Abstract: A materials processing apparatus for performing a work operation on sheet material with a laser is provided. The apparatus includes a scanning laser which focuses a laser beam onto a work surface along a pre-programmed path. The apparatus also includes a work table which provides a precisely planar support surface for supporting sheet material during a work operation performed by the laser.

Abstract: A jointed barrier seal is provided as part of the conveyor apparatus and is connected to support members such that the end faces of the members can be readily assembled with end seals without the need of adhesive or other materials otherwise used to affix the barrier strip to the involved support member.

Abstract: A carriage for carrying a labeller, bundler or similar tool for working on sheet material spread on a supporting table is moveable vertically and transversely relative to such table by an associated lifting and transport cart allowing the carriage to be lifted from one table and transported to another table at which it is lowered onto the new table to bring it into working relationship therewith. The carriage may be engaged by the cart from the side or end of the table. Accordingly, the carriage may be moved from one table to another even in cases where the carriage can not be easily moved onto or off of the end of a table because of such table end being inaccessible. Means hold the carriage against vertical and lateral movement relative to the table while the carriage is in working relationship therewith, and these means are moveable to disengaged positions to free the carriage for vertical movement relative to the table when removing the carriage from or placing it onto the table.

Abstract: A top ply labeler includes a presser foot and applicator pad which are arranged for relative movement to one another travel along a rectilinear path as the ram of an applicator cylinder is extended and retracted toward and away from the top surface of a lay-up of sheet material whereby a label carrying identification information are applied at predetermined positions. The applicator cylinder is mounted to the applicator backplate for relative vertical movement toward and away from the top ply surface to maintain the labeller at a desired elevation above the top ply. A vane carried by the pressure foot is detected by a sensor carried on the applicator pad when the pressure foot contacts the surface of a top ply. As the applicator pad continues its downward movement, the pressure foot and vane move relative to the applicator pad until such time as the vane is detected by the applicator pad sensor to apply to the label and stop the downward movement.

Abstract: A mechanism for successively presenting new edges of a tool for application against a rotating member being machined. The tool has an annular edge which is forced against a rotating member, by emplacement in the distal end of a movable arm. The arm has a ratchet mechanism into which the tool is secured. The ratchet mechanism rotates the tool on the end of the arm to advance a new edge thereof, against the member being machined. The ratchet is activated by an indexing piston which causes the ratchet and tool associated therewith, to rotate with respect to the member being machined, to present a proper edge thereagainst, minimizing machine down-time for tool adjustment and repair.

Abstract: A carriage drive system for a metal working machine wherein the carriage supports the metal working tool. The carriage drive comprises a worm gear rotatably engaged with a rack arrangement, driven by a motor and gear box on the carriage. The rack arrangement comprises a pair of rack sections opposed to one another along the sides of the worm gear. The carriage drive is pivotably supported on the carriage by a pivot pin which permits slight rocking and self centering motion in the carriage drive as it propels the carriage on its ways.

Abstract: This invention involves an indicator assembly and method for locating the position of the axis of a cylindrical workpiece in a roll turning lathe in order to allow accurate adjustment of the workpiece axis position into alignment with the turning axis of the lathe. The assembly is removably mounted on the tool slide of the lathe for radial movement into engagement with the workpiece, and is constructed to locate the relative position of the workpiece and machine axes in horizontal and vertical coordinates. This apparatus is used in the method to compare the position of the cylindrical surface of the faceplate of the lathe with the position of the surface of the journal of the roll in the horizontal coordinate and to compare the position of the axis of the faceplate with the position of the axis of the journal in the vertical coordinate.