Abstract: A cover sheet applicator for applying a cover sheet from a roll, for example, paper or plastic, to a sheet of material, for example, glass or screen printed adhesives. The applicator comprises a frame and a first conveyor for receiving a sheet of material to be covered. Cover material is drawn from the roll by drive rollers. A cutting mechanism cuts the cover material to a predetermined length to form the cover sheet. The cover sheet is received and retained on a vacuum conveyor which is inclined with respect to the first conveyor, for example, an endless belt. A control is provided to sequence the operation of the first conveyor, the cutting mechanism and the vacuum conveyor. When the lead edge of the cover sheet and the sheet of material are aligned, the vacuum is released and upon further advance of the sheet of material, the cover sheet is applied to the top of the sheet of material.

Abstract: A cutting machine for cutting long lengths of sheet material, roll material, or web material into predetermined or discrete lengths comprises a frame having a stationary blade extending transversely of the frame and a carriage movable transversely of the material to be cut having a movable blade thereon that cooperates with the stationary blade to cut material. The movable blade is mounted on the carriage so that it can be canted at an angle with respect to the stationary blade during transverse movement of the carriage in one direction and can be oppositely canted at an angle with respect to the stationary blade during movement of the carriage in the opposite direction. In one embodiment, a toggle mechanism is used to cant the movable blade. In a second embodiment, a fluid cylinder is used to cant the movable blade.

Abstract: A cutting machine for sheet material comprising a frame, a stationary knife on the frame and a reciprocating blade cooperating with the stationary knife. A motor on the frame is connected to a gear reducer that is in turn connected to a single push rod through a crank. The push rod is operatively connected to a torque tube that is connected adjacent its ends by link means to the reciprocating blade. Rotation of the crank by the gear reducer will actuate the single push rod and the torque tube operatively connected thereto to reciprocate the reciprocating blade. Spring means for assisting movement of the reciprocating blade are readily adjusted from exterior of the frame of the cutting machine. A rotatable cam follower on the reciprocating blade engages a guide block on the frame for moving the reciprocating blade into proper cooperative engagement with the stationary knife in use.

Abstract: A machine for feeding and cutting sheet material includes a housing and a framework pivoted on the housing to permit loading of sheet material into the machine. A feed roll is journalled in the housing. A cooperating pressure roll is journalled on the framework. A spring is adjustably carried on the framework for adjusting the pressure of the pressure roll toward the feed roll. A knife blade on the framework, and fixed to the framework cooperates with a movable knife blade in the housing for cutting predetermined lengths of sheet material. A cam follower bearing is provided in the housing to help guide movement of the knife blade in the housing. A spring adjustment is provided in the linkage connecting the cylinder driving the movable knife blade and the movable knife blade for varying the force of the movable knife blade against the cam roller bearing.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved feeding apparatus for transporting sheet material through a sheeting machine using an airstream. This feeding apparatus includes a modified pressure roll and an airstream that is circulated around the pressure roll, through passages in the surface of the pressure roll, and across the surface of the sheet material. The passage of the airstream over the sheet material creates a lifting force suspending the material above the interior surfaces of the machine to reduce or eliminate snags, snarls and blockages of the sheet material within the machine.

Abstract: A sheeting machine having an improved apparatus for unwinding and feeding sheet material which includes a support frame; pivotally connected vertical support members; and tapered lateral support members. The lateral support members provide hold for the sheet material supply roll. The vertical support members are pivotally mounted to the support frame in order to allow direct engagement of the sheet material supply roll with the feed roll. A self-adjusting braking mechanism is also provided in which a brake strap is mounted about the tapered lateral supports.

Abstract: A self-aligning bearing assembly for engaging, supporting, and permitting the free rotation of, the end of a load bearing shaft, the bearing assembly comprising a sub-base, a supporting sub-assembly, and alignment apparatus, such as an alignment shaft with damping members, operatively engaging and disposed between the sub-base and the supporting sub-assembly. The shaft end is supported by roller means located in the supporting sub-assembly. An upper sub-assembly having upper roller means is preferrably provided to maintain the load bearing shaft in contact with the roller means of the supporting sub-assembly. The upper sub-assembly may be hinged to the supporting sub-assembly to facilitate the ready placement and removal of the shaft from the assembly.

Abstract: The control system includes a plurality of light responsive devices and a mask structure having a part which is movable with respect to the devices to control the transmission of light thereto. The movable part of the mask structure may be a ball-like member, which is universally supported in a spherical receptacle which supports the light responsive devices. Four light responsive devices may be used, with the mask structure having a portion with a variable width slot associated with each device, so that as the ball-like member is pivoted universally to control the light transmitted through the slots to the devices, electrical signals are produced which represent the movement. The light responsive devices have an electrical characteristic which changes with the light applied thereto to produce electrical signals, and are connected in a control circuit so that signals therefrom control apparatus, such as drive units for controlling the movement of a device.