Abstract: A system includes a sheet holder configured to hold a sheet of blanks, the sheet of blanks including a first blank and a second blank attached to the first blank. A conveyor mechanism is configured to transport the sheet of blanks from the sheet holder to a separator mechanism. The separator mechanism is configured to apply a pulling force to the first blank. A resistance component is configured to apply a resistance force to the second blank to resist the pulling force. The pulling force and the resistance force are configured to separate the first blank from the second blank.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for separating sheet-shaped objects (P), for example preliminary chewing-gum products or intermediate chewing-gum products in the form of chewing-gum sheets, into strip-shaped or slab-shaped object sub-units (S), for example preliminary chewing-gum products or intermediate chewing-gum products in the form of elongated chewing-gum strips or smaller chewing-gum slabs. According to the invention, the following method steps and device features are provided: providing the sheet-shaped objects (P), wherein each sheet-shaped object (P) has at least one weakening region (R); successively separating individual strip-shaped or slab-shaped object sub-units (S) one after another from the provided sheet-shaped objects (P), wherein separating takes place on the weakening regions (R) of the sheet-shaped objects (P) by means of a conveying and separating device (10); and onward conveying of the individual, formed strip-shaped or slab-shaped object sub-units (S).

Abstract: In a breaking operation, a substrate is moved so that a blade can be situated in line with a scribe line, and the blade is lowered to break the substrate. After the breaking, the blade is raised. Then, the substrate is moved along its surface while taking an image of the substrate by using a camera after the breaking. Moreover, the blade is lowered to break the substrate. After the breaking, the blade is raised. Then, the substrate is moved along its surface while performing image processing concurrently. After the movement of the substrate, the position of the substrate is corrected so that the following scribe line to be cut for breaking can be situated immediately below the blade. In this way, the time required for breaking the substrate formed with a multiplicity of scribe lines into pieces can be shortened.

Abstract: An auto-breaking machine adapted for breaking metal shells off a base band includes a frame assembly, a first breaking assembly, a power assembly and a turntable. The first breaking assembly has a support assembly disposed on the frame assembly, a first breaking member and a second breaking member pivoted on the support assembly and spaced away from each other for allowing the base band passing therebetween. The second breaking member has a breaking portion at a free end thereof and keeps a distance from a free end of the first breaking member for breaking the metal shells off the base band. The power assembly is disposed on the frame assembly. The turntable is rotatably mounted to the power assembly and driven by the power assembly for driving the base band to move.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus process a substrate to divide a mother substrate into unit substrates. The apparatus is provided with a scribing portion for drawing a scribe line on a mother substrate, a breaking portion for breaking a mother substrate along the formed scribe line, and a portion for conveying a substrate for conveying a mother substrate or a unit substrate at least between the above described respective portions, wherein portion for conveying a substrate has a number of rotational supports and with a suction surface for sucking and holding each substrate from a main surface, rotational supports and have rotational axes, as well as suction members for respectively sucking and rotating a substrate which rotates substrates around rotational axes approximately simultaneously in such a manner that at least two main surfaces of each substrate are turned over in the upward and downward direction.

Abstract: A method for processing a substrate and an apparatus for processing a substrate are provided, where a substrate can be prevented from being damaged during conveyance of the substrate, including turning over of the substrate, and the apparatus for processing a substrate having this mechanism for conveying a substrate is miniaturized, so that the area for installment can be reduced.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating a stock of semi-compliant material into discrete portions or tags. The apparatus includes a housing having a drive mechanism disposed therein for bending a portion of the semi-compliant material in a first direction, thus forming a line of weakening along the material. The drive mechanism subsequently bends the portion of the material in a second direction causing the tag to separate from the remaining material along the line of weakening. The present disclosure also includes a method of separating a semi-compliant material into discrete portions or tags. The method includes the steps of feeding the material into a drive mechanism; bending a portion of the material in a first direction, thus forming a line of weakening along the material; and bending a portion of the material in a second direction, thus separating the portion from the remaining material along the line of weakening.

Abstract: A paper web is drawn into a printing and can be guided along a selected one of several paths. The paper web is weakened along a line of separation and is then held by a retaining system that can move the web in a conveying direction along a first path. The web is fed to a different conveying path and is separated ot torn along the line of separation. This line of separation or weakening is formed at an angle to the production direction.

Abstract: A method and a device for releasing electrolytically deposited cathode plates from each side of a mother plate. At least one roller is pressed against the surface of the deposited cathode plate, and the roller is moved along the surface of the deposited cathode plate in order to cause the release of the deposited cathode plate from the mother plate at least in the rolled area.

Abstract: Devices and associated methods for removing scored edge strips from computer printout sheets. A base member of one device carries an open ended, outwardly opening, channel through which the edge strips and sheets are pulled together to separate the strips by drawing the score line against a tearing plate outstanding centrally within the channel. The tearing plate includes a blunt V-shaped portion to facilitate tearing. The device may be employed to simultaneously remove the edge strips from a single sheet or from a stack of several.

Abstract: A perforated web transporting and separating system in which two longitudinally spaced drive mechanisms move the web, an upstream drive and a downstream drive. A platen supports and guides the web; the platen has two sections, and one section can be slightly rotated in the plane of the web with respect to the other section. In separating the web along a row of perforations, the web is driven to a point where the row of perforations is between the platen sections. The upstream drive is stopped while the downstream drive continues to attempt to drive the web, creating a tension in the web across the row of perforations. With the web in tension, one section of the guide platen is articulated relative to the other, tearing the web along the tensioned row of perforations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating interconnected stacks in a pack of multiple stacks. The pack is confined and an impact wheel is pivoted into the pack at the juncture of the interconnected stacks. The wheel is frusto-conically shaped and the impact of the wheel first breaks the interconnection and then lifts the edge of one of the stacks while a holding shoe on the other stack holds the mated side edge of that juncture. A pivotal spread bar engages individual stacks with the remainder of the pack being confined to complete separation of the interconnection. Conveyor means conveys the stacks towards a packaging machine.

Abstract: A predetermined number of receipt slips of a continuous length of voucher forms each having a journal slip and a receipt slip placed one over the other are cut off, and the corresponding journal slips are folded back over the succeeding receipt slips to form the leading end of the continuous voucher forms in a threefold arrangement of slips. Then the continuous voucher forms are conveyed in a first direction to advance the leading end of the same to a slit formed in a winding shaft. The winding shaft is turned through a fixed angle after the leading end of the continuous voucher forms passes through the slit. The continuous voucher forms then are conveyed by a predetermined distance corresponding to the length of the predetermined number of receipt slips in a second direction opposite the first direction. Then, the continuous voucher forms are conveyed again in the first direction to wind the journal slip on the winding shaft and to convey the corresponding receipt slip to a receipt slip delivering unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing closure tags, includes a support structure on which is mounted a channel member defining first and second channels through which to feed a strip of closure tags. The forward end of the second channel is disposed slightly ahead of the forward end of the first channel to enable placement of a bag into the first tag while a substantial portion of the lower edge of the first tag is still disposed within the second channel. A guide member attached to the channel member defines a surface disposed generally ahead of and facing the second channel that includes a first portion extending from a first position that is generally directly ahead of the forward end of the second channel a distance slightly less than the tag width to a second position that is disposed sideways from the longitudinal axis of the second channel.

Abstract: An apparatus for the passivating, multistage compaction of hot iron particles supplied in the form of a packed bed from a reduction unit and for the subsequent breaking apart of the compacted iron band is described. Prior to the final compacting, the iron particles pass through a homogenizing and precompressing stage. Thus, the compacted iron has a pore volume of max. 40% and a density of at least 5.5 g/cm.sup.3. The iron compacted to a band is subsequently guided between the rollers (7,8,11) of a separating stage exposing it to bending stresses such that it breaks apart at the predetermined desired breaking points. The breaking points have a smaller density than the band regions between them. They can be produced in that in the precompression stage the feed speed is briefly decelerated compared with the feed speed in the compaction stage or in the compaction stage there is less marked compression at these points than in the intermediate regions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for segmenting groove molded building boards. In a preferred embodiment, a sheet of groove molded board is conveyed onto a first apparatus which separates the side edge trim scrap from the board. The board then passes onto a segmenting apparatus comprising a first horizontal conveyor, an inclined conveyor, a second generally horizontal conveyor, and adjustably mounted roller assemblies. The first apparatus removes the side-edge trim scrap from the board and the second segmenting apparatus breaks the groove molded board transversely along the groove molded lines. In addition, the second apparatus separates the leading and trailing edge scrap so as to provide individual board panels which require no additional trimming. As an alternative, two segmenting conveyors can be used in tandem so as to remove all of the scrap, thereby obviating the need for the first trim-scrap removing apparatus.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for producing a deckle edge on paper which involves applying a stream of liquid to a paper to form a wetted line thereon and applying a shearing force sufficient to cause the paper to separate into two parts along the wetted line thereby producing a deckle edge on the paper.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for segmenting groove molded building boards. In a preferred embodiment, a sheet of groove molded board is conveyed onto a first apparatus which separates the side edge trim scrap from the board. The board then passes onto a segmenting apparatus comprising a first horizontal conveyor, an inclined conveyor, a second generally horizontal conveyor, and adjustably mounted roller assemblies. The first apparatus removes the side-edge trim scrap from the board and the second segmenting apparatus breaks the groove molded board transversely along the groove molded lines. In addition, the second apparatus separates the leading and trailing edge scrap so as to provide individual board panels which require no additional trimming. As an alternative, two segmenting conveyors can be used in tandem so as to remove all of the scrap, thereby obviating the need for the first trim-scrap removing apparatus.

Abstract: To undo the interconnection caused at cut edges of stacks of plastics bags that have been stamped, at least those zones of each stack where stamping has taken place are continuously bent over at least one supporting edge by being pulled thereover.

Abstract: Irradiated nuclear fuel pins (30) comprising metal-sheathed refractory pellets are rendered into short lengths by notching at a pair of notching wheels (14) and providing a deflector block (18) against which the notching wheels drive the notched pins to bend and brake them at the notches.

Abstract: A conveyor for removing billets from an induction heating furnace and for separating them from following billets to which they may have become adhered employs a roller having a contoured surface. The roller is rotatably mounted about an axis skewed relative to its central axis so that it wobbles as it rotates, imparting a reciprocating force on the billet to separate it from the following billet to which it is adhered.

Abstract: A device for breaking at least one continuous rod in a machine for making products for smokers comprises a separating element movable in between a first position of intersection with the path of the rod and a second position external thereto; an operating mechanism includes a helical torsion spring mounted on a shaft integral with the separating element to drive the latter alternately from one position to the other; a restraint member, interlocked to a control device, withholds the separating element against the action of the helical spring and a reloading device reloads the latter each time the separating element has moved from one of the said positions to the other.

Abstract: A stacking machine and method for pairing and stacking metal plates having teeth struck out and protruding therefrom, which plates are commonly referred to as nail plates. The nail plates that are to be stacked are supplied to a supply section of the machine in streams of longitudinally extending metal plates as the plates exit from a stamping machine. It is in the stamping machine that the teeth forming the nails of the plates are struck out from the plates. These nail plates are supplied to a stacking section of the stacking machine two plate lengths at a time. The stacking section receives the pair of metal plates, which also can be two plate sections with each section being formed of several plates, in a longitudinally extending relationship from the supply section and then reorientates the two metal plates so that the two plates are in a face-to-face orientation. The pairs of plates are then transferred to a stack receiving section.

Abstract: An improvement in a machine for longitudinally separating portions of a continuous web of paper has a triangularly shaped breaking element engaging the under side of the web with spaced apart breaking triangles for ripping the paper along perforation lines and accommodating intermittant longitudinal web displacement.

Abstract: A prescored ceramic substrate plate is broken along each of a plurality of parallel, uniformily-spaced transverse score lines scribed therein by moving the plate, scored side up, along a guide rail and over a break edge into the lower arc of a resilient break roller which is free to rotate. First and second idler rollers apply pressure to the remaining portion of the plate as the plate is being moved. The break roller is canted in the X-axis at a predetermined angle with respect to the break edge for applying a graduated downward pressure onto the plate against the break edge. This angled orientation of the break roller to the break edge sequentially causes the plate to fracture incrementally along each score line as that portion of the plate located at the previously adjacent score line moves into the break roller.

Abstract: Automatic cracking apparatus for cracking a glass plate along score lines extending across the plate. The apparatus has a vertically inclined main breaking roller where the top of the lower axial end of the roller is even with a feed conveyor and has an edge breaking roller for engaging an edge of the plate and the top of which lies above the highest point of the main breaking roller.

Abstract: Pulses from a motor-driven roto pulser, e.g., primary pulses, and from a roto pulser powered by a moving ribbon, e.g., secondary pulses, are (1) compared to determine if the ribbon is continuous and (2) used to actuate ribbon cross scoring and snapping equipment. When the secondary pulse count exceeds the primary pulse count for a given ribbon displacement by more than a predetermined amount, indications are that a ribbon break has occurred and the scoring and snapping equipment is actuated by the pulses from the ribbon powered roto pulser. When the difference between the secondary pulse count and primary pulse count is less than the predetermined amount, indications are that the ribbon is continuous and the equipment is actuated by pulses from the motor-driven roto pulser.

Abstract: An improvement in continuous-rod making machines comprises a rod-breaking mechanism, particularly for a composite filter rod, which has spaced grippers for gripping the rod and accelerating it in a generally lengthwise direction. In a preferred construction a pivoted segment carries the grippers and cam means is provided for moving the grippers together as the segment is itself moved. The segment may carry a deflector for directing the rod to waste and means may be provided for releasing the leading part of the rod after it has been broken. The new leading end of the rod on a conveyor band passes to a rod-receiving member, which may be the entry to a rod cut-off mechanism or rod-measuring device.

Abstract: An ice maker having structure for forming an ice column which is passed through a constricting nozzle. A delivery structure is arranged to receive the ice column and cause selectively the shearing of the ice column into full sized ice bodies, approximately half size ice bodies, or cracked ice. The delivery structure may include a breaker tube having an inwardly directed projection and defining a deflecting structure for shearing the ice at preselected intervals. The delivery structure may further include a selectively installable adapter defining a second inwardly directed projection for causing shearing of the ice column at preselected intervals less than that effected by the projection in the breaker tube. A blade may be removably associated with the adapter for selectively causing shattering of the ice column so as to form cracked ice, when desired. An extension tube may be associated with the breaker tube for delivering the ice bodies and cracked ice in any direction from the ice maker.

Abstract: Rectangularly shaped snapstrates are separated into substrates along kerfs that are parallel to edges thereof by belt and roller flexure forces produced by two belts that are caused to be contiguous over the suspended length of the upper belt by a pressure roller forcing the two belts together at an intermediate point between roller supports for the belts. This produces oppositely facing curvatures in the belts at spaced apart transverse lines thereon which flex snapstrates in opposite directions with a flexure force which is sufficient to separate snapstrates on the lower belt with kerfs facing in the right direction and which is not sufficient to separate snapstrates there with kerfs facing in the wrong direction. In an alternate embodiment, the peripheries of rollers are tapered in vertical sections for separating snapstrates along kerfs oriented at right angles. In a further embodiment, only a single belt with a pressure roller pressing down on it is employed to separate snapstrates.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, conveyor belts spaced apart and extending and moving in a common direction have an upwardly extending angularly inclined projection extending in a direction opposite to the direction of movement of the conveyor belts, located between or closely adjacent to the conveyor belt(s), with pincher opposing rollers positioned for engaging sheet carried on an upper surface of the belts for thereby anchoring the sheet adjacent the inclined projection, the leading surface of the inclined projection being shaped to guide stripped sheet material downwardly between pincher rollers forcing the strip downwardly from its stripped point, such that a sheet precut with a minor strip thereof being only intermittently connected to a major section of greater surface area, is easily stripped from the major section as the major stripped section is thereby conveyable onwardly to a collection point.

Abstract: An endless belt moves a glass sheet having lateral scores along a movement path having a receiving horizontal path portion and a downwardly inclined or sloping path portion. As the leading edge of the glass sheet advances toward the end of the horizontal path section, it moves under a pinch roll. Continued movement of the sheet advances the leading edge under a snap roll spaced above the inclined path portion. The snap roll applies a downward force to the sheet to open a lateral score between the pinch roll and the snap roll. The severed glass drops onto the inclined path portion and is conveyed along the inclined path portion.

Abstract: Deposited material is removed from an edge of a plate in the form of a strip, by positioning against the edge of the plate the periphery of a roller that has corrugations along its periphery, the corrugations having sharp edges that extend all the way around the periphery of the roller. The edge of the plate is disposed at an acute angle to the axis of the roller at least at the point of contact of the roller with the edge, and the roller is rotated about its axis in a direction to remove material from the edge of the plate in a direction edgewise away from the plate. The roller is then moved along the plate in a direction parallel to the edge of the plate while maintaining the periphery of the roller in contact with the edge of the plate. Preferably, the axis of the roller is disposed at an acute angle to the plane of the plate.