Abstract: An apparatus automatically generates a tape having splice area and other markings which indicate acceptable splice points on a length of fabric from which garment pattern pieces are to be cut. The apparatus includes a computer for calculating splice and other pertinent points on a fabric layup. The apparatus also includes a controller for receiving printing commands from the computer. The apparatus also includes a printer responsive to signals from the controller for quickly and accurately printing on the tape splice information and data identifying the marker for which the splice point indicating tape was generated. The apparatus also includes a tape advance system for advancing the tape from a supply roll to the printer and then to a takeup roll.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically dispensing flowable material which automatically ensures a substantially constant and even supply of flowable material from a source of the flowable material to some destination at which the flowable material needed or is used. The flowable material may be any material that can be extruded from a collapsible tube upon the exertion of pressure on the tube and includes liquids or gels. The apparatus comprises a collapsible tube having a nozzle end and a sealed end and containing a flowable material; a tube squeezer; a rotatable drum for pulling the collapsible tube through the tube squeezer as the drum rotates; a motor for rotating the drum; and an electronic feedback mechanism for disengaging the motor so as to maintain pressure of the flowable material within a selected pressure range and the supply of flowable material to a destination is substantially even and constant.

Abstract: An automated labeling apparatus is provided for positioning and applying identifying labels on predetermined positions along a layup of sheet material prior to cutting. The apparatus includes multiple labeling carriage assemblies mounted on a support beam for independent movement thereon. At least one label printer-load station is attached to the apparatus so as to be accessible to the labeling carriage assemblies for providing preprinted identifying labels. A central processing computer controls movement of the support beam and the labeling carriage assemblies as well as the functioning of the label printer-load station so as to coordinate operation of the labeling carriage assemblies for efficient operation.

Abstract: A paper advance control for a progressive X,Y plotter with unidirectional paper movement senses the actual advancement of the paper and controls the drive to a take-up roll in such a way as to keep the speed of advancement constant over the major portion of its advancement. It also through the same sensor keeps informed of its actual paper position and stops the paper with accurate positioning at the end of an advancement, its stopping procedure including a pre-stop slow down of the paper speed.

Abstract: A tracking arrangement for a conveyorized transport system of the type in which coded workpiece carriers are routed by a switching mechanism from a main rail to an entry end of a subsidiary loop and then returned to the switching mechanism via a discharge end of the subsidiary loop, the entry end of the subsidiary loop being located downstream of the discharge end relative to the general direction of carrier movement on the carrier rail. The tracking arrangement comprises a sensor which reads the codes on the carriers while the carriers are located on the switching mechanism so that the codes may be read shortly before a carrier enters into a subsidiary loop and shortly after the carrier exits from a subsidiary loop.

Abstract: A laser cutting system comprises a means for controllably delivering sheet material to a laser cutter and automatically removing cut pieces of sheet material and scrap. The sheet material is supported on an inclined bed having longitudinal slots and the means for delivering sheet material comprises an engagement mechanism which engages an end of the sheet material while supported on the bed by frictionally or penetrably engaging the sheet material and a movement means for moving the engagement mechanism and the associated sheet material longitudinally of said slots. Vacuum means are provided to hold the sheet material on the inclined bed during cutting, which vacuum means are deactivated after cutting to allow the cut pieces and scrap to slide down the bed out of a cutting region to make room for a fresh worksheet. Various means are provided for facilitating the removal of the cut sheet material from the bed.