Abstract: A modular loading and unloading system wherein modular units can be simply added to a base unit, or main unit, in a desired configuration that fulfill capacity and footprint needs of a manufacturer at any moment, for example when the manufacturer's business expands, thus considerably reducing the time and cost of modifying existing manufacturing systems, such as a laser-based parts cutting system.

Abstract: A modular loading and unloading system wherein modular units can be simply added to a base unit, or main unit, in a desired configuration that fulfill capacity and footprint needs of a manufacturer at any moment, for example when the manufacturer's business expands, thus considerably reducing the time and cost of modifying existing manufacturing systems, such as a laser-based parts cutting system.

Abstract: A modular system for material storage and conveying having a layered storage section with two or more storage layers having conveyors, the layered storage section being associated with a load section and a delivery section having their own conveyors at each end of the layered storage section, and elevators that can selectively position the load and delivery section at operational heights of the conveyors of the layered storage section.

Abstract: A modular loading and unloading system wherein modular units can be simply added to a base unit, or main unit, in a desired configuration that fulfill capacity and footprint needs of a manufacturer at any moment, for example when the manufacturer's business expands, thus considerably reducing the time and cost of modifying existing manufacturing systems, such as a laser-based parts cutting system.

Abstract: A conveyor system for rapidly moving and simultaneously processing material sheets through several processing stations, the conveyor system including a chain that moves in an endless loop, and noncontiguous operational and standby skid sections for supporting material sheets and moving with the chain in the endless loop; wherein the conveyor indexes through the processing stations, such that, after each indexing, the conveyor has one skid section that is in operational position associated with each of the processing stations, thus allowing each of the processing stations to operate simultaneously on the associated skid section, during each time period when the conveyor is stopped, after each indexing.

Abstract: A laser cutting system wherein a conveyor system indexes sheet material through various processing stations, the processing stations operating simultaneously during the time period when the conveyor is stopped and wherein the conveyor system is in the form of an endless belt.

Abstract: A modular system for material storage and conveying having a layered storage section with two or more storage layers having conveyors, the layered storage section being associated with a load section and a delivery section having their own conveyors at each end of the layered storage section, and elevators that can selectively position the load and delivery section at operational heights of the conveyors of the layered storage section.

Abstract: A laser cutting system wherein a conveyor system indexes sheet material through various processing stations, the processing stations operating simultaneously during the time period when the conveyor is stopped and wherein the conveyor system is in the form of an endless belt.

Abstract: A modular system for material storage and conveying having a layered storage section with two or more storage layers having conveyors, the layered storage section being associated with a load section and a delivery section having their own conveyors at each end of the layered storage section, and elevators that can selectively position the load and delivery section at operational heights of the conveyors of the layered storage section.

Abstract: A modular loading and unloading system wherein modular units can be simply added to a base unit, or main unit, in a desired configuration that fulfill capacity and footprint needs of a manufacturer at any moment, for example when the manufacturer's business expands, thus considerably reducing the time and cost of modifying existing manufacturing systems, such as a laser-based parts cutting system.

Abstract: A conveyor system for rapidly moving and simultaneously processing material sheets through several processing stations, the conveyor system including a chain that moves in an endless loop, and noncontiguous operational and standby skid sections for supporting material sheets and moving with the chain in the endless loop; wherein the conveyor indexes through the processing stations, such that, after each indexing, the conveyor has one skid section that is in operational position associated with each of the processing stations, thus allowing each of the processing stations to operate simultaneously on the associated skid section, during each time period when the conveyor is stopped, after each indexing.

Abstract: A basic loading and unloading system comprising a laser, shuttle, and controller, a module being added to the system in a manner whereby neither the laser, shuttle or controller needs to be physically modified.

Abstract: A laser cutting system wherein a conveyor system indexes sheet material through various processing stations, the processing stations operating simultaneously during the time period when the conveyor is stopped and wherein the conveyor system is in the form of an endless belt.

Abstract: A laser cutting system wherein a conveyor system indexes sheet material through various processing stations, the processing stations operating simultaneously during the time period when the conveyor is stopped.

Abstract: An automated system for handling material and parts cut therefrom. The system includes means for unloading a material pallet positioned on a shelf within a first storage device and loading the material on a movable cart, transporting the material to an unloading station wherein the material is positioned onto a first shuttle table, the shuttle moving to a laser cutting station, unloading the cut material from the cutting station after parts are cut in the material, and transporting the cut parts on a pallet to a selected shelf in a second storage device using movable carts. The skeleton material remaining after the cutting operation is collected for eventual disposal. A second shuttle table is used to prepare additional material for cutting after the material brought by the first shuttle table is moved to the laser cutting station.

Abstract: An improved method and device for separating parts from the sheet metal carrier. In particular, a single sheet from a stack of sheets having parts micro-joined to the carrier sheet is transported to the nip of a pair of pinch rollers. The pinch rollers move down to engage the front edge of the sheet, the pinch rollers moving the sheet to the nip formed between a pair of main rollers. The main rollers then move together to the drive position and transport the sheet to a separation device on the opposite side of the main rollers. The main rollers drive the sheet material in a manner such that the top surface of the leading edge of the sheet metal is engaged below the forward tip of the separation device. The separation device is then moves downwardly so that the upper surface of the separation device assembly is level to the part pass line.