Abstract: A method of punching patterns of holes in printed circuit boards and sheets of material used in the manufacture of printed circuit boards. Each hole pattern punched is precisely positioned with respect to the metallized circuitry or the photographic image of the circuitry on each sheet of material. This method is accomplished with the use of an optical registration punch which automatically positions each sheet of material and punches a pattern of holes therein at a precise position with respect to the circuitry or the image of the circuitry on each sheet of material.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for cutting a chain of longitudinally joined elongate products into pieces of a desired length, the chain of elongate products is intermittently fed by a feed unit through a first distance equal to the length of each piece to be severed, along a path through a detector and a cutting unit downstream of the detector and the chain is cut successively into pieces of the desired length at the cutting unit while the feed unit is inoperative. As the chain is advanced, the joint portion of each adjacent pair of the elongate products is detected by the detector. Upon detection of the joint portion, a control unit computes the number of prospective pieces of the desired length producible by severing from a longitudinal portion of the chain which extends from the present leading end of the chain toward the detected joint portion and terminates short of the detected joint portion.

Abstract: A positioning device is disposed along a conveyor path of long towel cloth pulled out by a pull-out device. The positioning device stops the movement of the towel cloth while locking the boundary between a flat fabric section and a subsequent piled fabric section of the towel cloth. A cutting device is disposed downstream relative to the positioning device in the direction of movement of the towel cloth, and a size measuring device is disposed on the opposite upstream side. The positioning device and the cutting device are relatively movable to be spaced from and approached by each other. When the towel cloth is pulled out by the pull-out device, the length of the flat fabric section of the towel cloth is measured by the size measuring device. Based on the measured value, the spacing between the positioning device and the cutting device is adjusted to be equal to a half of the measured value.

Abstract: In a laminating apparatus wherein a predetermined length of a film is laminated onto a substrate having positioning holes, a method for forming alignment or indexing holes in a film which corresponds with the positioning holes in the substrate includes detecting the position of the positioning holes, establishing the location on the film where the alignment holes are to be formed, and punching the holes in the film.

Abstract: An automatic ticket dispensing machine and a method for operating it to automatically adjust itself to the size of tickets being dispensed. A strip of tickets is fed forward with an advancing mechanism past an optical sensor which detects the perforations between tickets. The optical sensor is coupled to a controller which controls the advancing mechanism. The controller determines the length of the ticket by monitoring the distance the tickets are advanced between detections of perforations. In response to a request for a ticket, the controller advances the ticket strip by a distance corresponding to the predetermined ticket length of output.

Abstract: A mechanism for depositing sheet material including a continuous belt extending between a pair of deflection rollers maintained in taut engagement thereabout, with one of the rollers being reciprocally movable relative to the other for expanding and contracting the length of the support surface in order to transport and deposit sheet material held on the support surface. A clamping mechanism operates to hold the belt stationary relative to the other of the deflection rollers when the one deflection roller is moved to contract the length of the support surface.

Abstract: An elongate separable slide fastener chain is cut off into individual separable slide fasteners, the slide fastener chain having a plurality of longitudinally spaced element-free portions with pin-receptive boxes supported respectively thereon. The slide fastener chain is fed under tension in one direction, and then stopped to release the slide fastener chain of its tension. The leading and trailing ends of one of the boxes are clamped to position the slide fastener chain. Then, the slide fastener chain is severed across one of the element-free portions adjacent to the leading end of the box. With this arrangement, the slide fastener chain can be positioned accurately for severance and cut off into separable slide fasteners which are sightly in appearance and equal in length.

Abstract: The specification discloses an optimizing saw including a scanner unit having devices for measuring both the width and length of boards passing through the station whereby board feet can be calculated. More specifically, the width measuring device includes a reference plane and a reciprocating ram opposite the reference plane which engages a board therebetween to measure board width. The optimizing saw further includes a board conveying apparatus having a multi-speed hydraulic motor drive for smoothly and precisely transporting boards through the optimizing saw. Optimal saw cut locations for each board, control of the width-measuring device, calculation of board feet processed, pinch roll actuation, conveyor acceleration, conveyor deceleration, and status of current production against a predetermined bill of materials are all controlled by a single microprocessor.

Abstract: In a packaging machine of the type in which a "tin-tie" strip is affixed to a bag to allow repeated reclosures of the bag, a machine for cutting a continuous strip of tin-tie material into predetermined lengths and feeding the cut lengths into a bonding station where they are adhesively bonded to the bag proximate its top opening. The machine comprises a frame supporting a pair of electromagnetic clutches, one for selectively coupling a continuously driven shaft to an output shaft to which a tin-tie strip feedwheel is attached and the other for selectively coupling a continuously driven shaft to an output shaft to which a rotary cutting head is secured. Passage of a bag past a sensor triggers the two clutches which function to withdraw a predetermined length of tin-tie material from a supply reel and to sever the strip while feeding the cut length to the bonding station at the same speed as the bag is moving.

Abstract: A die cutting press for processing web material is disclosed which is operable to provide very precise alignment of a reciprocable die cutting unit with each succesive area of the web to be die cut. In operation, the web is incrementally advanced toward the work station of the press until the area next to be die cut is substantially but not exactly in the die cut position thereof. The web feed is then placed in a creep mode to advance the web until an optical sensor determines the presence of transverse alignment indicium on one side of the web. Mechanism is thereupon actuated to rotate the die unit as required to bring the die assembly into alignment with related indicium on the opposite side of the web while effecting shifting of the web longitudinally thereof in a direction of travel as necessary to maintain die registration with the first sensed web indicium.

Abstract: Sheets (10a,10b) of heat transfer element (12) for stacking in an element basket (50) of a rotary regenerative heat exchange are cut in such a manner that the spacing notches (24) formed in the element sheets (10a,10b) cannot nest when the element sheets are arranged in juxtaposition within an element basket (50).

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting off lengths of slide fasteners from a continuous chain thereof includes a cutting punch coactive with an anvil, there being feed rolls disposed in the path of movement of the fastener chain upstream from the cutting punch, and a pair of delivery rolls in such path downstream of the cutting punch. The upper delivery roll is arranged to reciprocate with the cutting punch and to engage the chain before the cutting punch does, and to continue to engage the chain until the cutting punch has been slightly retracted. Such retraction of the delivery roll facilitates feeding of the chain even though the leading end may be slightly curled.

Abstract: Back-splitting apparatus for use in the production of books such as account books, notebooks, textbooks and the like for separating a block of stacked sheets of paper, bound together at one side by gluing and constituting a plurality of books, into individual books. A plurality of projection pieces are provided at one sides of the final sheets of the respective books of the block. A suction member is disposed at the position faced with one of the projection pieces, and a pawl member is disposed movably to the lower portion of the suction member. The block of stacked sheets of paper is separated into individual books accurately by advancing a back-splitting cutter knife into the back surface side of the projection piece interposed between the suction member and the pawl member. Thus, this apparatus can effectively separate a block of stacked sheets of paper made of thick and extremely thin sheets.

Abstract: A machine for measuring and cutting predetermined lengths of electric cable such as armored (BX) or insulated cable which is supplied from a coil or reel to a "caterpillar" feed assembly and then to a cutting assembly, the feeding and cutting being synchronized and controlled to effect the cutting, automatically, of a predetermined number of pieces cut to predetermined uniform lengths, the controls including means for measuring the fed cable and for counting the number of pieces.

Abstract: In a method of and an apparatus for processing a pair of continuous slide fastener stringers having element-free spaces between a plurality of longitudinally spaced chains of partly interengaged coupling elements with sliders mounted respectively thereon, the stringers are fed downwardly in a vertical direction at a low speed by an upper roller feed unit until their leading ends are sensed, whereupon they are fed at a high speed by a lower roller feed unit. The coupling element chains are fully closed one by one by the respective sliders which are releasably held by a slider holder disposed between the feed units while the stringers are fed at the high speed.

Abstract: The invention disclosed relates to cutters for automatically cutting strips of material such as wire rope, electrical cable, or any other desired cylindrical, linear material. The apparatus proposed is best suited for cutting wire rope having a diameter of from 1/4 inch to about 1 inch. The cutting apparatus includes a controlled turntable upon which a roll of wire rope is mounted, the wire rope is directed through the tubular guide into two oppositely disposed rollers which are adjusted to size for feeding the wire to a cutter. Adjacent the cutter a V-groove platform is provided in which the wire rope lays during cutting. The V-groove is formed by adjacent doorsections that pivot to permit the cut piece to fall through the opened doors to a container below the table. The apparatus is provided with a suitable electrical circuit for operating the cutter motor, the grip roller, the turntable and controls for movement of the cutter and opening the V-groove doors.

Abstract: A mobile log sawing and splitting machine including trailer frame having a vehicle engaging hitch at its forward end and ground engaging wheels at its rear end, with a saw mandrel mounted to extend crosswise of the beam adjacent its rear end and a log splitting mechanism mounted lengthwise of the beam for splitting cut-off sections of the logs. An internal combustion engine is mounted to enable quick disengagement of the engine from the drives for the log saw and log splitting mechanisms to facilitate starting and/or selectively disconnection of the drive to one or the other of the mechanisms. An upper saw guard is mounted for turning about the axis of the saw mandrel in response to movement of the log support mechanism during a cutting operation, and a lower stationary saw guard is arranged to receive the upper saw guard. The lengthwise extending trailer beam also functions as a hydraulic reservoir for the hydraulic power system.

Abstract: A photographic film cutter for cutting film segments from a web of photographic film includes a knife located along a web advancement path, a splice sensor located upstream from the knife, and a notch sensor located between the knife and the splice sensor. A stepper motor moves the web along the path in fixed length steps. A step counter counts the steps to determine the length that the web has advanced since the web was cut by the knife. When a splice is detected by the splice sensor, a maximum feed switch determines, based upon the count of the step counter, whether the distance from a leading cut edge to the splice sensor is greater than or equal to a predetermined maximum distance. If the length is less than the maximum, the web is advanced until a portion of the web adjacent the splice is positioned at the knife, and the web is cut. If the length from the cut edge to the splice is greater than the predetermined maximum length, an additional cut is made.

Abstract: An apparatus for advancing a predetermined length of strip material from a supply roll to a delivery point. In addition to strip pull-off mechanism (15) cooperating with a one-way means (20, 22) to pull-off the desired strip length from the supply roll (10), the apparatus has a gripper (26) reciprocating in synchronism and in push-pull connection with the pull-off mechanism, the gripper gripping and advancing the strip end. The strip (11) also passes a strip brake (20, 21) and a photocell (19) which on detection of a suitable mark causes the brake to be actuated to stop the strip and the gripper to be actuated so that it releases the strip. As the moving parts have a very small inertia, the braking may be effected almost instantaneously and with great precision.

Abstract: A stock feed and shear system which may be utilized in an automatic ticket vending machine for cutting tickets from different rolls of stock and delivering the tickets to other components such as a printer and a magnetic encoding transport. The rolls are supported on reels having releasable clamp mechanisms for allowing rapid replacement of spent reels while providing a predetermined drag between the roll cores and the reels. The reels are spring loaded so that stock can be unwound from the rolls only by positively driving the same with selectively driven pinch rollers. Guide tracks direct the stock to a rotary shear which cuts single ticket lengths from the stock without metal to metal contact, thereby achieving excellent service life. Sensors provide an indication of spent rolls, completion of a cutting operation, and presence of a ticket in the shear. In another embodiment paper or plastic tickets are pre-cut by a two-way rotary shear and are held in escrow.

Abstract: A copy paper drawn out from a roll paper is supplied to a copy paper feeding and cutting system in an electrophotographic copying machine or a facsimile device. The copy paper feeding and cutting system includes a paper supply roller for introducing the copy paper into the paper feeding and cutting system, a catching roller for catching the leading edge of the copy paper supplied by the paper supply roller, and a paper holding section for curling the copy paper between the paper supply roller and the catching roller. A cutter is disposed between the paper supply roller and the paper holding section for providing a copy paper of a predetermined length.

Abstract: A slitting machine for separating the overlapped portion of a web of continuously laminated articles is provided by the present invention wherein a cutting means having two oppositely-facing cutting blades is mounted to a carriage and selectively reciprocated back and forth across the web as controlled by electrical circuitry to slit the laminate material between successive articles.

Abstract: A method and apparatuses are disclosed for making shingles. The method consists of clampingly holding a block of material to be cut and conveying such block while it is clamped along a selected path through the clamping mechanism and causing relative movement between two cutting means which are inclined relative to one another to firstly cut a shingle from the block tapering in one direction and followed by a second shingle tapering in the opposite direction. The apparatus includes means for receiving and clampingly holding blocks as they are fed in sequence thereto and means to feed the block while it is clamped.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for efficiently and at an improved rate cutting an extruded clay column, strand or strip, or a portion thereof, into individual brick mouldings. A conveyor brings the uncut strip portion into a predetermined position beneath a cutting device and by causing relative vertical movement between the conveyor and a lifting table the uncut portion is transferred to the lifting table, itself comprised of a plurality of separate supports spaced apart both transversely of and in the direction of travel defined by the conveyor. While supported by the lifting table, the clay strip is cut by a plurality of cutting wires secured under tension in a frame which is lowered with respect to the table so that the wires pass through the clay. Thereafter the frame is raised to its starting position and the cut mouldings redeposited on the conveyor by again causing relative vertical movement between the conveyor and table.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus for cutting a web into sheets comprises a web shear. A web stop is disposed downstream of the shear. A web feed is disposed upstream of the web shear. A web stiffening device is disposed between the web shear and the web stop for holding the web in a rigid flat plane whereby the web is repeatedly cut to the same desired length.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a wheel-mounted frame on which engine driven hydraulic pumps are mounted to provide hydraulic power. Extending from the side of the frame is a live deck for transporting logs transverse to their length. A longitudinal conveyor receives the logs from the live deck and transports the logs to a retractable stop to establish the length of a firewood block. A saw adapted to transversely cut the log is arranged to be lowered to cut the block from the log. A guard encloses the saw and supports clamps that clamp the log on each side of the saw during cutting. The retractable stop is retracted from the log end as the guard clamps the log for cutting. Following cutting the cut block is directed to a centering device which centers the block relative to a hydraulic actuated ram and fixed splitter blades. The block is split when forced across the splitter blades by the ram. A kicker rejects log remnants to a reject conveyor. Unsuitable blocks are rejected to the reject conveyor.

Abstract: An automated "two-up" in-line mailing (AIM) system of the type comprising a continuous sheet web supplier (11), a sheet cutter (13), a registerer (15), a folder (17), a collector sequencer (19), and an envelope inserter raceway (21) is controlled by indicia on a sheet web. A control system includes scanners (55) for sequentially sensing the web indicia (57) upstream of a cutting blade (64) and trailing edge sensors (37, 53) at discharge ends of two collectors (23, 25) in the collector sequencer (19). The two collectors (23, 25) are positioned at discharge ends of channels of the folder (17) for receiving two-up folded individual sheets (61, 63). One collector (25) accumulates the sheets from both the folder (17) and the other collector (23) in sequential order in piles for subsequent discharge.In one embodiment, the collector sequencer (19) is positioned upstream of the folder (17).

Abstract: Apparatus and control circuitry used in a copy machine for providing copy paper cut to length in accordance with an original sheet sensed by a single switch in the path of travel of the original. A first feed roller is rotated via a clutch upon energization of a solenoid for the clutch when the leading edge of the original is sensed by the switch to connect the solenoid to a D.C. power supply via a capacitor. When the capacitor is nearly charged, current flow to the solenoid has diminished to a level where the armature of the solenoid is returned to its unactuated position. The leading edge of the copy paper is moved from a solenoid operated cutter to a second feed roller by the rotation provided by the first feed roll in response to the energization of the solenoid for the clutch.

Abstract: A pair of interlocked slide fastener stringers having a plurality of sliders respectively on their longitudinally spaced chains of coupling elements fed over a guide table as the sliders are sensed one at a time by a feeler lever pivotally mounted on the guide table. A stop lever pivotable with respect to the guide table has a stop finger that projects into one of element-free spaces between the chains in response to the pivotal movement of the feeler lever due to engagement thereof with the slider. The stop finger, while not actuated, is withdrawn out of the way, and thus does not interfere with the sliders moving with the slide fastener stringers.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an automatic apparatus for machining panels or similar articles and, particularly, for drilling and milling them in accordance with the "Folding" system. With this apparatus, the panel to be machined is carried by conveyor means, in a direction parallel to its longitudinal axis, towards drilling and milling devices placed one after the other, the latter being able to mill the panel transversely with respect to the direction in which it moves forward. The operation of the drilling and milling devices takes place contemporaneously in unison, controlled by a feeler device located after the milling devices, which is able to perceive the presence of milling in the panel and to consequently cause the panel to halt and to be in the exact position necessary for the aforementioned drilling and milling devices.

Abstract: An automatic photographic paper cutter cuts photographic prints from a strip of photographic paper which bears cut indicia indicating the locations of desired paper cuts. An indicia sensor is positioned in fixed relationship with respect to the paer cutter knife assembly at a distance less than the shortest length of print to be cut. The paper cutter derives and stores a feed-after-sense signal, which represents the length the paper strip must be fed after a cut indicium is sensed in order for the strip to be cut at the desired cut location represented by that cut indicum. During automatic operation of the paper cutter, the photographic paper strip is advanced until a cut indicium is sensed, is advanced by an additional distance determined by the feed-after-sense signal, is stopped, and is cut at the desired cut location.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting sheets of carpet into a number of rectangular swatches comprises a gang slitter including a plurality of disc cutting blades mounted on a single shaft for making a plurality of parallel cuts in the sheet of carpet moving through the blades, thus cutting the carpet into a plurality of long strips of predetermined width, and a cross cut blade which moves across the sheet of carpet to make a cut in the carpet perpendicular to the plurality of parallel cuts, thus cutting the long strips of carpet material into shorter rectangular swatches. The sheet of carpet material is automatically fed through the gang slitter and stopped for the cross cut, and the swatches are discharged from the apparatus.

Abstract: A cut-off saw assembly for building logs wherein each log is positively advanced to a stop area comprising an array of power actuated stops at varying distances from a cut-off saw, the saw being actuated after the log has been stopped and clamped firmly to a table through which the saw blade is advanced and retracted.

Abstract: An improved stop mechanism for use with machinery wherein a workpiece is advanced through one or more tooling stations comprises an arm supported for limited pivotal movement about orthogonal axes. The arm is constrained for movement within a grooved block and mounted on a pin extending through coaxial conical bores formed in opposite sides of the arm. The arm is biased in a direction opposite to travel of the workpiece to a ready position in sliding contact with the workpiece until the forward end of the arm engages a predetermined notch or locating surface on the workpiece and pivotally moves therewith to a stop position. The rear end of the arm simultaneously actuates a valve, switch or other control device to initiate the desired operation on the workpiece. After completion of the desired operation, the arm is disengaged from the notch or locating surface to release the workpiece and returned to the ready position.

Abstract: An automatic photographic paper cutter cuts photographic prints from a roll of photographic paper which bears indicia indicating the location of desired cuts. The automatic photographic paper cutter has an improved indicia sensing system which includes a plurality of indicia sensors, each positioned to sense indicia on a different portion of the photographic paper. Prior to automatic operation of the paper cutter, an indicia bearing portion of the photographic paper is oscillated back and forth past the plurality of the indicia sensors. One of the sensors which provides an acceptable output signal is selected, and subsequent operation of the photographic paper cutter is controlled in response to signals from the selected sensor.

Abstract: A cheese packaging apparatus is provided which includes a cheese cutter which is activated only when a loaf of cheese is properly positioned at an intake position. The cheese cutter may also be adapted so as to only operate when an exit platform, on to which the cut cheese is to be placed, is properly positioned. The cheese cutter includes a vertical harp and is adapted to laterally move a loaf of cheese from a roller conveyor through the vertical harp, thereby cutting the loaf. Rollers having a driven inner portion which cause an outer portion to rotate when the torque between the two portions is below a particular magnitude are included in the conveyor leading to the cutter.

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: A ticket dispenser automatically advances a continuous web of lottery tickets, one ticket length, halts the advance, and severs the end most ticket to drop into a delivery chute upon actuation. The dispenser is capable of handling ticket webs which are difficult to tear or have poor perforations, by pre-breaking the web along its transverse lines of perforation, in opposite angular directions by means of a set of three cylindrical rolls, and by moving a breaker bar upwardly into a slot between an inclined bed plate and a horizontal bed plate to slice each successive, prebroken perforated line. The printed indicia can thus be on the upper surface of the web and the tickets delivered face-up.

Abstract: The invention relates to automatic lines for cross cutting of coiled strips and is used to best advantage for cross cutting of coiled strips into plates intended for the manufacture of transformers.The automatic line of this invention comprises guillotine shears which are pivoted in the horizontal plane and intended to cut plates off a strip; non-pivoted guillotine shears intended to cut off sharp angles of said plates, said non-pivoted shears being mounted on a slider which is movable along the automatic line's axis in order to fix the non-pivoted shears at a desired distance from the pivoted shears in order to simultaneously cut off sharp angles and cut out plates; and a strip feeding mechanism being provided with only one pair of rollers driven by means of a reduction gear driven by a step electrohydraulic drive which feeds the strip, as well as accelerates, brakes and, if necessary, reverses the strip's motion to ensure a prescribed plate length.

Abstract: Sheet slitting and punching apparatus for cutting a large elongate sheet of paperboard or similar material into a plurality of rectangular cards of uniform size and punching holes in each of the individual cards. A large sheet is fed along a conveying means having two tandemly arranged feed sections separated from each other by a transverse and a longitudinal slitting station. Both feed sections of the conveyor are driven from a common drive means, however, the upstream or infeed section is driven at a conveying speed substantially slower than that of the downstream or outfeed section. Transversely spaced slitters form longitudinally extending slits in the sheet as it is fed along the conveying means. When the feeding end of the sheet reaches a predetermined location near the upstream end of the outfeed conveyor, it engages a sensing element which immediately stops the conveyor drive.

Abstract: A web advancement and cutting method and mechanism are provided for a web which is divided into unique segments or frames each incorporating a sensing indicium and in which a plurality of frames is advanced through a cutting mechanism and cut from the web for each cycle of operation. In each cycle of operation, a digital stepper motor drive and counter combination advances the web a predetermined number of counts, generally equivalent to moving all but one of the said plurality of frames to be advanced beyond the cutting plane of a cutting mechanism, and then further advancing without stopping the web until an optical sensor senses the indicium on the last frame to be advanced through the cutting mechanism. The stepper motor is stopped and said plurality of frames is then cut from the web. Means are also provided to reduce the power consumption of the stepper motor while the cutting mechanism is actuated.

Abstract: A device for feeding a workpiece to the saw component of a sawing machine and for clamping the workpiece during the cutting thereof by the saw component, has first and second clamping jaws supported on a table of the sawing machine and cooperating with one another for immobilizing the workpiece; and a feed roller supported at the machine table in the zone of the clamping jaws for feeding the workpiece into the operational range of the saw component. The device further has an arrangement connected to the first clamping jaw for displacing the same towards and away from the second clamping jaw in a direction inclined with respect to the surface of the machine table.

Abstract: In the process of producing brochures such as account books, textbooks, notebooks and chits, a back-splitting operation which has hitherto been performed by hand is mechanically executed in such a way that a back-splitting cutter knife is attached to a turnable chain and that the cutter knife is thrust into the back portion of sheets of paper for the brochures, whereby the productivity of the process is enhanced and a sharp reduction in the cost thereof is achieved.

Abstract: In an automatic machine for cutting zippers from a common zipper tape, feed rollers are positioned to direct the common tape to the cutter. The sliders on the tape are detected by a photoelectric detector upstream of the feed rollers, in order to develop a signal of determined duration for enabling a bottom stop detector positioned upstream of the slide detector. A delay device is provided to actuate the cutter a determined time following detection of a bottom stop by the stop detector.

Abstract: An automated in-line mailing (AIM) system of the type comprising a continuous sheet web supply, a sheet cutter, a folder, a collector, and an envelope inserter is controlled by indicia on the sheet web. A control system includes a sensor for sequentially sensing the web indicia upstream of a cutting element and a particular arrangement of shift registers for storing signals representative of the indicia. The signals are shifted along the shift registers with movement of the web, and sheets cut therefrom, through the AIM system. The shift registers are sampled at various stages therealong to obtain signals for deactivating a web drive and activating insert stations. A clock signal for cutter and collector shift registers is provided by an endless tape which is normally used to control lengths of cuts by the sheet cutter.

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: Apparatus for automatically cutting sections of measured length from a coil of an elongated strip which has a rotatable mounting device for the coil, a feed and straightener driven at a constant speed for pulling the strip from the coil, a hump table, a speed control unit with a pair of pinch rolls, a shears, and a device for generating a first signal when the leading edge of the trip has been transported past the shears by a distance equal to the length of the measured section for breaking the pinch rolls to stop movement of the strip at the shears and for actuating the shears, said device also generating a second signal when the leading edge of the strip has been transported past the shears by a shorter distance than the measured length of the section for actuating a pneumatic cylinder to drive the pinch rolls toward each other and grip the strip, the lower pinch roll being driven by a constant speed motor at a cicumferential speed less than the speed of the strip from the feeder, thus producing a hump betw

Abstract: Apparatus for severing tickets from a supply of connected tickets and for feeding severed tickets individually to a delivery location in response to a credit signal in which an already severed ticket, retained in escrow position at which it blocks the path of light from a source to a photocell, is advanced by first drive rollers energized in response to a credit signal to the delivery area and in which the photocell is energized as the trailing edge of the delivered ticket passes out of the path of light from the source to the photocell to cock a cutter disposed between the supply of tickets and the escrow position and to activate second relatively slower drive rollers to advance a ticket from the supply to the first relatively faster drive rollers which picks up the ticket, pulls it taut, and moves it to a position at which the leading portion thereof interrupts the path of light from the light source to the photocell to deenergize the cutter cocking solenoid, both drive rollers, and the source of illuminati

Abstract: A series of shirt cuff pattern parts are placed in overlying relationship on a web of lining material and a conveyor belt engages the upper surfaces of the web of lining material and the pattern parts and holds the layers of material together as they are moved through a sewing machine. The overlying side edge of each of the pattern parts is folded down under an edge of the web of lining material, and the sewing machine sews through the folds. A predetermined range of lengths of the connected together series of partially completed shirt cuffs is continuously accumulated from the sewing machine, and are continually fed from the accumulation to a cutter, and are separated by cutting the web of lining material adjacent the trailing edge of a pattern part so that each partially completed shirt cuff is formed with a short length of the web of lining material protruding from the shirt cuff panel pattern part, and the pattern parts are stacked.

Abstract: Processing apparatus for automatically cutting (or otherwise operating on) a filmstrip during advancement thereof into positions precisely related to the cutter by referencing to the transversely oriented center lines, rather than leading or trailing edges, of marks or cuts longitudinally spaced along an edge of the filmstrip. Sensor means having a mark detector and responsive to duration of a first time interval initiated by the mark's leading edge passing the sensing detector and terminated by the mark's trailing edge passing the detector, computes the correct filmstrip feed distance from the true center line of each mark to the associated next stopping point wherein the filmstrip is presented to the cutter. It does so by counting the pulses controlling filmstrip feed rate established by a stepping motor drive, after first dividing the pulse frequency in half during only said first time interval, such count continuing to a preset number selected to be reached after said first time interval.