Abstract: A system and method for using a self standing slicing apparatus to slice sheets of bacon in half. The slicing apparatus can have two conveyor belts for receiving sheets of bacon to be cut in half, a motor for driving the conveyor belts and moving the sheets of bacon through a cutting mechanism thereby cutting the sheets of bacon into two pieces. A safety enclosure can enclose the cutting mechanism. Markings can be used to indicate where the sheets of bacon should be placed on the conveyor belts to ensure that the product is cut into two approximately even pieces. A control panel can be used to start and stop the conveyor belts as well as adjusting the speed of the motor for driving the conveyor belts.

Abstract: A horizontal meat slicer includes a frame and a lower conveyor belt having forward and rearward ends, the lower conveyor belt operative to receive a meat product thereon and transport it into and through the device. An upper pressing conveyor belt includes forward and rearward ends, the upper pressing conveyor belt and the lower conveyor belt cooperating such that meat product is compressed between the lower conveyor belt and the upper pressing conveyor belt. A rotating blade is mounted on the frame, the rotating blade having a cutting edge interposed between the lower conveyor belt and the upper pressing conveyor belt. Finally, at least one drive device such as a motor is operatively connected to each of the conveyor belts and the rotating blade to drive them to pull the meat product through the device and cut the meat product via the cutting edge of the blade.

Abstract: A sub fence clamping system incorporating c-clamps (9) which have a cylindrical legs (1) placed into vertical holes in a sub fence (11), rather than over and onto the work guiding face of the sub fence. Now vertical boards can be milled safely using this system. Pressure to clamp the sub fence to main guide fence is created by a threaded screw (4), cam (8) or other device. The end of the cylindrical leg can be made to protrude (7) toward the opposing leg, insuring pressure at that point only. Replacement sacrificial sub fences (10) are easily drilled to receive the cylindrical end of the clamp. These sacrificial sub fences are used on tablesaws (12) for rabbeting, and shapers for making cuts needing the zero clearance opening of a safer sacrificial fence. With no clamp on the face of the sub fence, steel plates for a magnetic feather board can be attached to a wood sub fence (13).

Abstract: A workpiece holding device comprising a frame having a bottom surface; a clamping device securable to the frame; and an aligning mechanism for aligning the clamping device in a substantially straight line adjacent to a saw is provided. In one embodiment, the aligning mechanism is a miter track securable to the bottom surface of the frame, the miter track adapted to fit within a miter slot located on the table. In one embodiment, the device can also be used as a fence. A conventional saw, such as a stationary and upright band saw can now be converted into a handy and portable sawmill using one of the devices described herein as an accessory, without the need to make any alterations to the saw or saw table. Users can now, for the first time, hold very short (less than about one (1) ft) and small diameter (down to about one (1) inch) logs in the device described herein and slice them into lumber without causing splitting of the log.

Abstract: A loaf reload mechanism for a slicing machine that includes a loaf-loading position wherein during a loading operation a loaf is placed in the loaf-loading position to be engaged by a gripper and driven into a cutting plane. The loaf reload mechanism includes a loaf-staging position located over the loaf-loading position, the loaf-staging position having a lowering mechanism to position a loaf from the loaf-staging position to the loaf-loading position. The reload mechanism also includes a loaf-ready position located laterally adjacent to the loaf-staging position, and a sweep mechanism configured to laterally move a loaf from the loaf-ready position into the loaf-staging position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for machining band-like or plate-like material (1), especially for punching, notching and forming it, the device comprising the body (2) of the device, at least one tool holder (3), most preferably a gap frame tool holder, between the upper branch (4) and lower branch (5) of which the material (1) to be processed is arranged to be fed, and to the upper branch (4) of which tool holder (3) is connected an upper tool magazine (6) comprising a plurality of upper tools (8), and to the lower branch (5) of which tool holder (3) is connected a lower tool magazine (7) comprising lower tools (9) corresponding to the said upper tools (8), a support means (10) for supporting the tool holder (3) movably on the body (2) of the device, a transfer means (11) for positioning the tool holder (3) in a transverse direction (B) with respect to the direction of feed (A) of the material (1) to be processed, and a power means (12) for effecting the machining movement for the tool comprised of the up

Abstract: A de-packaging system for removing film and bands from packages includes a first conveyor configured to move packages. The de-packaging system also includes a loading station for loading packages onto the conveyor, and a film cutting station associated with the first conveyor. The film cutting station includes a cutter having an elongated cutting element that can be heated to cut film on packages. A band cutting station includes a cutter for cutting bands wrapped around packages. A clamp device includes a clamp configured to clamp bands on packages for removal of the bands. The de-packaging system further includes a second conveyor having an upstream end adjacent a downstream end of the first conveyor. A device applies force to packages to move packages from the first conveyor to the second conveyor, and at least one friction member strips film from packages as they are moved from the first conveyor to the second conveyor.

Abstract: A Venetian blind cutting machine is constructed to include a machine base, two blind locating modules mounted on the machine base at different elevations, each of which having a set of through holes for supporting component parts of a Venetian blind to be cut, a blind carriage adapted to carry the Venetian blind to be cut, a carriage for moving the blind carriage to the elevation of one of the blind locating modules for enabling the Venetian blind to be cut to be put in the selected blind locating module for cut, a cutter provided at the other side of the blind locating modules, and a cutter drive adapted to move the cutter across the imaginary axis passing through each of the through holes of the blind locating modules to cut the component parts of the loaded Venetian blind and then to return the cutter after cutting.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a structure supporting a circular blade, a carriage on the structure for linear movement relative to the blade, and a lathe mounted on the carriage, the lathe rotatably supporting a workpiece in proximity to the blade. In one aspect, the support structure is pivotally connected to the carriage to allow pivoting of the lathe between an orientation for engagement of the workpiece with the blade and an orientation in which the workpiece is supported remote from the blade to facilitate operations on the workpiece with a tool implement other than the blade. In another aspect, the support plate is moveable with respect to the carriage in a direction orthogonal to a line parallel with the direction of allowed movement of the carriage relative to the frame, and a pattern plate is mounted to the support plate to control workpiece depth of cut.

Abstract: In a sheet delivery apparatus of a sheet folding machine for a rotary printing press, a cutter mechanism cuts a continuous paper web traveling along a paper web path into sheets. A first conveyor, disposed downstream of the cutter mechanism, conveys the sheets successively with spaces therebetween. A second conveyor, disposed adjacent to and downstream of the first conveyor and having a carrying surface lower in level than the carrying surface of the first conveyor, receives the sheets transferred successively from the first conveyor, and conveys the sheets at a conveying speed lower than that of the first conveyor after arranging the sheets in a scale-like train. A pushing down device, disposed adjacent to an upstream end of the second conveyor, pushes downward against the second conveyor a trailing end portion of the individual sheet being transferred from the first conveyor to the second conveyor.

Abstract: A system for locating the center of a window covering relative to a cutting mechanism. The window covering including a head rail with a first end and a second end and a connector disposed approximately midway between the first end and the second end, the connector including an aperture. The system includes a locator that engages the connector and positions the window covering.

Abstract: A machine tool having a C-shaped frame has a workpiece processing station adjacent the open end of the throat, and an elongated guide rail extends in a first axis perpendicularly to the throat. A carrier extends along the guide rail, and a multiplicity of guide units are spaced along and movable on the carrier in the first axis. Workpiece clamping units are carried by the guide units, and drive means moves the guide units on the carrier. The guide rail is movable in the throat along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, and a second carrier supported on the frame extends in a second axis parallel to the throat. A multiplicity of guide elements is spaced along and movable on the second carrier and supports the guide rail for movement in the second axis of the second guide rail.

Abstract: A panel saw machine (1) is equipped with a rear table (4) for feeding panels (3) to a cutting station (2) installed along one edge (7) of the feed table (4), and a table (6; 6′) for the manual handling of the panels (3) by an operator; the handling table (6; 6′) is located in the same plane as the feed table (4), at the front end relative to the cutting station (2), and comprises a plurality of peninsulas (9, 10, 11; 9′, 10′, 11′) on which the panels slide and are supported, and a connecting portion (12; 12′) joining the peninsulas (9, 10, 11; 9′, 10′, 11′) to each other.

Abstract: The present invention consists of a lathe attachment for installation on a portable bandsaw mill, for turning round shafts from wood blocks on the portable bandsaw mill. The lathe attachment has an elongated chassis, a tailstock and a headstock mounted on opposite ends of the chassis for holding and rotating a wood block along the chassis. Bindings are provided to retain the chassis to the cross beams of the portable bandsaw mill. In another aspect of the invention, a number of symmetrical facets are firstly sawed along the wood block prior to turning the wood block. The turning of a round shaft on the bandsaw mill is preferably effected while the alignment of the wood block or shaft makes an acute angle with the direction of movement of the bandsaw head.

Abstract: A dual-end cutting machine for trimming assembled blinds has fixed spacing between a pair of trimming units, which are adapted from conventional power miter saws. The blind assembly is clamped to a carriage that is movable on tracks between the trimming units, and adjustable stops are supported at opposite ends of the machine. The adjustable stops also have actuators for movement between an advanced position for positioning the blinds for cutting, and a retracted position that facilitates evacuation of scraps and chips from respective collector boxes wherein cutting takes place to a vacuum holding tank. A method for trimming includes clamping the blinds to the carriage with components aligned against one stop member, trimming that end of the blinds, moving the carriage to abut the blinds against the other stop, and trimming the other end of the blinds.

Abstract: A feed grip for being coupled to a slide rod of a slicer including a gripping plate having a front surface and rear surface, the front surface being shaped to grip a food product, the gripping plate including an attachment portion extending generally outwardly from the rear surface. The feed grip further includes a handle having an opening shaped to releasably receive the attachment portion therein, and a feed arm including a pair of annulus, a first one of the annulus being shaped to be generally located between the handle and the gripping plate, a second one of the annulus being shaped to receive the slide rod of the slicer therethrough.

Abstract: The conveyor product transfer apparatus of the present invention includes at least one product transfer member mounted for translational (and preferably reciprocating) movement between product conveying surfaces or between a discharge or receiving station and a conveying surface separated by a distance sufficient to provide equipment clearance for an operation performed upon product transferred by the transfer member. Preferably, each transfer member is mounted for reciprocating translational movement between ends of conveying surfaces that are separated a distance apart, and has a sliding member in sliding engagement with a track to facilitate such movement. Each transfer member is coupled to an actuation assembly for movement thereof. The actuation assembly is preferably a camshaft assembly. To support the conveyed product during product processing operations (e.g.

Abstract: A cutting device, including a receptacle for containing butter; a push mechanism for pushing the butter or margarine down into the receptacle, the push mechanism sitting atop a stick of butter and inside the receptacle, the push mechanism being in mechanical communication with the receptacle such that movement of the receptacle causes the push mechanism to move butter downward in relation to the receptacle, the push mechanism including a retrieval chain; a cutter, the cutter including a mechanism for knocking-off a piece of cut butter, the knocking off mechanism being a tapered piece; a gear mechanism in mechanical communication with the receptacle such that movement of the receptacle causes movement of the gear mechanism, the gear mechanism including at least one upper flat gear joined to the receptacle, a round gear joined to the frame and at least one lower flat gear joined to the cutter, wherein movement of the receptacle causes the upper flat gear to rotate the round gear, which in turn moves the lower f

Abstract: A drum includes a hub defining in its central part a ring acting as a point for fixing and adjusting the cylindrical portion of the drum along variable positions by defining a variation in the material length strip format. The cylindrical portion of the drum is arranged in two parts capable of having a movement spacing one from the other by elastic deformation of one of the cylinder parts so as to define the drum circumference and the format variation, the parts capable of being mutually locked in position.

Abstract: A feeding apparatus of a moved body includes: a base; a rotatable long ball screw extending in a longitudinal direction of the base; a nut member engaged with the long ball screw; a moved body mounted to the nut member; a pair of drive shafts arranged in parallel to the long ball screw and being provided with a ball screw; driving and transmitting members connecting both outer end portions of each of the drive shafts to both ends of the long ball screw; drive motors connected to both inner end portions of each of the drive shafts; and an intermediate support supporting the long ball screw and each of the drive shafts. The intermediate support is provided with a nut member which is engaged with the ball screw. Therefore, the intermediate support is moved in a longitudinal direction by rotation of the long ball screw.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting a material having prevalently two-dimensional extension into appropriately shaped portions, in particular for cutting a fabric or the like into shaped portions for the manufacture of clothing items or other items, comprising a support frame (12), means (22) for supporting said material (16), means for supporting cutting means (20). Said cutting means (20) are movable, relative to said material (16) according to trajectories suited for effecting longitudinal, transverse, or otherwise oriented cuts into said material (16).

Abstract: The invention relates to a cutting machine for cutting up foodstuffs, particularly sausage, ham, bacon, meat, cheese and the like, with a cutting head disposed on a base frame (8) as well as a product delivery unit with a guide (7) for the product to be cut and a feed arrangement, wherein at the cutting end of the product (6) to be cut a holder (1) is provided which fixes and shapes the foodstuff (6) and which can be retracted from the blade (11) with the guide (7) for the product to be cut in order to prevent the formation of slivers with idle strokes.

Abstract: A machine tool having a C-shaped frame has a workpiece processing station adjacent the open end of the throat, and an elongated guide rail extends in a first axis perpendicularly to the throat. A carrier extends along the guide rail, and a multiplicity of guide units are spaced along and movable on the carrier in the first axis. Workpiece clamping units are carried by the guide units, and drive means moves the guide units on the carrier. The guide rail is movable in the throat along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, and a second carrier supported on the frame extends in a second axis parallel to the throat. A multiplicity of guide elements is spaced along and movable on the second carrier and supports the guide rail for movement in the second axis of the second guide rail.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for feeding flat, rigid material through a cutter comprising a continuous drive conveyor belt with a non-skid face, having one or more Guide ‘V’ belts bonded to its reverse side parallel to the direction of movement, which ‘V’ belts communicate with corresponding ‘V’ grooves in the power rollers and the rollers of the feed bed, another continuous drive conveyor belt on the out-put side of the cutter, the movement of both conveyors being synchronized by a timing/drive belt which transfers the motor drive to the inside rollers of the out-put and the in-put sides, and having from above regularly spaced hold-down rollers along the span of both conveyors to keep the rate of movement of the flat material through the cutter consistent.

Abstract: A board positioning device selectively positions in a lateral direction in a generally horizontal plane a board translating in a longitudinal direction in the horizontal plane, wherein the board is aligned along its length in the lateral direction. The device includes a stepped fence, which may be selectively positionable, lying generally in the horizontal plane. A fence positioner cylinder may selectively position the stepped fence in the lateral direction in the horizontal plane so as to position one step of a plurality of steps on the fence to correspond to a desired transition path so as to position the end of the board at a board optimizing position as determined by an optimizer, whereby the board may be laterally, selectively positioned into an optimized position relative to trimmer saws located downstream from the stepped fence in the longitudinal direction when the board is urged laterally against the stepped fence by ending rolls.

Abstract: a cutting device, including a receptacle for containing butter; a push mechanism for pushing the butter or margarine down into the receptacle, the push mechanism sitting atop a stick of butter and inside the receptacle, the push mechanism being in mechanical communication with the receptacle such that movement of the receptacle causes the push mechanism to move butter downward in relation to the receptacle, the push mechanism including a retrieval chain; a cutter, the cutter including a mechanism for knocking-off a piece of cut butter, the knocking off mechanism being a tapered piece; a gear mechanism in mechanical communication with the receptacle such that movement of the receptacle causes movement of the gear mechanism, the gear mechanism including at least one upper flat gear joined to the receptacle, a round gear joined to the frame and at least one lower flat gear joined to the cutter, wherein movement of the receptacle causes the upper flat gear to rotate the round gear, which in turn moves the lower f

Abstract: The present invention is a method for advancing and cutting tube blanks into desired lengths and ejecting the unusable piece of tubing remaining after all of the usable cuts have been made. The machine for cutting the tubes of the present invention is preferably a standard supported shear type cutting machine and the ejection of the tube is accomplished via a pusher that is mounted for reciprocation on a carriage such that when the last piece of usable tubing has been cut from the tube blank the pusher may be activated to eject the tubing from the cutting machine.

Abstract: A weld sample cutter has a rotating saw blade and a vice. The vice has jaws which will retain a cylindrical work piece so that it can be cut either longitudinally or transversely by the blade. The vice is movable along a slide plate so that the work piece held in the vice can be moved toward or away from the saw blade.

Abstract: In an apparatus for minimizing vacuum losses from a permeable support surface having one or more layers of sheet-type work material positioned thereon, the support surface includes opposed lateral edge surfaces, each defining an upper and lower section. At least two upper seals are coupled to the frame, each engaging the upper section of one of the lateral edge surfaces and extending approximately the length of the support surface. At least two side seals are also provided and are coupled to the frame, each engaging the side section of one of the lateral edge surfaces and also extending approximately the length of the support surface. During operation of the apparatus, vacuum is drawn through the permeable support surface and causes the upper and side seals to be drawn and held against the lateral side sections, forming a seal there against.

Abstract: A router table sled for use with a router table and a router table fence includes an arm assembly that rides along the fence and a strut assembly that supports the workpiece. The arm assembly includes a slider that slides along an upper edge of the fence and an arm attached to an upper edge of the slide. The arm is usually in a position perpendicular to the slide. The arm is also coupled to a strut assembly that includes a main strut, and two additional struts located beneath the main strut. Each strut includes a longitudinally-centered T-shaped slot formed into top, front, and rear faces. The front faces of each strut lie substantially within the same plane. The two lower struts have opposing edges that are spaced a predetermined distance from each other. When a workpiece is clamped to the faces of the struts, an edge may be placed against the fence. The workpiece may then be moved across the router bit to produce a square cut.

Abstract: A cutting machine for cutting elongated workpieces, having a work loading mechanism with a number of inclined, parallel supporting rails for supporting a plurality of elongated workpieces each having a longitudinal axis, the workpieces standing by on the supporting rails parallel to each other and with their longitudinal axes perpendicularly to said supporting rails, said supporting rails each inclining toward a work conveying path for longitudinally carrying workpieces seriatim toward the front end of the work conveying path to a cutting position, a work carrying reciprocating drive including a vise, a carriage and a drive motor for reciprocating along the work conveying path to move the workpieces toward the front end of the work carrying path, the supporting rail closest to the front of the work carrying path being disposed within the range of said reciprocation.

Abstract: Point needles in a conveying cylinder of a rotary press are caused to follow a curve course which securely fastens a web to the cylinder while eliminating transport damage to the printed products as well as reducing paper waste. The needle tips of the point needles are moved along their path by the superimpositioning of two pivot movements, one of which is accomplished by a point holder arm and the second of which is accomplished by a rocker. The two cooperate to form a level four member swivel joint.

Abstract: A saw system includes a support table (12) and a first elongate tower assembly (50) pivotally mounted relative to the table (12). A second elongate tower assembly (60) is also mounted for rotation relative to the table (12) and is spaced from the first tower assembly (50). The second tower assembly (60) is moveable towards and away from the tower (50) by roller wheels (42 and 43) which engage on guide rails (34 and 36) to enable the second tower assembly (60) to be moved. The second tower assembly (60) and the first tower assembly (50) are rotatable to set the tower assemblies at a predetermined angle with respect to the table (12) and carry saws for making a cut in the workpiece. Ram assemblies (130 and 160) on each tower enable movement of the workpiece downwardly relatively to the saws so that the workpiece is driven past the saws and cut by the saws.

Abstract: A food slicer includes a feeder for feeding a lump of food in one direction, an end detector for detecting an end portion of the lump of food fed by the feeder, a cutter for cutting the lump of food from its leading end into slices, and slice receivers arranged for advancing to and retracting from a dropping path of the slices released from the cutter. A controller is responsive to a detection signal of the end detector for controlling the advancing and retracting movements of the slice receivers.

Abstract: A tenonizer apparatus has a motor and a circular cutting blade assembly mounted on a pivotable platform. A radius shoulder support shaft is pivotably mounted perpendicular to the circular cutting blade. The operator pushes and rotates the log along the shafts to create the tenon. Only one tenon can be cut at a time. A minimal set up time is required to switch between tenon types. The pivotable platform allows variable length tenons to be cut. The apparatus is portable.

Abstract: A high speed slicing machine supports first and second food loaves for movement along parallel loaf paths into a slicing station where both loaves are sliced by one cyclically driven knife blade; the slices are stacked or shingled in groups on a receiving conveyor located below the slicing station. Independent loaf feed drives are provided; slices cut from one loaf may be thicker than slices from the other. The machine combines manual and automated mechanisms to load food loaves onto the food paths. These mechanisms share a central barrier that is used only during loading; at other times the barrier is clear of the loaf paths. The automated loaf loading mechanism has a sweep to push one or more loaves onto a support defining the loaf paths. There are two grippers, one on each loaf path; each grips the end of a loaf remote from the slicing station.

Abstract: An installation for cutting a knife material which accurately cuts and produces an intermediate knife material to be supplied to a bending device for bending and forming a knife for working a sheet body. The installation is provided with a repository member horizontally stocking different kinds of assorted and piled knife materials, a conveyance conveying the knife materials at the repository member to a predetermined spot one by one from the uppermost material, a receiving mechanism horizontally receiving the knife material dropped from the conveyance, an inductive guidance mechanism adjusting the knife material to a proper position and guiding the longitudinal traveling of the knife material, a feeding mechanism feeding the knife material to the longitudinal direction, and a cutter cutting the knife material fed by the feeding mechanism to a predetermined length and produce an intermediate knife material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preparing tissue samples for subsequent slicing in a microtone, utilizing a thermally transmissive body and removable mold heads to facilitate encapsulation of tissue samples in a gelatinous substance so that the samples may be selectively oriented for proper slicing in the microtone.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the efficient production of heart wood centered small dimensioned, square timber comprising a log feed system for the storage and dispensing of individual logs to the production facility; a log centering system wherein the log is centrally aligned with multiple saw blades and clamped into position; a log transport system comprising a movable carriage which transports the clamped log through the blades; and a separation system wherein the finished timber is separated from the side cuts and positioned ready for easy stacking. The log is first cut longitudinally and perpendicularly along two sides. A rotating means located within the centering system turns the log onto one of its two sawn sides and the log is again passed through the blades and cut longitudinally and perpendicularly, thus forming a timber with a square cross section and the heart wood centered therein.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for cutting a sheet of material into a plurality of segments having curved edges. A sheet of material is placed on a frame having a horizontal support member. A clamping device secures the sheet and a first mechanism moves the clamping device and sheet in an axial direction. A cutting head assembly is provided with a passively rotatable knife adapted to cut the sheet as the sheet moves in an axial direction past the knife. The cutting head assembly is rotatable about a vertical axis and movable in a lateral direction perpendicular to the axial motion of the sheet. A second mechanism moves the cutting head assembly in said lateral direction, and a third mechanism rotates the cutting head assembly. To produce a continuous cutting line, a controller sends a signal to the first, second, and third moving mechanisms which simultaneously moves the corresponding components at a desired rate and distance.

Abstract: An aligning log conveyor for a scragg mill comprising a pair of spaced, parallel runners which extend longitudinally in front of the saws. The runners have sharpened top surfaces which form a "V"-shaped trough therebetween to cradle and to stabilize the log. A motorized lug chain disposed between the runners propels the log toward the saw. A shock absorbing stabilizing means with a wheel is positioned above the log for maintaining pressure against the log to remain in contact with the sharpened top surfaces of the runners and in alignment with the saws.

Abstract: An apparatus for punching a line of apertures in a workpiece having a channel. The apparatus comprises a punch press mounted to a base over a work space, a removable punch tool mounted on the punch press, an elongated table slidably mounted to the base having a line of travel extending through the work space, a mandrel, a clamping mechanism on the table for clamping a workpiece thereon with the workpiece channel aligned with the mandrel, and a drive mechanism for selectively moving the table in increments as the punch press sequentially strokes. When the workpiece is clamped to the table, it will be incrementally drawn along the mandrel, the mandrel being in the channel, and repeatedly punched by the punch tool, as the table is moved through the work space.

Abstract: An overwidth slitting method slits a metal strip into two lengthwise pieces while trimming the side edges from the strip. The metal strip is placed on parallel spaced apart conveyors adjacent a slitter for conveying the strip to the slitter. The conveyors are raised above a plurality of vacuum cups which are disposed between the conveyors and are spaced along the length of the strip. The raised metal strip is aligned with respect to the slitter and the raised conveyors are lowered to a position where the bottom surface of the aligned strip engages the vacuum cups between the conveyors. A vacuum is applied to the vacuum cups for holding the strip in alignment relative to the slitter and then the metal strip is advanced on the conveyors into the slitter while sequentially releasing the vacuum from each vacuum cup engaged with the bottom surface of the metal strip as it advances. The advancing metal strip is simultaneously slit into two lengthwise pieces while the side edges are trimmed therefrom.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing recyclable materials from bags. The apparatus includes a conveyor having tines which engage and assist the conveyor in transporting the bags of materials to a discharge bin. A cutting element cooperates with the conveyor to open the bags allowing the materials to be emptied from the bags at one end of the conveyor into the bin where the materials are subsequently discharged onto compost piles. The bags are then removed from the tines and transferred into a mechanism where they are bundled for disposal or recycling.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for advancing the leading edge of a corrugated web for positioning the web for a secondary operation, such as a cutting operation to cut a discrete sheet from the web. The web has a plurality of alternating peaks and valleys. The apparatus comprises an endless loop conveyor including a plurality of spaced support bars for contacting the valleys of the web. At least one vacuum source holds the web against the support bars. A motor and a distributed control system repeatedly advance the conveyor and the leading edge of the web from the entrance end to the exit end of the conveyor. A rotary encoder and a sensor sense the presence of a support bar near the position for applying the cutting operation. The vacuum source is de-activated, and at least one pressure source is activated to remove the cut sheet from the support bars.

Abstract: A roller knife cutter includes a first knife shaft pair for severing a ferromagnetic metal sheet into sheet metal strips forwarded in a first direction of advance; and a plurality of substantially coplanar plates arranged downstream of the first knife shaft pair in a series in the first direction of advance. The plates are separated from one another by a clearance. The cutter further has an endless belt having an upper run moving in a second direction of advance and positioned in the clearance and extending parallel therewith. The upper run has a lowered position in which a top surface of the upper run is at a level below the top surfaces of the plates and a lifted position in which the top surface of the upper run is substantially coplanar with the top surfaces of the plates; and a plurality of individually height-adjustable magnet units arranged in a series underneath the upper run parallel to the second direction of advance.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing compostable materials from plastic bags. The apparatus includes a conveyor having retaining members which engage and assist the conveyor in transporting the bags of compostable materials to a discharge bin. A cutting element cooperates with the first conveyor to open the bags allowing the compostable material to be emptied from the bags at one end of the conveyor into the bin where the compostable materials are subsequently discharged onto compost piles. The bags are then removed from the retaining members and transferred into a mechanism where they are bundled for disposal or recycle.

Abstract: A linear punch press for punching sheet material is formed by an X axis central support frame having a coextensive laterally spaced parallel support table on either side. Medically located relative to its ends the central frame supports a punch station including fixed position punch and die adaptors which respectively support a cooperating punch and die. A workpiece supporting and positioning frame is longitudinally slidably supported by the central frame and in turn supports a punch head movable longitudinally of the central frame within the workpiece frame. A Y axis conveyor drive extends there between and is slidably supported at one end by the respective support table and is connected at its other end with the workpiece support frame for moving a workpiece transversely through the central support frame.

Abstract: A feed drive for a cutting machine for cutting foods consists of a claw which penetrates into the product at the rear face of the product to be sliced whereby the claw is driven intermittently or continuously in the direction of feed, and guides the product on a roller conveyor against a cutting device so that slices are cut from the product. For an improved guidance of the product and in order to avoid inconsistent slices in particular in products which are long and whose consistency is soft, there is another force-locking and form-locking drive for the product at the front end of the product in the vicinity of the circular knife of the cutting device coupled with the drive of the claw. This additional drive consists at least of a feed roller which engages the bottom of the product in a force-locking and form-locking fashion and which is driven as a function of the feed path of the claw.

Abstract: In a conveyor apparatus for supporting and advancing sheet material, such as fabric to be cut by a cutter head, the conveying element is an endless belt made of elongated supporting members having their length dimensions extending transversely of the path of belt movement. The supporting members include coengagable parts, such as tongues and grooves extending along the length of the members, which coengage one another when the supporting members are in the upper run of the conveyor to prevent vertical movement of the supporting members relative to one another and to thereby maintain the supporting surface defined by the upper run in a smooth and flat condition.