Abstract: An apparatus for cutting a newly formed continuous sheet being transported longitudinally along a belt conveyor, and particularly a newly formed gypsum board sheet, the cutting taking place in a direction transverse to the direction of movement of the sheet, comprising a frame, a high pressure fluid jet cutter mounted to move obliquely with respect to the direction of the moving sheet, wherein the vector component of velocity of the forward motion of the cutter equals the forward velocity of the moving sheet, and means for rotating the support on which the jet cutter is mounted to another oblique position so that a successive cut may be made from the other side. In an improved embodiment, tank means is arranged to catch the spent fluid from the jet cutter so that the cutter may traverse the moving sheet from either side successively without turning off the fluid jet.

Abstract: Apparatus for cutting limp sheet material comprises a computer-positioned fluid jet cutting tool supported for movement above and relative to a bed of vertically elongated upwardly projecting members which have pointed free upper ends disposed in a generally common plane to define a fluid permeable sheet material supporting surface. The bed has fluid passageways therethrough which communicate with a fluid collection chamber therebelow. Vacuum apparatus independent of the fluid collection chamber is provided for normalizing or compressing a lay-up of limp sheet material resting on the supporting surface so that the individual sheets which comprise the lay-up collectively assume the characteristics of a rigid solid mass.

Abstract: A device for cutting a hole out of a moving web such as plastic film comprising a suction cup for pulling the film against a vacuum source, terminating in a knife edge contained within the suction cup to cut the hole out of the film.

Abstract: An earth and sand conveyor system comprising a hopper adapted to receive dumped earth and sand, a trough connected to the hopper, a screw conveyor rotatably mounted within the hopper and the trough, a consolidating pipe connected to the trough, a molding pipe connected to the consolidating pipe, a conveyor pipe connected to the molding pipe, a first nozzle formed in the wall of the molding pipe, a second nozzle formed in the wall of the conveyor pipe, an air compressor connected to the first and second nozzles, and a directional control valve disposed between the air compressor and the first and second nozzles for alternately supplying the compressed air to the first and second nozzles.

Abstract: Apparatus for shaping batts of loosely compacted fibrous material into individual panels of specific shapes. A pair of rolls rotating in opposite directions, with high-pressure air blown from the surface of one roll to the other in a spaced apart nip area is used to carry out the method.

Abstract: A method for improved penetration of a work material using a high velocity fluid jet from a nozzle element by providing a sealed chamber between a surface of the work material and the nozzle element is described. With hard and/or irregular materials, a deformable element is provided between the nozzle element and the work surface so that the deformable element conforms to the surface to effect the seal. A preferred nozzle element assembly including the deformable element is also described. The method is particularly adapted to mining operations such as coal, hard rock excavation, and wood impregnation.

Abstract: A cutting method and apparatus using a plurality of impact-type laser or water jet cutters mounted on a framework above a moving web. The cutters are disposed in a spaced relationship to each other along a line parallel with the direction of web travel. By spacing the cutters a distance substantially equal to the desired product length, each of the cutters simultaneously cut from the web similar portions of one side of each of two consecutive products. The cutters are arranged so that as the web moves one product length, each of said cutters cuts from the web on the other side of a substantially central axis similar portions of the other side of said products. Embodiments include means to increase or decrease velocity of the cutters when mounted on a second framework which is also movable in a direction parallel to the direction of the web movement.

Abstract: A sheet cutting method and apparatus wherein a fluid pervious die plate or wall having projecting cutting edges is located facing a sheet to be worked, and a vacuum is transmitted through the wall to draw the sheet against the cutting edges for severance of the sheet.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of cutting a substantially polymeric belt-defining sleeve to define a plurality of endless power transmission belt constructions are provided by rotating such belt sleeve on a rotating apparatus and cutting a plurality of axially spaced cuts through the sleeve with jet nozzle means disposed at a fixed position and with the jet nozzle means providing high velocity liquid jet means to define an endless power transmission belt construction between associated pairs of cuts.

Abstract: Apparatus for slitting the upper surfaces of a plurality of parallel rows of proofed dough pieces on a conveyor, including a plurality of spray nozzles respectively in general vertical alignment with the longitudinal midline of the path of each row of proofed dough pieces, a supply of fluid for the nozzles and sprayable thereby in a stream against the upper surfaces of the proofed dough pieces, sensing mechanism for sensing the arrival of the rows of proofed dough pieces between the nozzles, and control mechanism responsive to the sensing mechanism for causing each nozzle to impinge a stream of fluid upon the skin of the associated row of proofed dough pieces as they arrive therebeneath.

Abstract: Method for shaping and/or cutting batts of loosely compacted fibrous material into individual panels of specific shapes without ragged edges or hard-cut edges. A pair of rolls rotating in opposite directions, with high-pressure air blown from the surface of one roll to a recessed portion of the other in a spaced apart nip area used to carry out the method.

Abstract: Water at a very high pressure (e.g. fifty thousand psi) is directed through a nozzle orifice to produce a coherent high velocity water jet particularly adapted for cutting. Prior to pressurizing the water and directing it through the nozzle, the water is treated to remove dissolved solids, desirably to an extremely low level to provide very pure water (e.g. where the total dissolved solids are as little as ten parts per million or lower). This is done by directing the water through several ion exchange reactions to precipitate the solids which are then removed by filtering. The operating life of the nozzle is greatly extended by this process.

Abstract: The shaped block in the path of the fluid from the nozzle of a high pressure fluid jet to be located below the material to be cut or slit by a jet including, preferably, a curvo-linear passage or bore through the block having an entry port aligned with the nozzle for receiving and directing the flow of fluid from the jet after it has slit the material and preventing the fluid from returning to or splashing upon the material after it has entered the passage and a replaceable slug for insertion into the block in the area where the high pressure fluid impinges as it enters the passage.

Abstract: A device for cutting off the neck meat of a fowl in which the neck of the fowl is held on a support equipped with a suction hole for attracting the meat and the meat is cut by a blade disposed movably to face said suction holes of said support. Said cutting blade is a straight member and is allowed to reciprocate along the length of the suction hole.

Abstract: A fluid jet cutting apparatus has a material supporting bed comprising a tank-like structure and containing a substance maintained in at least a partially frozen condition by refrigerant coils. The solidified surface of the substance provides a supporting surface for material to be cut and is reconstituted after a jet of cutting fluid passes therethrough.

Abstract: For cutting a continuous longitudinally moving fiber or paper web, at least one water spraying jet nozzle is arranged to the side of and above one surface of the web and is swiveled so that its jet sprays across the moving web to cut same; two similar jet nozzles at both sides of the web may also be provided.

Abstract: An adhesive sheet or film placed in contact with a surface network formed by the edges of the cell walls of a honeycomb core panel is reticulated and conformed to the shape of the surface network to form a bead of adhesive on the surface network and the contiguous portions of the cell walls without depositing excess adhesive onto the interior cell walls.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for fluid jet cutting of a roll of material in situ, e.g. a multiplicate wound roll of material, by which a fluid jet nozzle and a roll of material are rotated relatively to each other about an axis with the roll of material in radially inwardly disposed relation to the nozzle while a fluid jet, e.g. liquid jet, exiting from the nozzle is directed at a selective axial point along the extent of the roll of material to cut circumferentially into and through the roll of material in situ and the spent fluid is concomitantly collected radially inwardly of the roll of material, preferably in an arrangement having fluid jet cutter means including such nozzle, support means including mandrel means, e.g.

Abstract: A fluid jet cutter utilizing a multitude of heads and flexible pressurized feed system is disclosed. The cutter utilizes a carriage which has mounted on it a plurality of fluid jet cutting heads which are maintained in registration with jet catchers operably disposed beneath the carriage. The cutters and jet catchers are movable either as a unit in synchronization with each other or moved separately to be spaced apart from a center head. Cutting in the Y-direction is effectuated by means of head movement along the carriage. Cutting action in the X-direction can be effectuated either by movement of the carriage or, alternatively, by movement of the cutting table bed. A tower disposed outside the cutting area is used to provide high pressure fluid to the cutting heads. The tower, with its flexible coupling, reduces the dynamic loads on the positioning system for the cutter heads, thereby allowing increased performance.

Abstract: A cutting machine utilizing a high velocity fluid cutting jet for cutting is provided with a receiver to absorb the cutting jet after it passes through sheet material in a cutting operation. The receiver comprises a jet-deflection chamber having an inlet positioned to receive the fluid jet and an inside wall which turns or deflects the jet in a whirling or circular path to dissipate the energy or momentum of the jet. A drain from the chamber may be provided to continually evacuate the spent fluid of the jet.

Abstract: A charge forming and depositing machine part particularly for sticky semi-liquid material including a rocking valve having sharp edges disposed between a supply hopper and a charge-measuring expansible chamber, a charge receiving cylinder having a port communicating with the chamber and controlled by a delivery piston in the cylinder, and the delivery piston being arranged to clear a measured charge of sticky semi-liquid candy or the like mixture from the cylinder, to carry it beyond the end of the cylinder and into contact with a receiving surface, and such delivery piston being provided with air blast means to release the measured charge from the lower end of the piston. The invention contemplates that the semi-liquid material may have nuts or the like solids mixed therein.

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 fluid jet cutting apparatus comprises a computer positioned fluid jet cutting tool supported for movement above and relative to a bed of parallel plates which have upper knife edge portions disposed in a common plane to define a fluid penetrable material supporting surface. Energy absorbing material such as liquid, and/or metal wool, gravel or shot may be disposed below the material supporting surface and between the bed plates to absorb residual energy from the fluid jet cutting stream after it has cut through material resting on the supporting surface.

Abstract: A slotted worktable for a cutting machine for a high pressure fluid jet cutting device has a first frame mounted on a second frame for relative movement therewith, there being a support surface formed by two portions of a flexible support material which are trained round spaced apart horizontal rollers defining a slot. As the frames move relative to one another, the slot moves and a cutting head on a guide over the slot moves therewith so that it is always aligned with the slot.

Abstract: A slotted worktable for a cutting machine for a high pressure fluid jet cutting device has a first frame mounted on a second frame for relative movement therewith, there being a support surface formed by two portions of a flexible support material which are trained round spaced apart horizontal rollers defining a slot. As the frames moves relative to one another, the slot moves and a cutting head on a guide over the slots moves therewith so that it is always aligned therewith.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for cutting, creasing and/or embossing sheets of cardboard, paper of similar material is disclosed. The apparatus includes a tool plate or die having steps therein in the form of parting steps and ribs and/or grooves to form creases. A resilient elastic member is employed to press the cardboard web down against the various steps in the tool plate. The size and configuration of the steps and the tool plate causes severing or cutting of the cardboard or creasing or embossing. Apparatus for use with rotational as well as planar or reciprocating blanking machines and a variety of different tool plate constructions are disclosed. The process includes resilient urging of the sheet against the die piece with the elastic member causing deformation of the sheet to conform to the tool plate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cutting a continuously moving sheet material in which a nozzle for directing a jet stream of fluid under high pressure is driven in predetermined directions along a closed track consisting of a pair of straight paths intersecting each other symmetrically at a predetermined angle relative to the cutting direction of the sheet material and a pair of curved paths connecting the associated ends of the straight paths. In the method and apparatus, the moving velocity of the jet nozzle is controlled as a function of the feeding velocity of the sheet material and the desired length of sheets cut from the sheet material, and the energy of the fluid under high pressure directed from the moving jet nozzle toward the sheet material is utilized to cut the sheet material into the sheets of desired length.

Abstract: A plastic film packaging bag is fabricated with directionally tear-prone wicket mounting holes having a hole edge reinforcing bead of plastic selectively thinner in the desired tearing direction formed by a hot gas stream directed through shaped templates holding the bag.

Abstract: Continuously variable cutting apparatus for elongated sheet members that are continuously supplied in a longitudinal moving direction and at desired intervals of widths; comprising several first projection nozzles connected to a high-pressure liquid source, the first nozzles being disposed to form at least two rows that extend transversely relative to the moving direction; and at least one second injection nozzle connected to a high-pressure liquid supply source, arranged to be driven to move transversely relative to the moving direction, said second nozzle being provided at a downstream position of the sheet members, below the first nozzles.

Abstract: A scoring and cutting apparatus for an elongated sheet member supplied continuously in a longitudinal direction thereof for forming longitudinal score lines and cuts, respectively, at desired intervals of width. The apparatus has a construction comprising a plurality of injection nozzles for cutting the sheet member which are connected to a high pressure liquid supply source and are disposed to form at least two rows extending transversely relative to the moving direction of the sheet member, and a plurality of scoring rolls are also disposed to form at least two rows extending transversely relative to the moving direction of the sheet member, and a plurality of scoring rolls are also disposed to form at least two rows extending parallel to the rows of the projection nozzles, the rows of scoring rolls each being arranged to be movable upwards and downwards between respective inoperative and operative scoring positions.

Abstract: Previous attempts to cut or trim a wet, non-woven, fibrous mat using a fluid jet have been largely unsuccessful, particularly when the mat contained reinforcing strands. The present invention overcomes this problem by using a fluid jet located below the mat in combination with a fluid jet set at an angle above the mat.

Abstract: A method for cutting an arcuate groove in an uncured concrete coating on an arcuate surface. A jet stream of water is directed at the coating along a line extending tangentially of the surface in a downward direction. The object is rotated at a relatively low speed in relation to the stationary water jet. The invention also encompasses a method of applying a concrete coating to pipe wherein after the cement is forced onto the pipe a wrapping material is wound around the pipe in a spiral pattern to hold on the concrete. The wrapping material may be a water impervious plastic which will affect curing of the cement without the aid of chemical curing agents.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a very fast succession of identical well-defined drops, driven at very high speed, in which a jet of liquid which is divided into droplets by high-frequency vibration is produced at very high speed.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are disclosed utilizing a high strength fluid jet in an operative cutting system. A computer driven carriage and nozzle movable on the carriage effectuate cutting in the X-Y direction and a sensor arrangement is used to position the nozzle in the Z-direction. The workpiece rests on a flexible wire bed which supports the workpiece and at the same time allows a fluid catcher to pass under the workpiece in registration with the nozzle. A support channeled for allow for movement of the fluid catcher provides support for the workpiece in the area of the cut.