Abstract: A die cutting press for processing web material has a registration system which is operable to provide precise alignment of a shiftable die cutting unit along two axes during the time that the web material is advanced along a third axis toward the die unit, so that as soon as a defined area of the web reaches the die unit, the press can be immediately actuated to subject the web to the die cutting operation. In preferred forms of the invention, an indicator strip is printed on the length of the web and is detected by two spaced photo optical sensors movable with the die unit. A first control means, coupled to the sensors, selectively actuates in stepwise fashion either of two servomotors as may be necessary to bring the die unit into registration with defined web areas in a direction laterally of the web length (which may be defined as a Y axis) as well as a rotative orientation with respect to the defined web areas about an upright axis (which may be termed the .theta. axis).

Abstract: An improved rotary cutter for a web material is proposed. It has a pair of rolls adapted to rotate synchronously in opposite directions and an axially elongated knife secured to each roll to extend axially. A plurality of rolling bodies are arranged around each roll to bear the shock upon cutting. Different means for preventing the knives from hitting the rolling bodies are proposed. This arrangement prevents the rolls from warping due to shock upon cutting and allows the use of rolls having a smaller diameter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shearing machine comprising of upper and lower blades with a non-contact detection means for measuring the thickness of a work piece. The machine also has a control means for adjusting the clearance between the upper and lower blades of the shearing machine to a value matching the plate thickness.

Abstract: In an uncoiled web feed line including a shear, continuous feed and measuring pinch rolls, a pit for accommodating a loop portion of an uncoiled web, intermittent feed pinch rolls and a metal mold arranged in succession, there is provided a novel method for cutting an uncoiled web at its midway position by a shear such that when the production by the metal mold is continued for the uncoiled web forward of the cut position, just one lot of a desired number of products can be produced without being associated with an excessive waste web.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cutting predetermined lengths of panels from a continuous strip of flexible material and for forming the lengths of panel members to have a preselected panel profile. The strip is reel fed to a first strip driving station which drives the strip through a shearing station, over a hump table, to a second strip driving station and through a strip forming station. In sequence, the second strip driving station brakes the leading portion of the strip to effect a strip hump over the hump table, which is detected by a protoelectric sensor for hump height and signals the first strip driving station to vary its feed rate to maintain the hump; the second driving station is then signaled to commence driving the lead portion of the strip to the strip forming station.

Abstract: A high-throughput, high-end-product-recovery log-bucking system featuring continuous log travel. The system includes a flying-saw, log-bucking mechanism in combination with an upstream scanner which is capable of producing data related to a log's "sweep." A computer which is interposed the bucking mechanism and the scanner makes a decision at least partially based on log-sweep data, as developed by the scanner, to determine the optimum bucking position(s) along a log's length to obtain the maximum recovery of usable end-product.

Abstract: A foodstuff such as a sausage is sliced in a predetermined slicing direction into a succession of slices each having a respective width measured parallel to the slice direction. This succession of slices is then deposited on a support in a plurality of rows with the slices in each row offset from one another by a predetermined first distance and the rows offset from each other by a predetermined second distance. The width of the slices is continuously measured as they are cut and at least one of the distances is automatically varied in dependence on the measured width to produce a uniformly overlapping array of slices. In addition the machine can calculate the weight of a given slice by combining the width with the slice thickness and the slice density, and this weight can be divided into a desired weight to determine how many slices at the predetermined size are needed to make up the desired weight. A signal can indicate then when this weight is reached.

Abstract: The web leading edge of a paper roll for a rotary press or the like is held and prevented from raveling by three or more pieces of strong adhesive tape during handling and loading onto a paper feed machine of the printing press. On the paper feed machine, perforated tear lines are formed across the tape pieces by a device comprising a rotary perforating wheel, a mechanism for moving the wheel from one end to the other of the roll and also moving it against and away from all of the tape pieces, and a tape detecting device and a controller for automatically operating the mechanism. The tape pieces can then be easily torn to release the web leading edge immediately prior to web splicing.

Abstract: An apparatus 10 that extrudes, conveys and cuts a propellant strand into precise lengths independent of strand velocity is disclosed. Cutting of the strand is accomplished by a cutter 18 having a blade mounted on a shaft which in one revolution cuts the strand. The shaft is activated after passage of the strand end past a pair of downstream optic sensors; compensation is made for cutter delay and strand velocity by having cutting activation take place in the same amount of time as it takes the strand end to pass both sensors less cutter delay.

Abstract: The food product sensor and trimmer apparatus and method may be used to detect and remove defects from french fried potato strips or other elongated food products as they are conveyed in separate channels on a conveyor belt. Such apparatus comprises a defect sensor for each channel including a plurality of light detectors which detect two different wavelength light bands, such as visible light and infrared light, reflected from the surface of the food product to determine the length of the product, the size of the defect and the position of the defect on the product. Visible light and near infrared light are reflected from the product and sensed by different detectors and the ratio of detected visible light to infrared light determined to detect defects and locate them relative to the opposite ends of the product.

Abstract: A continuous web which is drawn off a roll is perforated on its way toward the wrapping station of a machine for the making of plain or filter tipped smokers' products or filter rod sections. The perforating device is adjustable by a control system which receives signals from a photoelectronic testing unit serving to monitor the permeability of successive increments of the web between the perforating device and the wrapping station. The combined cross-sectional area of holes per unit area of the web is increased or reduced, depending upon whether the monitored permeability is less than or exceeds a preselected optimum permeability.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus for heated stock in the form of metallic bars of finite length, includes a transport device for moving the bars back and forth in longitudinal direction of the bars along a transport path, a heating device upstream of the transport device along the transport path, a cutting device downstream of the transport device along the transport path for cutting the bars to a given bar section length at a cutting position, a stop downstream of the cutting device along the transport path for limiting movement of the bars, a clamping device disposed between the cutting device and the stop along the transport path for holding bars of at least a given minimum remnant length in the cutting position, a device in vicinity of the cutting device for carrying away cut bar sections and end remnants of bars out of the cutting position, a repulsion device in vicinity of the cutting device for moving the bar remnants into the heating device after cutting, a sensor disposed along the transport path for sensing pres

Abstract: An automatic portion-cutting machine measures the shape of a fish fillet, calculates its corresponding volume and weight, and cuts the fillet to create portions of a predetermined size. In the preferred embodiment disclosed herein, fish fillets are advanced along a conveyor to allow these operations to take place. An optical monitoring station along the conveyor sends data relating to the shape of the fillet to a processing unit which calculates the weight of the fillet and actuates a cutting unit to cut the fillet at locations corresponding to the portion size desired.

Abstract: A die cutting press for processing web material is disclosed which is operable to provide very precise alignment of a reciprocable die cutting unit with each succesive area of the web to be die cut. In operation, the web is incrementally advanced toward the work station of the press until the area next to be die cut is substantially but not exactly in the die cut position thereof. The web feed is then placed in a creep mode to advance the web until an optical sensor determines the presence of transverse alignment indicium on one side of the web. Mechanism is thereupon actuated to rotate the die unit as required to bring the die assembly into alignment with related indicium on the opposite side of the web while effecting shifting of the web longitudinally thereof in a direction of travel as necessary to maintain die registration with the first sensed web indicium.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting out an edge portion of a coating sheet wherein a plurality of cords arranged at substantially equal intervals and in parallel with each other and conveyed along a predetermined path are integrally coated with rubber or the like in such a manner that the cord portions are expanded, to a predetermined length from the most externally positioned cord portion of the coating sheet in transversal direction thereof is disclosed.

Abstract: An edging system for sawing cants into boards includes a contour line scanner for profiling the cant and determining the combination of board widths of a specified grade which will yield the greatest economic return based on current prices. A pair of fan-like lasers positioned along a conveyor project coplanar lines of light onto the side faces of the cant to form contour lines characterizing the widthwise position and shape of the side faces. An X-Y axis TV camera is positioned above the cant for raster scanning the cant widthwise (X-axis) at close lengthwise (Y-axis) intervals along the cant to detect the contour line. The camera output signal is digitized and input to a microcomputer programed to convert the signal to pairs of digital numbers corresponding to the contour line positions at each interval. Two parallel sawlines are fit between the contour lines, one sawline touching one contour line and the second sawline touching or near the second contour line.

Abstract: A device for feeding a continuous web, for cutting it into pieces and having automatic reel change for changing the reels from which the web is unwound is described. This device includes a cyclic cutting device positioned at the confluence of two tracks, along which two continuous webs are unwound from corresponding reels are fed, and controls for controlling the generation of a signal when an associated reel is exhausted; along each of the tracks there are provided a mechanism for feeding the webs from the reels to the cutting device, and such feeding mechanism include, for each track, a pair of feed rollers for feeding the associated web to the cutting device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for preventing length measuring errors resulting from accidentally remaining local offshoots from a portion of the butt end of a tree stem which is continuously advanced toward a cross-cutting member for cutting the stem in predetermined length sections. A stem-measuring device periodically emits a cutting impulse to the cross-cutting member so that the advancing stem will be cut into predetermined lengths. Two detectors are provided in a spaced relationship for sensing the entering of the butt end into a detecting station and then emitting an actuating signal to start the measuring device. The spacing of the two detectors, which are symmetrically positioned with respect to the centerline of the stem path, does not exceed a predetermined minimum butt diameter. The measuring device is not actuated until signals from both detectors are emitted.

Abstract: This invention relates to a detection system for determining the lateral weave or sinosoidal variation in the edges of a continuous strip of sheet metal during an uncoiling and coiling operation. The detection of the weave permits prompt corrective action to be taken. The system comprises an apparatus positioned along one edge of the line on which the coil is being processed after the sheet exits a rotary cutting knife. It operates to scan the edges of the sheet for lateral weave from the center line of the rotary shear.

Abstract: This invention refers to a multiple edge rotating blade type sheeter for cutting wood veneers, employing a main edged blade, designed to cut the progressing wood veneers in a minimum length equal to the arc between two successive cutting edges, and an auxiliary edged blade designed to remove a strip strictly containing a defective part of the wood veneer from each cut wood veneer, the main and auxiliary edged blades being opportunely spaced and their operations being controlled by means of an electronic apparatus.

Abstract: A link cutter includes a support frame having a cutting zone, a first conveyor on one side of the cutting zone for sequentially conveying a plurality of links interconnected by twisted casing sections, a second conveyor on the opposite side of the cutting zone for receiving links from the first conveyor and stretching the twisted casing sections at the cutting zone. A sensor upstream of the cutting zone includes a source of electromagnetic waves directed across the path of the links and a device for sensing those waves which pass between the links adjacent the twisted casing sections so as to actuate a knife within the cutting zone to sever the sensed twisted casing section upon movement of the same to the cutting zone. The sensor may be a light source and photocell adjustably mounted relative to the cutting zone. A mirror or reflective surface is positioned in the cutting zone to function in combination with the light source and photocell.

Abstract: Edge trimming apparatus and method for trimming off wavy edges of strip material, e.g. metal strip, wherein rotary trimming knives for each edge of the strip are movable transversely relative to the advancing strip. The knives are pivotally supported about vertical axis and can have their transverse spacing adjusted, the support blocks preferably being transversely slidable in guides which are mounted on a carriage which itself is transversely movable relative to the advancing strip. Edge sensors are located adjacent edge regions of the strip and signals from the sensors are passed to a device, for example a hydraulic jack, for moving the carriage transversely.

Abstract: An electronic copying machine including apparatus for supplying one of at least two sizes of paper has a transparent surface for receiving a paper to be copied, a lid for covering the paper during copying, a light sensor mounted beneath the surface for directing light at a predetermined wavelength to the surface and detecting the light reflected from the surface, a first roller drive for supplying a first size of paper when the light sensor detects that the paper to be copied is that first size and a second roller drive for supplying a second size of paper when the light sensor detects the paper to be copied is the second size.

Abstract: A photographic processing apparatus for severing an advancing strip into successive segments and for mechanically segregating the segments in conjunction therewith includes a strip feed for advancing the strip in a lengthwise direction and a guide for guiding the strip past a cutting station in a predetermined path of advance. A cutting blade is mounted at the cutting station and is operable to sever from the strip the segments thereof that have passed the cutting station. The blade has a home position wherein it permits passage of the strip along the path of advance before severance and is movable through a cutting stroke from the home position and back into the home position. The blade has a deflecting position wherein it permits passage of the strip beyond the cutting station while deflecting the strip from the path of advance. A blade actuator is provided to move the blade into and from the home position and deflecting position and through the cutting stroke in timed relation to strip advancement.

Abstract: Cardboard packing cases, which have been loaded with bottles or the like, are fed to apparatus for severing the top flap connecting tabs at diagonally opposite corners of the case. These tabs are provided to hold the top flaps of the case in place during loading, but must be severed prior to closing and/or gluing of the top flaps at a succeeding stage in the packaging of the product. The apparatus includes an infeed station where the cases are separated, by slowing each case on a flight bar conveyor having its flights spaced less than the length of the case, and side belts accelerate the case to match the speed of a pocket chain conveyor. The case has its forward end lifted, and opposite corners tilted, on this pocket chain conveyor to spread the top flaps at the two corners of the case without connecting tabs. Guide plates on either side of the pocket chain conveyor serve to guide the case so that fixed knives cut both tabs without necessity for turning the case through 90 degrees.

Abstract: A cant or plank is moved forwardly on a conveyor system, where its irregular leading lateral edge is measured by a plurality of fixed scanners. In response to measurement of the cant, conveyor movement is altered for orienting the cant relative to a predetermined saw line to be executed by a movable saw whereby the wane will be removed tangentially thereof. The cant is held or clamped in stationary position while the saw is moved on a carriage relative thereto, resulting in severing of the undesired irregular forward edge. The sawn edge is employed as a reference as the cant is then moved forwardly on a conveyor system, where the measurements obtained from the scanners may be further utilized in cutting the cant into desired widths.

Abstract: Cut lengths or segments of photographic strip material, particularly photographic film, are stacked as they are discharged from a photographic film cutter. The device for stacking the cut lengths includes a tray, an arm, a base, and a guide. The base is connected to the film cutter, and supports the film tray with the first end of the tray positioned closely to the discharge end of the film cutter. The arm is positioned in generally overlying position with respect to the tray and is pivotally connected to the tray at the second end of the tray furthest from the discharge end of the film cutter. The arm preferably has a "W" shaped cross section which provides two lines of contact with the cut lengths of film which are deposited between the tray and the arm. The guide provides a guiding surface parallel to the path of the cut lengths along their front edges. The guide may take a plurality of positions to accommodate films of different widths.

Abstract: A method of monitoring continuously advancing string material (1) of the kind comprising a continuous alternating succession of string sections, for example a cigarette filter string, of different material and/or structural configuration with regard to cutting the string (1) into identical plugs (7) for checking and correcting the position of each cut. Prior to being cut the string (1) is scanned by a sensor unit (4) which detects the beginning and end of each string section. A device associated with the cutting device (5) generates an output signal to indicate the moment when the string (1) is cut. Between this output signal and the moment at which the sensor unit (4) issues a signal corresponding to the end of the string section to be cut, a measured value is obtained which is independent of the feed into of the string (1) and which is proportioned to the length of the string section between the two signals.

Abstract: A paper sheeter for cutting two or more webs simultaneously into sheets has a rotary knife to make the cuts in desired register with marks (e.g. watermarks) carried by the web. A sensor is provided for detecting the marks on each web and a further sensor monitors the knife rotation; signals from the several sensors are fed to a control unit in which the signals from each mark sensor are compared with signals from the knife sensor to produce feed control signals for the respective web. These control signals may be applied to brakes associated with the web supply reels to vary the tension in each web; alternatively one web may be controlled by using the control signals to vary the speed ratio between the knife and pull rolls feeding the webs to the knife.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for slicing raw, whole potatoes into sticks or strips; sorting the sticks with photoelectric scanners, separating out sticks having black or discolored spots thereon, snipping the ends of the separated sticks and sorting the separated sticks after snipping.

Abstract: The invention comprises an apparatus for automatically removing fat from a meat carcass. A sensing station includes a row of needle probes which can be inserted into the carcass and which produce an electric signal at a fat/lean interface. The position of this interface relative to a support is recorded for each probe in a memory unit, and the carcass is then passed to a cutting section where it is drawn over a knife blade. The height of the knife blade is adjustable by a servo-motor controlled from the memory unit, and as the carcass is pulled over the knife, information from the memory unit is progressively released to adjust the knife so that the cut through the carcass follows the previously-sensed fat line.

Abstract: An automatic photographic paper cutter cuts photographic prints from a strip of photographic paper which bears cut indicia indicating the locations of desired paper cuts. An indicia sensor is positioned in fixed relationship with respect to the paer cutter knife assembly at a distance less than the shortest length of print to be cut. The paper cutter derives and stores a feed-after-sense signal, which represents the length the paper strip must be fed after a cut indicium is sensed in order for the strip to be cut at the desired cut location represented by that cut indicum. During automatic operation of the paper cutter, the photographic paper strip is advanced until a cut indicium is sensed, is advanced by an additional distance determined by the feed-after-sense signal, is stopped, and is cut at the desired cut location.

Abstract: A panel cutting machine having a table with an endless belt conveyor and a pair of rollers mounted thereon for advancing a fabric to be cut to a desired length across and beyond a line of cut of a cross-cutter and along the table toward a sensor located a preselected distance from the line of cut. The sensor, which may be the usual microswitch or a photo-electric sensor switch, responds to the arrival of the leading edge of the fabric to activate a roller revolution counter to count a predetermined number of further revolutions and fractions thereof of one of the rollers, corresponding to a further distance of advance of the leading edge of the fabric beyond the sensor. Upon completion of the count, the counter activates a control circuit to stop the rollers and conveyor and start a cross-cutter to cut the fabric along the cutting line to form a panel of the desired length.

Abstract: A continuous web or laminate (32) of flexible material is indexed through a punch press (44) whereat holes of different shapes and sizes are punched in repetitive patterns through successive sections of the laminate. The laminate (32) is then moved beneath a light source (48) so that light passes through the holes and is sensed by a light-sensing camera (52) which laterally and cyclically scans at a rapid rate the underside of the moving laminate.During the rapid scanning by the camera (52), each hole may be scanned many times due to the size and shape of the hole. Consequently, light is sensed many times for the same hole and a corresponding number of signals are developed by the camera. A hole counting system (46), which receives the developed signals from the camera (52), includes a delay-and-compare circuit (66) wherein each signal related to a given hole is delayed by one scan cycle and compared with the next signal related to the same hole.

Abstract: The device for cutting a web into sections according to cutting marks provided on the web comprises an advancing roller for advancing the web along a predetermined track, an electrooptical scanning device for reading respective cutting marks on the web and for generating corresponding output signals, a cutting mechanism arranged on the track behind the advancing roller and monitored by the scanning, a tension equalizing and loop forming device arranged on the track before the advancing roller and the scanning device to loop resiliently a portion of the web, an elliptical gear driving system for driving the advancing roller; and a magnetic coupling arranged between the driving system and the advancing roller to stop the feeding of the web in response to the output signals from the scanning device and to resume the feeding after the cutting mechanism has severed the marked web portion.

Abstract: A cant or plank is moved forwardly on a conveyor system, where its irregular leading lateral edge is measured by a plurality of fixed scanners. In response to measurement of the cant, conveyor movement is altered for orienting the cant relative to a fixed saw line to be executed by a movable saw. The cant is held or clamped in stationary position while the saw is moved on a carriage relative thereto, resulting in severing of the undesired irregular forward edge. The sawn edge is employed as a reference as the cant is then moved forwardly on a conveyor system, where the measurements obtained from the scanners may be further utilized in cutting the cant into desired widths.

Abstract: The invention provides an arrangement for detecting faults in wrapped filter rod, for tobacco-smoke filtration, prior to its being cut into lengths, the arrangement comprises a light source and a light-sensitive receiver, for example a photo-transistor, in a housing provided with a rod guide which imposes on the rod a path between and spaced away from the said light source and receiver, a beam of light from the said source being projected through the said path of the rod to the receiver. Advantageously the housing bounds a cavity from which extraneous light is excluded and the light source and receiver are disposed behind respective transparent windows spaced away from the said rod path. The said receiver may be operatively connected to a system by which a faulty rod length detected is caused to be rejected after having been cut off from the rod.

Abstract: An automatic photographic paper cutter cuts photographic prints from a strip of photographic paper which bears cut indicia indicating the locations of desired paper cuts. An indicia sensor is positioned in fixed relationship with respect to the paper cutter knife assembly at a distance less than the shortest length of print to be cut. The paper cutter derives and stores a feed-after-sense signal, which represents the length the paper strip must be fed after a cut indicium is sensed in order for the strip to be cut at the desired cut location represented by that cut indicium. During automatic operation of the paper cutter, the photographic paper strip is advanced until a cut indicium is sensed, is advanced by an additional distance determined by the feed-after-sense signal, is stopped, and is cut at the desired cut location.

Abstract: A wire cutting machine for consecutively severing predetermined wire lengths from a continuously fed wire of indefinite length, comprises a wire cutting device and a wire discharge device arranged downstream (as viewed in the direction of wire feed) of the wire cutting device. Th wire discharge device has a wire channel, the walls of which define an elongated channel space which is oriented in the direction of wire feed and within which the wire is advanced. In the channel wall a plurality of openings are provided which are arranged in the longitudinal direction at predetermined distances from one another. A wire length detecting arrangement is operatively connectible with the channel space through any selected one of the openings.

Abstract: An automatic photographic paper cutter cuts photographic prints from a roll of photographic paper which bears indicia indicating the location of desired cuts. The automatic photographic paper cutter has an improved indicia sensing system which includes a plurality of indicia sensors, each positioned to sense indicia on a different portion of the photographic paper. Prior to automatic operation of the paper cutter, an indicia bearing portion of the photographic paper is oscillated back and forth past the plurality of the indicia sensors. One of the sensors which provides an acceptable output signal is selected, and subsequent operation of the photographic paper cutter is controlled in response to signals from the selected sensor.

Abstract: An improved method for automatically producing a selected weight draft of sliced product from a workpiece in substantially uniform weight slices and in an integral number of slices.

Abstract: A control arrangement for a dividing apparatus for dividing or cutting continuously fed strip stock of variable thickness. The dividing apparatus includes a drive arrangement for driving a cutting unit in a horizontal and vertical direction with an arrangement being provided for vertically adjusting the height of the cutting unit. A control arrangement is provided which includes a measuring device arranged in the dividing apparatus at a position upstream of the cutting unit, as viewed in the feed direction of the strip stock, with the measuring device dividing an output signal indicative of the measured thickness of the strip stock, which output signal is directed to control elements so as to correlate the speed of the drive arrangement and adjust the height of the cutting unit between minimum and maximum values in correspondence with the measure thickness of the strip stock.

Abstract: A series of shirt cuff pattern parts are placed in spaced apart relationship on a web of lining material and a conveyor belt system engages and holds the layers of material together as they are moved through a folder and a sewing machine. The movement terminates automatically if the space between the pattern part last received by the system and the pattern part next to be fed to the system is too great or too small. The connected together series of partially completed shirt cuffs is continuously accumulated from the sewing machine on a reel, and the reel is subsequently moved to another work station where the connected series of partially completed shirt cuffs is fed to a cutter on a demand basis. The web of lining material is cut adjacent the trailing edge of the leading pattern part, and when an operator removes the separated partially completed shirt cuff from the connected series for further processing, the feeding and cutting steps are repeated.

Abstract: Tubes made from spirally wound paper tape are fed axially and suspended off the end of an arbor. When the tube reaches a predetermined length, the free end engages a free-hanging sensor plate, the movement of which interrupts a light beam to generate a signal which actuates a timer. The timer energizes a motor for a predetermined time to cycle a snap cutter through one circular orbit to sever the tube. The cutter is stopped at its original position by a brake.

Abstract: An elongate member, such as a tube, is perforated at intervals by intermittently feeding the member endwise through a perforating station containing a laser for directing a laser beam against the member, and pulsing the laser in timed relation to the intermittent movement of the member to produce a laser beam pulse of sufficient duration and intensity to form a hole in the member at selective times or each time when the member is arrested at the station. The particular member described is a thin walled flexible plastic drip irrigation tube which is flattened upon reaching the perforating station, preferably being pre-flattened, and which may have a single water passage defined by two walls, or which may have a primary water passage bounded by a first tube wall and a secondary water passage bounded by the first wall and a second outer tube wall.

Abstract: Apparatus for cutting lumber to random or specified clear lengths by removal of sections containing defects and by making single end or intermediate cuts, includes infeed means for transporting a piece of lumber, locating means for locating the piece of lumber longitudinally in the apparatus, a fixed saw for cutting the piece of lumber at a first position, and a sliding saw selectively positionable longitudinally with respect to the fixed saw for cutting the piece of lumber at a second position which is located a spaced distance from the first position co-extensive with the extent of the defect. The fixed saw also is configured for operation independently of the sliding saw for making the single cuts.Saw positioning means positions the sliding saw longitudinally, based on commands from a computer for removal of the defect with the minimum removal of clear lumber.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing fabric from a bolt in which the bolt is cradled in a loop of an endless belt and unwound by driving the belt. The length of fabric unwound is accurately measured by measuring the distance of belt travel, and provision is made for presetting the length of fabric to be unwound, manually starting the belt to unwind the fabric, automatically starting measurement of the length unwound when the leading end of the fabric passes a predetermined point, and automatically stopping the belt when the preset length has been measured. The fabric unwound from the belt is automatically folded, and presented for being cut.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the repetitive bar pattern of plaid material is sampled along the length of the goods by means of light reflected therefrom and auto- and cross-correlation functions of groups of said signals are computed so as to define the pattern of the transverse bars of the plaid. This measured pattern is used within a computer-controlled system for cutting the component pieces of clothing items so as to compensate for nonuniformities or distortions in the bar pattern of the material.

Abstract: In an automatic machine for cutting zippers from a common zipper tape, feed rollers are positioned to direct the common tape to the cutter. The sliders on the tape are detected by a photoelectric detector upstream of the feed rollers, in order to develop a signal of determined duration for enabling a bottom stop detector positioned upstream of the slide detector. A delay device is provided to actuate the cutter a determined time following detection of a bottom stop by the stop detector.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved apparatus for automatically cutting belt loops and removing splices from a loop string material. The apparatus has an input portion for directing loop string material into the apparatus and storing a quantity of the material with a dancer roller. The loop string leaves the input portion and is transported by first and second driven rollers. A splice sensor engages the string between the first and second spaced driven rollers. The splice sensor includes a foot with a reflective surface thereon and a transducer positioned to direct a light beam down to the reflective surface and sense the reflected light beam. The foot is positioned such that a splice moving with the loop string will cover the reflective surface and break the light beam, thereby allowing the apparatus to sense the presence of the splice. A measuring transducer is connected to one of the driven rollers and measures the amount of loop string advanced thereby.