by the rotation sensor when the blade housing is rotated by the blade housing rotation mechanism. The reflection and interruption of the signals generated by the rotation sensor define a periodically interrupted reflected feedback signal received by the rotation sensor.

[0041] In some configurations, the rotation sensor is communicatively connected to a central processing unit. The central processing unit includes data processing hardware and memory hardware in communication with the data processing hardware, the memory hardware storing instructions that, when executed on the data processing hardware, cause the data processing hardware to perform operations including identifying a pattern of blades connected to the blade housing in response to receiving a periodically interrupted reflected feedback signal from the rotation sensor.

[0042] In some examples, the rotation sensor is communicatively connected to a central processing unit. The central processing unit includes data processing hardware and memory hardware in communication with the data processing hardware, the memory hardware storing instructions that, when executed on the data processing hardware, cause the data processing hardware to perform operations including determining an amount of rotation of the blade housing in response to receiving a periodically interrupted reflected feedback signal from the rotation sensor.

[0043] In other examples, the rotation sensor is communicatively connected to a central processing unit. The central processing unit includes data processing hardware and memory hardware in communication with the data processing hardware, the memory hardware storing instructions that, when executed on the data processing hardware, cause the data processing hardware to perform operations including, in response to receiving a periodically interrupted reflective feedback signal from the rotation sensor, identifying a pattern of blades connected to the blade housing and determining an amount of rotation of the blade housing.

[0044] In some cases, the blade housing rotation mechanism includes a motor and a drive gear. The drive gear is connected to the motor that rotates the drive gear. The drive gear is connected to the driven gear of the blade housing so that the rotation of the drive gear is imparted to the rotation of the driven gear of the blade housing by the rotation of the motor.

[0045] In some configurations, the drive gear is connected to the gear train.

[0046] In some examples, the housing further includes a blade housing lift mechanism that moves the blade housing along the rotational axis in two directions: a lifting direction for lifting the blade from the workpiece support surface and a cutting direction for driving the blade toward the workpiece support surface.

[0047] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for operating a portion of a cutting device of a manufacturing apparatus. The method includes: connecting a blade housing to a housing; and arranging a rotation sensor opposite to one or more surface portions of an outer surface of the blade housing; rotating the blade housing around a rotation axis; and sensing the rotation of the blade housing around the rotation axis using the rotation sensor.

[0048] Embodiments of the present disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. In some embodiments, the method further includes directing a signal from a rotation sensor to one or more surface portions of an outer surface of a blade housing. The one or more surface portions are defined by a plurality of rotation sensor signal feedback surface portions separated by a plurality of rotation sensor signal feedback interruption surface portions. The plurality of rotation sensor signal feedback surface portions are configured to reflect the signal back to the rotation sensor when the blade housing is rotated by the blade housing rotation mechanism. The plurality of rotation sensor signal feedback interruption surface portions are configured to interrupt the signal generated by the rotation sensor when the blade housing is rotated by the blade housing rotation mechanism to define a periodically interrupted reflected feedback signal received by the rotation sensor.

[0049] In some examples, the rotation sensor is communicatively connected to a central processing unit. The central processing unit includes data processing hardware and memory hardware in communication with the data processing hardware, the memory hardware storing instructions that, when executed on the data processing hardware, cause the data processing hardware to perform operations including identifying a pattern of blades connected to the blade housing in response to receiving a periodically interrupted reflected feedback signal from the rotation sensor.

[0050] In other examples, the rotation sensor is communicatively connected to a central processing unit. The central processing unit includes data processing hardware and memory hardware in communication with the data processing hardware, the memory hardware storing instructions that, when executed on the data processing hardware, cause the data processing hardware to perform operations including determining an amount of rotation of the blade housing in response to receiving a periodically interrupted reflected feedback signal from the rotation sensor.

[0051] In some cases, the rotation sensor is communicatively connected to a central processing unit. The central processing unit includes data processing hardware and memory hardware in communication with the data processing hardware, the memory hardware storing instructions that, when executed on the data processing hardware, cause the data processing hardware to perform operations including identifying a pattern of blades connected to the blade housing and determining an amount of rotation of the blade housing in response to receiving a periodically interrupted reflective feedback signal from the rotation sensor.

[0052] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a portion of a manufacturing device that operates on a workpiece defined by a front surface and a rear surface of the workpiece. The front surface of the workpiece is defined by a first color. The front surface of the workpiece includes one or more reference marks defined by a second color. The portion of the manufacturing device includes a workpiece support surface, a color sensor device, and a central processing unit. The workpiece support surface supports the workpiece rear surface of the workpiece. The color sensor device is arranged relative to the workpiece support surface and the front surface of the workpiece. The color sensor device includes a red-green-blue illumination source that emits red-green-blue light. The color sensor device includes a red-green-blue sensor that detects reflected red-green-blue light reflected from the front surface of the workpiece including one or more reference marks. The central processing unit is communicatively coupled to the color sensor device. The central processing unit includes data processing hardware and memory hardware in communication with the data processing hardware, the memory hardware storing instructions that, when executed on the data processing hardware, cause the data processing hardware to perform operations that include receiving a signal including information related to the reflected red-green-blue light from the red-green-blue sensor and identifying the position of one or more reference marks arranged on the front surface of the workpiece.

[0053] Implementations of the present disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features: In some implementations, the first color defining the front surface of the workpiece is a first non-white color. The second color defining the one or more fiducial marks is a second non-white color.

[0054] In some examples, the operations further include varying the red-green-blue light emitted by the red-green-blue illumination source toward the front surface of the workpiece.

[0055] In other examples, identifying the location of one or more fiducial marks disposed on the front surface of the workpiece includes detecting a ratio of a maximum amount of color associated with the received signal and a minimum amount of color associated with the received signal.

[0056] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a portion of a cutting apparatus of a manufacturing device including a blade keying assembly. The blade keying assembly includes a blade having a base and a key body disposed on the base. The blade keying assembly includes a blade housing defining a blade receiving opening that allows access to a blade receiving hole that is sized to receive the key body and the base of the blade accordingly.

[0057] Implementations of the present disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features.In some implementations, a key body includes a barrel portion and a key portion extending from the barrel portion.

[0058] In some examples, the blade receiving opening and the blade receiving hole are defined by a first surface portion, a second surface portion, and at least one intermediate surface portion. The first surface portion is sized to receive the key portion of the key body. The second surface portion is sized to receive a portion of the base of the blade. The at least one intermediate surface portion extends between and connects the first surface portion and the second surface portion, and the at least one intermediate surface portion is sized to receive the barrel portion of the key body.

[0059] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a part of a cutting device for a manufacturing device, which includes a blade assembly. The blade assembly includes a circular rotating blade and a circular overmolded hub. The overmolded hub extends on opposite sides of the circular rotating blade. The outer periphery of the circular rotating blade extends radially beyond the outer peripheral end surface of the circular overmolded hub to expose the sharp cutting edge of the rotating blade.

[0060] Implementations of the present disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. In some implementations, a round overmolded hub includes a central body portion having a surface defining a central fastener receiving channel.

[0061] In some examples, the overmolded hub is formed of a material selected from the group consisting of plastic, copper, and steel.

[0062] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a blade replacement kit that interfaces with a portion of a cutting device of a manufacturing apparatus. The blade replacement kit includes a sleeve portion that defines a cavity that is sized to engage with at least one surface portion of one or more of a blade housing and a fastener retaining portion. The sleeve portion defines a channel that is configured to align with a fastener channel of one or more of the blade housing and the fastener retaining portion.

[0063] Implementations of the present disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. In some implementations, the fastener fixing portion is a nut. The at least one surface portion of the nut includes more than one surface portion of the nut.

[0064] In some examples, the channel is sized to receive a distal tip of the fastener engaging portion.

[0065] In other examples, the cavity includes a blade receiving recess sized to receive a blade. The blade receiving recess is sized to receive the blade in a spaced relationship relative to an inner surface of a sleeve portion defining the cavity and the blade receiving recess.

[0066] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for utilizing a blade replacement kit that interfaces with a portion of a cutting device of a manufacturing apparatus. The method includes: arranging a sleeve portion defining a cavity on at least one surface portion of one or more of a blade housing and a fastener fixing portion. The sleeve portion defines a channel that is configured to align with a fastener that fixes the blade to the blade housing; inserting a distal end of a fastener engagement portion through the channel and engaging a corresponding recess formed by the fastener; and utilizing the fastener engagement portion to disengage the fastener from the fastener channel formed by each of the blade housing, the blade, and the fastener fixing portion to disengage the blade and the fastener fixing portion from the blade housing.

[0067] Implementations of the present disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. In some implementations, the method further includes removing the sleeve portion from the blade housing and receiving the blade and the fastener securing portion in the cavity of the sleeve portion.

[0068] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for utilizing a blade replacement kit that interfaces with a portion of a cutting device of a manufacturing apparatus. The method includes: providing a blade housing, a blade, and a fastener retaining portion that define fastener passages, respectively; disposing the blade and the fastener retaining portion within a cavity of a sleeve portion; arranging the blade housing within the cavity of the sleeve portion and aligning all of the fastener passages of the blade housing, the blade, and the fastener retaining portion; and connecting the blade housing with the blade and the fastener retaining portion by a fastener that is inserted through the fastener passages of each of the blade housing, the blade, and the fastener retaining portion.

[0069] Embodiments of the present disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. In some embodiments, the connecting step includes: inserting a distal end of the fastener engagement portion through a passage formed by the sleeve portion and engaging a corresponding recess formed by the fastener; and connecting the fastener to the blade housing, the blade, and the fastener fixing portion using the fastener engagement portion.

[0070] In some examples, the method also includes removing the sleeve portion from the blade housing, the blade, and the fastener securing portion.

[0071] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a part of a manufacturing device, which includes a main body, a first door, a second door, and a door latch mechanism. The first door and the second door are independently rotatably connected to the main body. The door latch mechanism connects the first door to the second door. The door latch mechanism is selectively connected to the second door in the following orientations relative to the main body: a latched and closed orientation when the first door is arranged in a closed orientation; a latched and closed orientation when the first door is changed from a closed orientation to an open orientation; an unlocked and partially open orientation when the first door is arranged in a partially open orientation or an open orientation; an unlocked and open orientation when the first door is arranged in an open orientation.

[0072] Implementations of the present disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. In some implementations, the door latch mechanism includes a latch finger and a latch end receiving groove defined by the second door. The latch end receiving groove is sized to accommodate the latch finger for selectively connecting the door latch mechanism to the second door.

[0073] In some examples, the door latch mechanism further includes a support panel, a latch plate, a latch wire, and a latch portion. The latch plate is rotatably connected to the support panel. The latch plate defines a first channel and a second channel. The latch wire is movably disposed in the first channel for connecting the latch wire to the latch plate. The latch portion is movably disposed in the second channel for connecting the latch portion to the latch plate. The latch portion includes a latch finger.

[0074] In other examples, the latch portion is movably arranged in the second channel relative to the latch plate to arrange the latch finger in the following orientations: a latch orientation relative to a latched and closed orientation of the second door when the latch plate is rotated in a first direction; an unlocked orientation relative to an unlocked and partially open orientation of the second door when the latch plate switches from rotation in the first direction to rotation in a second direction opposite to the first direction; and a latch reset orientation relative to an unlocked and open orientation of the second door when the latch plate is rotated in the second direction.

[0075] In some cases, the latch plate further defines a pull notch extending from the first channel. The latch wire includes a distal portion. The distal portion of the latch wire is movably arranged to be arranged in the following orientations: a pull orientation in the pull notch for applying a pulling force to the latch plate to drive rotational movement of the latch plate in a first direction; a transition orientation from a first arrangement in the pull notch to a second arrangement in the first channel; and a non-pull orientation in the first channel for relieving the pulling force applied to the latch plate to allow the latch plate to rotate in a second direction.

[0076] In other configurations, the door latch mechanism further includes a return spring connected to the latch plate to drive rotational movement of the latch plate in the second direction within the first channel when the distal portion of the latch wire is movably arranged to be arranged in the non-pulled orientation.

[0077] In some examples, the latch wire includes a proximal portion. The proximal portion is connected to a first door motion dampening mechanism that dampens movement of the first door from the closed orientation to the open orientation.

[0078] In other examples, the first door includes a magnet for magnetically securing the top door relative to the body in the closed orientation.

[0079] In some cases, a spring is disposed adjacent the second door for urging the second door from the latched and closed orientation to the unlatched and open orientation.

[0080] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes a method for operating a portion of a manufacturing device. The method includes: independently rotatably coupling a first door and a second door to a body; connecting the first door to the second door via a door latch mechanism; arranging the first door to a closed orientation so that the door latch mechanism remains in a latched orientation to maintain the second door in a latched and closed orientation relative to the body; transitioning the first door from the closed orientation to an open orientation so that the door latch mechanism moves so that the door latch mechanism is arranged in an unlocked orientation to allow the second door to transition from the latched and closed orientation relative to the body to an unlocked and open orientation relative to the body.

[0081] Implementations of the present disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. In some implementations, after arranging the second door in a latched and closed orientation relative to the body and before arranging the second door in an unlocked and open orientation relative to the body, the method further includes arranging the second door in an unlocked and partially open orientation relative to the body when the first door is arranged in a partially open orientation or an open orientation.

[0082] In some examples, the method further includes rotatably connecting the latch plate to the support panel so that the latch plate rotates in a first direction or a second direction. The second direction is opposite to the first direction. The latch plate defines a first channel and a second channel. The method further includes movably arranging a latch wire in the first channel to connect the latch wire to the latch plate; and movably disposing a latch portion in the second channel for connecting the latch portion to the latch plate. The latch portion includes a latch finger that releasably engages with the second door to selectively arrange the second door in a latched and closed orientation relative to the body.

[0083] In other examples, the latch plate further defines a pull notch extending from the first channel. The latch wire includes a distal portion. By utilizing the distal portion of the latch wire to apply a pulling force to the pull notch to drive the rotational movement of the latch plate in the first direction, the second door is converted from a latched and closed position relative to the body to an unlocked and open position relative to the body.

[0084] In some cases, when the second door is converted from a latched and closed orientation relative to the body to an unlatched and open orientation relative to the body, the method also includes converting a distal portion of the latch wire from a first arrangement in the pull notch to a second arrangement in the first channel.

[0085] In other cases, after the distal portion of the latch wire is transitioned to the second arrangement in the first channel, the method also includes withdrawing the latch finger from engagement with the second door and then disengaging the latch finger from the second door to subsequently arrange the second door in an unlocked and open orientation relative to the body.

[0086] In some examples, after the distal portion of the latch wire is converted to the second arrangement in the first channel, the method also includes releasing the tension applied to the latch plate by the distal portion of the latch wire to allow rotational movement of the latch plate in the second direction so as to subsequently drive the rotational movement of the latch plate in the second direction using a reset spring connected to the latch plate to arrange the latch finger in a latch reset position relative to the second door, wherein the second door is arranged in an unlocked and open position relative to the body.

[0087] The details of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other aspects, features, and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0088] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary manufacturing apparatus.

[0089] Figure 2A is a representative view of an exemplary stacked spring assembly arranged in a deployed orientation of an exemplary cutting apparatus of a manufacturing apparatus.

[0090] Figure 2B yes Figure 2A Another representative view of an exemplary stacked spring assembly of FIG. 5 arranged in a partially compressed orientation.

[0091] Figure 2C yes Figure 2B Another representative view of an exemplary stacked spring assembly of FIG. 1 arranged in a compressed orientation.

[0092] Figure 3 is with Figures 2A-2C An exemplary force-distance graph associated with a stacked spring assembly.

[0093] Figure 4 is a representative view of an exemplary blade orientation and identification system of an exemplary cutting device of a manufacturing apparatus.

[0094] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A side view of a portion of a blade orientation and identification system.

[0095] Figure 6 is with Figure 4 An exemplary signal-amplitude graph related to a blade orientation and identification system.

[0096] Figure 7 is a representative view of an exemplary color sensor device of a manufacturing apparatus.

[0097] Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary blade bonding assembly of an exemplary dicing device of a manufacturing apparatus.

[0098] Fig. 8A is a side view of an exemplary blade of an exemplary dicing device blade bonding assembly of a manufacturing apparatus.

[0099] Figure 8B yes Fig. 8A End view of the blade.

[0100] Figure 8C yes Fig. 8A Bottom view of the blade.

[0101] Fig.8D is with Figures 8A-8C A bottom perspective view of an exemplary blade housing with a blade keying assembly associated with the blade.

[0102] Fig. 8E yes Fig.8D A bottom view of the blade housing.

[0103] Figure 8F yes Figures 8A-8C The blade arrangement shown in Figures 8D-8E A three-dimensional view of a blade keying assembly is formed within a blade housing.

[0104] Figure 8G yes Figure 8F A side view of a blade bonding assembly.

[0105] Fig. 9A is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary blade assembly including a circular rotating blade and a circular overmolded hub.

[0106] Fig. 9B yes Fig. 9A Front view of the blade assembly.

[0107] Fig. 10A is a side view of an exemplary blade replacement kit and a blade connected to a blade housing.

[0108] Fig. 10B Is arranged close to the blade Fig. 10A A rear side view of the sleeve portion of a blade replacement kit where the blade is connected to the blade housing.

[0109] Fig. 10C is a rear side view of a sleeve portion connected to a blade, wherein the blade is connected to a blade housing.

[0110] Fig. 10D is a front side view of a sleeve portion connected to a blade, wherein the blade is connected to a blade housing.

[0111] Figures 10E-10F is based on Fig. 10D A front side view of a sleeve portion connected to a blade connected to a blade housing showing a fastener engaging tool engaging a fastener connecting the blade to the blade housing.

[0112] Figure 10G is based on Fig.10F Another front side view of a sleeve portion connected to a blade, wherein the blade is connected to a blade housing, showing the fastener partially disengaged from the blade and the blade housing.

[0113] Fig. 10H and Fig.10I is and according to Figure 10G A front side view of a sleeve portion connected to a blade, wherein the blade is connected to a blade housing, showing a fastener disengaged from the blade and the blade housing, thereby functionally disengaging the blade from the blade housing.

[0114] Fig.10J is based on Fig. 10H A rear view of a sleeve portion containing a blade disengaged from a blade housing.

[0115] Fig.11A The edge of the sleeve portion that interfaces with the blade connected to the blade housing Fig. 10C Or a cross-sectional view taken along line 11A-11A of 10D.

[0116] Fig. 11B is based on Fig.11A sectional view showing the fastener disengaged from the blade and blade housing such that the blade is not connected to the blade housing while the sleeve portion is engaged with the blade and blade housing.

[0117] Fig. 12A is a side view of an exemplary manufacturing apparatus illustrating an exemplary door latch mechanism connecting a top door to a front door, wherein the top door is arranged in a closed orientation and the front door is arranged in a latched and closed orientation.

[0118] Fig. 12B is based on Fig. 12AAnother side view of the manufacturing device of , showing a user transitioning the top door from a closed position to a partially open position when the front door is arranged in a latched and closed position.

[0119] FIG. 12C to FIG. 12D is based on Fig. 12C Another side view of the manufacturing device of , which shows the top door in a partially open position and transitioning to an open position when the front door is arranged in a latched and closed position.

[0120] Fig.12E is based on Fig.12D Another side view of the manufacturing device of , which shows the top door further transitioning to the open orientation, while the front door transitions from the latched and closed orientation to the unlocked and partially open orientation.

[0121] Fig.12F is based on Fig.12E Another side view of the manufacturing device of , showing the top door transitioning to the open orientation and the front door transitioning from the unlocked and partially open orientation to the unlocked and open orientation.

[0122] Fig.13 yes Figures 12A-12F An enlarged side view of a portion of a door latch mechanism.

[0123] Fig.14A Includes connection to FIG. 12A to FIG. 12F A representative side view of a manufacturing apparatus for a door latch mechanism for a top door and a front door, wherein the door latch mechanism is arranged in a first state and the top door is arranged in a closed orientation while the front door is arranged in a latched and closed orientation.

[0124] Fig. 14B is based on Fig.14A Another representative side view of a manufacturing apparatus including a door latch mechanism connected to a top door and a front door, wherein the door latch mechanism is in a second state and the top door is arranged in a partially open orientation and is transitioning to an open orientation, while the front door is arranged in a latched and closed orientation.

[0125] Fig. 14C is based on Fig. 14B Another representative side view of a manufacturing apparatus including a door latch mechanism connected to a top door and a front door, wherein the door latch mechanism is in a third state and the top door is further transformed into an open orientation while the front door is in an unlocked and partially open orientation.

[0126] Fig.14D is based on Fig. 14C Another representative side view of a manufacturing apparatus including a door latch mechanism connected to a top door and a front door, wherein the door latch mechanism is arranged in a fourth state and the top door is arranged in an open orientation while the front door is in an unlocked and open orientation.

[0127] FIG. 15A to FIG. 15B yes Figures 12A-12F An enlarged top view of another portion of the door latch mechanism.

[0128] Fig.16A Includes connection to FIG. 12A to FIG. 12F A representative front view of a manufacturing apparatus for a door latch mechanism for a top door and a front door, wherein the door latch mechanism is arranged in a first state and the top door is arranged in a closed orientation while the front door is arranged in a latched and closed orientation.

[0129] Fig. 16B is based on Fig.16A Another representative front view of a manufacturing apparatus including a door latch mechanism connected to a top door and a front door, wherein the door latch mechanism is arranged in a second state, the top door is arranged in a partially open orientation and is transitioning to the open orientation, while the front door is in a latched and closed orientation.

[0130] Fig. 16C is based on Fig. 16B Another representative front view of a manufacturing device including a door latch mechanism connected to a top door and a front door, wherein the door latch mechanism is arranged in a third state and the top door is further transformed into an open orientation while the front door is in an unlocked and partially open orientation.

[0131] Fig.16D is based on Fig. 16C Another representative front view of a manufacturing device including a door latch mechanism connected to a top door and a front door, wherein the door latch mechanism is arranged in a fourth state and the top door is arranged in an open orientation while the front door is in an unlocked and open orientation.

[0132] Fig.17A is a perspective view of a portion of a door latch mechanism and manufacturing apparatus showing a latch finger of the door latch mechanism extending through a channel to be arranged in a latched orientation relative to a front door.

[0133] Fig. 17B Another perspective view of a portion of a door latch mechanism and manufacturing apparatus showing a latch finger of the door latch mechanism retracted into a channel to be disposed in an unlocked orientation relative to a front door.

[0134] Fig.18 is a schematic diagram of an example computing device that can be used to implement the systems and methods described herein.

[0135] Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0136] Reference Figure 1 , generally shown at 10 is a manufacturing apparatus 10 for performing "work" on a workpiece W (see, for example, Figures 2A-2C, 4, 7). The workpiece W may be at least partially arranged within the manufacturing device 10 to allow the manufacturing device 10 to perform work on the workpiece W.

[0137] The term "work" performed on the workpiece W may include, but is not limited to, any number of tasks / functions performed by one or a combination of the printing device 12 and the cutting device 14 fixed to the carriage 16, which is movably arranged along the directions of arrows Y, Y' (e.g., in a three-dimensional XYZ Cartesian coordinate system) on a member such as a rod 18, a bar or an axis. The movement Y, Y' of the carriage 12 along the rod 18 can be controlled by a motor (not shown) that is driven from a central processing unit (CPU) (e.g., see Fig.18 The CPU 1800 may be a component of the manufacturing device and / or a laptop computer (e.g., see FIG. 1800 ) that is communicatively coupled to the manufacturing device 10. Fig.18 is associated with 1800a).

[0138] In one example, "working" may include functionally including the blade 20 of the cutting device 14 (see, e.g., Figures 2A-2C , 4-5, 8, 8A, 8C, 8F-8G, 9A-9B, 10A-10B, 11A-11B) and the workpiece W. The work performed by the cutting device 14 is performed by the cutting device 14 in, for example, the three-dimensional XYZ Cartesian coordinate system along the directions of arrows Z, Z' (see, for example Figures 2A-2C , 4) for example, relative to the movement of one or more of the carriage 12 and the rod 18. The motors may be driven by one or more motors receiving actuation signals from the CPU 1800 (see, for example, Figures 2A-2C , 140, 206, 218 in 4) to control the movement Z, Z' of the cutting device 14.

[0139] In some embodiments, for example, Figure 2B-2C As shown, the blade 20 partially or completely penetrates the thickness W of the workpiece W in the direction of arrow Z'. T (See, for example, Figures 2A-2C ). It can be said that the thickness W of the workpiece W T By the first front surface W F and the second rear surface W R Although the foregoing description is directed to the use of a blade 20 (e.g., a straight blade, a caster blade, a rotary blade, a serrated edge blade, an embossing tool, a marking tool, etc.), other cutting devices may be utilized in place of the blade 20. Other cutting devices may include lasers, electric rotary cutters, etc. In some embodiments, "work" includes a printing operation. The printing operation may include depositing ink from a nozzle of the printing device 12 onto the first front surface W of the workpiece W. Fand the second rear surface W of the workpiece W R on one or more of .

[0140] The manufacturing device 10 can work in a manner that provides a combined operation such as printing and cutting operations. In some cases, the "printing and cutting operation" can be performed as a "print first and then cut" operation, so that the printing operation is performed before the cutting operation.

[0141] In some embodiments, the workpiece W includes any desired shape, size, geometry or material composition. The shape / geometry may include, for example, a square or rectangle. Alternatively, the shape may include a non-square or non-rectangular shape, such as a circle, a triangle, etc. The material composition of the workpiece W may include a paper base (e.g., cardboard or hardboard) and / or a non-paper base product (e.g., vinyl, foam, rigid foam, cushioning foam, plywood, board, balsa, etc.). However, although various embodiments of the workpiece material composition may be directed to paper, vinyl or foam-based products, the material composition of the workpiece W is not limited to a specific material and may include any cuttable material.

[0142] In some embodiments, the manufacturing apparatus 10 can be used in various environments when working on the workpiece W. For example, the manufacturing apparatus 10 can be located in a person's home and can be connected to an external computer system (e.g., a desktop computer, a laptop computer 1800a, a dedicated / non-integrated / dockable (stand-alone) controller device that is a non-general-purpose computer, etc.), so that the user can use software that can be run by the external computer system 1800a to enable the manufacturing apparatus 10 to process on the workpiece W. In another example, the manufacturing apparatus 10 can be referred to as a "stand-alone system" in some embodiments, which as a whole includes one or more of the following: an onboard monitor, an onboard keyboard, an onboard CPU 1800, and the onboard CPU includes a processor, a memory, etc. In such an embodiment, the manufacturing apparatus 10 can operate independently of any external computer system (e.g., a laptop computer 1800a) to allow the manufacturing apparatus 10 to work on the workpiece W.

[0143] The manufacturing device 10 can be implemented to have any desired size, shape, or configuration. For example, the manufacturing device 10 can be sized to work on a relatively large workpiece W (e.g., drawing paper). Alternatively, the manufacturing device 10 can be configured to work on a relatively small workpiece W. In an embodiment in which the manufacturing device 10 operates independently of an external computer system and is sized to work on a relatively small workpiece, the manufacturing device 10 can be said to be a "portable" manufacturing device 10. Therefore, the size of the manufacturing device 10 can be determined to form a relatively compact shape / size / geometry, thereby allowing a user to easily carry / move the manufacturing device 10 from, for example, home to a friend's home, who may be hosting, for example, a "scrapbook party."

[0144] exist Figure 1 In the example shown, the manufacturing apparatus 10 includes a body 22 defined by an outer surface 24 and an inner surface 26. The inner surface 26 may partially define a workpiece support surface 26w for supporting a workpiece W.

[0145] The exterior surface 24 and the interior surface 26 intersect at an edge 28 that defines an access opening 30 to an interior compartment 32 defined by the interior surface 26 of the body 22 .

[0146] like Figure 1 As shown, a portion of the interior compartment 32 is accessible to the user, and therefore some components (e.g., the printing device 12, the cutting device 14, the carriage 16, the rod 18, etc.) are visible to and accessible to the user; in this case, access to the interior compartment 32 allows the user to engage the workpiece W with the printing device 12, the cutting device 14, the carriage 16, the rod 18, etc. In other cases, some components (e.g., the CPU 1800) may be supported by or connected to another portion of the interior surface 26 of the interior compartment 32 that is not visible to or accessible to the user.

[0147] Access to visible or accessible portions of the interior compartment 32 housing one or more work components (e.g., the printing device 12 and the cutting device 14) that perform work (e.g., printing and / or cutting) on ​​the workpiece W may be caused by the open or closed orientation of one or more doors 34, 36 movably coupled to the body 22. In one example, the doors 34, 36 are independently pivotally coupled to the body 22 to be independently arranged in one of a closed orientation and an open orientation (e.g., the door 36 may be selectively arranged in a closed orientation, while the door 34 may be selectively arranged in an open orientation).

[0148] The one or more doors 34, 36 may include a first door 34, which may alternatively be referred to as an upper door or top door. The one or more doors 34, 36 may include a second door 36, which may alternatively be referred to as a front door.

[0149] The front door 36 includes an outer surface 38, an inner surface 40, a first side surface 42, a second side surface 44, and a top surface 46. The front door 36 is formed as follows Figure 1 When arranged in the open orientation shown, the inner surface 40 of the front door 36 can align with and cooperate with the workpiece support surface 26w to partially serve as an extension of the workpiece support surface 26w. The first side surface 42 and the second side surface 44 extend between the outer surface 38 and the inner surface 40.

[0150] The first side surface 42 of the front door 36 is formed with a latch end receiving groove 48 near the top surface 46 of the front door 36. A (See also, for example, Figures 16A-16D ). The latch end receiving groove 48 A With latch end receiving channel 48 B In one example, the latch end receiving channel can be formed by the inner surface 26 of the body 22 of the internal compartment 32. In addition, the latch end receiving channel 48 B Alternatively or additionally, a support panel (see, for example, Figures 16A-16D 704), the support panel may also be defined by the body 22; in some cases, the support panel 704 may include an outer surface 704 O and inner surface 26. Fig.16A As shown, when the front door 36 is arranged in the closed position, the latch end receives the groove 48 A and latch end receiving channel 48 B Aligned so that the latch finger 734 of the latch portion 724 of the front door latch mechanism 700 can selectively extend through the latch end receiving groove 48 A and latch end receiving channel 48 B , for latching the front door 36 in a closed orientation relative to the main body 22. The operation of the front door latch mechanism 700 will be described in more detail in the following disclosure.

[0151] As described above, the user can insert the workpiece W into the manufacturing device 10 through the opening 30. After the manufacturing device 10 performs work on the workpiece W, the user can remove the workpiece W from the manufacturing device 10 through the opening 30.

[0152] In the example, after a user engages a workpiece W with, for example, a feed roller 50 rotatably coupled to the interior surface 26 of the interior compartment 32, the CPU 1800 sends an actuation signal to a feed roller motor (not shown) for advancing the workpiece W in and out of the interior compartment 32 along a feed direction X, X' in, for example, a three-dimensional XYZ Cartesian coordinate system relative to, for example, one or more of the carriage 12 and the rod 18. Advancement of the workpiece W along the feed direction X, X' may be performed alone or in conjunction with movement Y, Y' of the carriage 12 along the rod 18 and / or with movement of the cutting device 14 in the directions of arrows Z, Z', so as to perform work on the workpiece W.

[0153] In one example, the engagement of the cutting device 14 with the workpiece W may be controlled by a stacked spring assembly that is configured to move in a controlled manner. Figures 2A-2C The stack spring assembly 100 is generally shown at 100. The stack spring assembly 100 includes a base member 102 that supports the blade 20 disposed within the blade housing 52. The base member 102 is adjustable in a lifting direction Z and an opposite cutting direction Z' to move the blade 20 from the front surface W of the workpiece W to the workpiece W. F Lift away or drive the blade 20 to the front surface W of the workpiece W F middle.

[0154] The base member 102 may include a base flange 104 and a plurality of flanges 106 extending from the base flange 104. The plurality of flanges 106 may include a first flange 106a, a second flange 106b, and a third flange 106c. The first flange 106a supports the blade housing 52. The support rod 108 extends through an axial passage formed by each of the second flange 106b and the third flange 106c, and slidably supports each of the second flange 106b and the third flange 106c to allow the base member 102 to move relative to the support rod 108 in each of the lifting direction Z and the cutting direction Z'. The opposite ends of the support rod 108 are directly or indirectly fixed to the inner surface 26 of the body 22.

[0155] The stack spring assembly 100 also includes a rack and pinion drive mechanism 110 including a rack 112 and a pinion 114. The rack 112 is located between the second flange 106b and the third flange 106c. In addition, the support rod 108 extends through an axial passage 116 formed by the rack 112, so that the rack 112 can be driven by the pinion 114 to move the rack 112 relative to the support rod 108 in each of the lifting direction Z and the cutting direction Z' depending on the clockwise or counterclockwise rotation of the pinion 114.

[0156] The lower surface 118 of the rack 112 may define a spring receiving cavity 120. A balance spring support member 124 may extend from the upper surface 122 of the rack 112.

[0157] The stacked spring assembly 100 further includes a first spring 126, a second spring 128, and a washer 130 separating the first spring 126 from the second spring 128. The support rod 108 extends through an axial passage of each of the first spring 126 and the second spring 128. In addition, the support rod 108 extends through an axial passage 132 of the washer 130.

[0158] The upper end of the first spring 126 is disposed near the lower surface 118 of the rack 112 and disposed in the spring receiving cavity 120 of the rack 112. The lower end of the first spring 126 is disposed near the upper surface of the washer 130.

[0159] The upper end of the second spring 128 is disposed adjacent to the lower surface of the washer 130. The lower end of the second spring 128 is disposed adjacent to the upper surface of the second flange 106b.

[0160] The stacked spring assembly 100 further includes a balance spring 134. The upper end of the balance spring 134 is disposed adjacent to the lower surface of the third flange 106c. The lower end of the balance spring 134 is disposed adjacent to the upper surface 122 of the rack 112. The balance spring support member 124 may partially extend through the axial passage of the balance spring 134.

[0161] The balance spring 134 can help bias the lower force to achieve a wider range of transitions between the upper and lower forces that counteract the weight of the stack spring assembly 100 itself. Thus, the inclusion of the balance spring 134 maintains the lower end of the force or both the upper and lower ends of the force of the first spring 126 and the second spring 128. In one example, if, for example, the stack spring assembly 100 weighs approximately 100 grams, and if, for example, a cutting force of approximately 90 grams is required in the direction of arrow Z', the balance spring 134 helps achieve a margin between approximately 50 grams and 100 grams.

[0162] The stacked spring assembly 100 also includes a drive shaft 136 having a first end connected to the pinion 114 and a second end connected to an encoder 138. The drive shaft 136 is driven by a motor 140. The encoder 138 and the motor 140 are communicatively connected to the CPU 1800. The CPU 1800 can act as a motor controller to rotate the drive shaft 136 in a first rotational direction or a second rotational direction to cause a corresponding rotation of the pinion 114. The encoder 138 can provide a feedback signal to the CPU 1800 to specify the amount of rotation of the drive shaft 136. One or more of the drive shaft 136, the encoder 138, the motor 140, and the CPU 1800 can be directly or indirectly connected to the inner surface 26 of the body 22 of the manufacturing device 10.

[0163] In one embodiment, the first spring 126 may be referred to as a "light spring" and the second spring 128 may be referred to as a "heavy spring." In one embodiment, one or both of the light spring 126 and the heavy spring 128 are non-linear springs or variable coefficient springs, thereby enabling the cutting device 14 to provide different spring constants for different cutting forces applied to the blade 20 in the direction of arrow Z'. In one example, the light spring 126 may provide a lower spring constant at lower cutting forces in the direction of arrow Z', while the heavy spring 128 may provide a higher spring constant at higher forces in the direction of arrow Z'.

[0164] In one example, if the workpiece W is made of vinyl or iron-on material, the light spring 126 will be compressed to provide a lower cutting force in the direction of arrow Z' to compensate for sensitive variations in the cutting force Z' that may be caused by, for example, an uneven workpiece support surface 26w or a slight misalignment between the workpiece support surface 26w and the rod 18. Figure 3 In the force-distance graph of FIG. 1 , both the light spring 126 and the heavy spring 128 are variable rate springs; in this embodiment, this can be ascertained from the graph because the first segmented portion of the graph for the light spring 126 (e.g., the bracketed portion of the graph associated with reference numeral 126) is slightly arcuate, as is the second segmented portion of the graph for the heavy spring 128 (e.g., the bracketed portion of the graph associated with reference numeral 128). Accordingly, using a linear spring in this embodiment would not generate these arcuate segments, but would instead generate linear segments.

[0165] When a low to moderate force is applied to the light spring 126 due to the rotation of the pinion 114 and the corresponding movement Z, Z' of the rack 112, the light spring 126 controls the downward force (in the cutting direction Z') applied to the blade 20. Figure 2B As shown, when the rack and pinion drive mechanism 110 applies a moderate to heavy downward force (in the cutting direction Z') to the light spring 126, the light spring 126 collapses or is "bottomed out" into the cavity 120 of the rack 112 (see, e.g. Figure 2B ). Once the light spring 126 is fully collapsed into the cavity 120, the washer 130 engages the lower surface 118 of the rack 112, causing the washer 130 to bottom out against the rack 112. Figure 2C, once the washer 130 bottoms out against the rack 112, the light spring 126 cannot be further compressed, and therefore, any further downward force (in the cutting direction Z') applied by the rack and pinion drive mechanism 110 will cause the heavy spring 128 to compress and apply a downward force (in the cutting direction Z') on the blade 20. The heavy spring 128 will then provide a spring constant with a higher force range in the direction of arrow Z' that is insensitive to changes in force, such as caused by an uneven workpiece support surface 26w or a slight misalignment between the workpiece support surface 26w and the rod 18. Therefore, once the light spring 126 collapses or is "bottomed out" into the cavity 120, the heavy spring 128 provides a stiffer spring for the cutting device 14.

[0166] When the rack and pinion drive mechanism 110 applies a downward force in the cutting direction Z', the rotation feedback of the drive shaft 136 provided by the encoder 138 can provide a feedback signal to the CPU 1800, which can be correlated with the "Z position" information of the blade 20 stored in the lookup data table in the memory of the CPU 1800. Figure 3 The “Z position” information may be, for example, the travel distance of the blade 20 in mm. The “Z position” travel distance may correspond to the front surface W applied by the blade 20 to the workpiece W. F The number of grams of force on .

[0167] according to Figure 3 As shown in the curve, when the blade 20 travels between about 0 mm and about 18 mm, the washer 130 does not engage the lower surface 118 of the rack 112, and therefore, the force applied by the blade 20 to the workpiece W can be between about 0 grams and about 500 grams. However, when the blade 20 travels a distance greater than about 18 mm, the light spring 126 cannot be further compressed; thereafter, the "knee" of the curve is clearly shown, whereby there is a transition from the light spring 126 to the heavy spring 128 to control the downward force along the cutting direction Z' experienced by the blade 20. When the distance traveled by the blade 20 is greater than 18 mm, the force applied to the workpiece W can be greater than about 500 grams, and in some cases can reach about 4 kilograms.

[0168] The use of two "in series" springs 126, 128 as described above greatly increases the range of downward forces (per unit of travel) in the cutting direction Z' that can be controlled by the manufacturing device 10. For example, when a relatively thin workpiece W is to be cut by the blade 20, the amount of downward force in the cutting direction Z' required to make the cut can be referred to as a "light cut." Therefore, the light spring 126 is at least partially compressed for cutting such a workpiece W without causing the workpiece W to tear or split. In contrast, thicker materials, such as wood chips, card stock, leather, etc., may require the blade 20 to generate a downward force greater than about 500 grams.

[0169] In one example, the rotation of the cutting device 14 (see, e.g., Figure 4 R in the figure and the magnitude of the cutting force of the cutting device 14 on the workpiece W (in the direction of the arrow Z') can be obtained by Figure 4 1 and 10. The blade orientation and identification system 200 is generally shown as 200 in the figure. The blade orientation and identification system 200 includes a housing 202 that supports the cutting device 14. The CPU 1800 is communicatively coupled to the blade orientation and identification system 200. The cutting device 14 includes: a blade 20; a blade housing 52 connected to the blade 20; a shaft 54 ​​connected to the blade 20 and extending through the blade housing 52; and a driven gear 56 connected to the shaft 54. In other examples, the blade 20 can be fastened by fasteners 54 or 606 (see, e.g., Figures 11A-11B 606) is connected to the blade housing 52, and the driven gear 56 may include a shaft connected to the blade housing.

[0170] The blade 20 may be defined by a particular style or design (e.g., a straight blade, a caster blade, a rotary blade, a serrated edge blade, an embossing tool, a marking tool, etc.) As will be described in greater detail in the following disclosure, the exterior surface 58 of the blade housing 52 may define a unique appearance or structural configuration that is uniquely associated with the particular style or design of the blade 20 associated with the blade housing 52.

[0171] In addition, as will be described in the following disclosure, the operation of the blade orientation and identification system 200 depends on the CPU 1800 determining the appearance or structural configuration of the outer surface 58 of the blade housing 52. Even further, the CPU 1800 can also use the determined appearance or structural configuration of the outer surface 58 of the blade housing 52 to determine the rotational state of the blade housing 52 when the blade 20 cuts the workpiece W.

[0172] In an example, housing 202 includes a blade housing rotation mechanism 204. Blade housing rotation mechanism 204 may include a motor 206 that rotates a shaft 208 connected to a drive gear 210. Drive gear 210 is connected to driven gear 56 of cutting device 14 to rotate blade 20 about axis R.

[0173] The driven gear 56 of the blade housing 52 may not be directly driven (i.e., the blade housing 52, which may include the driven gear 56, may be installed, removed, and reinstalled so that the blade housing 52 is removably fixed to the blade orientation and identification system 200, which includes the drive gear 210 that rotates the blade housing 52). In the example, the drive gear 210 may generally represent a gear train that rotates the driven gear 56 of the blade housing 52. The gear train 210 may include one or more of a combination of spline gears, worm gears, and the like.

[0174] The motor 206 may be a DC motor with an encoder. Alternatively, the motor 206 may be a stepper motor with an encoder, however, the resolution may be limited by using a stepper motor if steps are skipped during operation of the stepper motor.

[0175] The housing 202 may also include a blade housing lifting mechanism 212. The blade housing lifting mechanism 212 may be connected to the blade housing rotation mechanism 204 via a connecting member or coupling (generally shown at 213). In one example, the blade housing lifting mechanism 212 may include a rack and pinion drive mechanism having a rack 214 and a pinion 216. The pinion 216 may be driven by a stepper motor 218.

[0176] Depending on the clockwise or counterclockwise rotation of the pinion 216 , the rack 214 connected to the motor 206 of the blade housing rotation mechanism 204 via the coupling 213 may be raised or lowered in the lifting direction Z or the cutting direction Z′ to provide the blade 20 with corresponding lifting and lowering motion relative to the workpiece W.

[0177] The rotation sensor 220 is also attached to the housing 202. The housing 202 may be attached to the bracket 16, and thus, the rotation sensor 220 may be said to be attached to the bracket 16. The rotation sensor 220 includes, for example, an optical sensor including: an optical signal generator that generates a signal S S ; and an optical signal receiver, which receives the generated signal S S Reflection (see, for example, Figure 4 The reflected signal S R ). The rotation sensor 220 may include any known optical sensor technology. For example, the rotation sensor 220 is not limited to optical type sensor devices, and may alternatively include other sensor devices, such as magnetic readout sensors, capacitive sensors, LVDT sensors, inductive sensors, or any combination thereof.

[0178] The CPU 1800 is effectively used to issue commands to the blade housing rotation mechanism 204 and the blade housing lifting mechanism 212. In an example, the CPU 1800 can send a signal to the motor 206 of the blade housing rotation mechanism 204 to cause the gear train 210 to cause the blade 20 to rotate R around an axis extending through the length of the shaft 54 ​​(i.e., the Z axis). In addition, in another example, the CPU 1800 can send a signal to the stepper motor 218 of the blade housing lifting mechanism 212 to raise (in the direction of arrow Z) or lower (in the direction of arrow Z') the blade 20 along the axis extending through the length of the shaft 54 ​​(i.e., the Z axis).

[0179] like Figure 4-5 As shown, the rotation sensor 220 is aligned with a portion of the outer surface 58 of the blade housing 52, which portion includes a circumferential band of one or more surface portions 60. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the circumferential band of one or more surface portions 60 includes one or more circular surface portions 60. R and one or more non-circular flat surface portions 60 F Each surface portion is composed of an edge portion 60 E Separate.

[0180] When the blade housing rotating mechanism 204 rotates the blade housing 52, the rotation sensor 220 can generate the optical signal S S The blade housing 52 is directed toward a circumferential band of one or more surface portions 60. The one or more rounded surface portions 60 R and one or more non-circular flat surface portions 60 F The generated optical signal S S Reflection S R The optical sensor 220 is communicatively coupled to the CPU 1800, whereby the CPU 1800 receives a signal from the optical sensor 220 indicating the generated signal S S Reflection S R However, in each circular surface portion 60 R With the non-circular flat surface portion 60 F The edge portion between 60 E The optical signal S S reflected back to the rotation sensor 220; in such a case, when the edge portion 60 of the circumferential band of one or more surface portions 60 E When the blade housing 52 is rotated R by the blade housing rotating mechanism 204 and arranged opposite to the rotation sensor 220, the rotation sensor 220 can similarly notify the CPU 1800 of the reflected signal S R Has been interrupted. Figure 6 , the generated optical signal S S Reflections (e.g., see the segments of the signal amplitude graph enclosed by reference numeral "S") and non-reflections or interruptions (e.g., see the segments of the signal amplitude graph enclosed by reference numeral "E") are transmitted to CPU 1800, and information about the signal amplitude over time is stored.

[0181] The CPU 1800 can store in memory the unique reflective signature of a plurality of blade housings 52, wherein each blade housing 52 in the plurality of blade housings includes a unique blade style / design. When the blade housing rotation mechanism 204 partially or fully rotates the blade housing 52, the rotation sensor 220 can Figure 6 The generated signal pattern is communicated to the CPU 1800 so that the CPU 1800 can compare the generated signal pattern with multiple unique reflective marks stored in the memory of the CPU 1800 for identifying the blade housing 52 (and the corresponding style / design of the blade 20) docked with the housing 202 of the blade orientation and identification system 200.

[0182] In one example, one or more non-circular flat surface portions 60 F One of the non-circular flat surface portions 60 may be defined as a "home flat". In another example, one or more non-circular flat surface portions 60 F One or more of the in-situ flats may be defined by one or more "tool ID flats". In one example, the in-situ flat may be longer than each of the one or more tool ID flats. Thus, in use, when the light signal is reflected from the in-situ flat, the signal received by the CPU 1800 is longer than the tool ID flat. As a result, the in-situ flat may help the CPU 1800 determine a reference position or absolute position of the blade housing 52. The one or more tool ID flats of each blade housing 52 may be defined by a unique pattern or length in order to identify a specific pattern or design of a blade associated with the blade housing 52.

[0183] In one example, if a user of the manufacturing device 10 is to cut a fabric workpiece W and is aware of the rotary pattern / design blade 20 used to cut the fabric workpiece W, the user will select the rotary pattern / design blade 20 (having one or more rounded surface portions 60). R and one or more non-circular flat surface portions 60 F Thus, when the blade orientation and identification system 200 rotates the blade housing 52, one or more rounded surface portions 60 of the blade housing 52 are R and one or more non-circular flat surface portions 60 FThe unique style of blade 20 including the rotation mode / design is received by the CPU 1800 and matched with a unique signal signature in a lookup table in the memory of the CPU 1800. Therefore, as the blade housing rotation mechanism 204 rotates the blade housing 52, the CPU 1800 identifies which blade housing 52 (and the corresponding style / design of the blade 20 associated therewith) is docked with the manufacturing device 10, so that the manufacturing device 10 can automatically determine the amount of cutting force (in the direction of arrow Z') associated with the rotation mode / blade 20 design associated with the blade housing 52. In other examples, for example, if the user is cutting wood, the user docks the blade housing 52 (which has one or more rounded surface portions 60 R and a unique style of one or more non-circular flat surface portions 60F), the blade housing carrying the blade 20, and as described above, the manufacturing device 10 can automatically determine the amount of cutting force (in the direction of arrow Z') associated with the style / design blade 20 of the knife associated with the blade housing 52.

[0184] Therefore, when the blade housing rotation mechanism 204 rotates the blade housing 52, the rotation sensor 220 can receive the interrupted reflected signal pattern S R , the interrupt reflection signal pattern S R The signal is transmitted to the CPU 1800 in the form of an electrical signal. After the CPU 1800 receives the signal, the CPU 1800 can compare the received signal with known signal signatures stored in a lookup table in the memory of the CPU 1800. Once the CPU 1800 finds a match, the CPU can access any information in the memory regarding the particular blade housing 204 and / or the style / design of the blade 20 associated therewith.

[0185] In addition, the above-described method associated with the blade housing rotation mechanism 204 and the rotation sensor 220 is also effective for identifying or tracking the rotational orientation R of the blade 20. For example, the CPU 1800 can track the rotational orientation of the blade housing 52 in a manner that positively identifies the orientation of the blade 20 associated with the blade housing 52. In one example, each of the blade housing 52 is formed by the edge portion 60. E Separate one or more circular surface portions 60 R and one or more non-circular flat surface portions 60 F can be defined to have various lengths, so that one or more non-circular flat surface portions 60 FThe longest flat portion in the rotation sensor 220 can be used to hook with the plane in which the blade housing 52 rotates (for example, the plane of the longest flat portion is parallel to the plane of the rotating cutting blade). Therefore, once the CPU 1800 receives the interrupt reflection signal pattern S generated by the rotation sensor 220 as described above, R , the CPU 1800 will have enough information to know the orientation of the blade 20 in a particular case of rotation of the blade housing 52.

[0186] In an alternative embodiment, instead of one or more rounded surface portions 60 R and one or more non-circular flat surface portions 60 F (respectively by the edge portion 60 E In one embodiment, the blade housing rotation mechanism 204 is capable of rotating the blade housing 52 in any number of complete circles (i.e., 360°, 720°). In one embodiment, the blade housing rotation mechanism 204 is capable of hooking the angle or rotation of the blade housing 52 to any increment that can be achieved by the motor 206 of the blade housing rotation mechanism 204. For example, if the motor 206 is a stepper motor, there is a substantially lower limit on the angular resolution that can be achieved for rotating the blade housing 52.

[0187] By being able to actively rotate the blade housing 52 using the CPU 1800 and the blade housing rotation mechanism 204, certain types of cuts in the workpiece W that might otherwise be difficult to achieve can be achieved. For example, when the blade 20 is performing a corner cut, the blade 20 is lifted from the workpiece W being cut (in the direction of arrow Z) by actuating the blade housing lift mechanism 212, rotated 90° by the blade housing rotation mechanism 204, and then lowered back onto the workpiece W (in the direction of arrow Z') by the blade housing lift mechanism 212 before continuing to cut. This allows a very clean "tangential" cut to be made in the workpiece W. Such clean corner cuts in the workpiece W are difficult to make (e.g., in order to make such a cut, when a caster blade is used for cutting, the blade would have to pass over the corner (e.g., a non-rotating blade is "dragged" by the blade housing).

[0188] In the example, the manufacturing device 10 further includes a color sensor device, which Figure 7 18. The color sensor device 300 is generally shown at 300. The color sensor device 300 is communicatively coupled to the CPU 1800. The color sensor device 300 may be connected to the inner surface 26 of the body 22 directly or indirectly.

[0189] In one example, the color sensor device 300 includes a red-green-blue (RGB) illumination source 302 that emits RGB light (along arrow L) and an RGB sensor 304 that detects reflected RGB light (along arrow L'). In one example, the RGB sensor 304 receives or calculates known calibration values ​​(e.g., white light and black light). Based on the calibration values, the CPU 1800 can change the direction of the RGB illumination source 302 toward the front surface W of the workpiece W. F The emitted light L (eg, the CPU 1800 may change the color of the light L and / or the intensity of the light L).

[0190] like Figure 7 As shown, the workpiece W is supported on the workpiece support surface 26w. In addition, the front surface W of the workpiece W is F Include one or more fiducial markers W FM , the reference mark W FM This may be in the form of a printed mark (e.g., in black ink) in the shape of an X, L, "crosshair," box, line, etc. FM It can be used to compensate for misalignment of a workpiece W disposed on the workpiece support surface 26w.

[0191] The feed roller 50 can push the workpiece W into or out of the internal compartment 32 along the feed direction X, X', so that the workpiece W is moved past the color sensor device 300. In the example, the RGB illumination source 302 is directed toward the front surface W of the workpiece W. F RGB light L is emitted, which is reflected L' back to the RGB sensor 304. For example, when the RGB sensor 304 detects the light from one or more reference marks W FM When the reflected light L' is reflected (with the reflected light from the front surface W of the workpiece W F The CPU 1800 may drive the feed roller 50 at a slower rate and / or drive the feed roller 50 to perform a second pass of the workpiece W through the color sensor device 300 to detect one or more reference marks W. FM Then, the RGB illumination source 302 can be used to illuminate the front surface W of the workpiece W. F The RGB sensor 304 then sends a signal to the CPU 1800 indicating that the front surface W of the workpiece W is as pure as possible. F Detected reflected light L'. In one embodiment, the RGB sensor 304 may have multiple (eg, three) color sensing diodes, which are semiconductor devices sensitive to certain wavelengths of light associated with different colors.

[0192] The red, blue, and yellow colors that may be emitted by the RGB illumination source 302 may be sufficient to allow the RGB sensor 304 to accurately determine the color of the front surface W disposed on the workpiece W. F One or more reference marks W on FM However, different levels of sensors (e.g., sensors that detect more than three colors) may be used. One or more fiducial markers W FM The front surface W of the workpiece W can be F The light source 1800 may be positioned at different locations on the manufacturing apparatus 10 or have different sizes to allow, for example, the CPU 1800 to determine the deflection and different amounts of ambient light emitted onto different areas of the manufacturing apparatus 10.

[0193] The color sensor device 300 can detect three different colors, and therefore, the CPU 1800 can better detect composite colors or even single colors to increase the detection of the fiducial marker W in the presence of ambient light saturation. FM Thus, the color sensor device 300 is less sensitive to differences in light by calculating not only the intensity of the light (i.e., determining whether the light is bright or dark), but also by calculating what is a dark condition or a light condition (i.e., a high value or a low value for certain colors). The algorithm stored in the memory and executed by the processor of the CPU 1800 receives a signal indicating the reflected RGB light L' from the RGB sensor 304, so that the CPU 1800 detects the ratio of the maximum amount of a certain color detected by the RGB sensor 304 to the minimum amount of the same color, rather than taking the absolute level of the amount of light of each color that the RGB sensor 304 is detecting. This allows the CPU 1800 to receive very consistent results regardless of the amount of ambient light. By using the RGB sensor 304, the CPU 1800 can detect, for example, the difference between dark blue and black (which is difficult for a person to detect), because dark blue will have a higher blue content and lower green and red content, while black will detect low levels of all three colors. The amount of light may change, but the amount of a particular color will remain constant regardless of the amount of light.

[0194] In the example, the workpiece W can be defined by white or non-white. Non-white can be any color (for example, if the workpiece W is a paper material, the paper W can be red paper, green paper, blue paper, etc.). If, for example, the workpiece W is red paper, the RGB illumination source 302 will emit RGB light L toward the front surface WF of the red paper W, and the RGB sensor 304 receiving the reflected RGB light L' will detect the maximum change amount of the red illumination component of the reflected RGB light L' in the red-green-blue colors emitted by the RGB light source 302.

[0195] The color sensor device 300 also senses, for example, reference marks W FMOne or more and the color of the workpiece W. Therefore, if black ink is used on the front surface of red paper W F Prepare one or more reference marks on the FM , the RGB sensor 304 can distinguish the maximum change in the red illumination component of the reflected RGB light L', and can also detect the maximum change in the red illumination component of the red paper W. F One or more reference marks W are defined on FM As a result, the color sensor device 300 allows the manufacturing device 10 to detect one or more reference marks W that are independent of the color of the workpiece W. FM .

[0196] Reference Figure 8 and 8A -8G, an embodiment of the cutting device 14 of the manufacturing apparatus 10 may include a blade key assembly 400. The blade key assembly 400 may include a key body 62 overmolded, attached or otherwise fixed to the base 68 of the blade 20. The blade key assembly 400 may also include a distal end 52 D and proximal 52 P The blade housing 52, whereby the proximal end 52 of the blade housing 52 P A blade receiving opening 70 is defined that allows access to a blade receiving aperture 72 extending from the proximal end 52 of the blade housing 52. P Towards the distal end 52 of the blade housing 52 D Extending through the blade housing 52. In one example, the blade receiving opening 70 is defined by a cross-sectional geometry corresponding to the cross-sectional geometry of at least a portion of the key body 62 and the blade 20.

[0197] The key body 62 includes a barrel portion 64 and a key portion 66. The barrel portion 64 extends along most of the length of the base portion 68 of the blade 20 and is formed thereon, while the key portion 66 is formed on a portion of the length of the base portion 68 near the blade 20. D The formed blade receiving opening 70 may include: (1) a first surface portion 70a, which is sized to receive the key portion 66 of the key body 62; (2) a second surface portion 70b, which is sized to receive a portion of the base 68 of the blade 20; and (3) an intermediate surface portion 70c (extending between the first surface portion 70a and the second surface portion 70b and connecting the first surface portion and the second surface portion) which is sized to accommodate the barrel portion 64 of the key body 62.

[0198] like Figure 8As shown, because the key portion 66 of the key body 62 is only provided on one side of the base 68 of the blade 20, the user is prohibited from installing the blade 20 from an incorrect orientation (e.g., offset by 180°). Thus, the blade 20 is correctly aligned with the driving direction of the cutting device 14, whereby, in one example, the cutting device 14 drags the sharp edge of the blade 20 against the workpiece W, rather than using the opposite non-sharp edge of the blade 20 against the workpiece W, in order to prevent damage to one or more of the blade 20, the workpiece W, or one or more other components of the manufacturing device 10 (e.g., one or more motors). In addition, as shown in FIG. Figure 8 In some examples shown in , if the blade housing includes as described above in Figure 4-6 The circumferential band of one or more surface portions 60 described in R and one or more non-circular flat surface portions 60 F It is defined that the one or more rounded surface portions 60 R and one or more non-circular flat surface portions 60 F Through the edge section 60 E The correct orientation of the blade 20 relative to the blade housing 52 produced by the blade key assembly 400 can also help align the blade 20 with the "home flat portion" so as to establish the absolute position of the blade housing 52 for the CPU 1800 when the blade housing 52 is rotated R by the blade housing rotation mechanism 204 to adjust the cutting direction of the sharp edge of the blade 20.

[0199] Reference Figures 9A-9B , an embodiment of a blade assembly of the cutting device 14 of the manufacturing apparatus 10 is generally shown at 500. The blade assembly 500 may include a circular rotating blade 20 and a circular overmolded hub 502. Fig. 9A As shown, the overmolded hub 502 extends on opposite sides 504, 506 of the rotating blade 20 such that the outer peripheral edge defining the sharp cutting edge 508 of the rotating blade 20 extends beyond the outer peripheral end surface 510 of the overmolded hub 502. The overmolded hub 502 may also define a central fastener receiving passage 512. The overmolded hub 502 may be formed of any desired material, such as plastic, copper, steel, etc.

[0200] The overmolded hub 502 provides structure and stability to the rotating blade 502 to allow for more precise cutting of the workpiece W. In addition, when the blade assembly 500 is secured to the blade housing 52 (see, e.g., Fig. 10A , 11A ), the overmolded hub 502 aligns the rotating blade 20 with the inner race of the bearing (see, for example, Fig.11A78) in the workpiece, and when the rotary blade 20 is placed on the front surface W of the workpiece W, for example, while the rotary blade 20 is rolling F When the hub 502 is near the blade housing 52, it provides structural support for the blade housing 52. Further, as opposed to placing the rotating blade 20 directly against the inner race of the bearing itself, the overmolded hub 502 allows the rotating blade 20 to be aligned with the inner race of the bearing (e.g., see Fig.11A 78) alignment and allows controlled offset from the bearing.

[0201] Additionally, the outer surface 514 of the overmolded hub 502 provides a surface for the hub 502 to be tightened with a nut (e.g., see Fig.11A 610) and fasteners (see, for example, Fig.11A 606) without clamping into the material forming the rotating blade 20, which may otherwise cause damage or deformation of the blade 20. Fig. 9A As shown, the inner surface 516 of the rotating blade 20 defines a central channel extending through the thickness of the rotating blade 20, which is supported by the central body portion 518 of the overmolded hub 502. The central body portion 518 includes an inner surface 520 that defines a central fastener receiving channel 512 extending through the central body portion 518 to receive a fastener as described above. Therefore, the central body portion 518 prevents the fastener from contacting the inner surface 516 of the rotating blade 20, so as to prevent damage or deformation of the rotating blade 20, for example.

[0202] Reference Fig. 10A , an exemplary blade replacement kit that can be interfaced with the cutting device 14 of the manufacturing apparatus 10 is generally shown at 600. The blade replacement kit 600 can include a sleeve portion 602 and a fastener engaging portion 604 (e.g., a Phillips screwdriver). A portion of the fastener engaging portion (e.g., the handle) can be sized to have a reduced thickness to limit the force applied to the fastener (e.g., see Figures 10D-10I 606) so that the user does not over-tighten the fastener. As will be described in the following disclosure, the sleeve portion 602 interfaces with the blade housing 52, which may or may not include a blade attached thereto (i.e., the sleeve portion 602 may be used to remove the blade 20 from the blade housing 52, or to attach the blade 20 to the blade housing 52). Thereafter, the user may remove the blade 20 from the blade housing 52 through the passage formed by the sleeve portion 602 (e.g., see Figures 10D-10I 630) is inserted into the fastener engagement portion 604 to provide access to the fasteners securing the blade 20 to the blade housing 52 (e.g., see Fig. 10DRegardless of the arrangement of the blade 20 relative to the blade housing 52, the sleeve portion 602 serves as a barrier between the sharp cutting edge 508 of the blade 20 and the user's fingertips during the process of removing the blade 20 from the blade housing 52 or attaching the blade 20 to the blade housing 52. Thus, the sleeve portion 602 allows the user to remove or attach the blade 20 relative to the blade housing 52 while preventing the user from directly touching the cutting edge 508 of the blade 20.

[0203] Before describing the method of using the blade replacement kit 600, refer to Fig.11A , which shows the distal end 52 fixed to the blade housing 52 D The distal end 52 of the blade housing 52 is D The bearing may be defined by a flange portion 74 defining a fastener receiving passage 76 including a bearing defined by an inner race 78 and an outer race 80 disposed therein.

[0204] In addition, if Fig.11A As shown, the rotating blade 20 can be as shown above. Figures 9A-9B 506, wherein the overmolded hub 502 extends over opposite sides 504, 506 of the circular blade 20 such that the sharp cutting edge 508 of the rotating blade 20 extends beyond the outer peripheral end surface 510 of the overmolded hub 502. The fastener 606 extends through: (1) the distal end 52 of the blade housing 52; D (2) a central fastener receiving channel 512 of a central body portion 518 of the overmolded hub 502; and (3) a threaded channel 608 formed by a nut 610 that is fixed to a threaded outer surface portion 612 of the fastener 606.

[0205] In some cases, a silicon washer 614 is disposed between the outer surface 514 of the overmolded hub 502, which can be compressed while acting as a locking washer to help retain the fastener 606 on the nut 610. In addition, the silicon washer 614 can compensate for unevenness or surface imperfections of the outer surface 514 of the overmolded hub 502, thereby allowing the rotating blade 20 to be positioned relative to the front surface W of the workpiece W. F Even further, the silicon washer 614 can help level the rotating blade 20 relative to the blade housing 52 (i.e., otherwise, without the silicon washer 614, potential surface irregularities of the nut 610 would cause the rotating blade 20 to be misaligned with the blade housing 52).

[0206] Reference Fig. 10A The sleeve portion 602 may include a proximal end 602 Pand remote 602 D The proximal end 602 of the sleeve portion 602 is defined by the tubular body 616. P An insertion opening 618 may be defined (see, e.g. Fig. 10B ), the insertion opening allows the blade 20 and the blade housing 52 to be inserted into the accommodating cavity 620 formed by the inner surface 622 of the tubular body 616. Fig.11A The inner surface 622 of the tubular body 616 may be formed at the distal end 602 of the tubular body 616. D terminating near the blade receiving recess or blade receiving cavity 628, thereby defining one or more support surfaces 624, 626 and a blade receiving recess or blade receiving cavity 628. Fig.11A As shown, the tubular body 616 may define a fastener access passage 630 that allows the fastener engagement portion 604 to engage the fastener 606 while the sleeve portion 602 is disposed on the blade 20 and / or the blade housing 52 .

[0207] refer to Figures 10B-10J , describes a method for removing the blade from the distal end 52 of the blade housing 52 D The flange portion 74 is defined as an exemplary method of removing the rotating blade 20. Although FIG. 10B to FIG. 10J Discussed from the distal end 52 of the blade housing 52 D The flange portion 74 defined by the rotary blade 20 is removed, and the method steps can be performed in reverse order (from Fig.10J The view starts and Fig. 10B ) for attaching the rotary blade 20 to the distal end 52 of the blade housing 52. D A flange portion 74 is defined.

[0208] Reference Fig. 10B , the receiving cavity 620 of the tubular body 616 of the sleeve portion 602 is axially aligned with the rotating blade 20 and the blade housing 52. Figures 10C-10D As shown, the rotating blade 20 and the blade housing 52 are arranged in the receiving cavity 620 of the tubular body 616 of the sleeve portion 602. Fig.11A As shown, when the distal end 52 of the blade housing 52 D When the end surface 632 of the defined flange portion 74 is disposed adjacent to the support surface 624 extending from the inner surface 622 of the tubular body 616 of the sleeve portion 602 and / or when one or more outer surfaces 634 of the nut 610 are disposed adjacent to the support surface 626 extending from the inner surface 622 of the tubular body 616 of the sleeve portion 602, insertion of the rotating blade 20 and the blade housing 52 into the receiving cavity 620 of the tubular body 616 of the sleeve portion 602 is stopped. In one example, the support surface 626 may include more than one surface (i.e., at least one surface). Figures 11A-11BOnly one surface is shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 6 ) so that multiple surfaces 634 around the nut 610 prevent the nut 610 from rotating. In addition, as Fig.11A As shown, when the end surface 632 of the flange portion 74 and at least one of the one or more outer surfaces 634 of the nut 610 are respectively arranged to be adjacent to one of the support surfaces 624, 626, the rotating blade 20 is received in the blade receiving recess or blade receiving cavity 628, so that the sharp cutting edge 508 of the rotating blade 20 can be arranged in a spaced-apart, non-contact orientation relative to the inner surface 622 of the tubular body 616 of the sleeve portion 602.

[0209] like FIG. 10E to FIG. 10G As shown, while the sleeve portion 602 is arranged on the blade 20 and the blade housing 52 as described above, the user inserts the fastener engagement portion 604 through the fastener access channel 630 formed by the tubular body 616 to facilitate the distal end of the fastener engagement portion 604 to engage with the corresponding recess 636 formed by the fastener 606. The user can rotate the fastener engagement portion 604 to disengage the threaded connection between the threaded outer surface portion 612 of the fastener 606 and the threaded channel 608 formed by the nut 610. Thereafter, as shown in FIGS. 10H-10I and Fig. 11B As shown, the user can remove the fastener 606 from the following structures: (1) the distal end 52 of the blade housing 52 D (2) a central fastener receiving passage 512 of a central body portion 518 of the overmolded hub 502; and (3) a threaded passage 608 formed by a nut 610. Fig.10J , the fastener 606 no longer secures the rotatable blade 20 and the nut 610 to the distal end 52 of the blade housing 52. D With the flange portion 74 defined, the user can remove the sleeve portion 602 from the blade housing 52, so that the rotating blade 20, the nut 610 and the silicon washer 614 remain in the receiving cavity 620 of the tubular body 616 of the sleeve portion 602. As described above, the above steps can be performed in reverse order to attach the rotating blade 20, the nut 610 and the silicon washer 614 to the blade housing 52.

[0210] In one example, the movement and orientation of the front door 36 can be controlled by a front door latch mechanism, which is typically Figures 12A-12F 700. Although the top door motion dampening mechanism, generally shown at 702, is primarily used to dampen the movement of the top door 34, the top door motion dampening mechanism 702 is connected to one or more components of the front door latch mechanism 700, and therefore, the top door motion dampening mechanism 702 is considered to be an integral part of the front door latch mechanism 700. FIG. 12A to FIG. 12F, the side panels of the body 22 have been removed to expose the components of the front door latch mechanism 700. The components defining the front door latch mechanism 700 can be attached to a support panel 704, which can generally define one or more surface portions of the interior surface 26 of the manufacturing device 10, which will be hidden from view when the side panels of the body 22 are reattached.

[0211] First reference Fig. 12A , showing the top door 34 and the front door 36 of the manufacturing apparatus 10 in a closed position relative to the main body 22 of the manufacturing apparatus 10. Fig.12F As can be seen more clearly in FIG. 1 , the inner surface 34 of the top door 34 near the front edge of the top door 34 I A magnetic component 706 may be included that may be coupled to a magnetic component 708 disposed above or below (and not visible from) the top surface 46 of the front door 36 (see, e.g., Fig.12D ) cooperate to magnetically fix the top door 34 in the closed position, such as Fig. 12A Then, as FIG. 12B to FIG. 12C As shown, the user can open the top door 34 on the inner surface 34 near the front edge of the top door 34. I The thumb or finger is placed between the top surface 46 of the front door 36 to overcome the magnetic force of the magnetic members 706, 708 so that the top door 34 can be moved from the closed position (such as Fig. 12A to the fully open position (as shown) Fig.12F In some cases, magnetic component 706 may be a metal strip, and magnetic component 708 may be disposed above or below top surface 46 of front door 36 (and not visible).

[0212] The top door motion buffer mechanism 702 adjusts the automatic movement of the top door 34 from the closed orientation to the open orientation. In addition, the top door motion buffer mechanism 702 may include a buffer spring (not shown) that buffers the automatic movement of the top door 34 from the closed orientation to the open orientation.

[0213] like FIG. 12C to FIG. 12F As shown, when the top door 34 rotates from the closed position to the open position, the gear 710 of the top door motion buffer mechanism 702 rotates R 710 (See, for example, Fig.16A to Fig.16D ), which gear may be referred to as the driving gear of the front door latch mechanism 700 hereinafter. The driving gear 710 is connected to the driven gear 712 of the front door latch mechanism 700 and causes the driven gear to rotate R 712 (See, for example, Figures 16A-16D ), so that the rotation R of the driving gear 710 710 It is also assigned to the driven gear 712 .

[0214] like Figures 16A-16D As shown, the driven gear 712 is connected to the proximal end 714 of the latch wire 714 of the front door latch mechanism 700. P The distal end 714 of the latch wire 714 D Latch plate 716 connected to front door latch mechanism 700 (see also Fig.13 ). The latch plate 716 is rotatably connected to R 716 (For example, Figures 14A-14C ) / R 716’ (See, for example, Fig.14D ) to the outer surface 704 of the support panel 704 O superior.

[0215] The driving gear 710 rotates R 710 When the driven gear 712 also rotates R 712 , which causes the driven gear 712 to pull with a force F 714 Pull the proximal end 714 of the latch wire 714 P .

[0216] refer to Fig.13 , which is Fig. 12A 34 is an enlarged view of a portion of (when the top door 34 is arranged in a closed orientation), the distal end 714 of the latch wire 714 D The wire end 718 is defined by the wire end 718, which in one example can be relative to the proximal end 714 of the latch wire 714. P The extended latch wire 714 is bent or arranged at a substantially right angle for most of its length.

[0217] like Fig.13 As shown, the latch plate 716 defines a distal end 720 D and near end 720 P The first substantially arcuate channel 720. The distal end 720 of the line end 718 D It can be arranged to move in the generally arcuate channel 720 to connect the latch wire 714 to the latch plate 716.

[0218] In addition, reference Fig.13 and Figures 14A-14D The pull notch 722 can be pulled from the distal end 720 of the first substantially arcuate channel 720 D In one example, the pull notch 722 can extend from the first substantially arcuate channel 720 generally toward the center of rotation C of the latch plate 716 (see, eg, FIGS. 14A-14D ).

[0219] like FIG. 14A to FIG. 14B As shown, the proximal end 714 of the latch wire 714 is pulled by the driven gear 712 as described above. P When the corresponding tension F 714is applied to the wire end 718. Because the wire end 718 is located in the pull notch 722 (ie, when the top door 34 is in the closed position), the pulling force F applied to the wire end 718 714 will be transferred to the pull notch 722, which will cause the latch plate 716 to move around the outer surface 704 of the support panel 704 O Rotate R 716 .

[0220] Reference Fig. 14C , the rotation R of the latch plate 716 716 and the tension F applied to the wire end 718 714 The combination of causes the wire end 718 to shift from the pull notch 722 and enter the first substantially arcuate channel 720. When the wire end 718 is shifted from the pull notch 722, the latch plate 716 no longer moves along the arrow R. 716 direction of rotation, because the end 718 of the line does not apply the tension F 714 is transmitted to the pull notch 722. After that, the rotation R of the driven gear 712 712 The result is the use of tension F 714 Pulling the proximal end 714 of the latch wire 714 further P , which ultimately results in the line end 718 being pulled along the length of the first substantially arcuate channel 720 so that Fig.14D As shown, the wire end 718 can reach the proximal end 720 of the first substantially arcuate channel 720. P Adjacent or nearby location.

[0221] like Figures 15A-15B As shown, the front door latch mechanism 700 also includes a latch portion 724. The latch portion 724 includes a latch base 726 having a front surface 728 and a rear surface 730. A latch shaft 732 extends from the front surface 728, and a latch finger 734 extends from the rear surface 730.

[0222] Reference FIG. 16A to FIG. 16D In an example, the latch base 726 may be movably attached to the outer surface 704 of the support panel 704 by a pair of guide posts 736. O A spring 738 may be disposed about each guide post 736 and extend between the front surface 728 of the latch base 726 and the spring retaining head 740 of each guide post 736. Fig.16A and 17A As shown, when the spring 738 is arranged in the expanded state, the spring 738 will latch the base 726 toward the outer surface 704 of the support panel 704. O biased so that the latch finger 734 extends through the latch end receiving channel 48 B and extends beyond the inner surface 26. Conversely, if Fig. 16C and Fig. 17BAs shown, when the spring 738 is arranged in a compressed state, the latch base 726 is pulled away from the outer surface 704 of the support panel 704. O Pull open (such as Figures 16A-16B The pulling force F shown 726 ), thereby allowing the latch finger 734 to still extend through the latch end receiving channel 48 B , but does not extend beyond the inner surface 26.

[0223] Return to reference Fig.13 The latch plate 716 further defines a second substantially arcuate channel 742 having a distal end 742 D and proximal 742 P The distal end 732 of the latch shaft 732 D Arranged to move in the second substantially arcuate channel 742 to connect the latch portion 724 to the latch plate 716 .

[0224] like Figures 16A-16D As shown, the latch shaft 732 may include a distal end 732 disposed at the latch shaft 732. D In addition, the second substantially arcuate channel 742 defines a second substantially arcuate channel 742 extending along but not parallel to the outer surface 704 of the support panel 704. O Extended cam surface 746. FIG. 16A to FIG. 16D In the embodiment, the shoulder surface 744 of the latch shaft 732 is arranged adjacent to the eccentric surface 746.

[0225] like FIG. 14A to FIG. 14B and FIG. 16A to FIG. 16B As shown, as described above, when the wire end 718 is located in the pull notch 722 (ie, when the top door 34 is arranged in the closed orientation), the pulling force F applied to the wire end 718 is 714 is transferred to the pull notch 722, which causes the latch plate 716 to move around the outer surface 704 of the support panel 704. O Rotate R 716 Therefore, the latch plate 716 also rotates around the latch axis 732 by R 716 , so that the distal end 742 of the second substantially arcuate channel 742 D The latch shaft 732 is advanced toward the latch shaft 732. Since the shoulder surface 744 of the latch shaft 732 is disposed adjacent to the eccentric surface 746, the movement of the latch plate 716 relative to the latch shaft 732 causes the latch shaft 732 to move away from the outer surface 704 of the support panel 704. O The tensile force F 726 Pull the latch base 726. Due to the pulling force F 726 The latch base 726 is pulled, and the spring 738 is compressed between the front surface 728 of the latch base 726 and the spring retaining head 740 of each guide column 736. In addition, since the latch base 726 is pulled by the pulling force F726 Pull away the outer surface 704 of the support panel 704 O , therefore, the latch finger 734 is moved from position (1) as in Figures 16A-16B and Fig.17A As shown in FIG. 1 , in a first orientation within the latch end receiving channel 48B, which causes a portion of the latch finger 734 to extend beyond the inner surface 26, retracted to position (2) as shown in FIG. Fig. 16C and Fig. 17B As shown, the latch tip receiving channel 48B has a second orientation such that the portion of the latch finger 734 does not extend beyond the inner surface 26 .

[0226] Reference Fig. 14C and Fig. 16C As described above, when the wire end 718 is displaced from the pull notch 722 and enters the first substantially arcuate channel 720, the wire end 718 no longer applies the pulling force F 714 When the pull notch 722 is reached, the latch plate 716 no longer moves along the direction indicated by arrow R. 716 Similarly, as described above, when the latch plate 716 rotates R 716 During this time, the spring 738 is compressed between the front surface 728 of the latch base 726 and the spring retaining head 740 of each guide post 736. Even further, during the rotation R of the latch plate 716 716 During this time, the return spring 739 (see also Fig.13 When the wire end 718 is displaced from the pull notch 722, the energy stored by the compression spring 738 and the return spring 739 is released, which causes the return spring 739 to pull on the latch plate 716, causing the latch plate 716 to move in a direction consistent with the rotation arrow R. 716 Rotate in the opposite direction of R 716′ , and spring 738 will push F 738 The latch base 726 is applied to the front surface 728 so that the latch base 726 is pushed toward the outer surface 704 of the support panel 704. O .

[0227] Due to the rotation R of the latch plate 716 716′ , the proximal end 742 of the second substantially arcuate channel 742 P Advancing toward the latch shaft 732, the latch plate shoulder surface 744 slides relative to the eccentric surface 746 of the second substantially arcuate channel 742, which causes the spring 738 to return to the expanded state (e.g., Fig.16A ). Thus, the latch finger 734 returns to the first position within the latch end receiving channel 48B such that a portion of the latch finger 734 extends beyond the inner surface 26. When the latch finger 734 returns to the first position as described above, as shown in FIG. Fig.12FAs shown, both the top door 34 and the front door 36 may be disposed in an open orientation.

[0228] Reference Fig. 12A and Fig.17A When the front door 36 is arranged in the closed position, the latch finger 734 is arranged in the latch end receiving groove 48 of the front door 36. A In order to latch the front door 36 with the main body 22, the front door 36 is arranged in a closed position relative to the main body 22. However, as described above, in FIG. 12B to FIG. 12E When the top door 34 is opened, the orientation of the spring 738 changes from an extended state (see, for example, Fig.16A ) changes to a compressed state (see, for example, Fig. 16C ), which causes the latch finger 734 to receive the groove 48 from the latch end of the front door 36 A The front door 36 is pulled out to unlock the front door 36 from the main body 22 to arrange the front door 36 in an open position relative to the main body 22. In one example, when the front door 36 is unlocked as described above, the spring 748 (e.g., see Figures 16A-16D ) can automatically push the front door 36 from the closed position to the open position. In addition, after the front door 36 is unlocked and the front door 36 has begun to move toward the open position as described above, the position of the spring 738 is again from the compressed state (for example, see Fig. 16C ) changes back to the extended state (see, for example, Fig.16D ), which causes the latch finger 734 to reset to the "ready position" so that the front door 36 can be re-latched with the latch finger 734 when the user pivots the front door from the open orientation back to the closed orientation. Finally, after re-latching the front door 36 in the closed orientation, the user can pivot the top door 34 from the open orientation back to the closed orientation so that the magnetic component 706 of the top door 34 can be magnetically fixed to the magnetic component 708 of the front door 36. After the front door 36 is pivoted back to the closed orientation, the wire end 718 is moved from the proximal end 720 of the first substantially arcuate channel 720 to the proximal end 720 of the first substantially arcuate channel 720. P The adjacent or neighboring position is pushed toward the distal end 720 of the first substantially arcuate channel 720. D , so that the wire end 718 can return to the pull notch 722 to fully reset the front door latch mechanism 700.

[0229] Fig.18 is a schematic diagram of an example computing device 1800 that can be used to implement the systems and methods described in this document. Fig.18 The illustrated components 1810 , 1820 , 1830 , 1840 , 1850 , and 1860 , their connections and relationships, and their functions are merely exemplary and are not meant to limit the embodiments of the described invention and / or the scope of what is claimed herein.

[0230] The computing device 1800 includes a processor 1810, a memory 1820, a storage device 1830, a high-speed interface / controller 1840 connected to the memory 1820 and a high-speed expansion port 1850, and a low-speed interface / controller 1860 connected to a low-speed bus 1870 and the storage device 1830. Each of the components 1810, 1820, 1830, 1840, 1850, and 1860 is interconnected using various buses and can be installed on a general motherboard or installed in other ways as appropriate. The processor 1810 can process instructions for execution within the computing device 1800, including instructions stored in the memory 1820 or the storage device 1830, to display graphical information for a graphical user interface (GUI) on an external input / output device such as a display 1880 connected to the high-speed interface 1840. In other embodiments, multiple processors and / or multiple buses, as well as multiple memories and multiple memory types, can be used appropriately. Furthermore, multiple computing devices 1800 may be connected, with each computing device providing portions of the necessary operations (eg, as a server bank, blade group server, or multi-processor system).

[0231] Memory 1820 stores information non-temporarily within computing device 1800. Memory 1820 may be a computer-readable medium, one or more volatile memory units, or one or more non-volatile memory units. Non-temporary memory 1820 may be a physical device for temporarily or permanently storing programs (e.g., sequences of instructions) or data (e.g., program state information) for use by computing device 1800. Examples of non-volatile memory include, but are not limited to, flash memory and read-only memory (ROM) / programmable read-only memory (PROM) / erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) / electronically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) (e.g., typically used for firmware, such as bootloaders). Examples of volatile memory include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), phase change memory (PCM), and disk or tape.

[0232] Storage device 1830 can provide mass storage for computing device 1800. In some embodiments, storage device 1830 is a computer readable medium. In various embodiments, storage device 1830 can be a floppy disk device, a hard disk device, an optical disk device or a tape device, a flash memory or other similar solid-state storage device, or a device array (including a device in a storage area network or other configuration). In other embodiments, a computer program product is tangibly embodied in an information carrier. The computer program product includes instructions for executing one or more methods when implemented, such as the method described above. The information carrier is a computer readable medium or a machine readable medium, such as a memory on memory 1820, storage device 1830 or processor 1810.

[0233] The high-speed controller 1840 manages bandwidth-intensive operations of the computing device 1800, while the low-speed controller 1860 manages less bandwidth-intensive operations. This allocation of responsibilities is exemplary only. In some embodiments, the high-speed controller 1840 is connected to the memory 1820, the display 1880 (e.g., through a graphics processor or accelerator), and the high-speed expansion port 1850, which can accept various expansion cards (not shown). In some embodiments, the low-speed controller 1860 is connected to the storage device 1830 and the low-speed expansion port 1890. The low-speed expansion port 1890, which can include various communication ports (e.g., USB, Bluetooth, Ethernet, wireless Ethernet), can be connected to one or more input / output devices, such as a keyboard, a pointing device, a scanner, or a network device (e.g., a switch or a router), for example, through a network adapter.

[0234] As shown, the computing device 1800 can be implemented in a variety of different forms. For example, it can be implemented in one or a combination of the manufacturing apparatus 10 and the laptop computer 1800a.

[0235] Various implementations of the systems and techniques described herein can be implemented in digital electronic and / or optical circuits, integrated circuits, specially designed ASICs (application specific integrated circuits), computer hardware, firmware, software, and / or combinations thereof. These various implementations can include implementations in one or more computer programs that can be executed and / or interpreted on a programmable system that includes at least one programmable processor, which can be special-purpose or general-purpose, coupled to a storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device to receive data and instructions therefrom and to transmit data and instructions thereto.

[0236] These computer programs (also referred to as programs, software, software applications, or code) include machine instructions for a programmable processor and may be implemented in a high-level procedural programming language and / or an object-oriented programming language and / or in assembly / machine language. As used herein, the terms "machine-readable medium" and "computer-readable medium" refer to any computer program product, non-transitory computer-readable medium, apparatus, and / or device (e.g., a disk, an optical disk, a memory, a programmable logic device (PLD)) for providing machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor including a machine-readable medium that receives machine instructions as a machine-readable signal. The term "machine-readable signal" refers to any signal for providing machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor.

[0237] The process and logic flow described in this specification can be performed by one or more programmable processors (also referred to as data processing hardware), which execute one or more computer programs to perform functions by operating input data and generating outputs. The process and logic flow can also be performed by a dedicated logic circuit (such as an FPGA (field programmable gate array) or an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit)). For example, a processor suitable for executing a computer program includes a general-purpose microprocessor and a special-purpose microprocessor, and any one or more processors of any kind of digital computer. Typically, the processor will receive instructions and data from a read-only memory or a random access memory or both. The basic elements of a computer are a processor for executing instructions and one or more storage devices for storing instructions and data. Typically, a computer will also include or be operably connected to one or more large-capacity storage devices (such as a disk, a magneto-optical disk, or an optical disk) for storing data to receive data from it or to transmit data to it or to receive data and transmit data. However, a computer does not necessarily have such a device. Computer-readable media suitable for storing computer program instructions and data include all forms of nonvolatile memory, media, and storage devices, including, for example, semiconductor memory devices (e.g., EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices); magnetic disks (e.g., internal hard disks or removable disks); magneto-optical disks; and CD ROM and DVD-ROM disks. The processor and memory may be supplemented by, or incorporated in, special purpose logic circuitry.

[0238] To provide interaction with a user, one or more aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented on a computer having a display device, such as a CRT (cathode ray tube), LCD (liquid crystal display) display, or touch screen, for displaying information to the user; and optionally, a keyboard and a pointing device (such as a mouse or trackball) through which the user can provide input to the computer. Other types of devices may also be used to provide interaction with the user. For example, the feedback provided to the user may be any form of sensory feedback, such as visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback; and input from the user may be received in any form, including sound, voice, or tactile input. In addition, the computer may interact with the user by sending documents to and receiving documents from a device used by the user; for example, by sending a web page to a web browser on a user's client device in response to a request received from the web browser.

[0239] A software application (i.e., software resource) may refer to computer software that enables a computing device to perform tasks. In some examples, a software application may be referred to as an "application," "app," or "program." Example applications include, but are not limited to, system diagnostic applications, system management applications, system maintenance applications, word processing applications, spreadsheet applications, messaging applications, media streaming applications, social networking applications, and gaming applications.

[0240] Non-transitory memory can be a physical device used to temporarily or permanently store programs (e.g., sequences of instructions) or data (e.g., program state information) for use by a computing device. Non-transitory memory can be volatile and / or non-volatile addressable semiconductor memory. Examples of non-volatile memory include, but are not limited to, flash memory and read-only memory (ROM) / programmable read-only memory (PROM) / erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) / electronically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) (e.g., commonly used for firmware, such as bootloaders). Examples of volatile memory include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), phase change memory (PCM), and disk or tape.

[0241] Many embodiments have been described. However, it will be appreciated that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A cutting tool, comprising: External surface; wherein the outer surface comprises a structural configuration which can be detected by a sensor and which serves as an indication of information related to the cutting tool or the use of the cutting tool, Wherein, the structural configuration includes one or more rotation sensor signal feedback surface portions separated by one or more rotation sensor signal feedback interruption surface portions.

2. The cutting tool according to claim 1, wherein: The architectural features include one or more geometric features formed by an outer surface of the cutting tool.

3. The cutting tool according to claim 2, wherein: The cutting tool includes an overmolded portion, the overmolded portion includes a surface, and the structural feature is formed by the surface of the overmolded portion.

4. The cutting tool according to claim 3, wherein: The structural configuration is identified by at least one of the machine or the sensor to determine at least one of the type, style, design or orientation of the cutting tool.

5. The cutting tool according to claim 1, further comprising a driven gear.

6. The cutting tool according to claim 1, wherein: The one or more rotation sensor signal feedback surface portions are configured to reflect signals generated by the rotation sensor when the cutting tool is rotated by the rotation mechanism; The one or more rotation sensor signal feedback interruption surface portions are configured to interrupt a signal generated by the rotation sensor when the cutting tool is rotated by the rotation mechanism; and Reflections and interruptions of the signal generated by the rotation sensor define a periodically interrupted reflected feedback signal received by the rotation sensor.

7. The cutting tool according to claim 1, wherein: The cutting tool includes a rotatable cutter.

8. A machine for controlling the cutting tool of claim 1, the machine comprising: A sensor for detecting a structural configuration; and a controller for extracting information related to the cutting tool or the use of the cutting tool from the structural configuration, Wherein the controller is configured to modify a state of the machine based on information extracted from the structural configuration.

9. A cutting tool, comprising: a housing having an outer surface, wherein the outer surface comprises a plurality of geometric structure regions, and Wherein, the multiple geometric structure areas are detectable by a sensor, and the multiple geometric structure areas are used as an indication of information related to the cutting tool or the use of the cutting tool, wherein the multiple geometric structure areas include one or more rotational sensor signal feedback surface portions separated by one or more rotational sensor signal feedback interruption surface portions.

10. The cutting tool according to claim 9, wherein: The one or more rotational sensor signal feedback surface portions and the one or more rotational sensor signal feedback interruption surface portions form a circumferential band of the housing of the cutting tool.

11. The cutting tool according to claim 10, wherein: The cutting tool includes a blade held by the housing; The orientation of the one or more rotational sensor signal feedback interruption surface portions of the circumferential band of the outer surface relative to the blade is fixed.

12. The cutting tool according to claim 10, wherein: The length of the one or more rotational sensor signal feedback interruption surface portions of the circumferential band of the outer surface can be identified by at least one of a machine or a sensor to determine at least one of the type, style, design or orientation of the cutting tool.

13. The cutting tool according to claim 12, wherein: The length of the one or more rotation sensor signal feedback interruption surface portions of the circumferential band of the outer surface includes the distance between edge portions of the one or more rotation sensor signal feedback interruption surface portions, wherein the one or more rotation sensor signal feedback interruption surface portions transition to the one or more rotation sensor signal feedback surface portions.

14. The cutting tool according to claim 9, wherein: The one or more rotation sensor signal feedback surface portions are configured to reflect signals generated by the rotation sensor when the cutting tool is rotated by the rotation mechanism; The one or more rotation sensor signal feedback interruption surface portions are configured to interrupt a signal generated by the rotation sensor when the cutting tool is rotated by the rotation mechanism; and Reflections and interruptions of the signal generated by the rotation sensor define a periodically interrupted reflected feedback signal received by the rotation sensor.

15. A cutting tool, comprising: a housing configured to hold a cutting device, wherein the housing comprises a radially outward surface comprising a rounded surface portion and a non-rounded flat surface portion, The rounded surface portion and the non-rounded flat surface portion are formed as structural geometric features along the radially outward surface of the housing, which can be detected by a sensor and used as an indication related to the cutting tool or the application of the cutting tool.

16. The cutting tool according to claim 15, wherein The length of the non-circular flat surface portion of the surface is identified by at least one of a machine or a sensor.

17. The cutting tool according to claim 16, wherein: The length of the non-circular planar surface portion of the surface comprises a distance between edge portions of the non-circular planar surface portion, wherein the non-circular planar surface portion transitions to the circular surface portion.

Images