Abstract: A method for separating long, unwound items like fiber, fiber strands, yarn, etc. having a liquid chemical sizing on the surfaces into short lengths by chopping is disclosed. Improved chopping life is achieved by using blades, or at least blade edges of cemented tungsten carbide, and selecting the liquid chemical sizings having a pH of about 7 or greater to apply to the surfaces of the items being chopped. Also disclosed are blades having at least the sharp edges of the chopping blades coated with various materials including a material selected from a group consisting of tungsten carbide, titanium nitride, diamond like carbon, polycrystalline diamond, polycrystalline cubic boron nitride, cemented tungsten carbide, or mixture of two or more of these materials.

Abstract: A saw blade has a saw body and a cutting edge for cutting during movement of the saw blade. A lubricating guide support has a bearing surface disposed immediately adjacent the saw body for proper alignment of the saw blade during cutting. The guide support contains liquid exposed to the saw body at the bearing surface. The saw body defines a plurality of cavities whereby the liquid is applied to the saw body as it passes by the bearing surface during movement of the saw blade. Each one of the cavities is arranged to pass by the exposed liquid and is dimensioned to receive liquid therein for transport. The saw body has an axial thickness no greater than 0.08 inches. The liquid transport cavity has a triangular cross-section with a trailing edge oriented at an approximate negative 5 degrees to a radius of the saw body.

Abstract: Improved systems and methods for singulating a substrate into a plurality of integrated circuit devices are disclosed. One aspect of the invention corresponds to a fixture that holds the substrate during the dicing process. Another aspect of the invention pertains to a nozzle assembly that provides better fluid flow over the cutting blades. Another aspect of the invention corresponds to a nozzle adjustment assembly that helps position the nozzles relative to the blades. Another aspect of the invention corresponds to spacers that reduce the problem of imbalance caused by fluid retained therein. Yet another aspect pertains to the composition of the fluid, which is distributed by the nozzle assembly to the blades.

Abstract: A punch for a hydroforming die includes a body, a neck extending axially from the body, a head extending axially from the neck and having a diameter less than a diameter of the body and a thumbnail slot extending axially and radially into the head to allow fluid within a tubular member to force a wall portion of the tubular member outward into the slot of the punch and be sheared by the punch to produce an opening in the tubular member.

Abstract: A method for segregating and transferring a product from a web of material includes the steps of conveying the web of material between a punching roll and a counter pressure roll, the punching roll having at least one cutting edge and at least one suction orifice; punching-out the product from the web with the cutting edge; adhering the punched-out product on the punching roll under a vacuum connected to the at least one suction orifice; rotating the punching roll to position the punched-out product proximate to a conveyor belt; detaching the punched-out product from the punching roll; and transferring the punched-out product onto the conveyor belt. In certain embodiments, the suction orifice of the punching roll is ventilated with a gas stream to facilitate detachment of the punched-out product; and a vacuum is applied to the conveyor belt to draw the detached product thereto and hold it thereon under suction.

Abstract: A flap projecting from a glue joint between two paper strips after an on-the-fly supply roll change is shortened by continuously displacing the strips in a straight line, in a travel direction, and at a travel speed along a path such that the flap lies flatly against an outer face of the strips and engaging at least a part of a separating device against the outer face in the path. At least the part of the separating device engaging the strip is displaced in the travel direction at a speed greater than the travel speed such that, when the separating device engages the flap, the flap is bowed out away from the outer face downstream of the separating device. A blade is juxtaposed with the outer face of the strip immediately downstream of the separating device such that the bowed out flap engages and is cut by the blade.

Abstract: A method for working a concrete surface uses a water jet ejected from a nozzle of a nozzle holder. The nozzle holder reciprocates in cutting sweeps and moves together with a working apparatus in steps between the cutting sweeps. The water jet is directed in directions of the sweeps, and at the end of each sweep, the nozzle holder is swung into a new angle of attack for a subsequent cutting sweep. At the end of a cutting sweep, the nozzle holder begins to swing backwards simultaneously as its linear velocity increases to permit the target area to remain substantially unchanged at the start of the stepping of the working apparatus so that the water jet makes a cut forwardly in the stepping direction. The stepping and change of angle of attack are completed simultaneously immediately prior to the commencement of a subsequent cutting sweep.

Abstract: The cutting assembly functions to sever the urethane bed bonding a windshield to a vehicle. The assembly comprises a reciprocating air gun connected with a cutting blade by a shaft. The blade has a straight front cutting edge about 4 inches in width. The blade is reciprocated in and out of the bed to sever it.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus and methods for z-axis control and collision detection and recovery for waterjet and abrasive-jet cutting systems. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a linear rail, a slide member coupleable to a cutting head and slideably coupled to the linear rail, at least one actuator having a first end coupled to the slide member and a second end fixed with respect to the linear rail, a position sensor, and a controller. The actuator provides an adjustable support force that supports the weight of the cutting head, allowing the cutting head to be controllably positioned at a desired height above the workpiece. The actuator may include a pneumatic cylinder, or alternately, a linear motor.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus and method wherein a blade holder includes two blades which are each designed for cutting web material (e.g., dry film photoresist) in a reverse manner prior to application of the material to a substrate (e.g., dielectric-conductor structure) designed for eventual usage as a printed circuit board or as part thereof (e.g., if laminated up with other, similarly formed substrate members).

Abstract: A single operator exchange fluid jet thrombectomy device having an outer catheter assembly and separable and exchangeable components in the form of an inner catheter assembly allowing functioning as a rheolytic thrombectomy catheter or as a crossflow thrombectomy catheter. Embodiments include an outer catheter assembly common to any mode of usage having a guide catheter having a lumen through which a guidewire and the greater portion of a hypo-tube carrying a flow director are passed and advanced. For use as a rheolytic thrombectomy catheter, thrombus is dislodged, entrained, and broken into pieces by jets and evacuated through the lumen of the guide catheter. For use as a crossflow thrombectomy catheter, a flow director having outflow and inflow orifices is provided.

Abstract: A saw arrangement includes the combination of a circular saw blade and a lubricating guide support assembly. The circular saw blade includes a saw plate having openings formed therein and carbide insert teeth disposed circumferentially about the saw plate. The lubricating guide support assembly includes two guide supports each having a bearing surface disposed immediately adjacent opposite sides of the saw plate at a spacing to the cutting area for proper alignment of the saw blade during cutting. At least one of the guide supports includes a recessed area containing liquid exposed to the saw plate whereat a thin film of the liquid is applied to the saw plate as it passes by the recessed area during cutting. The openings are arranged on the saw plate to pass by the recessed area and are dimensioned to receive liquid therein for transport away from the recessed area.

Abstract: A cutting fluid applicable for the machining of vitreous, crystalline or aggregate materials such as glass, glass-ceramics, ceramics, stone, concrete, silicon and the like. The cutting fluid comprises a solution containing organic molecules—in particular silanes, silanols, and siloxanes—capable of forming covalent bonds with such vitreous, crystalline or aggregate materials. The organic molecules in the cutting fluid is believed to improve the rate of manufacturing productivity, surface finish quality, and decrease the incidence of sub-surface damage caused by particulate adhesion to the cutting or abrading tool during a machining process of these kinds of substrates. The reduced clogging of cutting surfaces and increased lubricity of the cutting fluid may also prolong the useful life of the machining tools when used against these kinds of substrates.

Abstract: A web including a fibrous material and superabsorbent material is fed to a station. The web has a first surface, a second surface, a first side edge and a second side edge. At the station, the operation of applying a superabsorbent material movement obstruction agent and cutting the web into individual absorbent members having a pair of opposing cut ends are carried out simultaneously.

Abstract: By performing an accurate cutting when a substrate is cut, a gap between the substrates when a plurality of substrates are arranged is made constant or is reduced or eliminated, thereby improving electric characteristics of the gap portion between the substrates. For this purpose, a slice line and a guide line are provided on the substrate, the substrate is cut along the slice line, and the guide line is detected upon cutting, thereby detecting a misalignment and cutting the substrate while correcting the misalignment.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus and methods for collision detection and recovery for waterjet and abrasive-jet cutting systems. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a first mount member coupleable to a controllably positionable mounting portion of the cutting system, and a second mount member coupleable to the cutting head and disengageably or movably coupled to the first mount member. Embodiments of the inventions may also have a sensing circuit having at least one first conductive element disposed on the first mount member and at least one second conductive element disposed on the second mount member. In the event of a collision between the cutting head and an obstruction, the second mount member disengages from or moves with respect to the first mount member to prevent breakage of the cutting head. This movement causes the first and second conductive elements to touch, signaling a collision and shutting down one or more internal systems.

Abstract: A semiconductor wafer having an adhesive resin layer formed on the back side is cut with a cutting blade driven to rotate. At the time of cutting, the front side of the semiconductor wafer is spurted with a cooling medium such as pure water having a temperature of 15° C. or less, preferably 10° C. or less.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of shaving hair by spraying a shaving preparation directly onto an area of skin to form a dispersed layer of the shaving preparation without the need for hand spreading and shaving the area with a razor. Also disclosed is a dispensing apparatus for spraying a shaving preparation directly onto an area of skin to be shaved. The shaving preparation may be an aerosol or a non-aerosol shaving preparation.

Abstract: Simultaneous slicing and washing of relatively firm raw vegetable or fruit products is accomplished in a vat of water into which a slicer apparatus is positioned such that the slices are formed and discharge directly into the water. An inclined takeout conveyor serves to receive the slices and remove them from the water. A circulating water current and fluid jets urge the slices to disperse onto the conveyor. A spray of water or air blast removes residual vegetable matter from the slice surfaces before leaving the takeout conveyor for further processing. Slicing and washing a vegetable in a flume volute where the slices are dispersed onto a takeout conveyor is disclosed where the water medium is collected in a tub and recycled back to flow in the flume to a level that covers the slicer's operative parts. The apparatus may be used for simultaneous slicing and cooking of raw vegetables where hot cooking oil is maintained in the system and recycled for reheating.

Abstract: A saw having a self-pumped hydrodynamic blade guide or bearing for retaining the saw blade in a centered position in the saw kerf (width of cut made by the saw). The hydrodynamic blade guide or bearing utilizes pockets or grooves incorporated into the sides of the blade. The saw kerf in the workpiece provides the guide or bearing stator surface. Both sides of the blade entrain cutting fluid as the blade enters the kerf in the workpiece, and the trapped fluid provides pressure between the blade and the workpiece as an inverse function of the gap between the blade surface and the workpiece surface. If the blade wanders from the center of the kerf, then one gap will increase and one gap will decrease and the consequent pressure difference between the two sides of the blade will cause the blade to re-center itself in the kerf.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus and methods for z-axis control and collision detection and recovery for waterjet and abrasive-jet cutting systems. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a linear rail, a slide member coupleable to a cutting head and slideably coupled to the linear rail, at least one actuator having a first end coupled to the slide member and a second end fixed with respect to the linear rail, a position sensor, and a controller. The actuator provides an adjustable support force that supports the weight of the cutting head, allowing the cutting head to be controllably positioned at a desired height above the workpiece. The actuator may include a pneumatic cylinder, or alternately, a linear motor.

Abstract: A continuous flighted conveyorbelt (18) is fed product (12) from a transverse direction. As the belt moves the product forward, offset water jets (56) cause some of the items not seated in a flight (20) to be rotated and captured in the flights. Further movement brings the product (12) to a zone where water jets (72) force all items to one side against a registration plate (76). Excess product and items not captured are forced off the surface of the belt by water jets (62) and are carried away to be fed again. A cutting blade (84) is set an appropriate distance from the registration plate (76) to trim product captured and registered. The products are then forced across the width of the belt by repositioning water jets 102 and stop against a second registration plate (104). A belt (82) covering the top of the belt flights (22) prevents items from escaping through the top of the conveyor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for separating products mounted on a common substrate, from each other, along (a) cutting line(s). The products each comprise one or more chips present on said substrate and connecting means connected thereto, the connecting ends remote from the chip of which are provided with solder balls bonded thereto. The products are clamped down on a supporting element by using a sub-atmospheric pressure, and the supporting element and a rotary cutting blade are moved relative to each other along the intended cutting line so as to cut through the substrate. A liquid is supplied at the location of said cutting line on either side of the substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting fabric includes at least one fabric wind-off device (1, 1′) for one fabric bolt (7), a conveyor belt (5) for conveying the unwound fabric, and a cutting device (3) which cuts a piece of fabric to a given shape from the length of fabric deposited on the conveyor belt (5). Said conveyor belt (5) extends without interruption from at least that point where the fabric is deposited by the wind-off device (1, 1′) to the working area of the said cutting device (3). The wind-off device (1, 1′) places the length of fabric directly onto the conveyor belt (5) or onto one of more lengths of fabric already deposited on the said conveyor belt. An apparatus control automatically feeds the unwound fabric to the cutting device and directs the cutting of the unwound fabric by the cutting device.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for manufacturing slot-shaped openings on hollow sections is disclosed in which the openings are produced by a piercing cutting operation by means of a blade-type cutting tool by the displacement of material in a cutout-free manner. During the slotting operation, the hollow sections are supported from the inside around the openings to be formed. In order to produce slot-shaped openings in a simple manner while maintaining the shape of the hollow section on arbitrarily constructed hollow sections in a reliable process free of positional tolerances, the hollow section is inserted in a recess of an internal high pressure forming tool. The hollow section is slotted by the interaction of the cutting action of a cutting tool integrated in the internal high pressure forming tool and an internal high pressure generated inside the hollow section.

Abstract: A liquid coater which includes a mist feed tube (5) for feeding oil mist into an airtight container (2), an air hose (10) for feeding air into the airtight container (2) and a mist conveyor pipe (11) for conveying the oil mist pressurized by air inside the airtight container (2) to the outside of the container. Therefore, droplets and large mist particles can be trapped inside the container from the mist feed tube (5), and the mist can be conveyed at a high speed. The liquid coater has excellent applicability. The mist feed tube (5) has a double tube structure comprising an air tube (7) in which air flows, and an oil tube (6) which extends in the air tube (7) and in which the oil flows. The distal end of the oil tube (6) is positioned more inward than the distal end of the air tube (7), so that the oil mist can be fed by a simple construction.

Abstract: Soft part cutting and mounting methods and soft part cutting and mounting apparatuses are capable of cutting and mounting without human intervention by using an automatic soft part apparatus. The apparatus which uses a sheet material continuously formed from a release sheet having at least a release layer on a surface and including continuously formed tack paper and a soft member having an adhesive layer temporarily adhered to the release layer to finally adhere to an article, and cuts the soft member with the adhesive layer into a predetermined shape. The sheet material is continuously intermittently fed by a sheet material convey unit so as to stop at a cutting position.

Abstract: A saw arrangement includes the combination of a circular saw blade and a lubricating guide support assembly. The circular saw blade includes a saw plate having openings formed therein and carbide insert teeth disposed circumferentially about the saw plate. The lubricating guide support assembly includes two guide supports each having a bearing surface disposed immediately adjacent opposite sides of the saw plate at a spacing to the cutting area for proper alignment of the saw blade during cutting. At least one of the guide supports includes a recessed area containing liquid exposed to the saw plate whereat a thin film of the liquid is applied to the saw plate as it passes by the recessed area during cutting. The openings are arranged on the saw plate to pass by the recessed area and are dimensioned to receive liquid therein for transport away from the recessed area.

Abstract: A method and apparatus by which selected pile across the face of a web of pile fabric such as carpet may be raised or lowered in accordance with a pattern as the fabric passes through shearing apparatus so that certain pile of the pile may be sheared more than other pile to provide a sculptured affect. Nozzles extend across the width of the fabric and apply jets of air from controllable valves to impinge on the pile in its path to compress or raise selected pile in accordance with a pattern controller which controls the valves. Locating the nozzles so that jets of air impinge on the pile upstream from the shearing apparatus in a direction downstream toward the shearing apparatus will raise the pile while locating the nozzles so that the jets of air impinge upon the pile prior to the shearing location in an upstream direction will compress the pile. The pile which is raised is cut further than pile which is not raised and cut even further than the pile that is compressed.

Abstract: The invention has utility generally for monitoring any part for severance of the part. The invention is specifically useful for monitoring severance of a tension blade in a tension blade grid. For general monitoring of a part, the apparatus has wireless connection between the sensing unit and the control unit. The wireless connection is achieved with a transmit/receive unit using radiofrequency power transfer for electrical power and using infrared transmitters and receivers for signal transfer. For food processing, specifically for a vegetable cutting method employing at least one tension blade in a first tension blade grid through which vegetables are passed for cutting the vegetables wherein the at least one tension blade is severed during the cutting, the invention provides for diverting the vegetables to a second tension blade grid.

Abstract: An automatically controlled cutting machine for working on limp sheet material utilizes positive air pressure and vacuum to hold the material in place during a work operation. The level of the pressure is set or regulated with a pressure sensor to develop an appropriate holddown force and to minimize the disturbance to the material surrounding the work operation. The distribution of the airflow onto the sheet material for generating the pressure is also concentrated around the point of the work operation by an aperture plate.

Abstract: Knives (28, 30, 122) are held in tangential, resilient (106, 108) or fixed (132, 136) contact with a surface of an air bar (12-20) or air table (142); so that a web (26) moving on a cushion of air (46) over the air bar or table is cleanly slit into webs (32, 34, 36) of smaller width.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for dimensioning and manipulating a patterned material by selectively applying a vacuum and/or positive pressure to the patterned material.

Abstract: A block of material used for making a movable core for a fuel injector is prepared from a bar or coil of material by clamp shearing using a working fluid containing an extreme-pressure additive (such as sulfur, chlorine or phosphorus). The additive reacts with the material to form a protective layer (of e.g. sulfide, chloride or phosphate) on the cut-off surface of the block. The block is cold forged so that its cut-off surface having the protective layer may form a wall defining a fuel passage. The layer prevents the material from being seized with any die or punch used for cold forging.

Abstract: A shaving unit includes a composite that has a surface for engaging the user's skin. The composite contains a water-insoluble polymer, a shaving aid in the form of a lubricant, and a water-swellable polymer which, upon contact with water, enhances the release of the lubricant from the composite onto the skin.

Abstract: A reciprocating cutting tool includes a shank for mounting in a pneumatic hammer, a blade holder assembly connected to the shank and a blade clamped in the blade holder assembly. The blade holder assembly includes a base member and a retainer member which are clamped together. A blade receiver is formed between the base and retainer members. The base member includes a recess and the retainer member includes a shoulder which is received in the base member recess for abutment by a fixed end of the blade.

Abstract: Potatoes are conveyed one at a time along a predetermined path ending at a cutter that cuts the potatoes into helical strips. A series of four rings surrounds the path. Each ring has a plurality of nozzles that produce jets of water intersecting at a point in the path. At the outlet of the series of four rings is an orienter through which the potatoes pass. The rings and the orienter align and guide the potatoes as they move along the path and through the cutter.

Abstract: Pressure sensing transducer 140 monitors pressure transients in the liquid in accelerator tube 110 of a hydraulic cutting system induced by food product impinging upon, being cut by, and passing through cutter blade assembly 80. The occurrence of above-normal pressure transients indicates the presence of a system blockage caused by failure of food product to pass cleanly through the cutter blade assembly, and is used as a control signal to activate stepping motor 170 to rotate cylinder assembly 12. Cylinder assembly 12 contains a plurality of barrel assemblies holding cutter blade assemblies 80 and is rotated to index clean barrel assemblies into the hydraulic cutter system pressurized fluid flow path, either upon the detection of a system blockage, or in a timed automatic replacement sequence.

Abstract: An air bearing assembly for supporting a running web in a paper slitting apparatus is particularly adapted for use in slitting a corrugated paperboard web and includes a flat web-supporting plate which is slotted to receive a thin annular slitting blade rotatably supported above the web. The flat supporting plate includes a series of apertures for directing a flow of compressed air upwardly through the plate to support the web on an air bearing or cushion as it travels over the plate and through the slitting blade. The air apertures are preferably concentrated along the edges of the slot. The slot is contoured to the shape of the cross sectional profile of the blade such that the slot tapers to an upstream point where the blade passes through the web and into the slot and where blade load on the web is greatest. Additional air bearing support may be provided at this point as well, and across the entire supporting surface of the plate.

Abstract: A thermally enhanced shaving device is provided including a hot air supply, a blade, a housing on which the blade is mounted, and an elongated handle to which the housing is attached. The housing has a continuous hot air passageway through it which has an exit and an entrance. The blade is mounted across the exit of the passageway, while the handle has an internal channel which is connected to the entrance of the hot air passageway. The hot air supply includes a heating filament and fan which can be positioned either within the channel or remote thereto. In any case, the hot air supply, the channel, and the air passageway are all in fluid communication with one another. The device is operated by blowing ambient air across the hot filament using the fan such that the channel directs the resulting hot air through the passageway, past the blade, and onto the surface to be shaven immediately ahead of the blade's shaving path.

Abstract: In a combination of a rotary printing press having a drive, and a device for cutting a web into sections, the device is disposed downline from the rotary printing press in travel direction of a web therethrough and includes a cutting station having a drive dependent upon the drive of the rotary printing press; a pre-folding station disposed upline of the cutting station and connected to the drive of the cutting station, the pre-folding station including, for the web, at least one register-adjusting roller, at least one pull roller and at least one funnel for folding the web, and the cutting station including a cut-register sensor; and a structure defining a horizontal travel plane for the folded web, the horizontal travel plane extending from the pre-folding station to at least a location upline and adjacent the cut-register sensor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for feeding oil to a turret punch press in which an upper tool is adapted to be repeatedly moved vertically relative to a lower tool formed at the upper end of a cylindrical die. Conventional hand lubrication or the like can be carried out in order to feed lubricating oil to the contact surfaces at which the upper tool and a supporting member therefor make sliding contact with one another. A material is positioned on the upper face of the cylindrical die so as to mask the cylindrical die. Atomized cutting oil is periodically fed to the inside space of the cylindrical die, and is prevented from escaping therefrom due to the presence of the material before punching of the material and due to the extension of the upper tool into the lower tool after punching of the material has been carried out.

Abstract: A method for forming microapertures in a thin sheet material where the area of each of the formed apertures generally ranges from about 10 square micrometers to 100,000 square micrometers. The method includes the steps of (1) placing the sheet material on a pattern anvil having a pattern of raised areas wherein the height of the raised areas is greater than the thickness of the sheet material; (2) conveying the sheet material, while placed on the pattern anvil, through an area where a fluid is applied to the sheet material; and (3) subjecting the sheet material to a sufficient amount of ultrasonic vibrations in the area where the fluid is applied to the sheet material to microaperture the sheet material in a pattern generally the same as the pattern of raised areas on the pattern anvil.

Abstract: A process is provided for producing pellets which comprises introducing strands between two upper and lower feed rolls using a belt conveyor slanted downwardly in the direction of travel with a press roll mounted thereon, then introducing the strands to a support having a fixed blade on the head thereof and cutting the strands with a rotary blade while spraying a liquid onto the strands from above the support, to thereby yield pellets having no obliquely cut surfaces and having a uniform cut length.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for cutting hose includes structure which allows a portion of the hose that is proximate the trailing side of a cutting blade to be angularly displaced during cutting while a portion of the hose proximate the leading side of the cutting blade is not angularly displaced. A method for cutting hose includes the step of angularly displacing a portion of the hose that is proximate the trailing side of a cutting blade during cutting while a portion of the hose proximate the leading side of the cutting blade is not angularly displaced.

Abstract: Provided is a process for producing pellets which comprises introducing strands between two upper and lower feed rolls using a belt conveyor slanted down forward with a press roll mounted thereon, then introducing the strands to a support having a fixed blade on the head thereof and cutting the strands with a rotary blade while spraying a liquid onto the strands from above the support.This process can give pellets having no obliquely cut surface and having a uniform cut length.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for cutting patterned sheets. The apparatus is made of a support surface formed on an upper side of a pedestal. Needle holders having removable needles therein are disposed above said support surface and held adjustably by a base member. The apparatus also includes a suction pipe disposed on one side edge of the support surface. The suction pipe is used with an envelope of air-impervious material and forms one edge of the envelope.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for supporting sheet material such as cloth during operations thereon such as cutting wherein a pattern is placed on a supporting surface provided with a plurality of pins extending through apertures in the surface, the pins are lowered below the surface for removal of the pattern whereupon sheet material is placed on the surface, typically a plurality of plies being layed up in a stack, and simultaneously the pins are moved through the sheet material to maintain alignment and matching of the plies in the stack. The pattern then is placed on the sheet material in a position determined by the location of the pins, and the material is shaped such as by cutting. A plurality of separate pin holding and supporting devices of narrow width are spaced lengthwise along the apparatus and independently movable lengthwise toward and away from each other. Pins of adjacent rows can be closely spaced together thereby achieving a grid pattern wherein the pins are relatively closely spaced.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for punching a hole in sheet material is provided using pressurized fluid as the female die together with a modified male punch. The slug of material to be sheared from the material is during and after shearing continuously held against the face of the punch by the difference in pressure between the fluid and the punch face. In addition the area adjacent the perimeter of the hole may be deformed and drawn away from the die block face as the punch advances through the material. As the punch is withdrawn, the slug remains held against the punch face. The mechanical force withdrawing the punch together with the fluid pressure bearing on the slug and deformed area forces the slug and deformed area of material toward the die block face, inelastically retracting the deformed area. The deformed area may be fully retracted to a substantially flat form or partially retracted to a countersunk form.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for cutting a cylindrical material formed of silicone or the like which is an original material to produce semiconductor devices, using a rotary blade. In the cutting method, the base end side of the cylindrical material is fixed and at the same time, before the cutting of the cylindrical material is started, the cutting side of the cylindrical material is also fixed according to the shape thereof. The cutting is performed while maintaining such fixed conditions until the cutting is completed.