Abstract: A sheet material cutting apparatus includes a cutting head and a knife frame rotatably coupled to the cutting head. A blade defining a cutting edge is coupled for reciprocation to the knife frame, as is a primary sharpener for sharpening substantially the entire cutting edge of the blade after it becomes dull from operation. A presser foot having a secondary sharpener mounted thereon, is also coupled to the knife frame for movement between a raised non-working and a lowered working position. The secondary sharpener includes a sharpening member engageable with the cutting edge of the blade via the action of an actuator, for sharpening a portion of the blade's cutting edge between primary sharpening operations.

Abstract: A bristle cleaner station for a conveyorized sheet material cutting machine includes a plurality of air jets that direct pressurized air between downwardly extending bristles of a bristle bed to dislodge debris; and a vacuum chamber adjacent to the bristles to draw away the dislodged debris. The preferred embodiment uses air needles that extend into downward extending bristles to riffle or bend the bristles, making an enlarged space between them. The air needles direct pressurized air into the enlarged space to dislodge debris, and an upwardly open vacuum channel adjacent to the air needles and bristles collects the dislodged debris. A method to clean bristle beds is also disclosed whereby pressurized air is directed between the bristles and vacuum draws away dislodged debris.

Abstract: In an apparatus for notifying machine operators of the necessity for preventive maintenance, predetermined difficulty factors corresponding to the severity of particular machine operating conditions are stored in the memory of a controller. Maximum acceptable values are also stored in the controller's memory. Sensors, detect any one of a number of different machine operating parameters and the duration for which the machine functions under a particular operating condition. These parameters are quantified with respect to one of the difficulty factors most closely related to the operating condition. The quantified parameters are accumulated and compared with the appropriate maximum value. When the accumulated quantified parameters reach the maximum value, an operator is alerted to the fact that maintenance is needed.

Abstract: The drive train bearing assembly and actuator having a shaft defining a longitudinal axis and movable between an extended and a retracted position defines a bore extending therethrough. A spindle is positioned in the bore and coupled for rotation to the actuator shaft. A pulley is positioned over an end of the actuator shaft and spindle that has a bearing located therein. The bearing extends between the pulley and the actuator shaft and is coupled to the pulley so that the pulley and the spindle rotate together relative to the actuator shaft.

Abstract: A bristle cleaner station for a conveyorized sheet material cutting machine includes a plurality of air jets that direct pressurized air between downwardly extending bristles of a bristle bed to dislodge debris; and a vacuum chamber adjacent to the bristles to draw away the dislodged debris. The preferred embodiment uses air needles that extend into downward extending bristles to riffle or bend the bristles, making an enlarged space between them. The air needles direct pressurized air into the enlarged space to dislodge debris, and an upwardly open vacuum channel adjacent to the air needles and bristles collects the dislodged debris. A method to clean bristle beds is also disclosed whereby pressurized air is directed between the bristles and vacuum draws away dislodged debris.

Abstract: A presser foot assembly for use with a machine tool for engaging a work material during a cutting process. The presser foot assembly having a guide rod for supporting a presser foot wherein the presser foot engages a work material during a cutting process. A bias means urges the guide rod in an extended position towards the work material such that the presser foot engages the work material before the cutting tool and exerts pressure on the work material during a cutting process. Following completion of the cutting process the cutting tool is first removed from the work material followed by the presser foot being disengaged therefrom.

Abstract: In a multi spindle drive belt tensioning assembly a motor is mounted to a frame and the drive pulley is coupled for rotation to the motor shaft. At least two driven pulleys are each coupled to a driven member rotatably mounted to the frame. The driven pulleys are spaced apart relative to one another and at least one belt is in engagement with the drive pulley and each of the driven pulleys. In either pulley is rotatably coupled to the frame between two of the driven pulleys and engageable with the belt. The idler pulley is movable relative to the belt to increase or decrease the tension thereof and the degree of engagement between the belt and the driven pulleys. The idler pulley is adjustable relative to the belt to allow a desired belt tension in engagement between the belt and the driven pulleys such that the belt extends approximately 180 degrees around the circumference defined by each of the driven pulleys.

Abstract: In a method of inertia-testing movable machine components, a machine motor is powered to impart constant motion on various components. The power supply to the motor is then cut, causing the moving components of the machine to continue moving, due to inertia or angular momentum, until a resting state is achieved. The time required to reach a resting state is measured and recorded for comparison to predetermined data indicative of a normally operating machine. If the time required to achieve a resting state varies from the predetermined data by a substantial amount, it may be indicative of a damaged, worn or maladjusted component.

Abstract: A sheet material cutting apparatus includes a cutting head and a knife frame rotatably coupled to the cutting head. A blade defining a cutting edge is coupled for reciprocation to the knife frame, as is a primary sharpener for sharpening substantially the entire cutting edge of the blade after it becomes dull from operation. A presser foot having a secondary sharpener mounted thereon, is also coupled to the knife frame for movement between a raised non-working and a lowered working position. The secondary sharpener includes a sharpening member engageable with the cutting edge of the blade via the action of an actuator, for sharpening a portion of the blade's cutting edge between primary sharpening operations.

Abstract: A cutter system for cutting a single ply or multiple plies of limp material, or a lay, into a plurality of parts includes a cutter table for supporting the lay with a cutter head for cutting the lay into parts. The cutter system also includes a pair of overlay pinch mechanisms for preventing an overlay material, placed atop of the lay, from being displaced during transitioning of the lay from the cutter table onto a take-off table. Each overlay pinch mechanism includes a bracket for securing the overlay pinch mechanism onto the take-off table and a loaded clamp attaching onto the bracket. The clamp has an engaged position and a disengaged position. In the engaged position, a wheel, pivotably secured to the clamp, engages the overlay material to prevent displacement thereof during transitioning of the lay from the cutter table onto the take-off table.

Abstract: A cutter system for cutting a single ply or multiple plies of limp material, or a lay, into a plurality of parts includes a cutter table for supporting the lay with a cutter head for cutting the lay into parts. The cutter system also includes a pair of overlay pinch mechanisms for preventing an overlay material, placed atop of the lay, from being displaced during transitioning of the lay from the cutter table onto a take-off table. Each overlay pinch mechanism includes a bracket for securing the overlay pinch mechanism onto the take-off table and a loaded clamp attaching onto the bracket. The clamp has an engaged position and a disengaged position. In the engaged position, a wheel, pivotably secured to the damp, engages the overlay material to prevent displacement thereof during transitioning of the lay from the cutter table onto the take-off table.

Abstract: In a computer, keyboard, and flat-screen monitor support assembly a base is adapted to support a desktop-type computer housing thereon. A keyboard support tray pivotally is mounted to the base and extends outwardly therefrom. An upstanding support arm having a first end, and a second end, is attached to the base at one and to a flat-screen monitor at an opposite end. The opposite end of the support arm is spaced above the base to allow various differently sized computer housings to be positioned under the flat-screen monitor.

Abstract: A side seal assembly is provided in a conveyorized work supporting table with vacuum holddown for conveying work material covered with an air impermeable overlay sheet. The table has first and second longitudinally extending side members and has a plurality of bristle blocks forming a work supporting surface which are movable by a conveyor undersurface. The work supporting surface has first and second longitudinally extending side edges spaced laterally inwardly of the first and second side members respectively. The bristle blocks include a set of bristle blocks positioned side by side along the length of the table and define one of the side edges of the work supporting surface.

Abstract: A conveyorized apparatus for performing work operations on one or more layers of sheet-type work material includes a frame having at least three flexible drive members coupled thereto for movement in a direction longitudinal of the frame. A plurality of slats are also provided, each extending transversely across the frame and positioned consecutively relative to one another. Each slat defines an upper surface, and a lower surface attached for movement to the flexible drive members. The upper surfaces of the plurality of slats, collectively define a supported adapted to carry the layers of work material thereon, during the performance of the work operations. The flexible advancing members and the slats are driven by a suitable drive, such as a motor.

Abstract: In an apparatus for minimizing vacuum losses from a permeable support surface having one or more layers of sheet-type work material positioned thereon, the support surface includes opposed lateral edge surfaces, each defining an upper and lower section. At least two upper seals are coupled to the frame, each engaging the upper section of one of the lateral edge surfaces and extending approximately the length of the support surface. At least two side seals are also provided and are coupled to the frame, each engaging the side section of one of the lateral edge surfaces and also extending approximately the length of the support surface. During operation of the apparatus, vacuum is drawn through the permeable support surface and causes the upper and side seals to be drawn and held against the lateral side sections, forming a seal there against.

Abstract: A cutter system for cutting a single ply or multiple plies of limp material, or a lay, into a plurality of parts includes a cutter table for supporting the lay with a cutter head for cutting the lay and a resealer apparatus for sealing the cuts made in the lay. The resealer apparatus includes a first resealer mechanism associated with one end of the cutter table and a second resealer mechanism adjustably attaching onto a cutter head beam and being moveable therewith. The second resealer mechanism includes a pair of adjustable sides that attach the second resealer mechanism to the cutter head beam and that support a resealer roll such that the adjustable sides can be adjusted to vary the distance between the resealer roll and the cutter table support surface and vary the proximity of the resealer roll to the cutter tool.

Abstract: In a cutter table for performing work operations on one or more layers of sheet-type work material a work material support surface is mounted to a frame having an elongated support mounted for movement thereon. A cutter head for carrying a reciprocating cutting blade is mounted to the support and movable relative thereto in response to commands issued from a programmable controller. Indicators in the form of an array of colored lights are also provided and illuminate in response to commands issued from the controller to alert an operator as to current machine conditions.

Abstract: In an apparatus for retaining one or more layers of sheet type work material on a permeable support surface, at least two vacuum manifolds are positioned under the support surface, each defining at least one vacuum inlet for drawing vacuum therethrough. Proportional control valves are coupled to the manifolds for selectively controlling the location and intensity of the vacuum being drawn, such that work material positioned on the support surface is held thereto by the vacuum drawn through the inlets and the support surface. The intensity of the vacuum is selectively controlled by the valves to concentrate vacuum in the area along the work material where a work operation is being performed.

Abstract: In machinery panel and mounting system therefore, a shaped panel shell is provided that includes a finished outer surface, and an inner surface that defines an interior area. A reinforcing member defining at least one recess is positioned in the interior area and attached to the inner surface of the shaped panel shell. At least one bracket adapted to be mounted on a machine surface, includes a protrusion receivable within a recess defined by the reinforcing member to support the panel on the machine.