Abstract: A high-precision punch and die method wherein a pair of pneumostatic bearings are mounted on a rigid frame structure in registered spaced-apart relation to each other, each bearing having a plurality of journal segments provided with a pneumostatic bearing surface and adjustably mounted on the frame structure. A segmented die is mounted on the frame structure in registered spaced-apart relation to (and preferably between) the two bearings, the die having a plurality of die segments provided with a cutting edge and adjustably mounted on the frame structure. The bearing journal segments and the die segments are adjusted, by use of a mating set-up bar, to achieve required sizing and alignment of the bearings and die. A punch is then positioned in the bearings for guided movement through the die, the punch having an integral pneumostatic bearing surface closely facing each journal-segment bearing surface and a cutting edge adapted to coact with each die-segment cutting edge.

Abstract: A high-precision punch and die apparatus having a stationary frame; a punch movable relative to the frame, the punch including integral pneumostatic bearing surfaces and at least one cutting edge; and a die adjustably mounted to the frame to receive the punch therethrough, the die including at least one cutting edge coactable with the cutting edge(s) on the punch. A pair of pneumostatic bearings are provided to constrain and guide movement of the punch through the die, each bearing having a segmented journal that includes a plurality of journal segments formed with a pneumostatic bearing surface, the journal segments being adjustably mounted, relative to the frame, to receive the punch therebetween so that the bearing surface on each journal segment is in closely spaced relation to an opposing one of the bearing surfaces on the punch.

Abstract: A stacking device for stacking random size sheets. The stacker is adapted to receive a steady or intermittent flow of sheets of varying lengths, widths, and thicknesses randomly discharged from a transport system. The sheets are received in any of a number of pockets which are formed by adjacent flexible webs; each of these webs is secured at one end to the peripheral edge of a disc. As the leading edge of the sheet enters the pockets, the curved configuration of the webs in conjunction with the pinching effect of the webs acts to decelerate each sheet. The carrier delivers the inserted sheets to a stripping station where the previously-inserted sheets are removed and deposited on a stacking platform.