Abstract: A method for cutting sheet material utilizes a closed loop automatically controlled cutting machine having a reciprocating cutting blade as the cutting tool. Sheet material to be cut is spread in multiple plies to form a layup, and the cutting blade and the material are then moved relative to one another in cutting engagement along predefined lines of cut. During cutting, a sensor detects a cutting parameter that is affected by the interaction of the cutting blade and sheet material, and signals provided by the sensor are fed back in the closed loop automatic control mechanism to adjust or initiate further steps in the cutting operation. Such adjustment or initiation alters the cutting machine operation for cutting conditions in real time in order to improve the overall performance of the machine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cutting pattern pieces from sheet material with an automatically controlled cutting machine utilizes special control techniques for guiding a reciprocating cutting blade accurately along a desired cutting path defined by the pattern piece peripheries. The cutting machine includes a control computer which also serves as a data processor for generating machine command signals and controlling cutting blade movements. The controller has memory units which contain standard cutting programs and optinal programs. From a program selector panel, the cutting machine operator can select optional programs which modify the standard programs in a manner most suitably adapted to cause the cutting blade to follow the cutting path in the sheet material more accurately. The optional programs vary the feed rate or stroking speed, introduce yaw signals to control blade orientation along the cutting path, or perform other control functions.

Abstract: A method of cutting sheet material with an automatically controlled cutting machine having a reciprocating cutting blade utilizes a schedule of auxiliary or supplemental machine motions to modify the basic or fundamental motions of a cutting blade and the sheet material under selected cutting conditions. The supplemental motions and corresponding conditions are determined in advance by means of cutting improvement tests and are recorded in a schedule correlating the motions and corresponding conditions. During subsequent cutting operations, the special motions are selectively extracted from the schedule as the corresponding cutting conditions arise, and the motions are then employed to improve the overall cutting process.

Abstract: A cutting machine utilizing a high velocity fluid cutting jet for cutting is provided with a receiver to absorb the cutting jet after it passes through sheet material in a cutting operation. The receiver comprises a jet-deflection chamber having an inlet positioned to receive the fluid jet and an inside wall which turns or deflects the jet in a whirling or circular path to dissipate the energy or momentum of the jet. A drain from the chamber may be provided to continually evacuate the spent fluid of the jet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cutting sheet material utilizes a closed loop automatically controlled cutting machine having a reciprocating cutting blade as the cutting tool. Sheet material to be cut is spread in multiple plies to form a layup, and the cutting blade and the material are then moved relative to one another in cutting engagement along predefined lines of cut. During cutting, a sensor detects a cutting parameter that is affected by the interaction of the cutting blade and sheet material, and signals provided by the sensor are fed back in the closed loop automatic control mechanism to adjust or initiate further steps in the cutting operation. Such adjustment or initiation alters the cutting machine operation for cutting conditions in real time in order to improve the overall performance of the machine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cutting pattern pieces from sheet material with an automatically controlled cutting machine utilizes special control techniques for guiding a reciprocating cutting blade accurately along a desired cutting path defined by the pattern piece peripheries. The cutting machine includes a control computer which also serves as a data processor for generating machine command signals and controlling cutting blade movements. The controller has memory units which contain standard cutting programs and optional programs. From a program selector panel, the cutting machine operator can select optional programs which modify the standard programs in a manner most suitably adapted to cause the cutting blade to follow the cutting path in the sheet material more accurately. The optional programs vary the feed rate or stroking speed, introduce yaw signals to control blade orientation along the cutting path, or perform other control functions.

Abstract: An apparatus having a table defining a work surface, and a carriage mounted for movement over the work surface in one direction includes a device for precisely indexing a strip of sheet material in the same direction so that various sections of the strip can be operated upon by an instrument mounted on the carriage. The indexing device comprises a bar that is parked at one edge of the work surface while the instrument and carriage are working on one section of the sheet material. The bar is subsequently attached to the carriage above the sheet material for an indexing operation. A plurality of magnets are mounted in the bar and cooperate with a clamping plate placed under the bar and the sheet material to clamp the sheet material between the plate and the bar during an indexing operation. After the indexing operation, the clamping plate and bar are returned to the parking position at one edge of the work surface and the bar is detached from the instrument carriage.