Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus includes: at least one processing tool that takes a processable state and an unprocessable state; a setting unit that sets operation parameters on the processable state and the unprocessable state; and a control unit that controls an operation of the processing tool based on the set operation parameters, in which the setting unit sets the operation parameters such that: a processable state holding process in which the processing tool holds the processable state, is executed, when a certain portion-to-be-processed is formed in a certain pre-product and then a next portion-to-be-processed of the same type as the certain portion-to-be-processed is formed in a next pre-product; and/or a processing tool selection process in which the processing tool for forming the portion-to-be-processed is selected so that a moving distance of the processing tool is minimized, is executed.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a film cutting method, a film cutting device, a composite film, a backlight module and a display device. The film material cutting method includes: using a cutting tool provided with a viscous material to cut a composite film that includes at least two laminated optical films, with the viscous material on the cutting tool being transferred to a cutting end surface of the composite film during cutting; and, curing the viscous material on the cutting end surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cutting machine, in particular for cutting mats to size by means of a blade (21) arranged on a cutting head (8). The cutting head (8) can be displaced by means of a drive in at least two axes. The cutting-to-size of mats requires a vertical cutting angle (B-B) and an inclined cutting angle (C-C) in order to provide the mat cutout with the, in the main, usual bevel cut. In order to adjust the blade (21) from the first cutting angle (B-B) into the second cutting angle (C-C) or vice versa, the cutting head (8) is run up against a stop (17) arranged on the cutting machine and is brought into contact in such a way that a swivellable element (20) carrying the blade (21) is swivelled from one into the other cutting angle (B-B, C-C). This adjustment can thus take place in an automatically controlled manner, without an additional drive being required for this.

Abstract: A reciprocated knife cuts pattern work material pieces without rotating a housing tube for orientation of the cutting knife. An integrated tangent axis drive motor orients the cutting knife, eliminating any inertia caused by the cutting housing tube and preventing the slowing of the angular acceleration and increasing the speed of the knife orientation. Alternative motor types are provided by various embodiments of the invention.

Abstract: Stacks of pieces (24) are cut out from the lay-up (20) on a cutting table, on the basis of recorded information relating to the locations of the pieces on the surface of the lay-up, and the skeleton (26) of the lay-up is split up (lines 28) into a plurality of portions while the stacks of pieces are being cut out. Then the lay-up is brought onto an unloading table (60) for successively unloading the stacks of cut-out pieces by causing an unloading tool (80) to move so as to bring it into contact with the stacks that have arrived on the unloading table, by using information relating to the locations of the pieces, and so as to take off each stack from the remainder of the lay-up merely by moving it substantially parallel to the plane of the lay-up, without interfering with the stacks of pieces that have not yet been unloaded.

Abstract: A cheese slicer having a bottom plate on which a block of cheese can be placed, a vertical guide rod mounted on the bottom plate having an external thread on which a slicing arm with a slicing string, and a roundel with an internal thread, which is received on the external thread. The slicer also has a holding arm, which holds the upper part of the block of cheese in position during the slicing operation. The holding arm includes a second roundel, which is coupled to the slicing arm roundel, and which has an internal flush bore such that the holding arm is slidably mounted on the guide rod below the slicing arm roundel and moves vertically. The holding arm prevents tilting of the cheese and the cutting of slices not of uniform thickness.

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: In an apparatus for cutting pattern pieces and creating apertures in sheet-type work material a frame has a support surface mounted thereon for carrying at least one layer of the work material. A carriage is coupled to the frame for movement back-and-forth there along a first coordinate direction in response to commands issued from a controller. A cutting head is mounted to the carriage and moves in a second coordinate direction along the carriage approximately perpendicular to the first coordinate direction. A rotary die is coupled to the cutting head and at least one cutting tool is mounted to the rotary die. The cutting tool includes a shaped cutting portion corresponding to the shape of an aperture to be formed in the work material. During operation the rotary die is movable between a working position wherein the cutting tool engages the work material and a non-working position wherein the rotary die is positioned away from the work material.

Abstract: A method of cutting pattern pieces from a continuous roll of material comprising the steps of unrolling said material unto a rotating cylindrical cutting surface, and then cutting said material while said material is in rolling contact on said cylindrical surface during rotation of said cylindrical surface. Furthermore this invention describes a method and apparatus for producing vinyl pool covers.

Abstract: A sheet material cutting apparatus includes a cutting head and a knife frame rotatably coupled to the cutting head. A blade defining a cutting edge is coupled for reciprocation to the knife frame, as is a primary sharpener for sharpening substantially the entire cutting edge of the blade after it becomes dull from operation. A presser foot having a secondary sharpener mounted thereon, is also coupled to the knife frame for movement between a raised non-working and a lowered working position. The secondary sharpener includes a sharpening member engageable with the cutting edge of the blade via the action of an actuator, for sharpening a portion of the blade's cutting edge between primary sharpening operations.

Abstract: In a resonating assembly, a beam having a pickup thereon is positioned proximate to a magnet which passes across the pick up at a predetermined frequency. The passage of the magnet across the pick up establishes an alternating magnetic field that in turn causes the beam and pick up to vibrate. A blade is mounted on the beam and vibrates therewith so that when the blade is brought into engagement with a layer of sheet type work material the vibratory amplitude of the blade causes the blade to cut through the material as it is moved in engagement therewith.

Abstract: In an apparatus for cutting pattern pieces and creating apertures in sheet-type work material a frame has a support surface mounted thereon for carrying at least one layer of the work material. A carriage is coupled to the frame for movement back-and-forth there along a first coordinate direction in response to commands issued from a controller. A cutting head is mounted to the carriage and moves in a second coordinate direction along the carriage approximately perpendicular to the first coordinate direction. A rotary die is coupled to the cutting head and at least one cutting tool is mounted to the rotary die. The cutting tool includes a shaped cutting portion corresponding to the shape of an aperture to be formed in the work material. During operation the rotary die is movable between a working position wherein the cutting tool engages the work material and a non-working position wherein the rotary die is positioned away from the work material.

Abstract: A wheel cutter for cutting a compressible material having a relaxed thickness greater than a radius of the wheel cutter is disclosed, wherein a compressor guide locally compresses the batting to a thickness less than a radius of the wheel cutter. In one configuration, the compressor guide includes a compressor wheel eccentrically mounted with respect to the wheel cutter.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for cutting carpet pile are disclosed as including a clipper having a driver, a reciprocating blade and a fixed blade. The fixed blade and the reciprocating blade define an area there between. The fixed blade has a bore passing through the blade and into the area. A fluid supply, connected to the bore, supplies fluid through the fixed blade and into the area. A manifold, attached to the fixed blade, can be used to pass fluid through the fixed blade into the chamber. In such an embodiment, the manifold includes a passage communicating with the bore and the fluid supply. In another embodiment, an orientation mechanism is used to orient the carpet clipping head. In this embodiment, the orientation mechanism includes a base bracket and a pivot bracket. The pivot bracket is pivotally attached to the base bracket at a pivot point. The carpet clipping head is attached to the pivot bracket so that movement of the pivot bracket causes the carpet clipping head to pivot about the lead prong.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for automatic cutting of graphics area(s) from a sheet of material which includes such graphics area(s), the graphics areas having a plurality of registration marks in predetermined positions with respect thereto and including a subset of the marks on no more than one side of the graphics area which are initial-position/orientation-determining marks. The method involves placing the sheet on a sheet-receiving surface, attempting to sense the subset in the field of view of a main sensor, and, when the subset is not in an expected location, automatically determining the coordinate region of the subset on the sheet-receiving surface and automatically repositioning the main sensor to the coordinate region such that the subset is within the field of view of the main sensor.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for cutting a graphics area from a sheet of material which includes such graphics area. The method improved involves applying a plurality of registration marks on the sheet at and about the graphics area in predetermined positions at the time the graphics are applied thereto, the plurality of marks including a subset of marks (the subset preferably being a tandem pair of marks) which is applied on one side of the graphics area which are used to determine the position and orientation of the sheet, sensing the locations of the registration marks on the sheet of material at the time of cutting, and cutting the graphics area from the ready-to-cut sheet along a path determined in response to the sensed positions of the registration marks with respect to the graphics area at that time, whereby precise cutting occurs despite two-dimensional distortion of the sheet prior to cutting.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for automatic cutting of graphics area(s) from a sheet of material which includes such graphics area(s), the graphics areas having a plurality of registration marks in predetermined positions with respect thereto and including a subset of the marks on no more than one side of the graphics area which are initial-position/orientation-determining marks. The method involves placing the sheet on a sheet-receiving surface, attempting to sense the subset in the field of view of a main sensor, and, when the subset is not in an expected location, automatically determining the coordinate region of the subset on the sheet-receiving surface and automatically repositioning the main sensor to the coordinate region such that the subset is within the field of view of the main sensor.

Abstract: A system and method for performing operations such as cutting on sheet material such as cloth wherein the sheet material is scanned at an inspection station to determine the existence and location of flaws in the material, the material is transferred to a conveyor where operations such as cutting are performed on the sheet material as it is moved by the conveyor, and the speed of the conveyor and the speed, direction and mode of the operations are controlled all according to a predetermined pattern of operation for the sheet material and the pattern can be re-nested or adjusted in accordance with the existence and location of flaws in the material as determined by the scanning. The operations are performed by controlled gantry-style cutters, and preferably two such cutters are employed wherein a control determines the conveyor speed and determines the portions of the cutting operation to be performed by the respective cutters.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting and matching parts in a layup of material that includes a cutter tool for cutting the parts and a camera for detecting and analyzing match points located on the individual parts that need to be matched to other parts. The apparatus also includes a computer having instructions for optimizing a process for matching various parts in the layup resulting in an increase of effective usable area of the cutter table and in increased efficiency in use of material in the layup. The computer includes instructions to direct the camera to process match points that are disposed within a tool offset, defined as a distance between the cutter head and the camera, prior to advancing the layup to a takeoff end of the cutter table.

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: An improved method and apparatus for cutting a graphics area from a sheet of material which includes such graphics area. The method improved involves applying a plurality of registration marks on the sheet at and about the graphics area in predetermined positions at the time the graphics are applied thereto, the plurality of marks including a subset of marks (the subset preferably being a tandem pair of marks) which is applied on one side of the graphics area which are used to determine the position and orientation of the sheet, sensing the locations of the registration marks on the sheet of material at the time of cutting, and cutting the graphics area from the ready-to-cut sheet along a path determined in response to the sensed positions of the registration marks with respect to the graphics area at that time, whereby precise cutting occurs despite two-dimensional distortion of the sheet prior to cutting.

Abstract: A design is formed in a carpet secured to a table with a carriage controlled and moved over the table by a computer. A carver is mounted to the carriage and is computer-controlled to carve a design into the secured carpet. Also, a separator is mounted to the carriage and is computer-controlled to separate the carved carpet into a plurality of pieces. The secured carpet has a grain extending in a first particular direction, and carving in a second particular direction produces an actual result offset from an intended result by a quantified offset. The first direction and second directions are determined and a relationship therebetween is calculated. An offset associated with such relationship is then determined, and the determined offset is employed to position a carver during carving in the second direction. Thus, the employed offset produces an actual result that aligns with the intended result.

Abstract: A reciprocating knife cutter for performing a cutting operation on sheet material is provided wherein the knife is not limited to reciprocation along a vertical axis. The cutter includes a guide which engages the knife, whereby the knife and guide are constrained to slide relative to one another along the longitudinal axis of the knife. The knife is reciprocated by an eccentric drive mechanism in a plane perpendicular to the drive axis of the mechanism, and the guide is pivotally mounted on the cutter so that the knife and guide remain in engagement as the knife is reciprocated. A sheet material cutting apparatus including such a reciprocating cutter is also provided. The invention also provides a knife sharpener for a cutting apparatus.

Abstract: Method and positioner apparatus are provided for minimizing the time required to move a tool along a continuous path such as over material conveyed continuously thereunder. The continuous path is discretized into geometric moves, pairs of which are preferably joined to minimize positioner stop and go. Ranges of velocities are analyzed for each discrete move and are adjusted to overlap for fitting a continuous velocity curve therethrough. Optimizing of the velocity ranges for maximum tool acceleration and velocity results in a time-optimized velocity profile for the tool. Velocity profiles for each discrete move are further optimized to maximize acceleration and deceleration resulting in the most time spent at maximum velocity. Throughout, the method is cognizant of the effects of time and displacement being measured in integer increments. Rounding is appropriately performed and move parameters are adjusted appropriately.

Abstract: A machine for cutting a sheet material incorporates a system for clamping the sheet material against an underlying support surface, which system employs linear arrays of clamp units, each unit including a separate clamping member having a head portion with a flat top surface and a peripheral element constructed to engage an edge portion of the sheet material. The clamping members are disposed in spaced relationship along marginal portions of the support surface, an actuator is proveded for effecting movement of the clamping members between release and clamp positions. Because of the construction of the clamping members, the top surfaces thereof will be substantially flush with the surface of the clamped material being cut, thus enabling a cutting head having an associated glide plate to pass thereover, in contact therewith, without substantial interference or impediment.

Abstract: For making a nest of cuts (N) for cutting blanks out of flat, irregular workpieces (W), the contour (U) and the flaws (F) of the spread workpieces (W) together with a workpiece characteristic are detected by means of a digitizing unit (3), and the corresponding data are read into a computer (5), which on the basis of these data and the data stored in the computer (5) concerning number, shape and quality requirements of the blanks calculates and stores a nest of cuts and utilizes the detected workpiece characteristics of the workpieces (W) as a workpiece code for allocating the nests of cuts (N) to the respective workpieces (W).

Abstract: There is described a cutting device for fabric and similar material which comprises a cutting table on the surface of which a material support is mounted; a cutting tool which is moveable over the table to penetrate and cut material lying on the support; and a control arrangement which measures the distance to the table surface under the support and thereby controls the depth of cutting tool penetration so that it extends a predetermined distance into the support, independently of applied pressure on the cutting tool.

Abstract: A reciprocating knife cutter for performing a cutting operation on sheet material is provided wherein the knife is not limited to reciprocation along a vertical axis. The cutter includes a guide which engages the knife, whereby the knife and guide are constrained to slide relative to one another along the longitudinal axis of the knife. The knife is reciprocated by an eccentric drive mechanism in a plane perpendicular to the drive axis of the mechanism, and the guide is pivotally mounted on the cutter so that the knife and guide remain in engagement as the knife is reciprocated. A sheet material cutting apparatus including such a reciprocating cutter is also provided. The invention also provides a knife sharpener for a cutting apparatus.

Abstract: Multiple head cutting unit, especially suitable for machines utilized to cut leather, skin and synthetic materials with a water jet, including at least a carriage (16), movable along several axes with respect to an underlying work table (14) and a cutting unit supported by carriage (16) and including a nozzle for the outlet of pressurized water, wherein the cutting unit supported by carriage (16) includes at least two cutting heads (26, 36, 38), and at least one of said cutting heads is movable with respect to the other one or ones along a horizontal plane parallel to the work table (14).

Abstract: In a cutter table for performing work operations on one or more layers of sheet-type work material a work material support surface is mounted to a frame having an elongated support mounted for movement thereon. A cutter head for carrying a reciprocating cutting blade is mounted to the support and movable relative thereto in response to commands issued from a programmable controller. Indicators in the form of an array of colored lights are also provided and illuminate in response to commands issued from the controller to alert an operator as to current machine conditions.

Abstract: A glass plate cutting device 1 with a bridge frame 4 supported at its opposite ends 5 and 6 so as to be movable in a Y direction. The bridge frame 4 has an X direction linearly moving unit 3 for moving a cutter head 2 linearly in the X direction. Ball screw nuts 7 and 8 are attached rotatably to the corresponding ends 5 and 6 of the bridge frame 4. Ball screws 9 and 10 extend in the Y direction and are screwed in the corresponding nuts 7 and 8. Y direction linearly moving units 11 synchronously rotate the corresponding nuts 7 and 8 to move the bridge frame 4 in the Y direction. A further ball screw 12 extending in the X direction is provided on the bridge frame 4. A further ball screw 12 is screwed in the further ball screw nut 13 attached to an X direction linearly moving unit 3, whereby the further ball screw 13 is rotated by the X direction linearly moving unit 3 to move the cutter head 2 linearly in the X direction.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for cutting a plate-like member, having a cutter head and a bridge frame for supporting the cutter head movably in the X-direction. The bridge frame is supported at opposite side ends thereof and is movable in the Y-direction on a base. A moving device is provided for linearly moving the cutter head in the X-direction, and a moving arrangement is provided for linearly moving the bridge frame in the Y-direction. The moving arrangement includes a linear motor disposed on the one end of the bridge frame and a second linear motor disposed on the other end of the bridge frame. A control device is provided for operating said first and second linear motors synchronously with respect to each other.

Abstract: Precise cutting of pattern strips and pattern pieces from lace and similar patterned fabrics requires correct mutual positioning of the fabric and fabric cutter for precise alignment with the boundary of the pattern pre-existing on the fabric. Patterned fabrics and especially loosely-woven lace are liable to randomly variable stretching and slippage which makes it impossible to cut under the direction of an externally imposed pattern program without regard to the instantaneous location of the pattern pre-existing on the fabric. The invention comprises lace-cutting apparatus and a lace-cutting method including optical scanning of the lace, recognition of the pattern boundary, and mutual alignment of the fabric with the fabric cutter to trace the intended cut line. Different techniques for mutual movement of the fabric and cutter are employed according to whether the pattern boundary is re-entrant or not. Preferred forms of fabric cutter include a hot-wire cutter and a laser beam cutter.

Abstract: A sheet material 2 is cut with a round blade 10 and a notching blade 11. It is assumed that, in a straight section P1-P2-P3-P4, a distance between the end point P1 and the end point P2 is not shorter than a blade width W10 of the round blade 10, a distance between the end point P2 and the end point P3 and a distance between the end point P3 and the end point P4 are shorter than the blade width W10 and it is necessary to cut without cutting into a pattern piece indicated by shadow. A section between the end point P2 and the end point P3 can be cut without cutting into the pattern piece although overcut occurs on the end point P2 side, with the round blade 10 by aligning the leading edge thereof at the end point P3. A section between the end point P3 and the end point P4 is cut with the notching blade 11 because cutting with the round blade 10 causes a cut into the pattern piece at least from one of the end points.

Abstract: In a machine tool having a base member, a table supported on the base member, on which a workpiece may be positioned to be machined, and a toolhead assembly supported on the base member, provided with a tool engageable with the workpiece positioned on the table for performing a work function relative thereto wherein the table and the toolhead assembly are displaceable relative to each other along a line of travel, an assembly for holding down a workpiece positioned on the table upon relative displacement of the table and the toolhead assembly along the line of travel generally consisting of at least one upper roller having an axis disposed transversely relative to the line of travel and engageable in rolling contact with an upper surface of a workpiece positioned on the table, a set of lower rollers each having an axis disposed transversely relative to the line of travel and engageable in rolling contact with an undersurface of the table and means supported on the base member and operatively interconnecting t

Abstract: In an automated machine for cutting cloth or fabric and similar sheet materials the knife is made from a high-alloy tool steel to provide the knife with a sharp cutting edge capable under a given set of conditions to cut sheet material for a far longer period of time before requiring re-sharpening than the case with the knives previously used in such machines. A sharpener is also provided which allows the knife after becoming dull to be returned to a sharp condition while removing only a minimum amount of the knife material, thereby further increasing the service life of the knife.

Abstract: An automated workstation is adapted to cut parts of different size and shape from workpieces of flat sheet or molded preforms. A fixtured workpiece is moved into the work area of a preprogrammed cutting robot on a shuttle table. The position of the workpiece to be cut is determined by the robot which cuts it using preprogrammed instructions for the desired part. In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of independently operable shuttle tables are provided so that the robot can work substantially continuously while workpieces are load, unloaded, machined or moved around.

Abstract: A glass plate cutting device 1 with a bridge frame 4 supported at its opposite ends 5 and 6 so as to be movable in a Y direction. The bridge frame 4 has an X direction linearly moving unit 3 for moving a cutter head 2 linearly in the X direction. Ball screw nuts 7 and 8 are attached rotatably to the corresponding ends 5 and 6 of the bridge frame 4. Ball screws 9 and 10 extend in the Y direction and are screwed in the corresponding nuts 7 and 8. Y direction linearly moving units 11 synchronously rotate the corresponding nuts 7 and 8 to move the bridge frame 4 in the Y direction. A further ball screw 12 extending in the X direction is provided on the bridge frame 4. A further ball screw 12 is screwed in the further ball screw nut 13 attached to an X direction linearly moving unit 3, whereby the further ball screw 13 is rotated by the X direction linearly moving unit 3 to move the cutter head 2 linearly in the X direction.

Abstract: A system for cutting windows or openings in mats used in framing works of art. The system involves the use of a variably positionable head to which a cutting blade is attached for cutting a beveled edge in the mat. A longitudinal drive means, transverse drive means, and orthogonal drive form a combined positioning device capable of moving the head in any direction. A rotational drive means may also form part of the combined positioning device for rotating and adjusting the position of the blade. A linear variable displacement transducer is coupled to the head and operatively coupled to the orthogonal drive to maintain the head a constant distance away from the mat so the blade cuts a continuously smooth beveled edge in the mat.

Abstract: A laminate placed on a supporting belt is covered with an air-impermeable sheet, then compressed by sucking air from sucking mechanisms, and the laminate is cut by a cutter which is supported at two locations. A belt retaining mechanism comprises a number of belt support plates for supporting a belt, support posts extending downwardly therefrom, and receiving plates supported by a receiving plate retaining mechanism disposed on longitudinal beams. A travel body and cam plates are operatively connected, and the support posts are supported on the receiving plates at a location other than a cam groove of each cam plate to stabilize the belt support plates. The receiving plates are separated within a movable recess of the belt, so that the support plates are raised by the cam groove.

Abstract: A laminate 88 placed on a supporting belt 3 is covered with an air-impermeable sheet 89. Air is withdrawn from suction ports 37 and 44 formed in upper surfaces of a number of belt support plates 9 constituting a first suction mechanism 34 and an upper surface of a second suction mechanism 35 disposed proximate to front and rear sides of a movable recess 6 formed in the supporting belt 3 through vent holes 3a formed in the supporting belt 3, respectively. The laminate 88 is supported on the supporting belt 3, and cut by a cutter 26 which is supported at upper and lower parts thereof.

Abstract: In the bite-by-bite cutting of a length of sheet material split points for pattern pieces extending between adjacent bites are assigned to bite overlap regions containing sheet material capable of being cut at the cutting station either before or after a given advancement. A method is further given for optimally locating the split points within the bite overlap regions so as to best avoid problems caused by slit notches, V-notches, sharp corners or other discontinuities located close to the split points.

Abstract: A machine tool for processing flat stock comprises a work table having a processing surface, which can preferably be subjected to a vacuum, and a tool carriage, which is movable along the processing surface. A feeder is associated with the work table at one end thereof. In order to provide such a machine tool which involves a relatively small structural expenditure and distinguishes by an economical mode of operation, the work table is supplemented toward the feeder by a receiving table having a receiving surface of the work table, and the machine table composed of the work table and the receiving table supports two pallets, which are reciprocable between positions on the work table and the receiving table and in alternation constitute the processing surface of the work table and the receiving surface of the receiving table.

Abstract: A method in which a thin continuous film for conveying a base plate put on the film and another thin continuous film stuck to the main surface of the plate are automatically cut out along the contour of the plate, wherein a cutter is moved to one end of each edge of the plate from an optional position distant from the edge and is thereafter moved to the other end of the edge from another optional position distant from the edge, and movement of the cutter is performed with regard to all the edges of the plate sequentially.

Abstract: In the case of the cutting of a line in a quantity of sheet type work material where the cutting is interrupted before the line is completely cut, with the cutting tool being removed from the material at the point of interruption and later brought back into cutting engagement with the material at that point, complete and clean cutting along the desired line of cut is assured despite the interruption by ending the first cut which ends at the interruption point so that is continues slightly beyond that point along an end path and by starting the second cut along a start path which starts behind the interruption point so that the end path and start path overlap one another along a region of the desired line and by crossing each of the end and start paths with a line of cut to assure complete separation from one another of the portions of the material located on opposite sides of the desired line.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for cutting sheet material wherein the material is cut in bites or segments by bringing in stepwise fashion successive lengthwise segments to a cutting station incomplete cutting of a line or pattern piece when the line or pattern piece is continued from one segment to another is avoided by a retracing of the line of cut in the vicinity of the line's or pattern piece's transition from one segment to another. Therefore, when the cutting tool, following the advancement of the material to bring a fresh segment to the cutting station, is returned to the vicinity of a previously cut point it retraces a portion of the previously cut line to promote complete separation of the desired material from the waste material despite possible relaxation or other shifting or mispositioning of the material between the times of the cutting tool's first and second arrivals at the transition point.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for cutting a slit notch in a pattern piece during the cutting of the pattern piece from work material consisting of a single sheet or a lay-up of sheets of sheet material the slit notch is cut when a notch point is reached by the cutting tool in its cutting along the line defining the pattern piece periphery. After the slit notch is cut the tool is withdrawn from cutting engagement with the work material and returned to a point associated with a previously cut portion of the peripheral line and spaced rearwardly from the point of furthermost previous advance of the tool along the peripheral line before the cutting of the slit notch to assure the cutting of material which may shift in the vicinity of the point of furtherest advance between the tool's first and later appearance of at that point, thereby obtaining clean cutting of the pattern piece from the work material allowing it to be easily separated from the waste material.

Abstract: In an apparatus for spreading and cutting layups of sheet material pin mechanisms are distributed over the supporting surface of the table and include pins moveable between raised and lowered positions to enable selected portions of the supporting surface to be adapted, or not, to a spreading procedure involving the pinning of each layer as it is spread. The supporting surface is divided into sections and the pin mechanisms of each section are operated in unison by a control element located on the side wall of the table with each control element being aligned with its associated section of the table so as to be quickly and easily operable by an operator without the operator having to give great thought or attention to which pin mechanisms are operated by which switch. The pins passing through a layup being cut by the cutter are automatically lowered upon the cutter approaching the pins to avoid collision between the pins and the cutter.

Abstract: A laminate cutting apparatus has a support belt supported on a frame for reciprocating horizontally in the longitudinal direction, independently lowerable support plates juxtaposed in the longitudinal direction and retained on the frame for supporting the bottom of a laminate support portion of the belt, suction ports on opposing side portions of the frame for withdrawing air from the interior of the laminate supported on the support portion with its upper and lower surfaces covered with air-impermeable sheets, a longitudinally reciprocated travelling body supported on the frame, a transversely reciprocated cutter head supported on the travelling body, a cutter on the cutter head for being raised and lowered to cut the laminate, recess forming rollers for forming the support portion of the belt into a transversely extending movable recess open at the top, a lower receiving member secured to the travelling body and arranged in parallel with the rollers within the recess, interconnected closure plates within th

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting a laminated sheet material has a cutter receiving plate and a closure member connected to both ends of the receiving plate, and these are accommodated in a guide groove extending transversely across a supporting surface of a pedestal. A belt is supported on the supporting surface on front and back sides of the guide groove, and belt moving members are disposed on both sides of the belt longitudinally thereof for reciprocating the belt longitudinally. The laminated sheet material is supported on the belt and the belt moving members are moved to transport the belt and the laminated sheet material together in the longitudinal direction, with the stacked sheets and the already cut portions thereof moving along with the belt while carried thereon.