Abstract: A valve member position sensor for continuously monitoring the position of the valve member of a flow-control valve in a dry-cleaning apparatus using CO.sub.2 as the cleaning fluid. The valve member position sensor includes a potentiometer with its shaft connected to the drive shaft of the valve such the resistance of the potentiometer changes with the valve member position. The resistance value of the potentiometer is detected by passing a constant current through the potentiometer to produce a voltage drop across the potentiometer. The voltage drop is measured by a controller to determine the valve position.

Abstract: The opening of a sliding shackle permits removal of a stack of individual dial type tumbler rings each may possess a number of individual peripherally disposed indicia plates which are removable from each tumbler ring so removed from the body of the padlock. Each tumbler is keyed to permit opening of the lugged shackle in only one rotational orientation of each tumbler. The indicia plates may be interchanged either with others already on that tumbler, another tumbler, or with other indicia plates altogether. Alphabetic as opposed to numeric indicia are suggested, either fixed directly to the tumbler rings or upon separate indicia plates, of which a large supply may be provided together with the padlock so that a large number of letter combinations are available for the padlock opening combination code which may be set by the owner to a desired code word.

Abstract: A driver element in this lock has two outer surface sections. The first of the sections has a first geometrical cross-sectional configuration which engages an outer lever spindle in both the locked and unlocked condition. In the unlocked condition the first section also engages an outer driver spindle which rotates with the outer lever handle and outer lever spindle and engages the latch retraction structure for retraction of the latch. In the locked position, a push button on the inner handle pushes the driver such that a second section of the outer surface of the driver is aligned with the outer drive spindle and the second section is free of driving engagement with the outer driver spindle such that operation of the latch is prevented when the outer lever handle is rotated.

Abstract: An all-in one tool usable by the locksmith in servicing of interchangeable core locks, for lock pin removal and decoding, and lock core repinning and recapping. The tool comprises a body having a central core receiving channel extending therethrough; a plurality of cylindrical bores extending through the body and perpendicularly intersecting the core receiving channel; and a receptacle receiving channel in the body located below and in communication with the core receiving channel; and a removable pin receiving receptacle slidably received in the receptacle receiving channel. The pin receiving receptacle has a plurality of pin receiving pockets extending perpendicularly from the core receiving channel of the body generally in alignment with the cylindrical bores. The pin receiving receptacle may take either of two forms: a hinged form that opens like a book to reveal the captured lock pins, or a solid block form that contains slots in which the captured pins are visible.

Abstract: A roll stand without roll housings has at least two work rolls which are mounted in roll bearings and which each extend along a roll axis, wherein the rolls define a roll gap and the roll axes define a roll plane, so that the roll plane contains both roll axes, wherein the roll bearings are connected to each other through two groups of connecting elements, and wherein one group of connecting elements each is arranged on each side of the roll plane. The connecting elements of the groups are adjustable over an adjusting length distance, wherein at least one of the groups is adjustable under load by an adjustment drive in the adjusting direction over an under-load length distance and wherein the under-load length distance is substantially smaller than the adjusting length distance. With respect to the portion of the adjusting length distance which exceeds the under-load length distance, the groups of connecting elements are constructed so as to be without drive.

Abstract: Wave curb for the cow stand of a diagonal or herringone milking parlor is formed of an elongated sheet metal strip. The side edges are each bent over about 180 degrees to form unitary beads on the side edges. The strip is bent in alternate curves in the longitudinal direction so as to form a succession of alternate arcuate bights, preferably with a wavelength of about 36 to 42 inches. Preferably, the strip is stainless steel or galvanized steel, and has a finished length of about 36 to 144 inches. The sheet metal workpiece is inserted into a wave curb bending apparatus which simultaneously forms a first pair of opposite arcuate bights. Then the workpiece is moved longitudinally in the wave curb bending apparatus; and a second pair of opposite arcuate bights is formed in the sheet metal workpiece.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sheet fabrication machine that machines worksheets. The body of the machine includes first and second machining tool mechanisms at least one of which being arranged to move in relation to the machine body towards the other to machine a worksheet placed between the machining tools. At least one of the machining tool mechanisms is provided with a contact mechanism that conducts the transfer and working movements of the tool. One part of the contact mechanism is configured to have at least one guide surface part formed as a beveled surface in relation to the direction of movement of the machining tool. A contact surface connection between a first part and a second part of the contact mechanism in relation to the guide surface part defines the position of the machining tool.

Abstract: A rotary bending tool holder, particularly useful in a press brake type press, which embodies a two piece holder, namely a main body and clamp; usually attached to the moveable ram of the press brake. A rotary bending tool used with the holder is provided with elongated rectangular keyway slots along opposite sides which are aligned to received opposing tabs or keys engageable with such slots. One key is formed on the clamp of the holder while the other key is formed on the main body of the holder. Once positioned in the holder, the clamp is tightened to engage its associated key in one of the slots of the bending tool. This action causes the other key on the holder body to engage the other slot of the bending tool. At the same time opposing surfaces on the holder body and bending tool, located at the same distance from the center line of the tool holder engage to precisely align the center of the rotary head on the center line of the holder and press head.

Abstract: A flexible tooling fixture that has a pallet bed lying within an x-y plane and reference elements for alignment of the bed to the manufacturing tool; and at least two sets of supports extending from the top of the pallet bed, each set consisting of: (i) a flexible pivot to accurately locate differing brackets of the sensor assemblies to maintain the axis of the barrel in a common z-x plane, the z-x plane being off-set from the center of the bed, and (ii) one or more fixed stops for engaging the barrel and bracket of each assembly to determine a common-x-y position for each sensor module with the axis of the barrel in a predetermined relation to the bed, one set of supports being located to determine alignment of the axes of one class of sensor assemblies within the predetermined position, and the other set being located to determine alignment of the axes of another class of sensor assemblies within the same predetermined z-x plane when the bed is in a second position that is 180.degree.

Abstract: A high pressure mercury porosimeter for continuous pore volume distribution measurements that simultaneously receives two or more test sample penetrometers, each containing a powder or porous solid sample to be tested. Two or more individual tests can be simultaneously performed per high pressure cycle in a single porosimeter. Only one access port is required to access 2 or more penetrometers greatly increasing sampling throughput, reducing multiple test time requirements without significant equipment cost increase.

Abstract: Modelling method for optimizing faster and more realistically the displacement conditions, in a porous medium wettable by a first fluid (water for example), of a mixture of fluids including this wetting fluid and at least another fluid (oil and possibly gas).

Abstract: A process is disclosed for inspecting a plurality of similar test bodies for leaks. The test bodies are first evacuated by a fore-vacuum vacuum pump (evacuation mode), down to a pressure P.sub.u, selected to ensure that the maximum admissible pressure in the mass spectrometer (5) is not exceeded when the measurement mode is switched on, and then the evacuation mode is switched to a measurement mode by opening the second valve (16). In order to shorten evacuation times, a learning process is used to determine the optimum switching pressure P.sub.u opt.

Abstract: A method of monitoring the quality of water at a ground water sampling site without human intervention. Water at the sampling site is purged until at least one preselected purge criterion is satisfied. At least one water quality attribute is automatically measured at the sampling site, and the quality of water at the site is determined based on the measured water quality attribute. The method is performed by a system including a control unit which, in accordance with a computer program, controls the taking of water quality attribute measurements at the sampling site. The control unit may be equipped with a port for downloading data to a technician on site and with a transceiver for communicating data to a base station via a communications network.

Abstract: A scanning probe microscope including a scanner having a moving end movable in three-dimensional directions, a cantilever removably attached to the moving end, a displacement sensor including a light emitting element capable of applying a light beam to the cantilever and a light receiving element capable of receiving reflected light from the cantilever, and a position adjusting mechanism capable of adjusting the position of the displacement sensor so that the light beam from the light emitting element can always be applied at a constant angle of incidence to a constant position on the cantilever while the moving end of the scanner is being moved.

Abstract: A method of determining the close point for a glide head includes measuring the fly height of at least three positions remove from the selected close point position. The three selected positions are curve-fitted and extrapolated so as to obtain the height at the selected close point. Adaptions are made where the glide head can roll and measurements can be taken at locations transversely across the head.

Abstract: An automated work station for testing hydraulic equipment having first hydraulic input and output ports comprising in combination a test cabinet and associated input keyboard and test data display means; a cabinet having associated second hydraulic input and output ports to be coupled to the first ports; circuitry within the cabinet and connected with the keyboard to control display of hydraulic parameters to be tested, the circuitry having inputs to be electrically connected with selectable groups of terminals corresponding to selected hydraulic equipment to be tested, and there being a characteristic control circuit for each hydraulic equipment to be tested, each characteristic control circuit being connectable with circuitry in the cabinet.

Abstract: This invention includes a combustion engine fuel level indication system operable at 10 mA or lower and without any contact resistance buildup. The present system utilizes a noble metal ink formulation for both contacts of resistive path and a conductive path. The resistive and conductive paths each having angled conductor lines which reduce the overall volume requirement for the noble metal ink composition used to make the paths. The invention also includes a wiper contact having spaced apart parallel tangs or fingers positioned so that a first finger engages a first conductor line along the conductive path and a second finger engages an adjacent conductor line along the conductive path to improve the make brake contact.

Abstract: A container of coolant used in a NIKON.TM. stepper is utilizing a transparent duct mounted on a side of the container of coolant to check a liquid level. The container of coolant can be conventional or other similar container of coolant.

Abstract: Provided is a semiconductor acceleration detecting device capable of improving the impact resistance in handling the device singly with a relatively simple construction without providing any other member. The device is a semiconductor acceleration detecting device S1 having a construction in which a package body Pc formed by mounting an acceleration detecting semiconductor chip on a die pad and molding it with the lead terminal sections Tr of lead pins protruding outward is combined by bonding with a main body section Bd, so that the device is totally formed into an approximately rectangular parallelepiped shape comprised of a pair of first surfaces F1 from which the lead terminal sections are protruding, a pair of second surfaces F2 approximately perpendicular to a suspension lead, and a pair of third surfaces F3 approximately parallel to the die pad.

Abstract: An acceleration sensor includes a circuit substrate and an acceleration detection element. The acceleration detection element is mounted on the circuit substrate and formed by using a piezoelectric body and is constructed so as to detect an acceleration which acts in a shearing direction. An electrode formed on the circuit substrate and an electrode on the bottom surface of the acceleration detection element are bonded together via a conductive bonding material so that they do not have direct contact with each other.

Abstract: A non-intrusive method for in-situ measurement of etching chamber and optionally etch rate inside a plasma etching chamber is disclosed for use in the fabrication of semiconductor devices. The method includes the step of selecting at least one plasma species as a probe which can be F, CF.sub.2, or CO, then measuring the emission intensity at a predetermined wavelength corresponding to the plasma species so selected. Preferably, the emission intensity is measured at wavelength of 686 nm (corresponding to the transition of F from 3s.sup.3 P.sub.3 to 3p.sup.4 P.sub.3), 269 or 239 nm, corresponding to the transitions from A.sup.1 B.sub.1 (v'=0) to X.sup.1 A.sub.1 (v"=0) and from A.sup.1 B.sub.1 (v'=9) to X.sup.1 A.sub.1 (v"=0) for CF.sub.2, respectively, and 693 or 505 nm, corresponding to the transitions from d.sup.3 .PI.(v'=2) to a.sup.3 .PI.(v"=2) and from d.sup.3 .PI.(v'=7) to a.sup.3 .PI.(v"=2) for CO, respectively.

Abstract: A semiconductor pressure detecting device comprises a package having a pressure introducing hole, a base plate which has a first through hole at the center thereof and is bonded on the periphery thereof to the inside of the package so that the first through hole becomes concentric with the pressure introduction hole, a mount which has a second through hole at the center thereof and is mounted on the base plate so that the second through hole becomes concentric with the first through hole and located inside the bonding portion of the package and the base plate, and a semiconductor pressure sensor chip, wherein the base plate has a groove which surrounds the mount at a position inside of the bonding portion.

Abstract: A pressure sensor includes a housing, a support plate arranged on a mounting surface of the housing, a sensor element arranged in the housing, and at least one connector element joined in electrically conductive fashion to at least one contact surface of the support plate. A method for manufacturing a pressure sensor in such a way that the pressure sensor on the one hand can be manufactured easily and on the other hand is resistant to malfunction and is operational over a long period of time. The at least one connector element is arranged flush with the mounting surface and joined directly to the at least one contact surface. A capillary adhesive layer is arranged between the support plate and the mounting surface.

Abstract: A force transducer having a semiconductor substrate including a surface defining a recess, such that the recess has a peripheral boundary and a flexible diaphragm connected to the surface along the peripheral boundary to enclose the recess so that the diaphragm moves in response to changes in a force applied thereto. The force transducer also includes a resonant beam connected to the surface adjacent the peripheral boundary. The resonant beam has a frequency of resonation. Movement of the diaphragm in response to changes in the force applied to the diaphragm changes the frequency of resonation of the resonant beam.

Abstract: A devised strain meter detects displacement on the lateral side of the receptacle after magnification of the displacement by a lever in the receptacle. A cavity exists near the middle of the receptacle with a lever and a detector along the lateral side of the receptacle of the strain meter. Wires for signal and power lines of other strain meters are easily passed through this cavity. This mechanism with a cavity near the middle of the receptacle is very useful for an array observation of strain in the ground and/or in a solid construction.

Abstract: A pipeline system (10) for the controlled distribution of a flowing medium comprises a main line (11) which branches at a branching point (12) into a plurality of branch lines (13,14,15), in each of the branch lines a variable restrictor (V1,V2,V3), by means of which the mass flow in each of the branch lines (13,14,15) can be adjusted and, belonging to each restrictor (V1,V2,V3), a first pressure measuring device (PM1,PM2,PM3), by means of which the pressure drop of flowing medium at the respective restrictor (V1,V2,V3) is measured. Redundancy in measurement, at a limited additional outlay, is obtained in that at least between two of the branch lines (13,14, or 13,15 or 14,15) a second pressure measuring device (PM10 or PM11 or PM12) for measuring the differential pressure between the respective branch lines (13,14 or 13,15 or 14,15) is arranged downstream of the restrictors (V1,V2 or V1,V3 or V2,V3) in the direction of flow.

Abstract: The apparatus and method of the present invention extract samples of emissions within a stack or duct through the use of a probe. The sample is transported from the probe through a transport device into a mass-monitoring device in which the amount of particulate matter contained in the sample of the emissions is continuously analyzed. The apparatus of the present invention includes a transport device which has a porous inner tube completely sealed inside a solid outer tube. The outer tube of the transport device is supplied with gas through a transpiration port in the outer tube. The gas permeates from the outer tube through the porous inner tube in order to reduce deposition by keeping the particulate matter suspended within the porous inner tube.

Abstract: Device for in-situ collection of a gaseous reaction product from a polishing slurry as a workpiece, such as a semiconductor wafer, is being polished with the slurry, including a probe capable of being placed in contact with the slurry, the probe having a channel for transmitting the gaseous reaction product to an analyzer, a first hydrophobic membrane for allowing passage of the gaseous reaction product from the slurry to the channel, and means for directing a carrier gas through the channel.

Abstract: A cylinder 3 in a casing 2 is provided with a first suction chamber 34 and a nozzle part 33 having a suction passage 3d in communication with the first suction chamber 34. In the casing 2. a first piston 4 which is slidably inserted into the first suction chamber 34 and includes a second suction chamber 43 is provided with pushed in a direction of protruding from the first suction chamber 34. Further, in the casing 2, a second piston 5 slidably inserted into the second suction chamber 43 is provided with pushed with less resiliency than with respect to the first piston 4 in a direction of protruding from the second suction chamber 43. At the top part of the casing 2, an operating lever 6 is provided for operating the first and second pistons 4 and 5 to switch between a small suction position that the second piston 5 is embedded in the first piston 4 and a large suction position that the first and second pistons 4 and 5 are embedded in the cylinder 3 and the first piston 4, respectively.

Abstract: The apparatus is a sampling device having a pad for sample collection, a body which supports the pad, a detachable handle connected to the body and a cap which encloses and retains the pad and body to protect the integrity of the sample.

Abstract: A method for measuring the machinability of a material which includes piercing a hole through a material to be tested while simultaneously measuring a pierce time duration, T, of the piercing step, and calculating a machinability number from the pierce time duration. Also provided are methods for determining the machining speed of a material and for machining a material which calculate a machining speed for a material based upon the machinability number of the material. The methods used to measure the machinability number and calculate a machining speed for a particular material can include any combination of machining operations, including but not limited to AWJ milling processes. Also provided is an apparatus which detects the time duration a piercing force takes to create a pierce-through condition through a material. The apparatus includes any of a pressure sensor, an acoustic sensor, an optical sensor, a load cell, a mechanical switch, and combinations thereof to measure the pierce-time duration.

Abstract: The invention concerns a drive unit for a forming machine, comprising a rotary drive and a knuckle-joint drive for a gear transmission operating a ram, the knuckle-joint drive being operationally connected through a gear transmission to the rotary drive. To improve the drive rigidity as regards a forming machine and to be able to improve the drive-unit design and to relatively easily match the drive unit to the specific requirements of different forming methods, the gear transmission offers a periodically varying transmission ratio, at least two mutually engaging non-circular gears being used of which the pitch curves are designed in such manner that in conjunction with the knuckle-joint drive, and especially in conjunction with a subsequent crank drive, the motions of the ram will be optimally matched thereby to the particular work method.

Abstract: Motor vehicle gearbox with alternately driven, double concentric input shafts (6,9) , double lay shafts and an output shaft (19). The outer input shaft (9) is mounted in a front end wall (12) of the gearbox housing. The inner input shaft (6) is mounted in the outer shaft and has at its proximal portion a shaft end (17), which extends into a bore (18) in the output shaft and is carried in the bore in two bearings (20,22) spaced from each other.

Abstract: A rack-pinion type power steering apparatus includes a cylindrical stub shaft, a torsion bar, a pinion shaft, a rotor, and a sleeve. The stub shaft rotates in a steering body upon a steering operation. The torsion bar has one end fixed at one end of the stub shaft and extends through the stub shaft toward the other end of the stub shaft. The pinion shaft is pivotally connected to the other end of the torsion bar. The rotor is arranged to cover the torsion bar from the stub shaft along an extending direction of the torsion bar. The sleeve has one end integrally connected to the pinion shaft, extends from the pinion shaft along the stub shaft, and is arranged around the rotor to constitute a rotary type channel selector valve between the rotor and the sleeve. The pinion shaft is axially supported by the steering body at two end portions of the sleeve.

Abstract: A power transmission device has a primary driven gear and a scissor gear arranged abreast in a superimposed manner concentrically with the primary driven gear so as to be shiftable from it. Both the gears have plural pairs of openings superimposable to each other, so that each pair of the openings form an opening space. In each opening window a damper spring is provided and compressed so that the spring's ends press both edges of the opening space, with the spring's side portions engaged with the side face of the rotor so that one or both the primary driven gear and scissor gear, are resiliently coupled with the rotor by way of the damper springs.

Abstract: A gearbox is provided with a selector shaft, which is capable of reciprocating movement for selecting the selector slot and rotating movement for changing gears. A gear lever is connected to a first constructional member, provided with a first and a second coupling point, which are positioned on one side of a first axis and on either side of a second axis, and a third coupling point, positioned on the second axis. The selector shaft is provided with a second constructional member, with two coupling points positioned one either side of an axis of rotation, and a further coupling point. The coupling points on the first constructional member and the coupling points on the second constructional member are interconnected and the third coupling point is connected to the further coupling point. The connections are made up of a power transmission which can only transmit forces being exerted in one direction. This reduces play and results in a lighter, more compact selector mechanism.

Abstract: The handlebar includes a base seat connected to a headset of the bicycle having a circular housing for receiving a displacement device and a tubular projection. The displacement device is composed of a tension ring rotatably engaged onto the tubular projection and has a retaining space for anchoring the large diameter end of a cable and an L-shaped slit for securing a spring plate, an arcuate plate anchored into a pair of slit abutting the side wall of the housing having a plurality of positioning slots engageable with an arcuate end of the spring plate. A handlebar rotatably coupling with the base seat including a pair of actuator plates for respectively actuating the tension ring and the spring plate to obtain the shifting of the spring plate on the positioning slots to adjust the speed for the derailleur.

Abstract: A push-pull control cable assembly having a casing of a predetermined length with a core slidably received therein. A push-through-to-lock anchor fitting is provided at each end of the casing. A fixedly positioned terminal end fitting is secured to the core through an end rod. The fixedly positioned terminal end fitting employs a receiver with a blind bore. A slot in the receiver transversely intersects the blind bore, and a locking tab is received in the slot to be selectively slidable between first and second positions. The locking tab has an aperture. The aperture permits a connecting spur to be inserted therein and withdrawn therefrom when the locking tab is in its first position. The aperture engages the connecting spur to preclude withdrawal thereof when the locking tab is in its second position. A selectively positionable terminal end fitting is secured to the core through another end rod. The selectively positionable terminal end fitting has a housing.

Abstract: An operational control for use with a ventilation, heating, or air conditioning unit of a vehicle, that can be actuated by a turn knob comprises: a guide member for being attached to and manipulated by a turn knob, the guide member defining a guiding groove; an adjusting lever for actuating a Bowden cable to which the adjusting lever is linked, the adjusting lever being mounted adjacent the guide member to pivot; a guide pin attached to the adjusting lever for extending into the guiding groove for cooperating with the guiding groove to cause the adjusting lever to pivot when the guide member is manipulated. The adjusting lever is made of a material that can be welded to steel and the guide pin is a weld-on steel ball welded to the adjusting lever.

Abstract: A window operating system for moving a vehicle window up and down that includes an electric drive motor having a gear coupled to a window movement mechanism through a magnetic clutch assembly wherein the drive gear includes a crank extending outwardly therefrom and through the door facing surface and is selectively connectable to a roll up crank having a fold out handle and a protruding socket member. The door facing surface includes a cavity or chamber into which the emergency crank can be stored and rapidly retrieved in an emergency. The magnetic clutch is only engaged when the power is supplied to the electric motor in either direction.

Abstract: A boat lift motor and drive assembly includes a rigid mounting plate supporting a boat lift motor, a drive shaft thereof carrying a drive pulley, a pulley belt entrained about the drive pulley and a driven pulley, the driven pulley being connected to a shaft of a worm gear, the worm gear being in mesh with a drive gear, and the drive gear being connected to an output shaft which is in turn connected to a reel having wound thereon a boat lift cable which is connected to a boat platform for lifting and lowering a boat resting thereon. The lift motor and drive assembly as covered by a housing defined by first and second housing bodies with a first of the housing bodies including a recess for receiving the driven pulley and accommodating the same and also including a frusto-conical wall defining a protective shroud for the winding reel shaft.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a blade for scissors includes steps of: fusing an alloy of zinc and aluminum; filling said alloy into a first mould for manufacturing a metal cutter for scissors; applying high temperature and high pressure to the first mould to form a unitary metal cutter; fitting the metal cutter into a second mould for manufacturing a blade; and squirting viscous resin into the second mould to partially enclose the metal cutter, whereby the blade is sharp, lightweight, durable in use and fit for mass production.

Abstract: A surgical torque wrench having jaws for application to a rotating part and a handle removably secured to the jaws. The jaws and handle are secured together about a pivot that is parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotating part. A securing device is fitted between the jaws and the handle which secures them relative to each other in a given angular position and is releasable when a given torque is reached. A removable handle member is provided to fix the jaws to the handle to allow for application of torque.

Abstract: A lathe or each of lathes of a machining system comprises a head stock, which is transferred on a rail mechanism. The rail mechanism includes a vertically guiding rail which is mounted on a horizontally guiding rail. A turret has a turret support which has a pair of turret support attaching surfaces. The turret is attached with either of turret support attaching surfaces. A extruded horizontally guiding rail is located between both the bed bodies, each of which is included in each of the lathes. The extruded horizontally guiding rail is identical with a connecting guiding rail which connects the one horizontally guiding rail of the one lathe with the other horizontally guiding rail of the other lathe. A work stocking means is located between the bed bodies. A reversing means for reversing works is provided with the head stock.

Abstract: A slicing method and slicing apparatus eliminate occurrence of cracking and/or chipping of a to-be-machined object without reducing the processing speed thereof. To this end, the slicing method comprising cutting the to-be-machined object W by supporting the to-be-machined object W on a table 10 and causing this table 10 to travel in an x-axis direction while allowing a slicing blade 20 to rotate at a predetermined position. A sensor 12 detects a variable load F that the to-be-machined object receives during slicing and an actuator 11 operatively responds to receipt of a detection signal of the sensor 12. The actuator 11 forces the to-be-machined object W to deform in a direction which permits reduction of the aforesaid variable load F. The actuator is provided between the sensor 12 and table 10, or alternatively between the to-be-machined object W and sensor 12.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus for a photosensitive material processor. A cutting member cuts the photosensitive material fed out from a magazine to a main body of the processor by a transporting device. A detecting device detects a leading end portion of the photosensitive material fed out from the magazine by the transporting device, the detection being carried out at a position upstream of the cutting member in a traveling direction of the photosensitive material. A controlling device controls the operation of the cutting member on the basis of an amount of the photosensitive material fed out by the driving member until the photosensitive material is detected by the detecting device, so as to adjust the length of the photosensitive material to be cut by the cutting member.

Abstract: A stager interface apparatus and method for staging two-up printed material are disclosed. The stager interface apparatus and method, in the form of a cutter stager, by independently holding each piece of printed material, allow side-by-side printed material to be released downstream either simultaneously or sequentially dependent upon downstream requirements.

Abstract: A waterjet cutting head for cutting a moving sheet has a base plate and a cover plate positioned over the base plate. The cover plate includes an upper support surface for supporting the sheet and has depending chamfered sidewalls extending downwardly to the base plate to define a chamber. The upper support surface includes two matrix arrays of circular shaped suction apertures through which air is drawn by a fluid motor to draw the sheet into flat engagement with and over the upper support surface. A waterjet emitting aperture is located in the upper support surface between an upstream suction aperture and a downstream suction aperture in a first general direction relative to sheet travel. A waterjet nozzle is positioned in the chamber below the waterjet emitting aperture for directing a waterjet through this aperture to cut through the sheet. The upstream aperture is positioned partially offset in a direction orthogonal to the first general direction relative to the downstream suction aperture.

Abstract: An improved method for determining the blade cutting path of a saw, where the saw includes a table occupying a substantially horizontal plane, a saw blade assembly connected to the table, a saw blade occupying and moveable within a substantially vertical plane and connected to the saw assembly, the method comprising providing a guide on the saw, the guide being pivotable between a fist position indicative of the blade cutting path and a second position nonindicative of the blade cutting path, determining blade cutting path by moving the guide into the first position, moving the guide into the second position, and moving the saw blade assembly in order to cut a workpiece.

Abstract: A system is provided for cutting and finishing muntins. The system comprises a device for cutting muntins, a device for pinning muntins, and at least one device for punching muntins. The device for cutting muntins comprises a pair of cutting blades that are independently rotatable, translatable and positionable, and indexable, and further comprises means for precisely measuring muntins fed into the apparatus. The device for pinning muntins comprises means for stabilizing a muntin during punching; a guide, which is preferably magnetic; a pin or a blade, which is preferably made of metal; means for punching the pin or blade into a muntin; and means for precisely measuring the location at which a pin or blade is to be punched into a muntin. The at least one device for punching muntins comprises means for stabilizing a muntin strip; means for cutting the muntin strip; and means for translating the means for cutting. Power for the at least one punching apparatus is preferably pneumatic.