Abstract: A process for cutting a sheet glass includes a first step of forming a groove conformed to a cutting shape in one surface of a sheet glass by a water jet, and a second step of forming a groove in the other surface of the sheet glass by a water jet to reach the groove, which are carried out sequentially, thereby cutting the sheet glass. Thus, the sheet glass can be cut by the water jets, while preventing occurrence of breaking or cranking, without need for a post-processing.

Abstract: A conveyor (22) moves workpieces (WP) past a scanning station (40) to ascertain one or more physical parameters of the workpiece (WP) and to a portioning station (24) wherein the workpiece (WP) is portioned into desired smaller portions. Thereafter, the conveyor (22) carries a portioned workpiece (WP) to an unloading station (26) where one or more pickup devices (28) removes specific portioned workpieces (PP) from the conveyor and places the portioned workpieces onto take away conveyors (30) for other locations remote from the first conveyor. A control system, composed in part of a computer (42), keeps track of the locations of the workpieces (WP) on the conveyor (22) and also optionally on the take away conveyor (30) so that portioned pieces (PP) are placed at specific desired locations remote from the conveyor (22) by the pickup devices (28).

Abstract: Method and apparatus for repairing an article, such as an air-cooled component, during which at least a portion of the component must be removed and replaced. The method and apparatus make use of one or more workpiece holders adapted to secure and position an component on the apparatus, a multi-axis head adapted for movement relative to the workpiece holder, a nozzle mounted to the multi-axis head and operable to remove at least a portion of the component with a jet of fluid discharged therefrom, an electrical-discharge electrode mounted to the multi-axis head and operable to form surface holes in the component by electrical-discharge machining, and a system for controlling the movement of the multi-axis head so that the waterjet and electrical-discharge machining operations are performed to yield a repaired component that closely duplicates the original.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus by a high pressure fluid jet including a super high pressure pump for increasing the pressure of a fluid so as to form a super high pressure fluid, a super high pressure fluid nozzle having an orifice, for injecting the super high pressure fluid so as to form a high rate injection flow, a super high pressure fluid pipeline for connecting the super high pressure pump and the super high pressure fluid nozzle to each other, and a switch valve interposed between the super high pressure fluid nozzle and the super high pressure fluid pipeline so as to connect or disconnect the supply of the super high pressure fluid; wherein said super high pressure fluid nozzle is provided plurality, in which the diameter of orifice provided with each nozzles is different from each other, and the supply of the super high pressure fluid from said super high pressure fluid pipeline to the super high pressure fluid nozzle is changed from one nozzle to the other nozzle in the said plural number of super high pressu

Abstract: This invention prevents defects generated when a bonded substrate stack having a separation layer is separated. A bonded substrate stack (101) having a porous layer (101b) is separated in two steps of the first and second processes. In the first process, a jet is ejected to the porous layer (101b) while rotating the bonded substrate stack (101) to partially separate the bonded substrate stack (101) while leaving the central portion of the porous layer (101b) as an unseparated region. In the second process, the jet is ejected to the porous layer (101b) while rotation of the bonded substrate stack (101) is stopped. A force is applied to the unseparated region from a predetermined direction to completely separate the bonded substrate stack (101). Also, the first region (peripheral portion) and second region (central portion) of the bonded substrate stack (101) having the porous layer (101b) are separated using a jet and ultrasonic wave, respectively.

Abstract: Methods and systems for automating the control of fluid jet orientation parameters are provided. Example embodiments provide a Dynamic Waterjet Control System (a “DWCS”) to dynamically control the orientation of the jet relative to the material being cut as a function of speed and other process parameters. Orientation parameters include, for example, the x-y position of the jet along the cutting path, as well as three dimensional orientation parameters of the jet, such as standoff compensation values and taper and lead angles of the cutting head. In one embodiment, the DWCS uses a set of predictive models to determine these orientation parameters. The DWCS preferably comprises a motion program generator/kernel, a user interface, one or more replaceable orientation and process models, and a communications interface to a fluid jet apparatus controller. Optionally the DWCS also includes a CAD module for designing the target piece.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing high-speed interruption of high-speed fluid jets (30) of the type used to cut food, plastics, wood, metal, and other products. The water jet (30) is interrupted by a blocking bar (22) mounted on a housing (12). The blocking bar (22) is pivoted by actuators so that the bar is disposed away from the high-speed fluid jet (30) in the open position and blockingly intersects the high-speed fluid jet (30) when in the blocking position. At least one of the actuators is an electromagnet assembly (20) and (21) having a selectively energizable coil (78) such that energizing the coil (78) will induce a magnetic field. The blocking bar (22) has an area of high magnetic permeability (114), wherein the bar (22) may be pivoted by application of the magnetic field generated by the coil (78) upon the area of high magnetic permeability (114).

Abstract: A method of, and apparatus for, transferring a web, in particular a paper web or cardboard web or an insertion tail severed from the web, from a web-discharging web-guiding surface, via a web conveying apparatus, to the next structural unit of a machine for producing and/or handling the continuous paper web or cardboard web, the insertion tail is detached from the web-guiding surface by way of at least one brief high-energy air jet. The present invention provides that in the case of a web of high grammage, immediately once the tail has been detached from the web-guiding surface, the tail, which has been severed at least on a preliminary basis, is completely severed by an additional mechanical severing arrangement and, by way of its newly formed start, gripped, and passed on, by way of the web conveying apparatus.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for generating a high-pressure fluid jet includes an orifice mount having a frusto-conical surface that engages a frusto-conical wall in a cutting head, the geometry of the orifice mount and cutting head being selected to increase the stability of the mount and reduce deflection of the mount adjacent a jewel orifice, when subjected to pressure. Alignment of a nozzle body and the cutting head is improved by providing pilot diameters both upstream and downstream of threads on the nozzle body and bore of the cutting head, respectively. Accurate placement of a mixing tube in a cutting head is achieved by rigidly fixing a collar to an outer surface of the mixing tube, the collar engaging a shoulder and bore of the cutting head downstream of a mixing chamber, to precisely locate the mixing chamber axially and radially.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preparing a perforated panel for reticulation to a film adhesive. The method includes supporting the perforated panel. The method also includes adhering the film adhesive to the perforated panel without initiating a cure of the film adhesive. The method applies a vacuum to the film adhesive. Next the method will move the perforated panel at a predetermined speed through a reticulation unit. Next the method will soften the film adhesive and finally remove the film adhesive from the perforations by an airflow. The method is generally used for creating acoustic sheet panels for use in many industries.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the transfer of segregated flat-shaped products to a transport device transporting the products further, comprising a transfer device for the ordered feeding of the products to a transport device. It achieves the object of configuring the said device such that the products which have been transferred in an ordered arrangement are taken over in an ordered manner and transported further in an ordered manner. To this end, the said transport device (2) is coupled with a vacuum device (vacuum container 4) by which, in cooperation with the transport device (2), the products are taken over in an ordered manner and are fixed to said transport device (2) (FIG. 1).

Abstract: A protective arrangement (37) for a cutting equipment (10) for dividing a continuous fiber web (7) is described, said cutting equipment being arranged in a board or paper machine and includes at least one cutting member (16) for cutting the fiber web (7). In accordance with the invention the protective arrangement includes an endless belt member (20) movably arranged and having a straight run (21) between the cutting equipment and the fiber web to screen off at least an essential part of the cutting equipment from fibers which are released from the fiber web during the cutting. It also includes one or more cleaning members (34, 35) at least one of which being arranged in connection to the outside of the belt member at a distance from the cutting member, to remove the portion of the released fibers being caught by the belt member. The invention also relates to a board or paper machine that has such a protective arrangement.

Abstract: A flexible composite sheet that includes a fibrous assembly and a plurality of narrow film strips bonded to upper surface of the fibrous assembly. The narrow strips are intermittently arranged so that the fibrous assembly may be exposed between each pair of the adjacent narrow strips. Sides defining each of the narrow strips are formed with tooth-like portions.

Abstract: The device for cutting a paper web or the like is arranged to cut in such a manner that a liquid medium is sprayed via nozzles (3). The device comprises a nozzle unit (2) that is arranged movable and comprises a nozzle (3) and a high-pressure pump (4).

Abstract: A machine for the multiple cutting-off of rolls of kitchen and/or toilet paper from logs which comprises a bed (18) onto which at least two logs (15) are fed through a respective conveyor with thrusters (12) towards a cutting head (20), wherein the conveyor with thrusters (12) passes below the cutting head (20) which comprises a cutting device using high-pressure water (21, 22, 23) which acts transversally on at least two logs (15) separating an equal number of finished rolls (10) of a predetermined length.

Abstract: A movable water jet edge trimmer has an integral trim chute attached to a cutting support plate for the trimmer. The support plate has a cutting aperture and a series of suction apertures located inboard of the outside edge of the travelling web for supporting the web against the support plate as a water jet passes out through the cutting aperture away from the support plate and through the web. The support plate has a curved surface located downstream and outboard of the cutting aperture which curves into a trim chute opening of a trim chute. Negative pressure is applied from the trim chute to the trim chute opening to draw any strip of material cut from the edge of the web over the curved surface and into the trim chute.

Abstract: Support and positioning means (10) and a cutting head (13) supported on them extend in the operating position of the area of the edge part (14′) of a paper web (14). In the cutting head (13), there is a support surface (16) and at least one nozzle (17), which is set in such a way that the edge part (14′) travels between the support surface (16) and the nozzle (15). The equipment includes mechanical cleaning means (20) and/or a cleaning construction (21) for keeping the support surfaces (16) clean. The cleaning means (20) and/or cleaning construction (21) are arranged on the opposite side of the paper web (14) to the nozzle (17).

Abstract: A mobile articulable cutter apparatus for the cutting and dismemberment of a building structure to permit the environmentally safe removal of such structure from a building site. The apparatus comprises a mobile base support having an articulable lift arm extending therefrom. The arm has a distal end thereon. A guidable cutter head is arranged on the distal end of the lift arm. A fluid jet is nozzle arranged in the cutter head. A pressurizable fluid source is arranged in fluid controlled communication with the nozzle. The nozzle is arranged to be in closely positioned guided travel adjacent the surface of the structure to be cut by a jet of fluid under pressure from the nozzle.

Abstract: A water jet cutter for separation of a trim strip from a moving paper, cardboard, tissue or other type of fiber web, in a machine for the production and/or conversion of the fiber web, including at least one nozzle whose water jet is directed onto the fiber web. An advantage of the present invention is to simplify the construction of the device while maintaining at least equal operational reliability, and to enable installation above a pulper in order to eliminate the necessity for removal and extraction systems.

Abstract: A fluid jet cutting method and apparatus for cutting an object from a sheet. In one embodiment, a fluid jet stream is directed against a glass sheet to cut an annular disk substrate for use in a data storage device. The sheet is supported by first, second and third support members. The support surfaces of the second and third support members are respectively positioned inside central openings in the first and second support members. A vacuum pulls the sheet against the support surface of at least the second support member. Preferably, plural central openings in the first support member accommodate plural second and third support members, whereby plural substrates are cut from the sheet. The sheet preferably includes plural layers removably adhered to one another, whereby plural substrates are simultaneously formed by a single fluid jet stream. A protective layer may cover at least one surface to the sheet.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring a tail of a fibrous web through a press section of a machine for making the fibrous web is disclosed. The apparatus includes a threading device positioned between first and second press section transfer devices that is pivotable between an inoperable position and an operable position. The threading device includes a stationary upper surface defined by a plurality of tubes. The tubes discharge air over the upper surface of the threading device to form an air cushion having an underpressure between the tail of the fibrous web and the threading device. The tail of the web is urged by the air cushion to the second transfer device and is threaded thereinto.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vegetable cutting machine and cutting method obtained with said machine, such as those used in trimming and/or chopping of vegetables, the vegetables being moved forward longitudinally aligned on tracks of conveyor belts (3 and 5) of said machine. A group of cutting heads (1) using a high pressure water jet is disposed on the conveyor (3). Each track has its won cutting head (1). A linear TV camera (6) is paced in front of said group of cutting heads (1), said camera scanning the width and length of the vegetables and the separation between them. By means of the corresponding electronic devices, it commands the motors (1.8) of the cutting heads and a motor (3.1) pertaining to the conveyor (3) so that the high pressure water jet of each cutting head (1) trims the vegetable, if required, and cuts the vegetable into a whole number of equal pieces, the size of said pieces being the closest possible to a target size.

Abstract: This invention prevents defects generated when a bonded substrate stack having a separation layer is separated. A bonded substrate stack (101) having a porous layer (101b) is separated in two steps of the first and second processes. In the first process, a jet is ejected to the porous layer (101b) while rotating the bonded substrate stack (101) to partially separate the bonded substrate stack (101) while leaving the central portion of the porous layer (101b) as an unseparated region. In the second process, the jet is ejected to the porous layer (101b) while rotation of the bonded substrate stack (101) is stopped. A force is applied to the unseparated region from a predetermined direction to completely separate the bonded substrate stack (101). Also, the first region (peripheral portion) and second region (central portion) of the bonded substrate stack (101) having the porous layer (101b) are separated using a jet and ultrasonic wave, respectively.

Abstract: A method for threading a running paper web from a preceding section to a following section of a paper-making or paper-finishing machine, includes the steps of: providing a threading tail of the running paper web by cutting it from the running paper web at at least one of its edges; providing at least one sensing element for gaining data from at least one property of the threading tail and/or threading process; transferring the gained data into a data collecting system and/or into an analysis system; and using the data for influencing the at least one property of the threading tail and/or the threading process.

Abstract: By performing an accurate cutting when a substrate is cut, a gap between the substrates when a plurality of substrates are arranged is made constant or is reduced or eliminated, thereby improving electric characteristics of the gap portion between the substrates. For this purpose, a slice line and a guide line are provided on the substrate, the substrate is cut along the slice line, and the guide line is detected upon cutting, thereby detecting a misalignment and cutting the substrate while correcting the misalignment.

Abstract: This invention is to prevent a substrate from dropping when it is transferred/received to/from a separating apparatus. The support surfaces of substrate holding portions (22, 23) are made horizontal, and a substrate (21) to be separated is mounted on one substrate holding portion (22) in a horizontal state (2A). The substrate holding portions (22, 23) are pivoted about rotary shafts (26, 27), respectively, to make the support surfaces of the substrate holding portions (22, 23) vertical so that the substrate (21) is sandwiched by the substrate holding portions (22, 23) (2B). The substrate holding portions (22, 23) are rotated about rotary shafts (24, 25), respectively, and simultaneously, high-pressure, high-speed water is ejected from an ejection nozzle (28) to separate the substrate (21) into two substrates (21a, 21c). The substrate holding portions (22, 23) are pivoted about the rotary shafts (26, 27), respectively, to make the support surfaces horizontal (2C).

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus and methods for collision detection and recovery for waterjet and abrasive-jet cutting systems. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a first mount member coupleable to a controllably positionable mounting portion of the cutting system, and a second mount member coupleable to the cutting head and disengageably or movably coupled to the first mount member. Embodiments of the inventions may also have a sensing circuit having at least one first conductive element disposed on the first mount member and at least one second conductive element disposed on the second mount member. In the event of a collision between the cutting head and an obstruction, the second mount member disengages from or moves with respect to the first mount member to prevent breakage of the cutting head. This movement causes the first and second conductive elements to touch, signaling a collision and shutting down one or more internal systems.

Abstract: This invention is to provide a technique of separating bonded substrate stacks having porous layers at a high yield. A separating apparatus (100) has a pair of substrate holding portions (270, 280). A bonded substrate stack (50) is sandwiched from upper and lower sides and horizontally held by the substrate holding portions (270, 280) and rotated. A jet is ejected from a nozzle (260) and injected into the porous layer of the bonded substrate stack (50), thereby separating the bonded substrate stack (50) into two substrates at the porous layer. Another separating apparatus (5000) has a pair of substrate holding portions (270, 280), a nozzle (260) of rejecting a fluid to the porous layer of a bonded substrate stack (50), and an abrupt operation prevention mechanism (4000) for preventing the lower substrate holding portion (280) from abruptly moving downward but allowing it to moderately move when separating the bonded substrate stack (50).

Abstract: An apparatus for generating and manipulating a high-pressure fluid jet includes an end effector assembly coupled to a manipulator that imparts motion to the end effector along one or more axes. The end effector assembly includes a cutting head coupled to a source of high-pressure fluid and to a source of abrasive, to generate a high-pressure abrasive fluid jet. A motion assembly is coupled to the cutting head via a clamp positioned around the cutting head. A nozzle body assembly is removably coupled to the cutting head assembly upstream of the orifice. The nozzle body assembly may be separated from the cutting head assembly to allow access to the orifice, without removing the cutting head assembly from the clamp. The clamp has a quick release mechanism, allowing an operator to open the clamp by hand to allow access to the cutting head, and an alignment member is provided on an inner surface of the clamp to accurately locate the cutting head in the clamp.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for generating a high-pressure fluid jet includes an orifice mount having a frusto-conical surface that engages a frusto-conical wall in a cutting head, the geometry of the orifice mount and cutting head being selected to increase the stability of the mount and reduce deflection of the mount adjacent a jewel orifice, when subjected to pressure. Alignment of a nozzle body and the cutting head is improved by providing pilot diameters both upstream and downstream of threads on the nozzle body and bore of the cutting head, respectively. Accurate placement of a mixing tube in a cutting head is achieved by rigidly fixing a collar to an outer surface of the mixing tube, the collar engaging a shoulder and bore of the cutting head downstream of a mixing chamber, to precisely locate the mixing chamber axially and radially.

Abstract: A method of cutting seed potatoes prior to their planting is provided in which a high pressure water jet is employed to slice the potatoes into the desired sized pieces. The present invention employs a single water jet, a plurality of water jets, or a cutting tube configuration containing either single or multiple water jet streams which are projected through the center of the cutting tubes or the cutting area and an equal amount of stream collector tube or tubes which contain the jet or jets and collects and directs the spent water to a proper location for its final collection or final discharge. Additionally, the use of this water jet system ensures that the seed potatoes that are cut will not contaminate one another through the cutting instrument as the water used in the cutting process only comes into contact with one potato and is then discharged from the system.

Abstract: This invention is to provide an apparatus for separating a substrate having a porous layer at the porous layer. A bonded substrate stack (101) having a porous layer (10b) is supported by substrate holding portions (120, 150) while being rotated. High-speed, high-pressure water (jet) is ejected from a nozzle (102), so the jet is injected into the bonded substrate stack (101). The substrate holding portions (120, 150) hold the bonded substrate stack (101) such that the bonded substrate stack (101) can expand at its central portion due to the pressure of the injected water. This efficiently applies a force (separation force) that acts outward from the inside of the bonded substrate stack (101).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and arrangement for processing a wide paper or board web in connection with such a manufacturing method, in which a wide base web (14) is manufactured and the base web is processed in at least one processing stage before the separation of the finished product by cutting it transversely from the web on the production line. According to the invention, the base web (14) is divided at least once to form two part-webs (17, 18) before the separation of the finished product by cutting it transversely from the web and before the final processing stage preceding separation. At least one part-web (17, 18) formed in this manner is guided to a finishing stage before the separation of the finished product by cutting it transversely from the web on the production line.

Abstract: A cleaving tool provides pressurized gas to the edge of a substrate in combination with a sharpened edge to cleave the substrate at a selected interface. The edge of the tool is tapped against the perimeter of a substrate, such as a bonded substrate, and a burst of gas pressure is then applied at approximately the point of contact with the edge of the tool. The combination of mechanical force and gas pressure separates the substrate into two halves at a selected interface, such as a weakened layer in a donor wafer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cutting a material using a water jet. A central shaft is mounted so as to extend outward from a material to be cut. A support member is mounted on the central shaft so as to extend transversely therefrom. At least one water jet cutting head is mounted on the support member so as to be translatable therealong. In addition, the at least one water jet cutting head is mounted so as to be rotatable about the central shaft. By controlling the translatory and rotational motion of the at least one water jet cutting head (for example, using computer numerical control or other computer control), a desired cut pattern can be followed with respect to the material being cut.

Abstract: To separate a composite member consisting of a plurality of bonded members without destructing or damaging it, a fluid is jetted against the composite member from a nozzle to separate it into a plurality of members at a position different from a bonding position.

Abstract: A mobile articulable cutter apparatus for the cutting and dismemberment of a building structure to permit the environmentally safe removal of such structure from a building site. The apparatus comprises a mobile base support having an articulable lift arm extending therefrom. The arm has a distal end thereon. A guidable cutter head is arranged on the distal end of the lift arm. A fluid jet is nozzle arranged in the cutter head. A pressurizable fluid source is arranged in fluid controlled communication with the nozzle. The nozzle is arranged to be in closely positioned guided travel adjacent the surface of the structure to be cut by a jet of fluid under pressure from the nozzle.

Abstract: A water jet web slitting apparatus slits a web at a plurality of locations across the web into webs of smaller width in a winder. The water jet web slitting apparatus utilizes a water jet cutter to slit the web. The water jet cutter has a support plate with a pattern of suction apertures located surrounding the cutting aperture of the water jet cutter through which negative pressure is applied to hold the web against the support plate adjacent the water jet cutting apparatus and to prevent the web from fluttering or moving relative to the support plate notwithstanding whether the web is travelling or temporarily at a stopped position. This permits for the water jet to be run continuously without having to be turned off and restarted when the web travel is temporarily stopped and started again because the continually running jet does not re-wet the surface of the web or the edges cut into the web.

Abstract: A movable water jet edge trimmer has an integral trim chute attached to a cutting support plate for the trimmer. The support plate has a cutting aperture and a series of suction apertures located inboard of the outside edge of the travelling web for supporting the web against the support plate as a water jet passes out through the cutting aperture away from the support plate and through the web. The support plate has a curved surface located downstream and outboard of the cutting aperture which curves into a trim chute opening of a trim chute. Negative pressure is applied from the trim chute to the trim chute opening to draw any strip of material cut from the edge of the web over the curved surface and into the trim chute.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating a substrate having a porous layer at the porous layer is provided. A bonded substrate stack (101) having a porous layer (101b) is supported by substrate holding portions (108, 109) while being rotated. High-speed, high-pressure water (jet) is ejected from a nozzle (112) and injected against the bonded substrate stack (101), thereby physically separating the bonded substrate stack (101) into two substrates. The jet pressure is appropriately changed in accordance with progress of separation processing.

Abstract: This invention prevents defects generated when a bonded substrate stack having a separation layer is separated. A bonded substrate stack (101) having a porous layer (101b) is separated in two steps of the first and second processes. In the first process, a jet is ejected to the porous layer (101b) while rotating the bonded substrate stack (101) to partially separate the bonded substrate stack (101) while leaving the central portion of the porous layer (101b) as an unseparated region. In the second process, the jet is ejected to the porous layer (101b) while rotation of the bonded substrate stack (101) is stopped. A force is applied to the unseparated region from a predetermined direction to completely separate the bonded substrate stack (101). Also, the first region (peripheral portion) and second region (central portion) of the bonded substrate stack (101) having the porous layer (101b) are separated using a jet and ultrasonic wave, respectively.

Abstract: This invention is to provide an apparatus for separating a substrate having a porous layer at the porous layer. A bonded substrate stack (101) having a porous layer (101b) is supported by substrate holding portions (120, 150) while being rotated. High-speed, high-pressure water (jet) is ejected from a nozzle (102), so the jet is injected into the bonded substrate stack (101). The substrate holding portions (120, 150) hold the bonded substrate stack (101) such that the bonded substrate stack (101) can expand at its central portion due to the pressure of the injected water. This efficiently applies a force (separation force) that acts outward from the inside of the bonded substrate stack (101).

Abstract: A waterjet head is tilted relative to vertical in order that the edge of a cut made by the head when severing a part from a workpiece is perpendicular to the workpiece surface, or is oriented at another desired inclination. As the waterjet head is moved along a cutting path over the workpiece, the plane in which the waterjet head is tilted is maintained at a constant bevel control angle relative to the direction of movement of the waterjet head. The waterjet head together with a tilt control assembly is carried by a support that is moved by a CNC controlled three axis drive system. The tilt control assembly includes provision for adjustably tilting the waterjet head and for rotating the waterjet head to maintain the bevel control angle as the direction of waterjet head movement changes.

Abstract: A method for cutting integrated circuit packages includes providing an integrated circuit package, and cutting the integrated circuit package with a water jet.

Abstract: To separate a composite member consisting of a plurality of bonded members without destructing or damaging it, a fluid is jetted against the composite member from a nozzle to separate it into a plurality of members at a position different from a bonding position.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for transferring a traveling material web into a target region. The process includes positioning at least two cutting mechanisms at one of a same and different width positions between web edges of a traveling material web. The at least two cutting mechanisms are movable relative to the traveling material web in a plane approximately parallel to the material web. The process also includes cutting the traveling material web at the one of the same and different width positions, thereby forming at least one resulting cut that extends approximately parallel to a web travel direction, and forming a substantially pointed beginning of a transfer strip by moving at least one of the at least two cutting mechanisms in a direction toward one of the web edges from its respective width position. In this manner, the resulting cuts of the at least two cutting mechanisms occur at one of a same and a substantially close proximity to a same width position.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus and methods for z-axis control and collision detection and recovery for waterjet and abrasive-jet cutting systems. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a linear rail, a slide member coupleable to a cutting head and slideably coupled to the linear rail, at least one actuator having a first end coupled to the slide member and a second end fixed with respect to the linear rail, a position sensor, and a controller. The actuator provides an adjustable support force that supports the weight of the cutting head, allowing the cutting head to be controllably positioned at a desired height above the workpiece. The actuator may include a pneumatic cylinder, or alternately, a linear motor.

Abstract: A method for cutting off a longitudinal edge of a moving paper web utilizes a waterjet through the web to effect cutting. Air flow between the web and the web cutting top pull the web forward and towards the edge. Air flow from a pipe positioned upstream of the water jet presses the web against the cutting top.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus for cutting using a pressurized jet of fluid from a high pressure fluid source includes a hand-held tool, a hose for delivering pressurized fluid to the hand-held tool from the high pressure fluid source, and a nozzle at a distal end of the hand-held tool. The nozzle has a channel capped by a jewel. The jewel has a second channel therethrough restricting the flow of fluid through the channel, thereby creating the pressurized jet of fluid. A trigger switch is located on the hand-held tool. The trigger switch activates the high pressure fluid source when depressed and deactivates the high pressure fluid source when released.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus and methods for z-axis control and collision detection and recovery for waterjet and abrasive-jet cutting systems. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a linear rail, a slide member coupleable to a cutting head and slideably coupled to the linear rail, at least one actuator having a first end coupled to the slide member and a second end fixed with respect to the linear rail, a position sensor, and a controller. The actuator provides an adjustable support force that supports the weight of the cutting head, allowing the cutting head to be controllably positioned at a desired height above the workpiece. The actuator may include a pneumatic cylinder, or alternately, a linear motor.