Abstract: The specification discloses an optimizing saw including a scanner unit having devices for measuring both the width and length of boards passing through the station whereby board feet can be calculated. More specifically, the width measuring device includes a reference plane and a reciprocating ram opposite the reference plane which engages a board therebetween to measure board width. The optimizing saw further includes a board conveying apparatus having a multi-speed hydraulic motor drive for smoothly and precisely transporting boards through the optimizing saw. Optimal saw cut locations for each board, control of the width-measuring device, calculation of board feet processed, pinch roll actuation, conveyor acceleration, conveyor deceleration, and status of current production against a predetermined bill of materials are all controlled by a single microprocessor.

Abstract: A packaging machine wherein an upper film is joined or sealed to a lower film at intervals between spaced articles being advanced on a conveyor, the seal being made by and between a vertically reciprocable, upper, heated, joining element and a cooperative, vertically reciprocable, lower abutment roller element. The abutment roller is at the plane of the conveyor, which is normally an endless belt, with the belt being there diverted around the abutment roller and around a drive roller engaging the abutment roller. The rollers and the heated element are on a carriage which is horizontally reciprocable in one direction with the belt and then back to a return position. The vertical strokes of these elements can be controllably altered during operation of the machine, to accommodate the article size, as can the horizontal stroke of the carriage.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating billets and the like prior to hot extrusion is disclosed. The apparatus includes an elongated, insulated tunnel having an inlet opening and an outlet opening. A conveyor extends through the tunnel from the inlet to the outlet and conveys a plurality of equally spaced, transversely arranged billets in a step-like manner. The conveyor rotates the billets as they are conveyed through the tunnel. A source of high temperature air is connected to a plenum positioned above the conveyor. High temperature air is discharged from the plenum through a plurality of slot-like jets positioned above the billets so that the air directly impinges on the billets. Temperature probes are included for insuring that the billets are biased to one side of the conveyor upon discharge and for sensing the billet temperature to control the air temperature within the tunnel. An unloader is provided for receiving the billets discharged from the tunnel and rotating them through an angle of 90.degree.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating materials such as aluminum billets to a temperature suitable for extrusion is disclosed. The apparatus has at least two zones arranged in tandem, a preheat zone and one or more primary heating zones. Every zone has inner and outer chambers. The outer chamber is supplied with high temperature gas at a pressure in excess of that of the inner chamber. The chambers are separated by baffles which define narrow slot-like aspirating throats through which secondary gases from a secondary source are jetted after entraining high temperature gases from the primary chamber. The secondary gases are at a lower temperature to provide efficient impingement of the gases on a target such as a billet with the primary gases providing the principle heat source. The apparatus is of the closed type utilizing rapid recycling of gases for efficient use of thermal energy.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating materials such as aluminum billets to a temperature suitable for extrusion is disclosed. The apparatus has at least two zones arranged in tandem, a preheat zone and one or more primary heating zones. Every zone has inner and outer chambers. The outer chamber is supplied with high temperature gas at a pressure in excess of that of the inner chamber. The chambers are separated by baffles which define narrow slot-like aspirating throats through which secondary gases from a secondary source are jetted after entraining high temperature gases from the primary chamber. The secondary gases are at a lower temperature to provide efficient impingement of the gases on a target such as a billet with the primary gases providing the principle heat source. The apparatus is of the closed type utilizing rapid recycling of gases for efficient use of thermal energy.

Abstract: A split labeling apparatus and method for cutting and transferring pairs of individual labels from a double label web in preparation for separate, simultaneous application to product surfaces. The double label web is provided in roll form, is advanced through divider means for splitting the web into like longitudinal strips, and on to a cut-off means where a pair of individual labels are simultaneously removed, one from each strip. The cut-off means includes a cutting blade which prevents the strips from twisting. Each pair of cut labels is transferred from the cutting location by a pair of label separators which spread the labels apart during transfer. A second, simultaneously operating, anti-twist cutting blade is included to remove any periodically occurring scrap section from the web.

Abstract: A labeling machine, system, and method capable of accommodating offset printed label tapes or other label tapes having discontinuities between the individual labels of a repeat print pattern, with feeding and severing such in controlled fashion utilizing a printed indicia code and a two stage feeding and cutting cycle, while uniquely securing and advancing articles or containers to be labeled with novel equipment, both in a manner to allow extremely accurate and dependable label application and subsequent label verification on the article as well as label position checking, and with discharge means positively governing discharge of the labeled articles according to acceptability or non-acceptability.

Abstract: An in-feed conveyor brings individual pieces of lumber to an examining area, where a carriage is movably mounted relative to the conveyor for movement along the piece of stock. A control on the carriage is triggered whenever the carriage is positioned in predetermined alignment with defects in the stock, including undesirable end portions as well as structural or quality defects intermediate the ends of the piece. Triggering such control sends an input to a computer, which controls the cutting of the stock by a saw located downstream from the examining station, by which the defects are cut out of the piece of stock. The computer completely controls the incremental movement of the piece of stock at the saw, automatically stopping the stock and causing the same to be cut, not only to remove defects, but also to produce an optimum yield of different pieces cut from the good stock between the defects.