Electronic Bevel Jig

Abstract

Programmable bevel jig which is simple to use and can easily be attached to a workpiece to produce various types of complex bevels. Multiple angles and angle tolerances can be programmed into the jig, and then selected during machining. Different color LEDs indicate position of the jig with respect to a selected bevel angle, and also what pre-programmed bevel angle is selected. The reference angle of the jig is programmed into the jig by placing the jig on the grinding tool and pressing a pushbutton switch.

1 . An electronic bevel jig for positioning the angle of a workpiece with respect to a tool so that said workpiece can be machined by said tool at a predetermined angle, comprising:
 a. a microcontroller,   b. means of measuring angle of said jig with respect to the horizontal plane or vertical plane,   c. programmable memory:
 to store multiple individual angles and multiple angle tolerances, and 
 to store starting, ending, and step size of range of angles, 
   d. means of programming said angles and angle tolerances into said memory,   e. means of selecting multiple angles and angle tolerances,   f. means of setting the reference angle of said jig,   g. means of selecting positive or negative angles with respect to said reference angle,   h. means of providing feedback to a machinist indicating position of said jig with reference to a selected angle,   i. means of providing warning to said machinist if the position of said jig is outside the limits set by a selected angle and angle tolerance, and   j. means of attaching said jig to said workpiece,   whereby said jig can be used to machine said workpiece using said tool, producing various types of bevels including flat bevel, chisel bevel, sabre bevel, compound bevel, and near convex bevel.   
     
     
         2 . The electronic jig as defined in  claim 1 , wherein a single switch:
 turns said jig on or off,   selects a bevel angle and angle tolerance,   selects the next bevel angle in a range of bevel angles,   sets the reference angle of said jig, and   selects positive or negative bevel angles with respect to said reference angle.   
     
     
         3 . The electronic jig as defined in  claim 1 , wherein an accelerometer is used to measure angle of said jig with reference to the horizontal or vertical plane. 
     
     
         4 . The electronic jig as defined in  claim 1 , wherein an inclinometer is used to measure angle of said jig with reference to the horizontal or vertical plane. 
     
     
         5 . The electronic jig as defined in  claim 1 , wherein said angles and said angle tolerances are programmed into said memory by means of switches. 
     
     
         6 . The electronic jig as defined in  claim 1 , wherein said angles and said tolerances are selected from said memory by means of a switch or set of switches. 
     
     
         7 . The electronic jig as defined in  claim 1 , wherein said angles and said angle tolerances are programmed into said memory by means of a wired port. 
     
     
         8 . The electronic jig as defined in  claim 1 , wherein said angles and said angle tolerances are wirelessly transmitted to said jig and programmed into said memory. 
     
     
         9 . The electronic jig as defined in  claim 1 , wherein speech recognition is used to understand voice commands from a person to set said angle and said tolerance of said jig. 
     
     
         10 . The electronic jig as defined in  claim 1 , wherein light emitting components are used to provide feedback to a user to indicate position of said jig with respect to a selected angle. 
     
     
         11 . The electronic jig as defined in  claim 1 , wherein audio is used to provide feedback to a user to indicate position of said jig with respect to a selected angle. 
     
     
         12 . The electronic jig as defined in  claim 1 , comprising a temperature sensor to verify that the ambient temperature is within operating specifications of said jig. 
     
     
         13 . The electronic jig as defined in  claim 1 , wherein a rechargeable battery provides power to said jig. 
     
     
         14 . The electronic jig as defined in  claim 1 , comprising battery management circuitry to control charging of said rechargeable battery. 
     
     
         15 . The electronic jig as defined in  claim 1 , wherein a non-rechargeable battery provides power to said jig. 
     
     
         16 . The electronic jig as defined in  claim 1 , wherein an AC to DC adapter provides power to said jig. 
     
     
         17 . The electronic jig as defined in  claim 1 , wherein a magnet is used to attach said jig to said workpiece. 
     
     
         18 . The electronic jig as defined in  claim 1 , wherein a clamp is used to attach said jig to said workpiece.