Abstract: A method of cutting a sheet 1 with a tool controlled by a computer system and in accordance with a cutting program that may depend on certain particularities of the sheet. The computer system examines the sheet by scanning it with a video camera. Prior to scanning an operator marks certain of the particularities directly on the sheet using a fluorescent marker, the marking being in the form of distinctive symbols 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 which are detectable by the camera and which are interpretable as being constraints on cutting to be taken into account by the cutting program. The sheet is illuminated by ultraviolet light while it is being scanned by the camera, and the scanning speed of the camera is adjusted as a function of the required sensitivity. The scanning speed lies in the range 10 to 40 images per second, and is preferably about 25 images per second.

Abstract: A conformable sheet covering with high coefficient of friction, comprising a superficial layer made of a fine powder at least partially imbedded in a curable resin layer bonded to a lower support layer. The support layer is made of a thin sheet material having an elongation coefficient between 20 and 60% for a tensile force per linear centimeter less than 20N. There is a contact adhesive layer, protected by a pull off film, on the back side of the support layer. The new sheet covering is usable on three-dimensional surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic guiding device for the workpiece on a sewing machine of the type imposing a drag on the workpiece via a presser foot and claws with a pressure inducing foot, comprises, in or near the edge of the pressure inducing foot which is in the vicinity of the presser foot, a cut-out or window through which passes the stem of the guiding pressure inducing member, said stem having its extremity dome shaped and pressing directly the workpiece onto the plane surface of the work table.This device allows stitching at a distance of 5 millimeters from the workpiece edge.

Abstract: The invention relates to the manufacture of prefabricated panels from tiles, for example of sandstone, earthenware, metals, wood or rubber, the tiles being joined by a composition consisting of a heat-cured mixture of a substantially stoichiometric mixture of an epoxy resin and certain resins containing functional groups reactive therewith, and a polymer selected from polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl acetochloride and nitrile rubber. Panels in accordance with the invention can be laid rapidly without the problems encountered with conventional methods in which the bonding agent between the tiles must be left to harden before loads are applied to the tiles.