Description:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 OF 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[Refer Section 10, Rule 13]

TITLE OF INVENTION
A system for holding a gemstone

APPLICANT
KGK Diamonds (I) Private Limited, an Indian company, having its address at 4th Floor, Southern Portion, Plot No. 2 & 3, The Purushottam Ginning Mills Compound, Khand Bazar, A.K. Road, Surat-395008 Gujarat, India

PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRIPTION
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The invention relates to the field of gemstones, more particularly to a system for holding a gemstone.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Conventionally, an uncut gemstone is treated with a series of procedures like mapping, sawing, bruiting, blocking, polishing and so forth, to produce a final faceted form of the gemstone with least carat loss. The sawing procedure is carried out with the help of laser cutting machines which employ lasers to cut the rough gemstones as per desired shapes.
[003] Conventional gemstone laser cutting involves, without exception, a pre laser fixing process whereby a separate machine is provided to place the gemstone on the holder, and secure it with an adhesive, and curing systems to achieve the requisite positional strength. In this regard, the gemstone to be cut is fixed in a holder by means of different types of adhesives and cured. Generally, a user applies a photopolymer or a thermosetting polymer as an adhesive. The gemstone is fixed onto the die using heat or light exposure (depending on the adhesive) for solidifying the adhesive to hold the gemstone. However, it is difficult to achieve high precision in placing the gemstone in a desired orientation. Additionally, removal of the residual adhesive from the holder after the gemstone has been cut is cumbersome. Thus, mounting the gemstone with necessary holding strength is both laborious and time-consuming.
[004] Thus, there is a need in the art for a system for holding a gemstone that addresses at least the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[005] Accordingly, the present invention in one aspect provides a system for holding a gemstone. The system comprises at least one holder assembly comprising a main body having a passageway extending between a first opening and a second opening. The first opening is configured to hold the gemstone. The system comprises a vacuum pump coupled to the second opening of the main body via a pipe. The vacuum pump is configured to activate and deactivate. The activation of the vacuum pump causes air to be drawn through the first opening causing the gemstone to be held at the first opening and the deactivation of the vacuum pump allows the gemstone to be released.
[006] In one embodiment, the main body comprises a holder unit having a tubular body with the first opening and a passageway extending therefrom. The main body comprises a first adaptor unit having a tubular body with a passageway extending therein. The main body comprises a second adaptor unit having a tubular body with the second opening and a passageway extending therein towards the second opening. The first adaptor unit is coupled to the holder unit and the second adaptor unit is coupled to the first adaptor unit, thereby interconnecting the passageways to form the passageway between the first opening and the second opening.
[007] In one embodiment, the tubular body of the first adaptor unit is configured to removably receive the tubular body of the holder unit. The tubular body of the second adaptor unit is configured to removably receive the tubular body of the first adaptor unit.
[008] In one embodiment, the tubular body of the holder unit has a collar adjacent to the first opening and a groove provided on the tubular body of the holder unit. The first adaptor unit has a flange provided at its leading end. The flange comprises a spring-loaded ball. The spring-loaded ball is receivable by the groove when the tubular body of the holder unit is received by the first adaptor unit to interlock the holder unit with the first adaptor unit.
[009] In one embodiment, the first adaptor unit has plurality of threads provided adjacent to its trailing end. The second adaptor unit has corresponding threads to engage with the threads of the first adaptor unit to interlock the first adaptor unit with the second adaptor unit.
[010] In one embodiment, a suction pad is mounted to the first opening of the main body. The suction pad maintains the vacuum pressure to hold the gemstone.
[011] In an embodiment, the system comprises a rotary union mounted to the second adaptor unit enabling the holder assembly to rotate when a motor is operated. A housing is provided in a laser cutting machine such that the gemstone held by the holder assembly is at an intersection of x-y axis of the laser cutting machine while the holder assembly rotates.
[012] In an embodiment, the system comprises a vacuum filter provided on the pipe to prevent collection of dust in the main body and the vacuum pump.
[013] In an embodiment, the system comprises a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor is connected with the pipe via a three-way port. The three-way port is provided between the vacuum pump and a control valve. The pressure sensor is configured to monitor vacuum pressure. The pressure sensor is communicatively coupled with a control unit. The control unit is configured to receive pressure information based on the vacuum pressure from the pressure sensor and display the pressure information on a display unit.
[014] In an embodiment, the control valve is provided on the pipe. The control valve when open causes the air to be drawn through the first opening holding the gemstone at the first opening and when the control valve is closed, the gemstone is released.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[015] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.
Figure 1 shows a system for holding a gemstone, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 2 shows an assembled view of a holder assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 3 shows an exploded view of the holder assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a flange of a first adaptor unit of the holder assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[016] The present invention is directed towards holding a gemstone in a laser cutting machine whereby the gemstone is held in position without the use of any bonding systems.
[017] Figure 1 shows a system 100 for holding a gemstone, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The system comprises at least one holder assembly 200 and a vacuum pump 110. Further, as shown, the holder assembly 200 is adapted to a housing 120.
[018] The housing 120 comprises a plurality of slots, each slot configured to receive at least one holder assembly 200. As shown, the slots are provided in a stacked configuration, whereby each slot is spaced apart from each other. Accordingly, the holder assemblies 200 adapted to the housing 120 are also spaced apart. Further, each slot of the housing has a motor (not shown) for rotating the holder assembly 200. The one or more motors are hollow-bore servo motors. Each of the motors comprises a hollow space/bore which receives the holder assembly 200. The housing 120 is slid and secured on a mounting platform which is placed at the intersection of the x-y axis of the laser cutting machine. The gemstone held on the holder assembly 200 is cut by multiple passes of laser on to it and by moving the x & y axes and or through a galvo in the desired plane of sawing.
[019] Figure 2 shows the holder assembly 200 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The holder assembly 200 comprises a main body 210 and at least one passageway 212 provided in the main body 210. The passageway 212 extends between a first opening X and a second opening Y. The first opening X is configured to hold the gemstone. A diameter of the first opening X corresponds with a size of the gemstone to be held by the first opening X. The first opening X can range from 1 millimeter to 10 millimeters to facilitate holding of gemstones of different sizes. A suction pad S is mounted to the first opening X. The suction pad S maintains vacuum pressure to hold the gemstone. In an embodiment, the suction pad S is made of nitrile rubber.
[020] Figure 3 shows an exploded view of the holder assembly 200 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The holder assembly 200 comprises of a holder unit 220; a first adaptor unit 230 and a second adaptor unit 240 forming the main body 210. In an embodiment, the holder unit 220 is removably coupled to the first adaptor unit 230, and the first adaptor unit 230 is removably coupled to the second adaptor unit 240. Accordingly, the holder unit 220 and the adaptor units 230, 240 can be replaced depending upon size of the gemstone to be cut.
[021] The holder unit 220 has a tubular body with the first opening X and a passageway 212A extending therefrom. Further, the tubular body of the holder unit 220 has a collar 222 adjacent to the first opening X. The collar 222 is a conical collar which causes atmospheric pressure around the holder unit 220 to be dissipated away from the holder unit 220 improving suction power of the holder unit 220. The first adaptor unit 230 has a tubular body with a passageway 212B extending therein. The second adaptor unit 240 has a tubular body with the second opening Y, and a passageway 212C extending therein towards the second opening Y. Accordingly, when the first adaptor unit 230 is coupled to the holder unit 220 and the second adaptor unit 240 is coupled to the first adaptor unit 230, the respective passageways 212A, 212B, 212C interconnect to form the passageway 212 between the first opening X and second opening Y.
[022] In an embodiment, the tubular body of the first adaptor unit 230 is configured to removably receive the tubular body of the holder unit 220. The tubular body of the second adaptor unit 240 is configured to removably receive the tubular body of the first adaptor unit 230. In this regard, the tubular body of the first adaptor unit 230 has a higher diameter compared to the tubular body of the holder unit 220, and lesser diameter compared to the tubular body of the second adaptor unit 240. Further, the first adaptor unit 230 is interlocked with the holder unit 220 at its leading end, and also interlocked with the second adaptor unit 240 at its trailing end. As shown, the first adaptor unit 230 has a flange 232 provided at its leading end and a plurality of threads adjacent to its trailing end. The flange 232 is shown in figure 4. The flange 232 has a spring loaded ball 236, wherein the ball 236 is receivable by a groove (not shown) provided on the tubular body of the holder unit 220. Accordingly, when the tubular body of the holder unit 220 is received by the first adaptor unit 230, the spring loaded ball 236 engages with the groove to interlock the holder unit 220 with the first adaptor unit 230. In this regard, the holder unit 220 pushes the ball 236 towards the spring 234 and the groove allows the spring 234 to push back the ball 236 towards the holder unit 220. The spring 234 is a compression spring and the ball 236 is a metal ball.
[023] Further, the threads at the trailing end of the first adaptor unit 230 are configured to be received by the second adaptor unit 240 which has corresponding threads to engage with the threads of the first adaptor unit 230 to interlock the first adaptor unit 230 with the second adaptor unit 240. Further, a Teflon tape is applied on the threads to avoid any leakages.
[024] In an embodiment, the holder unit 220, the first adaptor unit 230 and the second adaptor unit 240 are made of stainless steel. Further, the dimensions of the holder unit 220 are based on size and weight of the gemstone and desired vacuum pressure.
[025] Further, as shown, the vacuum pump 110 is coupled to the second opening Y of the main body 210 via a pipe 130. In an embodiment, the pipe 130 is made of polyurethane, and has a diameter of at least 6 mm. The vacuum pump 110 is configured to activate and deactivate, whereby activation of the vacuum pump 110 causes air to be drawn through the first opening X into the passageway 212 causing the gemstone to be held at the first opening X and deactivation of the vacuum pump 110 allows the gemstone to be released from the first opening X. In an embodiment, the vacuum pump 110 upon activation generates a vacuum force of above -40 to -88 Kpa in the main body 210.
[026] As discussed hereinbefore, one or more holder assembly 200 are adapted to the slots in the housing 120, and the housing 120 is placed at the intersection of the x-y axis of the laser cutting machine. Further, a rotary union 140 is mounted to the second opening Y of the second adaptor unit 240 of the main body 210 and coupled to the pipe 130. As discussed hereinbefore, each slot of the housing 120 has the motor for rotating the holder assembly 200. The motor when operated rotates the holder assembly 200. The motor is coupled to the flange 232 of the first adaptor unit 230. Thus, the motor rotates the first adaptor unit 230 of the holder assembly 200 through the flange 232, thereby rotating the holder unit 220, in order to rotate the gemstone for cutting on different sides. As the holder assembly 200 rotates, the rotary union 140 facilitates the rotation of the holder assembly 200 without rotating the pipe 130. During rotation of the holder assembly 200, the gemstone held on the holder assembly 200 is cut by multiple passes of laser on to it and by moving the x & y axes and or laser through a galvo in the desired plane of sawing.
[027] Further a control valve 180 is provided on the pipe 130. When the control valve 180 is open, the vacuum pump 110 draws air from the holder assembly 200. As discussed hereinbefore, the vacuum pump 110 causes the air to be drawn through the first opening X holding the gemstone at the first opening X and when the control valve 180 is closed, the gemstone is released. The control valve 180 is a solenoid valve, whereby when the control valve 180 is open, the solenoid valve pulls back a piston for the air to be drawn by the vacuum pump 110, and when the control valve 180 closes, the solenoid valve pushes the piston for the air to be cut from the holder assembly 200, thereby releasing the gemstone.
[028] Further, a vacuum filter 150 is provided on the pipe 130. The vacuum filter 150 is positioned between the rotary union 140 and the vacuum pump 110. The vacuum filter 150 is configured to prevent collection of dust/carbon in the main body 210, the vacuum pump 110 and the pipe 130.
[029] Further, as shown, the system 100 comprises a pressure sensor 160, and a three-way port 170. The pressure sensor 160 is connected with the pipe 130 via the three-way port 170. The three-way port 170 is provided between the vacuum pump 110 and the control valve 180. The pressure sensor 160 is configured to monitor vacuum pressure. The pressure sensor 160 is communicatively coupled to a control unit (not shown) and configured to provide pressure information to the control unit. The pressure information is based on the vacuum pressure monitored by the pressure sensor 160. As the vacuum pump 110 is actuated, the control unit is configured to receive the pressure information from the pressure sensor 160. The system 100 comprises a display unit (not shown) for displaying the pressure information. The control unit is communicatively coupled to the display unit and configured to transmit the pressure information to the display unit. In an embodiment, the pressure information displayed on the display unit corresponds to a vacuum pressure that is holding the gemstone. Further, the system 100 comprises a switched mode power supply (SMPS) (not shown) configured to power the pressure sensor 160, the control valve 180, the control unit and the display unit.
[030] In operation, a gemstone is placed on the suction pad S at the first opening X of the holder assembly 200. Upon placing the gemstone, the vacuum pump 110 is activated, whereby the vacuum pump 110 causes air to be drawn through the first opening X into the passageway 212 causing the gemstone to be held at the first opening X. Thereafter, once the required operations are carried out, the vacuum pump 110 is deactivated. Deactivation causes air to be released through the passageway 212 allowing the gemstone to be released.
[031] Advantageously, the gemstone can be aligned accurately and held firmly onto the housing on the laser cutting machine using the vacuum pump and the control unit thereby eliminating the need of a separate machine for pre laser gemstone placement, holding, and curing of gemstones before being subjected to laser cutting. Further, the system is configured to provide a gemstone holding mechanism that cuts the gemstone with minimal error and maximum production. The system provides a gemstone holding mechanism which does not require highly skilled personnel to mount the gemstone on the system.
[032] While the present invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modification may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

List of Reference Numerals:
100 – System
110 – Vacuum pump
120 – Housing
130 – Pipe
140 – Rotary union
150 – Vacuum filter
160 – Pressure sensor
170 – Three-way port
180 – Control valve
200 – Holder assembly
210 – Main body
212 – Passageway
220 – Holder unit
222 – Collar
230 – First adaptor unit
232 – Flange
234 – Spring
236 – Ball
240 – Second adaptor unit
X – First opening
Y – Second opening
S – Suction pad
, Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A system 100 for holding a gemstone, the system 100 comprising:
at least one holder assembly 200 comprising:
a main body 210 having a passageway 212 extending between a first opening X and a second opening Y, the first opening X configured to hold the gemstone; and
a vacuum pump 110 coupled to the second opening Y of the main body 210 via a pipe 130, the vacuum pump 110 configured to activate and deactivate, activation of the vacuum pump 110 causes air to be drawn through the first opening X causing the gemstone to be held at the first opening X, and deactivation of the vacuum pump allows the gemstone to be released.

2. The system 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the main body 210 comprises:
a holder unit 220 having a tubular body with the first opening X and a passageway 212A extending therefrom;
a first adaptor unit 230 having a tubular body with a passageway 212B extending therein; and
a second adaptor unit 240 having a tubular body with the second opening Y and a passageway 212C extending therein towards the second opening Y, the first adaptor unit 230 coupled to the holder unit 220 and the second adaptor unit 240 coupled to the first adaptor unit 230, thereby interconnecting the passageways 212a, 212b, 212c to form the passageway 212 between the first opening X and the second opening Y.

3. The system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the tubular body of the first adaptor unit 230 is configured to removably receive the tubular body of the holder unit 220; and the tubular body of the second adaptor unit 240 is configured to removably receive the tubular body of the first adaptor unit 230.

4. The system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the tubular body of the holder unit 220 has a collar 222 adjacent to the first opening X, and a groove provided on the tubular body of the holder unit 220; and the first adaptor unit 230 has a flange 232 provided at its leading end, the flange 232 comprising a spring-loaded ball, the spring-loaded ball receivable by the groove when the tubular body of the holder unit 220 is received by the first adaptor unit 230 to interlock the holder unit 220 with the first adaptor unit 230.

5. The system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the first adaptor unit 230 has plurality of threads provided adjacent to its trailing end; and the second adaptor unit 240 has corresponding threads to engage with the threads of the first adaptor unit 230 to interlock the first adaptor unit 230 with the second adaptor unit 240.

6. The system 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein a suction pad S is mounted to the first opening X of the main body 210, the suction pad S maintains the vacuum pressure to hold the gemstone.

7. The system as claimed in claim 2 comprising a rotary union 140 mounted to the second adaptor unit 240 enabling the holder assembly 200 to rotate when a motor is operated, a housing 120 provided in a laser cutting machine such that the gemstone held by the holder assembly 200 is at an intersection of x-y axis of the laser cutting machine while the holder assembly 200 rotates allowing the gemstone mounted on the holder assembly to be cut.

8. The system 100 as claimed in claim 1 comprising a vacuum filter 150 provided on the pipe 130 to prevent collection of dust in the main body 210 and the vacuum pump 110.

9. The system 100 as claimed in claim 1 comprising a pressure sensor 160, the pressure sensor 160 connected with the pipe 130 via a three-way port 170, the three-way port 170 provided between the vacuum pump 110 and a control valve 180, wherein the pressure sensor 160 configured to monitor vacuum pressure, the pressure sensor 160 communicatively coupled with a control unit, the control unit configured to receive pressure information based on the vacuum pressure from the pressure sensor 160 and display the pressure information on a display unit.

10. The system 100 as claimed in claim 9, wherein the control valve 180 is provided on the pipe 130, the control valve 180 when open causes the air to be drawn through the first opening X holding the gemstone at the first opening X and when the control valve 180 is closed, the gemstone is released.

Dated this 20th day of September 2023
KGK Diamonds (I) Private Limited
By their Agent & Attorney

(Janaksinh Jhala)
of Khaitan & Co
Reg No IN/PA-2193