Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02721539 2016-04-27
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PROGRAMMABLE ROLL FORMER AND ANGLE CUTTER
[0001]
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This present invention discloses a machine and method for roll
forming
metal decoiled from a roll of metal and cutting panels from the roll of metal
at a desired
location and angle.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Metal panels are often employed in roofing systems or other
structures.
Converting data regarding a complex roofing system or structure into precise
measurements, dimensions, and cut angles of metal panels can pose a challenge
to an
operator on a job site. This is a labor intensive process potentially
involving hand
measuring and hand cutting of panels.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a forming machine according to an
embodiment of the disclosure.
[0005] Fig. 2 is the cross-section of the forming machine of Fig. I.
[0006] Fig. 3 is the cross-section of one type of metal roofing panel.
[0007] Figs. 3A-3C illustrates one type of metal roofing panel formed by
the
forming machine of Fig. 1.
[0008] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the notcher of the forming machine
shown
in Fig. 1 .
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[0009] Fig. 5 is a drawing of the auxiliary operator screen of the
programmable
controller for directing the roll former to move material through the roll
former and for
directing the cutter to cut the material at a desired length and angle.
[0010] Fig. 6 is the main user interface generated by the programmable
controller.
[0011] Fig. 7 is an alternative user interface generated by the
programmable
controller.
[0012] Fig. 8 is an alternative user interface generated by the
programmable
controller.
[0013] Fig. 9 is an alternative user interface generated by the
programmable
controller.
[0014] Fig. 10 is a flow chart showing the steps taken by the controller
in notching
and cutting a panel.
[0015] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0016] The present invention relates to a roll former and process by
which a
panel of a desired configuration can be formed. This panel can be used as a
roofing
panel. The following is a list of parts for one embodiment of this invention:
[0017] Parts List
Forming machine
12. Roll former
14. Exit Cutter
16. Decoiler reel for metal
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18. Metal coil
26. Metal
36. Shear wheel
50. Metal cutter
52. Rolling dies
54. Machine exit
56. Programmable controller
60. Notching device
62. Hydraulic cylinders
90. Cross section of panel
94. Metal panel
96. Female edge
98. Male edge
102. Notches
104. Notches
106. Cutting line
110. Auxiliary display screen
112. Emergency shut off button
120. Representative layout
122. User interface to select panel pattern
144. Pause / Next panel button
[0018] One embodiment of a forming machine 10 has a roll former 12,
notching
device 60 and exit cutter 14 as shown in Fig. 1. The forming machine 10 has a
decoiler
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reel 16 and may have a notching device 60. Additionally, the forming machine
10
includes a programmable controller 56 that can direct and/or automate the
process of
decoiling metal from the decoiler reel 16, notching metal in one or both of a
parallel or
angled pattern in the notching device 60, forming metal in the roll former 12
and cutting
metal to desired length and configuration in the exit cutter 14. Fig. 2
depicts a cross-
sectional view of the forming machine 10 and also depicts the above elements
of the
machine. Fig. 4 depicts a perspective view of metal 26 entering the notching
device 60
and roll former 12 from the decoiler reel 16. The forming machine 10 can be
placed on
a trailer for transporting to the installation site. After being notched the
steel is
transported into the roll former 12 where it is configured and can be cut into
sheets.
This notching device 60 can be used to notch the steel that will become the
formed
flanges of the panels, or could also be used to notch an access hole in the
panel to
allow access to bottom mounted electrical contacts that could be used in some
building
applications.
[0019] Nearly any metal that has sufficient flexibility and thinness can
be formed
on the forming machine 10. Among these metals are copper, zinc, stainless
steel,
galvanized steel, pre-painted steel, gavalume, and aluminum. These metals are
placed
on the decoiler reel 16 so that they can be unrolled freely.
[0020] The notching device 60 makes notches in the steel after it is
pulled off the
metal decoiler reel 16. After being notched, the steel can be pulled into the
roll former
12 where it is cut and configured. It is subsequently cut into sheets by the
exit cutter 14.
The exit cutter is attached to a point so the programmable controller can
direct it to the
proper angle and location for cutting. This notching device 60 can be used to
notch the
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steel that will become the roll formed flanges of the panels, or could also be
used to
notch an access hole in the panel to allow access to the inside of the
building or the
support upon which the panels are mounted that could be used in some building
applications. As these roof panels usually have a female edge on one side of
the panel
and a male edge on the other side of the panel, it is often necessary to punch
a notch or
hole in the female and male edge where it is determined to cut the panel at
metal cutter
50 upon exit from the roll former 12 and at the exit cutter 14. Without such a
notch or
hole it may be difficult to cut the sheet.
[0021j The notching device 60 is capable of forming a notch or hole on
each
edge of the metal 26 as directed by the programmable controller 56. In some
embodiments, a notch or hole can be formed on each edge of the metal where the
exit
cutter 14 will cut the metal 26 so that the exit cutter 14 can more easily cut
the material
exiting the roll former 12. In some embodiments, the notching device 60 can
also form
an angled notch or hole on each edge of the metal 26 to facilitate cutting of
an angled
panel. The notching device 60 is preferably a punch that is hydraulically or
pneumatically operated as directed by the programmable controller 56. The
length of
the notch can be approximately two inches but it can be expanded to four
inches or
more if desired by either tooling adjustments, changes, or additional length
indexes as
determined by the programmable controller 56. The programmable controller 56
can
also determine and/or vary the size of notches based at least upon an angle of
an edge
of a panel. The ability to compensate for notch length as a function of angle
degrees is
also calculated to provide for optimum extended flat portions of the panel for
closure
and/or attachment to a structure.
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[0022] The exit cutter 14 can be a rotary shear or other type of blade as
can be
appreciated for cutting metal 26 or similar materials. The exit cutter 14 can
also be
rotated about the metal exiting the roll former 12 to cut roll formed metal
into angled
panels. As one example, angled panels can serve various building applications,
such
as in a roofing system. In some embodiments, an angle indicator can be
incorporated
into the exit cutter 14 to allow an operator to view an accurate angle of a
cut before
initiating the cut at the exit cutter 14. The exit cutter 14 can further
include a clamping
system that allows the metal 26 exiting the roll former to be secured or
clamped into
place for cutting by the exit cutter 14.
[0023] The shear wheel 36 can be powered by an electric motor (not shown)
to
cut the metal. The programmable controller 56 can facilitate moving of the
shear wheel
36 to the proper location for cutting the metal. It should be understood that
other types
of cutting instruments can be used for cutting the metal.
[0024] In other embodiments, the exit cutter 14 can be an automated
cutting
system that requires no operator intervention. The shear wheel 36 can be
controlled by
moving means, such as an electric motor (not shown) which is controlled by the
programmable controller 56. The angle and location of the exit cutter 14 can
also be
controlled by the programmable controller 56
[0025] In the depicted example, the notching device 60 has at least one
hydraulic
cylinder 62 that drives a metal punch. The punch can cut a hole in the metal
26 as
directed by the controller 56. Various types and shapes of punches may be used
to
affect cuts or notches in the metal of various depths.
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[0026] As shown in Fig. 2, the metal 26 is pulled from metal coil 18,
through the
notching device 60 and into the roll former 12 by rolling dies 52 that will
form the metal
flanges into the various configurations. The various configurations can
include, but are
not limited to, a snap lock, mechanical lock, soffit / wall, and/or nail strip
panel of varying
heights. There are multiple rolling dies 52 on each side of the roll former 12
arranged in
removable cassettes. In the depicted example, a cassette includes several
rolling dies
52 that are disposed on each side of the roll former. Accordingly, a removable
cassette
including several rolling dies 52 provides for rapid profile changeover, as
various rolling
dies 52 having various profiles can be incorporated into the roll former 12.
The rolling
dies 52 form the profile on each side of the sheet and move the metal 26
through the
roll former 12. One of the cassettes forms a male side of the sheet with
forming rollers
52 and another cassette on an opposing side of the sheet forms the female side
of the
sheet. Male and female sides of the metal panels are formed so that sheets
produced
by the forming machine can be fitted together.
[0027] Rollers can be provided on both sides of the roll former 12 to
produce a
concave sheet of metal in the linear direction if needed.
[0028] The forming machine 10 also includes a programmable controller 56
that
directs the process of moving metal 26 through the notching device 60, the
roll former
12, and the exit cutter 14. The programmable controller 56 allows the process
to be
programmatically controlled. In other words, a complete structure comprising
at least
one, and often many, panels that are notched, formed, and cut by the forming
machine
to be mapped out and/or designed by employing software that facilitates the
creation
of the layout of such a structure. The programmable controller 56 allows
structures
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having various planes, angles, facets, and other complexities to be imported
into the
programmable controller 56. Then, the various panels forming a complete
structure can
be made by an operator with the assistance of the controller 56. In one
example,
roofing structures comprising panels having various sizes, and other
characteristics can
be created.
[0029] Accordingly, the measurements, dimensions, and other aspects of
each
panel of the structure can be determined by design software that can be
imported into
the programmable controller 56, which can instruct the notching device 60 how
to notch
each panel produced by the forming machine 10. In other embodiments, the
measurements, dimensions, and other aspects of a structure on which a roof is
to be
constructed can be determined by measurement devices or systems that are on
site.
As one non-limiting example, a laser phase shift scanner can scan a structure
on which
a roof is to be constructed in order to determine precise measurements of the
various
facets or planes that comprise a roofing system, thereby facilitating cutting
of metal
panels that comprise such a roofing system. As additional non-limiting
examples, point-
to-point measuring assist devices, laser scanners, photogrammetry devices,
stereo-
photography systems, or other three dimensional measurement systems can be
employed in similar fashion. Precision measurement data such as this can be
imported
into the programmable controller 56 in order to facilitate precise cutting of
metal planes
forming a roofing system.
[0030] Accordingly, the controller 56 can instruct the roll former 12,
particularly
the rolling dies 52 how to facilitate roll forming a panel. In one embodiment,
the
controller 56 can specify a rate at which the rolling dies 52 or other means
move metal
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26 through the forming machine 10. Finally, the controller 56 can instruct an
operator
when to activate the exit cutter 14 in order to cut metal 26 moving through
the forming
machine 10 in order to create a panel. The controller 56 can also instruct an
operator
as to the angle at which the exit cutter 14 should be activated in order to
create an
angled panel. In some embodiments, the programmable controller 56 can activate
an
automated exit cutter 14 to create panels from the forming machine 10.
[0031] The programmable controller 56 can also be provided in a networked
environment so that the programmable controller 56 can be modified,
maintained, or in
communication with another computing device accessible via a network. In this
way, a
user of an embodiment of the disclosure may download a structure for which the
forming machine 10 can be configured from a remote location. In other
embodiments,
remote support for a user of the programmable controller 56 can be provided
via a
network to which the controller 56 is attached.
[0032] In some embodiments, the programmable controller 56 can import
electronic representations of a building and determine the appropriate panels
that
should be formed in order to construct a roofing system. As a non-limiting
example,
building information modeling, which can define the spatial relationship
between various
components of a building structure, can be imported into the programmable
controller
56, which can then determine the appropriate panels comprising a roofing
system that
should be cut.
[0033] A measuring device for measuring the roof can be incorporated with
a roll
forming machine to form a system for measuring and cutting panels to form a
roof. This
measuring system may be based upon laser or infrared technology. This
measuring
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system can be located on the roof of the building or located on the ground
near the
building. The measuring system may be connected by wire to the controller for
the roll
forming machine.
[0034] One example of a satisfactory measuring system is that sold under
the
trademark Leica Flexline by Leica Geosystems AG which comes complete with
software
and can be connected by wire to the roll forming machine or through Bluetooth
wireless technology. The system allows the measurement of roofs that have
various
angles in them. The data from the system can be transferred to the controller
of the roll
former by cable, by USB memory stick or in a wireless manner.
[0035] Another system is that sold under the trademark TDS Nomad by
Trimble
Navigation Limited which is used with a laser system for measuring with the
handheld
computer sold by Trimble under the trademark NOMAD collecting, saving and
transmitting the data in the field. It can be done wirelessly or the Nomad TM
computer
can be connected by a cable to the controller on the roll forming machine.
[0036] These measuring systems can be used for measuring a roof where the
panels are all in one plane or where there are a number of valleys and turns
in the
roofing system.
[0037] The incorporation of a measuring device and method with the roll
forming
machine completes a system for measuring the roof and cutting the panels for
installation according to the roof measurements. It constitutes a complete
system.
[0038] A number of other systems such as photo-grametry or
stereophotography
could be used to be part of the system for measuring and cutting roofing
panels.
[0039] This system for measuring and cutting roofing panels can lead to
the
development of a Computer Integrated Roof Manufacturing (CIRM). The roll
forming
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machine is basically referred to as a computer integrated notching cutting
operation
(CINCO).
[0040] The controller on the roll forming machine can be part of the
machine or a
detached PC can be used for wireless communication with the controller.
[0041] In yet other embodiments, the programmable controller 56 can
wirelessly
communicate with the remainder of the forming machine 10 so that an operator
can
manipulate the controller 56 and allow the remainder of the forming machine 10
to be
located elsewhere. As one non-limiting example, in some roofing system
projects, a roll
former can be lifted via crane directly onto or near the roof structure of a
building.
Accordingly, an operator can direct operation of the forming machine 10 via a
wirelessly
connected programmable controller 56.
[0042] Fig. 3 illustrates one example of a cross section 90 of a metal
panel 94
formed by one embodiment of the forming machine 10. The metal panel 94 has a
female edge 96 and a male edge 98. The female edge 96 of a first metal panel
94 can
engage the male edge 98 of a second metal panel 94.
[0043] Figs 3A-3B illustrates the metal panel 94 of FIG. 3 formed by the
forming
machine of Fig. 1 throughout the various stages of the forming machine 10. FIG
3A
depicts the metal panel 94 in which notches 102, 104 are cut by the notching
device 60
of the forming machine 10. As noted above, the notching device 60 can form
notches in
various positions on the metal panel 94 in order to facilitate cutting by the
exit cutter 14.
Fig. 3B depicts the metal panel 94 that has been roll formed by the roll
former 12 of the
forming machine 10. As noted above, in one embodiment, a male edge 98 and
female
edge 96 can be imparted on the metal panel 94 by the roll former 12 and its
various
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rolling dies 52 in order to facilitate assembly of multiple metal panels into
a complete
structure.
[0044] Fig. 3C depicts a metal panel 94 that is cut by the exit cutter 14
along
cutting line 106. The cutting line 106 is shown for illustrative purposes
only, and may
not be imparted on the metal panel 94. However, in some embodiments, a cutting
line
106 can be painted, etched, or otherwise placed on the metal panel 94 to
facilitate
cutting later. In the depicted metal panel 94 of Fig. 3C, the notches 102,
104, male
edge 98 and female edge 96 have been imparted on the metal panel 94, which
facilitates cutting by the exit cutter 14 of a finished panel for use in a
structure.
[0045] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the front end of the forming
machine 10.
Specifically, Fig. 4 depicts metal 26 entering the notching device 60 of the
forming
machine. As noted above, the notching device 60 includes hydraulic cylinders
62
positioned on either edge of the metal 26 so that notches can be formed to
facilitate
cutting of a metal 26 by the exit cutter 14. The notching device 60 can also
be
controlled by the programmable controller 56 in order to programmatically
direct the
production of various metal panels of a complete structure, or for precision
production of
a single panel.
[0046] Fig. 5 depicts one example of a programmable controller 56 of the
forming
machine. The programmable controller can be mounted on the forming machine or
in
communication with the forming machine 10 in order to direct the process of
producing
panels. In one embodiment, the forming machine 10 can comprise a computer
system.
The computer system may include one or more processor circuits having a
processor
and a memory, both of which are coupled to a local interface. In this respect,
the local
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interface may comprise, for example, a data bus with an accompanying
control/address
bus as can be appreciated.
[0047] In some cases it may be desirable to control the machine with a
wireless
programmable computer. This is especially useful when the forming machine is
lifted to
the roof of the building for cutting metal.
[0048] Metal 26 is cut near the entry to the roll former 12 preferably by
a rotary
shear wheel or other means as directed by the programmable controller 56.
[0049] Stored on the memory and executable by the processor are various
components such as an operating system and software that facilitates directing
the
activities of the forming machine's 10 various components. In addition, it is
understood
that many other systems or components may be stored in the memory and
executable
by the processors. Also, such components may reside in a memory that is
external
from the computer system as can be appreciated.
[0050] As set forth above, the operating system and other software are
stored in
the memory and are executable by the processor. In this respect, the term
"executable"
refers to a program file that is in a form that can ultimately be run by the
processor.
Examples of executable programs may be, for example, a compiled program that
can
be translated into machine code in a format that can be loaded into a random
access
portion of the memory and run by the processor, or source code that may be
expressed
in proper format such as object code that is capable of being loaded into a
random
access portion of the memory and executed by the processor. An executable
program
may be stored in any portion or component of the memory including, for
example,
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random access memory, read-only memory, a hard drive, compact disk (CD),
floppy
disk, or other memory components or input/output (10) devices.
[0051] The memory is defined herein as both volatile and nonvolatile
memory
and data storage components. Volatile components are those that do not retain
data
values upon loss of power. Nonvolatile components are those that retain data
upon a
loss of power. Thus, the memory may comprise, for example, random access
memory
(RAM), read-only memory (ROM), hard disk drives, floppy disks accessed via an
associated floppy disk drive, compact discs accessed via a compact disc drive,
magnetic tapes accessed via an appropriate tape drive, and/or other memory
components, or a combination of any two or more of these memory components. In
addition, the RAM may comprise, for example, static random access memory
(SRAM),
dynamic random access memory (DRAM), or magnetic random access memory
(MRAM) and other such devices. The ROM may comprise, for example, a
programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read-only
memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory
(EEPROM), or other like memory device.
[0052] In addition, the processor may represent multiple processors and
the
memory may represent multiple memories that operate in parallel. In such a
case, the
local interface may be an appropriate network that facilitates communication
between
any two of the multiple processors, between any processor and any one of the
memories, or between any two of the memories, etc. The processor may be of
electrical, optical, or of some other construction as can be appreciated by
those with
ordinary skill in the art.
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[0053] The operating system is executed to control the allocation and
usage of
hardware resources such as the memory and processing time in the computer
system.
In this manner, the operating system serves as the foundation on which
applications
depend as is generally known by those with ordinary skill in the art.
[0054] As noted above, data regarding a layout or other representation of
a
structure can be loaded into the programmable controller 56 so that the
controller 56
can direct the notching device 60, roll former 12 and exit cutter 14 so that
the controller
56 can direct the production of metal panels comprising the complete
structure. Data
can be loaded into the controller 56 via an input/output device, such as, a
USB storage
device, or other devices that should be appreciated. In other embodiments, the
controller 56 can be accessible via a local area or wide area network, and
data can be
loaded into the controller 56 via the network access. Data from the roof
design can be
loaded into the controller 56. Measurements can be taken on the job and any
variations
of the design corrected in the controller 56. This is necessary as roofs are
not always
built to the design specifications and drawings.
[0055] In the depicted embodiment, the controller 56 includes a touch
screen 110
with which an operator can interact in order to control the notching device
60, roll former.
12 and exit cutter 14. The controller 56 can also include an emergency shutoff
button
112 for shutting down the forming machine 10 in the case of an emergency. The
controller can also include a pause button 144 for pausing and/or activating
the forming
machine 10.
[0056] Fig. 6 depicts a user interface generated by the controller 56 with
which an
operator can interact. The depicted example is shown for illustrative
purposes, and is
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not intended to represent an exhaustive view of the functionality that a
programmable
controller 56 according to an embodiment of the disclosure can implement. In
the
depicted user interface of Fig. 6, the programmable controller depicts a
representative
layout 120 of a structure that can be produced by the forming machine 10. In
this non-
limiting example, the layout loaded into the controller is a triangular
structure comprising
a plurality of panels that can be joined by male and female edges.
Accordingly, given
this particular structure, the programmable controller 56 can determine how
metal 26
moving through the forming machine 10 should be notched by the notching device
60,
cut by the metal cutter 50, formed by the roll former 12, and cut by the shear
wheel 36
of the exit cutter 14 to enable an operator to quickly produce metal panels so
that the
depicted layout 120 can be constructed.
[0057] Fig. 7 depicts an alternative user interface 122 generated by the
controller
56, which allows an operator to determine the order in which panels comprising
the
structure represented by the layout 122 are created by the forming machine 10.
For
example, the panels comprising the structure can be created in a left-to-
right, right-to-
left, or center-out fashion. In addition, the panels comprising the structure
can be
created in any order desired by the operator. In some embodiments, the forming
machine 10 can etch or otherwise impart a numbering or ordering scheme on the
panels so to facilitate assembly of a plane of a structure in the proper
order.
[0058] Fig. 8 depicts yet another user interface which allows an operator
to select
various other parameters regarding the panels created by the forming machine
10. In
the depicted example, the operator can select whether notching of the panels
by the
notching device 60 is enabled, or the operator can allow the forming machine
10 to
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determine whether notching is advisable. In some embodiments, the operator may
enter dimensions, a number of panels, and how and where to notch a panel (if
at all) in
order to generate panels without an imported layout. In other words, an
operator can
manipulate a user interface provided by the controller 56 and enter
information in order
to manually generate one or more panels.
[0059] Fig. 9 depicts an alternative user interface illustrating other
potential
functionality implemented by the programmable controller 56. In the depicted
example,
the programmable controller 56 can allow an operator to store and/or access
various
layouts for various structures. For example, the forming machine 10 can
facilitate
manufacture of a roofing system having various planes made up of various
panels.
Such a complex structure can include hundreds or even thousands of panels.
Accordingly, the controller 56 can store a layout of the structure and
determine the
length, angle, and other dimensions of each metal panel comprising the
structure and
direct the forming machine 10 accordingly.
[0060] The user interfaces generated by the controller 56 also allow an
operator
to advance the controller 56 to the next panel after a panel is generated and
cut by the
exit cutter 14. In other words, when the forming machine 10, as directed by
the
controller 56, generates a panel (that is cut by an operator at the exit
cutter 14), the
machine can pause and allow the operator to advance the program to the next
panel
that is needed for a given layout. In one embodiment, the operator can advance
the
program by interacting with the touch screen 110, pause button 144, or other
input
devices and/or buttons positioned elsewhere on the forming machine (e.g.
adjacent to
or within reach of the exit cutter, etc.).
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[0061] Fig. 10 depicts a flow diagram of one example of execution of the
programmable controller 56 creating one or more panels comprising a structure.
Alternatively, the flow chart of FIG. 10 can be implemented as a method or
process.
First, in box 202, data regarding the layout of a structure are imported into
the
programmable controller 56. As noted above, a layout of a structure (e.g., a
roofing
system) can be imported into the controller 56 via a network access, 10 device
(e.g., a
USB memory device), etc. As also noted above, a structure can include various
planes,
peaks, valleys, pitches, etc. of varying complexity. Accordingly, the
controller 56
determines a series of panels that are required for each plane of each surface
of the
imported structure. In one embodiment, the controller 56 can process a layout
of a
completed structure and reduce the structure into a series of planes.
[0062] Then, in box 204 an operator can decide (or rely on the controller
56 to
decide for him) a plane of the structure he desires to create. In one
embodiment, the
controller 56 can display via the layout of the structure and identify the
plane of the
structure that is being produced. In box 206, upon identification of a plane
for
production, the order of panel cuts can be determined. Again, an operator can
choose
an order or rely on the controller 56 to choose an order of cutting. As noted
above,
panels comprising a plane can be cut left-to-right, right-to-left, center-out
in either
direction, or any order that can be appreciated.
[0063] Then, in box 208, an operator can initiate panel processing, or
the process
of moving metal through the notching device 60, the roll former 12, and the
exit cutter
14 in order to create panels of a structure or plane. Accordingly, the
controller can
activate a means of moving material through the forming machine 10, whether it
is a
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feed wheel or the rolling dies 52 of the roll former 12, the decoiler reel 16,
or other
device for moving material through the machine. The controller 56 can specify
a rate
depending on the material employed or the desires of the operator in order to
move
material through the notching device 60. In box 210,the operator or controller
can direct
the notching device 60 to make notches on either edge of the material, which
is then
moved through the roll former 12. The roll former 12 can form a male edge and
a
female edge on the edges of the material.
[0064] The controller 56 can then, in box 212, indicate an angle for an
operator to
cut the material arriving at the exit cutter 14. To facilitate cutting, the
controller 56 can
pause the moving of material through the forming machine 10, providing an
opportunity
for an operator to clamp the exiting material and select the proper indicated
cutting
angle on the exit cutter 14. Upon making a cut with the exit cutter 14, the
operator can
cause the controller 56 to resume the process via a resume button or other
input device
as can be appreciated. In box 214, the controller can determine whether the
plane is
complete, or whether each panel of a plane has been created. If not, the
controller 56
can continue moving material through the forming machine and return to box
210. If so,
the controller 56 can terminate. In some embodiments, the controller can
simply queue
the next plane for construction or allow the operator to choose the next plane
of the
structure.
[0065] If embodied in software, each block may represent a module,
segment, or
portion of code that comprises program instructions to implement the specified
logical
function(s). The program instructions may be embodied in the form of source
code that
comprises human-readable statements written in a programming language or
machine
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CA 02721539 2010-11-18
code that comprises numerical instructions recognizable by a suitable
execution system
such as a processor in a computer system or other system. The machine code may
be
converted from the source code, etc. If embodied in hardware, each block may
represent a circuit or a number of interconnected circuits to implement the
specified
logical function(s).
[0066] Although the flow chart of FIG. 10 shows a specific order of
execution, it is
understood that the order of execution may differ from that which is depicted.
For
example, the order of execution of two or more blocks may be scrambled
relative to the
order shown. Also, two or more blocks shown in succession in FIG. 10 may be
executed concurrently or with partial concurrence. In addition, any number of
counters,
state variables, warning semaphores, or messages might be added to the logical
flow
described herein, for purposes of enhanced utility, accounting, performance
measurement, or providing troubleshooting aids, etc. It is understood that all
such
variations are within the scope of the present disclosure.
[0067] Also, where the functionality of the disclosed systems is
expressed in the
form of software or code, it can be embodied in any computer-readable medium
for use
by or in connection with an instruction execution system such as, for example,
a
processor in a computer system or other system. In this sense, the
functionality may
comprise, for example, statements including instructions and declarations that
can be
fetched from the computer-readable medium and executed by the instruction
execution
system. In the context of the present disclosure, a "computer-readable medium"
can be
any medium that can contain, store, or maintain the network page for use by or
in
= connection with the instruction execution system. The computer readable
medium can
CA 02721539 2010-11-18
comprise any one of many physical media such as, for example, electronic,
magnetic,
optical, or semiconductor media. More specific examples of a suitable computer-
readable medium would include, but are not limited to, magnetic tapes,
magnetic floppy
diskettes, magnetic hard drives, or compact discs. Also, the computer-readable
medium may be a random access memory (RAM) including, for example, static
random
access memory (SRAM) and dynamic random access memory (DRAM), or magnetic
random access memory (MRAM). In addition, the computer-readable medium may be
a
read-only memory (ROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasable
programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable
read-only memory (EEPROM), or other type of memory device.
[0068] Although the functionality of various embodiments are described
above
with respect to FIGS. 1-10 as being embodied in software or code executed by
general
purpose hardware as discussed above, as an alternative the same may also be
embodied in dedicated hardware or a combination of software/general purpose
hardware and dedicated hardware. If embodied in dedicated hardware, the
functionality
of these components can be implemented as a circuit or state machine that
employs
any one of or a combination of a number of technologies. These technologies
may
include, but are not limited to, discrete logic circuits having logic gates
for implementing
various logic functions upon an application of one or more data signals,
application
specific integrated circuits having appropriate logic gates, programmable gate
arrays
(PGA), field programmable gate arrays (FPGA), or other components, etc. Such
technologies are generally well known by those skilled in the art and,
consequently, are
not described in detail herein.
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CA 02721539 2016-04-27
[0069] It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of the
present disclosure are merely possible examples of implementations, merely set
forth
for a clear understanding of the principles of the invention. Many variations
and
modifications may be made to the above-described embodiment(s) of the
invention. All
such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within
the scope of
this disclosure and the present disclosure and protected by the following
claims.
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