Abstract: An apparatus for decurling food material, such as slices severed from a food material supply, while the slices are being moved toward a transfer member includes a constriction positioned in close proximity to the slicing station and in general alignment therewith. The constriction is defined by opposing upper and lower surfaces; the upper surface is a stationary surface while the lower surface is a moving surface. The lower moving surface utilizes a plurality of flexible bands rotating around at least one roller, which are disposed proximate to the food material supply. The flexible bands are driven around a guide member having an arcuate profile that matches the curvature movement that the food material supply takes. The bands which form the lower moving surface are driven at a speed equal to or greater than the speed at which the slicer operates.

Abstract: A general purpose molding and casting machine which will run unmanned to receive a casting assemblage and then separate the runners and sprue from the casting. Once the separation has taken place the casting is carried to the finished parts area and runners and sprue remnants are delivered to the scrap area for reuse.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting dry pasta strands includes a frame and a guide rail mounted to the frame. A bucket is slidably mounted to the guide rail and linearly moves along the guide rail. The bucket has a stepped pasta-receiving channel including a cutting edge. A cutting blade is fixed to the frame for selective sliding engagement against the cutting edge to cut the pasta in half.

Abstract: A microelectronic component handling system and an apparatus for manipulating microelectronic components in manufacturing assembly processes. In one embodiment, a microelectronic component handling system may have a base or a support member, a track or platform attached to the base to rotate about a rotational axis, and a linear drive assembly to rotate the track about the rotational axis. The track may have a first end, a second end spaced apart from the first end along a longitudinal axis of the track, a top surface facing away from the base, and a bottom surface facing toward the base. Additionally, the linear drive assembly may have an actuator and a rod driven by the actuator along a displacement axis spaced apart from the rotational axis. In operation, the actuator moves the rod along the displacement axis to rotate the track about the rotational axis to a raised position at an inclination sufficient to slide a microelectronic component down the track.

Abstract: A method for handling or manipulating microelectronic components in manufacturing assembly processes. In one embodiment of handling microelectronic components, a microelectronic component handling system may have a base or a support member, a track or platform attached to the base to rotate about a rotational axis, and a linear drive assembly to rotate the track about the rotational axis. The track may have a first end, a second end spaced apart from the first end along a longitudinal axis of the track, a top surface facing away from the base, and a bottom surface facing toward the base. Additionally, the linear drive assembly may have an actuator and a rod driven by the actuator along a displacement axis spaced apart from the rotational axis. In operation, the actuator moves the rod along the displacement axis to rotate the track about the rotational axis to a raised position at an inclination sufficient to slide a microelectronic component down the track.

Abstract: An apparatus for decurling food material, such as slices severed from a food material supply, while the slices are being moved toward a transfer member includes a constriction positioned in close proximity to the slicing station and in general alignment therewith. The constriction is defined by opposing upper and lower surfaces; the upper surface is a stationary surface while the lower surface is a moving surface. The lower moving surface utilizes a plurality of flexible bands rotating around at least one roller, which are disposed proximate to the food material supply. The flexible bands are driven around a guide member having an arcuate profile that matches the curvature movement that the food material supply takes. The bands which form the lower moving surface are driven at a speed equal to or greater than the speed at which the slicer operates.

Abstract: High speed flying shears with contrarotating blades (13) fitted to blade-holder drums (30), the shears comprising an upstream one-channel switch (16) of a start-stop type which conveys the rolled stock (11) lengthwise into sharing area and can be oriented laterally on a plane substantially containing the axis of feed of the rolled stock (11) and parallel to and lying between the planes containing shafts (12) of rotation of the blade-holder drums (30), the circumferential position of the blades (13) being associated with the lateral position of the upstream one-channel switch (16) at least in the transient time of the feed of the rolled stock (11) through the shearing area (35), a two-channel (22-23) switch (20) which can be oriented laterally substantially on the same orientation plane as, and in synchronization with, the one-channel switch (16), the two-channel switch (20) including the inlets of two enlarged channels (22-23) superimposed on each other on a plane perpendicular to the axis (12) of rotation of

Abstract: An apparatus for punching transversely throughgoing coaxial holes in spaced walls of a workpiece has a holder supporting the workpiece and an outer tool part formed with a pair of transverse bores and displaceable between an advanced position engaged over the workpiece on the holder and outwardly flanking the walls and a retracted position spaced from the holder. An inner tool part formed with a transversely throughgoing bore is displaceable in the advanced position of the outer tool part between an advanced position engaged between the walls and with its bore coaxial with the bores of the outer tool part and a retracted position with its bore spaced from the workpiece in the holder. The outer tool part is formed with a waste passage aligned with the inner-part bore in the retracted position of the inner part.

Abstract: A punch catch device for use with a punch machine comprising a mold. The mold of the punch machine has a mechanism to press products and waste materials downwardly until the products and waste materials are released from the mold. The punch catch device is movably positioned on the frame of the punch machine to move during the movement of the punching operation such that the products and waste materials are received in a catch basin of the punch catch device. The punch catch device includes an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the height and angle of the catch basin.

Abstract: A bench circular saw machine for cutting a material including a base upon which the material is supported, an arm interconnected to the base, a tube member, and a main body having a circular saw for cutting the material and a motor operatively associated with the circular saw for driving the circular saw. The main body is pivotally supported on the arm such that the main body can be pivoted toward the base and the circular saw can cut the material. The main body has a discharge port through which sawdust formed by the circular saw during a cutting operation is discharged from the main body. The tube member is disposed adjacent to the discharge port and is associated with the discharge port so as to guide the sawdust into the discharge port. The tube member is also pivotable relative to the material such that an angle of the tube member relative to the material can be varied.

Abstract: There is provided a device for sawing logs to a predetermined length which includes a log lead-in support member, a log support frame, a log cutting station and a log collection deck. The log support frame includes a front end, a rear end, opposite sides and supports a conveyor. An upwardly inclined conveyor moves a log lengthwise through the support frame to the log cutting station which includes a stop gate section, a sawing section, and a debris discharge conveyor. The stop gate section is positioned between the conveyor and the sawing section to set the log for proper timing into the cutting station and to align the butts when a plurality of logs is cut at the same time. A cutting station positioned at the front end of said support frame comprising a housing and a chain saw having a cutting bar on said support frame pivotally mounted to rotate 360.degree.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for removing surrounding insulation from an insulated electrical conductor has a pair of matched frustoconical cutter wheels mounted on a cutter shaft. The cutter wheels incorporate a cutter edge and a beveled outer slope. The cutter wheels are spaced apart by an interchangeable cutter spacer. When properly set up the cutter spacer is of a size so that the cutter wheels flank the conductor of the wire being stripped, cutting only the insulation portion of the wire. The cutter edges pierce and cut the insulation while the slope of the cutter wheels urge the insulation away from the conductor. A pinch roller assembly stabilizes the wire as it passes by the cutter wheels. A diverter is mounted in close proximity to the cutter spacer in a tangential fashion to divert and clear away any insulation that clings to the cutter spacer during operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting thin tissue sections using an anti-roll rake. The anti-roll rake comprises a rake head for engaging the cut tissue section and leading it away from the specimen block without rolling. The rake head is hingedly mounted to a mounting surface in the cutting instrument by way of a linkage assembly in order to provide freedom of movement between the various operational and non-operational positions.

Abstract: A knife holder for a microtome has actuating levers for fastening or for releasing the knife on the knife holder, constructed such that in the position effecting the fastening of the knife, the actuating levers extend at least partially over the cutting edge of the knife. The actuating levers thereby act simultaneously as finger protectors and prevent inadvertent contact with the cutting edge in the side regions of the knife when the knife is fastened. The fastening of the knife takes place by means of permanent magnets, which are arranged in the base portion of the knife holder and motion-coupled to the actuating levers which cover the knife edge.

Abstract: Plural station apparatus and method is provided for the making of articles of manufacture from sheet material. The first work station performs a first cutting operational step on the sheet material to cut a plurality of precisely cut blanks, and two bending or folding stations perform the finishing step on the blanks to produce the articles of manufacture. The first station is located above the bending or folding stations, and it is laterally offset from each of them. The first station is laterally offset in a first direction with respect to the first work station, and the second is laterally offset in a second direction with respect to the first work station. Two inclined chutes are provided between the output of the first station for allowing the precise blanks to slide by gravity to the input of the first and second bending or folding stations. Thus, the inclined chutes automatically transfer the precise blanks from the first station to the two bending or folding stations solely by gravity.

Abstract: Plural station equipment is provided for the making of articles of manufacture from sheet material such as sheet metal. The first work station performs a first operational step on the sheet material to form precise blanks, and the second station performs the finishing step on the blanks to produce the article of manufacture. The first station is located above the second station, and it is laterally offset from the second station. An inclined chute is provided between the output of the first station for allowing the precise blanks to slide by gravity to the input of the second station. Thus, the inclined chute automatically transfers the precise blanks from the first station to the second station without any manual intervention or the need of complex electromechanical transfer equipment. In a specific embodiment, the sheet material is sheet metal, and articles of manufacture are roof flashings.

Abstract: A method for transferring rod sections from a flying shears to a cooling bed via a run-in table wherein electromagnetic coils are placed in hollow rollers at a downstream end of the run-in table to pull the leading ends of the rods onto the rollers and prevent bouncing of the rods whereafter braking force is applied to the trailing end of the rods before the rods are lifted by a lifting apron for transfer to the cooling bed. The rollers containing the electromagnetic coils are hollow and detachable to gain access to the interior of the rollers and the electromagnetic coils therein.

Abstract: A knife holder for receiving wedge-shaped microtome knives, in particular regrindable hard metal or steel knives, has a base and upwardly open right and left clamping jaws for receiving the knife. The upwardly open configuration allows easier exchange of knives. The clamping jaws are mounted pivotably to the base to allow clearance angle adjustment of the cutting knife. Each clamping jaw has a clamping screw for securing the cutting knife in the clamping jaws. A height-adjustable knife rest is provided for supporting the back of the knife. A clamping plate is detachably positioned between the knife and the clamping screws, which clamping plate bridges the distance between the clamping jaws for stabilizing the cutting knife. The holder has at least one spring suspension for suspending the clamping plate to the clamping jaws.

Abstract: A system including a cutting tool is provided for cutting a round strand m a soft, rubber-based material. The cutting tool comprises a tube having an inner and an outer surface which form a sharp leading edge. The tool further comprises a blade which fixedly attaches to the outer surface of the cutting tube. The blade has a wedge-shaped leading edge and a circular-shaped arc on its bottom end for receiving the tube. A handle for the blade attaches to the top end of the blade. The system for cutting a round strand from a soft, rubber-based material also includes an arbor support arm, a vacuum chuck plate, and a horizontal milling machine having a numerical control. The arbor support arm connects to the handle of the cutting tool. The arbor support arm in turn connects to the horizontal milling machine. The vacuum chuck plate also connects to the horizontal milling machine at a table. The vacuum chuck plate has a cylindrical pin which extracts any round strands stuck in the cutting tube.

Abstract: A paper cutting apparatus includes an elongated fixed blade, a movable blade, a fixed member, a pair of paper holding members, and a coupling portion. The movable blade reciprocates along the fixed blade in the direction of the width of paper to cut the paper in cooperation with the fixed blade. The fixed member is arranged midway along the path of the movable blade. The paper holding members are movably arranged on two sides of the fixed member and alternately hold the cut end portion of the paper cut by the movable blade. The coupling portion detachably couples the movable blade and the paper holding members with a predetermined coupling force, and cancels the coupling between the movable blade and one of the paper holding members by using the fixed member, while coupling the movable blade and the other of the paper holding members during movement of the movable blade in a paper cutting operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a tab portion on a thin laminated sheet having work stations for scoring the sheet on a forward edge along a line to form the tab portion. The tabbing station includes a shuttle member having a pair of spaced rollers, one with a cutting edge and the other being a backing roller. The edge to be scored is passed between the rollers, such that the cutting roller as it traverses the length scores the sheet by a controlled amount which is determined by the preselected spacing between the cutting edge and the backing roller, whereby the unscored portion remains the same thickness regardless of the thickness variations of the sheet.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for unloading presses with a nonhydraulic press unloader. The apparatus generally includes a support frame, a reciprocating tray, a tray arm, a link arm, an actuating arm, and an attachment arm. The support frame has a pair of support frame members having top surfaces. A tray roller, for supporting the reciprocating tray, is rotatably mounted to each end of the support frame member. The tray arm is slidably engaged with the top surface of one of the support frame members and is pivotally attached to the link arm. The midsection of the tray arm is pinably connected to the reciprocating tray. The actuating arm is pivotally connected to the other end of the link arm and to the support frame. A pickup roller is rotatably attached to the actuating arm near its midsection. A release roller is rotatably attached to the actuating arm also near the midsection and adjacent the pickup roller. As the press ram rises, the arms draw the tray in between the gap presented by the separating die halves.

Abstract: A packaging system comprising a cushion-creating machine (10) and a slide (12) positioned adjacent to the machine (10). The cushion-creating machine (10) includes a frame (36) and cushion-creating assemblies (50, 52, 54, and 56) which are mounted to the frame (36) and which create cushioning products (32). The machine frame (36) includes an exit through which the cushioning products (32) are discharged in a predetermined discharge direction D. The slide (12) includes a smooth sloped surface (60) with a top portion positioned proximate to the machine's exit so that the discharged cushioning products (32) will be deposited thereon. The smooth sloped surface (60) has a pitch angle which is sufficient to insure that cushioning products placed on the top portion of the surface will slide in a predetermined slide direction S. The smooth sloped surface (60) is oriented relative to the machine (10) in such a manner that the slide direction S is substantially perpendicular to the discharge direction D.

Abstract: A workpiece finishing machine feeds a plurality of interconnected workpieces, in the form of a feedstock bandolier, to a cutting cylinder wherein individual workpieces are separated from the bandolier by a cutting punch. The separated workpiece is subsequently moved into engagement with a reciprocating presentation carriage which removes the workpiece from the cutting cylinder and presents it in a predetermined position to a robotic loader or assembly device. The machine includes a plurality of sensors which detect various aspects of the feedstock and workpiece.

Abstract: A method is provided for cutting pipes, preferably welded pipes in conjunction with welding the pipes in a welding machine, and for cutting the pipes at a rate determined by the welding machine. At the same time a pipe is cut in a cutting position by a raisable and lowerable cutting device, the next pipe to be cut is fed to a pipe collecting position. The collecting position is displaced in relation to the cutting position, such that when the cutting device returns to its starting position upon completion of a cutting operation, the pipe is advanced one step to the pipe cutting position while simultaneously, the preceding pipe is advanced to the pipe collecting position.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) is disclosed including a series of equally spaced air jets (36) in the center plate (18) of a channel (14). An end cover plate (22) and a cover (48) close the channel (14) to form a tunnel having infeed and outfeed ends. In the most preferred form, the air jets (36) are wedge-shaped depressions formed in the center plate (18) having semicircular end walls (38) including apertures (42) in fluid communication with a compressed air enclosure (44) secured to the center plate (18). The free end of a continuous strip of coupon items is inserted into the infeed end where it is under the control of the air flow created by the air jets (36) within the tunnel. A coupon item is then cut from the continuous strip and travels under the control of the air flow within the tunnel and through the outfeed end thereof. In a preferred form, the end cover plate (22) is arcuately shaped outward and downward to direct the coupon item into a hopper (32) which later receives the ready-to-eat food product.

Abstract: A die press unloader which retrieves material from beneath the lower die of a pair of dies mounted in a die press. The material which is retrieved will have passed through the lower die, and can comprise either scrap, for example in making perforated strip or product, for example in making shaped blanks from a strip. The unloader utilizes a combination of gravity and a mechanical arm, preferably actuated by a double-acting air cylinder, the movements of which are controlled by the press itself.

Abstract: An automated excise-form and shuttle system and apparatus for surface mount electronic components. The apparatus comprises an electronic stepper motor which turns a lead screw to move a die shuttle mounted on a rail on the base. The shuttle has a precision lead screw nut mounted thereon which allows the shuttle to move by turning the lead screw. The shuttle rides on ball bearings which are mounted inside the shuttle with the shuttle and ball bearings moveable secured to the rail. A die shuttle utilizing a mechanical elevating and retracting cam system drives a load arm attached to a die plate to shuttle the component to a die assembly for trim and form functions. The lead screw slideably moves the excised component from a present station where a pick-up device removes the component.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for removing slugs from punch presses. A vacuum system is provided for the die portion of a punch press used to punch the upper flange of a beam. The vacuum system carries the slugs to a remote deposit location. A collection pan is provided for collecting slugs form a lower flange punch press and from a web punch press. A vacuum removal system carries the collected slugs from the pan to the remote deposit location.

Abstract: An apparatus for decurling food material, such as slices severed from a food material supply , while the slices are being moved toward a transfer member includes a constriction positioned in close proximity to the slicing station and in general alignment therewith. The constriction is defined by opposing upper and lower surfaces; the upper surface is a stationary surface while the lower surface is a moving surface. The lower moving surface utilizes a plurality of flexible bands rotating around two driven rollers, which are disposed proximate to the food material supply. The bands which form the lower moving surface are driven at a speed equal to or greater than the speed at which the slicer operates.

Abstract: Labels (10), especially revenue stamps, are usually affixed to cuboidal cigarette packs (11). The labels have to be supplied and held ready for being received by the packs (11) in sufficient numbers. The labels (10) are successively severed length- or breadthways from a continuous web of material (17) and are then directly fed into a magazine (14), from which the labels are extracted at the lower end as required. Without any conversion, the type of labels to be processed can be changed by way of (temporarily) manually inserting labels into the magazine which is appropriately designed for this option.

Abstract: An arrangement for the opening of rigid, collapsible enclosures or of flexible bags, characterized in that this arrangement consists of a housing having a receiving container arranged therein which is adapted to be opening and closed by an opening lid, in which there are arranged scissors-like knives which are openable and closeable along a rotary axis such that a plurality, parallel-horizontally arranged, fixed knives are in operative connection with parallel, at an angle upwardly and inwardly arranged knives, whereby the movable knives are opened to such an extent and closed through pull rods by use of a motor that, through this movement, the liquid which is contained in the enclosures or bags can flow off into a discharge and thereafter the receiving container arranged on the rotary axle is enabled, by use of a motor, to be rotated so far downwardly until the enclosures can without external contact be expelled from the housing through a rinsing cone and thereafter the receiving container can be turned back

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting blocks of ice has a frame which defines a feed chute slightly larger than the uncut block of ice. Four saws are mounted to the frame in pairs. Each pair of saws includes two counter rotating, radial saw blades aligned opposite each other and extending toward one another into the feed chute of the frame. To facilitate the transfer of the uncut block of ice into the feed chute, a feed assembly is attached to the frame. A discharge assembly is secured to the frame to assist in removing the cut ice from the frame. The frame is mounted on a stand in an inclined position with the feed assembly higher than the discharge assembly to allow gravity feed of the ice. A gang of blades may be used with the saws in order to cut the block of ice into smaller sized blocks with one pass through the feed chute. The saw blades have carbide-tipped saw teeth to extend the amount of use between resharpening or replacement.

Abstract: An apparatus for simultaneously miter angle cutting to length the end of a wood truss web includes an upright frame having a workpiece guide path, horizontally extending through the frame. A pair of superposed angled saw blades are moved vertically by a pressure cylinder across the workpiece path which severs the workpiece to form a truss web to length while simultaneously miter angle cutting its ends on predetermined angles.

Abstract: First and second shaving dies are mounted one above the other and are respectively provided with continuous shaving edges disposed adjacent to contoured annular facial surfaces which draw the shaved material away from the work piece as the shavings are removed by the associated shaving edge. An air nozzle mounted in proximity to the first die directs a jet of air across the contoured facial surface of the first die to blow the removed material away from the first die to prevent its interfering with the operation of the second die. The second die is located directly below the first die and is provided with a plurality of angularly spaced troughs lying immediately adjacent to and below annular facial surfaces on the second die for carrying the shavings from the shaving edges of the second die to a sump located below the second die.

Abstract: The press has a pneumatically operated piston and cylinder mounted beneath a work plate, and linked to an upper press plate by rods extending through the work plate to provide compression in a die-set area defined between the upper press plate and the work plate. The pneumatically operated piston and cylinder are encased within an enclosed base which is insulated. The movable cylinder acts against springs also mounted within the base which cause the press plate to rebound after a pneumatically operated downstroke.

Abstract: A tablet dispenser is described for dispensing tablets from individual packets into a small reaction chamber without contamination. The dispenser has a top shaft, and a thumb piece in which a cutting blade is engaged, the thumb piece being slidably mounted on the shaft. There is also provided a plate having a hole adapted to allow the blade to pass therethrough, the plate being connected to the top shaft by a support member, and a bottom shaft extending underneath the hole and in line with the cutting blade and top shaft. The bottom shaft is connected to the plate. Also provided is a clip for holding a package containing a tablet on top of the plate so that the package can be positioned to align the tablet over the hole and in the non-cutting path of the blade. When the thumb piece is depressed the tablet is released from the package and falls down the bottom shaft and into a reaction vessel placed below the bottom shaft.

Abstract: Very high speed flying shears (10) which is suitable to shear rolled stock (18) travelling even at more than 100 meters per second and comprises two knives (14) with blades (17) able to contrarotate in relation to each other at a preset speed at least in the transient period of shearing and is equipped with a guide (11) able to move sideways (19-119) at a pre-set speed (V) and to position itself in a defined position in relation to the circumferential position of the blades (17), an inner dividing wall (27) being located downstream of the knives (14) in a conveyor channel (13), in which shears (10) during the transient period of shearing;the speeds (VR) of lateral movement of the guide (11) and of rotation of the knives (14) are correlated, andthe lateral position of the guide (11) and the cirmcumferential position of the blades (17) of the knives (14) are strictly interdependent.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for efficiently cutting food items, such as potatoes, into helical strips. The food items are provided seriatim to a cutter head assembly from a conveyor system. Food items on the conveyor system are aligned longitudinally and fed to the cutter head assembly. The cutter head assembly includes a cylindrical sleeve or tube having an open discharge end and an opposed cutting end to which a cutting member is attached. The sleeve is supportively carried by a cylindrical jacket having a pair of outer flanged members, a central drive-belt engaging member and fasteners coupling the outer members together to secure the central member therebetween. The sleeve is secured coaxially within the jacket by fasteners and the entire assembly rotated by a drive belt engaging the central member. The entire assembly is supported by idler rollers which ride in a circumferential track formed by the jacket and by thrust rollers which engage the discharge end of the cutter head assembly.

Abstract: A device for obliterating information discernible on disposable carbons from multi-part forms used in credit card transactions includes a processor contained within a housing defining a document receiving slot in an optically transparent viewing window, wherein a document inserted into the slot is fed to the processing region to obliterate certain confidential information on the carbons and to discharge the document into a guide slot in a fixed orientation adjacent the viewing window hereby the credit customer can visually verity that information obliteration has taken place without having to touch the carbon set.

Abstract: A machine for punching holes in batches of sheets has a receptor which holds a stack of sheets in vertical position. A timing mechanism sequentially jogs and segregates a first batch from the receptor and deposits same in a vertical punch slot. At the bottom of the punch slot is a horizontally reciprocating punch which forms the holes. Meanwhile, a second batch is bieng jogged and segregated. The first and second batches are gripped and lifted. The first batch is deposited in a vertical discharge slot from which it is transferred to a deposit tray. The second batch is simultaneously punched while in the punch slot.

Abstract: A tandem sawmill assembly is disclosed having two linearly spaced sawing stations. A conveyor system moves the log through the first sawing station and up an inclined ramp for rotating the log ninety degrees prior to moving the log through the second sawing station. An overhead roller engages the re-oriented log and advances it to a centering platform where centering arms engage the log to orient the log axially with respect to the second sawing station. The conveyor then moves the aligned log through the second sawing station while a second overhead roller applies presssure to the upper surface of the log.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monolayering sliced wafer-like articles such as fruit or vegetable slices to enhance further product processing. The apparatus includes a slice catcher in cooperative relationship with a centrifugal slicer such that discharged product slices impinge onto the slice catcher inner surface and are captured by a flow of liquid passing over the slice catcher inner surface. The slices are controllably separated, conveyed and deposited in monolayered fashion on a conveyor for subsequent processing.

Abstract: An elongate product such as a surface fastener or a slide fastener chain is cut off on a lower cutter blade by an upper cutter blade moving toward and coacting with the lower cutter blade. While the elongate product is being severed, it is pressed down against a base board by a first pressure pad. A severed piece is positively discharged off the upper and lower cutter blades by a second pressure pad which moves with the upper cutter blade. The second pressure pad includes a brush of electrically conductive bristles for removing static electricity from the elongate product and the severed piece.

Abstract: With a punching machine with at least one punching carriage, which can be moved transverse to the advance direction of a material belt, with a piston cylinder unit arranged in the punching carriage, which effects the punching stroke of a tool stamp and, with an abutment for receiving a tool die-plate, it should be guaranteed that, a female die is always realized absolutely exactly below the punching material opposite the male die. This is achieved in that, the abutment is firmly arranged in a defined position to the piston cylinder unit in the punching carriage carrying the piston cylinder unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously forming a product having elongated members at least about one foot long which are oriented, compressed and bonded is provided. The apparatus deposits elongated members on a moving carrier with an orientation that is substantially parallel to the direction of movement of the carrier. The members are deposited on the carrier over a length of carrier that is at least as long as about one and one-half times the length of the elongated members and is at least as long as about 30 times the final thickness of the compressed, composite product.

Abstract: A microtome apparatus includes a disposable blade holder adapted to receive both thick and thin blades and for cutting frozen sections to mount an anti-roll plate assembly utilizing a magnet as the holding mechanism. Blades of different width are dispensed from an associated improved dispenser.

Abstract: An improved press produces oval blanks arranged in a "nested" pattern from a web of material. The press includes a cutting die plate having a plurality of oval-shaped discharge apertures, an inclined die shoe underneath the cutting die plate, and a punch for piercing a web supported on the cutting die plate to form blanks and then deposit the blanks into the inclined die shoe via the discharge apertures. Partitions divide the inclined die shoe into a plurality of blank transfer lanes. Each transfer lane connects one of the discharge apertures to a companion exit region. Guide rails are provided to guide blanks deposited into the transfer lanes toward the exit regions as the blanks fall under gravity through the inclined die shoe.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for forming disks or other articles from flexible sheet material. The disks can be used, for example, as substrates of magnetic recording disks known as floppy disks. The apparatus includes an upper die plate shiftably mounted above a lower die plate and having a die thereon so that a strip of material moveable between the die plates can be sequentially die-cut to form the disks. The upper die plate has quick release latches attaching the upper die plate to a support so that, when the latches are retracted, the upper die plate can be quickly and easily removed from the apparatus to permit the die to be sharpened or replaced. The apparatus includes air delivery ports near the upper and lower die plates to direct air under pressure against a disk after it has been die-cut from the strip so that the disk will be moved laterally and into a chute and onto a spindle which receives a stack of the disks.

Abstract: Windows are cut into envelopes and bags, in a machine with a feed device ing transport rollers for cut-out envelope blanks or for a web, a cutting roller, a tool cooperating with the cutting roller and at least one suction roller for further transport, are arranged in a window cutting station of the machine. The envelope material is moved along a straight line tangentially to the point of cutting out the windows and is then further conveyed in the peripheral direction of the cutting roller. The blanks with the windows cut therein and the cut-out waste are separately grasped by suction and removed.