Processing device

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for supporting and moving a machining tool, comprising: a first longitudinal support structure; a second longitudinal support structure comprising a proximal portion movable along the first support structure and a distal portion cantilevered transverse to the length of the first support structure; a drive system for moving the second support structure along the first support structure; a carriage configured to straddle a roller coupled to the carriage along the second support structure, the machining tool being carried by the carriage; the drive system also moves the carriage along the second support structure; the second support structure defines two laterally spaced guide rails that extend along a length of the second support structure for engaging the carriage rollers.

Description

[0001] CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Non-Provisional Application No. 18 / 357,015, filed on July 21, 2023, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 369,809, filed on July 29, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0003] Various processing tools have been used to operate on the workpieces traveling along the conveyor. These tools may include, for example, high-speed drilling tools, water jet cutters, knives, laser beams, welding or brazing tools, glue dispensers, etc. Typically, the processing tool can be supported to move relative to the workpiece, such as laterally and / or longitudinally relative to the direction of movement of the conveyor.

[0004] The applicant has previously developed an apparatus for supporting such a processing tool. The apparatus consists of a transverse support structure extending across a conveyor for guiding a wheeled carriage moving along the conveyor. A second longitudinal support structure cantilevers out from the transverse carriage to extend along the length of the conveyor. The second wheeled carriage moves along the longitudinal support structure to carry the processing tool. The wheels of the two carriages are in the form of rollers that ride astride tracks mounted on the transverse and longitudinal support structures. The two carriages are powered by remotely located rotary actuators acted upon by endless belts, wherein the actuators are located to the sides of the conveyor.

[0005] Although this device is an improvement over previous designs, the device does have disadvantages. For example, in order to have sufficient strength and rigidity, the longitudinal support structure needs to be constructed of a large weight, thereby requiring a large capacity rotary actuator to move the carriage at high speeds. This weight causes wear along the rails and rollers, causing the carriage to loosen on the rails, thereby affecting the accuracy of tool movement above the conveyor.

[0006] Additionally, rails wear more over their center areas because that is where the rollers travel the most. The rollers must be adjusted periodically to remove slack from the rails. However, roller adjustment must be done relative to either the center section of the rail, where wear is more, or the end sections of the rail, where wear is less. Regardless of which choice is made, the rollers cannot be properly adjusted for the entire length of the rail.

[0007] Eventually the tracks will need to be replaced. This requires a skilled maintenance technician to install the tracks so that they are aligned parallel to each other within a few thousandths of an inch, and also adjust the carriage rollers so that they are properly preloaded to eliminate excess play between the rollers and the tracks, but not to overload the roller bearings. These tasks are not always performed correctly due to the skill and experience levels required.

[0008] In addition, the power unit for driving the actuator is usually located away from the conveyor, such as offset to one side of the conveyor. This requires a drive train of sufficient length to connect the bracket to the power unit. Because the power unit must constantly accelerate, decelerate, reverse acceleration, decelerate, change direction, etc., the greater the mass of the drive train, the greater the capacity required for the power unit and the drive train components.

[0009] The disclosure of the present application seeks to address these limitations of existing machine tool actuators and their associated handling equipment. Summary of the invention

[0010] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided an apparatus for supporting and moving a processing tool. The apparatus comprises: a first longitudinal support structure; a second longitudinal support structure, which comprises a proximal portion movable along the first support structure and a distal portion cantilevered transversely to the length of the first support structure; a drive system for moving the second support structure along the first support structure; a bracket, which is configured to straddle rollers pivoted to the bracket along the second support structure, the processing tool being carried by the bracket; the drive system also moves the bracket along the second support structure; the second support structure defines two laterally [horizontally] spaced rails, which extend along the length of the second support structure for engaging the bracket rollers.

[0012] In any of the embodiments described herein, wherein the second longitudinal support structure comprises an open web base panel structure having a portion defining a longitudinal opening extending along the base panel structure for receiving the bracket.

[0013] In any of the embodiments described herein, wherein the guide rail extends along the longitudinal opening, the longitudinal opening extends along the base panel structure.

[0014] In any of the embodiments described herein, wherein at least two carriage rollers engage a first of the two rails and at least one carriage roller engages a second of the two rails.

[0015] In any of the embodiments described herein, it further includes a first loading system that loads the carriage rollers against corresponding guide rails.

[0016] In any of the embodiments described herein, wherein the first loading system resiliently loads the carriage rollers against respective guide rails.

[0017] In any of the embodiments described herein, wherein the first loading system loads the at least one carriage roller against the second rail.

[0018] In any of the embodiments described herein, wherein the first loading system resiliently loads the at least one carriage roller against the second rail.

[0019] In any embodiments described herein, the base panel structure has a side edge portion extending along the base panel structure; and the second longitudinal support structure further includes a side beam extending along the side edge portion of the base panel structure and extending upward from the side edge portion of the base panel structure.

[0020] In any of the embodiments described herein, wherein the side beam comprises an open web structure.

[0021] In any of the embodiments described herein, it further includes a top panel structure attached to the side beams at a height above the base panel structure.

[0022] In any embodiments described herein, wherein the top panel structure comprises an open web structure.

[0023] In any embodiments described herein, the drive system comprises: a first power system for moving the second support structure along the first support structure, the first power system being positioned at a height above the first support structure; and a first transmission system interconnecting the first power system and the second support structure to transfer power from the first power system to the second support structure to move the second support structure along the first support structure.

[0024] In any embodiments described herein, the drive system includes: a second power system for moving the bracket along the second support structure, the second power system being positioned at a certain height above the first support structure; and a second transmission system interconnecting the second power system with the bracket to transfer power from the second power system to the bracket to move the bracket along the second support structure.

[0025] In any embodiments described herein, it further includes: third and fourth guide rails extending along the first support structure in a spaced-apart parallel relationship; a first plurality of rollers axled to the proximal portion of the second support structure and engaged with the third guide rail; a second plurality of rollers axled to the proximal portion of the second support structure and engaged with the fourth guide rail; and a loading system for loading the first plurality of rollers against the third guide rail and for loading the second plurality of rollers against the fourth guide rail.

[0026] In any of the embodiments described herein, wherein the first and second pluralities of rollers are resiliently loaded against respective first and second rails.

[0027] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a system for processing a processed product is provided. The system includes: a conveyor for advancing the processed product; and an apparatus for supporting a processing tool and moving the processing tool relative to the conveyor, the apparatus including: a first longitudinal support structure; a second longitudinal support structure including a proximal portion movable along the first support structure and a distal portion cantilevered transversely to the length of the first support structure; a bracket configured to straddle a roller axled to the bracket along the second support structure, the processing tool being carried by the bracket; a drive system for moving the second support structure along the first support structure, the drive system also moving the bracket along the second support structure, the drive system including: a first power system for moving the second support structure along the first support structure, the first power system being positioned at a certain height above the first support structure; and a second power system for moving the bracket along the second support structure, the second power system being positioned at a certain height above the first support structure.

[0028] In any embodiments described herein, the apparatus for supporting a processing tool and moving the processing tool relative to the conveyor further comprises a first transmission system interconnecting the first power system with the second support structure to transfer power from the first power system to the second support structure to move the second support structure along the first support structure.

[0029] In any embodiments described herein, the apparatus for supporting a processing tool and moving the processing tool relative to the conveyor further comprises a second drive train interconnecting the second power system with the carriage to transfer power from the second power system to the carriage to move the carriage along the second support structure.

[0030] In any of the embodiments described herein, wherein the second support structure defines two laterally [horizontally] spaced rails extending along the length of the second support structure for engaging the carriage rollers.

[0031] In any of the embodiments described herein, wherein the second longitudinal support structure comprises a base panel structure of open web construction having a portion defining a longitudinal opening extending along the base panel structure for receiving the bracket.

[0032] In any of the embodiments described herein, wherein the guide rail extends along the longitudinal opening, the longitudinal opening extends along the base panel structure.

[0033] In any of the embodiments described herein, wherein at least two carriage rollers engage a first rail of the two laterally spaced rails and at least one carriage roller engages a second rail of the two laterally spaced rails.

[0034] In any of the embodiments described herein, it further includes a first loading system that loads the carriage rollers against corresponding guide rails.

[0035] In any of the embodiments described herein, wherein the first loading system resiliently loads the carriage rollers against respective guide rails.

[0036] In any of the embodiments described herein, wherein the first loading system loads the at least one carriage roller against the second rail.

[0037] In any of the embodiments described herein, wherein the first loading system resiliently loads the at least one carriage roller against the second rail.

[0038] In any embodiments described herein, the base panel structure has a side edge portion extending along the base panel structure; and the second longitudinal support structure further includes a side beam extending along the side edge portion of the base panel structure and extending upward from the side edge portion of the base panel structure.

[0039] In any of the embodiments described herein, wherein the side beam comprises an open web structure.

[0040] In any of the embodiments described herein, it further includes a top panel structure attached to the side beams at a height above the base panel structure.

[0041] In any embodiments described herein, wherein the top panel structure comprises an open web structure.

[0042] In any embodiments described herein, it further includes: third and fourth guide rails extending along the first support structure in a spaced-apart parallel relationship; a first plurality of rollers axled to the proximal portion of the second support structure and engaged with the third guide rail; a second plurality of rollers axled to the proximal portion of the second support structure and engaged with the fourth guide rail; and a loading system for loading the first plurality of rollers against the third guide rail and for loading the second plurality of rollers against the fourth guide rail.

[0043] In any of the embodiments described herein, wherein the first and second pluralities of rollers are resiliently loaded against respective third and fourth rails.

[0044] In any embodiments described herein, it further includes: a pump for supplying high-pressure fluid to the processing tool; a housing for enclosing a portion of the conveyor and the device for supporting the processing tool and moving the processing tool relative to the conveyor, the housing defining an accessible compartment for positioning the pump.

[0045] In any of the embodiments described herein, wherein the housing includes a drawer structure for receiving the pump, the drawer is mounted in the housing to be opened to access the pump and closed to be separated from the rest of the housing.

[0046] In any of the embodiments described herein, the pump is powered by an electric servo motor.

[0047] In any of the embodiments described herein, further comprising a control system that controls operation of the pump based on a physical characteristic or parameter of the process product processed by the process tool.

[0048] In any of the embodiments described herein, wherein the control system adjusts the operation of the pump to modulate the pressure of the fluid to the process tool based on the physical characteristic or parameter of the process product.

[0049] In any of the embodiments described herein, wherein the control system switches the pump to a standby state when the process tool is not operating on a process product.

[0050] In any of the embodiments described herein, it further includes a scanning system to scan the processed products on the conveyor to determine physical characteristics or parameters of the processed products and generate data related to such physical characteristics or parameters.

[0051] In any of the embodiments described herein, wherein the control system adjusts the operation of the pump to modulate the pressure of the fluid to the process tool based on the data from the scanner.

[0052] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, an apparatus includes a housing for housing a process tool, the housing defining an accessible compartment separate from the process tool, and a pump system positioned in the accessible compartment for supplying a high pressure fluid to the process tool.

[0053] In any of the embodiments described herein, wherein the housing includes an inlet and an outlet, a conveyor extends through the inlet and the outlet to carry process products to and from the process tool.

[0054] In any of the embodiments described herein, wherein the housing includes a drawer structure for mounting the pump system, the drawer being mounted in the housing to be opened to access the pump system and closed to be separated from the rest of the housing.

[0055] In any of the embodiments described herein, the pump system includes a pump powered by an electric servomotor.

[0056] In any of the embodiments described herein, further comprising a control system that controls operation of the pump based on a physical characteristic or parameter of the process product processed by the process tool.

[0057] In any of the embodiments described herein, wherein the control system adjusts the operation of the pump to modulate the pressure of the fluid to the process tool based on the physical characteristic or parameter of the process product.

[0058] In any of the embodiments described herein, wherein the control system switches the pump to a standby state when the process tool is not operating on a process product.

[0059] In any of the embodiments described herein, it further includes a scanning system to scan the processed products on the conveyor to determine physical characteristics or parameters of the processed products and generate data related to such physical characteristics or parameters.

[0060] In any of the embodiments described herein, wherein the control system adjusts the operation of the pump to modulate the pressure of the fluid to the process tool based on the data from the scanner.

[0061] In any embodiments described herein, it further includes: a housing for enclosing a portion of the conveyor and the equipment for supporting the processing tool and moving the processing tool relative to the conveyor, the housing including an exit, the conveyor extending through the exit to carry processed products from the processing tool; and a safety guard assembly, wherein at the exit, the safety guard includes a first curtain of a hanging pivot finger extending across the conveyor and a second curtain of a hanging pivot finger extending across the conveyor downstream of and adjacent to the first curtain of the hanging pivot finger, the first and second curtains of the hanging finger pivoting together in a direction downstream of the direction of travel of the conveyor, but the second curtain of the hanging finger is prevented from pivoting relative to the first curtain of the hanging finger in the direction downstream of the direction of travel of the conveyor.

[0062] In any embodiments described herein, wherein the first finger is suspended from a first pivot axis and defines a cam surface relative to the first pivot axis, and the second finger is suspended from a second pivot axis and defines a tab protruding relative to the second pivot axis, when the second finger attempts to pivot about the second axis in a downstream direction, the tab abuts the cam surface to prevent such pivoting of the second finger.

[0063] In any of the embodiments described herein, wherein the first and second curtains of the suspension finger are prevented from pivoting in an upstream direction by stops acting on the first and second curtains of the suspension finger.

[0064] In any embodiments described herein, wherein the stop is selected from the group comprising: the conveyor abutting the lower ends of the first and second curtains of the suspension fingers; and a stop member extending transversely relative to the length of the conveyor to abut the first and second curtains of the suspension fingers.

[0065] In any of the embodiments described herein, wherein the safety guard assembly includes a cover structure on which the first and second curtains of suspension pivot fingers are mounted, the cover being pivotally mounted on the housing to pivot the safety guard assembly away from and toward the exit of the housing.

[0066] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a safety guard assembly for a housing, the housing being used to enclose a processing device and a portion of a conveyor for carrying processed products to the processing device and out of the processing device through an outlet in the housing. The safety guard assembly comprises: a barrier curtain having an upper edge portion, the upper edge portion being pivotally suspended adjacent to the outlet about an axis extending across the conveyor, the barrier curtain having a lower edge portion at or near the conveyor; an abutment system acting on the upper edge portion of the barrier curtain to allow the lower edge portion of the barrier curtain to pivot in a downstream direction of travel of the conveyor when pushed by the processed products carried on the conveyor to allow the processed products to leave the housing, and to prevent the lower edge portion of the barrier curtain from being lifted upward relative to the conveyor by a lifting force applied to the outside of the housing.

[0067] In any embodiments described herein, wherein the adjacent system includes an adjacent blocking curtain positioned upstream of the blocking curtain, the adjacent blocking curtain having an upper edge portion suspended about an adjacent axis extending across the conveyor, the blocking curtain and the adjacent blocking curtain cooperatively pivot together in a direction downstream of the direction of travel of the conveyor, but the blocking curtain is prevented from pivoting relative to the adjacent blocking curtain in the direction downstream of the direction of travel of the conveyor.

[0068] In any embodiments described herein, wherein the abutment system includes an abutment surface at the upper edge portion of the abutment barrier curtain and a tab protruding from the upper edge portion of the barrier curtain, wherein when the barrier curtain attempts to pivot about the axis in the downstream direction of travel of the conveyor, the tab abuts the abutment surface to prevent such pivoting of the barrier curtain.

[0069] In any of the embodiments described herein, wherein the barrier curtain comprises a plurality of side-by-side suspended fingers extending across the conveyor.

[0070] In any of the embodiments described herein, wherein the abutting barrier curtain comprises a plurality of side-by-side suspended fingers extending across the conveyor.

[0071] In any embodiments described herein, wherein the fingers of the adjacent blocking curtain are suspended from the adjacent blocking curtain axis and define an adjacent surface relative to the adjacent blocking curtain axis, and the fingers of the blocking curtain are suspended from the axis of the blocking curtain and define a tab protruding relative to the axis of the blocking curtain, when the fingers of the blocking curtain attempt to pivot about the blocking curtain axis in the downstream travel direction of the conveyor, the tab abuts the adjacent surface to prevent such pivoting of the blocking curtain fingers.

[0072] In any of the embodiments described herein, wherein the fingers of the blocking curtain and the fingers of the adjacent blocking curtain are prevented from pivoting in the upstream travel direction of the conveyor by stops acting on the fingers of the blocking curtain and the fingers of the adjacent blocking curtain.

[0073] In any embodiments described herein, the stop is selected from the group comprising: the conveyor abuts against the lower ends of the blocking curtain and the fingers adjacent to the blocking curtain; and a stop member extends laterally relative to the length of the conveyor to press against the blocking curtain and the fingers adjacent to the blocking curtain.

[0074] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a system for processing a processed product includes:

[0075] a conveyor for advancing the processed product;

[0076] Apparatus for supporting and moving a processing tool relative to the conveyor, the apparatus comprising:

[0077] a first longitudinal support structure;

[0078] a second longitudinal support structure including a proximal portion movable along the first support structure and a distal portion cantilevered transversely to the length of the first support structure;

[0079] a carriage configured to straddle rollers pivoted to the carriage along the second support structure, the processing tool being carried by the carriage;

[0080] a drive system for moving the second support structure along the first support structure, the drive system also moving the bracket along the second support structure, the drive system comprising: a first power system for moving the second support structure along the first support structure, the first power system being positioned at a certain height above the first support structure; and a second power system for moving the bracket along the second support structure, the second power system being positioned at a certain height above the first support structure;

[0081] a pump system for supplying high pressure fluid to the processing tool; and

[0082] A control system has circuitry configured to control operation of the pump based on at least one of a physical characteristic and a parameter of a process product processed by the process tool.

[0083] In any of the embodiments described herein, wherein the control system is configured to adjust the operation of the pump system to modulate the pressure of the fluid to the process tool based on at least one of the physical characteristics or parameters of the process product.

[0084] In any of the embodiments described herein, the control system is configured to switch the pump system to a standby state when the process tool is not operating on a process product.

[0085] In any of the embodiments described herein, it further includes a scanning system to scan the processed products on the conveyor to determine physical characteristics or parameters of the processed products and generate data related to such physical characteristics or parameters.

[0086] In any of the embodiments described herein, wherein the control system is configured to adjust the operation of the pump system to modulate the pressure of the fluid to the process tool based on the data from the scanner.

[0087] In any of the embodiments described herein, it further comprises a housing for enclosing a portion of the conveyor and the apparatus for supporting and moving the process tool relative to the conveyor, the housing defining an accessible compartment for positioning the pump.

[0088] In any of the embodiments described herein, wherein the housing includes a drawer structure for mounting the pump, the drawer is mounted in the housing to be opened to access the pump and closed to be separated from the rest of the housing.

[0089] In any of the embodiments described herein, the pump system includes a pump powered by an electric servomotor.

[0090] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for processing a processed product includes:

[0091] Advancing processed products on conveyors;

[0092] moving a processing tool relative to the conveyor;

[0093] supplying high pressure fluid to the processing tool using a pump; and

[0094] The operation of the pump is controlled using a computing device based on at least one of a physical characteristic and a parameter of a process product processed by the process tool.

[0095] In any of the embodiments described herein, it further includes adjusting, using a computing device, a pressure of the fluid supplied to the process tool based on at least one of the physical characteristics or parameters of the process product.

[0096] In any of the embodiments described herein, it further includes switching the pump to a standby state using a computing device when the process tool is not operating on a process product.

[0097] In any of the embodiments described herein, further comprising:

[0098] Scanning the conveyed processed product using a scanning system to determine physical characteristics or parameters of the processed product; and

[0099] Data related to such physical characteristics or parameters are generated using a computing device.

[0100] In any of the embodiments described herein, it further includes adjusting, with a computing device, the operation of the pump to modulate the pressure of the fluid to the process tool based on the generated data related to such physical characteristics or parameters. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0101] The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of the present invention will become more readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0102] Figure 1 is an isometric view of a system for handling a processed product of the present disclosure taken from above and in front of a housing of the system;

[0103] Figure 2A is similar to Figure 1 an isometric view of the pump system tray shown in an open position;

[0104] Figure 2B is similar to Figure 2A but taken from the opposite end of the system housing;

[0105] Figure 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2 , with the housing shown in phantom so that some internal components of the processing device are visible;

[0106] Figure 4A is an isometric view of an XY actuator of the system of the present disclosure taken from above the actuator;

[0107] Figure 4B It is along Figure 4A The line 4B-4B is intercepted Figure 4A A cross-sectional view of

[0108] Figure 5 is an isometric view of the longitudinal support structure of the XY actuator taken from below;

[0109] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Bottom view of

[0110] Figure 7 is an isometric view taken from above of a longitudinal support structure and a processing tool shown connected to a source of high pressure fluid;

[0111] Figure 8 is Figure 7 A front view of the longitudinal support structure taken along the 8-8 direction;

[0112] Fig. 9A is a partial isometric view of a guard assembly positioned at an outlet end of the housing;

[0113] Fig. 9B It is along Fig. 9A The line 9B-9B is intercepted Fig. 9A A cross-sectional view of

[0114] Fig. 9C is a view of the guard assembly rotated away from the housing; DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0115] The description set forth below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings (in which like numerical references represent like elements) is intended as a description of various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter and is not intended to represent the only embodiment. Each embodiment described in the present disclosure is provided only as an example or illustration and should not be construed as being superior to or more advantageous than other embodiments. The illustrative examples provided herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure to the precise form disclosed. Similarly, any step described herein may be interchangeable with other steps or combinations of steps to achieve the same or substantially similar results.

[0116] In the following description, many specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced without some or all of the specific details. In some examples, well-known process steps have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring various aspects of the present disclosure. In addition, it should be understood that embodiments of the present disclosure may employ any combination of the features described herein.

[0117] This application may include references to "directions," such as "forward," "backward," "front," "back," "front," "rear," "upward," "downward," "above," "below," "horizontal," "vertical," "top," "bottom," "right-hand," "left-hand," "in," "out," "extend," "advance," "retract," "proximal," and "distal." These references and other similar references in this application are only used to aid in the description and understanding of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the invention to these directions.

[0118] This application may include modifiers, such as the words "substantially," "approximately," "about," or "substantially." These terms are intended to be used as modifiers to indicate that the "size," "shape," "temperature," "time," or other physical parameter in question need not be exact, but may vary, so long as the function to be performed is achieved. For example, in the phrase "substantially circular in shape," the shape need not be a precise circle, so long as the desired function of the structure in question is achieved.

[0119] In the following description and drawings, corresponding systems, assemblies, devices and units may be identified by the same part number, but with a letter suffix. In this application, the description of the parts / components of the same or similar such systems, assemblies, devices and units is not repeated to avoid redundancy.

[0120] This disclosure may refer interchangeably to "products," "processed products," "articles," "processed articles," and "workpieces." Such products may include a wide variety of food and non-food products and articles.

[0121] This disclosure refers to "air," which may include only air, but may also include mixtures of air and moisture in varying amounts, including water vapor or mist.

[0122] Apparatus 10 for handling a processed product 12 includes a housing 14 for housing components of the system including a conveyor 16 for carrying the processed product through an upper section 17 of the housing and past a processing tool 18 supported and movable relative to the conveyor by an XY actuator apparatus 20. The processed product is shown as butterfly poultry, but the present disclosure is not limited to this particular type of food product, or, as mentioned above, even to food products.

[0123] A scanning system 21 is positioned in the housing compartment 17 upstream of the XY actuator for determining selected physical parameters of the processed product in order to determine the manner in which the processing tool 18 operates on the processed product.

[0124] The housing contains a lower compartment 22 for a drawer or tray on which a high pressure pump system 23 is mounted to provide high pressure working fluid to the processing tool 18 .

[0125] Additionally, a compact guard system 24 is positioned at an exit 26 of the housing 14 to prevent an individual from reaching into the housing and being injured by the operation of the processing tool 18 .

[0126] Additionally, a processor driven control system 28 is provided for controlling the operation of the apparatus 10, including, for example, the conveyor 16, the actuator apparatus 20, the scanning system 21, and the pump system 23. The control system may also prevent or allow access to the interior of the housing 14 by locking or unlocking access doors and drawers.

[0127] The XY actuator apparatus 20 in basic form comprises a first elongated transverse support structure 30 and a second elongated longitudinal support structure 32. A proximal portion of the longitudinal support structure 32 is mounted on rollers 34 for movement along the transverse support structure 30. A distal portion of the longitudinal support structure is cantilevered transversely to the length of the transverse support structure.

[0128] The carriage 36 is configured to ride on rollers 38 wheeled to the carriage along the longitudinal support structure 32, with the processing tool 18 carried by the carriage. A drive system 40 moves the longitudinal support structure along the lateral support structure and also moves the carriage 36 along the longitudinal support structure 32.

[0129] To discuss the apparatus 10 in more detail, the conveyor 16 extends longitudinally through the housing 14. An inlet is formed in a housing end wall 50 through which the upstream end of the conveyor 16 extends. Correspondingly, an outlet 26 is formed in an opposing housing end wall 52 through which the downstream end of the conveyor 16 extends. The conveyor 16 includes end rollers 54 that run on the ends of an endless belt 53 of the conveyor and are powered for moving the conveyor belt over a support bed in a well-known manner.

[0130] The feed conveyor 55 delivers the processed product 12 to the upstream end of the conveyor 16, and the take away conveyor (not shown) transports the processed product from the downstream end of the conveyor. The feed conveyor 55 and the take away conveyor can vary greatly in height from one processing location to another. Thus, the housing 14 can be adjusted in a significant height to accommodate different installation locations. To this end, screw jacks 56 are screwed into vertical openings formed in corner brackets 57 located at each corner of the housing. The lower end of the screw jack 56 is rotatably engaged in a circular bottom plate pad 58. The bottom plate pad 58 is provided with a plurality of screw jacks 56, each of which is provided with a plurality of screw jacks 56. Figure 1 and Figure 2A In comparison, the upper end of the jack screw 56 is configured to receive a socket or other tool that can be used to conveniently rotate the jack screw to raise and lower the housing 14 as desired.

[0131] Brackets 60 are provided to increase the stability between screw jack 56 and housing 14, particularly where the housing has been raised a considerable distance, e.g. Figure 1 . One end of each bracket is pivotally attached to the floor pad 58, and the opposite end of the bracket slides within a horizontal slot 62 formed at the base of the housing. In this manner, the angle of the bracket can be adjusted depending on the height of the housing above the floor. Once the height of the housing has been adjusted, the bracket is secured in the slot 62. With the foregoing configuration, the housing 14 can be raised and lowered by at least 12 inches.

[0132] Next, refer to Figure 3 , 4A 4B, the lateral support structure 30 consists of an elongated flat bar 70 extending horizontally across the conveyor 16. The bar is mounted to the housing wall 72 by a u-shaped bracket 74 extending outwardly from the wall 72. The bar 70 is attached to the vertical legs of the bracket 74.

[0133] Upper and lower tracks or slides 76 and 78 for guiding the longitudinal support structure 32 are mounted to the upper and lower edges of the rod 70 to extend along the length of the rod. Hardware components 80 extend through openings formed in the tracks / slides to engage threaded holes formed in the rod 70. The openings in the tracks / slides may be slotted to provide adjustability of the tracks / slides relative to each other. The upper edge of the upper track 76 and the lower edge of the lower guide 78 are crowned to engage the concave outer periphery of the roller 34. Thus, the proximal end of the longitudinal support structure 32 is retained on the tracks 76 and 78 as it travels back and forth along the transverse support structure 30.

[0134] Next, refer to Figures 5 to 8 As mentioned above, the longitudinal support structure 32 moves along the support structure 30 while being cantilevered laterally therefrom. The longitudinal support structure is generally in the form of an open web box girder. In this regard, the longitudinal support structure 32 includes an open web base panel structure 90, an open web side beam 92, and an open web top panel structure 94.

[0135] At its proximal end adjacent the lateral support structure 30, the box beam includes a generally cross-shaped end structure 96 attached to adjacent ends of the base panel structure 90, beams 92 and top panel structure 94 so as to couple these structural components of the box beam together.

[0136] Axle housings 98 for rollers 34 are mounted to the distal ends of four arms 99 that make up structure 96. Axle housings 98 receive the ends of upper and lower axles 100, 101 for mounting rollers 34 to the box beams of longitudinal support structure 32.

[0137] The shafts 101 of the lower rollers 34 are of an offset or eccentric configuration. Transverse link arms 104 extend from these shafts for attachment to adjacent ends of elastic linear actuators in the form of gas springs 106. The opposite ends of the gas springs are pivotally anchored to the end structures 96 of the transfer support structure 32. The gas springs 106 apply a load to the eccentric shafts 101, tending to increase the separation Figure 8 96. This has the effect of applying a preload to the rollers 34 against their respective upper and lower tracks 76 and 78. Thus, even as the tracks 76 and 78 and / or the rollers 34 wear, the rollers 34 remain engaged against the upper and lower tracks 76 and 78. Thus, the accuracy of the position of the processing tool relative to the conveyor is maintained.

[0138] The loading of the roller 34 may be achieved by other means than by using a gas spring 106. For example, such a gas spring may be replaced by a tension spring or an elastic band.

[0139] As mentioned above, the box beam construction of the longitudinal support structure 32 includes a base panel structure 90. This base panel structure 90 forms the bottom of the box beam. In this regard, the base panel structure 90 includes a longitudinal, generally rectangular central opening extending generally along the length of the base panel structure. Portions of the base panel structure along the sides of the central opening have an open web construction, providing sufficient structural strength to the base panel structure while reducing its weight.

[0140] The beams 92 extend upward from the side edges of the base panel structure 90. As mentioned above, the beams have an open web construction. In this regard, in cross section, the beams include a horizontal lower chord and an upper chord that slopes downward from the proximal end of the longitudinal support structure 32, thereby reducing the weight of the beams while having sufficient strength to easily carry the loads required by the longitudinal support structure 32. The beams 92 may be constructed integrally with the base panel structure 90, or they may have a separate construction and be attached to the base panel structure.

[0141] A top panel structure 94 of open web construction extends upwardly across the top portion along the box beams, interconnecting the upper edges of the beams 92. The top panel structure 94 defines an elongated central opening corresponding to the opening formed in the base panel structure 90 discussed above. This opening provides clearance for the processing tool 18 to move along the length of the longitudinal support structure 32 with the carriage 36.

[0142] The u-shaped end panels 108 are positioned at the distal ends of the box beams. The end panels 108 are illustrated as being integrally constructed with the base panel structure 90, but may be of separate construction. The end panels 108 are attached to the distal ends of the beams, for example, by using hardware components 109. However, the end panels 108 may be attached to the beams in other ways, such as by welding. As will be appreciated, the end panels 108 increase the structural strength and rigidity of the box beam structure.

[0143] refer to Figure 5 and 6 , elongated side rails 110 are mounted horizontally to the base panel structure 90 to extend along the sides of the central opening and extend a distance into the central opening to provide clearance for the rollers 38 of the brackets 36. End connectors 112 span between the side rails 110 and connect the ends of the side rails 110 together. The elongated side rails 110 and end connectors 112 are attached to the base panel structure 90 by appropriate hardware components 114.

[0144] The bracket 36 may be generally truncated "T" shaped. Rollers 38 are mounted to the end of the flange portion of the bracket, and a single roller 39 is mounted at the end of the truncated web portion of the bracket. The figures show a machining tool 18 in the form of a water jet nozzle 130 mounted at the intersection of the flange and web portions of the bracket using a mounting assembly 132. However, as mentioned herein, other tools 18 may be carried by the bracket.

[0145] Two rollers 38 straddle one of the tracks 110, and a single roller 39 straddles the opposing track 110. In this regard, edge portions of the tracks 110 that engage the rollers 38 and 39 are crowned or otherwise shaped to closely receive and engage the rollers, which are correspondingly shaped. In this regard, the rollers 38 and 39 are held between the tracks 110.

[0146] The roller 39 is mounted on the eccentric shaft. The link arm 135 is fixed to the shaft to extend transversely relative to the shaft. A tension spring 136 is attached to the distal end of the link arm 135, wherein the opposite end of the spring is attached to the flange portion of the bracket 36. Thus, the roller 39 is loaded against its corresponding track 110, which in turn causes the roller 38 to be loaded against the opposing track 110. Thus, the bracket rollers 38 and 39 maintain continuous contact with the track 110, and the bracket rollers 38 and 39 are generally uniformly loaded against the track even if the track and / or rollers 38 and 39 exhibit wear. Thus, the need to manually adjust the loading of the rollers 38 and 39 against the track 110 is eliminated.

[0147] As mentioned above, one form of the processing tool 18 may be in the form of a high-pressure water jet nozzle 130, which is mounted on the bracket 36 for movement along the length of the conveyor 16 together with the bracket, and for movement along the length of the transverse support structure 30 (across the conveyor 16) together with the longitudinal support structure 32.

[0148] A high pressure fluid (e.g., water) may be supplied to the nozzle 130 through a supply line or hose 140 extending downwardly from an overhead fluid delivery / connector system 142. The system 142 in its basic form includes a high pressure tubular coil 144 connected to the upper end of a flexible hose 140 by an interface connector assembly 146 that can move up and down to accommodate movement of the lower end of the flexible hose connected to the nozzle assembly 130. The interface connector assembly 146 is carried by a guide in the form of a rail 148 to travel up and down between a nominal upward position (as shown) and a lowered position as the carriage moves away from directly below the interface connector assembly 146. The rail 148 is mounted on a mounting bracket assembly 150 that can be mounted in a fixed position within the housing 14. The fluid delivery / connector system is the subject of U.S. Patent No. 11118704, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0149] Next, the drive system 40 is described in more detail. In one aspect, the drive system provides power for the longitudinal support structure 32 to move back and forth along the lateral support structure 30. In this regard, as shown in FIG. Figure 4A , the timing belt 160 is shown engaged with a drive pulley 162 fixed to a vertical drive shaft 164, which is mounted on the housing wall 72 by upper and lower pillow blocks 166 and 168. The timing belt 160 is also wrapped around an idler pulley 170, which is rotatably mounted on a drive shaft 172, which is positioned across the conveyor belt from the drive shaft 164. The drive shaft 172 is also mounted on the housing wall 72 by upper and lower pillow blocks 174 and 176.

[0150] The timing belt 160 is attached to the proximal structure 96 of the longitudinal support structure 32 by two sets of clamping plate assemblies 180 having first and second panels that clamp against opposite sides of the timing belt 160. See also Figure 8 In this way, the longitudinal support structure moves with the movement of the timing belt 160 .

[0151] A driven pulley 190 is fixed to the upper end of the drive shaft 164. A drive belt 192 connects the driven pulley 190 to an invisible drive pulley disposed below a servo motor 194, which is positioned transversely from the driven pulley toward the longitudinal center of the conveyor belt 53. In this manner, the servo motor 194 is positioned in close proximity to the driven pulley 190 and the drive shaft 164, thereby minimizing the extent of the drive train required to power the timing belt 160.

[0152] The housing 14 includes panels, not shown, that separate the servo motor 194 , the drive and driven pulleys 190 from the lateral and longitudinal support structures 30 , 32 to help maintain cleanliness of operation of the processing tool 18 .

[0153] By the foregoing configuration, the system 40 is able to rapidly accelerate and decelerate the longitudinal support structure 32 to move along the lateral support structure. This capability is enhanced by limiting the mass of the drive system 40 and the longitudinal support structure as described above.

[0154] The drive system 40 is also used to move the carriage 36 back and forth along the length of the longitudinal support structure 32. To this end, an endless timing belt 220 engages a drive pulley 222 fixed to the lower portion vertical drive shaft 172, which, as mentioned above, is mounted to the housing wall 72 via upper and lower pillow blocks 174 and 176. The timing belt 160 is also wrapped around an idler pulley 224, which is rotationally mounted to the lower portion of the drive shaft 164. As mentioned above, the drive shaft 164 is mounted to the housing wall 72 via upper and lower pillow blocks 166 and 168.

[0155] The endless belt 220 also runs around an idler 225 mounted to the proximal portion of the longitudinal support structure. The idler 225 is mounted on a vertical shaft member fixed to a bracket 226, which extends inwardly for the beam 92. The idler 225 is used to redirect the belt to extend outwardly from the tool along the length of the longitudinal support structure 32 to wrap around an end idler 227 mounted at the distal end of the longitudinal support structure. The end idler 227 rotates on a vertical shaft member 228, which extends through upper and lower grooves 230 formed in an upper cross plate 231 spanning between the beams 92. The cross plate 231 can be formed as part of the base panel structure 90, or can be formed separately. The ends of the shaft member 228 are fixed in place along the groove 230 by hardware components 232. In this way, the desired tension on the belt 220 can be set.

[0156] The strap 220 is attached to the bracket by a clamp bracket assembly 240. The assembly includes an angle bracket 242 that extends laterally from the bracket 36 and then extends upward to be disposed along the outside surface of the strap 220. The clamp bracket assembly also includes a cleat (not visible) on the side of the strap opposite the bracket 242 to capture the strap 220 therebetween. The cleat is contoured along one face to match the shape and size of the ribs on the inside of the strap. In this way, when the cleat 244 is bolted or otherwise attached to the bracket 242, the strap is securely captured.

[0157] A driven pulley 250 is secured to the upper end of the drive shaft 172. The drive belt 252 connects the driven pulley 250 to a drive pulley (not visible) disposed below a servo motor 256, which is positioned transversely from the driven pulley 250 toward the longitudinal center of the conveyor belt 53 and toward the servo motor 194. In this manner, the servo motor 256 is positioned in close proximity to the driven pulley 250 and the drive shaft 172, thereby minimizing the extent and complexity of the drive train required to power the timing belt 220 and the carriage 36, while enabling the carriage to be rapidly accelerated and decelerated to move along the longitudinal support structure 32. Additionally, the configuration of the drive system 40 helps to minimize the footprint occupied by the system 10.

[0158] like Figure 3 , two sets of actuator devices 20 are shown mounted facing each other within housing 14. This results in a very compact configuration of the apparatus 10. As a non-limiting example, the overall length of the housing can be as short as about 42 inches. This enables the system 10 to be installed in many locations that are too small to utilize for existing processing systems.

[0159] Nevertheless, additional sets of actuator devices 20 may also be employed, for example to handle two rows of processed products on the conveyor 16. In this respect, the housing 14 may be lengthened accordingly.

[0160] Next reference Figure 2A and 2B , the pump system 23 is mounted in a pull-out drawer or tray 260 positioned in the lower compartment 22 of the housing 14. The drawer / tray 260 is in turn mounted in the compartment using telescoping slides 262 positioned along the sides of the tray. A door 264 is hinged to the housing 14 to provide access to the tray 260 and the pump system 23.

[0161] The pump system 23 includes a high pressure fluid pump 270 mounted approximately centrally on the drawer / tray. In one example of the present disclosure, the pump 270 may be in the form of a servo pump. The servo pump includes a plunger that is driven back and forth along its length in a sealed chamber to pressurize the fluid fed to the pump. The plunger is driven by a rotatable ball screw nominally positioned approximately centrally along the length of the plunger. The ball screw is reciprocated by an electric servo motor.

[0162] like Figure 2A and 2B 270 , a low pressure fluid inlet line 274 is connected to each end of the pump 270. In addition, a high pressure fluid outlet line 276 is connected to each end of the pump 270 leading to the processing tool 18, which is shown in the form of a high pressure nozzle 130. A quick disconnect connector is used to attach the inlet line 274 to an external water source. In addition, a quick disconnect connector can be used between the outlet line and the high pressure line leading to the processing tool. These quick disconnect connectors enable the pump system 23 to be quickly and easily removed from the housing 14.

[0163] In this regard, the drawer / tray 260 may be simply removed from the housing and, if desired, replaced with another drawer / tray having a replacement pump system 23. It should be appreciated that other lines leading to the pump system 23, such as data or electrical lines, may also employ quick disconnect connectors to conveniently connect and disconnect such lines.

[0164] Positioned behind the pump is an attenuator 368. The attenuator receives the high pressure fluid from the pump 270 and then delivers the high pressure fluid to the process tool without the pressure spikes that may be generated by the pump.

[0165] The oil cooling system is used to cool the ball screw of the servo motor. In this regard, the heat exchanger 370 cools the oil. The hot oil from the ball screw is routed to the heat exchanger through pipeline 372, and the cooled oil is routed back to the ball screw through pipeline 374.

[0166] In addition, oil filters 376 and 378 are used to remove particles and water or moisture from the cooling oil. The oil filter is located in front of the pump because the filter needs regular maintenance. Therefore, locating the filter in this position helps access the filter.

[0167] On the other hand, the attenuator 368 rarely requires repair or maintenance. Thus, the attenuator is located behind the pump 270. The other components of the pump system 23 are located at least in part based on accessibility, which in turn is based on the typical frequency of maintenance or repair.

[0168] The pump 270 has many advantages over pumps that increase the pressure of the fluid by using a crankshaft directly driven pump or using an intensifier driven by a hydraulic cylinder. One such advantage is that the overall size of the servo motor pump is significantly smaller relative to a direct drive or booster pump of the same capacity. The smaller size of the servo motor pump allows it to be installed in the lower compartment 22 on the sliding tray 260. Direct drive and booster pumps are too large to be located in the lower compartment 22.

[0169] By locating the servo pump 270 in the lower compartment 22, the pump is close to the process tool 18. Thus, the time required for the pressure change in the fluid caused by the pump to reach the process tool 18 is minimized. If the pump needed to be located remotely from the apparatus 10, such as at a central pumping station at a facility where the apparatus 10 is installed, this lag time could be much longer.

[0170] In addition, a servo pump can modulate the pressure of a fluid faster than a direct drive pump or a boost pump. Thus, using a servo pump, the pressure of a fluid to a processing tool can be altered based on changes in the physical parameters of the processed product. For example, if the processed product is relatively thick, the fluid pressure can be increased, while if the processed product is thin, the fluid pressure can be reduced. In addition, if the processed product is in the form of a food product having bone or cartilage, the fluid pressure can be increased when the bone or cartilage is cut through, and the fluid pressure can be reduced when the bone and cartilage are not cut through.

[0171] The thickness of a food product, such as chicken or fish, can vary greatly from piece to piece or even within a single piece. A scanner can be used to analyze the processed product as it approaches the processing tool, and the control system can send a control signal to the servo pump to change the output pressure of the pump. A servo motor can change the speed of the pump quickly enough to make this mode of operation possible. This is not possible with a direct drive or booster pump.

[0172] Additionally, when the process tool is not operating on a process product, even for a few seconds, the control system can switch the servo pump to a standby mode to reduce fluid flow while maintaining a desired pressure level of the fluid. Thus, operating the system 10 requires less energy.

[0173] As will be appreciated, mounting the pump system 23 in the foregoing manner eliminates the need for a typical pump room required at a processing facility where a pump and motor are used to supply high pressure fluid to a water jet nozzle or other processing tool. It will also be appreciated that, with this configuration, the pump system 23 can be easily accessed from the front side of the housing for maintenance and repair.

[0174] Although the pump system 23 has been described and illustrated in conjunction with the housing 14 and tray 260 and the processing tool 18, it should be understood that the pump system 23 or similar pump systems may be used in conjunction with other housings or other tray or drawer systems or other processing tools, wherein the pump system is positioned at or near the processing tool so that the high-pressure fluid does not need to be routed to the processing tool from a central location in the facility where the processing tool is located.

[0175] like Figure 2B , 9A , 9B and 9C, the protection system 24 prevents access to the interior of the housing 14 through the outlet 26 located in the housing end wall 52. It is contemplated that access to the interior of the housing 14, and in particular to the processing tool 18, is via the front door 280, which cannot be opened when the system 10 is in operation. In addition, unless a security code is employed, the system 10 including the processing tool 18 will not operate if the door 280 is not securely closed.

[0176] The guard system 24 includes an upstream finger curtain 290 and an adjacently positioned downstream finger curtain 292. The upstream finger curtain 290 is composed of a plurality of individually shaped elongated fingers 294 having flat sides. The fingers 294 are disposed side by side with one another across the conveyor 16. The fingers 294 are suspended by their upper end portions on a pivoting crossbar 296 spanning between vertical side panels 298 of a cover structure 300 that partially mounts the guard system 24 to the housing end wall 52. The lower ends 301 of the fingers 294 rest lightly on the conveyor belt 53, and the fingers are inclined from the crossbar 296 toward the downstream direction of the conveyor. In this regard, the lower ends 301 of the fingers 294 are curved in the downstream direction of the conveyor.

[0177] The downstream finger curtain 292 is accordingly composed of a plurality of individually shaped elongated fingers 302 having flat sides. The fingers 302 are arranged side by side with one another across the conveyor 16. The fingers 302 are also suspended by their upper end portions from a pivot crossbar 304 spanning between the vertical side panels 298 of the cover structure 300. The lower ends 306 of the fingers 302 rest lightly on the conveyor belt 53, and the fingers are tilted from the pivot bar in the downstream direction of the conveyor. In this regard, the lower ends 306 of the fingers 302 are bent in the downstream direction of the conveyor. In order to reduce their weight, a generally rectangular shaped opening is formed along the length of the fingers 302.

[0178] It should be appreciated that the curvature of the lower end 301 of the finger 294 and the lower end 306 of the finger 302 prevents the fingers from being pushed in an upstream direction relative to the conveyor. In this regard, the lower ends 301 and 306 of the fingers 294 and 302 bottom out against the top surface of the conveyor belt 53 to prevent the fingers from pivoting about their pivot rods 296 and 304.

[0179] Furthermore, even if for some reason the lower ends 301 and 306 of the fingers do not bottom contact the conveyor belt surface, the fingers are still prevented from being pushed in the direction of entering the housing. Fig. 9A and 9B , if the finger 294 is pushed in the direction of entering the housing, the stop tab 310 radially protruding from the upper end portion of the finger 294 abuts against the stop cross bar 312 to prevent further rotation of the finger. Similarly, if the finger 302 is pushed in the direction of entering the housing, the stop tab 314 radially protruding from the upper end portion of the finger 302 abuts against the stop cross bar 316 to prevent further rotation of the finger. The stop cross bar spans between the side panels of the cover 300.

[0180] The fingers 294 and 302 are designed to pivot cooperatively and simultaneously in the downstream direction, for example, to straddle the top surface of the processed work product 12 exiting the housing. However, it is not possible to attempt to access the housing 14 by lifting the lower ends 301 and 306 of the fingers. In order to access the upstream finger 294, it would first be necessary to lift the downstream finger 302. However, if an attempt is made to do so, the second stop tab 318 projecting from the upper end of the finger 302 abuts against an adjacent surface 320 of the upper end of the finger 294, thereby preventing the finger 302 from rotating in the downstream direction.

[0181] In the manner described above, the finger 302 serves as the blocking curtain 292, and the finger 294 serves as the adjacent blocking curtain 290. The blocking curtain 292 and the adjacent blocking curtain 290 cooperatively pivot together in a direction downstream of the direction of travel of the conveyor, but the blocking curtain 292 is prevented from pivoting in a direction downstream of the direction of travel of the conveyor 16 relative to the adjacent blocking curtain 290. As mentioned above, this is due to the second stop tab 318 protruding from the upper end of the finger 304 of the blocking curtain 292 abutting against the adjacent surface 320 of the upper end of the finger 294 of the adjacent blocking curtain 290, thereby preventing the finger 304 of the blocking curtain 302 from rotating in the downstream direction.

[0182] Typically, a housing of the type housing 14 needs to extend a considerable distance downstream from the processing tool 18 so that one cannot reach into the housing from the exit side and be injured by the processing tool. In other cases, a tunnel extends downstream from the end of the housing and over the conveyor to prevent one from reaching into the housing from the exit side and being injured by the processing tool.

[0183] It will be appreciated that the guard system 24 prevents access to the interior of the housing while occupying a very small distance downstream of the housing end wall 52 , thereby contributing to the compactness of the system 10 .

[0184] Furthermore, the entire guard system 24 can be rotated away from the housing end wall 52 by pivoting about a pivot pin 330 that projects from an upright leg 332 of an angle bracket 334 and extends through a clearance hole formed in a lower corner of the side panel 298 of the cover 300. The angle bracket 334 is mounted to an upper flange 336 of a shallow box-shaped bracket 338, which in turn is secured to the housing end wall 52.

[0185] Fig. 9C The guard system 24 is shown partially rotated away from the housing side wall 52. An upwardly extending slot 339 is formed in a lower edge portion of the cover side panel 298 for receiving a stop pin 337 protruding from an upright leg 332 of an angle bracket 334. As the guard system 24 is rotated in a direction away from the housing end wall 52, the slot 339 is lifted upwardly away from the stop pin 337. In this manner, the entire guard system can be removed to access the interior of the housing and adjacent areas of the conveyor 16 for cleaning and other purposes.

[0186] Although fingers 294 and 302 are shown as being relatively narrow in width, the fingers are comparable Figures 9A to 9C 302. In addition, fingers 294 and 302 may be replaced by a forming plate that spans across conveyor 16 and includes stop tabs similar to stop tabs 310 and 314. The forming plate may also include a second stop tab 318 that projects from the upper end of the forming plate corresponding to finger 302 to abut an adjacent surface similar to surface 320 of the upper end of finger 294.

[0187] Although the protection system 24 has been described and shown in conjunction with the housing 14 and the processing tool 18 , it should be understood that the protection system 24 or similar protection systems may be used in conjunction with other housings and / or other processing tools and provide the benefits of the protection system 24 .

[0188] As mentioned above, the workpiece 12 is inspected by the scanning system 21 to determine physical parameters / characteristics of the workpiece related to, for example, the size and / or shape of the workpiece. Such parameters / characteristics may include, for example, length, width, length / width aspect ratio, thickness, thickness profile, contour, outer contour configuration, flatness, outer perimeter configuration, outer perimeter size and shape, volume and / or weight, and whether the workpiece contains any undesirable materials, such as bone, fat, cartilage, metal, glass, plastic, etc., and the location of such undesirable materials in the workpiece. Data from the scanning operation is transmitted to the control system 28.

[0189] The scanning system 21 can be of various types, including a camera (not shown) for viewing the workpiece 12 illuminated by one or more light sources. The light from the light source extends across the moving conveyor belt 53 to define a sharp shadow or light stripe line, where the area in front of the transverse light beam is dark. When no workpiece 12 is carried by the conveyor 16, the shadow line / light stripe forms a straight line across the conveyor belt 53. However, when the workpiece 12 passes across the shadow line / light stripe, the irregular upper surface of the workpiece produces irregular shadow lines / light stripes, as observed by a camera (not shown) pointing diagonally downward on the workpiece and the shadow line / light stripe. The camera detects the displacement of the shadow line / light stripe from the position it would occupy if there were no workpiece on the conveyor belt. This displacement represents the thickness of the workpiece along the shadow line / light stripe.

[0190] The length of the workpiece is determined by the distance the belt travels over which the workpiece produces the shadow line / light streak.In this regard, an encoder integrated into the conveyor 16 generates pulses at fixed distance intervals corresponding to the forward movement of the conveyor.

[0191] In lieu of a camera, the scanning station may alternatively utilize an X-ray device to determine the physical characteristics of the workpiece, including its shape, mass, and weight. X-rays may pass through the object in the direction of an X-ray detector (not shown). Such X-rays are attenuated by the workpiece in proportion to its mass. The X-ray detector is capable of measuring the intensity of the X-rays received thereby after the X-rays have passed through the workpiece. This information is used to determine physical parameters related to the size and / or shape of the workpiece, including, for example, length, width, aspect ratio, thickness, thickness profile, contour, outer contour configuration, perimeter, outer perimeter configuration, outer perimeter size and / or shape, volume and / or weight, and other aspects of the physical parameters / characteristics of the workpiece. With respect to the outer perimeter configuration of the workpiece 12, the X-ray detector system may determine a position along the outer perimeter of the workpiece based on an XY coordinate system or other coordinate system. An example of such an X-ray scanning device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,585,603, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0192] The aforementioned scanning systems are known in the art and are therefore not novel per se. However, the use of these scanning systems in conjunction with other aspects of the described embodiments of the present disclosure is considered novel.

[0193] The control system 28 includes a processor or computer 340 and an interface 342 thereof for receiving signals and information from the scanning system 21 and other data sources of the system 10 that may be utilized. A memory unit 344 is provided for storing digital information related to the control system 28. In addition to and / or in lieu of a local memory unit, the memory for the control system may be located remotely, for example as part of a local or wide area network 345 or in the cloud. Data transmission between the memory and the control system 28 may be through a wired connection or through a wireless connection.

[0194] An input / output device in the form of an HMI 346 is provided to enable an operator to communicate with the control system 28. The HMI 346 includes a touch screen 348 mounted to the front panel 350 of the housing to convey information to and from the processing system, including operating parameters of the processing apparatus 10 and the functionality of the apparatus, including the performance of the apparatus. For example, the results of analyzing the actual cutting path taken by the cutting nozzle 130 when dividing and / or trimming the workpiece 12. The control system 28 includes circuitry for controlling the operation of the apparatus 10, including, for example, the conveyor 16, the scanning system 21, the pump system 270, and the processing tool 18. The control system 28 can be connected to the network 345. In addition, a local or remote network computing system can be used for this purpose instead of using an onboard control system 28.

[0195] Although illustrative embodiments have been illustrated and described, it should be understood that various changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, the processing tool 18 may be mounted on a carriage to move up and down in the Z direction (i.e., in a direction perpendicular to the conveyor belt 53). In this regard, a vertically movable mounting assembly may be carried by the carriage 36. Such a mounting assembly may be in the form of a linear or other type of actuator. Alternatively, the mounting assembly may be composed of telescopic sections that extend and retract relative to each other to move the processing tool 18 in the Z direction.

[0196] While illustrative embodiments have been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A device for supporting and moving a processing tool, comprising: a first longitudinal support structure; a second longitudinal support structure comprising a proximal portion movable along the first support structure and a distal portion cantilevered transversely to the length of the first support structure; a drive system for moving the second support structure along the first support structure; a carriage configured to straddle rollers pivoted to the carriage along the second support structure, the processing tool being carried by the carriage; The drive system also moves the carriage along the second support structure; The second support structure defines two laterally spaced rails extending along a length of the second support structure for engaging the carriage rollers.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the second longitudinal support structure comprises an open web base panel structure having a portion defining a longitudinal opening extending along the base panel structure for receiving the bracket.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the guide rail extends along the longitudinal opening, the longitudinal opening extending along the base panel structure.

4. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least two carriage rollers engage a first of the two rails and at least one carriage roller engages a second of the two rails.

5. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a first loading system that loads the carriage rollers against respective guide rails.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the first loading system resiliently loads the carriage rollers against respective guide rails.

7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the first loading system loads the at least one carriage roller against the second rail.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the first loading system resiliently loads the at least one carriage roller against the second rail.

9. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein: The base panel structure has side edge portions extending along the base panel structure; and The second longitudinal support structure further includes side beams extending along and upwardly from the side edge portions of the base panel structure.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the side beams comprise an open web structure.

11. Apparatus according to claim 9 or 10, further comprising a top panel structure attached to the side beams at a height above the base panel structure.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the top panel structure comprises an open web structure.

13. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the drive system comprises: a first power system for moving the second support structure along the first support structure, the first power system being positioned at a height above the first support structure; A first drive train interconnects the first power system and the second support structure to transfer power from the first power system to the second support structure to move the second support structure along the first support structure.

14. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the drive system comprises: a second power system for moving the carriage along the second support structure, the second power system being positioned at a height above the first support structure; A second drive train interconnects the second power system and the carriage to transfer power from the second power system to the carriage to move the carriage along the second support structure.

15. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 15, further comprising: third and fourth rails extending in spaced parallel relation to each other along the first support structure; a first plurality of rollers pivotally coupled to said proximal portion of said second support structure and engaged with said third rail; a second plurality of rollers pivotally coupled to said proximal portion of said second support structure and engaged with said fourth rail; A loading system for loading the first plurality of rollers against the third rail and for loading the second plurality of rollers against the fourth rail.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the first and second pluralities of rollers are resiliently loaded against respective first and second rails.

17. A system for processing a processed product, comprising: a conveyor for advancing the processed product; and 17. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 16 for supporting a processing tool and moving said processing tool relative to said conveyor.

18. The system of claim 17, further comprising: a pump for supplying a high pressure fluid to the processing tool; A housing for enclosing a portion of the conveyor and the apparatus for supporting and moving the process tool relative to the conveyor, the housing defining an accessible compartment for positioning the pump.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the housing includes a drawer structure for mounting the pump, the drawer being mounted in the housing to be opened to access the pump and closed to be separated from the rest of the housing.

20. The system of claim 18 of claim 19, wherein the pump is powered by an electric servo motor.

21. The system of any one of claims 18 to 20, further comprising a control system that controls operation of the pump based on a physical characteristic or parameter of the process product processed by the process tool.

22. The system of claim 21, wherein the control system adjusts the operation of the pump to modulate the pressure of the fluid to the process tool based on the physical characteristic or parameter of the process product.

23. The system of claim 21 or 22, wherein the control system switches the pump to a standby state when the process tool is not operating on a process product.

24. The system of any one of claims 21 to 23, further comprising a scanning system to scan the processed products on the conveyor to determine physical characteristics or parameters of the processed products and generate data related to such physical characteristics or parameters.

25. The system of claim 24, wherein the control system adjusts the operation of the pump to modulate the pressure of the fluid to the process tool based on the data from the scanner.

26. The system of claim 17, further comprising: a housing for enclosing a portion of the conveyor and the apparatus for supporting and moving the process tool relative to the conveyor, the housing including an exit through which the conveyor extends to carry process product from the process tool; and A safety guard assembly, which at the exit, comprises a first curtain of a hanging pivot finger extending across the conveyor and a second curtain of a hanging pivot finger extending across the conveyor downstream of and adjacent to the first curtain of the hanging pivot finger, the first and second curtains of the hanging finger pivoting together in a direction downstream of the travel direction of the conveyor, but the second curtain of the hanging finger is prevented from pivoting in the direction downstream of the travel direction of the conveyor relative to the first curtain of the hanging finger.

27. A system according to claim 26, wherein the first finger is suspended from a first pivot axis and defines a cam surface relative to the first pivot axis, and the second finger is suspended from a second pivot axis and defines a tab protruding relative to the second pivot axis, and when the second finger attempts to pivot about the second axis in a downstream direction, the tab abuts the cam surface to prevent such pivoting of the second finger.

28. A system according to claim 26 or 27, wherein the first and second curtains of the suspension finger are prevented from pivoting in the upstream direction by stops acting on the first and second curtains of the suspension finger.

29. A system according to claim 28, wherein the stop is selected from the group consisting of: the conveyor abutting the lower ends of the first and second curtains of the hanging fingers; and a stop member extending laterally relative to the length of the conveyor to abut the first and second curtains of the hanging fingers.

30. The system of any one of claims 26 to 29, wherein the safety guard assembly includes a cover structure on which the first and second curtains of hanging pivot fingers are mounted, the cover being pivotally mounted on the housing to pivot the safety guard assembly away from and toward the exit of the housing.

31. A safety guarding assembly for an enclosure for enclosing processing equipment and for enclosing a portion of a conveyor for carrying processed products to and from the processing equipment through an outlet in the enclosure, the safety guarding assembly comprising: a barrier curtain having an upper edge portion pivotally suspended adjacent to the outlet about an axis extending across the conveyor, the barrier curtain having a lower edge portion at or near the conveyor; an abutment system acting on the upper edge portion of the barrier curtain to allow the lower edge portion of the barrier curtain to pivot in a downstream direction of travel of the conveyor when pushed by the processed product carried on the conveyor to allow the processed product to leave the housing, and to prevent the lower edge portion of the barrier curtain from being lifted upward relative to the conveyor by a lifting force applied to the exterior of the housing.

32. A safety protection element according to claim 31, wherein the adjacent system includes an adjacent blocking curtain positioned upstream of the blocking curtain, the adjacent blocking curtain having an upper edge portion suspended around an adjacent axis extending across the conveyor, the blocking curtain and the adjacent blocking curtain pivoting together in a direction downstream of the travel direction of the conveyor, but the blocking curtain is prevented from pivoting relative to the adjacent blocking curtain in the direction downstream of the travel direction of the conveyor.

33. A safety protection member according to claim 32, wherein the adjacent system includes an adjacent surface at the upper edge portion of the adjacent blocking curtain and a protrusion protruding from the upper edge portion of the blocking curtain, and when the blocking curtain attempts to pivot around the axis in the downstream travel direction of the conveyor, the protrusion abuts the adjacent surface to prevent such pivoting of the blocking curtain.

34. The safety shield of claim 31 wherein the barrier curtain comprises a plurality of side-by-side suspended fingers extending across the conveyor.

35. The safety shield of claim 34 wherein the abutting barrier curtain comprises a plurality of side-by-side suspended fingers extending across the conveyor.

36. A safety guard according to claim 35, wherein the fingers of the adjacent blocking curtain are suspended from the axis of the adjacent blocking curtain and define an adjacent surface relative to the axis of the adjacent blocking curtain, and the fingers of the blocking curtain are suspended from the axis of the blocking curtain and define a tab protruding relative to the axis of the blocking curtain, and when the fingers of the blocking curtain attempt to pivot around the axis of the blocking curtain in the downstream travel direction of the conveyor, the tab abuts the adjacent surface to prevent such pivoting of the fingers of the blocking curtain.

37. A safety shield according to claim 35 or 36, wherein the fingers of the blocking curtain and the fingers of the adjacent blocking curtain are prevented from pivoting in the upstream travel direction of the conveyor by stops acting on the fingers of the blocking curtain and the fingers of the adjacent blocking curtain.

38. A safety protection member according to claim 37, wherein the stop is selected from the group including: the conveyor abuts the lower end of the blocking curtain and the finger-shaped object adjacent to the blocking curtain; and the stop member extends laterally relative to the length of the conveyor to press against the blocking curtain and the finger-shaped object adjacent to the blocking curtain.

39. An apparatus comprising: a housing for housing a processing tool, the housing defining an accessible compartment separate from the processing tool; and A pump system is positioned in the accessible compartment for supplying high pressure fluid to the process tool.

40. The apparatus of claim 39, wherein the housing includes an inlet and an outlet through which a conveyor extends to carry processed products to and from the processing tool.

41. Apparatus according to claim 39 or 40, wherein the housing comprises a drawer structure for mounting the pump system, the drawer being mounted in the housing to be opened to access the pump system and closed to be separated from the rest of the housing.

42. Apparatus according to any one of claims 39 to 41, wherein the pump system comprises a pump powered by an electric servomotor.

43. The apparatus of claim 42, further comprising a control system having circuitry configured to control operation of the pump based on at least one physical characteristic or parameter of the process product processed by the process tool.

44. The apparatus of claim 43, wherein the control system adjusts the operation of the pump to modulate the pressure of the fluid to the process tool based on the physical characteristic or parameter of the process product.

45. The apparatus of claim 43, wherein the control system switches the pump to a standby state when the process tool is not operating on a process product.

46. ​​The apparatus of any one of claims 43 to 45, further comprising a scanning system to scan the processed products on the conveyor to determine physical characteristics or parameters of the processed products and to generate data related to such physical characteristics or parameters.

47. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein the control system adjusts the operation of the pump to modulate the pressure of the fluid to the process tool based on the data from the scanner.

48. A system for processing a processed product, comprising: a conveyor for advancing the processed product; Apparatus for supporting and moving a processing tool relative to the conveyor, the apparatus comprising: a first longitudinal support structure; a second longitudinal support structure comprising a proximal portion movable along the first support structure and a distal portion cantilevered transversely to the length of the first support structure; a carriage configured to straddle rollers pivoted to the carriage along the second support structure, the processing tool being carried by the carriage; a drive system for moving the second support structure along the first support structure, the drive system also moving the bracket along the second support structure, the drive system comprising: a first power system for moving the second support structure along the first support structure, the first power system being positioned at a certain height above the first support structure; and a second power system for moving the bracket along the second support structure, the second power system being positioned at a certain height above the first support structure; a pump system for supplying high pressure fluid to the processing tool; and A control system has circuitry configured to control operation of the pump system based on at least one of a physical characteristic and a parameter of a process product processed by the process tool.

49. The system of claim 48, wherein the control system is configured to adjust the operation of the pump system to modulate the pressure of the fluid to the process tool based on at least one of the physical characteristics or parameters of the process product.

50. The system of claim 48, wherein the control system is configured to switch the pump system to a standby state when the process tool is not operating on a process product.

51. The system of any one of claims 48 to 50, further comprising a scanning system to scan the processed products on the conveyor to determine physical characteristics or parameters of the processed products and generate data related to such physical characteristics or parameters.

52. The system of claim 51, wherein the control system is configured to adjust the operation of the pump system to modulate the pressure of the fluid to the process tool based on the data from the scanning system.

53. The system of any one of claims 48 to 52, further comprising a housing for enclosing a portion of the conveyor and the apparatus for supporting and moving the processing tool relative to the conveyor, the housing defining an accessible compartment for positioning the pump system.

54. The system of claim 53, wherein the housing includes a drawer structure for mounting the pump system, the drawer being mounted in the housing to be opened to access the pump system and closed to be separated from the rest of the housing.

55. The system of any one of claims 48 to 54, wherein the pump system comprises a pump powered by an electric servomotor.

56. A method for treating a processed product, comprising: Advancing processed products on conveyors; moving a processing tool relative to the conveyor; supplying a high pressure fluid to the processing tool using a pump; and The operation of the pump is controlled using a computing device based on at least one of a physical characteristic and a parameter of a process product processed by the process tool.

57. The method of claim 56, further comprising utilizing a computing device to adjust a pressure of the fluid supplied to the process tool based on at least one of the physical characteristics or parameters of the process product.

58. The method of claim 56, further comprising switching the pump to a standby state using the computing device when the process tool is not operating on a process product.

59. The method of any one of claims 56 to 58, further comprising: Scanning the conveyed processed product using a scanning system to determine physical characteristics or parameters of the processed product; and Data related to such physical characteristics or parameters are generated using the computing device.

60. The method of claim 59, further comprising adjusting, with the computing device, the operation of the pump to modulate the pressure of the fluid to the process tool based on the generated data related to such physical characteristics or parameters.

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