Abstract: A machining operation end position detecting unit detects the end position for a machining operation at a (k-1)-th step. A machining operation starting position detecting unit detects the starting position for the machining operation at a k-th step. A machining position comparison unit compares them with each other. If the difference between them is less than a predetermined value, a signal is output to a machining condition changing unit and a control valve. As a result, the machining condition is changed, and a powdered substance is fed into a working fluid.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for separating book covers or other items joined by a continuously moving web. A double-walled tubular attachment strip is adhesively attached to the spine portion of successive spaced covers in a continuous process. Covers are fed onto a conveyor at a constant speed with a spacing between covers and adhesive is applied to the spine areas. Simultaneously a continuous double-walled attachment strip is formed and pressed onto the cover spines to form a continuous string of covers. The attachment strip is cut by laser cutting beam between each cover while the covers are moving by moving a focussed cutting beam in a plane normal to the plane of the strip transversely to the direction of movement of the strip.