Abstract: An ideal layout for the pieces on the patterned fabric is determined and stored. Monitoring is performed on the real fabric (20) by detecting any offset between the real pitch of the pattern (M) on the fabric as spread out and the ideal pitch used to determine the layout. The layout is modified as a function of the detected offset so that the layout matches the real pitch on the spread-out fabric before the fabric is cut. Monitoring the fabric is performed by taking images of portions of the spread-out fabric by means of a camera (60), and by verifying the images as taken to see whether the locations corresponding to the stored information occupy the desired positions relative to the real pattern on the spread-out fabric.

Abstract: The invention relates to a suction device for holding a stack of sheet material on a cutting table (A) of an automatic cutting machine. The suction device comprises a turbine (4) provided with a suction air inlet circuit (41) level with the cutting zone to establish suction for the purpose of holding the stack on the table, and with an air exhaust circuit (40), the turbine being driven by an electric motor (5) having a fan (15) and an air outlet duct (50), the electric drive motor (5) may vary its speed of rotation to adjust the amount of suction.

Abstract: A safety device for use with a laser beam (5) passing from a source (1) along a given optical path which optionally includes mirrors (M1-M5), in conjunction with a beam control signal processing network. The processing network includes at least one removable signal blocking element (10, 10') located on the optical path and at least partially consisting of a signal conductor (16, 18, 19) surrounding said beam (5) for co-operating therewith in order to cut off the signal instantaneously and block the beam should any deflection occur.

Abstract: A cutting and punching apparatus for sheet material, designed to be movably mounted on an automatic cutting machine, having a cutting tool and a punching tool, wherein said apparatus comprises means for vibrating said cutting tool, means for vertically displacing said cutting tool, means for rotating said cutting tool, means for sharpening said cutting tool, means for vertically displacing said punching tool, means for rotating said machine tool, and a supporting base on which are grouped in a compact manner all said means, which means being operable both simultaneously and independently of each other.