Abstract: A device for cutting layers of textile material by means of a thermal cutting beam, such as a laser beam, in which the material is supported on a perforated plate which allows dissipation of any heat imparted thereto. The plate is detachably mounted on vertically adjustable supports which engage the plate in the perforations thereof.

Abstract: A fabric layering machine for movement along a layering table, comprising a frame, mounting means carried by said frame for mounting a supply of fabric, first and second power rollers carried by the frame, transfer means operable to move one of the power rollers between a first position in which that one of the power rollers is in close proximity to the other of the power rollers so as to form a nip therebetween, and a second position in which one of the power rollers is spaced apart from the other of the power rollers, power means operable to rotate said power rollers, when the first one of the power rollers is in the first position, in opposite senses relative to each other so as to pull a web of fabric through the nip between the power rollers from the supply of fabric, and a deflecting roller carried by said frame and disposed before the first roller with respect to the path of a web of fabric from the supply of fabric for causing the web to contact the first power roller over an arc of contact.

Abstract: A fabric layering machine for movement along a layering table, comprising a frame, mounting means carried by said frame for mounting a supply of fabric, a pair of draw-off rollers arranged to provide a nip therebetween and readily removable from an operative position on said frame, and power means operable to rotate said draw-off rollers in opposite senses to each other for pulling through said nip a web of fabric extending from said supply of fabric.

Abstract: Apparatus for cutting a stack of layers of sheet material comprising a device for passing a laser beam or other suitable thermal cutting beam through the stack of material along a line of cut therein and means for preventing fusing of adjacent sheets at the line of cut. Such means can include spacers carried by the cutting head and interposed between adjacent sheets to maintain the sheets in spaced relation, or a spray device for spraying a cooling liquid onto the sheets at the line of cut or the presence of paper of similar combustible material, which does not liquefy, between adjacent sheets.