Abstract: Sheet cutting means, preferably of the fluid jet nozzle type, is programmed for predetermined X-Y operation on a workpiece supported on a series of taut, unidirectional, spaced wires arranged substantially as a planar bed. As the nozzle is shifted in an X-Y plane parallel to and above the work, a drain cup is correspondingly moved beneath the wire bed to receive the spent pressure fluid for recirculation or other disposition. A transfer means comprised of uniformly spaced belts is movable heightwise between the wires to convey all cut parts and scrap, collectively in unchanged relation, to an unload station when the nozzle and cup are out of the way. Preferably a television screen displays for an attendant at the unloading zone of the machine a replica of the cut work as pre-programmed to facilitate his identification and disposition of the different cut-outs, for instance, shoe soles.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus for cutting steel rod into predetermined lengths. The apparatus has a feed track and a discharge track at opposite sides of a shearing unit, the discharge track having a number of stops which may be located at selected spacings. The shear unit is adjustable between the tracks whereby an adjustable intermediate track is located between the shear unit and the entry to the discharge track according to the position of the shears.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing adhesive strips having a predetermined length includes a rotatable reel for support of a roll of adhesive tape. A conveyor, which may be a rotatable turn table, is provided for supporting thereon a plurality of adhesive strips which have been cut to a predetermined length from the roll of adhesive tape. A feed member is pivotably supported adjacent one end thereof for movement between a first position adjacent the reel and a second position adjacent the conveyor. The feed member carries a stationary cutter plate and a cutter bar which is reciprocable therealong and is cooperable with the cutter plate to cut adhesive tape withdrawn from the reel into strips of the predetermined length. The feed member carries at its outer end a latch plate for selectively grasping and retaining the free end of adhesive tape withdrawn from the reel. A lever rod is carried by the feed member and is movable longitudinally thereof and is operably connected to the latch plate.

Abstract: Apparatus for cutting lumber to random or specified clear lengths by removal of sections containing defects and by making single end or intermediate cuts, includes infeed means for transporting a piece of lumber, locating means for locating the piece of lumber longitudinally in the apparatus, a fixed saw for cutting the piece of lumber at a first position, and a sliding saw selectively positionable longitudinally with respect to the fixed saw for cutting the piece of lumber at a second position which is located a spaced distance from the first position co-extensive with the extent of the defect. The fixed saw also is configured for operation independently of the sliding saw for making the single cuts.Saw positioning means positions the sliding saw longitudinally, based on commands from a computer for removal of the defect with the minimum removal of clear lumber.

Abstract: According to the invention chip steaks initially deposited on a conveyor in close consecutive order are re-spaced to assume an extended order en route to facilities for stacking the chip steaks in erect piles; the re-spacing being accomplished by accelerating at least one section of the conveyor and as well, by diverting the stream of chip steaks conveyed as aforesaid into two branch streams, at least, respectively directed to separate and separated stackers.

Abstract: An apparatus for stacking two separate lines of cut articles exiting from a cutter equipped with two separate cutting edges, a first and second stacking platform, and an upper and lower conveyor for moving the cut shingled articles from the cutter to the platforms. A portion of the upper conveyor is also reciprocable in the horizontal plane relative to the lower conveyor to allow easy access to the lower conveyor for normal maintenance and repair and for removal of jammed or defective articles.

Abstract: A method and machine adapted to removed baked waffles from a succession of waffle irons on a feed conveyor, trim the waffles so removed into a regular peripheral configuration, and transfer those waffles in succession onto a transfer conveyor. The feed conveyor is adapted to convey a series of successive waffle irons, with baked waffles thereon, from an oven to a transfer location. A vacuum head of novel structure is provided at the transfer location to move cyclically in a machine direction of the feed conveyor between an upstream and a downstream location, the vacuum head being raised and lowered during that limited motion path to pick up waffles by vacuum from successive waffle irons without stopping the conveyor. The vacuum head is also movable in the cross machine direction of the feed conveyor between the feed conveyor and a transfer conveyor.

Abstract: A machine for continuously cutting a web of paper or the like into sheets of different length and then sorting and stacking the sheets includes an improved tape-type delivery means for receiving and conveying the different length sheets from the cutting zone of the machine to the sorting and stacking zones of the machine in equally spaced relation and at tape speed. The sheet receiving and conveying means comprises a plurality of pairs of equally spaced nip rolls, each of which includes a nip opening and closing mechanism, which are mounted on the machine for fore and aft movement in the direction of web travel for receiving and conveying sheets in the range of from about 20 to 80 inches in length.

Abstract: This disclosure teaches an apparatus for manufacturing and stacking hemmed fabric pieces (usually pockets) with the hems either lined or unlined. In the case of lined hemmed fabric pieces, pieces of a liner tape are fed in cut lengths in turn along a path. Limp fabric pieces (the pockets) are inserted manually by an operator and are positioned automatically each on one of the liner pieces. A hem is formed out of a margin of the fabric piece around its related liner piece and a terminal margin flap is tucked under itself. The hem is sewn along the terminal flap. The hemmed lined fabric pieces are then inserted in turn into a cartridge upwardly and the cartridge is revolved about a vertical axis as successive of the hemmed lined fabric pieces are inserted therein so that uneven height caused by the hems is distributed about the stack. In the case of unlined fabric pieces, the apparatus functions substantially the same in positioning the limp fabric pieces, hemming and stacking.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to improvements in flying cutters, particularly shears for severing light gage sheet or strip metal. Conventional flying shear mechanisms include a severing mechanism which is accelerated up to the speed of a moving strip or sheet material and then operated to sever the strip while moving synchronously therewith. The cutter mechanism is then returned to its starting position in readiness for a further operation. The present invention is directed to a novel and unique form of conveyor support, which is arranged in a novel manner to automatically extend or contract in accordance with movements of the shear, so that the sheet or strip material remains effectively continuously supported on both sides of the shear.

Abstract: Sawing apparatus, such as a pulpwood slasher, has an upwardly inclined, log-supporting deck provided with means to carry logs of a predetermined maximum length from the lower to the upper end thereof with the logs transversely of the deck. The deck is substantially in the form of a right triangle and its side that corresponds to the hypotenuse thereof has a series of circular saws spaced equally from each other and the ends of that side so that each log, as it is carried by the conveying means, is brought successively into engagement with the saws. The saws have a lead such that when a cut is completed, a wanted length drops onto a takeaway conveyor as it is cut free and the proximate end of the remainder of that log clears that saw as it is conveyed thereby. The takeaway conveyor extends diagonally of the path of logs and the conveying means supporting the log on both sides of each saw while it is being cut.

Abstract: A machine for trimming the edges of a panel in which the panel is introduced on a table of belts to a pair of spaced saws which trim the side edges of the panel, the panel being then passed through a device which increases its speed and separates it from succeeding panels and onto a rack which when the panel reaches a predetermined position descends to carry the panel to the bed of a carriage where it is clamped in squared position so that when the carriage is moved to carry the clamped panel past a second pair of spaced saws the end edges of the panel are trimmed preferably at an angle of 90.degree. from the sawed side edges of the panel.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for dispensing tape for wrapping around insulation in roll form to hold the insulation in a compressed state. Machines are now known for forming elongate strips of insulation into tightly-wrapped packages. As the last portions of the strips are being wound, tapes are applied around the outer surfaces to hold the strips in the compressed, packaged state. Vapor barriers or backing sheets are sometimes applied to the outer surfaces of the insulating strips prior to the application of the tapes, or the tapes can be applied directly to the outer surfaces of the strips. In the latter instance, at least two tapes are employed for each package of insulation. The tapes are supplied by dispensers which are located adjacent a supply conveyor that feeds the insulating strips into the packaging machine. The new dispensers are designed to be located at substantially any position across the conveyor and the dispensers can also be located close together.

Abstract: A three-knife sheet trimmer is so constructed as to separate the drive for the knives (one front knife and two side knives) from the drive for the clamps which hold the sheets (e.g., the sheets of a book) stationary while being trimmed. The knives at the stations are operated out of phase, and the moving masses are therefore balanced compared to the previous form of these trimmers where all knives move in the same direction at the same time. Separating the drives also enables a book to be sooner advanced from the first knife station to the second knife station. This being so, there is a greater allowance of time in which to make the transfer, and hence there is no need to rush the book.

Abstract: A machine for cutting or slicing celery, carrots, or other elongate vegetables into pieces of selected size, accomplished on a rapid and highly economical basis. My machine utilizes a plurality of endless, moving belts, with one of the belts being arranged to receive vegetables deposited thereon, and to transport same to a location adjacent what may be regarded as the terminus of the belt. Mean such as other moving belts are utilized for gradually applying pressure to the vegetables during their travel along the length of the vegetable-supporting belt, thus to accomplish a compression of such vegetables into a tightly compacted mass. High speed cutter means operative adjacent the terminus serve to cut the vegetables into small pieces, with the size of the pieces being determined by the speed of the cutter relative to the velocity of the belts.

Abstract: Two meat hoppers are disposed vertically above a crescent-shaped plate member which is vertically adjustable. A circular blade is mounted concentrically with the crescent portion of the plate and between the plate and the hoppers. Two conveyers are positioned under the plate beneath the hoppers. The plate and blade rotate together about the central axis of the plate while the circular blade rotates about its own axis. Meat logs placed in the hoppers rest on the plate and are sliced alternately by the blade as the blade and plate assembly rotates. The slices drop on the conveyors.

Abstract: A cutter device for cutting thermoplastic material may be truck mounted, and includes lifting means to present articles of thermoplastic material to a portion of the device which receives the articles and hydraulically operates to transfer the article to the cylindrical portion of the device along which the article is pushed toward one end of the device where a hydraulically operated knife can selectively cut off portions of the thermoplastic material as desired. The device also includes conveyor means to transfer the cut off portions of thermoplastic materials away from the cutter device to an area where they are intended to be used. The conveyor means are hydraulically operable from the same source of hydraulic pressure as operates the other components of this device.

Abstract: Apparatus for feeding objects to a transport mechanism and transport and delivery mechanisms for the objects, and, in particular, apparatus for feeding books to, transporting them through the cutting stations of and delivering them from a two-station, three-knife book trimmer. The feed mechanism includes a hopper for holding books, a prestripper for stripping a book from the hopper and moving it part way to the front knife cutting station and pushers, which continue to feed the book to the first cutting station, with means coordinating the prestrippers and pushers. The transport mechanism includes a plurality of displaceable, e.g. upper transport belts and a plurality of belts in opposition to the displaceable ones, e.g. lower transport belts, which clamp the book, respectively, from above and below. While clamping the book, the transport belts travel with it to the side knife cutting station, halt for side knife trimming, and then move the book beyond the second station to the delivery mechanism.