Plural Separately Mounted Flying Cutters Patents (Class 83/303)
  • Patent number: 11597626
    Abstract: A cable recovery machine, having at least one traction module configured to hold and draw at least one cable, in particular of a cable laying plant, and at least one cutting module located downstream of the traction module and able to receive the cable that is introduced into the cutting module in a direction of feed (X1); the cutting module having at least one cutting unit provided with at least one cutting blade and integral with a shaft made to rotate by corresponding drive means, so that by rotating the shaft, the cutting unit is made to rotate and cuts the cable when the latter enters the cutting module in the direction of feed (X1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: TESMEC S.P.A.
    Inventors: Alberto Oscar, Fabrizio Parodi
  • Patent number: 11331872
    Abstract: A method for feeding a web of printing material in a manufacturing system for producing packages, includes feeding the web from a web-fed printing press to a flat-bed machine for die-cutting or embossing while the printing press is in operation. An inserting device is used for winding the web onto an auxiliary wind-up device, moving a web-guiding element having a roller in a compensatory manner to achieve a temporary standstill of the web by converting a continuous movement of the web into an iterative movement by changing a speed of the web through changes of position of the roller, clamping the web while being cut by using a clamping unit, cross-cutting the web creating a cross cut edge by using a cutting unit adjacent the clamping unit, and inserting the web, cross cut edge first, into the flat-bed machine for at least one of die-cutting or embossing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Tobias Hanauer, Hans Schadl
  • Patent number: 11141947
    Abstract: A device for processing a plate element (35) has a rotable hub (52), two tools (57, 58), mounted on the hub (52) to process the element (35) when each tool is in a respective processing position; a drive to rotate the hub (52) and the two tools (57, 58); a rotatable counter-tool (64). The rotation (R) of the hub (52) varies during a rotation cycle of the hub (52), and includes two constant speed phases during each of which one of the two tools (57, 58) is, in succession, in the processing position; and at least one phase with each of the two tools (57, 58) in an intermediate position between the respective processing positions, so as to achieve a front lateral processing position and a rear lateral processing position on the element (35).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Inventors: Thomas Lootvoet, Olivier Boudry
  • Patent number: 11090896
    Abstract: A device for inserting a web of printing material into a flat-bed die-cutting and/or embossing machine includes a compensator for converting a continuous movement of the web of printing material into an iterative movement of the web of printing material. A clamping unit clamps the web of printing material, a cutting unit carries out a cross cut through the web of printing material, and an inserting unit transports the web of printing material into the flat-bed die-cutting and/or embossing machine. The device advantageously allows the web of printing material to be automatically clamped, cut and fed to the flat-bed die-cutting and/or embossing machine. As a result, no further stopping of an upstream printing press is required and the amount of waste is reduced. A manufacturing system for producing packages and a method for feeding a web of printing material are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Tobias Hanauer, Hans Schadl
  • Patent number: 10625476
    Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a fiber reinforced resin material, by cutting long fiber bundles into a plurality of pieces having a predetermined length, and impregnating the cut fiber bundles with resin, includes a plurality of cutters each having a predetermined length and configured to cut the long fiber bundles, and a conveyance unit provided below the cutters and configured to continuously convey the fiber bundles cut with the cutters. The cutters are arranged along a conveying direction of the conveyance unit, such that respective longitudinal directions of the cutters form different angles with the conveying direction of the conveyance unit, when viewed from above the cutters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Masaya Miura, Tetsuya Oda
  • Patent number: 10232524
    Abstract: A perforating apparatus has a first roll and a second roll, each being operatively engageable with a support. The first roll has a first longitudinal axis about which the first roll rotates and a first anvil disposed on the first roll and having a first design. The second roll has a second longitudinal axis about which the second roll rotates. A second anvil is disposed on the second roll. The second anvil has a second design. At least one blade is disposed on the support so as to cooperate in interacting relationship with one of the first anvil and the second anvil when the support is operatively engaged with the one of the first anvil and the second anvil. The apparatus comprises two alternative paths for the web material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Deborah Sue Slovut, Laura Marie Tanno, Kathryn Christian Kien
  • Patent number: 8978531
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for separating insulating materials which were obtained in a continuous production process and are made of mineral wool in determinable lengths, comprising the following features: a) the separation of the material is carried out by means of two separately driven circular saw blades (6) which are suspended like a pendulum; b) the position of the suspension (1) and the drive (2) of the saw blades (6) can be adjusted by means of a carriage (4) in the direction of supply of the material; c) the drive of the carriage (3), the drive of the saw blades (2), the drive of the pendular units (14) and the driving action of the conveyor belt (15) are provided by servomotors; d) a deflection unit (12) causes the lowering of the conveyor belt (15) in the respective area of the saw blades (6); e) the process of material separation is automatically controlled in accordance with the cutting performance of the separating means and the advancement speed of the material supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Grenzebach Maschinenbau GmbH
    Inventor: Rudolf Schäferling
  • Patent number: 8943938
    Abstract: A dispenser for repeatedly discharging a predetermined length of a continuous web of material, especially paper towels, comprises a feed roller (14) with the continuous web of material wound thereon and a cutting drum (20) incorporating a cutting device (24, 32), the continuous web of material being directed in contact to at least part of the cutting drum (20). The dispenser is characterized in that the cutting device (24, 32) comprises at least two cutting knives (24) with cutting blades (26), which cutting blades (26) are operable between an active, extended position projecting beyond the outer circumferential surface of the cutting drum (20), and an inactive retracted position; wherein each cutting knife (24) is provided with a cam follower (44) engaging a stationary cam path (46) of a camming mechanism (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventor: Filip Sahlberg
  • Publication number: 20140053701
    Abstract: A device for cutting a strapping off of a cuboid bale includes at least one cutter bar that can be moved toward the bale, wherein the bale is guided along the cutter bar by a conveying apparatus and the cutter bar is arranged on a side of the bale that is directed perpendicularly to a conveying direction. Efficient cutting of all strapping is made possible by arranging at least two cutter bars on adjoining sides of the bale and by guiding the cutter bars in a traversing device in the conveying direction during the contact with the bales.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: Voith Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Frank Kern, Ingo Jonen, Stephan Liedemann
  • Patent number: 8631729
    Abstract: An adjustable knife for a pouch machine is selectively provided with changeable knife hub sets each including a major and minor knife hub with respective major and minor axes. The hub sets have respectively differing diameters or different spacing between the respective major and minor axes to handle a variety of pouch sizes where a filler wheel alternately first fills and seals pouches in a train. A gear linkage including a four gear anti-lash arrangement with a movable gear accommodates variation in distance between hubs of different sets. A method of using the knife is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: R.A. Jones & Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Sima Paunesku, Daniel J. Rack, Jeffrey D. Wintring, Richard A. Roth
  • Publication number: 20130333536
    Abstract: An apparatus for transverse cutting of a web has a frame straddling the web path, a side frame on each side of the web path and an upper frame between the two side frames, a circular saw blade suspended in a pendulum arm pivotably connected to the upper frame, a swinging drive for controlling the swinging movement of the saw blade, wherein the pendulum arm is pivotably mounted in a vertically movable sub-frame of the upper frame, and the vertical movement of the sub-frame relative to the upper frame is managed by a lifting drive that is coordinated with the swinging drive. Also disclosed is a method for transverse cutting a web.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: Rockwool International A/S
    Inventor: Jens Houlberg
  • Publication number: 20130327196
    Abstract: A continuous motion de-flash machine for removing flash from molded plastic articles. An in-feed section is supported by a frame and adapted to transport articles. A de-flash section is supported by the frame, receives articles from the in-feed section, and includes (a) a de-flash turret with a plurality of cam-actuated punch stations each having a punch adapted to remove flash from an article, the punch stations traveling along an oval track with a pair of long straight portions connecting two curved portions, and (b) a nest turret with a plurality of cam-actuated nest stations, the nest stations traveling along an oval track parallel to the oval track of the punch stations. An out-feed section receives an article from the de-flash section and removes the article from the machine. A method of using the machine to de-flash articles having unwanted flash is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: Graham Packaging Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Garrett R. Pennington
  • Publication number: 20130036884
    Abstract: In order to make holes with different spacings between them, a punching tool is provided with punching dies on its circumference and interacts with an impression cylinder. Between two punching operations, either of the punching dies and the impression cylinder is driven, at times, at a circumferential speed that is greater or smaller than the movement speed of the material web that is to be punched or is stopped briefly and, until the next punching operation, brought once again to a circumferential speed that corresponds to the movement speed of the material web that is to be punched.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: HUNKELER AG
    Inventors: Thomas SCHURCH, André MEZNARIC
  • Publication number: 20110271806
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for manufacturing articles, such as gutter covers, from a flat feedstock are provided herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus for fabricating articles having apertures from a flat feedstock may include an uncoiler to supply a flat feedstock in roll form; a first flying press configured to receive the feedstock, wherein the first flying press houses a tool and die to form one or more apertures in the feedstock; a roll former configured to pull the feedstock from the uncoiler and through the flying press, the roll former comprising a plurality of rollers to create a desired profile along the width of the feedstock; and a flying shear to cut the feedstock to a desired length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Applicant: RK INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: RICHARD L. KUHNS
  • Publication number: 20110203431
    Abstract: A device for applying at spaced positions (P1, X) over a moving web of material (S) superposed strips of a first (A) and a second (B) includes a first (10, 12) and a second (20, 22) cutting unit arranged cascading with respect to each other. Each unit includes a rotary knife (10, 20) that can be fed with the respective material (A, B) and an anvil roll (12, 22) which cooperates with the respective knife (10, 20) to cut the abovementioned strips of material (A, B). The anvil rolls (12, 22) of the two units are arranged facing each other, movable of concordant motions with respect to each other and configured in such a manner to transfer the strips of the first material (A) from the first anvil roll (12) over the second anvil roll (22) superimposing them to the strips of the second material (B). The second anvil roll (22) then provides for passing over the moving web of material (S) the strips of the first (A) and second material (B) superimposed to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: FAMEACCANICA.DATA S.P.A.
    Inventors: Nicola Cocozzella, Francesco D'Aponte
  • Patent number: 7987755
    Abstract: A device for forming envelopes from a continuous flat strip of a sleeve-like foil material, comprising a supply member, a cutting member for making a cut over the full width of the material so as to provide individual envelopes, and a discharge member for discharging the envelopes. The cutting member comprises at least two cutting elements movable relative to the strip of material, each cutting element comprising at least one cutting blade extending parallel to the width of the strip, such that the individual cutting blades form several partial cuts contiguous to each other in the foil material over the width thereof in successive cutting operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Fuji Seal International Inc.
    Inventors: Marinus Antonius Leonarda Van Heck, Henricus Petrus Hubertus Van Der Zanden
  • Publication number: 20100180736
    Abstract: A machine for cutting a continuously extruded tube into segments of lesser and predetermined length, comprising:—means (33) for actuating sliding means (3) that are movable along a guide (30) parallel to a direction (20) of advance; said sliding means (3) comprising a first and a second station (31, 32) for cutting the tube which in turn comprise respectively a first and a second shearing cutter (311, 312).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Applicant: SICA S.P.A.
    Inventor: Giorgio Tabanelli
  • Publication number: 20090049965
    Abstract: The book trimming apparatus comprises guides (4) which direct a collated and, optionally, bound book (1) to a fore-edge trimming station (3). The book trimming apparatus further includes a transfer station (5) and a side-edge trimming station (7). For both the fore-edge trimming station (3) and the side-edge trimming station (7) in each case the book is orientated so that the edge to be trimmed is arranged substantially parallel to the direction of motion of the book. The automated book trimming apparatus is particularly suited for use in combination with collation and binding stations in in-line book manufacture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Applicant: IBIS INTEGRATED BINDERY SYSTEMS LTD
    Inventors: John Cracknell, Mark Firth, John O'Brien, Martin Brewster
  • Patent number: 7117776
    Abstract: A high-speed shear for cutting a rolled strip to a length and including first upper and second lower blade drums carrying, respectively first and second blades and rotationally connected with each other, drive elements located in front of and behind the first and second drums for advancing the rolled strip, under longitudinal tensioning, through a blade gap between the first and second drums, and support rollers supporting the tensioned strip and providing for lifting of the strip before passing of the second blade and for lowering the strip before passing of the first blade through the blade gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: SMS Demag AG
    Inventors: Horst Grafe, Jürgen Merz
  • Patent number: 6966245
    Abstract: A rotary cutting die includes a trim stripper having a generally pentagonal shape which forcibly separates severed trim scrap from cut corrugated board, directing the scrap material generally downwardly and away from the trimmed corrugated board product. The pentagonal shaped stripping member mounts on the surface of a die board adjacent a trim cutting blade and is formed of a resilient material, such as closed cell rubber, which deforms elastically when forced into contact with the incoming blank of material. The angled nature of the stripper surface allows the stripper to smoothly contact and capture the leading edge of the blank, greatly reducing the potential for an initial destructive misalignment at the stripper-blank interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Container Graphics Corporation
    Inventor: Jack Richard Simpson
  • Patent number: 6923098
    Abstract: A cutting wheel assembly for cutting elongated articles having a cylindrical housing which defines a longitudinal cavity and a circular outer periphery. A plurality of cutting blade support rings are rotatably mounted about the outer periphery of the housing. A plurality of cutting blades are mounted for radial movement on each ring and disposed at angularly spaced increments about the housing, wherein each blade is moveable between a first, non-cutting position and a second, cutting position. A manifold and valve assembly is mounted in the cavity and proximate the blades for selectively directing a pulse of fluid against individual blades at preselected angular positions to urge the blades outwardly from the non-cutting position to the cutting position. A plurality of camming components are positioned about the periphery of the housing and secured against rotation adjacent the rings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: Key Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth James McGarvey, Robert Earl Jones, Maurice Jarold Hunking
  • Publication number: 20040094006
    Abstract: A cutting wheel assembly for cutting elongated articles includes a substantially cylindrical housing which defines a longitudinally disposed cavity and a substantially circular outer periphery. A plurality of cutting device support rings are rotatably mounted about the outer periphery of the cylindrical housing. A plurality of cutting devices are mounted for radial movement on each cutting device support ring, and disposed at angularly spaced increments about the cylindrical housing, and wherein each cutting device is radially moveable between a first retracted non-cutting position, and a second extended cutting position. A manifold and valve assembly is mounted in the longitudinally disposed cavity and proximate the cutting devices for selectively directing a pulse of fluid against individual cutting devices at a preselected angular position to urge the respective cutting devices substantially radially outwardly from the retracted non-cutting position to the extended cutting position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventors: Kenneth James McGarvey, Robert Earl Jones, Maurice Jarold Hunking
  • Patent number: 6615699
    Abstract: The described method serves for trimming or cutting during conveyance in a conveying direction (F) substantially in parallel to their main surfaces, flat objects along predetermined cutting lines parallel to the conveying direction (F). The objects are conveyed between a first and a second cutting edge (SK1 and SK2) and are cut by a relative movement of the two cutting edges. The first cutting edge (SK1) is positioned, e.g. stationary, in the plane of a support surface supporting the objects and for each cutting process, the second cutting edge (SK2) is moved past the first cutting edge in such a manner that at least the cutting point on the second cutting edge has a speed component in conveying direction (F) which has the same size as the conveying direction and a speed component perpendicular to the support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Ferag AG
    Inventor: Erich Jäger
  • Patent number: 6520057
    Abstract: A system and method for performing operations such as cutting on sheet material such as cloth wherein the sheet material is scanned at an inspection station to determine the existence and location of flaws in the material, the material is transferred to a conveyor where operations such as cutting are performed on the sheet material as it is moved by the conveyor, and the speed of the conveyor and the speed, direction and mode of the operations are controlled all according to a predetermined pattern of operation for the sheet material and the pattern can be re-nested or adjusted in accordance with the existence and location of flaws in the material as determined by the scanning. The operations are performed by controlled gantry-style cutters, and preferably two such cutters are employed wherein a control determines the conveyor speed and determines the portions of the cutting operation to be performed by the respective cutters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Eastman Machine Company
    Inventor: Erich F. Steadman
  • Patent number: 6453784
    Abstract: An apparatus for cutting individual pieces from an extruded strand fed at a constant velocity (v0) has two cutting blades, which are disposed on disks and rotate in circular paths. In order to align the cutting blades perpendicular to the feed direction of the extruded strand, the blade supports holding the cutting blades are coupled to each other by means of guide rods. The guide rods simultaneously constitute the rotation axes of deflection rolls of a conveyor belt transporting the extruded strand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Patrick Cotteverte, Daniel Bernard
  • Publication number: 20020092391
    Abstract: A shear is disclosed for subdividing an elongated product moving longitudinally in a horizontal plane. The shear includes upper and lower continuously rotating blades respectively coacting in a radially overlapping relationship at first and second laterally disposed cutting zones. An upstream switch operates to divert the product laterally across the cutting zones to separate a leading end from an intermediate section in the first cutting zone, and to separate a trailing end from the intermediate section in the second cutting zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2002
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Inventors: Xiaolan Shen, T. Michael Shore
  • Patent number: 6152002
    Abstract: A method for trimming flat printed products along a predetermined cutting line includes the steps of continuously feeding the printed products in succession in a feed direction parallel to a plane defined by the printed products. The printed products are passed between two superposed knives, each knife having a cutting edge facing the other cutting edge. The two knives are moved in cutting engagement with one another in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the printed products. The apparatus according to the invention includes a conveyor for continuously feeding the printed products in succession in a feed direction parallel to a plane defined by the printed products. At least one cutting device having two superposed knives is provided. Each knife has a cutting edge facing the other cutting edge. The printed products are passed by the conveyor between the two knives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Grapha-Holding AG
    Inventor: Hans Muller
  • Patent number: 6098513
    Abstract: Assembly to shear rolled sections (11a, 11b) coming from two parallel, adjacent rolling lines, the assembly comprising for each rolling line a feeding unit (13a, 13b), shears (12a, 12b) for shearing to size and a single scrap shears (14) with two pairs of blade-holder elements (15a, 15b) cooperating with the corresponding scrap-conveying channels (23a, 23b), there also being present first switches (20a, 20b) to feed the rolled sections (11a, 11b) alternately towards the the shearing channel (22a, 22b) and towards the scrap-conveying channel (23a, 23b), all the motors being on the same side, the shearing assembly also comprising a cyclone to discharge discards (17) downstream from the scrap shears (14) and comprising, downstream from the scrap shears (14), second switches (21a, 21b) cooperating with the rolled sections respectively (11a, 11b) to feed alternately a double removal channel (24a, 24b) placed downstream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Danieli & C. Officine Meccaniche SpA
    Inventors: Ferruccio Tomat, Giorgio Lavaroni, Giampietro Zamo'
  • Patent number: 6070510
    Abstract: High-speed flying shears and method employing the same with contrarotating blades (13) and scrap-shearing blades (18) fitted side by side to blade-holder drums (30), which is suitable to shear bars (11) travelling at 120 meters per second or more, the shears comprising upstream a first one-channel switch (16) of a start/stop type and downstream a second one channel switch conveying the bars (11) lengthwise and capable of being oriented in synchronization laterally by rotation on a plane substantially containing the axis of travel of the bars (11) and parallel to, and between, the planes containing the axes (12) of rotation of the pair of blade-holder drums (30) so as to make the bars (11) pass in the shearing area (35), the circumferential position of the blades (13) being associated with the lateral position of the first one-channel switch (16) at least in the transient moment of the passing of the bars (11) in the shearing area (35), the first and second switches (16-20) having at least a first extreme posi
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: Danieli & C. Officine Meccaniche SpA
    Inventor: Alfredo Poloni
  • Patent number: 5791220
    Abstract: A cutting device of packing apparatus includes at least three cutting blades arranged around the packing material expanding cylinder in a substantially equally-spaced manner. The cutting blades are rotatable about their own rotational axes in a synchronous manner for cutting off the continuous packing material along a circumferential slit formed on the cylinder. This simplifies the overall structure by eliminating a mechanism to move the blades around the cylinder. By using a number of blades rotatable in synchronization with each other, the time period for a single blade in contact engagement with the packing material to be cut off is substantially reduced and the efficiency of the cutting operation is enhanced. Due to the enhanced efficiency, the delay of time in the alternation of the feeding operation and cutting operation is lowered down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Benison & Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Benker P. C. Liao
  • Patent number: 5562009
    Abstract: A chopper and corner rounder (10) for a web material includes tool pairs (14, 16; 18, 20) driven by two double eccentrics (22, 24), the first double eccentric driving the upper knife by a first eccentric and the upper punch by a second eccentric, the first and second eccentrics being 180.degree. out of phase; the second double eccentric driving the lower knife by a third eccentric and the lower die by a fourth eccentric, the third and fourth eccentrics being 180.degree. out of phase. The first double eccentric is driven at the same speed but in the opposite direction as the second double eccentric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Michael Long, James A. White
  • Patent number: 5304055
    Abstract: Three-dimensional food products such as crackers, cookies, puffed snacks, puffable glassy half-products, pet foods, pasta, confections such as chewing gum, and ready-to-eat cereals are produced on a mass production basis by feeding a dough or other food composition to a plurality of dies which shape it into ropes. The shaped extrudate ropes obtained from each die are cut by a cutting device which passes across only a portion of each of the orifices of the dies to partially cut each of the shaped extrudate ropes. The cutting device passes across the entire orifice of each of the dies to completely cut each of the partially cut extrudate ropes into individual pieces. The use of a multi-port extrusion die permits higher mass flow rates and thus greater dough piece production rates at lower cutter speeds. The use of multi-port extrusion and lower cutter speeds increases shape, definition, and accuracy of cutting and reduces scattering and deformation of the individual pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1994
    Assignee: Nabisco, Inc.
    Inventors: Bernhard H. Van Lengerich, Denise Thorniley, John Palermo, Daniel A. Koppa
  • Patent number: 5243889
    Abstract: A cut-off machine for cutting off predetermined lengths from a moving length of roll form material such as tubing adapted to be positioned downstream from a source comprising a plurality of cut-off assemblies which are reciprocated longitudinally of the moving length of material and operated during the movement to sever plural predetermined lengths. The reciprocating and cutting movements are derived from a differential beam pivot assembly wherein one end of the beam is driven in a linear reciprocating path by a crank and the other end of the beam is connected to reciprocate the cut-off assemblies such that they are driven at a speed corresponding to the speed of the tube at the time the lengths of tubing are cut off. The apparatus can be adjusted to cut tubes of different lengths by moving the pivot point of the differential beam. The apparatus includes a mechanism for selectively disabling the operation of the cut-off assemblies and actuating them to permit greater lengths of tubes to be cut-off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1993
    Inventor: Bernard J. Wallis
  • Patent number: 5235880
    Abstract: A detectable cutter knife (100) is useful as a replacement for a conventional cutter knife used in product inspection and cutting systems of the type having a cutting wheel assembly. The cutting wheel assembly includes a knife guide having angularly spaced radially oriented knife support slots through which cutter knives having tangs extending therefrom move between a retracted noncutting position and an extended cutting position. The detectable cutter knife (100) includes a shank (102), a tang (114), and an amount of metallic material in the shank sufficient to stimulate a metal detector. The use of metallic material in the shank permits automatic and efficient detection of a broken cutter knife (100) and its removal from product flow. Preferably, the metallic material takes the form of a ball bearing (152) secured within a hole (150) positioned in a low-stress area (154) of shank (102).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1993
    Assignee: Simco/Ramic Corp.
    Inventors: John H. Wilbur, Gale M. Wood
  • Patent number: 5230268
    Abstract: Apparatus for cross cutting and/or perforating of a web. The apparatus performs two consecutive partial cuts and, provides for positive guidance of a partially cut web. This is accomplished by first and second cutting blade rollers, arranged with one common counter cylinder and guided by groups of belts passing through breaks in the blades. The breaks of the two blades are laterally offset relative to each other, and the belts are pressed against the counter cylinder to convey the web. This eliminates the need for one counter cylinder and one pair of pull rollers, it decreases the danger of web tear and eliminates the web stretching and the accompanying offset of the two partial cuts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1993
    Assignee: Man Roland Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventor: Johannes Richter
  • Patent number: 5199341
    Abstract: A gap cutting sheeter having controls to adjust the cutting position of the first and second flying shears relative to each other to set the gap size to a particular printed sheet. The downstream flying shear can be set up to cut the leading edge or the following edge of while the web is moving. When cutting the leading edge, a flexible flipper is provided just ahead of the flying shear to contact and push successive cut chips toward a vacuum chip removal system. Alternating vacuum removes the chips, and pulsing positive air pressure against the underside of a leading, trimmed edge guides it over the chip removal vacuum chamber to the downstream conveyor. A knockdown vane is provided just after the flying shear to press the leading edge of a cut signature against the downstream deck plate to prevent wrinkling of the cut signatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1993
    Assignee: Numerical Concepts, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald A. Jones
  • Patent number: 5157999
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for moving workstations to perform work on a workpiece, includes moving workstations through a first path generally parallel to the workpiece and performing work on the workpiece. The workstation then returns along a second return path spaced further from the workpiece than the first path. The spacing between the plurality of workstations may be controlled such that sequential workstations work on the workpiece at predetermined intervals. Several embodiments of conveyors meeting the above-described broad features may be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1992
    Inventor: John Borzym
  • Patent number: 5103703
    Abstract: Sheet cutting apparatus for severing a rapidly-moving web, such as printed paper, into cut sheets in two stages. In the first stage, spaced cuts are made along a transverse cutting line of the web. The web is trained between belts which support the cut portions of the web, and the uncut portions of the web are severed to separate sheets. The sheets are conveyed out of the cutting station and into further apparatus. Preferably, the belts for supporting the web during the second cutting operation are trained around the knife and anvil rolls which make the cuts. The purpose of the belts is to prevent the leading edge of the web or a cut sheet from being projected forward of its support, thus tending to become dog-eared or misfed. The cuts made at the first and second cutting stations can be arranged in various patterns to remedy mis-timing of the respective cutting stations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1992
    Assignee: Littleton Industrial Consultants, Inc.
    Inventor: Francis J. Littleton
  • Patent number: 5097576
    Abstract: The known traveling steel pipe cutting machine of a milling type, which cuts a pipe while traveling in synchronism with a pipe manufacturing speed, is improved so as to facilitate the calculation of positional loci and the control of a milling cutter, to increase a rigidity of the machine and a life of the cutter, and to also make it possible to cut even a pipe having an asymmetric cross-sectional shape under the same set of operating conditions. A plurality of cutter heads each include a milling cutter, and are each supported and linearly fed in biaxial directions by respective guides and feed drive motors. A clamping device is positioned in the proximity of the milling cutters for holding and fixing the pipe. The cutter heads and the clamping device are disposed on a traveling truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1992
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yuzuru Kadono, Masatoshi Okano
  • Patent number: 5063801
    Abstract: A cut-off machine adapted to be positioned downstream from a source, such as a tube mill, for receiving a moving length of tube stock from the mill and severing plural predetermined lengths from the moving length. The machine comprises a plurality of cut-off assemblies that are reciprocated longitudinally of the moving length of material and operated during the movement of sever plural predetermined lengths. Each cut-off assembly comprises a cutter blade that is supported for movement in an arcuate path and for radial movement. A cam in the path of each blade is engaged by a cam follower movable with the blade to cause the blade to move in a straight line transversely of the flattened tubing while severing the tube length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1991
    Inventor: Bernard J. Wallis
  • Patent number: 4977806
    Abstract: Plant to perform cropping and to take samples, which is suitable to crop the head and tail of a rolled product which may travel at high or very high speeds, the head and tail being discharged through an independent discharge conduit (15), the plant comprising at least one flying shears (11) at least for the shearing and correct delivery of the head and tail, the discharge conduit (15) cooperating with a flying shears (18) to take samples, at least one container (19) for the portions collected as samples being located downstream of the sampling flying shears (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 18, 1990
    Assignee: Danieli & C. Officine Meccaniche SpA
    Inventor: Alfredo Poloni
  • Patent number: 4956987
    Abstract: A high speed rotary cutter includes a toothed counterwheel which has plural radial slots extending in the axial directions. First cutting blades are slidably received in the radial slots, each of which has a first cutting edge on its outer end. The first cutting edge is inclined to the line which is perpendicular to the advancing direction of the continuous corrugated strip. The movement of the first cutting blade between a projected and restored position thereof is controlled by a fixed cam which is located inside of the toothed counterwheel. The rotary cutter also includes a second cutting blade which has a second cutting edge on its outer end and is aligned to the first cutting blade so that the continuous corrugated strip is sheared at the crossing point of the first and second cutting blades. The first and the second cutting blades are biased to be engaged with each other for cutting the fin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 18, 1990
    Assignee: Nippondenso Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Hara, Takatoshi Iwase
  • Patent number: 4913013
    Abstract: A method and apparatus particularly suited for cutting continuously moving thermoplastic film such as linear low density polyethylene and includes a stationary anvil, preferably a roller of tool steel and a tungsten carbide die mounted for rotation along a circular arc intersecting the anvil. In an embodiment for punching holes in the film, the apparatus includes a saddle shaped hollow tungsten carbide die projecting slightly above the cylindrical surface of a roll passing under a spring biased tool steel roller for cutting a semicircular hole in a continuously moving continuous plastic film web for the manufacturer draw tape bags. A vacuum is supplied to the center of the die for removing the segment of plastic film cut out by the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1990
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventor: Paul V. Osborn
  • Patent number: 4879891
    Abstract: Unitary heat sink apparatus for use in removal of heat from a heat generating component is disclosed which includes a heat sink body formed by extrusion. Parallel fins extend outwardly a first predetermined distance from the heat sink body and are separated by a first predetermined number of grooves of a first predetermined depth and width. The ratio of the height of the fins to the width of the grooves is approximately four to one. The first predetermined number of parallel grooves are gang sawed to a second predetermined depth to provide a second and greater predetermined height to the parallel fins such that the new ratio of the second predetermined height of the fins to the width of the parallel grooves is increased to at least six to one. In another embodiment, the heat sink is then rotated ninety degrees and a second predetermined number of grooves are gang sawed at right angles across and through the parallel fins to provide a predetermined number of pins extending outwardly from the heat sink body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1989
    Assignee: Thermalloy Incorporated
    Inventor: Howard G. Hinshaw
  • Patent number: 4856396
    Abstract: Apparatus for selectively forming a continuously moving web (5) with apertures or holes by means of a punching mechanism consisting of a rotating die (26) and a rotating punch (14) and with venting pinholes by means of a rotating needle bar (34) and a rotating abutment (13). The die (26) or punch (14) and the needle bar (34) are secured to a common shaft (28). The punch (14) or die (26) for cooperating with the die (26) or punch (14) on the common shaft (28) is secured to a first shaft (11) on the opposite side of the web (5). The abutment (13) for cooperating with the needle bar (34) is secured to a second shaft (12) disposed on the opposite side of the web (5). The first and second shafts (11, 12) are movably mounted in pivoted mounting arms (9, 10), which can be fixed in position. A rotation of the first and second shafts (11, 12) will either move the punch (14) or die (26) into engagement with the die (26) or punch (14) or will move the needle bar (31) into engagement with the abutment (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1989
    Assignee: Windmoller & Holscher
    Inventors: Friedhelm Brinkmeier, Ulrich Eckelt
  • Patent number: 4846033
    Abstract: Polygonally-shaped blanks useful in making products such as can parts are formed by dividing a relatively wide web of material into a plurality of relatively narrow strips, each strip having longitudinal edges delimited by scroll lines formed from a plurality of straight scroll line sections. The strips can be arranged parallel to a longitudinal axis of the web or at an angle relative thereto. It is also possible to divide the strips into individual blanks at a scrolling station or at a remote can making station. The polygonal shape of the blanks permits them to be designed so as to compensate for earing caused by the anisotropy of the material from which the web is made. Various punches and slitting arrangements can be employed to perforate the web and to longitudinally and laterally cut it so as to form the strip and/or blanks therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1989
    Assignee: KM-Engineering AG
    Inventors: Werner H. Uehlinger, Jozef T. Franek
  • Patent number: 4785696
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for presenting a serial succession of cut sheet portions to a work station. The sheet portions are cut from a continuous webbing which is processed by a cutting station and a web-breaking station. The cutting station partially severs the web downstream of its leading free end so as to define a first sheet portion between that free end and the point of cutting, with the first sheet portion connected to the web by one or more tab connectors. The webbing is then advanced downstream to the tab-breaking station where the tabs are broken to free the first sheet portion for independent movement further downstream. A vacuum belt engages the webbing, and particularly the downstream edge adjacent the partial severing, with a vacuum belt. The vacuum belt engages the webbing by bridging the partially-severed cut portion, so as not to interfere with the downstream tab-breaking apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1988
    Assignee: Kraft, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael L. Martiny
  • Patent number: 4715847
    Abstract: Blanks (10) for producing folding boxes, etc., are severed from an advancing sheet (11), conveyed continuously, at a constant speed by first drawing rollers specifically by partial severing cuts (cutting lines 33, 34) supplementing one another and made in successive work cycles. The blanks (10) are severed from the sheet (11), with the exception of residual connections (35), and are separated completely from the sheet (11) by tearing as a result of a higher speed of additional drawing roller located downstream of the first rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1987
    Assignee: Focke & Co.
    Inventors: Heinz Focke, Jurgen Focke
  • Patent number: 4681001
    Abstract: Polygonally-shaped blanks useful in making products such as can parts are formed by dividing a relatively wide web of material into a plurality of relatively narrow strips, each strip having longitudinal edges delimited by scroll lines formed from a plurality of straight scroll line sections. The strips can be arranged parallel to a longitudinal axis of the web or at an angle relative thereto. It is also possible to divide the strips into individual blanks at a scrolling station or at a remote can making station. The polygonal shape of the blanks permits them to be designed so as to compensate for earing caused by the anisotropy of the material from which the web is made. Various punches and slitting arrangements can be employed to perforate the web and to longitudinally and laterally cut it so as to form the strip and/or blanks therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1987
    Assignee: KM-Engineering AG
    Inventors: Werner H. Uehlinger, Jozef T. Franek
  • Patent number: 4658684
    Abstract: A clipper for cutting wood or plywood veneer transversely and other similar continuous sheet materials is described which ensures that the sheet material is cut in alignment and the cut achieves a square edge on the material. The clipper includes at least a pair of guillotine knife blades, each blade extending transverse to the sheet material, each blade cutting against a single anvil cylinder rotating in synchronization with the sheet speed. Each blade is preferably mounted in an actuating assembly which includes a crankshaft and a connecting rod. The blade is journaled to the crank of the connecting rod at its lower portion. The upper end of the connecting rod is guided along a radial line with respect to the center line of the anvil. Upon turning the crankshaft, the blade advances simultaneously vertically and horizontally into contact with the veneer. The imparted motion is such that the blade always remains substantially perpendicular to the surface of the veneer being cut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1987
    Inventor: Byron Brookhyser