Abstract: A limp material handling system includes a manipulating apparatus for selectively manipulating one or more layers of limp material on a support table. Folding is accomplished by lifting a curvilinear region of the material, reshaping that lifted region as desired, and lowering that lifted region to a curvilinear region on the support table. A seamed article assembly system incorporates the manipulating apparatus, a seam joining apparatus and a multiple parallel endless belt system for tactile presentation of the limp material to the seam joining apparatus. An optical sensing system provides information representative of the position of the limp material being handled. A programmable computer, or controller, coordinates and controls the operation of the manipulating apparatus, seam joining apparatus, belt assembly, and optical sensing system to provide automatic assembly of seamed articles.

Abstract: A machine tool system having an adjustable implement mounted in a holder or chuck and moveably positioned relative to a moveable workpiece support, wherein implement adjustments are produced by controlled differential motion between the implement holder and an adjustment fixture on the workpiece support. The support is moved to engage the implement in the fixture, from which state further relative movement unlocks an implement clamp and produces a desired adjustment in the implement. Typical implement adjustment applications would include setting of a boring bar cutting radius (or setting of a measurement gauge dimension). The adjustments can be performed open loop based on prior calibration of implement adjustment versus extent of support motion, or closed loop wherein an initial cut (or measurement) is made by open loop implement adjustment with subsequent adjustments based upon a measurement made of the implements effective cutting (or measurement) dimension.