Abstract: A method and apparatus for supporting sheet material such as cloth during operations thereon such as cutting wherein a pattern is placed on a supporting surface provided with a plurality of pins extending through apertures in the surface, the pins are lowered below the surface for removal of the pattern whereupon sheet material is placed on the surface, typically a plurality of plies being layed up in a stack, and simultaneously the pins are moved through the sheet material to maintain alignment and matching of the plies in the stack. The pattern then is placed on the sheet material in a position determined by the location of the pins, and the material is shaped such as by cutting. A plurality of separate pin holding and supporting devices of narrow width are spaced lengthwise along the apparatus and independently movable lengthwise toward and away from each other. Pins of adjacent rows can be closely spaced together thereby achieving a grid pattern wherein the pins are relatively closely spaced.

Abstract: A cloth-spreading apparatus having an improved control for controlling the movement of a carriage assembly across an elongated table. The control includes one or more sensors in the form of photoelectric eyes (52-58) which are capable of sensing a light-reflective medium (60, 76) and nonreflective surfaces (72, 74 or 78), which sensed positions are processed by a controller (50) to cause an electric motor (42) to be slowed down when the carriage assembly (24) reaches a slowdown position and to be stopped or reversed when a stop position is attained. The sensors are in an "on" state when the carriage assembly is moving and in an "off" state when the carriage assembly is not moving.

Abstract: In order to so improve a fabric laying machine for the zigzag laying of a fabric web with a means for guiding the fabric web, comprising a means for delivery of the fabric web which is guided at a predetermined height above a pile of laid-out fabric layers and from which the fabric web falls freely during the laying and passes along a bend into the top fabric layer, and further comprising a cutting-off means which is associated with the means for delivery of the fabric web, that exact laying-out of the fabric layers is possible in the region of the edges of the pile of layers, it is suggested that a surface for directing the fabric web which deflects the fabric web falling freely from the means for delivery of the fabric web be movable beneath the means for delivery of the fabric web.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method records a flaw in a fabric web during a flaw inspection. The flaw is recorded by a mark placed on the fabric web along with the X- and Y-values of a system of points defining a boundary line around the flaw. The mark and a side edge of the fabric web, respectively, serve as reference points for these X-and Y-values.

Abstract: In order for a laying machine for laying out a fabric web comprising a fabric web guide mechanism for drawing the fabric web off a fabric reel and laying it out as a fabric layer, including a fabric feed device for feeding the fabric web in accordance with the speed of the laying machine, and also comprising a tension relief control means, to be designed as simply as possible from a structural point of view, it is proposed that the fabric web loop be arranged between the fabric feed device and the laid-out fabric layer, that the fabric web loop be formed by a bend of free-falling fabric web piece in a direction extending transversely to the direction of fall, and that the sensing barrier detect a change in the length of the arc of the bend through displacement of the freely hanging bend.

Abstract: In order to achieve exact positioning of a leading edge of a fabric web in a fabric web guide of a fabric spreading machine, it is suggested for a method and apparatus that the fabric web is moved forward with its leading edge in the direction of spreading up to the starting line, the leading edge is then detected and the fabric web slowed down and stopped, that after stopping it is determined whether or not the leading edge coincides with the starting line, and that when the leading edge does not coincide with the starting line the fabric web is withdrawn contrary to the direction of spreading for a predetermined distance and then moved forward again in the direction of spreading up to the starting line.

Abstract: In order to improve a method for minimizing material utilization during spreading of a flawed material web, in particular, a fabric web, such that it can be carried out in a manner which always economizes on material or fabric, it is proposed that proceeding from a region determined by the flaw, a set of at least two virtual stop lines be placed in the pattern representation and all flawless pattern pieces cut by the virtual stop lines be determined, that by applying an optimization criterion which takes into consideration the flawless pattern pieces cut by the virtual stop lines and the flawed pattern pieces, one of the virtual stop lines be selected and the stop line be arranged at it, that a maximum distance from the stop line be determined which maximum distance corresponds to the furthest distance of a start of one of the flawless pattern pieces cut by the stop line or of one of the flawed pattern pieces from the stop line, and that the restart line be placed in the direction opposite to the spreading di

Abstract: A cutting machine for fabrics, comprising a table, a carriage reciprocating along the same, a pivoted cantilever extending above the table and having an inner arm pivotably mounted about a vertical axis on the carriage and an outer arm articulated on the inner arm, a hand cutter being pivotable about a vertical axis on the outer arm, further comprising switching means for the carriage drive and for controlling the direction of travel of the carriage, a first switching means being provided which is controlled by both arms in order to limit the deviations of the angle formed by the two cantilever arms from an angle of 90.degree., a second switching means controlled by the inner cantilever arm also being provided to limit the deviations of the angle formed by the inner cantilever arm and the direction of travel of the carriage from an angle of 90.degree..

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for cutting out faultless pattern pieces from webs of fabric superimposed to form a stack and having irregularly occurring material defects. According to the invention, intrusive material defects are cut out and the individual parts of each web of fabric which has had a material defect cut out of it are overlapped such that a complete set of pattern pieces is obtained each time and none of these pieces contains an intrusive material fault. The coordinate data for the material defect are ascertained by digitally operating means and stored in digital form so that the can be displayed, together with cutting data, on a screen which is preferably displaced together with a fabric laying carriage of a fabric laying machine for carrying out the inventive method.

Abstract: A process for fabricating one-piece moldings from a dry ceramic mass, in particular crockery or china such as cups, pots, cans and the like having deep handles, grips, lugs or the like as well as a molding arrangement for carrying out this process. The molding arrangement includes a divided mold matrix and a divided punch which define between them a mold cavity into which a sprayed granular dry ceramic mass is fed. By the application of isostatic pressure via the punch the ceramic mass is molded. The molding is then removed by separating the halves of the punch and mold matrix and the molding is then subjected to a kilning step.

Abstract: A machine for cutting out flat material comprising a support for the flat material, a carriage guided for displacement along the support by at least one guide rail, the carriage bearing a beam extending above the support and pivotable, in relation to the carriage, about an at least approximately vertical, first pivot axis, this beam having at least two arms interconnected by a joint having a second pivot axis parallel to the first pivot axis and the outer arm of said two arms bearing a cutting mechanism pivotable, in relation to the outer beam arm, about a third pivot axis parallel to the first pivot axis and a foot of the cutting mechanism being in contact with the support during operation. In order to simplify the construction of the beam but still ensure that the cutting mechanism always rests perpendicularly on the support, this cutting mechanism is adapted to swivel, in relation to the support, about a tilt axis parallel to the support and rests with its foot on this support.

Abstract: A web laying machine has a laying carriage driven back-and-forth over the laying table in a web laying direction. The laying carriage includes a chassis, an upper part mounted on the chassis and movable transversely to the laying direction relative to the chassis and rotatable about a vertical axis. A sled, carrying a support mechanism for a web supply reel is arranged on the upper part, and has a first position and a second position spaced from the first position in a direction parallel to the laying direction. The sled is movable from the one to the other position by rotating the upper part through an angle of 180.degree. or by linearly displacing the sled relative to the upper part.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cutting machine, in particular a fabric cutting machine, comprising a bearing table for the material and a supporting structure, which is displaceable along the table, for a cutting tool rotatable about a vertical axis and comprising drive means for driving the cutting tool relative to the table. In the case of a cutting machine of this type the invention has a first angular position detector associated with the cutting tool, this first angular position detector generating signals corresponding to the angular position of the cutting tool. In addition, a guide handle is provided on the cutting tool, this handle having associated signal generating means for producing additional control signals such that, on the basis of the signals from the first angular position detector and the additional signal generating means, control signals may be generated for the drive means of the cutting tool, which enable the cutting procedure to be servo-assisted when the cutting tool is guided by hand.

Abstract: Am improved press for molding ceramic material which has a base frame on which a first carrier is rigidly mounted and which fixedly supports a stationary punch. A stripper platen is slidably movably supported on said first carrier and is adapted to be reciprocated therein by third piston and cylinder means mounted in said first carrier. The stripper platen includes an annular chamber disposed around the stationary punch for receiving granular ceramic material from a hopper mounted in the base frame. A second carrier is also rigidly mounted in the base frame and supports first and second cylinder and piston means. The first cylinder and piston means serves to support a movable punch which exerts the main molding pressure on the ceramic material when the stationary and movable punch are in the molding position. The second cylinder and piston serve to move the movable punch towards and away from the stationary punch and to exert supplemental pressure on the movable punch during the molding process.

Abstract: A web laying machine for laying a web in superposed layers on a laying table has a laying carriage traveling back and forth along the length of the laying table between first and second end position, a web laying unit vertically displaceably mounted on the laying carriage and a web holding unit arranged at the first end position for immobilizing the web while the laying carriage moves from the first end position to the second end position. The web laying unit is maintained, during at least the greatest part of the travel of the laying carriage between the two end positions, at a laying height above the laying table. The laying height is at a higher level than the height position of the web laying unit while the laying carriage is in the first end position. Further, the web laying unit is lowered at least approximately to the level of the precedingly deposited web layer or, in the absence thereof, to the level of the laying table, at the latest when the laying carriage reaches the web holding unit.

Abstract: A web laying machine for laying a web in superposed layers on a laying table has a laying carriage traveling back and forth along the length of the laying table between first and second end positions, a web laying unit vertically displaceably mounted on the laying carriage and a web holding unit arranged at the first end position for immobilizing the web while the laying carriage moves from the first end position to the second end position. The web laying unit is maintained, during at least the greatest part of the travel of the laying carriage between the two end positions, at a laying height above the laying table. The laying height is at a higher level than the height position of the web laying unit while the laying carriage is in the first end position. Further, the web laying unit is lowered at least approximately to the level of the precedingly deposited web layer or, in the absence thereof, to the level of the laying table, at the latest when the laying carriage reaches the web holding unit.

Abstract: A press mold having upper and lower jaws for pressing and molding articles of ceramic material. Each jaw supports a die, at least one of which has a molding matrix. A press ring mounted around the die having the matrix. Upper and lower contoured parts made of synthetic material or rubber are respectively mounted on the upper and lower die by adhesive. Each contoured part has a matrix. One of these matrices has an inner contoured edge which corresponds to the outer edge contour of the molding made by the press mold and having an outer contoured edge at least in the areas of the smaller diameters of the molding with respect to the areas of the largest diameter of the moldings in the direction of the surface of the molding which protrudes beyond this inner contoured edge and which has an even contour, such as a circle.

Abstract: A multiple press having a plurality of molds for forming ceramic moldings. The press includes a base frame on which a movable mounting plate is mounted. The movable mounting plate carries a plurality of mold halves. The base frame also includes a fixed mounting plate having a plurality of cylindrical bores in which a plurality of punch carriers are slidably mounted. Each punch carrier holds a mold half which mates with the confronting mold half on the movable mounting plate. The cylindrical bores being in communication with a source of a pressure medium so that a "pressure pad" is formed behind each punch carrier during the molding process.

Abstract: A manually guided cutting machine for cutting stacked layers of cloth and the like which includes a frame having a downwardly extending column with a foot plate of flat extensive construction for supporting the machine on a cutting table as the machine is manually guided. A reciprocated knife blade at the front edge of the column, driven by an air motor on the frame, cuts into the material supported upon the foot plate. Exhaust air from the motor is conducted to a centrally located confined recess under the foot plate free of any communication with the top of the plate so that the foot plate floats on a cushion of air and with the noise of the exhaust air being muffled by the foot plate and the overlying material.

Abstract: A cutting-out machine for flat material such as cloth has a slit blade cutting mechanism mounted on one end of a double-arm beam. The beam arms are pivotally connected to one another about a vertical axis. The cutting mechanism is pivotally connected to one end of the beam, preferably in an adjustable spring-loaded mount. The pivot axis is vertical and aligned with the cutting edge of the slit blade. The other end of the beam is pivotally connected, also along a vertical axis, to a carriage that rides on guide tracks extending along a longitudinal edge of a support table for the material. The carriage is preferably driven by an electric motor under the control of a switch located on the cutting mechanism. The beams arms are substantially equal to the width of the support table when the beam is fully extended.