Abstract: The present invention provides an independently operable and serviceable ticket burster machine that properly handles perforated tickets of all shapes, sizes and thicknesses. The present invention includes a ticket burster element, an exit sensor with a mechanical flag switch, an inventory flag spanning the entire width of the ticket input slot and having an optical slot switch, a slidable ticket guide, one or more leaf spring arrangements and versatile and durable rollers.

Abstract: The incomplete compound die cut along the circumference of the fine-blanked part is carried out with a specially shaped cutting edge of cutting punch (11) and/or cutting plate (5) such that the fine-blanked part (1) initially remains bonded to at least one partial connecting part on the material strip (2), either on the upper or lower plane at a level relative to the material strip. It is then moved together with the material strip in the running direction of the strip to a subsequent removal stage (ejector), in which the fine-blanked part and material strip are separated from each other perpendicular to the running direction of the material strip towards the bottom by braking the connecting part without a vertical shear force and without pressing, wherein the removed fine-blanked part (1) is fed through a chute (9) in the cutting plate.

Abstract: A method is provided for making a backing layer for an ultrasonic matrix array transducer useful in medical imaging and the like. A conductive grid is provided which includes a plurality of micro-contacts each joined together by a common base so that spaces are provided between the free ends of the contacts. A mold for the grid is filled with an acoustically absorbent material such that the absorbent material fills the spaces between the contacts, so as to produce a block when cured. The common base is removed so as to separate the contacts from one another within the block. Further machining exposes the opposite ends of micro-contacts so that a like number of contact faces or pads are provided at opposed surfaces of the backing layer. Improved transducer constructions are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a magnetic circuit for an electrical machine, the method comprising: using a cutting station to cut out at least one strip of sectors that are interconnected by deformable connections; and using a winding station to wind the strip of sectors around a mandrel; wherein, between the cutting station and the winding station, there is a zone configured to enable the strip to deform so as to compensate for a difference in speed between a speed of the strip at an outlet from the cutting station and its speed at an inlet to the winding station.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for coupling a replacement micro-actuator to a drive arm suspension after a micro-actuator, such as a defective micro-actuator, has been detached from the suspension.

Abstract: An improved method of integrally attaching a heat sink to an IC package for enhancing the thermal conductivity of the package. A heat sink matrix, which is dividable into a plurality of individual heat sinks, is attached to an IC package matrix, which is comprised of a plurality of individual IC packages abutting each other in a matrix arrangement. The IC package matrix and the heat sink matrix attached thereto are then simultaneously cut by means of a machine tool into a plurality of individually formed IC packages each with a heat sink attached; thereby, thermal conductivity of a conventional IC package is enhanced.

Abstract: A method for producing transducers having a 1-3 composite structure. The transducer element includes a plurality of thin piezoceramic wafers which are electroded on opposing major surfaces. The spaced wafers are separated by a passive polymer layer in a composite structure and the electrodes on the opposing major surfaces are connected to different ones of top and bottom electrode surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention generally encompasses a device for removing waste material from a blank. The invention includes a rotatable stripping pin housing and a stationary cam. The stripping pin housing includes a number of radially extending grooves in its axial surface. Each groove terminates at an aperture located in the stripping pin housing's circumferential surface. A stripping pin apparatus having an radially outwardly extending stripping pin capable of penetrating waste material and an axially extending cam follower is position within each groove. Each cam follower is engaged within a cam track in the stationary cam. The stripping pin housing is placed so that the stripping pins will engage waste material (and not the blank) as the material passes the device. Thereafter, the stripping pin housing is rotated causing the cam followers to travel along the cam track so that the radial location of the cam track determining the radial position of the stripping pins.

Abstract: A converting press for paper or cardboard sheets including a waste stripping station and/or a blanking station with a pull-out chase (1, 2, 3, 4). A pair of horizontal transverse rails (5, 11) supports an upper stripping tool for a waste stripping operation, or a blanking tool for a blanking operation. The first rail (5) is fixed relative to the chase and the second rail is movable in a longitudinal direction. The profile of the rails allows receiving and maintaining in an operational waste stripping position, a pull-out chase of an upper tool or an upper stripping board, and/or blanking board for blanking operation.

Abstract: A three hole punch system for use in an image capturing device. The three hole punch system uses elastomer rollers that punch holes in the edge of a document as is passes between the two rollers. If desired the rollers can act as a transport for the document without punching holes in the document. After the holes are punched the slugs are pushed back into the holes and the document is retrieved by the operator.

Abstract: A cutter, preferably a cheese cutter, for cutting food into consumer-size chunks. The cutter comprises a feed conveyor, slab drive apparatus for driving a slab along the feed conveyor, and a cutting harp adjacent the discharge end of the feed conveyor. The cutting harp has cutting devices which make cuts extending across an opening. A slab discharged from the conveyor passes through the central opening, and the cutting devices cut the food product in the direction of advance of the slab. Transverse harp drive apparatus drives the harp transverse to the direction of advance of the slab, severing chunks of product from the slab. A take-away conveyor takes the severed chunks away from the cutting harp, to a weighing device which weighs the chunks. A controller receives weights from the weighing device, and sends adjustment instructions to the slab drive apparatus to adjust subsequent weights of product cut from such slabs.

Abstract: Methods for setting-up a female blanking die for a die cutting machine for die cutting and/or blanking a carton blank, and universal press frames for use in such setting-up are all provided herein. The first stages in the erection of the female blanking die, which includes a rectangular framework of a front rail, a rear rail and two side rails, involve accurate placement of a template within the rectangular framework. All the rails are provided with a dovetail groove along its inside edges. This is achieved by the use of centre line orientation cylinders on a template, a centre line rod through aligned holes in the centre line orientation cylinders and centre line brackets at the precise centre point of the front and the rear rails. The template is mounted atop the centre line brackets by means of the centre line rod and rests loosely on template corner locking clamps.

Abstract: An extraction apparatus for extracting or separating cut or partially cut pieces or parts from a cut sheet at an extraction station comprises: a sheet gripping and moving device for gripping and moving a cut or partially cut sheet through an extraction station; and an extraction roller at the extraction station positioned for movement transversely of a cut sheet and being constructed, arranged and operated to move transversely of the path of movement of the cut sheet when the leading edge scrap web of the cut sheet is adjacent the extraction roller to engage and deflect the scrap web of the cut sheet passing through the gripping and moving device away from the cut pieces or parts.

Abstract: A three hole punch system is for use in an image capturing device. The three hole punch system uses elastomeric rollers that punch holes in the edge of a sheet as it passes between two rollers. If desired, the rollers can act as a transport for the sheet without punching holes in the sheet. After the holes are punched, the resultant slugs are pushed back into the holes and the sheet is retrieved by the operator.

Abstract: A device for extracting samples from a folder, includes a cutting cylinder pair including a blade cylinder and a grooved cylinder, the blade cylinder having at least one cutting blade mounted on the periphery thereof, the grooved cylinder having at least one groove bar, a respective holding device for signatures assigned to the groove bar, conveyor tapes for conveying signatures emerging from a nip between cylinder and the grooved cylinder of the cutting cylinder pair to a signature delivery and to a conveyor unit assigned to the cutting cylinder pair, and a device for remotely controlling the holding devices.

Abstract: A device for extracting samples from a folder, includes a cutting cylinder pair including a blade cylinder and a grooved cylinder, the blade cylinder having at least one cutting blade mounted on the periphery thereof, the grooved cylinder having at least one groove bar, a respective holding device for signatures assigned to the groove bar, conveyor tapes for conveying signatures emerging from a nip between the blade cylinder and the grooved cylinder of the cutting cylinder pair to a signature delivery and to a conveyor unit assigned to the cutting cylinder pair, and a device for remotely controlling the holding devices.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing a plurality of printed labels configured as paper sheet portions from a plurality of stacked pressing sheets, the labels being partially precut and arranged in a predetermined pattern in the pressing sheets, including a die plate having a plurality of openings formed therein in a predetermined pattern corresponding to the pattern of the labels in the pressing sheets. The labels are pressed from the pressing sheets through the openings by a plurality of press members which are arranged in a predetermined pattern corresponding to the patterns of both the labels and the die openings, and project from a vertically movable press plate. As the labels are pressed from the master sheets, the die plate openings help to maintain the labels in aligned stacks.

Abstract: Apparatus for stripping waste material from a paperboard web in a die cutter or die cutting section of a press that includes an outer pin cylinder, carrying self cleaning stripper pin mechanisms, and an inner ejection cylinder mounted eccentrically within the outer pin cylinder by a mounting arrangement that has a longitudinally extending non-rotatable beam with a pair of trolleys mounted thereon that carry rollers engagable with the inner surface of the ejection cylinder to keep the ejection cylinder in a predetermined position at all times with respect to the pin cylinder for engagement with said stripper pin mechanisms.

Abstract: A universal movable upper tool for a waste-stripping station situated within a machine designed for die-cutting sheet or web-like matter to be converted into packages includes a tool with a rectangular lower plate provided with apertures. Push-rods destined to push waste material through corresponding openings of a perforated upper plate forming a lower tool of the station are fitted against a lower side of the upper plate with the help of quick-fitting means situated on the upper plate's upper surface. Sponge rubber pressers are fitted against a lower side of the upper plate by means of strips affording an easily disengageable mechanical engagement such as hook and loop locking strips (such as VELCRO fasteners) or frictionally engaging locking devices (such as LEGO fasteners).

Abstract: A a lid for sealing a container. The lid adheres to the container by no more than a vacuum formed within the container. The lid is formed of a substantially circular panel having a flanged perimeter and a concave depression on an upper side of the circular panel. A pressure release hole extends through the concave depression of the circular panel and sanitary varnish is disposed on a lower side of the circular panel. A first adhesive material is applied to the lower side of the lid by fusion to the sanitary varnish to form a thin film over the release hole, and a second adhesive material is disposed in the concave depression on the upper side of the lid to form a removable seal. The second adhesive material has the same properties as the first adhesive material.

Abstract: A device for extracting samples from a folder, includes a cutting cylinder pair including a blade cylinder and a grooved cylinder, the blade cylinder having at least one cutting blade mounted on the periphery thereof, the grooved cylinder having at least one groove bar, a respective holding device for signatures assigned to the groove bar, conveyor tapes for conveying signatures emerging from a nip between the blade cylinder and the grooved cylinder of the cutting cylinder pair to a signature delivery and to a conveyor unit assigned to the cutting cylinder pair, and a device for remotely controlling the holding devices.

Abstract: A machine, which is designed for converting sheets into blanks for forming packages, has at least an infeed station, a processing station for cuting and creasing the sheets of material into blanks, which processing station includes an upper and lower platen and a chain transfer conveyor for moving the sheets between the platens and any additional stations, such as waste stripping stations and delivery stations. To remove a front waste held in the gripper bars of the transfer conveyor after the blanks have been separated from the sheets, the machine includes a front waste removal station positioned above the upper platen of the processing station.

Abstract: In a cutting system and method for cutting pattern pieces from flexible sheet material, after the cutting the cut pattern pieces are separated from the waste material by moving the material forwardly to a separating station at which the waste material is pulled from one point to another so as to be tensioned and constrained to move along one path to one delivery station, while cut pattern pieces are not similarly pulled or tensioned but instead are allowed to move by gravity to a different path leading to another delivery station. An associated means, such as a roll with a resilient outer surface or a plurality of plungers, applies forces to the material to aid gravity in the separation of the pattern pieces by tending to push such pieces from the waste material. The material may also be vibrated to assist in the dislodgment of the pattern pieces from the waste material.

Abstract: In a progressive die for punch press operations in which a strip of material is fed into the press and sequential operations are conducted on the strip including the separation of parts from the strip. The die is provided with a construction which forms an integral carrier tab between the parts to be separated. In the embodiment ilustrated, the operation is the manufacture of rotor and stator laminations for a dynamoelectric machine. The strip of material is fed into the press in which the die is mounted, and the respective rotor and stator laminations are formed in a series of workstations within the die. The improvement in the die construction is a punch station for substantially but not completely separating the rotor lamination from the strip. Thereafter, additional operations are constructed on the strip, the rotor lamination being completely separated at a subsequent workstation.

Abstract: A punch press, of the type capable of producing a piece from a sheet of material, the piece being attached to the sheet by a tab, is provided with a separation assembly that fits into a standard tool station. The invention provides for parting of the piece from the sheet, and automatic transport of the parted piece to a position overlying a hinged drop door provided as part of a removal assembly. The invention eliminates the need for manual parting and removal of the piece from the punch press.

Abstract: A variable rotary cutter assembly for transverse cutting of web material as it passes between rotating anvil and knife cylinders includes one or more cutter assemblies selectively positionable on the periphery of the knife cylinder. Various embodiments of the cutter assembly include a pair of pivotally connected block members adapted for releasable mounting on the knife cylinder and carrying an elongated knife blade which is biased outwardly by spring means about a pivot axis parallel to and spaced from the knife blade. The spring means enable a precise predetermined cutting pressure per unit length of the knife blade to be established against the anvil cylinder while enabling self-adjusting movement of the knife blade to accommodate substantial variance in anvil and knife cylinder spacing and knife blade wear. The cutter assemblies may be mounted to effect single or double transverse web cuts, and stripper means are provided to remove trim strips cut from the web by pairs of knife blades.

Abstract: A waste stripping tool comprising a grid formed of crossbar members consisting of a crossbar assembly of two members held side-by-side by a coupler. The assembly consists of a strap, which has two jaws having two triangular profiled teeth engaged in grooves in each of the crossbar members and threaded arrangement for causing a clamping of the jaws onto the members to hold them in a side-by-side relationship. The assembly can be utilized in a stripping station of a sheet die cutting machine and allows for the reduction of the number of bars needed to construct the frame of different sizes for the particular station.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing scrap around the die cut blanks in a web comprising a pair of rolls through which the web is passed, one roll carrying flexible pointed fingers arranged substantially parallel thereto for impaling the scrap pieces and the other roll carrying resilient material opposed said flexible pointed fingers to contact the scrap pieces so they may be impaled by the pointed fingers. Scrap pieces are impinged on the pointed fingers as the scrap pieces pass between the fingers and resilient material before the nip of the rolls and are pushed outwardly from the surface of the roll by the flexible point finger for removal by a comb, brush or vacuum means.

Abstract: A perforated web-like bituminous roofing material comprising a perforated, bituminized carrier, at the side facing, in the condition of use, the roof area to be coated, is provided with a metal foil leaving clear the perforations in the bituminized carrier. The roofing material can be manufactured by finishing one side of a perforated bituminized carrier with fine sprinkling material and coating the other side with an imperforate metal foil, and subsequently removing the metal foil at the perforations.

Abstract: A variable rotary cutter assembly for transverse cutting of web material as it passes through a nip between rotating anvil and knife cylinders includes one or more cutter assemblies selectively positionable on the periphery of the knife cylinder. Each cutter assembly includes a base block adapted to be releasibly mounted on the knife cylinder, and a pair of pivotally connected block members one of which is adapted for releasibly mounting on an associated base block and the other of which carries an elongated knife blade and is outwardly pivotable about a pivot axis parallel to and spaced from the knife blade. Spring means bias the knife carrier block member outwardly about its pivot axis so as to effect a predetermined cutting pressure per unit length of the knife blade against the anvil while enabling self-adjusting movement of the knife blade to accommodate substantial variance in anvil and knife cylinder spacing and knife blade wear.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming planar parts (WA) by progressively punching out the shape of the part (WA) from a piece of sheet material (W) in which the part (WA) is automatically removed from the remaining sheet material (W), by a hinged trap door section (37) in a work supporting table (33), one end lowered to form a chute. The punching process is carried out primarily in a first punching station (A), where punch and die set magazines (18, 19) may be mounted, but connecting sections (WC) are left to be removed in a second punching station (B) where the trap door section (37) is located. The separated parts (WC) are deposited on a conveyor system (36) located beneath the table 33, and detector unit (59, 61) enables shut down of the press if a part fails to move after each punching operation.

Abstract: A method for cutting flexible formed shell product from a flexible plastic foam sheet. In the method, a foam shell formed in the sheet is drawn into and positioned in a die unit lower cavity and the die assembly is clamped together. A cutting die unit having dual curved serrated knife elements then descends and severs the formed shell from the sheet at all locations except for two short segments located at opposite ends of the formed shell. Then as a separate step, the partly severed formed shell is punched out from the flexible foam sheet, so as to provide multiple formed products. The products are usually formed as multiple units oriented in an end-to-end relationship in the foam sheet and which are simultaneously severed from the sheet. Cutting die apparatus adapted for cutting the formed products from the foam sheet is also disclosed.

Abstract: Cutting apparatus for cutting moving sheets or webs. A rotatable cutter carrier and a rotatable backup member are respectively provided with cutter blades and grooves, which cooperate in the plane of the sheet and are moved by planetary gear trains through cutting positions wherein cutter blades and backup bars are moved into face-to-face relationship to effect cuts in sheet material that passes therebetween. The gear trains include a stationary sun gear, and idler gears that are rotatably carried in carrier discs and that mesh with the sun gear and with planet gears that are non-rotatably connected to respective ones of cutter bars that carry the cutter blades and to cooperating backup bars. One of the cutter bars or the backup bars is provided with extensible needles for piercing a portion of the sheet section that is intended to be removed therefrom.

Abstract: A punching method and apparatus for forming through holes by punching in a ceramic green sheet for use as a material of a laminated substrate. Not only the positioning of the work but also the driving of the upper die set are conducted by of servomotors with the speed and timing of operation of the servomotors being controlled in accordance with a prestored program in a microcomputer, so as to attain a high speed and efficiency of operation. In addition, a hole clearing operation is conducted immediately after the punching so that the chip remaining in the punched through hole, if any, is forced out from the through hole by the same punch used in the punching operation.

Abstract: An improved die cutting apparatus separates the gripper margin from the product portion and the releases the gripper margin from the gripper at the same station, i.e. at a pair of rolls. Further, the gripper margin is re-held and re-released at the pair of the rolls to prevent the gripper margins from becoming up with the product portions.

Abstract: A piece of material cut from a web is removed by a stripper mechanism which is preferably embodied in a pair of die cylinders having coacting cutting blades which cut pieces from a web of material passing between the cylinders. As the cylinders rotate, a piece to be removed is releasably secured to one of the cylinders for rotation therewith, the secured piece is pivoted to lift its leading edge from the die by coaction with a finger on the other die which bears on a trailing portion of the piece. After the piece is carried away by the one die, it is removed by cooperation with a stripper plate which passes between the raised leading edge of the piece and the die and releases and removes the piece from the die.

Abstract: Parts which cannot fall because of their dimensions through an opening of a lower tool are separated from a workpiece plate in a cutting press with an immovable support, a coordinate table, two lateral workpiece supports movable parallel to the y-axis and a transverse carriage displaceable in the direction of the x-axis and having clamping elements, and with a central workpiece support of a plurality of articulately connected supporting elements displaceable in the direction of the y-axis so that a discharge opening for the separated part of the workpiece plate is openable or closable, in such a manner that first a cutting tool separates a workpiece part so as to retain at least one connecting web between separating edges of the workpiece plate and the workpiece part located transverse to the direction of movement of the central workpiece support, the workpiece plate and workpiece support being positioned by the coordinate table above the discharge opening, and before opening of the discharge opening the conn

Abstract: A device for processing a batch or stack of die cut sheets to sever the individual blanks into piles of blanks characterized by a lower frame supporting a fixed plate and a slidable plate, an upper frame movable relative to the lower frame supporting a fixed plate and a slidable plate, each of said fixed and slidable plates supporting a pair of transversely movable tables so that when a batch of die cut sheets is disposed between the movable tables and the upper frame is lowered, the movable tables can cause a separation of the blanks along two orthogonal directions. The device also includes a conveyor which is mounted in the frame for conveying the batch into the device and the piles out of the device with the conveyor being retracted as the upper frame is moved into clamping engagement with the batch of sheets.

Abstract: A waste stripping machine for automatically removing waste from previously die-cut blanks is disclosed. The machine incorporates a feed conveyor to deliver the blanks individually to a stripping section in planar alignment. The stripping section includes a pair of transversely spaced waste strippers which are spaced apart an adjustable distance that is equal to the width of the blank. A rack and pinion traversing mechanism is included to easily move one waste stripper relative to the other for blank size adjustment purposes. Each waste stripper is fabricated with a driving belt and two driven belts whereby one driven belt defines a planar waste engaging area with the driving belt and the other driven belt defines a circular waste engaging area with the driving belt. The machine is powered by a single motor which functions the feed conveyor and the waste strippers in synchronism to deliver the stripped blank to discharge rollers, which rollers are also rotated in synchronism.

Abstract: A copying or similar type machine of the traction feed type having a traction device for transporting a continuous sheet of paper perforated along the edges to a processor past a portion of an image forming device so as to pass the sheet over a portion of the image forming device.

Abstract: The blanking tool has a pair of plates, one of which supports a punch and the other has a mating die cavity. The two plates are resiliently joined together to permit limited reciprocal movement. One of the two joined plates has provisions for mounting to a platen of a punch press.

Abstract: Stripping apparatus to remove scrap around die cut blanks in a web comprises a roll pair through which the web is passed, one roll carrying spikes to impale the scrap pieces and the other roll carrying abutments to contact the scrap pieces on the opposite side to the spikes. According to the invention the abutments are retractable, so that effectively the scrap piece is pinched between the spike and abutment shortly before the nip of the rolls. FIG. 1 illustrates the preferred arrangement.

Abstract: Methods for separating and stacking sheets of paper, cardboard and the like delivered from sheet punching machines and consisting of useful and waste portions connected together by small fillets are disclosed. The methods include supplying punched but unseparated sheets onto a severing table, severing the sheets in order to form separate stack portions and depositing these separate stack portions onto a stacking surface after withdrawing the severing table from under the stacked portions.

Abstract: A dieless method of hot forming a hole through a metal part comprising locally heating the part followed by indenting opposite sides of the part and extruding the displaced metal centrally of the indentations to form a thin annular wall section between the indentations and then punching out the thin wall section to complete formation of the hole.

Abstract: Precision cutting means adapted for use in cutting, e.g., small holes along a continuous web. The novel apparatus by which the process of the invention is to be carried out comprises opposed cutting means, mounted on either side of a path through which a web to be processed is moved. Each cuts only part way through the web, the cuts from each side being in exact register and leaving a blank which is secure until it is removed by positive mechanical action.

Abstract: A method for removing waste pieces from a pre-cut sheet having cut portions and waste pieces therein, includes the steps of conveying the sheet and stripping needles along respective substantially parallel rectilinear paths and at the same rate of travel, impaling the waste pieces on the needles during the conveying step, and thereafter separating the waste pieces by moving the needles rotatively relative to the cut portions.

Abstract: Continuous labeling apparatus and method for applying labels to containers of various shapes (cylindrical, oval, etc.) and wherein the labels may be other than rectangular in shape, wherein a continuous label stock which is pre-printed is fed between an anvil roller and a rotary die, labels are severed, scrap material (if continuous) is rewound, each severed label is picked up by a rotary vacuum drum and is supplied to a label applying station where the drum and a container feed come together.

Abstract: In a device for stripping blanks from a die cut sheet of blanks including a set of punches mounted on a movable upper punch frame and a matrix having openings corresponding to the outlines of both the punches and blank on a lower frame characterized by each of the punches comprising a plurality of punch members and means extending between adjacent punch members to close the outline of the punch with the punch members being adjustably mounted on a first set of bars which are slidably mounted on the punch frame and the matrix being formed by two pairs of parallel extending bars or members which are slidably mounted on the frame of the matrix to vary the size of the openings therein.

Abstract: In a method of and apparatus for breaking away of prepunched pieces from a curved or arched sheet of material, the sheet is applied to a block, and the pieces of material to be broken away are individually engaged between a pointed component acting on the upper surface of the sheet and a counter pressure mounting support acting on the lower surface of the sheet. Said pointed component on downward movement penetrates said upper surface only to the extent necessary to prevent relative lateral movement between the two, and said counterpressure mounting support supports oppositely disposed edge portions of the piece of material to be broken away, continuing downward movement of said pointed component causing said piece of material to bend under load to the extent that it loses its holds on said edge portions and is pushed through said mounting support to be released from said pointed component on leaving said mounting support.

Abstract: A machine for cutting up a web of material comprises a flat cutting press and, downstream thereof, either a rotary cutting apparatus or a rotary peeling apparatus. Then two apparatuses are interchangeable depending upon the type of cutting operation to be used. A unit for receiving cut material is provided downstream of whichever of the two apparatuses is used.