Abstract: A pneumatic compressed-air tube transport system and a method for transporting small assembly parts to assembly and processing lines for assembly of products. The transport system includes at least one drop-off branch configured to drop off the small assembly parts into the compressed-air tube transport system. The at least one drop branch includes at least one air flow generator, a butterfly valve located downstream of the air flow generator, and a drop-off station for the small assembly parts located downstream of the butterfly valve. The small assembly parts move through a tube into at least one joining switch and a plurality of delivery stations are configured to receive the small assembly parts.

Abstract: A work table for an automatic cutting installation for cutting materials by means of non-mechanical cutting tools has a metallic cutting base which is formed of a plurality of metal strips. Edges of the metal strips form the support surface for the workpiece. Undulating metal strips may be arranged alternately against non-undulating metal strips. Alternatively, metal strips may be used that are bent into the form of a rectangular undulation and have undulation valleys and undulation ridges which are of different length. The undulation valleys and undulation ridges lie in each case opposite each other and offset, forming a corner-shaped space. The metal strips extend over the complete width of the work table and their top-to-bottom width is selected to provide sufficient stability for the material to be cut which rests thereon. Portions of the metal strips are bonded or soldered to each other.

Abstract: A method for cutting blanks from webs of material, including some extra-long blanks which are longer than the cutting table. The extra-long blanks are only partially cut out in a first cutting step. Then, after further advance of the web onto the cutting table, the extra-long blanks are separated completely from the web.

Abstract: A system for preventing the collision of two cutting tools in a computer-controlled cutting unit in which the two cutting tools may at times be moved toward each other. This system determines the actual position of each cutting tool during the cutting process. The distance between the two cutting tools is determined and is compared with a previously specified tolerated separation by means of a comparator in the computer. As soon as the tolerated separation has been reached, the system shuts off the cutting unit. In addition, an electrical safety circuit prevents the cutting unit from starting up again automatically after an automatic shutdown.

Abstract: A method for cutting blanks from webs of material, in which the blanks which are longer than the cutting table are only partially cut out at a cutting station. Then, after advance of the following segment or partial segments of the web to the cutting station, the blanks are then separated completely from the web.

Abstract: Three embodiments of methods and apparatus according to the invention are each capable of optimizing the cutting of material in accordance with a plurality of templates or predetermined shapes. The method steps required to be carried out manually are greatly simplified. The degree of utilization of the material for a given intended pattern of cutting is determined objectively before cutting to minimize waste, and the degree of utilization is weighed against the subjective feeling of the operator as to the suitability of the specific portions of the workpiece material proposed to be cut. In cutting patterned materials, it is assured that the respective patterning on each piece to be cut out is selected, in a simple manner, to provide for predetermined uniform transitions between the different individual pieces in the finished product, for instance an article of clothing.

Abstract: A cutting portal for an ultra-high-pressure fluid jet cutting system separates the longitudinal and transverse motion of the cutting head support. The portal includes two parallel plates with lightweight, honeycomb composite material between them. The cutting portal is moved transversely of its length longitudinally of the cutting table. A guide rail for the cutting head support is supported in the honeycomb material and extends along the length of the cutting portal, transversely to the motion of the cutting portal. Spaced apart bearing shafts are supported by bearing shells in the honeycomb material. A driven belt passes around the shafts and moves the cutting head support along the guide rail, which provides motion of the cutting jet in the transverse direction of the cutting table.

Abstract: A device for the removal of bobbins from an automatic rotor spinning machine having a conveyor belt placed on the automatic spinning machine for collecting and delivering completed bobbins comprises a transfer device with a frame, a receiving conveyor belt swiveling on the frame in a vertical direction for receiving bobbins from the automatic spinning machine, a roller conveyor section extending the receiving conveyor belt and which can be swiveled between a position inclined in the direction of feed and a horizontal position, a receiving chute placed parallel to the roller conveyor section, a pusher for transfer of bobbins from the roller conveyor section to the receiving chute, a lifting device for vertically moving the receiving chute between a position adjacent to the roller conveyor section and a number of additional positions, and a tilting device for tilting the receiving chute around its longitudinal axis between a horizontal receiving position and a position essentially at a 90.degree.