Abstract: A system for preventing the collision of two cutting tools in a computer-controlled cutting unit in which the two cutting tools may at times be moved toward each other. This system determines the actual position of each cutting tool during the cutting process. The distance between the two cutting tools is determined and is compared with a previously specified tolerated separation by means of a comparator in the computer. As soon as the tolerated separation has been reached, the system shuts off the cutting unit. In addition, an electrical safety circuit prevents the cutting unit from starting up again automatically after an automatic shutdown.

Abstract: A method for cutting blanks from webs of material, in which the blanks which are longer than the cutting table are only partially cut out at a cutting station. Then, after advance of the following segment or partial segments of the web to the cutting station, the blanks are then separated completely from the web.

Abstract: Three embodiments of methods and apparatus according to the invention are each capable of optimizing the cutting of material in accordance with a plurality of templates or predetermined shapes. The method steps required to be carried out manually are greatly simplified. The degree of utilization of the material for a given intended pattern of cutting is determined objectively before cutting to minimize waste, and the degree of utilization is weighed against the subjective feeling of the operator as to the suitability of the specific portions of the workpiece material proposed to be cut. In cutting patterned materials, it is assured that the respective patterning on each piece to be cut out is selected, in a simple manner, to provide for predetermined uniform transitions between the different individual pieces in the finished product, for instance an article of clothing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a cutting machine for automatically cutting material according to a standard pattern with an assigned name which has been placed on the material and machine-readable coding placed on the pattern that is represents of the name. Contour data are stored in a CNC-control pattern memory, which enable the cutting machine to cut along a contour defined by the pattern, when the pattern name is received. Coding is automatically detected on the pattern, and if present, the coding is read to determine the pattern name and its position on the cutting machine. The pattern name, and lateral and angular displacement data indicating of the position of the pattern are automatically supplied to control the cutting machine.The apparatus comprises detecting and reading systems including an optical detector on the cutting machine producing a video output signal; a digital image memory; and an image decoding system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bicycle, the frame (31) of which is connected to a single-arm drive extension (30) which, at its rear end, has firmly connected to it a rear wheel axle (11a) which is rotatably mounted and can be driven by a drive device (38,33,34,35), onto which rear wheel axle (11a) the rear wheel can be attached from one side. Moreover, the front wheel holder connected to the bicycle frame (31) is designed as a monospar fork (1), with the front wheel axle (11) being firmly connected to the monospar fork (1) for accommodating the front wheel on one side. The wheels (8a,8b) have wheel hubs (9a,9b) which are designed in half shell shapes and are open towards the axle bearing devices (12,13,14), with a break device (22), which is firmly connected to the axle bearing device, being arranged within at least one half shell shaped wheel hub, which brake device (22) can be pressed against the inner peripheral surface of a wheel hub (9a, 9b) for braking the bicycle.