Abstract: The invention uses a carriage that is longitudinally displaceable with respect to a cutting table, and a light transporting band whose width is at least equal to that of the sheets. The carriage is comprised of two separable movable members, one of which is motorized and comprises an image device for recording an optimized disposition of pieces to be cut out, while the other is towed and comprises a transversal clamping device into which is engaged a free end of the sheet. The towed member is coupled at its rear portion to the light transporting band, the latter serving to support and protect the sheet of patterned material when it is being drawn out.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for the interconnection of two mobile carriages which are connected by a rigid beam and guided along parallel guide rails. The apparatus permits the simultaneous and identical movement, with respect to both direction and distance, of the carriages along the respective guide rails. The apparatus comprises two generally symmetrically disposed cables, each of which is attached at one end to an end of one rail and at its other end to a diagonally opposed end of a parallel rail. Intermediate the attachment points, the cables connect the carriages by resting on and being supported by return pulleys which are integral with the carriages. Each cable thereby describes a generally Z-shaped configuration. The Z-shaped configurations are symmetrically disposed in order to cause, during the displacement of one carriage, the tensioning of one of the cables, and thereby cause the other carriage to be identically and simultaneously displaced.