With Photo-electric Work-sensing Means Patents (Class 83/365)
  • Patent number: 11845254
    Abstract: A sheet separation device is configured to separate a non-bonding portion of a two-ply sheet in which two sheets are overlapped and bonded together at one end as a bonding portion of the two-ply sheet. The sheet separation device includes a conveyance roller pair and circuitry. The conveyance roller pair is configured to convey the two-ply sheet while nipping the two-ply sheet, when separating the non-bonding portion of the two-ply sheet. The circuitry is configured to control sheet conveyance. The circuitry is configured to stop the conveyance roller pair, cause a leading end of the two-ply sheet conveyed toward the conveyance roller pair to contact a nip region of the conveyance roller pair while the conveyance roller pair is stopped, and start the conveyance roller pair to rotate to nip the two-ply sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Tomohiro Furuhashi, Wataru Takahashi, Sho Asano, Yoshito Suzuki, Shinya Monma, Joji Akiyama, Yohsuke Haraguchi, Wataru Nozaki
  • Patent number: 11826956
    Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for producing large format print products having three-dimensional features. The system incorporates at least one micro-dispensing jet valve and optionally a cutting apparatus to provide an integrated, efficient printing system capable of producing large format print products having dramatic three-dimensional features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Inventor: Eran Asher Kainan
  • Patent number: 11813764
    Abstract: This application relates to a fixed blade monitoring structure and a cutting device used for lithium battery manufacturing. The fixed blade monitoring structure includes: an anvil, fixed blade die set, and a fixed blade monitoring assembly. A sliding sleeve is disposed on the anvil. The fixed blade die set includes a fixed blade holder and a fixed blade mounted on the fixed blade holder. An end of the fixed blade holder is slidably mounted in the sliding sleeve. The fixed blade monitoring assembly is mounted in the sliding sleeve and connected to the fixed blade holder, and configured to render status of the fixed blade by monitoring a relative force received by the fixed blade holder. Through the above structure, manpower and time consumption in the tuning process is reduced. The status monitoring of a first cutter and a second cutter can be implemented during the cutting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: CONTEMPORARY AMPEREX TECHNOLOGY CO., LIMITED
    Inventors: Yitai Guo, Zhihua Wen, Keqiang Li, Cong Zhang, Yunru Shi, Jun Hu
  • Patent number: 11781256
    Abstract: Various examples are provided related to transporting and sewing material in, e.g., automation of sewing robots. Multiple pieces of layered materials can be transported on a flat planar surface while maintaining the material layer's position and orientation relative to one another during a sewing procedure of these materials along any arbitrary seam shape. In one example, among others, a method includes positioning a second piece of material on a first piece of material located on a sewing plane, positioning a material holding apparatus over the pieces of material to secure position and orientation between the pieces of material, locating the pieces of material with respect to an automated sewing machine by repositioning the material holding apparatus, and sewing the second piece of material to the first piece of material. The methods can eliminate the need of custom-made templates for sewing arbitrarily shaped seams with an automated sewing machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: SOFTWEAR AUTOMATION INC.
    Inventors: Michael Baker, Wael Saab
  • Patent number: 11731302
    Abstract: In order to avoid underweight of slices when slicing a loaf into slices, thickness adjustments specified for slicing are adjusted depending on different pre-known parameters, from loaf to loaf and/or from slice to slice within one and the same loaf, preferably also across the boundary between two loaves optimized as early as possible so that existing weight conditions with regard to actual weight of the slices are maintained, in particular no more underweight slices are produced and/or the minimum average weight of the slices required for the entire batch is maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: TVI ENTWICKLUNG & PRODUKTION GMBH
    Inventors: Thomas Voelkl, Martin Mayr
  • Patent number: 11618181
    Abstract: A veneer cutting and sorting apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a revolvable knife blade having a cutting edge and a revolvable knife edge receiver having a cutting edge receiving surface. The knife blade cuts a veneer sheet as peeled from a peeler block by a veneer lathe at a previously detected boundary between defective veneer portion and product veneer sheet on the cutting edge receiving surface then revolving at the same peripheral speed as the cutting edge of the knife blade. Cut-off defective portion is allowed to drop off by its own weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: Meinan Machinery Works, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenro Toda
  • Patent number: 11578014
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to preparing pyrophoric foam granules having a specific infrared signature comprising the steps of (a) mixing a composition comprising a metal salt, carbohydrate, and wetting agent into a homogenous paste, (b) extruding the composition into strands, (c) cutting or spheronizing the strands into a predetermined size or length based on a specific thermal or infrared response to produce pyrophoric foam granules and (d) activating the granules by heating the composition at elevated temperatures under an inert or reducing atmosphere until the matrix is carbonized and the metal salt is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Kendall Mills, Zhaohua Luan, Juan Patino, Lauren Morris, Giuseppe L. DiBenedetto
  • Patent number: 11548180
    Abstract: Systems and methods suitable for shaping and cutting materials. Such a system includes first and second carriage units that are independently operable to travel in a travel direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of a table supporting the material. The first and second carriage units have first and second arms, respectively. A cutting device coupled to the first arm forms a slit in the material, and a deburring device coupled to the second arm forcibly removes burrs from the slit. The deburring device is behind the cutting device relative to the travel direction and forcibly removes burrs in the travel direction toward a breakthrough point of the slit. The second carriage unit oscillates parallel to the travel direction so that the deburring device moves toward and away from the breakthrough point of the slit to remove burrs at the breakthrough point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Inventor: Thierry Rozot
  • Patent number: 11399550
    Abstract: A system 10 for analyzing and trimming pork bellies and other three-dimensional food and non-food products which are to be subsequently portioned or sliced so as to achieve an optimum harvest of slices from the food product bearing in mind achieving a maximum yield together with a desired quality level of the portions/slices. The system 10 includes a conveyor 12 for carrying the workpieces (WP) to be trimmed prior to subsequent slicing of the workpiece past a scanning system 14 for scanning the workpiece WP to ascertain the physical characteristics of the workpiece, including, for example, its three-dimensional shape as well as its position on the conveyor. A cutting station 16 trims the workpiece WP into a desired two-dimensional shape which represents an optimum shape for the workpiece that seeks to maximize the harvest of slices from the workpiece while maintaining a desired quality level for the slices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: John Bean Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: George R. Blaine
  • Patent number: 11312037
    Abstract: A miter saw assembly includes a cutting tool configured to perform a cut along a cutting axis. A stop mechanism is linearly translatable in a first direction. A rotary motor includes a selectively rotatable rotor and a motion conversion mechanism configured to transform rotary motion of the rotor to linear motion of the stop mechanism in the first direction. A controller is configured to selectively rotate the rotor to cause linear translation of the stop mechanism toward or away from the cutting axis. A position detection system includes a visual sensor coupled to the stop mechanism and a ruler strip. The ruler strip includes a plurality of spaced apart position indicators configured for detection by the visual sensor in order to determine a position of the stop mechanism relative to the cutting axis of the cutting tool via position correlating perform by the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Inventor: Timothy Owens
  • Patent number: 9987762
    Abstract: A slicing machine for preferably elongated food may include a blade driven by a motor and a deposit table arranged in a deposit area with a deposit plate, which can be moved, motor-driven, linearly in a horizontal direction via a belt drive. In order to manufacture the slicing machine as compactly as possible with a small overall height, it is proposed that the belt drive has at least two deflection rollers and a driving roller, which guide the drive belt in endless rotation in a horizontal plane, and that the driving roller is arranged in a perpendicular projection between the first deflection roller and the second deflection roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: Bizerba SE & Co. KG
    Inventor: Timo Capone
  • Publication number: 20150143968
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cutter for cutting printed substrates, having a supporting plane adapted to receive a printed substrate comprising a plurality of images separated by a plurality of edges perpendicular to each other in a feeding direction (F), and a plurality of cutting units suitable for cutting the printed substrate along said edges in a longitudinal direction (L), parallel to the feed direction (F), and in a transverse (T), perpendicular to the feeding direction (F). Each cutting unit has a pair of parallel blades, spaced apart at a distance corresponding to the width of the edges, a backing plane arranged underneath the supporting plane of the cutter and suitable to provide a backing surface to the blades during cutting, and a connecting arm which extends from a frame of the cutting unit on which the blades are mounted to the backing plane in a direction opposite to the cutting direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: FOTOBA INTERNATIONAL S.R.L.
    Inventor: Pietro Alberto
  • Publication number: 20150135921
    Abstract: A continuous tortilla chip cutting system where tortilla carried on a conveyor are continuously divided by a cutting mechanism into pre-cuts for frying into chips. A programmable controller drives a servo motor that moves an upper surface of the conveyor at a known velocity V, and a detector located above the conveyor at a known distance D from the cutting mechanism alerts the controller to the imminent arrival of the tortilla. The controller also controls a servo motor that actuates the cutting mechanism in a stop/start fashion. Based on the detection of the tortilla, the controller drives the servo motor associated with the cutting mechanism at just the right time and at just the right speed so that the cutter mechanism cuts each arriving tortilla into predictable sub-units called “pre-cuts” based on the velocity V of the conveyor belt, the detection of the flat bread unit carried by the conveyor, and the known distance between the moving flat bread unit and the cutter assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventor: Jose de la Luz Martinez-Montes
  • Patent number: 9010225
    Abstract: A dicing apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention includes: a work table on which a work is mounted; a processing device which processes the work; an imaging device which images the work on the work table; a plurality of moving device which move the work table, the processing device, and the imaging device relatively to each other; and an alignment camera which is provided on the same moving device as the work table so as to face the imaging device, and which performs imaging in the direction toward the portion where the imaging device is provided. According to the dicing apparatus configured in this way, it is possible to easily measure the relative position of the imaging device and the processing device without processing a dummy work, and it is possible to perform excellent dicing processing without lowering the efficiency of the dicing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Tokyo Seimitsu Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshitami Hojo
  • Publication number: 20150090088
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for extracting buds 8 from a stalk 1 of a graminaceous plant. The method comprises the steps of obtaining at least one stalk half 7 by cutting the stalk 1 in longitudinal direction L of the stalk 1, automatically detecting a bud 8 on the stalk half 7 and cutting out a vegetal tissue comprising the bud 8 based on the detected position of the bud 8. Furthermore, the invention relates to a system for carrying out this method as well as the use of this system for extracting buds 8 from a stalk 1 of a graminaceous plant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Applicant: BASF SE
    Inventors: Harald Rödel, Cassio da Silva Cardoso Teixeira, Antonio Cesar Azenha, Efraim Albrecht Neto, Domingos Guilherme Pellegrino Cerri
  • Publication number: 20150082695
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for extracting buds 8 from a stalk 1 of a graminaceous plant comprising the steps of automatically detecting a bud 8 on the stalk 1 and cutting out a vegetal tissue comprising the bud 8 based on the detected position of the bud 8. According to the method the step of detecting the bud 8 on the stalk 1 comprises obtaining the longitudinal position of the bud 8 in the longitudinal direction of the stalk 1 and the circumferential angle position of the bud 8 on a cross section of the stalk 1, said longitudinal position and circumferential angle position defining the position of the bud 8. Furthermore, the invention relates to a system for carrying out this method as well as the use of this system for extracting buds 8 from a stalk 1 of a graminaceous plant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventors: Harald Rödel, Cassio da Silva Cardoso Teixeira, Antonio Cesar Azenha, Efraim Albrecht Neto, Domingos Guilherme Pellegrino Cerri
  • Patent number: 8785812
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for the treatment of a workpiece, in particular of a substantially flat substrate, comprising a table (2) for supporting the workpiece (5), a flow generation apparatus (6, 11) producing a gas flow (22) on a top face (17.1, 17.2) of the table (2) in a region between the workpiece (5) and the top face (17.1, 17.2) of the table (2), on which gas flow the workpiece (5) is supported during the treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Tel Solar AG
    Inventors: Richard Grundmüller, Johannes Meier, Arthur Büchel
  • Publication number: 20140144376
    Abstract: A position-referenced mobile system includes a mobile apparatus having: a chassis having a first edge and a second edge opposite the first edge; a first wheel rotatably mounted proximate the first edge of the chassis; a second wheel rotatably mounted proximate the second edge of the chassis; a first motor for rotating the first wheel; a second motor for rotating the second wheel; a first encoder for monitoring an amount of rotation of the first motor; a second encoder for monitoring an amount of rotation of the second motor; a laser mounted on the chassis; and a photo detector mounted on the chassis; a controller for interpreting signals provided by the photo detector; and a plurality of reflective elements disposed at a corresponding plurality of locations that are observable by the photo detector when the mobile apparatus is located within a position detection region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Inventor: GREGORY MICHAEL BURKE
  • Publication number: 20140130643
    Abstract: A guard device for a saw system in which the table saw is not operated without a saw blade guard, unless a user intends to make a non-through cut in a workpiece. The guard device, in one embodiment, determines whether an adjusted saw blade height corresponds to a thickness of the work piece to be cut and prevents the tool or motor driving the saw blade from operating if the saw blade is adjusted too high, in order to improve work conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicants: Robert Bosch GmbH, Robert Bosch Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Ralph Dammertz, Juergen Wiker
  • Patent number: 8701534
    Abstract: A machine tool, in particular a sawing machine, is described, having a work surface (14) for placing a workpiece (16) to be machined and a tool support unit (20) for supporting a tool (18), the tool support unit being supported movably relative to the work surface (14). The machine tool includes a tool operation monitoring device (60) for monitoring a tool range (68) at least during tool operation, the device having an imaging unit (62).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Benjamin Visel, Georg Stellmann, Joachim Platzer, Sebastian Jackisch
  • Publication number: 20140033886
    Abstract: A media cutting system is disclosed comprising a die cutter including a cutting surface and a plurality of dies stored proximate the cutting surface, a die exchange system including a die storage system configured to support the plurality of dies and a die transport system, and a computer system comprising a controller configured to operate the die transport system and the die cutter. A die exchange system and methods of making and using the die exchange system also are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: XEROX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Linn C. Hoover, William J. Nowak, William J. Hannaway
  • Publication number: 20140020542
    Abstract: A cell cutting device that cuts a mother substrate for display devices includes a fixing unit configured to move in a state where the mother substrate for display devices is fixed on the fixing unit, a cutter configured to perform a cutting process on the mother substrate for display devices and the cutter faces a surface of the mother substrate during the cutting process, a cutter driving unit driving the cutter in a state where the cutter is fixed thereon, and a buffer member arranged on another surface of the mother substrate to correspond to the cutter. The other surface is opposite the surface facing the cutter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventors: Kyung-Hoe HEO, Seung-Jun LEE
  • Publication number: 20130327195
    Abstract: A device for cutting off one or more sample regions from a sample carrier that contains impregnated sample material, e.g. blood, is described. The device includes: a cutting unit (103) for cutting off the one or more sample regions from the sample carrier, an optical imaging unit (101) for producing an electronic image of the sample carrier, and a processor (102) for controlling a display screen (108) to display the image (104) and one or more indicators (105, 105?) each expressing the location of one sample region to be cut off. Thus, an operator of the device is enabled to monitor, without direct visual communication to the sample carrier, what region or regions of the sample carrier is/are to be cut off. As no direct visual communication with the sample carrier is needed, the working ergonomics of the operator can be improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: WALLAC OY
    Inventors: Mika Olavi Routamaa, Jouni Henrik Reivolahti, Jarmo Sakari Korpi, Ilari Torsti, Kimmo Sakari Laine
  • Patent number: 8474356
    Abstract: A machine tool monitoring device having a detection unit, which is configured to detect the presence of a material type in a machine tool work area by spectral analysis of a radiation. The detection unit has a sensor unit having at least one sensitivity region for detecting radiation in a wavelength range that is situated at least partially in the infrared spectrum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Georg Stellmann, Sebastian Jackisch
  • Patent number: 8402868
    Abstract: A slab shaping system includes a slab shaping device. The slab shaping device includes a cutting device and de-burring device, wherein the cutting device and the de-burring device, respectively cut and de-burr a slab. According to an embodiment, the slab shaping system may include a plurality of spaced apart slab support beams that form at least one slot therebetween. According to an embodiment, the cutting device and de-burring device may be axially-aligned. A method for operating a slab shaping system is disclosed. The method includes the steps of positioning a plurality of slab support beams on a table to form at least one slot; positioning a slab over the slab support beams; positioning a cutting device and de-burring device of a slab shaping device in axial-alignment; and cutting and de-burring the cut in the slab along a length of the at least one slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Edw. C. Levy Co.
    Inventors: Thierry Rozot, Kenneth William Wright
  • Publication number: 20120325062
    Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus includes a punch motor, an actuator which rotates by driving of the punch motor, a punching blade which punches a sheet by driving of the actuator, and a controller which controls the driving of the punch motor so that approach run is gained, if a thickness of the sheet exceeds a threshold, in a rotating direction of the actuator in which the punching blade does not move at the beginning of the driving of the punch motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicants: Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha, Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Yasunobu TERAO
  • Publication number: 20120241489
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a tray, a light source, a sensor, a control module, a puncher assembly and a stapler assembly. The light source is located on the tray and emits light. The sensor is located on the tray and detects a thickness of sheets of paper output from a printer. The control module defines a predetermined height and compares the predetermined height with the thickness of the sheets of paper. The stapler assembly is located on the tray and capable of stapling the sheets of paper. The puncher assembly is located on the tray and can perforate the sheets of papers. If the predetermined height is greater than the difference, the control module drives the stapler assembly to staple the sheets of papers. If the predetermined height is less than or equal to the difference, the control module drives the puncher assembly to perforate the sheets of papers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: CHEN-YANG KUO
  • Publication number: 20120198974
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of acquiring slices or portions of slices of constant weight from food products sliced by a cutting apparatus. A plurality of cross-sectional areas Fi of the product are determined for at least one product to be sliced, in particular in accordance with the light sectioning process. The total weight Gges of the product is determined; control data are calculated using the cross-sectional areas Fi and the total weight Gges; and the cutting apparatus, is operated at least in part using the control data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: WEBER MASCHINENBAU GMBH BREIDENBACH
    Inventor: Günther Weber
  • Patent number: 8176821
    Abstract: The invention concerns a machine comprising driving means (14, 16, 18) for driving sheets in a drive direction (F) through a processing zone (T), and processing means including a tool (53, 53?) and a counter tool (56), respectively, borne by a first and by a second transverse rotary support shaft (52, 54). Said processing means are designed to produce in the sheets cutouts and folds transverse to their drive direction. The counter tool has a substantially cylindrical surface having at least one working strip (57) which extends parallel to the axis of the second support shaft and is radially offset relative to the portions (58) of said surface which are adjacent to said strip, the latter being designed to cooperate with the tool to form a cutout or a fold in a sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Rapidex S.M.
    Inventor: Jean-Jacques Taillardat
  • Publication number: 20120097002
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a scanning device for detecting the contour of an object. The scanning device has a light source for generating a light pattern on the surface area of the object, and a camera for detecting the light pattern on the surface area of the object. The disclosure describes that the one light source includes at least one incoherent spot light source, and that between the at least one spot light source and the object, a shadow caster defines the light pattern on the surface area of the object. The disclosure also relates to a method for detecting the contour of an object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicants: Wente/Thiedig GmbH, Weber Maschinenbau GmbH Breidenbach
    Inventor: Ullrich Thiedig
  • Publication number: 20120085212
    Abstract: A device for the optical detection of the surface of plate-shaped materials (16) to be cut, especially suitable for continuous cutting machines or tables (10) including, at the top of a base (12), a cutting table (14) with a quadrangular square whereon said material to be cut is spread, through one or more cutting heads or units (20) carried by at least one beam (18) guided in sliding along one or more tracks (24) parallel or orthogonal to the long sides of the cutting table (14), characterised in that said device has at least one scanner (22) attached to said beam (18) or to a mobile support (28) parallel thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Inventors: Michele CANTELLA, Matteo Mascetti
  • Patent number: 8141603
    Abstract: A guide arm for a gang sawmill is provided adjacent to an inlet of a gang saw and is movable about a pivot pin depending on the actual curvature of a cant to adjust (continuously or fixed) the position of an incoming cant to maximize the yield of usable boards produced by the gang saw by moving the cant relative to the saw as a conveyor feeds the cant through the gang saw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Inventors: Patrick M Conry, Russell Kennedy, Chris Raybon, Russell Roberson
  • Patent number: 8136433
    Abstract: An apparatus for cutting fruit. The apparatus includes a frame, at least first and second cutting stations, at least one receptacle in which the fruit is received that includes a plurality of extensions protruding outwardly from an outer circumference thereof, and a conveyor that conveys the receptacle from the first cutting station to the second cutting station. The frame includes a kicker. In use, the object is cut along its vertical axis at the first station, the receptacle is then rotated about its vertical axis as a result of one of the extensions contacting the kicker, and the object is cut at the second station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Inventor: Jeffrey Cahoon
  • Publication number: 20110277609
    Abstract: A machine tool, in particular a sawing machine, is described, having a work surface (14) for placing a workpiece (16) to be machined and a tool support unit (20) for supporting a tool (18), the tool support unit being supported movably relative to the work surface (14). The machine tool includes a tool operation monitoring device (60) for monitoring a tool range (68) at least during tool operation, the device having an imaging unit (62).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Inventors: Benjamin Visel, Georg Stellmann, Joachim Platzer, Sebastian Jackisch
  • Patent number: 8056456
    Abstract: An apparatus for producing flat thin sections of a specimen (3) comprises a blade edge (7), a specimen carrier (4), a drive device (14) for producing a relative motion between the blade edge (7) and the specimen carrier (4) in a sectioning plane (5), and a light light-ribbon micrometer (8) arranged between the blade edge (7) and the specimen (3), wherein the light-ribbon micrometer (8) is arranged at a fixed distance (d) relative to the blade edge (7) and generates a light-ribbon in a plane perpendicular to the sectioning plane. A coding device (13) may be associated with the drive device (14) for controlling an alternating drive as a function of the distance (d) and of signals generated by the light-ribbon micrometer (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH
    Inventor: Roland Walter
  • Publication number: 20110204077
    Abstract: A paper cutting control device for ticket paper and ticket dispensing machine comprising the same, wherein the paper cutting control device for ticket paper comprises a driving motor (M), a first sensor (2), a cutter (3), a controller and a second sensor (4). The first sensor is located on an upstream of the cutter and used for detecting a spacing mark (B) between adjacent tickets of the ticket paper and sending a spacing mark arrival signal when the spacing mark is detected. The second sensor is located on a downstream of the cutter and used for detecting a front end of the ticket paper and sending a ticket arrival signal when the front end of the ticket paper is detected. A ticket dispensing machine has the paper cutting control device for ticket paper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Inventors: Changgang Gu, Zhigang Xu, Lei Che, Weiwei Xu, Xiaoyan Gao
  • Patent number: 7993019
    Abstract: The laser enclosure includes an enclosure body which is adapted to accommodate a laser scanner therein. The enclosure with the laser assembly is used in a sawmill environment. The enclosure body includes an assembly for moving the mounted enclosure body to obtain and maintain a desired orientation and aiming for the laser scanner relative to a companion laser scanner. A movable front plate/door comprises one part of the enclosure body, mounted and arranged to be movable to an open position, permitting access to the interior of the enclosure body. The movable door also includes openings for the laser scanner components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: EB Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Earl M. Barker, Kevin J. Barker
  • Patent number: 7984737
    Abstract: In a state that a reference plane of a cutter holder, to which a cutter blade is attached, is brought into contact with a surface of a base of a supporting adhesive tape, the cutter blade cuts the supporting adhesive tape while the reference plane of the cutter holder follows the surface of the base. Herein, a cutting edge of the cutter blade passes by a joining interface between the supporting adhesive tape and a ring frame without penetrating through an adhesive layer of the supporting adhesive tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Nitto Denko Corporation
    Inventors: Masayuki Yamamoto, Saburo Miyamoto
  • Patent number: 7971327
    Abstract: A process for sub-dividing a laminated flooring substrate into a plurality of laminated flooring planks and a system therefore are described. The process can include providing a laminated flooring substrate having a decorative pattern on a core wherein the decorative pattern can include a plurality of indicators, and independently detecting the indicators with a plurality of detecting devices, each assigned a respective indicator. The detecting devices can individually obtain the position of the detected indicators and a control unit can align a separate saw blade per each position detected. The system includes a cutting unit with individually adjustable saws or an alignment device configured to align the laminated flooring substrate with the saws, to cut the laminated flooring substrate along positions relative to the detected indicators, for example, in the center thereof or off-set therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Mannington Mills, Inc.
    Inventors: Gungor J. Deringor, Sam Cantey Dryden
  • Publication number: 20110088528
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a machine tool monitoring device having a detecting unit (32) for detecting the presence of at least one type of material in at least one prescribed machine tool region, particularly the machine tool working region (34), by means of spectral analysis of radiation (SR), wherein the detecting unit (32) comprises a sensor unit (44) having at least one sensitivity region (54.2) for detecting radiation in a wavelength range (WL2) disposed in the electromagnetic range, a transmitting unit (42; 64) for transmitting radiation having at least one radiation component in the wavelength range (WL2), and an analysis means (58) designed such that it can detect the presence of at least one type of material in at least one prescribed machine tool region based on the radiation detected by the sensor unit (44), wherein the analysis means (58) is operationally coupled to the transmitting unit (42).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2008
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Benjamin Visel, Georg Stellmann, Sebastian Jackisch
  • Publication number: 20100257984
    Abstract: Produce trimming apparatus are presented including, including: a number of paddles coupled with a rotating conveyor system configured for capturing and isolating the produce along a first section; a counter-rotating compression belt system for compressing the produce along a second section, where the counter-rotating compression belt system is configured to apply a compressive force to the produce such that the produce is secured, and where the counter-rotating compression belt system includes a belt that is counter-rotating and synchronized with respect to the rotating conveyor system; and a cutting system including a number of cutting blades positioned along a path of the rotating conveyor system, where the number of cutting blades are configured to core and trim the produce along the second section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Inventors: David W. Scaroni, Matthew S. Scaroni
  • Patent number: 7806029
    Abstract: A slab shaping system includes a slab shaping device. The slab shaping device includes a cutting device and de-burring device, wherein the cutting device and the de-burring device, respectively cut and de-burr a slab. According to an embodiment, the slab shaping system may include a plurality of spaced apart slab support beams that form at least one slot therebetween. According to an embodiment, the cutting device and de-burring device may be axially-aligned. A method for operating a slab shaping system is disclosed. The method includes the steps of positioning a plurality of slab support beams on a table to form at least one slot; positioning a slab over the slab support beams; positioning a cutting device and de-burring device of a slab shaping device in axial-alignment; and cutting and de-burring the cut in the slab along a length of the at least one slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Edw. C. Levy Co.
    Inventors: Thierry Rozot, Kenneth W. Wright
  • Publication number: 20100212464
    Abstract: A method and apparatus provide for continuous automatic cutting of a web of material wherein the web has a web anomaly that prevents the web from lying flat and straight. The web anomalies include when a web has a non-zero Gaussian curvature and/or when the web or roll of material follows an arc when the roll is unrolled onto a flat surface. These web anomalies may be justified through use of computer controlled cutters that correct the motion trajectory of the cutter relative to the web and also by means of distortions to the support surface upon which the cutting of the web is to occur.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Applicant: North Cutting Systems, LLC
    Inventor: William J. Slyne
  • Publication number: 20100107833
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for cutting a window covering comprises a saw for cutting the window blind. An assembly is provided for moving the window covering on the support surface relative to the saw such that the window covering is positioned to be cut by the saw. A sensor is used to automatically determine a center of the window covering by detecting a predetermined portion of the window covering such as a mark on the window covering or an edge of the window covering.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: NEWELL WINDOW FURNISHINGS INC.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Caputo, Neil L. Casstevens, Mark A. Fox, Clifford Birch
  • Patent number: 7661342
    Abstract: An exemplary method for making a metallic workpiece includes: (a) providing a metallic sheet and a punching machine, wherein the metallic sheet comprises a curved portion and a plurality of predetermined punching areas; the punching machine comprises a die set, a lifter, at least one punch blade; (b) placing the metallic sheet on the die set; (c) adjusting a position of the metallic sheet for making a longitudinal center axis of the punch blade perpendicular to a plane tangential to a center of the predetermined punching areas; (d) applying the lifter to press down, and the punch blade punching one of the predetermined punching areas out of the metallic sheet; and (e) repeating steps (c) and (d) appropriately in turn to form a plurality of punched holes in the curved portion of the metallic sheet. The metallic workpiece made by the present method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Zhi-Da Liu
  • Patent number: 7640836
    Abstract: Web processing method and apparatus (30, 300) is provided for high speed, extremely accurate die cutting or lamination operations. Processing station (32,300) includes a vacuum hold down plate (32,308) which receives and holds an image bearing incremental segment of the web. In feed and out feed tension on the web is released while a segment of the web is held by the hold down plate. The hold down plate with a segment of the web thereon is selectively shifted about X, Y, and ? axes as required to bring the image on the web segment into alignment with a web processing component at the processing station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Preco Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles C. Raney, Hongli Du, John T. Pierson, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20090084236
    Abstract: A punching system (100) for punching preliminary workpieces into products and scraps is provided. The punching system includes a feeding device (10), a punching machine (20), a selecting device (40), and an electric control subsystem (50). The feeding device is configured for feeding the preliminary workpieces. The punching machine is configured for receiving the preliminary workpieces fed from the feeding device and punching the preliminary workpieces into the products and the scraps. The selecting device is configured for separately selecting and transporting the products to a corresponding working station and the scraps to a corresponding scrap station. The electric control subsystem electrically connects with the feeding device, the punching machine, and the selecting device, and is configured for controlling the respective operation of the feeding device, the punching machine, and the selecting device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Applicants: SHENZHEN FUTAIHONG PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., FIH (HONG KONG) LIMITED
    Inventors: SHENG WU, JIN-SHAN CUI, SAN-YAN ZHANG
  • Patent number: 7415914
    Abstract: An article handling apparatus for a trim press includes a die and a cooperating punch configured to sever articles from a web, a treadle configured to move relative to the die, and a drive wheel assembly configured to move the web and the articles. The drive wheel assembly includes a pair of roller feed assemblies. Each of the roller feed assemblies include a knock-lever mechanism having a lever arm and a follower wheel, the lever arm being configured to contact the die as the treadle is moved towards the die. The the follower wheel is configured to retract from the respective drive wheel in response to contact of the lever arm with the die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Inventor: Jere F. Irwin
  • Patent number: 7227165
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system and a method to grade a piece of wood and simultaneously to classify this piece of wood by allowing an examination of four longitudinal faces thereof, so as to determine optimal specifications for a subsequent use thereof such as shaving, trimming ends, and other applications. The system comprises a structure, a transversal conveyor, a vision unit and a processing unit. The vision unit is partly located above the conveyor in an inclined plane, collecting data on a lateral and upper longitudinal face of an object as the object moves with the conveyor, and partly located under the conveyor, at an angle therewith, collecting data from a complementary lateral longitudinal face of the object as well as from an inferior longitudinal face thereof, as the object moves with the conveyor. The system allows classification of wooden pieces according to predetermined standards, at a rate of 200 pieces per minute with a margin of error less than or equal to 2%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Comact Optimisation Inc.
    Inventors: Yvon Hubert, Martin Castonguay
  • Patent number: 7207250
    Abstract: In a system for cutting glass sheets into shapes there is at least one cutting site (A, B). In order to align the glass sheet which is to be cut or the glass sheet shape into a defined position, on the edge of the tables I and II there are contact edges (21, 44, 45). In order to move the glass sheets and the glass sheet shapes into contact with the contact edges (21, 44, 45) the tables I, II are aligned sloping down toward the contact edges (21, 44, 45) so that the glass sheets and glass sheet shapes slide on air cushions produced between the glass sheets or glass sheet shapes and the tables (I, II) in contact with the contact edges (21, 44, 45). The glass sheets or glass sheet shapes which adjoin the contact edges (21, 45) are coupled by force-fit to the conveyor belts (20) which are provided in the area of the contact edges (21, 45) and then moved to the cutting site (A, B) which is located following the table (I, II).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Inventor: Peter Lisec