Abstract: The automation of the assembly of a stack of substrates in the process of forming an object includes a blanking die having a push through plate to drive the blanked sheets onto a set of locating pins, thereby creating a very accurate stack. An image forming device may print and develop images onto a web that is subsequently die cut and stacked onto a curing platen. The die cutter cuts individual sheets out of the web and cuts or pre-cuts alignment holes into each sheet that would be accepted by the curing platen having locating pins corresponding to the alignment holes in the sheet. The die cutting operation includes a tamping device that would accurately transfer the sheets from the die to the curing platen. This stack may then be removed and/or processed to form a 3D object.

Abstract: A method for producing stacks of sheet material transversely and longitudinally cuts rectangular starting stacks using a single cutting machine and short travel paths for the material being cut. The starting stack arranged on a rear table is pushed forward under a cutting blade and is separated into at least two partial stacks which are aligned, rotated 90 degrees and pushed back under the cutting blade to form a plurality of finished partial stacks.

Abstract: A workpiece shift apparatus includes a bottom plate (10), a middle plate (40), and a top plate (70). A first pushing plate (26) is slidably attached on the bottom plate. The first pushing plate includes cutouts (30) in one edge thereof, and arcuate steps (32) on an opposite edge thereof. A first pushing means is installed on the bottom plate, and includes a handspike (19). The handspike sequentially engages in the cutouts to move the first pushing plate in a first direction. The steps thereby push the combined middle plate and top plate in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. A second pushing plate (56) similar to the first pushing plate, and a second pushing means similar to the first pushing means are attached on the middle plate for pushing the top plate in the first direction.

Abstract: After a large thin sheet (17) has been gripped in a registered state by a plurality of chuck tools (21) and transported in the X direction to a control start position, Y direction movement control for moving the sheet reciprocally by a prescribed movement pitch in the Y direction which is perpendicular to the X direction, and X direction movement control for moving the sheet by a prescribed movement pitch in the X direction each time it has been moved in either Y direction, are repeated in alternate fashion, and every other punching location (18) of a plurality of punching locations in the Y direction on the large thin sheet (17) are successively registered in position with respect to punching tools (23) and the plurality of alternate punching locations (18) in the Y direction of the large thin sheet (17) are then punched out simultaneously.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for treating a surface of a work piece are described. In one implementation, a laser delivery subsystem is configured to direct a laser beam toward a treatment zone on a work surface. A cryogenic material delivery subsystem is operably coupled with the laser delivery subsystem and is configured to direct a stream comprising cryogenic material toward the treatment zone. Both the laser beam and stream cooperate to treat material of the work surface within the treatment zone. In one aspect, a nozzle assembly provides the laser beam and stream of cryogenic material along a common flow axis. In another aspect, the laser beam and stream are provided along different axes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically and continuously producing multiple blanks from a coil of sheet material with a minimum of scrap. The apparatus utilizes pinch rolls to advance and retract the sheet material from a coil, while simultaneously a cutter, such as plasma torch, moves transversely to the moving sheet material. Movement of the cutter and sheet material is controlled and coordinated so as to make the desired cuts in the sheet material and produce the blanks of the desired configuration.

Abstract: An apparatus for forwardly and laterally indexing a strip provided with an angular blanking pattern along a zigzag path is provided with an adjustable indexing cam mechanism. Forward and lateral indexing assemblies are provided as an integral unit whose operation is synchronized with that of a strip processing machine by means of a direct drive arrangement. The extent of lateral indexing is adjustable by altering the degree of eccentricity of a master cam plate provided within the indexing cam mechanism. The indexing cam mechanism provides the apparatus with dwell periods within which the strip is subjected to one or more operations, for example, blanking, with the dwell periods being independent of the degree of eccentricity of the master cam plate.

Abstract: A feeder mechanism for feeding a sheet of metal to be blanked in a zigzag fashion in cooperation with a sheet of metal feeder mechanism of a press. A reversible D.C. motor is employed for reciprocating the sheet of metal in a direction at right angles to the sheet of metal feed direction of the press. The forward and reverse rotation and its cycle of the D.C. motor are controlled by a controller in synchronism with the feeding speed of the sheet of metal. The rotational motion of the D.C. motor is translated into a linear reciprocating motion of a die set by a rack and pinion mechanism. The rack is connected to the die set and is reciprocated in a direction at right angles to the sheet of metal feed direction of the press.

Abstract: Apparatus for cutting planar workpieces including a saw movable through a cutting stroke in a substantially horizontal direction with a first and a second table being provided on opposite sides of the saw. The planar workpieces are first fed from the first table onto the second table through a first cutting operation and the cut parts are rotated relative to the saw on the second table and then fed through a second cutting operation back onto the first table. A pusher device is provided on the second table for feeding the planar cut parts and a feeding device on the first table operates to selectively feed planar strips from the first table to the second table. The first table is provided with two sets of rollers capable of conveying planar parts in two transverse directions with the sets of rollers being vertically displaceable relative to each other.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for blanking wide sheet materials into a plurality of pieces of predetermined shapes are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a blanking die press and first and second carriages movable in a predetermined, numerically controlled and programmable sequence along Y and X axes, respectively, relative to the blanking die press. The blanking die includes upper and lower die holders which are adapted to be automatically rotated approximately 180.degree. to reverse the die orientation and thereby more economically blank the sheet material with a minimum of wastage.

Abstract: A nibbling machine comprises a workpiece support which is driven by separate drive motors in longitudinal and transverse directions to shift the workpiece during the times at which it is not contacted by a punch which is arranged to reciprocate over the workpiece and to contact it and effect the nibbling thereof. A rotary control member is rotated in timed relationship to the means for driving the punch and it is connected to each of the motors for driving the workpiece support in a manner to start and stop these motors when the punch is raised off the workpiece for feeding the workpiece. The rotary member advantageously drives through an eccentric of adjustable magnitude to a fluid piston movable in a cylinder to displace a control fluid selectively to an oil volume dispenser which supplies oil to each of the fluid drive motors for operating the workpiece support in the transverse and longitudinal directions.

Abstract: Apparatus for manufacturing and wrapping labels comprising blanking means for cutting blanks from a stack of sheets, punching means for punching the stacks of blanks, and wrapping means for wrapping stacks of labels. A table is provided which carries a conveyor. The table and conveyor serve to intermittently move a stack of sheets in two directions, which are at right angles to each other. Severing means are provided, which comprise a blanking tool and a punching tool, which act in a vertical succession. Wrapping means succeed the severing means and are disposed below the same.