The present invention relates to a cutting or pressing device, and to a method for cutting or pressing.

In particular, the present invention relates to a device which is particularly suitable for de-horning cattle, cutting cables, cutting steel mesh, and other cutting and pressing operations.

Presently, various types of cutting devices are available for operations such as de-horning cattle, cutting cables, cutting steel mesh, etc. Most of the portable units therefor are of the hand operated or hydraulically operated type. Such devices are however large, heavy and awkward. In the case of the hand operated device, they generally have long handles to . provide sufficient leverage to obtain the required force for operation therefor, and, in the case of the- hydraulically operated devices, require the provision of hydraulically power packs or the like.

In a device which is utilised for cattle de-horning, for instance, it is preferable that such device be easy to use, be lightweight, and be portable.

In the past, to de-horn cattle, hand operated mechanical type devices included a scissor type arrangement which required much physical effort to operate, was bulky, and, to avoid stress to the cattle which were de-horned, required operator expertise in providing a quick cutting action. It will be appreciated that these devices were inefficient, awkward to use, and due to either the cattle moving or the operator not expertly performing the cutting operation, was stressful to the cattle.

More recently, a hydraulically operated cattle de-horning apparatus has been embodied. These units are usually heavy, with at least two hoses, stiffened under pressure, attached to hydraulic power packs. They also generally require some form of motor driven power source, usually a petrol or diesel driven power pack with remote

hydraulic capabilities, which tend to be noisy, heavy, and consequently greatly restrict the portability and efficient use of the equipment. Such hydraulic equipment is also usually extremely expensive and requires regular maintenance.

The present invention seeks to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art, by providing a cutting or pressing device which is easy to use, which is light weight and portable.

The present invention also seeks to provide an electro-mechanical cutting or pressing device which is operable by use of a linear actuator, rather than previously utilised hydraulic cylinders, consequently enabling the embodiment of a more portable device.

The present invention also seeks to provide a cutting or pressing device which utilises AC or DC power, but preferably DC power, such DC type power also preferably being 12 or 24 volts, being readily obtainable at remote locations.

The present invention also seeks to provide a cutting or pressing device which includes additional features which aid in providing a quick cutting or pressing operation or a high powered cutting or pressing operation.

In one broad form the present invention provides a cutting or pressing device, comprising cutting or pressing means adapted to be operated by an electro-mechanical linear actuator.

Preferably, the cutting or pressing device is embodied wherein said device comprises a housing with at least one hand held rod portion having a fixed cutting or pressing frame at a first end thereof, said cutting or pressing means adapted to abut said cutting or pressing frame upon operation of said electro-mechanical linear actuator.

Also preferably, the cutting or pressing device is embodied wherein said housing is comprised of a pair of spaced apart hand held rod portions and wherein said actuator is provided intermediate thereto.

Preferably, said actuator is operated by a motor connected to a DC power source.

In a further broad form, the present invention provides a cutting or pressing device wherein the device comprises: a first member provided with cutting or pressing means; a second member provided in reciprocal relationship with said first member; biasing means provided between said first and second members; whereby, in use, said first member is moved relative to said second member by said actuator such that said biasing means is provided in a charged position said cutting or pressing means being positioned adjacent material to be cut or pressed, and, said second member is subsequently moved by said actuator, pushing said cutting or pressing means provided on said first member through said material, whereby, when force required to finalise cutting or pressing of said material is less that force stored by said biasing means, said biasing means automatically moves said first member relative to said second member such that said cutting or pressing means cuts or presses said material.

Also preferably, the cutting or pressing device as hereinbefore disclosed is embodied wherein said first member is embodied as a hollow chamber, said second member is embodied as a rod adapted to be received by said hollow chamber, and said biasing means is embodied as a spring provided therebetween.

The cutting or pressing device of the invention as hereinbefore described also preferably further comprises lock means such that said first and second members are adapted to be connected to prevent movement therebetween.

In a further broad form, the present invention provides a cutting or pressing device wherein the device is comprised of:

a first member; a second member provided in reciprocal relationship with said first member; a third member, also provided in reciprocal relationship with said first member, provided with cutting means; said first and third members being adapted to move in similar directions via a force transfer means; and, biasing means provided between said first and second member and between said first and third member; whereby, in use, said second member is moved by said actuator, pushing said cutting means provided on said third member through said material, via said force transfer means whereby said third member is adapted to be moved with higher force over a smaller distance than said first member.

Also, preferably, the cutting or pressing device as hereinbefore described is embodied wherein said first member is embodied as a hollow chamber, said second member is embodied as a rod adapted to be received by said hollow chamber, and said third member is also embodied as a rod adapted to be received by said hollow chamber.

Preferably, the cutting or pressing device is embodied wherein said force transfer means is embodied as a substantially incompressible fluid.

Also preferably, the invention is embodied wherein said first member is provided with engaging means thereon, adapted to cooperate with engaging means provided on said device, such that said actuator is adapted to be moved in only one direction relative to said housing when each of said engaging means are in operative relationship.

Also, preferably, the cutting or pressing device is embodied wherein said engaging means are embodied as a cooperating ratchet and pawl arrangement.

Preferably, said fluid is oil or grease.

In yet a further broad form, the present invention provides a method of cutting or pressing, comprising the steps of:

supplying an object to be cut adjacent a cutting or pressing means; actuating an electro-mechanical linear actuator to operate said cutting or pressing means.

In yet a further broad form, the present invention provides a method of cutting or pressing as previously described, wherein the actuating step includes moving said first member relative to said second member such that a biasing means is provided in a charged position with said cutting or pressing means being positioned adjacent material to be cut or pressed, and, said second member is moved, pushing said cutting or pressing means provided on said first member through said material, whereby, when the force required to finalise . cutting or pressing of said material is less that force stored by said biasing means, said biasing means automatically moves said first member relative to said second member such that said cutting or pressing means cuts or presses said material.

In yet,a further broad form, the present invention provides a cutting or pressing method as hereinbefore described wherein the actuating step includes moving the second member pushing said cutting means provided on said third member through said material, via said force transfer means whereby said third member is adapted to be moved -with higher force over a smaller distance than said first member.

The present invention will become more fully understood, from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments thereof, in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

Fig. 1 illustrates an elevational view of a cutting or pressing device in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figs. 2 and 2a illustrate, an elevational view, and, an enlarged cross-sectional view of the spring tension accumulator assembly of Fig. 2, respectively, in accordance with a further preferred embodiment of the

present invention;

Figs. 3 and 3a illustrate, an elevational view, and, an enlarged cross-sectional view of the hydraulic multiplier assembly of Fig. 3, respectively, in accordance with an alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 4 illustrates a typical press head which can be utilised in connection with the device of the present invention; and.

Fig. 5 illustrates a typical secateau head which can be adapted to the device of the present invention.

In Fig. 1 is illustrated a cutting or pressing device in accordance with a broad form of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The cutting or pressing device, comprises a cutting head frame 1, with a fixed blade 2 provided at one end thereof. A movable blade 3 is provided within slide rails or tracks 11 on each side of the frame. A linear actuator, comprising a rod 5 and chamber or housing 6, is attached to the movable blade 3 by a clevis and pin arrangement, 4 and 10, respectively. The other end of the chamber 6 is attached to an actuator motor 18, the actuator arrangement being connected to a rear mounting link 16 by a pin 7. The frame 1 is provided with handle rods 15 having hand grips 8 thereon, connected between the rear mounting link 16 and a cross-member 17. The motor 18 is connected to a switch 9 (spring biased to a central off position)by cable 14, the switch 9 then being connected to a power source, for instance, a 12 volt DC battery 13, by a further cable 12.

In operation, the rod 5 is adapted to move in a reciprocal relationship with the chamber or housing 6, such that the blade 3 is adapted to move within the tracks 11 to and fro the fixed blade 2. To operate the cutting or pressing device, the object to be cut is placed between the blades 2 and 3, and switch 9 is moved in a forward direction, consequently enabling forward movement of the blade 3. Once the object to be cut is cut, the movable blade 3 is retracted rearwardly, by operation of the

switch 9 in the rearward direction. The movement of the blade 3 may be controlled either directly by the switch 9 or could be automatically controlled by limit switches (not shown) . The actuator may be additionally protected from overload by an optional in-built slip clutch. It will be appreciated that the present invention is embodied utilising a linear actuator, or by means of a gear box and screw thread. That is, actuator rod 5 moves in or out of the chamber or housing 6 by the rod 5 rotating on a screw thread providing within the chamber or housing 6 causing the movable blade 3 to close or open depending on the direction of the movement of the switch 9. Such an embodiment will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art as having significant advantages over the previously known hydraulically operated cutting or pressing devices, due to the lack of need to provide hydraulic power packs and hoses connecting same, etc.

In Figs. 2 and 2a are illustrated a preferred embodiment of the cutting or pressing device in accordance with the present invention, which had additional features over the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 1. It should be noted that like numerals represent like features to those shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 2 illustrates an elevational view of the improved device, including a spring tension accumulator assembly 20, and Fig. 2a illustrates an enlarged cross-sectional view of the spring tension accumulator assembly of Fig. 2.

The device illustrated in Figs. 2 and 2a is preferably used when cutting or pressing objects wherein a large initial force but a reduced force thereafter is required. It is also preferably utilised in applications wherein it is desired to finish a cut as quickly as possible after the initial commencement thereof. Such objects which are preferably cut utilising the device of Fig. 2 include pipes and cattle horns. Cattle horns generally consist of a hard outer shell and a softer core. It is most desirable to finish the cutting operation of cattle horns as quickly as possible such that

stress on the animal is minimised. It will however be appreciated that the device of Fig. 2 has applications beyond those hereinbefore mentioned.

The spring tension accumulator assembly 20 illustrated in Figs. 2 and 2a include a clevis 33 which is affixed to blade 3, connected to a first member or chamber or cylinder 24. A second member or rod 22 (preferably of non-circular cross section such that same will not rotate) is adapted to move reciprocally within the cylinder 24. A biasing means or spring 21 is connected between spring retainers 30 and 31, which are themselves connected to the cylinder 24 and rod 22, respectively. The rod 22 is connected to the actuator rod 5 of the actuation means as hereinbefore described, for instance, by means of a screw thread connection 34. A bush 28 enables slidable movement between the rod 22 and the ^' cylinder 24 at one end of the cylinder 24, and a nylon piston slide is provided on the other end of the rod 22, to also facilitate slidable reciprocal relationship between the rod 22 and the cylinder 24, the piston being adapted to abut with the end of the cylinder 24. The rod 22 is provided with an lock pin hole 27 at least partway therethrough, and is adapted to receive an elongated lock pin 26, operable by means of a handle 23, also provided with a spring biasing means 35 to bias the pin 26 in a position outwardly disposed of the cylinder 24 as shown in Fig. 2a. A lock screw 32 is provided at the lower end of the cylinder 24 to connect the cylinder 24 to the bush 28. A rubber buffer 29 is provided outwardly disposed from the end of the cylinder 24 such that it is adapted to engage with the base member 17.

In operation, the device illustrated in Fig. 2 provides a quicker final cutting operation to the object to be cut, than the device of Fig. 1. This is enabled essentially by the provision of the spring tension accumulator assembly. To operate the device, firstly, the spring tension accumulator assembly has to be provided in a charged position, and secondly, the cutting operation

may be carried out.

To provide the spring tension accumulator assembly in a charged position, the switch 9 is firstly moved in a forward direction such that the spring 21 becomes compressed or charged. At this stage, with the rod or plunger 22 in the forward position, as illustrated in Fig. 2a, the blade 3 will be in the closed position. At this time, with the piston in the forward position, the lock 26 is inserted through the elongated lock pin hole 27 of the rod 22. The hole spring tension accumulator assembly 20 is then retracted by operating the actuator motor 18. This withdraws the blade into the rearward position. The lock 26 is held in position within the lock pin hole 27 by the shear force created by bias of spring 21 until the blade 3 is provided in abutting relationship with the object to be cut at which stage lock pin 26 automatically retracts under the bias of the spring 35. When the force required to cut the material is greater than that provided by the spring 21, no cutting action is initially achieved. The rod 22 may then be driven forwardly by operation of the switch 9, such that the blade 3 cuts into the object to be cut. The object is continuously cut by driving the rod 22 by means of the actuator motor 18. Due to the nature of materials such as cattle horns not requiring such a great force to proceed with the cut as that initially required to commence the cut, once a stage in the cutting operation is reached where the cutting can be finalised by means of the spring force alone, the spring takes over, quickly completing the cutting operation.

It will be understood by persons skilled in the art that the embodiment of Fig. 2 provides a remarkable advantage over other cutting devices which provide for uniform movement of the cutting blades. Obviously, if the force required to cut the object is less than that required to compress the main spring, then the full cut will be done under the steady action of the linear actuator. Also, it will be understood that the spring

tension can be set by an operator in accordance with the force requirements to perform various cutting operations.

In Figs. 3 and 3a are illustrated a further preferred embodiment of the present invention with alternative modifications to those previously described in Fig. 2. Again, like numerals identify like features to those described hereinbefore with reference to Figs. 1, 2 and 2a. This alternatively preferred embodiment utilises a hydraulic multiplier assembly 40, which is illustrated in enlarged cross-section view in Fig. 3a. The device of Figs. 3 and 3a is particularly suitable for cutting and pressing operations for which a very high force is required from the linear actuator 5 and 6. Such applications compromise the speed of operation for such increased power. The embodiment of Fig. 3a will be understood to provide a high power resultant force for only a small input power to the actuator 6. The embodiment illustrated in Figs. 3 and 3a shows a first member or cylinder body 50. In reciprocal relationship thereto, a second member or piston rod 46 is provided with a piston extension 52 thereon. The other end of the cylinder 50 is provided with a further member, a third member or plunger 41, also provided in reciprocal relationship with the first member or cylinder body 50. Each of the piston 52 and plunger 41 are provided with seals 44 and 43 thereon, respectively. Between the seals is provided a fluid, for instance, oil or grease. Biasing means, or spring means 47 and 53 are provided between said cylinder 50 and rod 46, and between said cylinder 50 and plunger 41, respectively. A lower portion of the cylinder body 50 is provided with a locking screw 45 therein, which is adapted to slide within a slide bed 53 and restrict the movement between the cylinder and the rod 46. The outer surface of the cylinder 50 is provided with ratchets 48 adapted to engage with pawls 54, which are connected to leaf springs 49, such as to prevent rearward movement of the cylinder 50 when the ratchet and pawl arrangement is in operative engagement.

In operation, the embodiment of Figs. 3 and 3a is again operated by the linear actuator piston rod 5 extending from the cylinder 6 by operation of the actuator motor 18. In this embodiment, however, by the utilisation of the force transfer means, shown as fluid 51, a relatively small force applied by the piston 52 is transmitted into a large force to the plunger 41, which is consequently supplied to the blade 3. Obviously, however, the distance of travel of the plunger 41 is smaller than that of the piston 52, such distance being the compromise for the increased force able to be applied to the blade 3. By varying the cross-sectional areas or diameters of the bores and seals 44 and 43, the distance and force relationships can be varied.

To operate the device of Fig. 3, switch 9 is initially moved in the rearward direction, such that the blade 3 may be retracted to enable the object to be cut to be positioned between the blades 2 and 3. The switch 9 is then operated in the forward direction allowing the actuator piston 5 to move outwardly of the cylinder 6, until the blade 3 firmly contacts the object to be cut. As assembly 40 moves forward, the pawls 54 connect with the ratchet 48. As the pressure between the blade 3 and the object to be cut increases, main spring 47 compresses and rod 46 moves forward in cylinder 50. Force is then transmitted via fluid 51 to output rod 41. Continued movement of actuator rod 5 force piston 46 into cylinder 50. This movement is transferred by fluid 51 to plunger 41, in proportion to the difference in diameters thereof. When the cutting action is completed, the switch 9 is moved to a rearward position, and the object is moved from between the blades. The switch 9 is then moved briefly to the forward position, and the pawl 54 are released from the ratchet 48. The assembly 40 then moves rearwards. The switch 9 is then moved to the rearward position causing the assembly 40 and the blade 3 to be retracted. The piston 46 moves rearwardly relative to the body 50 under assistance of the spring 47 until is the halted by

the lock screw 45. Finally, the spring 53 then pushes the piston 41 back, resetting the seals and fluid to the original position, for the next use of the device.

It will therefore be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that a high force is enabled to be applied to a cutting or pressing blade or member by means of the embodiment described in Figs. 3 and 3a. It will however become obvious to persons skilled in the art that alternative force transfer means can be utilised in place of fluid 51, such as a mechanical gearing arrangement.

It will also be obvious to persons skilled in the art that for reaching high objects to be cut, an extension piece may be inserted. The embodiment of such extension pieces will become obvious to tool makers and like persons.

In Fig. 4 is illustrated a drawing of a typical press head which, which can be utilised instead of the blades 2 and 3 hereinbefore described for cutting operations.

In Fig. 5 is illustrated a typical secateau head, which may alternatively be utilised, for instance, in electrical applications for the cutting of electrical cables or vegetation.

It will be obvious to persons reading this specification that numerous other variations and modifications are obvious to persons skilled in the art. Such variations and modifications should however be considered to fall within the scope of the present invention as hereinbefore described and as hereinafter claimed.