Slab edge preparation and alignment tool and methods of use

Abstract

A slab edge preparation system to enable seam alignment between two slab edges abutted to each other with little visible seam therebetween, including a linear guide mechanism, a grinder mounting plate affixed to a depth adjustment base affixed to the linear guide mechanism, the grinder mounting plate configured to removably affix a hand tool grinder thereto one side of the grinder mounting plate proximate the grinder aperture, a grinder extension affixed at one end to the hand tool grinder, the grinder extension configured to extend therethrough the grinder aperture in the grinder mounting plate and affix to a cutting tool and position the cutting tool against the slab edge, and an alignment housing affixed to other side of the grinder mounting plate opposite the hand tool grinder, the cylindrical alignment housing configured to position grinder extension bearing therein the grinder aperture to maintain the grinder extension in alignment.

1 . A slab edge preparation system to enable seam alignment between two slab edges abutted to each other with little visible seam therebetween, said system comprising:
 a linear guide mechanism having a base, a pair of linear guide rails, a center rack gear positioned parallel and proximate said pair of linear guide rails, said center rack gear having limit switch bumpers, a set of slide rail bearings slidably engaged therein said pair of linear guide rails to support a main plate;   a grinder assembly having a grinder base removably attached to said main plate, a linear drive system having a cart motor with a cart motor gear, said cart motor removably affixed to said grinder base, said cart motor gear to engage said center rack gear to propel said grinder base back and forth in a linear movement proximate the slab edge, a depth adjustment mechanism having a pair of rod slider base affixed to said grinder base, a plurality of rod sliders slidably affixed to said pair of rod slider base and supporting a depth adjustment base to enable linear adjustment of said depth adjustment base proximate the slab edge;   a grinder mounting plate having a grinder aperture therethrough, said grinder mounting plate affixed to said depth adjustment base, said grinder mounting plate configured to removably affix a hand tool grinder thereto one side of said grinder mounting plate proximate said grinder aperture;   a grinder extension affixed at one end to said hand tool grinder, said grinder extension configured to extend therethrough said grinder aperture in said grinder mounting plate and affix to a cutting tool and position said cutting tool against the slab edge; and   an alignment housing affixed to other side of said grinder mounting plate opposite said hand tool grinder, said cylindrical alignment housing configured to position grinder extension bearing therein said grinder aperture to maintain said grinder extension in alignment.   
     
     
         2 . The slab edge preparation system of  claim 1 , wherein said center rack gear further comprising a pair of limit switches affixed to said grinder base, said pair of limit switches configured to contact said limit switch bumpers and communicate an end point to said cart motor upon contact of one of said pair of limit switches with one said switch bumpers. 
     
     
         3 . The slab edge preparation system of  claim 1 , wherein said depth adjustment mechanism further comprising a ball screw nut, a ball screw threaded therein said ball screw nut, a knob to linearly adjust said cutting tool relative to the slab edge. 
     
     
         4 . The slab edge preparation system of  claim 1 , wherein said grinder mounting plate further comprising a lubricant dispensing device. 
     
     
         5 . The slab edge preparation system of  claim 1 , wherein said cutting tool further comprising a quick connector. 
     
     
         6 . The slab edge preparation system of  claim 1 , wherein said hand tool grinder further comprising an angled hand tool grinder. 
     
     
         7 . The slab edge preparation system of  claim 1 , wherein said alignment housing further comprising a tube with a cylindrical outer surface and passageway surface with a stepped front surface defined by a middle diameter and inner diameter and configured to hold said grinder extension bearing therein. 
     
     
         8 . The slab edge preparation system of  claim 1 , wherein said grinder extension further comprising a machined surface to contact said grinder extension bearing and align said grinder extension. 
     
     
         9 . The slab edge preparation system of  claim 1 , wherein said grinder extension further comprising a threaded section to affix a washer against said grinder extension bearing via a nut threaded thereon to secure said grinder extension bearing therein. 
     
     
         10 . The slab edge preparation system of  claim 9 , wherein said grinder extension further comprising a hex head to hold said grinder extension while affixing said nut thereon said threaded section.