Abstract: A plotting system (10) including a plotting device (40) for plotting on paper (52) is provided. The plotting system (10) includes a work surface (28). A supply source (50) of paper (52) to be plotted is disposed adjacent the work surface (28). A take-up roll (56) is disposed adjacent the work surface (28) opposite the supply source (50). A supply source (64) of carbon paper (66) is disposed adjacent to the work surface (28). A take-up roll (72) is disposed adjacent the work surface (28) opposite the supply source (64). Structure (60) is interconnected to the first take-up roll (56) for periodically advancing the paper (52) across the work surface (28) from the supply source (50) to the take-up roll (56). Structure is interconnected to the second take-up roll (72) for continuously advancing the carbon paper (66) across the work surface (28) from the supply source ( 64) to the second take-up roll (72) while the plotting device (40) plots on the paper (52).

Abstract: A carriage (30) for slidable movement along a track (100) having first and second parallel spaced apart guide surfaces (102, 104) is provided. The carriage (30) includes a base member (36). Structure (72, 78, 80) is mounted on the base member (36) for contacting the first and second parallel spaced apart guide surfaces (102, 104) on the track (100). The base member (36) includes a spring (50, 56, 58), such that as the base member (36) moves along the track (100), the base member (36) is resiliently compressed to thereby urge the structure (72, 78, 80) against the guide surfaces (102, 104) on the track (100).

Abstract: A cutting device (10) for cutting sheet material (14) is provided and comprises a circular cutting tool (40) including a blade (42) extending along the circumference thereof. A support structure (18) supports the sheet material (14). A cutting tool support (46) is provided for supporting the circular cutting tool (40) such that the circular cutting tool (40) freely rotates within the support (46) to thereby rotate on the surface of the sheet material (14) when the blade (42) contacts the sheet material (14). A drive mechanism (50) is interconnected to the cutting tool support (46) for imparting a vertical force to the cutting tool (40) for moving the blade into cutting engagement with the sheet material (14) to thereby cut the sheet material (14) with minimal vertical displacement of the circular cutting tool (40) during the cutting operation.

Abstract: A vacuum hold-down table (36) is provided for holding sheet material (40) in place. The vacuum hold-down table (36) includes a plurality of foam layers (542, 544, 546, 548, 550, 552) integrally united to form a laminated monolithic core portion (560) for the table (36). A plurality of apertures (580) extend throughout the core portion (560), such that air flows throughout the core portion (560). A vacuum is provided through structure (608, 610) to the core portion (560) to effectuate a vacuum within the core portion (560) to generate a high flow rate of air passing through the apertures (480) and thereby maintain sheet material (40) on the surface (38) of the table (36).

Abstract: An automatic tape laying system (10) for depositing tape (66) in a lay-up (36) on a work surface (14) is provided. The system (10) includes a tape deposit apparatus (26) including a tape supply reel (64) and a cutting device (94). A tape transport module (60) transports tape from the tape supply reel (64) to the cutting device (94). A tape deposit module (62) is provided within tape deposit apparatus (26) and is rotatable between first and second positions for receiving tape (66) from the tape transport module (60). Tape 66 is received in a port (134) of tape deposit module (62) for deposit along a first direction on the work surface (14), and tape (66) is received in a port (148) for deposit along a second direction on the work surface (14). Scrap tape (176) is received in a port (122) for removal.

Abstract: An actuating switch (30) is provided for a stylus pen (10). The actuating switch (30) includes a first contact (74) and a second contact (78). A spring (100) is disposed between the first contact (74) and the second contact (78), such that when pressure is applied to the stylus pen (10) to actuate the switch (30) the spring (100) compresses to simultaneously contact both the first contact (74) and the second contact (78) to positively actuate the switch (30) and provide a sensed indication of movement to an operator to alert the operator of closure of switch (30).

Abstract: A real time system for writing and depositing a label on a cut piece is disclosed. The labeler is positioned relative to the cutting head of a cutting system and moves with the cutting head as a cutting operation proceeds. As the cutting takes place under the direction of the cutting system computer, a label is printed by a printer mechanism and is deposited at the appropriate time for placement on top of the cut part. Printing is by a print head having computer input and control for the indicia printed. Label depositing is effectuated by first stripping the printed label from its backing strip and holding it in place on a vacuum head. The head is lowered to a position inside the cutting head dish. At an appropriate time, the pressure is reversed such that the vacuum dissipates and a positive pressure blows the label off the head downward onto the correct part. The sticky backing on the label holds it in place on the part.

Abstract: A cutting system for slab goods is disclosed. The system has three stations operating under computer interface control. In a first station, slab goods, such as synthetic shoe bottom materials and the like, are sequentially loaded for purposes of measurement. At the measuring station, the material is loaded on a slab-by-slab basis, and for each slab of material, a series of measurements are made to determine the largest permissible rectangle for that irregular piece of material. The dimensions are fed to a marker-making system, which, in real time, determines the average of usable material taken from the measurements of all the stacked slabs. A cutting marker is then generated by the marker-making system. The slabs are then moved into the cutting area, utilizing a belt drive upon which the slabs rest in the measurement station. Cutting commences at the cutting station, utilizing a cutting tool mounted on a carriage which traverses that station. A variable hold-down system accommodates different size slabs.

Abstract: The specification discloses an optical web inspection system for detecting imperfections in a web having a longitudinal axis and moving in a plane across an inspection area. Radiation means is disposed above the plane of the web and transverse to the longitudinal axis of the web for directing radiant energy on the web at the inspection area. A plurality of sensors are mounted transverse to the longitudinal axis of the web and above the inspection area for receiving reflected radiation from successive transverse portions of the web passing across the inspection area. The plurality of sensors generate electrical output signals representing the intensity of the reflected radiation from the successive transverse portions of the web. Circuitry for periodically summing the electrical output signals from selected ones of the sensors is provided to generate a summation signal representative of the sum of reflected radiation from selected discrete segments of a plurality of the transverse portions of the web.

Abstract: A high-pressure fluid jet valve assembly is disclosed utilizing a double-acting piston actuated by a spool valve to reversibly actuate the valve stem. The valve stem selectively gates high-pressure cutting fluid through a seat arrangement directly into an output expansion section. Directly coupled to the expansion section is a valve head holding a jewel holder used to shape the high-pressure fluid beam for cutting purposes. The valve seal, stem and seat arrangement are designed to prevent leaching of the stem by the effect of high-pressure water, yet allow the cycling time in the order of 25 milliseconds.

Abstract: A high-velocity liquid jet cutting nozzle and housing for use with high-pressure fluid sources is disclosed. The nozzle housing eliminates the use of elastically deformable collars by having a nozzle mount of a material which yields only under the pressure of the liquid in the system. The nozzle mount extends downstream of the nozzle element and provides a yielding support, under pressure, for the nozzle element in the direction of fluid flow. The nozzle element, constructed from a jewel, typically sapphire, is thereby supported in a mounting element in a yieldable high-pressure seal when in operation. Different configurations can be used to produce a variety of cutting streams, depending on the material to be cut.

Abstract: A fluid jet cutter utilizing a multitude of heads and flexible pressurized feed system is disclosed. The cutter utilizes a carriage which has mounted on it a plurality of fluid jet cutting heads which are maintained in registration with jet catchers operably disposed beneath the carriage. The cutters and jet catchers are movable either as a unit in synchronization with each other or moved separately to be spaced apart from a center head. Cutting in the Y-direction is effectuated by means of head movement along the carriage. Cutting action in the X-direction can be effectuated either by movement of the carriage or, alternatively, by movement of the cutting table bed. A tower disposed outside the cutting area is used to provide high pressure fluid to the cutting heads. The tower, with its flexible coupling, reduces the dynamic loads on the positioning system for the cutter heads, thereby allowing increased performance.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are disclosed utilizing a high strength fluid jet in an operative cutting system. A computer driven carriage and nozzle movable on the carriage effectuate cutting in the X-Y direction and a sensor arrangement is used to position the nozzle in the Z-direction. The workpiece rests on a flexible wire bed which supports the workpiece and at the same time allows a fluid catcher to pass under the workpiece in registration with the nozzle. A support channeled for allow for movement of the fluid catcher provides support for the workpiece in the area of the cut.