Abstract: Some embodiments described in this disclosure are directed to one or more electronic devices that facilitate control of playback of a live content item displayed in a playback user interface. Some embodiments described in this disclosure are directed to one or more electronic devices that facilitate display of key content corresponding to a live content item in a key content user interface. Some embodiments described in this disclosure are directed to one or more electronic devices that facilitate concurrently display of multiple content items in a Multiview user interface. Some embodiments described in this disclosure are directed to one or more electronic devices that facilitate display of insights corresponding to a content item displayed in a playback user interface.

Abstract: A worktable apparatus for a machine tool, such as a CNC punch press, a laser equipped machine tool or plasma torch equipped machine tool, which processes a metal sheet or plate workpiece. The worktable apparatus serves a dual function as (a) a worktable that supports a workpiece during processing by a machine tool and as (b) an unloading station for unloading a workpiece or a skeletal remnant produced by the machine tool. The machine tool has a set of workclamps, which move under CNC control along at least one of the numerically controlled axes, grip the workpiece and carry it through the machine for processing. Located on one side of the machine tool, the worktable apparatus has a surface adapted to allow the workpiece to ride smoothly under the motive power of the workclamps.

Abstract: A heavy-duty laser plate cutting machine capable of cutting heavy plate but which can also operate on lighter sheet metal at commercial production rates. The machine includes a laser source having an output power of 3 kilowatts or more. The machine is preferably of the flying optic configuration, and an automatic beam control system is interposed between the laser source and a focusing optic carried in the cutting head. The cutting head, in addition to normal z axis control, has an adjustment to position the focal spot relative to the workpiece. The focal spot can be driven into the workpiece when cutting heavy plate. The cutting head is configured to carry focusing optics having different focal lengths, such as those suitable for thick plate and thin sheet. The x and y axes include linear motors to precisely traverse the bridge and cutting head along the axes at speeds suitable for heavy plate, and at higher speeds suitable for thinner sheet.

Abstract: A control system is provided for a laser-equipped machine tool which is capable of preventing self-burning. The temperature of the workpiece proximate the cut is monitored, and a numerical control compares the actual workpiece temperature to a prestored temperature limit, empirically determined, which is predictive of the onset of self-burning. If the workpiece temperature approaches or reaches the limit, an abort signal is generated. Upon generation of an abort signal the control processor deenergizes the laser to prevent commencement of self-burning. In addition the processor stores the cutting parameters and the coordinate locations of the aborted cut, so that the processor can later return to finish the cut, and sets a cool-down timer. The processor then causes movement to a next available cutting position, tests the temperature at that position, then commences cutting.

Abstract: An insulated slag collection bed and scrap removal system for a high powered laser-equipped machine tool. The slag collection bed serves as a shield to absorb remnant laser energy which would otherwise strike the machine base. The shield is thermally insulated from the machine base so as to protect the machine base from the temperature rise in the shield resulting from absorbing the remnant laser energy. If, over time the shield is damaged or worn, apparatus is provided for ready replacement of both the shield and the insulation. The scrap removal system has a home position in which all of its components, including a scraper assembly and a drive are out of the range of the laser beam, so that they are protected from laser damage. The drive is energized to pull a scraper assembly through the machine with a plow having a lower surface in contact with the stationary collection bed for scraping slag and pushing it toward the open end of the machine.

Abstract: A heavy-duty laser plate cutting machine capable of cutting heavy plate at production rates. The machine includes a laser source having an output power of 4 kilowatts or more. The machine is preferably of the flying optic configuration, and an automatic beam control system, such as an automatically adjustable collimator is interposed between the laser source and a focusing optic carried in the cutting head. The cutting head, in addition to normal Z-axis control, has an adjustment to position the focal spot relative to the workpiece. The focal spot can be driven into the workpiece when cutting heavy plate. A machine bed underlying the workpiece is capable of absorbing significant energy from the remnant laser beam without damaging the machine base.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for real time control of laser beam characteristics in a high power laser-equipped machine tool. A beam path input signal is produced related to changes in the length of the laser beam path as the processing head of the machine tool moves over the workpiece. An integrator produces a signal related to the real time changes in thermal loading of the laser output coupler as the laser beam is applied and as the output power level is adjusted. The beam path and thermal loading signals are used to drive a collimator so as to correct in real time for altered beam characteristics introduced by path length changes and thermal lensing of the output coupler. The result is to maintain control of the beam size at the focus optic. In addition, a further integrator produces a signal related to the real time changes in thermal loading of the focal optic as the laser beam is applied and as the input laser power level is adjusted.

Abstract: An insulated slag collection bed for a laser-equipped machine tool. The bed substantially insulates the machine tool base from thermal damage due to the laser beam of the machine tool. Typically the laser beam in a machine tool will have significant energy density in planes below the workpiece, and in some conditions the energy density will be sufficient to damage the machine base. The present invention protects the machine base by providing a slag collection bed which serves as a shield to absorb remnant laser energy which would otherwise strike the machine base. The shield is thermally insulated from the machine base so as to protect the machine base from the temperature rise in the shield resulting from absorbing the remnant laser energy. If, over time the shield is damaged or worn, means are provided for ready replacement of both the shield and the insulation.

Abstract: An air handling system for a laser-equipped machine tool. The machine base is specially configured to include and form part of the duct work which extracts fumes produced during the cutting operation. An elongated collection duct is provided in portions of the machine base bracketing a slag collection surface, and the port pattern in the collection ducts is graduated so as to achieve relatively even flow across the entire machine. The collection duct communicates with a main duct in the machine base which has outlet connections at three sides of the base, affording flexibility in selecting a particular outlet for connection to an external vacuum source. Cooperating with the air extraction components, the machine is enclosed and air vents are provided at strategic locations in the enclosure to control both the volume and direction of air into the enclosure to provide for efficient extraction of fumes produced as a by-product of the cutting operation.

Abstract: A scrap removal system for a laser-equipped machine tool. The scrap removal system has a home position in which all of its components, including a scraper assembly and a drive are out of the range of the laser beam, so that they are protected from laser damage. A stationary slag and scrap collection bed is provided below the cutting zone. The scrap removal system is periodically activated, at times when the laser is off. The drive has drive components which span the length of the bed out of the path of the laser. The drive is energized to pull a scraper assembly through the machine with a plow having a lower surface in contact with the stationary collection bed for scraping slag and pushing it toward the open end of the machine.

Abstract: Describes a free flowing particulate composition comprising, in combination, particulate amorphous precipitated silica, e.g., in the form of granules, hydrocarbon process oil, e.g., an aromatic process oil, and organic carboxylic acid having from 2 to 30 carbon atoms, e.g., stearic acid. The hydrocarbon process oil and organic carboxylic acid are sorbed on the silica and are present in amounts sufficient to measurably improve the dispersibility of the particulate amorphous precipitated silica into an elastomer as measured by percent white area. Optionally, an organosilane coupling agent may also be present in said composition. The free flowing particulate composition of the present invention is useful in reinforcing elastomers, e.g., rubbers used in vehicle tires and the soles of athletic foot wear.

Abstract: Film gate for a virtual contact scanner includes a base having a precision site adapted to receive a solid-state scanner assembly so as to position the sensor photosites at a precise spacing from the film image plane. A separate circuit board carrying control circuits for the scanner assembly is clamped over the scanner with contact terminals aligned with mating input/output terminals of the scanner assembly. Preferably the scanner terminals are aligned with open slots in the substrate and electrical contact is made between the scanner and circuit board terminals by means of compressible electrically conductive pads. Clamping force is concentrated over the region of electrical contact between the circuit board and scanner terminals to assure good electrical contact.

Abstract: An LED array module for use in an LED array printhead is fabricated on a frame of tape-automated bonding (TAB) tape that provides all of the wiring for connecting the chips together, for connecting the module to one or more external circuit boards and for testing the module; thereby protecting the delicate components and allowing the module to be completely tested prior to excising it from the TAB frame and mounting it to the printhead support member.

Abstract: An LED array printhead comprises an elongate support bar of generally rectangular cross section with a row of LED array chips mounted end-to-end along one of the narrow elongate edge faces of the bar. The bar is sandwiched between heat sink members confronting its wide faces. The heat sink members dissipate heat from the bar and also support circuit board means electrically connected to the LED chips.

Abstract: An LED array module for use in an LED array printhead is fabricated on a frame of tape-automated bonding (TAB) tape that provides all of the wiring for connecting the chips together, for connecting the module to one or more external circuit boards and for testing the module; thereby protecting the delicate components and allowing the module to be completely tested prior to excising it from the TAB frame and mounting it to the printhead support member.

Abstract: Cartridges each containing a different punch, stripper and die are moved automatically by a robot-like transfer mechanism between a punch press and a tool rack for storing several of the cartridges. The transfer mechanism includes two hook-like hands each having notched, cartridge-carrying jaws which may be opened and closed relative to the cartridge, which captivate the cartridge laterally but which allow the cartridge to float vertically. As a result of the vertical floating permitted by the hook-like hands, the transfer mechanism may be programmed in the relatively simple manner of a computer-controlled machine tool and does not require the complex programming of a true robot.

Abstract: A punch holder is detachably connected to the lower end of a vertically reciprocable ram and carries a plurality of differently shaped punches which are supported to slide upwardly and downwardly in the holder. Individual actuators are operably associated with the punches and selectively activate one or more punches during any given punching stroke of the ram so that either one hole or multiple holes may be punched during such stroke.

Abstract: A pneumatic bearing encircles the cutting tip of a laser cutting tool and causes the tool to float vertically relative to an underlying worksheet on a pressurized cushion of air so as to maintain a substantially constant stand-off distance between the cutting tip and the work while avoiding physical contact between the tool and the work. Passages formed through the bearing enable cutting gas to escape from the bearing without interfering with the pressurized air cushion, the passages being shaped and located to prevent laser energy from being radiated directly at the operator of the tool.

Abstract: The work clamps of a punch press are mounted in laterally spaced relation on a carriage which may be shifted to cause the clamps to re-position a workpiece relative to the punch. To enable automatic adjustment of the lateral position of the clamps on the carriage, each clamp is adapted to be selectively and automatically locked to or released from the carriage. When released from the carriage, each clamp is adapted to be automatically held in a stationary position so that the carriage may be shifted relative to the clamp to permit re-positioning of the clamp along the carriage.

Abstract: The punch, stripper and die holders of a punch press are moved bodily toward an indexable turret and automatically pick up a punch, a stripper and a die from the turret preparatory to being shifted bodily away from the turret to perform a punching operation. When the punching operation is completed, the holders return the tools to the turret, the turret is indexed and then the holders pick up a different set of tools from the turret. Means are provided for shielding vulnerable areas of the holders from debris created during the operation of a plasma-arc torch which is associated with the press. The tools on the turret also are shielded from the debris.