Automated animal hide hair removal using laser light

Abstract

This invention relates to devices that remove hair from animal hide. Previously, removing hair from an animal hide was a difficult process that frequently damaged the animal hide rendering the animal hide unfit for human consumption. Embodiments of the present invention use an automated process for animal hide hair removal using laser light.

Description

EKWE. S YL VANUS .001 PCT PATENTAUTOMATED ANIMAL HIDE HAIR REMOVAL USING LASER LIGHTTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Embodiments of the invention described in this specification relate generally to animal hide hair removal, and more particularly, to automated animal hide hair removal using laser light.BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Removing hair from animal hides is a common practice for many purposes. For instance, removing animal hair allows for further processing of the hides for use in edible products for human consumption. A key goal in many of these processing needs is to remove the hair without damaging the skin. However, this is typically not possible unless it is manually removed by a human. There are some existing methods in the field, but none are automated and virtually all of them have an impact on the skin.

[0003] Some of the existing methods in the field for animal hide hair removal include use of chemicals (such as soaking in lime, alkali solutions, or sodium sulfide); extensive time-based methods (lengthy soaking in water allowing fermentation to loosen the hair, or using enzymes); use of sustained heat (using a fire); or other methods such as harsh mechanical methods (like dry scraping or mechanical flailing) to remove the hair. These existing methods for hair removal are inadequate because they tend to be too abrasive or damaging to the skin and may negatively impact the human-consumable portion. For instance, chemicals and other liquid softening agents are often used to prepare the hide for hair removal due to the ability to break down the hair structure and facilitate its removal. The chemicalbased processes typically involve soaking in a substance such as lime, alkali solutions, or sodium sulfide. While these chemical soaking methods are effective, there are obvious drawbacks to them. For instance, most of the chemical soaking methods either take significant time or cause irreparable damage to the skin and render it unusable for consumption by humans. Furthermore, these chemicals require careful handling because they are often harsh and damaging to the environment. If not properly managed or neutralized, these chemicals can damage the hide’s quality and make it unsuitable for consumption. Thus, the consequence of using any of these chemical-based methods results in an unavoidable impact to the underlying skin and causes irreparable damage to the hides to the extent that they are no longer viable for some final uses, especially those in which the skin is processed into edible products.EKWE. S YL VANUS .001 PCT PATENT

[0004] Other methods for hair removal include exposing the hide to open flame, using the heat energy to burn the hair away. These methods are very imprecise, take a significant amount of time, and significantly affect the underlying skin through the extended exposure to high heat. This process is therefore inefficient, slow, and highly damaging.

[0005] Therefore, what is needed is an ability to automatically remove hair from an animal hide without heating the skin or without using harsh chemicals in a way that leaves no residue and does not damage the underlying skin.DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0006] A novel automated animal hide hair removal machine and automated process for animal hide hair removal using laser light are disclosed (hereinafter referred to collectively as the “automated animal hide hair removal system”). The automated animal hide hair removal system requires no chemicals, introduces very little heat to the hide, and does not cause any significant physical damage to the hide. In particular, the automated animal hide hair removal system transfers the heat almost entirely to the hair, not the skin. In this way, the automated animal hide hair removal system is able to rapidly and efficiently remove hair from animal hides for the purpose of further processing the hides for use in edible products for human consumption.

[0007] In some embodiments, the automated animal hide hair removal system comprises (i) a machine base comprising two base frames, (ii) a pair of intake rollers attached between the two base frames and configured to clamp together for intake of an animal hide,(iii) a pair of output rollers attached between the two base frames and configured to clamp together to pull the animal hide through a processing area to remove hair from the animal hide,(iv) a pair of motion systems that are connected to the pair of intake rollers and the pair of output rollers and configured to trigger the intake rollers and the output rollers to clamp down for processing the animal hide and to open up to release the hide after processing is completed,(v) a laser enclosure comprising an air stream nozzle and a laser scanning head that is configured to direct a laser light beam down onto the hair on the animal hide in the processing area, (vi) an air hose that connects to the laser enclosure to provide compressed air flow through the air stream nozzle, (vii) an air compressor connected to the air hose and configured to output compressed air through the air hose to the laser enclosure and out the air stream nozzle to push the hair of the animal hide down to lay flat in the processing area and expose the roots of the hair to the laser light beam, (viii) a laser generator that is configured to generate laser power,EKWE. S YL VANUS .001 PCT PATENT(ix) a laser cable connected to the laser generator and to the laser enclosure and comprising a fiber optic cable that is inserted into the laser scanning head to provide the laser light generated by the laser generated and transmitted through the laser cable to the laser enclosure, (x) a sensor that is configured to determine whether a differential rate of motion between the intake rollers and the output rollers occurs so that the animal hide is stretched taut through the processing area, and (xi) a vacuum system that is configured to suction detritus and removed hair from the processing area of the animal hide.

[0008] In some embodiments, the laser enclosure, the laser scanning head, the laser generator, and a laser cable collectively make up a laser system. In some embodiments, the laser system comprises a gas laser system and the laser cable does not include the fiber optic cable. In some embodiments, the laser system comprises a solid state laser system and the laser cable does not include the fiber optic cable.

[0009] In some embodiments, the automated animal hide hair removal system further comprises a gantry system that is attached between the two base frames and is configured to provide stability to move the laser enclosure back and forth across the animal hide. In some embodiments, the automated animal hide hair removal system further comprises a plurality of carriage sliders that are attached to the laser enclosure and configured to slide back and forth along the gantry system.

[0010] In some embodiments, the automated animal hide hair removal system further comprises a programmable logic controller (PLC) that is configured to automate a hair removal process when the animal hide is moved through the processing area under the laser enclosure.

[0011] In some embodiments, the automated animal hide hair removal system further comprises a drive motor that rotates, a drive motor shaft that is connected to the drive motor and rotates when the drive motor rotates, and a carriage drive belt that is attached to the laser enclosure. In some embodiments, the carriage drive belt is attached to the laser enclosure by a pair of carriage drive belt clamps. In some embodiments, a single carriage drive belt clamp in the pair of carriage drive belt clamps attaches to each side of the laser enclosure to allow the carriage drive belt to move the laser enclosure back and forth across the processing area. In some embodiments, the drive shaft transfers rotational motion from the drive motor to the carriage drive belt in order to move the laser enclosure back and forth across the processing area.

[0012] In some embodiments, the motion system associated with each of the rollers (“associated rollers”) comprises an electric motor configured to drive the associated rollers, aEKWE. S YL VANUS .001 PCT PATENT gearbox that connects to the electric motor and the associated rollers and is configured to decrease rotational speed and increase torque supplied to the associated rollers, motion transfer gears configured to transfer clamping rotational motion equally to a top movable roller and a bottom roller of the associated rollers, a clamping arm that connects the top movable roller of the associated rollers to the machine base, a pivot that is configured to allow controlled upward and downward movement of the clamping arm, and a bracket that attaches the motion system to the machine base.

[0013] In some embodiments, the vacuum system comprises a vacuum hose and a vacuum generator that is mounted to the laser enclosure and attached to the vacuum hose. In some embodiments, the vacuum generator is configured to provide vacuum power to suction detritus and removed hair from the processing area. In some embodiments, the vacuum hose is connected to a waste bin to deposit the detritus and removed hair.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0014] Having described the invention in general terms, reference is now made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

[0015] Figure 1 conceptually illustrates a front perspective view of an automated animal hide hair removal system in some embodiments.

[0016] Figure 2 conceptually illustrates another front perspective view of the automated animal hide hair removal system with the endcap removed in some embodiments.

[0017] Figure 3 conceptually illustrates a perspective detail view of the automated animal hide hair removal system with the endcap removed in some embodiments.

[0018] Figure 4 conceptually illustrates a perspective detail view of embedded mechanical and electrical components of the automated animal hide hair removal system in some embodiments, revealed by removal of the endcap.

[0019] Figure 5 conceptually illustrates a cross-sectional view of the laser enclosure taken along line 5-5 of the automated animal hide hair removal system shown in Figure 1.

[0020] Figure 6 conceptually illustrates a cross-sectional view of the automated animal hide hair removal system taken along line 6-6 in Figure 1.

[0021] Figure 7 conceptually illustrates a top perspective view of the laser enclosure in some embodiments of the automated animal hide hair removal system.

[0022] Figure 8 conceptually illustrates a bottom perspective view of the laserEKWE. S YL VANUS .001 PCT PATENT enclosure in some embodiments of the automated animal hide hair removal system.

[0023] Figure 9 conceptually illustrates another front perspective view of the automated animal hide hair removal system in some embodiments facing intake rollers.

[0024] Figure 10 conceptually illustrates a detail perspective view of the automated animal hide hair removal system in some embodiments showing top intake rollers and output rollers clamped together with bottom intake rollers and output rollers.

[0025] Figure 11 conceptually illustrates a bottom perspective view of the laser enclosure in some embodiments of the automated animal hide hair removal system.

[0026] Figure 12 conceptually illustrates another cross-sectional view of the laser enclosure in some embodiments of the automated animal hide hair removal system.

[0027] Figure 13 conceptually illustrates an architecture of a programmable logic controller (PLC) in some embodiments of the automated animal hide hair removal system with sensor input being processed to actuate various operations of the motors, actuators, laser generator, air stream nozzle, and vacuum generator.BEST MODE OF THE INVENTION

[0028] In the following detailed description of the invention, numerous details, examples, and embodiments of the invention are described. However, it will be clear and apparent to one skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the embodiments set forth and that the invention can be adapted for any of several applications.

[0029] Embodiments of the invention described in this specification include an automated animal hide hair removal machine and automated process for animal hide hair removal using laser light (the “automated animal hide hair removal system”). In some embodiments, the automated animal hide hair removal system requires no chemicals, introduces very little heat to the hide, and does not cause any significant physical damage to the hide. In particular, the automated animal hide hair removal system of some embodiments transfers the heat almost entirely to the hair, not the skin. In this way, the automated animal hide hair removal system is able to rapidly and efficiently remove hair from animal hides for the purpose of further processing the hides for use in edible products for human consumption.

[0030] Embodiments of the automated animal hide hair removal system described in this specification solve the issues and problems noted above by way of a process using stimulated emission, commonly referred to as a ‘Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation’ or Taser’ beam to remove the hair from the hide surface. This beam of lightEKWE. S YL VANUS .001 PCT PATENT consists of photons that are in phase, resulting in a highly directional and intense source of electromagnetic radiation. The automated animal hide hair removal system processes the hide using a “scanning” method which moves the laser beam back and forth rapidly. In conjunction with the laser, a powerful air stream system is utilized to expose the root of the hair to the laser beam, allowing for efficient cutting of the hair using the laser beam, rather than requiring the laser to burn away all of the volume of hair. A powerful vacuum system then pulls the hair away from the laser as soon as the root of the hair is severed, allowing for high speed removal of the hair and efficient use of the laser power.

[0031] Embodiments of the automated animal hide hair removal system described in this document differ from and improve upon currently existing options used in the field. In particular, most of the existing methods for removal of hair from the hide of an animal are energy inefficient or have other drawbacks such as, without limitation, requiring programming and configuration of systems that are hard to program, using heat which may cause damage to the skin, and using harsh chemicals which are harmful to people, workers, personnel, etc., and also may be harmful to the environment if not properly contained or handled. Furthermore, the use of conventional chemi cal -based methods for hair removal are significantly damaging to the hide which negatively impacts its end-use. By contrast, the automated animal hide hair removal system is better than other methods that exist in the field because it does not use any of the following to accomplish the hair removal: chemicals (such as soaking in lime, alkali solutions, or sodium sulfide); extensive time (lengthy soaking in water allowing fermentation to loosen the hair, or using enzymes); sustained heat (using a fire); or harsh mechanical methods (like dry scraping or mechanical flailing) to remove the hair. In comparison to these conventional approaches, the automated animal hide hair removal system is preferable because it leaves the underlying skin intact and capable of being processed into products for human consumption. In addition, the automated animal hide hair removal system is automated, precise, and rapid, unlike the conventional approaches noted above.

[0032] Furthermore, compared to the existing options in the field, the automated animal hide hair removal system represents a significant advancement in the processing of animal hides, offering precision and efficiency, through laser-based hide hair removal, while preserving the quality of the skin for future use in products for human consumption. Moreover, laser-based hide hair removal is very efficient and rapid. Unlike the existing mechanical systems / methods, which require significant maintenance and can be time-consuming, the automated animal hide hair removal system operates quickly and with minimal downtime. This efficiency results in higher productivity, reduced labor costs, and increased overall profitabilityEKWE. S YL VANUS .001 PCT PATENT for hide processing facilities. The existing mechanical removal methods — like those using flails, blades, and rub bars — typically have an impact on the underlying skin, causing excess skin removal, damage to the skin, and other issues. In contrast to these mechanical-based methods, the automated animal hide hair removal system of the present disclosure is noncontact, meaning that the only elements interacting with the hide are the laser light and the air from the air stream. Beneficially, the automated animal hide hair removal system does not, therefore, damage the skin.

[0033] In addition to the differences noted above, the automated animal hide hair removal system provides ample improvements to the currently existing methods and techniques used conventionally to remove the hair from hides. In particular, conventional methods of using and applying chemicals and other liquid softening agents have known problems. For instance, such chemicals and liquid softening agents are typically used to prepare the hide for hair removal work by breaking down the hair structure to facilitate its removal. Conventionally, this method works, but is highly time-consuming and / or ends up causing irreparable damage to the skin, sometimes to the point of rendering it unusable for consumption by humans. Furthermore, if the chemicals are not properly managed or neutralized, they can damage the hide’s quality and make it unsuitable for consumption. The result is that the use of chemicals affect the underlying skin and cause the hides to no longer be viable for some final uses, including those where the skin is processed into edible products. Other methods for hair removal include exposing the hide to open flame, using the heat energy to burn the hair away. These methods are very imprecise, take a significant amount of time, and significantly affect the underlying skin through the extended exposure to high heat. This process is therefore inefficient, slow, and damaging.

[0034] By contrast, the automated animal hide hair removal system provides a chemical-free hair removal process that introduces very little heat to the hide (as the heat is transferred almost entirely to the hair, not the skin) and passes the processed hide through without causing any physical or chemical damage.

[0035] In some embodiments, the automated animal hide hair removal system can be programmed to follow the contours of a hide precisely and to automatically handle different types and lengths of hair, ensuring that all hair is removed evenly without any damage to the underlying skin. This level of precision enhances the quality of the final hide product and reduces waste. The use of lasers also ensures unparalleled precision and consistency in hair removal. By adjusting laser parameters such as power and wavelength, the automated animal hide hair removal system can be fine-tuned to work with different animal species and hideEKWE. S YL VANUS .001 PCT PATENT types. In this way, the automated animal hide hair removal system ensures optimal results across various applications.

[0036] Furthermore, the automated animal hide hair removal system operates in a way that is safer for the environment and workers than the conventional chemi cal -based methods. Unlike the conventional chemi cal -based methods, which can be environmentally damaging and potentially harmful to workers, the automated animal hide hair removal system utilizes laser technology, which provides a clean and eco-friendly alternative to chemical and heat-based applications. Other existing mechanical methods, such as scraping or de-hairing machines, may result in uneven hair removal and damage to the hide. However, the laser technology employed by the automated animal hide hair removal system is precise.

[0037] The automated animal hide hair removal system of the present disclosure may be comprised of the following elements. This list of possible constituent elements is intended to be exemplary only and it is not intended that this list be used to limit the automated animal hide hair removal system of the present application to just these elements. Persons having ordinary skill in the art relevant to the present disclosure may understand there to be equivalent elements that may be substituted within the present disclosure without changing the essential function or operation of the automated animal hide hair removal system.

[0038] 1. Machine base and structure (hereinafter also referred to as the “frame”) which supports the mechanical and electrical systems.

[0039] 2. Intake rollers that clamp together to grab the incoming animal hide and then rotate to move the hide into the machine.

[0040] 3. Output rollers that clamp together to grab the incoming animal hide and then rotate to both move the hide into the machine, and also create tension in the hide to stretch it out for processing.

[0041] 4. Gantry system that supports the weight of the laser enclosure and allows the laser enclosure to move freely across the width of the animal hide.

[0042] 5. Carriage sliders which ride on the gantry system and allow the carriage to travel back and forth across the machine smoothly.

[0043] 6. Drive motor which runs on DC power that rotates in order to move the laser carriage back and forth over the animal hide across the machine.

[0044] 7. Carriage drive belt which is attached to the laser enclosure to move the carriage back and forth across the machine.

[0045] 8. Carriage drive belt clamp which is on each side of the laser enclosure to connect the carriage to the drive belt.EKWE. S YL VANUS .001 PCT PATENT

[0046] 9. Drive shaft bearings which hold the drive shaft.

[0047] 10. Drive shaft which transfers rotational motion from the drive motor to the drive belt.

[0048] 11. Laser enclosure which holds the laser scanning head as well as acting as a mount for the vacuum system and the air stream system. It also protects users from direct exposure to the laser light which can be harmful to human eyes.

[0049] 12. Laser scanning head which focuses and directs the laser light energy toward the animal hide in a rapid pattern or beam and performs the hair removal function.

[0050] 13. Laser cable through which a laser light beam (generated by the laser generator) travels for the laser scanning head to emit on the hair roots of the hide. In some embodiments, the laser cable includes a fiber optic cable and wiring which connects the laser generator to the laser scanning head. In some embodiments, the laser cable is configured to accommodate a gas laser system which does not use fiber optics as the transport medium for the laser beam. In some other embodiments, the laser system is a solid state laser system which may include a different type of laser cable.

[0051] 14. Fiber optic cable which transfers the laser light energy from the laser generator to the laser scanning head. However, the fiber optic cable is not needed in some embodiments of the automated animal hide hair removal system. In particular, other types of laser systems may be deployed and utilized by the automated animal hide hair removal system which simply would not need fiber optical cables. Examples of other types of laser systems include, without limitation, gas laser systems, solid state laser systems, etc.

[0052] 15. Laser beam.

[0053] 16. Laser generator which is powered by AC power and generates the laser light which is sent through the fiber optic cable to the laser scanning head. Note, however, that some embodiments of the automated animal hide hair removal system utilize a different type of laser system. For instance, the automated animal hide hair removal system may employ a gas laser system, a solid state laser system, or another other type of laser system that is capable of generating a laser light beam at wavelengths, power levels, focal lengths, etc., as determined and directed by the PLC control system for optimal burning of the hide hair in a way that does little to no damage to the hide skin.

[0054] 17. Air stream nozzle which directs a compressed air stream to push detritus away from the processing area (of the laser) and to push the hair of the hide down to lay flat, thereby exposing the hair root to the laser beam.

[0055] 18. Air fitting which connects the air hose to the air nozzle.EKWE. S YL VANUS .001 PCT PATENT

[0056] 19. Air hose which delivers the compressed air from the air compressor to the air nozzle through the air fitting.

[0057] 20. Air compressor which delivers high pressure air to the air stream nozzle.

[0058] 21. Vacuum generator which develops a vacuum in order to move detritus and removed hair away from the processing area.

[0059] 22. Vacuum hose which connects the vacuum generator to the waste bin.

[0060] 23. Waste bin which collects detritus and hair that has been removed from the animal hide by the process.

[0061] 24. Control touch screen panel which displays important information to the user and which the user interacts with to operate the machine. The touchscreen system utilizes a Display Serial Interface (DSI) for efficient, high-speed video data transmission, an In-Plane Switching (IPS) LCD panel for enhanced color accuracy and wide viewing angles, and an Inter- Integrated Circuit (I2C) interface to facilitate communication between the touchscreen controller and a Programmable Logic Controller / Computer.

[0062] 25. The PLC includes the code and programming to set up, run, and monitor the system electrical components. The PLC includes a wireless (WiFi or similar) interface so that the system can be controlled and monitored remotely.

[0063] 26. Network connection for a wired remote control and monitoring capability.

[0064] 27. Control buttons which perform important functions to control the machine via interface with the PLC.

[0065] 28. Electric motor which runs on DC power which is used to drive the clamping rollers.

[0066] 29. Gearbox which connects the electric motor to the clamping rollers and decreases the rotational speed and increases the torque supplied to the clamping rollers.

[0067] 30. Motion transfer gears which transfer the clamping rotational motion to the top and bottom rollers equally.

[0068] 31. Clamping arm which connects the movable clamping roller to the frame through the pivot.

[0069] 32. Pivot which allows the clamping roller arm to move up and down in a controlled manner.

[0070] 33. Bracket which holds the clamping roller motor to the frame.

[0071] 34. Clamping actuator which runs on DC power and pulls down on the clamping arm which provides downward clamping force between the rollers.EKWE. S YL VANUS .001 PCT PATENT

[0072] 35. Sensors which determine positions and operating parameters of the various other elements.

[0073] The various elements of the automated animal hide hair removal system of the present disclosure may be related in the following exemplary fashion. It is not intended to limit the scope or nature of the relationships between the various elements and the following examples are presented as illustrative examples only. Element 1 is the machine base which supports mechanical and electrical systems, and is attached to the floor. The frame provides the structural stability for the automated animal hide hair removal system as a machine base that is open on each end for the purpose of allowing the animal hide to enter the machine and exit the machine. The intake rollers and the output rollers include top and bottom rollers that are configured to clamp together (top and bottom intake rollers clamp together, top and bottom output rollers clamp together). The intake rollers and the output rollers are mounted to the frame at either end of the machine. Each of the intake rollers and the output rollers are fixed to the frame using both a clamping arm and a pivot on each side of the machine, and on the input and output sides of the machine, in a total of four locations. The intake rollers and the output rollers are allowed to rotate for the purpose of advancing and stretching the animal hide and move up and down for the purpose of clamping together or opening up. The clamping rollers (that is, the top and bottom intake rollers and the top and bottom output rollers) are moved up and down using electric actuators (clamping actuators), in four places at the corners of the machine, attached to the frame using brackets. The intake rollers and the output rollers are driven by DC powered electric motors which are connected to the rollers by a gearboxes. The gearboxes (one each for the intake rollers and the output rollers) reduces the speed of the electric motors and increases the torque delivered to the intake rollers and the output rollers. The top and bottom intake rollers and output roller are connected to each other by the motion transfer gears so that the top and bottom intake rollers and the output rollers rotate in opposite directions but at the same speed (that is, the top intake roller and the bottom intake roller rotate at the same speed as each other, while the top output roller and the bottom output roller rotate at their own same speed as each other, but not necessarily the same speed at which the intake rollers rotate). By rotating the top and bottom rollers, respectively, at the same speed, the result is to effectively move the animal hide, which is clamped between the clamping rollers, into and through the machine. The clamping action of the clamping intake rollers and output rollers is accomplished through the movement of DC-powered electric actuators, which are connected to the clamping arms and rotate about the pivot.

[0074] The gantry system is attached to the frame in the middle of the machine inEKWE. S YL VANUS .001 PCT PATENT the upper portion, and is fixed in place with relation to the frame. In this way, the gantry system is rigid and stable for supporting other elements. The carriage sliders ride on the gantry system and allow the carriage for the laser enclosure to travel back and forth across the machine smoothly. The carriage for the laser enclosure is driven back and forth across the machine by connection to the drive belt, which is connected to each side of the laser enclosure with the belt clamps. The drive belt is engaged with the drive shaft, which is rotated by the drive motor and supported by the drive shaft bearings, at least two of which are attached to the frame at each side. The rotation of the drive motor and connection through the drive belt moves the carriage and the laser enclosure back and forth across the width of the animal hide.

[0075] The laser enclosure also encloses and provides rigid support for the laser scanning head, the air stream nozzle, and the vacuum generator. The laser scanning head is embedded within the laser enclosure and held directly above the hide. The laser scanning head is also oriented in a way that is pointed downward so that the laser light beam is directed at the center of the processing area on the surface of the animal hide. The laser light power is provided from the laser generator through the fiber optic cable, which is contained within the laser cable and connects the laser scanning head to the laser generator. The air stream nozzle is connected to the air hose by an air fitting to bring compressed air from the air compressor. The air stream nozzle is placed near the hair processing area and is directed at the processing area at an angle of approximately thirty degrees (30°) off of horizontal, directing the stream of air just in front of the processing area. The air stream acts to push the animal hide hair away from the nozzle and lay flat, so that the roots of the hair are efficiently exposed to the laser light beam, which can then pierce the root of the hide hair and cause it the hair to be removed from the underlying skin. The vacuum generator has its inlet placed on the opposite side of the processing area from the air nozzle so that the hair, once removed from the underlying skin, is rapidly removed from the processing area and sent to the waste bin through a vacuum hose.

[0076] The control touch screen panel (or “touchscreen control panel”) displays important information to the user and which the user interacts with to operate the machine. The control touch screen interfaces to the PLC which stores the code and programming to set up, run, and monitor the system electrical components for the machine. The PLC includes a wireless (WiFi or similar) interface so that the system can be controlled and monitored remotely. There is a network connection for a wired remote control and monitoring capability to the PLC so that users can access the system from network-connected locations away from the machine. Control buttons are provided which perform important functions to control the machine via interface with the PLC. Various sensors are placed in the machine which provideEKWE. S YL VANUS .001 PCT PATENT feedback on forces, speeds, and locations of various elements to the PLC system to provide information for the programming logic to control the machine as desired.

[0077] The automated animal hide hair removal system of the present disclosure generally works by feeding a hide into the machine for processing. Specifically, when a hide is ready to be processed, a worker (user) or automated process (by way of a PLC program) moves the animal hide toward the machine and leaves the front edge of the hide inside the intake rollers. The user then starts the control system (PLC) to initiate the process. First, the top and bottom intake rollers clamp on the incoming animal hide and rotate in opposite directions, but at the same speed, to bring the hide into the machine. The output rollers clamp on the animal hide using the clamping actuator once the hide has moved through the machine and is between the output rollers. The output rollers then move, using the electric motor, the gearbox, and the motion transfer gears, at a differential motion rate to the intake rollers in order to create tension in the hide for stretch it for processing. If the sensors do not indicate that the differential motion rate has been accomplished, the system stops and warns the user. If the PLC system and its programming determines the hide input function to be successful, it tells the drive motor to move the laser enclosure (and everything attached to it) to a specific location determined by the program to be the processing start point on one side of the hide.

[0078] When the sensors report that the laser enclosure is in the correct location, the next steps for continuing are enabled by the PLC. The system then directs the laser scanning head, the laser generator, the air stream nozzle, the air compressor, and the vacuum generator to begin the processing operation. The air stream nozzle directs compressed air toward the hide at the processing area at a specific angle of approximately thirty degrees (30°) from horizontal, forcing the animal hide hair to lay sideways or flat. This exposes the root of the hair to the laser light beam coming from the laser generator, the laser cable, the fiber optic cable in the laser cable, and the laser scanning head. The light energy from the laser scanning head interacts with the organic material in the hair, exciting the hair and quickly raising the temperature of the hair in that localized area at the root of the hair, rapidly causing the hair to disintegrate and therefore detach from the animal skin. This is the essential “cutting” action of the machine and, crucially, because the laser light beam is aimed directly at the root of the hair and because of the hair disintegration, there is no hair remaining above the surface of the skin after this step, meaning that the hair has been cleanly and completely removed from the skin. The speed of the laser movement above the hide is predetermined to be optimal for removing all of the hair but not lingering in any spot longer than necessary. The laser light is produced at a wavelength, power, and focal length determined by the PLC control system to be the optimal setup for burning theEKWE. S YL VANUS .001 PCT PATENT hair from the hide surface without damaging the hide skin more than necessary. Because the drive motor is continually moving all of the components attached to it, the laser light beam could next encounter the cut-off portion of the hair that was just severed from the skin, causing the laser light to further disintegrate the hair, and blocking the laser light from reaching the roots of other hairs to be processed. Because this is undesirable, the air stream nozzle pushes air and the vacuum generator pulls detritus (cut / removed hair, smoke, debris) away from the processing area so that any hair which has been severed from the skin is rapidly removed to allow the system to continue operating efficiently and effectively across the entirety of the animal hide surface. If the sensors determine that the components are all operating correctly, the drive motor begins to move the laser enclosure, and everything attached to it, across the width of the hide at a prescribed rate. Once the sensors determine that the far side of the hide has been reached within the specified time, the system tells the intake and output rollers to rotate in a synchronized manner, indexing the animal hide a prescribed distance along the length of the machine, then allowing a repeat of the processing operation by moving the laser enclosure back to the starting point of the hair removal operation. If, at any time, the sensors determine that any location or operation of another component is not as expected, the machine logic of the PLC tells the system to stop operation and alarms the user that an action is necessary. When the hair has been removed from the entire hide, the clamping rollers move the hide out of the processing area and to the end of the machine where the hide can be transferred to the next step in the factory’s process.

[0079] Additionally, the automated animal hide hair removal system involves a number of precise operations that function in coordination with each other and in specific manners and orders. Thus, logic is used by the PLC control system to determine positions and operating parameters and to execute procedures to make all of the components move in coordination with each other to perform the processing action. In many cases, the PLC control system loads one or more PLC programs with programming data that provides autonomous operation of the system. Also, the machine sensors provide valuable, real-time information (sensor input data) to the PLC so that the logic of the programming data in the PLC program can properly determine how to operate the various components given the state of all other components. The main logic function is the coordination of the startup of various components to process the animal hide and remove the hair.

[0080] By way of example, a sequence may be performed by the automated animal hide hair removal system. In this example, the sequence starts with the intake rollers clamping onto the incoming animal hide in order to bring it into the machine. Next, the output rollersEKWE. S YL VANUS .001 PCT PATENT clamp on the animal hide and move at a differential rate to the motion rate of the intake rollers in order to create tension in the hide to stretch it for processing. If the sensors do not indicate that the differential motion rate has been accomplished, the system stops and warns the user.

[0081] If the system determines the hide input function to be successful, it tells the drive motor to move the carriage and laser enclosure (and everything attached to it) to a specific location determined by the PLC program to be the processing start point on one side of the hide. Only when the sensors report that the laser enclosure is in the correct location does the system proceed to the next steps.

[0082] The system then tells the laser scanning head, the laser generator, the air stream nozzle, the air compressor, and the vacuum generator to begin the processing operation. If the sensors determine that these components are all operating correctly, the carriage drive belt begins to move the carriage and laser enclosure (and everything attached to it) across the width of the hide at a prescribed rate.

[0083] Once the sensors determine that the far side of the hide has been reached within the specified time, the system tells the intake and output rollers to rotate in a synchronized manner, indexing the animal hide a prescribed distance along the length of the machine, then allowing a repeat of the processing operation.

[0084] If at any time the sensors determine that any location or operation of another component is not as expected, the machine logic tells the system to stop operation and alarms the user that an action is necessary.

[0085] The automated animal hide hair removal system of some embodiments is made by first creating and / or collecting the various components. While the various components can be built from scratch, these components are available in the market, as they are manufactured by others who are experts on specific types of electrical, electronic, and mechanical components. These include notable components of the system such as: a laser power supply which provides sufficient power and features such as frequency modulation; a laser scanning head with capability to focus the laser light as designated and the associated laser cable which contains the laser fiber optic cable; the air nozzle along with the air fitting, the air line, and the air compressor; the vacuum generator exhaust system; a PLC logic control hardware to make logic decisions and the associated network connection, touchscreen interface, and buttons for operation, take in sensor input from the sensors, and execute commands; a mechanical motion system with motors which can move the laser head across the surface of the hide as commanded by the computer or logic controller. The structure (or frame) which holds all of the components together may be manufactured from the designer’sEKWE. S YL VANUS .001 PCT PATENT specifications and drawings - these include the laser enclosure, and the motion brackets and structures to hold the moving mechanical system which holds the laser scanning head. These would all then be assembled per the designer’s specifications and the electronic and electrical wiring would be run throughout the machine. The code which controls the computer programming and logic system (that is, the PLC) may be uploaded to the system to enable it to run. Further details of the automated animal hide hair removal system and its various components and operational functions are described next, by reference to Figures 1-13.

[0086] By way of example, Figure 1 conceptually illustrates a front perspective view of the automated animal hide hair removal system 10, facing the side of the output rollers 14B from a top-down perspective. Specifically, the automated animal hide hair removal system 10 shown in this figure comprises a machine base 12 structure (hereinafter also referred to as the “framework 12” or the “frame 12”), intake rollers 14 A, output rollers 14B, an endcap protective housing 16 (hereinafter also referred to as the “endcap 16”), a gantry system 18, motion sensors 20, a laser generator 22, a laser cable 24, a waste bin 26, a vacuum hose 28, a laser enclosure 30, an air compressor 32, an air hose 34, and a programmable logic controller (PLC) 36.

[0087] In some embodiments, the frame 12 supports the mechanical and electrical systems / components of the automated animal hide hair removal system 10.

[0088] In some embodiments, the intake rollers 14A clamp together to grab an incoming animal hide and then rotate to move the hide into the automated animal hide hair removal system 10 for processing.

[0089] In some embodiments, the output rollers 14B clamp together to grab the animal hide after processing and then move the processed hide out of the automated animal hide hair removal system 10. Together, when clamped down on the hide, the intake rollers 14A and the output rollers 14B create tension in the hide to stretch it out for processing by the automated animal hide hair removal system 10.

[0090] In some embodiments, the endcap 16 protects some internal mechanical and electrical systems of the automated animal hide hair removal system 10, which are described below, by reference to Figures 2-4.

[0091] In some embodiments, the gantry system 18 supports the weight of the laser enclosure 30 and allows the laser enclosure 30 to move freely across the width of the animal hide.

[0092] In some embodiments, the motion sensors 20 detect whether there is a differential motion rate between the intake roller 14A and the output rollers 14B. A differentialEKWE. S YL VANUS .001 PCT PATENT rate of motion of the intake rollers 14A and the output rollers 14B is needed to create tension in the hide and stretch it taut for processing. The motion sensors 20 send sensor input based on the reading to the PLC 36, such that the PLC 36 stops operation of the machine and warns the user when the differential rate of motion is not detected by the motion sensors 20. On the other hand, when the differential motion rate is affirmatively detected by the motion sensors 20, then the PLC 36 continues the operation. Also, in some embodiments, the motion sensors 20 are one or more of several other sensors (not shown in this figure) which determine positions and operating parameters of the various other elements. In some embodiments, the various sensors are positioned in the machine to provide feedback on forces, speeds, and locations of various elements to the PLC 36 to provide information for the programmed logic to control mechanical and electrical systems of the automated animal hide hair removal system 10.

[0093] In some embodiments, the laser generator 22 is powered by AC power and generates a laser light (or laser beam) which is sent through the laser cable 24 (specifically, through the fiber optic cable) to the laser scanning head.

[0094] In some embodiments, the laser cable 24 comprises a fiber optic cable and wiring connecting the laser generator 22 to a laser scanning head within the laser enclosure 30.

[0095] In some embodiments, the waste bin 26 collects detritus and hair that has been removed from the animal hide by the process.

[0096] In some embodiments, the vacuum hose 28 connects the vacuum generator to the waste bin 26.

[0097] In some embodiments, the laser enclosure 30 holds the laser scanning head as well as acting as a mount for a vacuum generator and an air stream nozzle. The laser enclosure 30 encompasses the laser scanning head, thereby making the laser scanning head fully embedded within the laser enclosure. In this way, the laser enclosure 30 protects users from direct exposure to the laser light, which can be harmful to human eyes. Further details of the laser enclosure 30, the laser scanning head, the vacuum generator, and the air stream nozzle are described below, by reference to Figure 5.

[0098] In some embodiments, the air compressor 32 delivers high pressure air through the air hose 34 to an air stream nozzle. In some embodiments, the air hose 34 delivers the compressed air from the air compressor 32 to the air stream nozzle through an air fitting. The air fitting is described below, by reference to Figure 11, and the air stream nozzle is described below, by reference to Figures 11 and 12. Collectively, the air stream nozzle, an air fitting, the air hose 34, and the air compressor 28 make up an air stream system for the automated animal hide hair removal system 10.EKWE. S YL VANUS .001 PCT PATENT

[0099] In some embodiments, the PLC 36 includes the code and programming to set up, run, and monitor the electrical components of the automated animal hide hair removal system 10. In some embodiments, the PLC 36 includes a wired interface that is configured to connect to a computer, such as a laptop, for programming, maintenance, and troubleshooting of the PLC 36 and the automated animal hide hair removal system 10. In some embodiments, the PLC 36 includes a wireless (WiFi or similar) interface so that the automated animal hide hair removal system 10 can be controlled and monitored remotely. The PLC 36 is further described below, by reference to Figure 13.

[0100] By way of example, Figure 2 conceptually illustrates another front perspective view of the automated animal hide hair removal system 10, facing the side of the output rollers 14B. In this front perspective view facing the output rollers 14B, the automated animal hide hair removal system 10 is shown to include the frame 12 with the endcap 16 removed. Also shown are the intake rollers 14A, the output rollers 14B, the gantry system 18, the sensors 20, the laser generator 22, the laser cable 24, the waste bin 26, the vacuum hose 28, the laser enclosure 30, the air compressor 32, the air hose 34, the PLC 36, a drive motor 38, a vacuum generator 40, carriage sliders 42, a pair of electric motors 44, a pair of gearboxes 46, motion transfer gears 48, a pair of clamping roller arms 50, a pair of pivots 52, a pair of brackets 54, and a pair of clamping actuators 56.

[0101] In some embodiments, the drive motor 38 runs on DC power and rotates in order to move the laser enclosure 30 back and forth over the animal hide across the machine.

[0102] In some embodiments, the vacuum generator 40 connects to the vacuum hose 28 to develop a functional vacuum that removes debris, detritus, severed hair, etc., away from the processing area of the machine, depositing the debris, detritus, and removed hair into the waste bin 26 at the end of the vacuum hose 28.

[0103] In some embodiments, the carriage sliders 42 ride on the gantry system 18 and allow the laser enclosure 30 to travel back and forth across the machine smoothly.

[0104] In some embodiments, each electric motor 44 runs on DC power which is used to drive the corresponding clamping rollers — one electric motor 44 driving the intake rollers 14A and the other electric motor 44 driving the output rollers 14B.

[0105] In some embodiments, each gearbox 46 connects the electric motor 44 to the corresponding clamping rollers and decreases the rotational speed and increases the torque supplied to the clamping rollers.

[0106] In some embodiments, the motion transfer gears 48 transfer the clamping rotational motion to the top and bottom output rollers 14B equally (and similarly for the topEKWE. S YL VANUS .001 PCT PATENT and bottom intake rollers 14A).

[0107] In some embodiments, the clamping roller arm 50 connects the movable clamping roller (top intake roller 14A and top output roller 14B) to the frame 12 through the corresponding pivot 52.

[0108] In some embodiments, the pivot 52 allows the corresponding clamping roller arm 50 to move up and down in a controlled manner.

[0109] In some embodiments, the bracket 54 holds the electric motor 44 to the frame 12.

[0110] In some embodiments, the clamping actuator 56 runs on DC power and pulls down on the corresponding clamping roller arm 50 which provides downward clamping force between the rollers (that is, one clamping actuator 56 providing the clamping force between the top and bottom output rollers 14B on one side and the other clamping actuator 56 providing the clamping force between the top and bottom intake roller 14A on the other side).

[0111] Similar to the front perspective view facing the output rollers 14B, another example view is demonstrated in Figure 9. Specifically, Figure 9 conceptually illustrates another front perspective view of the automated animal hide hair removal system 10, facing the side of the intake rollers 14 A.

[0112] Now turning to another example, Figure 3 conceptually illustrates a perspective detail view of the automated animal hide hair removal system 10 with the endcap removed. Specifically, in Figure 3, several components of the automated animal hide hair removal system 10 are shown including the PLC 36, the drive motor 38, the electric motor 44, the gearbox 46, the motion transfer gears 48, the clamping roller arm 50, the pivot 52, the bracket 54, a network interface port 58 (or “network connection 58”) of the PLC 36, a touchscreen control panel 60 of the PLC 36, a plurality of control buttons 62 of the PLC 36, a carriage drive belt 64, a drive shaft 66, and drive shaft bearings 68.

[0113] In some embodiments, the PLC 36 includes the code and programming to set up, run, and monitor the electrical components of the automated animal hide hair removal system 10. In addition to the network interface port 58, the PLC 36 of some embodiments includes a wireless (WiFi or similar) interface so that the automated animal hide hair removal system 10 can be controlled and monitored remotely (e.g., start, stop, set up a new automated program, etc.). Notably, the PLC 36 is shown in this view as a housed control system with a plurality of control wires connecting to the various mechanical and electrical elements. Thus, the PLC 36 may include a computer, such as a single board computer (SBC).

[0114] In some embodiments, the network connection 58 provides a way to connectEKWE. S YL VANUS .001 PCT PATENT an external computer or device for wired (physically connected) control and monitoring capability. Similarly, the PLC 36 can be programmed by connection of a computer to the network connection 58 (e.g., a laptop connecting to the network connection 58 to program the code / programming of the PLC 36). Further details of the PLC 36 and an example of connection to the PLC 36 by a laptop computer are described below, by reference to Figure 13.

[0115] In some embodiments, the touchscreen control panel 60 displays important information to the user during operation of the machine. The touchscreen control panel 60 provides a user interface through which the user may interact to control / operate the machine. In some embodiments, the touchscreen control panel 60 utilizes a Display Serial Interface (DSI) for efficient, high-speed video data transmission, an In-Plane Switching (IPS) LCD panel for enhanced color accuracy and wide viewing angles, and an Inter-Integrated Circuit (I2C) interface to facilitate communication between the touchscreen control panel 60 and the PLC 36.

[0116] In some embodiments, the plurality of control buttons 62 perform important functions to control the automated animal hide hair removal system 10. Examples of the functions that are possible through the control buttons 62 include, without limitation, starting the automated animal hide hair removal system 10, stopping operation of the automated animal hide hair removal system 10, selecting items that are displayed on the touchscreen control panel 60, etc.

[0117] In some embodiments, the carriage drive belt 64 is attached to the laser enclosure 30 to move the laser enclosure 30 back and forth across the machine.

[0118] In some embodiments, the drive shaft 66 transfers rotational motion from the drive motor 38 to the carriage drive belt 64.

[0119] In some embodiments, the drive shaft bearings 68 hold the drive shaft 66.

[0120] Referring to another example with the endcap removed, Figure 4 conceptually illustrates a perspective detail view of embedded mechanical and electrical components of the automated animal hide hair removal system 10, revealed by removal of the endcap. While Figure 4 presents another view with the endcap 16 removed like in Figure 3, in this figure (unlike in Figure 3) the PLC 36 and the associated PLC components — the network connection 58, the touchscreen control panel 60, the control buttons 62, and the PLC control wiring — are also removed from the view. Removal of the PLC 36 and the associated PLC components is not intended as a different embodiment, but instead, is presented so as not to obscure the detailed view of the mechanical and electrical components which are attached to the frame 12 and embedded in the machine when the endcap 16 is in position. Thus, theEKWE. S YL VANUS .001 PCT PATENT automated animal hide hair removal system 10 shown in Figure 4 demonstrates the intake rollers 14A and the output rollers 14B on one side of the frame 12 and, attached to the other side of the frame 12, the drive motor 38, the pair of electric motors 44, the pair of gearboxes 46, both sets of motion transfer gears 48, the pair of clamping roller arms 50, both pivots 52, both brackets 54, clamping actuators 56, the carriage drive belt 64, the drive shaft 66, and the drive shaft bearings 68.

[0121] This clear view also demonstrates that the intake rollers 14A are driven by an intake motion system comprising one collection of mechanical and electrical components and that the output rollers 14B are driven by an output motion system comprising another collection of mechanical and electrical components. Specifically, the intake motion system comprises one of the electric motors 44 (secured to the frame 12 by one of the brackets 54), one of the gearboxes 46, one set of motion transfer gears 48, one of the clamping roller arms 50, one of the pivots 52, and one of the clamping actuators 56. Similarly, the output motion system comprises the other electric motor 44 (secured to the frame 12 by the other bracket 54), the other gearbox 46, the other set of motion transfer gears 48, the other clamping roller arm 50, the other pivot 52, and the other clamping actuator 56. While the intake motion system and the output motion system are twin motion systems in composition of mechanical and electrical components, the automated animal hide hair removal system 10 works in a way that varies the rate of motion between the intake rollers 14A and the output rollers 14B, so as to create tension on the hide when it is fed into the machine for processing.

[0122] Notably, unlike the twin motion systems, there is a single belt drive system comprising the drive motor 38, the carriage drive belt 64, the drive shaft 66, and the drive shaft bearings 68. The belt drive system is configured to move the laser enclosure 30 back and forth across the machine. This is possible by extending the carriage drive belt 64 through the frame 12 and connecting it to the laser enclosure 30 by way of carriage drive belt clamps on each side of the laser enclosure 30, which is demonstrated in greater detail in and described by reference to Figure 10.

[0123] By way of example, Figure 5 conceptually illustrates a cross-sectional view of the laser enclosure 30 taken along line 5-5 of the automated animal hide hair removal system 10 shown in Figure 1. Notably, the laser enclosure 30 holds a laser scanning head 70 and acts as a mount for the vacuum system and the air stream system. Furthermore, the laser enclosure 30 protects users from direct exposure to the laser light, which can be harmful to human eyes. Several components of the automated animal hide hair removal system 10 are shown in this view including the laser cable 24, the vacuum hose 28, the laser enclosure 30, the air hose 34,EKWE. S YL VANUS .001 PCT PATENT the vacuum generator 40, the laser scanning head 70, an air stream nozzle 72, and a laser light beam 78 that is emitted out of the laser scanning head 70 down to the hide which is positioned on a hide platform 80 just under the laser enclosure 30. Further details of the hide platform 80 are described below, by reference to Figure 6.

[0124] Concerning the laser light beam 78, a fiber optic cable (not shown in this figure) is present within the laser cable 24 and is connected to the laser scanning head 70 (which is embedded within the laser enclosure 30). The laser cable 24 itself includes both the fiber optic cable and other wiring that provides the connection between the laser generator 22 and the laser scanning head 70. In this way, the fiber optic cable transfers the laser light energy from the laser generator 22 to the laser scanning head 70, which emits the laser light beam 78 down to the hide. Detailed examples of how the laser cable 24 mounts to the laser enclosure 30 is described below, by reference to Figures 7 and 8. Also, further details of the fiber optic cable connecting to the laser scanning head 70 are described below, by reference to Figure 12.

[0125] Referring now to the air stream nozzle 72, although not shown in this figure, the air hose 34 connects to the air stream nozzle 72 by way of an air fitting. Further details of the air fitting are demonstrated and described below, by reference to Figure 11. In this manner, one can understand how the air stream nozzle 72 connects to the air hose 34, which itself connects to the air compressor 32, to deliver high pressure air flow through the air hose 34 and out the air stream nozzle 72 to the area of the hide at which the laser light beam 78 is directed. Also as shown in this figure, the air stream nozzle 72 is oriented in a way in which the high pressure air flow blows on the animal hide to push the hair away from the air stream nozzle and effectively lay flat. In this way, the roots of the hair are exposed to the laser light beam 78. When so directed, the laser light beam 78 can easily remove the hair because the root of the hair is exposed to the laser. Consequently, the hair is pierced and the vacuum generator 40 is operating to suction up and deposit removed hair in the waste bin 26 through the vacuum hose 28. Once the hair is removed, the hide is left with only the underlying skin.

[0126] By way of example, Figure 6 conceptually illustrates a cross-sectional view of the automated animal hide hair removal system 10 taken along line 6-6 in Figure 1. Specifically, the automated animal hide hair removal system 10 shown in this figure comprises the frame 12, the intake rollers 14A, the output rollers 14B, the gantry system 18, the laser cable 24, the vacuum hose 28, the laser enclosure 30, the air hose 34, the vacuum generator 40, and the hide platform 80. In particular, the hide platform 80 provides a surface for processing the hide as it moves into the machine through the intake rollers 14A and out through the output rollers 14B. Structurally, the hide platform 80 is connected between each side of the frame 12EKWE. S YL VANUS .001 PCT PATENT and is, therefore, integral to the structural soundness of the machine base. Also shown in this figure are gaps in the frame 12 that allow the top intake roller 14A and the top output roller 14B to move down, via the motion system (not shown in this figure) attached to the other side of the frame 12, to clamp together with the corresponding bottom roller. An example of top intake rollers 14A and the top output rollers 14B clamped together with the bottom intake rollers 14A and the bottom output rollers 14B, respectively, is described below by reference to Figure 10.

[0127] Turning to some exemplary views of the laser enclosure 30 of the automated animal hide hair removal system 10, Figure 7 conceptually illustrates a top perspective view of the laser enclosure 30 and Figure 8 conceptually illustrates a bottom perspective view of the laser enclosure 30. As shown in these figures, the laser cable 24 connects to the laser enclosure 30 through an opening along a top portion of the laser enclosure 30. Additionally, these figures demonstrate how the vacuum generator 40 is mounted to a bottom portion of the laser enclosure 30, thereby providing vacuum power to suction the hair, which is removed by the laser light beam 78 directed to the root of the hide’s hair, through the vacuum hose 28 and into the waste bin 26.

[0128] In Figure 7, another component is shown, namely, the sensor 20. As described above, the sensor (or multiple sensors) are configured to detect motion and provide the sensor data to the PLC 36. The PLC 36, in turn, receives the sensor input and is able to determine whether the differential motion rate has been achieved between the intake rollers 14A and the output rollers 14B. While this figure demonstrates only a single sensor 20, the automated animal hide hair removal system 10 of some embodiments includes a plurality of sensors 20. In some embodiments, the plurality of sensors 20 are disposed along the laser enclosure 30, in the same area as shown in this figure. In some embodiments, the plurality of sensors 20 are spread throughout the automated animal hide hair removal system 10 including locations along the laser enclosure 30, the hide platform 80, the gantry system 18, and other locations of the automated animal hide hair removal system 10. In some embodiments, some of the sensors in the plurality of sensors 20 are configured to detect the motion rate (as noted above) while other sensors in the plurality of sensors 20 are configured to detect other operational aspects of the automated animal hide hair removal system 10. Specifically, the plurality of sensors 20 of some embodidments are configured to individually determine positions and operating parameters of several of the various components of the automated animal hide hair removal system 10. Wherever positioned in the automated animal hide hair removal system 10, the plurality of sensors 20 are communicably connected to the PLC 36 toEKWE. S YL VANUS .001 PCT PATENT provide valuable sensor input data to the PLC 36 for processing during operation of the machine. In some embodiments, each sensor is physically connected to the PLC 36 by a hard wire connection. Further details of sensor input processing by the PLC 36 is described below, by reference to Figure 13.

[0129] By way of example, Figure 10 conceptually illustrates a detail perspective view of the automated animal hide hair removal system 10 with the top intake rollers 14A and the top output rollers 14B clamped together with the bottom intake rollers 14A and the bottom output rollers 14B, respectively. Additionally, this view demonstrates the belt drive system components including the carriage drive belt 64, the drive shaft 66, and one of the drive shaft bearings 68, as well as carriage drive belt clamps 82 that attach to both sides of the laser enclosure 30, thereby connecting the carriage drive belt 64 to the laser enclosure 30.

[0130] Other components are demonstrated in more detail in this figure, including the vacuum generator 40 mounted to the laser enclosure 30, the air hose 34 connected to the laser enclosure 30 via an air fitting (which is described next, by reference to Figure 11), and the carriage sliders 42, which are attached to the laser enclosure 30 and ride along the gantry system 18 to allow the laser enclosure 30 to travel back and forth across the machine smoothly. In this way, when the drive shaft 66 transfers rotational motion from the drive motor 38 to the carriage drive belt 64, the drive belt clamps 82 attached to the laser enclosure 30 pull the laser enclosure in one or the other direction and the carriage sliders 42 maintain stability of the laser enclosure 30 (indirectly by the gantry system 18) during motion, thereby ensuring that the laser enclosure 30 moves effortlessly back and forth across the hide platform 80 of the machine.

[0131] As noted above, the air hose 34 connects to the laser enclosure 30 by way of an air fitting. By way of example, Figure 11 conceptually illustrates a bottom perspective view of the automated animal hide hair removal system 10. Specifically, the automated animal hide hair removal system 10 shown in this view shows the air hose 34 connecting to an air fitting 74 which mounts the air hose 34 to the laser enclosure 30. In this way, high pressure air flow from the air compressor 32 is delivered through the air hose 34 into the laser enclosure 30 via the air fitting 74 and through the air stream nozzle 72 at the bottom of the laser enclosure 30.

[0132] By way of example, Figure 12 conceptually illustrates another cross- sectional view of the laser enclosure 30. This view shows various components attached to or embedded within the laser enclosure 30 including the laser cable 24 mounted to the laser enclosure 30 and connected to the laser scanning head 70, the vacuum hose 28 and vacuum generator 40 mounted to the laser enclosure 30, a fiber optic cable 76 within the laser cable 24EKWE. S YL VANUS .001 PCT PATENT and inserted into the laser scanning head 70 at the connection point of the laser cable 24, a laser beam 78 that is directed down to the hide along the hide platform 80 by the laser scanning head 70, and the air stream nozzle 72 which blows the high pressure air flow to the processing area of the hide at which the laser beam 78 is directed.

[0133] As noted above, many of the operations of the automated animal hide hair removal system 10 are programmed operations that are controlled by the PLC 36. An example architecture of the PLC 36 is described next, by reference to Figure 13. Specifically, Figure 13 conceptually illustrates an architecture of a programmable logic controller (PLC) with sensor input being processed to actuate various operations of the motors, actuators, laser generator, air stream nozzle, and vacuum generator. Specifically, the PLC 36 shown in this figure includes a power supply 84, an input module 86 that is configured to receive the sensor input data, and output module 88 that is configured to direct operation of the various mechanical and electrical systems, and a main processing unit 90 configured to process all data provided by the input module 86 and issue operational commands to the output module 88 to relay to the appropriate components of the automated animal hide hair removal system 10.

[0134] In some embodiments, the main processing unit 90 comprises a printed circuit board (PCB) with several integrated circuits assembled on-board or connected to the PCB. In some embodiments, the power supply 84, the input module 86, and the output module 88 are connected to the PCB of the main processing unit 90. Specifically, the main processing unit 90 comprises a touchscreen control panel driver 92, a central processing unit (CPU) 94, a memory unit 96, and program data 98 that is provided by an external device, such as a laptop computer 100.

[0135] In some embodiments, the touchscreen control panel driver 92 is connected to the touchscreen control panel 60 and configured to visually output the relevant data and information in the user interface of the touchscreen control panel 60.

[0136] In some embodiments, the CPU 94 is assembled on-board the PCB and is configured to process all data for the PLC 36. In some embodiments, the data processed by the CPU 94 includes at least the sensor input data received by the input module 86. Specifically, the CPU 94 is configured to process all of the sensor input data received by the input module 86 from the sensor 20 or the plurality of sensors 20 in some embodiments of the automated animal hide hair removal system 10. Additionally, the CPU 94 is further configured to process other data including, without limitation, remote operation data provided by an external device, remote program data uploaded by an external device and intended as new or updated PLC programs, existing (previously stored) PLC programs for the PLC 36 to control the variousEKWE. S YL VANUS .001 PCT PATENT components during operation of the automated animal hide hair removal system 10, user input data provided by a user’s input at the touchscreen control panel 60, and error data when the automated animal hide hair removal system 10 requires automatic stopping of the machine.

[0137] In some embodiments, the memory unit 96 is configured to load (and temporarily store) PLC programs for processing by the CPU 94 and autonomous operation of the automated animal hide hair removal system 10. In some embodiments, the memory unit 96 is further configured to temporarily store all sensor input data received by the input module 86, and other input data, for processing by the CPU 94 in connection with the PLC programs. In some embodiments, the memory unit 96 is further configured to temporarily stored all resulting data after processing of the input data. Such resulting data includes, without limitation, operational commands and instructions generated by the CPU 94 to provide autonomous operation of the automated animal hide hair removal system 10 via transfer of the resulting data to the output module 88 for transmission to the various components (e.g., motors, actuators, laser generator, air stream nozzle, vacuum generator, etc.). As noted above, the PLC 36 is physically wired to the various components which are configured to receive such command data in order to provide autonomous operation of the automated animal hide hair removal system 10.

[0138] In some embodiments, the program data 98 is provided (uploaded) by an external device and is persistently stored in a persistent storage unit of the PLC 36. In some embodiments, the program data 98 is received by user input, user selections, and / or user interactions with the touchscreen control panel 60. In some embodiments, the persistent storage unit is a non-transitory memory buffer on-board the PCB of the main processing unit 90. In some embodiments, the persistent storage unit is a non-transitory data storage connected to the PCB of the main processing unit 90. In some embodiments, the program data 98 is provided (or uploaded) as new PLC programs for autonomous operation of the automated animal hide hair removal system 10. In some embodiments, the program data 98 is provided (or uploaded) as modifications to existing (previously stored) PLC programs that have been modified to improve the autonomous operation of the automated animal hide hair removal system 10. The ability to save different PLC programs is useful when the automated animal hide hair removal system 10 is used to process different types of hides from different animals.

[0139] In some embodiments, the program data 98 is uploaded by a connected external system / device, such as a laptop computer 100, as shown in this figure, or another type of external device. Examples of external devices include, without limitation, conventional desktop computers, servers, cloud-based systems including bare metal systems and virtualEKWE. S YL VANUS .001 PCT PATENT systems, single board computer (SBC) systems, tablet computing devices, mobile smartphone devices, and other such mobile devices. In some embodiments, the program data 98 is organized and persistently stored as individual PLC programs for autonomous operation of the automated animal hide hair removal system 10. As such, a user may interact with the touchscreen control panel 60 to select one or another PLC program to start autonomous operation of the automated animal hide hair removal system 10. For example, the user loads a list of different PLC programs, which are displayed on the touchscreen control panel 60, allowing the user to select and start one of the PLC programs by pressing the appropriate control button 62 to start autonomous operation of the automated animal hide hair removal system 10 as directed by the selected PLC program.

[0140] Note that the basic functioning of the automated animal hide hair removal system could be carried out with only the laser power source (that is, the laser generator), the laser cable, the laser fiber optic cable, the laser scanning head, the air stream nozzle, and the vacuum generator exhaust system, since these components are responsible for the core work of the automated animal hide hair removal system, which is to remove the hair from the animal hide.

[0141] Furthermore, it is important to note that the components of the automated animal hide hair removal system described above are intended to work together in a specific type of processing environment. However, the automated animal hide hair removal system could be adapted for use in other processing environments. For instance, the automated animal hide hair removal system could be reconfigured to perform the same core function of removing hair from an animal hide by moving the laser scanning head over the hide in some other fashion, as long as certain conditions are meet including (i) that the laser power source (laser generator) is sending laser power to the laser head as needed, (ii) that air is moved across the processing area by a nozzle (or some other mechanism to push the hair down to lay flat), and (iii) that the detritus and removed hair is removed by a vacuum system (vacuum generator and / or other suctioning mechanism). For example, if the hide was fixed in a horizontal orientation, a vertical orientation, or some other orientation, the laser scanning head with laser light power switched on could be moved across the surface by manual or machine methods to systematically cause the hair to be removed from the surface of the hide. As long as the laser power, frequency, and focal length meet the specifications laid out to effectively remove the hair from the hide, the core function of the automated animal hide hair removal system can be completed. This leads to a variety of applications that can be envisioned for using the core technology of the automated animal hide hair removal system.EKWE. S YL VANUS .001 PCT PATENT

[0142] Additionally, the automated animal hide hair removal system can also be adapted for use to remove fiber on other types of materials. For instance, the automated animal hide hair removal system can be adapted for use on both yarns and fabrics to produce an even surface by burning off projecting fibers, yarn ends, and fuzz in as an alternative to conventional gassing or singeing applicable in the textile industry.

[0143] The above-described embodiments of the invention are presented for purposes of illustration and not of limitation. While these embodiments of the invention have been described with reference to numerous specific details, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the invention can be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit of the invention. Thus, one of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the invention is not to be limited by the foregoing illustrative details, but rather is to be defined by the appended claims.INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0144] Embodiments of the claimed invention can be useful to applying laser light for animal hide hair removal

Claims

EKWE. S YL VANUS .001 PCT PATENTWHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An automated animal hide hair removal system that uses laser light for animal hide hair removal, the automated animal hide hair removal system comprising: a machine base comprising two base frames; a pair of intake rollers attached between the two base frames and configured to clamp together for intake of an animal hide; a pair of output rollers attached between the two base frames and configured to clamp together to pull the animal hide through a processing area to remove hair from the animal hide; a pair of motion systems that are connected to the pair of intake rollers and the pair of output rollers and configured to trigger the intake rollers and the output rollers to clamp down for processing the animal hide and to open up to release the hide after processing is completed; a laser enclosure comprising an air stream nozzle and a laser scanning head that is configured to direct a laser light beam down onto the hair on the animal hide in the processing area; an air hose that connects to the laser enclosure to provide compressed air flow through the air stream nozzle; an air compressor connected to the air hose and configured to output compressed air through the air hose to the laser enclosure and out the air stream nozzle to push the hair of the animal hide down to lay flat in the processing area and expose roots of the hair to the laser light beam; a laser generator that is configured to generate laser power; a laser cable comprising a fiber optic cable, wherein the laser cable is connected to the laser generator and to the laser enclosure, wherein the fiber optic cable is inserted intoEKWE. S YL VANUS .001 PCT PATENT the laser scanning head to provide the laser light generated by the laser generated and transmitted through the laser cable to the laser enclosure; a sensor that is configured to determine whether a differential rate of motion between the intake rollers and the output rollers occurs so that the animal hide is stretched taut through the processing area; and a vacuum system that is configured to suction detritus and removed hair from the processing area of the animal hide.

2. The automated animal hide hair removal system of claim 1 further comprising a gantry system that is attached between the two base frames and configured to provide stability to move the laser enclosure back and forth across the animal hide.

3. The automated animal hide hair removal system of claim 2 further comprising a plurality of carriage sliders that are attached to the laser enclosure and configured to slide back and forth along the gantry system.

4. The automated animal hide hair removal system of claim 1 further comprising a programmable logic controller (PLC) that is configured to automate a hair removal process when the animal hide is moved through the processing area under the laser enclosure.

5. The automated animal hide hair removal system of claim 1 further comprising a drive motor that rotates, a drive motor shaft that is connected to the drive motor and rotates when the drive motor rotates, and a carriage drive belt that is attached to the laser enclosure.

6. The automated animal hide hair removal system of claim 5, wherein the carriage drive belt is attached to the laser enclosure by a pair of carriage drive belt clamps, wherein a single carriage drive belt clamp attaches to each side of the laser enclosure to allow the carriage drive belt to move the laser enclosure back and forth across the processing area.EKWE. S YL VANUS .001 PCT PATENT7. The automated animal hide hair removal system of claim 6, wherein the drive shaft transfers rotational motion from the drive motor to the carriage drive belt in order to move the laser enclosure back and forth across the processing area.

8. The automated animal hide hair removal system of claim 1, wherein each motion system comprises an electric motor configured to drive the associated rollers, a gearbox that connects to the electric motor and the associated rollers and is configured to decrease rotational speed and increase torque supplied to the associated rollers, motion transfer gears configured to transfer clamping rotational motion equally to a top movable roller and a bottom roller of the associated rollers, a clamping arm that connects the top movable roller of the associated rollers to a particular frame of the machine base, a pivot that is configured to allow controlled upward and downward movement of the clamping arm, and a bracket that attaches the motion system to the particular frame, wherein the clamping arm connects the top movable roller of the associated rollers to the frame by way of the pivot.

9. The automated animal hide hair removal system of claim 1 further comprising an air fitting that attaches the air hose to the laser enclosure.

10. The automated animal hide hair removal system of claim 1 , wherein the vacuum system comprises a vacuum hose and a vacuum generator that is mounted to the laser enclosure and attached to the vacuum hose, wherein the vacuum generator is configured to provide vacuum power to suction detritus and removed hair from the processing area, wherein the vacuum hose is connected to a waste bin to deposit the detritus and removed hair.

Images