Abstract: An apparatus and method for cutting continuous webs having varying thicknesses, widths, and compositions into sheets. The apparatus includes a pair of oppositely rotating web feed assemblies employing a unique floating nip and clamping mechanism which engages the web and advances it a specified length past a poised cutting blade assembly and onto a simultaneously driven exit assembly. After the desired length of web has been fed, the drive mechanisms stop, and the cutting blade assembly cycles to clamp the web on the upstream side and cut. During the cutting stroke the web is held taut on the downstream side by the web feed assemblies. Upon completion of the clamping and cutting stroke, the cutting blade assembly returns and stops at its poised position.

Abstract: Apparatus for cutting a continuous web into precise length sheets and precisely stacking the sheets, relative to each other, includes first and second moving endless belt tables for advancing the web, a sheet orientation table and a stacking table. A vacuum holds the web firmly, without tension, against the respective belts. A shearing device is disposed between the first and second endless belts. Web, detectors positioned along the line of travel of the web, detect printed or colored lines on the web to obtain accurately cut sheets. Individually driven and positioned sheet grippers grasp the cut sheet positioning each sheet under dual hole punching devices which punch precisely positioned holes in each sheet. A pair of aligning pins on a sheet stacking bed are used as guides for orienting the sheets in interleave configuration. Each sheet is secured to its adjacent sheet to maintain sheet orientation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for collection of fecal matter designed to operate efficiently in a zero gravity environment. The system comprises a waste collection area within a body having a seat opening. Low pressure within the waste collection area directs fecal matter away from the user's buttocks and prevents the escape of undesirable gases. The user actuates a piston covered with an absorbent pad that sweeps through the waste collection area to collect fecal matter, scrub the waste collector area, press the waste against an end of the waste collection area and retracts, leaving the used pad. Multiple pads are provided on the piston to accommodate multiple uses of the system. Also a valve allows air to be drawn through the body, which valve will not be plugged with fecal matter. A sheet feeder feeds fresh sheets of absorbent pad to a face of the piston with each actuation.

Abstract: A method of stacking a multiplicity of fabric strips attached with a slide fastener chain one upon another is disclosed, which comprises folding each of the strips in halves along the longitudinal axis of the fastener chain, clamping the fabric strip from both sides closely at its folded edge, cutting the trailing end of the fabric strip and depositing the thus cut fabric strip upon and in registry with a stack of previously accumulated fabric strips. An apparatus is also disclosed for carrying this method into practice, which essentially comprises a gate means having a guide slit through which a slide fastener chain is passed, a gripper means releasably gripping a leading end of the fastener chain, and a clamping means releasably clamping the fabric strip from both sides closely adjacent at the fastener chain.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for supplying precisely measured lengths of leader ribbon for use in the assembly of printer ribbon cartridges. The apparatus includes a supply of leader ribbon, an accumulator for retaining a length of the ribbon when it is drawn from the ribbon supply and a drive assembly for drawing a measured length into the accumulator. The drive assembly includes a fixed roller and a pivotable roller positioned on opposite sides of the ribbon path for engaging the ribbon therebetween. A stepping motor is provided for rotating the rollers a prescribed number of revolutions and thereby stuffing a measured length of the engaged ribbon into the accumulator. The apparatus also includes a cutter for severing the measured leader length from the supply ribbon.

Abstract: A method for cutting blanks from webs of material, in which the blanks which are longer than the cutting table are only partially cut out at a cutting station. Then, after advance of the following segment or partial segments of the web to the cutting station, the blanks are then separated completely from the web.

Abstract: A piece of towel material is separate from a long sized towel cloth by cutting off margin portions composed of only warp yarn spaced in a predetermined interval. A plurality of comb teeth are fixedly mounted on a comb tooth fixing shaft. Each comb tooth comprises a base portion and an operative portion formed in L-shaped. the operative portion has a width corresponding to a longitudinal width of the warp yarn of the towel cloth. The comb tooth fixing shaft is positioned under the towel cloth across the longitudinal direction of the towel cloth. The comb tooth fixing shaft is rotated to permit the operative portion of the comb tooth to engage the surface of the towel cloth.

Abstract: In a heavy-duty saw assembly having a base, a pair of columns, a feed carriage guidably mounted upon the columns supporting a power-driven saw, a hydraulic lift feed cylinder assembly within each column and connected to the carriage, an elongated saw train extending at right angles to the base, including a plurality of transverse rollers, a sprocket chain connected to the rollers for selective rotation in unison for intermittently feeding an elongated workpiece onto the base transversely of and under the saw, spaced normally open rear and front hydraulic vises adjustably mounted upon the base adapted to selectively grip the work, and a pair of spaced manually rotatable lead screws journaled upon the base connected to the vises respectively, the improvement of a hydraulic circuit therefor which comprises first and second hydraulic circuits, first and second power-operated hydraulic pumps for feeding pressurized liquids into the circuits and a four-way, three-position, spring centered, solenoid-activated saw ca

Abstract: A stock feed and cutter system for forging machines and the like in which stationary grippers and linearly movable grippers alternately grip rod or wire stock. The movable grippers reciprocate toward and away from the stationary grippers and operate to feed the stock without slippage a precise distance into a cutter. A stock gage is therefore not required and an optimum cutter structure can be provided even for very short workpieces. After each feed operation, the cutter shears a workpiece from the end of the stock, which is subsequently formed to a desired shape. A running adjustment is provided for the reciprocating grippers so that the machine operator can adjust the length of the workpiece produced while the machine is running. A short blank detector independently measures the length of stock being fed and is connected to cause rejection of such short blank. The grippers operate without slippage and, in cooperation with the cutter, produce very uniform workpieces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a band saw machine having the capability to produce finished piece parts by employing a rotatable collet and an index vise to rotate and longitudinally position the piece part, a band saw blade positioned in a blade twist assembly capable of making straight, angular, and arcuate cuts on the work piece, and a motor means to move the saw blade perpendicular to the work piece, all under the direction of a pre-programmed computer control.

Abstract: A device for aligning and cutting a web having a thickness which varies in the longitudinal direction, e.g. a terry cloth with piled portions alternating with pile-free portions. The device comprises a pair of rulers extending across the web and which rulers are adjustable with respect to each other so that either the web can pass freely therebetween or only pile-free portions thereof, seizing- and transferring structure arranged in front of the rulers as seen in the feeding direction of the web and arranged to bring along a piece of cloth from the web and transfer this to a conveyor device and a pulling device for pulling out a desired length of the piece of cloth.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shearing machine in which the upper shearing blade can be easily adjusted and positioned. The upper blade is held on a pivotal plate member which is pivotally held on a ram by means of a hinge means to be rotated to adjust of the position of the upper blades. In addition, a hold down member is provided for holding a work-sheet. The hold down member is arranged to be urged by a toggle joint to hold the work-sheet at a reduced speed with an increased force after coming into contact with the work-sheet. A scrap removal member is also included in the shearing machine such that scraps can be easily removed without mingling them with the finished sheets. The scrap removal member removes scrap without idle time between feeding the work-sheets to be sheared. The shearing machine is so arranged that scraps are taken away directly to a scrap box as soon as the work-sheet has been completely sheared into its finished product.

Abstract: Tube working apparatus is provided comprising a mandrel having a die thereon over which a tube to be worked can be positioned. The die is adapted to cooperate with a tool externally of the tube to work the tube. Feed means is provided for effecting relative movement between the mandrel and the tube whereby the tube is progressively withdrawn from the mandrel as working proceeds.

Abstract: A punching device for automatic punching machines for the punching of paper, cardboard and the like, comprising: a driving mechanism for a top shoe; such as a rocking lever drive, elliptical cam drive, or wedge-form transmission; a stationary bottom shoe supporting a counter-punch; a movable top shoe supporting punch knives; and a gripper bar arrangement for intermittent forwarding through the punching device of sheets to be punched wherein the drive mechanism for the top shoe is located between the top shoe and a yoke which is connected with the bottom shoe through prestressed tie rods.

Abstract: An apparatus for handling bar-like workpiece material in a sawing machine, in particular in the form of a miter-box saw, whichhas a clamping carriage that is disposed on the machine frame above the workpiece table and is movable horizontally and parallel to the feed direction of the workpiece material. On one workpiece side, the clamping carriage has two openable and closable bearing jaws, and facing them in the direction of the workpiece material it has three openable and closable clamping jaws disposed beside one another in the material feed direction. The openable and closing jaws are coordinated such that a stock material is held in place for sawing a measured piece and then the cut piece and stock material are moved together to a position for the nextcut length. The cut piece is then moved and released. The steps are repeated to cut the next and successive pieces.

Abstract: Two shearing blades disposed along two lines which intersect each other are carried on the bottom edges of two adjacent walls of a four-sided ram structure. The ram is supported at four points whereby to provide greater stability. The workpiece is carried on the aligned top surfaces of a fixed bed and a movable carriage. The movable carriages is movable in a first direction. Finger grippers, joined by a connecting bar, are movable in slots along the top surface of the movable carriage in a second direction. Thus, the workpiece is moved in the first direction by movement of the movable carriage and in the second direction by movement of the finger grippers. The workpiece may be precisely and accurately positioned under the shearing blades making use of sensors in each of the finger grippers and a lateral sensor at the end of the movable carriage.

Abstract: A horizontal bandsaw has a main vise positioned slightly to the rear of the cutting location for gripping the workpiece during cutting, a material feed vise positioned to the rear of the main vise for feeding material into the cutting location, and a front vise positioned to the front of the cutting location. The front vise can move to a position to the rear of the cutting location to retrieve a small remnant of uncut material. The three vises each have a movable and a fixed jaw. A lower limit guide is provided on the main vise movable jaw which adjusts the descent of the cutting tool to the width of the workpiece. The fixed jaws are provided with means located within the operating area of the jaws for a slight advance or retraction of the contact face, to firmly grip the workpiece or to retract the contact face so as to prevent frictional contact with the workpiece. The movable jaws have a hydraulic cylinder built into a sliding tube for providing reciprocating motion.

Abstract: An apparatus for stacking and delivering double bags of plastic film receives the bags from a transfer device at a stacking station which includes vertical pins on which the bags are impaled to form a stack. A stack conveyor with built-in grippers moves a completed stack to a severing station where a heated knife separates the double bags lengthwise of their travel while they are still in the grip of the grippers. The severed bags are then transferred to a delivery station where the grippers are released. The conveyor has separate side-by-side runs and separate gripper jaws are carried on each run. The stacking pins and the severing knife are located between the conveyor runs.

Abstract: A device for shifting packs (P) of panels along the workpiece support table (L) of a sawing machine. The top surface of a stack of panels (P') comprises a pair of levers (1, 2) hingedly mounted on a motorized carriage (C). The first lower lever (1) frontally contacts the side of the pack (P) by its forward end defining a vertical pushing front (13) and has a lower jaw (17) acting on the underside of the edge of the pack (P), while a second, upper lever (2) forms, with its forward end (20, 21), the upper jaw acting on the top side of the edge of the pack (P). The second lever is actuated for gripping the edge of the pack between the two jaws (17, 20, 21).

Abstract: An apparatus for feeding bar-like workpiece material in a severing machine is disclosed, which has an openable and closable pair of chuck jaws disposed nondisplaceably in the feed direction of the material before the cutting plane and an openable and closable pair of feed jaws disposed behind the cutting plane and displaceable in the material feed direction. In crossing the cutting plane, this pair of feed jaws can grasp the unworked material anew and, with the chuck jaws open, advance it. A pair of removal jaws is provided, disposed behind the cutting plane and displaceable in the material feed direction, with which the material to be severed can be grasped before the end of the severing cut and removed in the material feed direction after the end of the severing cut. It is also provided that the feed jaws are movable out of the displacement path of the removal jaws that extends in the material feed direction.

Abstract: A device for advancing rod-shaped material in a cutting machine, in which ring the cutting operation the material is held by at least one pair of clamping jaws that are arranged in front of the cutting plane in the material advance direction and by a pair of advancing jaws which are arranged after the cutting plane and can be displaced in the material advance direction, of which at least one advancing jaw can be moved transversely to the material advance direction for the purpose of clamping the material and by means of which the workpiece material can be displaced by an amount corresponding to the portion to be cut off and by means of which the severed material can be removed. The arrangement is such that the transversely movable advancing jaw can be displaced beyond the other advancing jaw and that the other advancing jaw can be moved out the corresponding lateral displacement path of the severed material for disposal of the cut piece of material.

Abstract: A punching device for automatic punching machines for the punching of paper, cardboard and the like, comprising: a driving mechanism for a top shoe; such as a rocking lever drive, elliptical cam drive, or wedge-form transmission; a stationary bottom shoe supporting a counter-punch; a movable top shoe supporting punch knives; and a gripper bar arrangement for intermittent forwarding through the punching device of sheets to be punched wherein the drive mechanism for the top shoe is located between the top shoe and a yoke which is connected with the bottom shoe through prestressed tie rods.

Abstract: Clamps mounted on a reciprocal frame grip a web of connected molded fibrous articles and move toward a cutter a distance equal to one article length, thereby presenting to the cutter the connecting portion between adjacent articles and also pulling the next portion of uncured fibrous material into the mold press for shaping and curing. After the cutting operation the clamps open and move toward the mold into position to again grip and feed the web toward the cutter. Connected rows of webs can also be handled by slitting the rows as they move toward the cutter. The articles, which can be quite deep compared to the thickness of the connecting portions between articles, are supported during travel and while stationary by support plates separate from the reciprocal frame. The various components which contact or cause movement or cycling of the apparatus can be adjusted to permit handling of articles and webs of different dimensions.

Abstract: A device to feed bars located upstream of a machine to shear bars to size from a bundle to be sheared, the single bars being withdrawn from a selected bundle of bars, a bundle of aligned and butted bars for shearing being delivered to such shearing machine by at least one support frame holding a bundle of bars to be sheared. A movable carrier advances the support frame. An assemblage to align and abut the bundle of bars prepares the bars for shearing. The assemblage to align and abut the bundle of bars including a movable gripper into which the bundle of bars are introduced and a movable abutment plate for contacting and aligning the bundle of bars.

Abstract: A cutting machine is provided in which the front and rear vises which deliver the material to be cut to the blade are mounted together on the same elongated guide members so as to insure a perfectly even cut across the material. Additionally, there is provided a pan for collecting the cutting chips and cutting oil from the work area as well as a filter for separating the cutting chips from the cutting oil.

Abstract: A gripper mechanism having at least two vacuum grippers which are horizontally displaceable and fixable along a cross strut of the gripper mechanism. The gripper mechanism is vertically movable up and down and includes a blow pipe which extends over the width of the cross strut and from which an air stream is expelled. The air stream presses the photoresist-free reverse side of the photoresist film to be held and transported against the vacuum grippers. As soon as the vacuum grippers are subjected to a vacuum, the photoresist film is held and transported downwardly. On the upper side of the blow pipe are arranged stop screws which come into contact upon elevation of the gripper mechanism with the underside of vertically displaceable fastening elements, to which a cutting bar with a cutting groove is fastened. Upon elevation of the gripper mechanism, the cutting bar is taken up with it, the photoresist film being raised by the taper of the cutting bar from the suction plate which is under a vacuum.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus (10) having blades (42) disposed on a plate (32). A lever arm (50) moves the blades (42) up and down, simultaneously with a ratchet (72). On its upward stroke, the ratchet (72) rotates a chain (76). The rotation of the chain (76) moves a conveyor (97) holding the pipe (55) or other material to be cut into a position for the next cut.

Abstract: A method and a device for placing edge protecting means (7) at objects in connection with band strapping. The inventive method is distinguished in that blanks for edge protecting means (7) are fed as a continuous band (7a) which when advanced is preliminary bent around a longitudinal line, that the fed-out portion of the band (7a) is cut to form an edge protecting means (7) in correct position, and that the edge protecting means (7) is finally bent in connection with cutting.

Abstract: The instant invention is particularly directed to a method and apparatus for automated handling of panels comprising a plurality of interconnected substrates in order to control and separate the circuit boards in a continuous processing line. One embodiment incorporates two shearing stations and a rotary transfer device therebetween in order to transfer a panel portion from the first station to the second station while controlling and rotating the panel for subsequent feed to the second station such that the panel portion is cut on a line of the substrate which is perpendicular to the original line of cut of the substrate. Throughout the handling of the panels and panel portions, sensing, gripping, and indexed feeding of the panels and panel portions are under the control of a programmable computer.

Abstract: A pair of wire feed clamps are affixed to parallel flights of a pulley-supported steel cable which is axially driven back and forth by an oscillatably rotatable cable drum whereby the wire feed clamps, which reciprocably move in opposite directions, feed a wire strand along a first path. The cable drum is driven by a drive rod reciprocably movable by an orbiting crank pin on a support member which is adjustably mounted on a motor-driven rotatable feed crank. Crank pin orbit determines drive rod stroke, cable drum position, wire feed clamp spacing and travel, and wire segment length. A locking mechanism releasably locks the support member (crank pin) in desired adjusted positions. Two laterally spaced-apart conveyor assemblies, each having conveyor clamps for receiving the wire strand, convey severed wire segments along a second path perpendicular to the first.

Abstract: A machine for slicing slabs of cheese, sausage or the like comprises a feeding mechanism which supports the slab, feeds it intermittently at an inclination to the horizontal and includes a slab-supporting conveyor belt and gripping claws for holding the back of the slab. The conveyor belt runs over freely rotatable direction-changing rollers and on both sides of the conveyor belt parallel to the upper run thereof and displaceable above same the gripping claws are secured on parallel shafts which are provided with pivoting drives and are mounted in support members to be projectable above the upper run and retractable therefrom. The support members are provided with drives for stepwise advance with fast forward and reverse gears. A mechanism for catching the slices is disposed below the front end of the conveyor belt.

Abstract: Apparatus which repeatedly severs wire segments from a wire strand and conveys them for further processing comprises a pair of wire feed clamps which are reciprocably movable in opposite directions to feed the wire strand along a first path. The wire feed clamps are affixed to parallel flights of a pulley-supported steel cable which is axially driven back and forth by an oscillatably rotatable cable drum. The cable drum is oscillatably driven by a rack-and-pinion mechanism which includes a drive rod or rack bar reciprocably movable by an orbiting crank pin on a support member which is adjustably mounted on a motor-driven rotatable feed crank. A locking mechanism releasably locks the support member and its crank pin in selected positions relative to the feed crank. The crank pin orbit determines drive rod stroke, cable drum position and wire feed clamp spacing and travel.

Abstract: A linkage for controlling the removal of a workpiece from a press by controlling the timing between the workpiece support apparatus and the ram as it is raised and lowered. The linkage is connected to the ram in such a manner that the supporting apparatus has an adjustable dwell which can be adjusted by adjusting the length of both the linkage as well as a rod connected between the ram and the linkage.

Abstract: The instant invention is particularly directed to a method and apparatus for automated handling of panels comprising a plurality of interconnected substrates in order to control and separate the circuit boards in a continuous processing line. One embodiment incorporates two shearing stations and a rotary transfer device therebetween in order to transfer a panel portion from the first station to the second station while controlling and rotating the panel for subsequent feed to the second station such that the panel portion is cut on a line of the substrate which is perpendicular to the original line of cut of the substrate. Throughout the handling of the panels and panel portions, sensing, gripping, and indexed feeding of the panels and panel portions are under the control of a programmable computer.

Abstract: A fastener chain to which a method of the invention is applicable includes space portions where no element is present which are provided at regular intervals along continuous interlocking element trains, and sliders each of which has a pull and is inserted in each length of the element trains lying between two adjacent space portions. The fastener chain is fed in the horizontal direction in the state wherein the bottom stop of each slide fastener section is disposed forwardly of the upper stop of the same fastener section in terms of the feeding direction, and is cut into individual slide fasteners at each of the space portions.

Abstract: In a method of cutting a continuous slide fastener chain into individual slide fastener lengths, the fastener chain is tensioned between its leading end and a succeeding element-free portion as they are gripped by downstream and at upstream grippers, respectively, at a specified point and a cutting station spaced upstream therefrom along a horizontal straight path by a varying distance corresponding to the length of a prospective individual slide fastener. Then the tension of the individual slide fastener length of the chain is relaxed by slightly moving the downstream gripper from the specified point toward the upstream gripper which is kept stationary at the cutting station, whereupon the fastener chain is cut transversely across the succeeding one element-free portion.

Abstract: A cable severing station for severing a flat cable at a position adjacent to electrical connectors to which the cable has been terminated, comprises a cable gripping unit having cable grippers which can be moved between an open position to allow the cable with the connectors thereon to be fed therethrough and a closed cable gripping position; and a cutting second unit for gripping the cable and the connectors and for severing the cable at positions close to the connectors. The cable is first fed through the grippers of the cable gripping unit when these are in an open position, and the cable cutting unit is then moved into the cable gripping unit to carry out the cable severing operations.

Abstract: Device designed to move a section (2) being machined past machining means (9, 10) and in the long direction of the section so that it can be positioned with respect to the machining means, comprising at least one clamp (20) designed to grip the said section at at least one position along its length, means (27) for actuating the said clamp (20) so that it grips or releases the said section, and translation means (12, 13, 18) for moving the said clamp (20) in the lengthwise direction of the section in order to move this section past the said machining means (9, 10).

Abstract: A feed system for a punch press includes a first clamping and advancing mechanism for gripping feed stock and moving it toward the press, and a second clamping and advancing mechanism for gripping the stock and conveying the stock away from the press. A controller causes the first clamping and advancing mechanism to be operated until a predetermined number of punching operations have been performed upon the stock while the second clamping and advancing mechanism remains inoperative. After the predetermined number has been attained, the second clamping and advancing mechanism is activated and punch operations continue until a second predetermined count has been attained. Thereafter, the stock is conveyed away from the press. The invention permits stock to be conveyed through the press very rapidly, and it prevents damage to the press by accurately determining the position of the stock relative to the press.

Abstract: A punch press which has an X-Y guidance system for moving the workpiece relative to the workstation also includes means for rotating the workpiece on the worktable upon release of the workpiece from the X-Y guidance system. In this fashion, the workpiece may be rotated into a reoriented position and then reclamped in that position within the X-Y guidance system. This press includes a tool mounting means on the head of the press and means for effecting reciprocal motion of the tool mounting means along a vertical axis and rotation of the tool mounting means about that axis. Generally, the press will also include a die assembly in the base which includes at least a portion which is rotatable about the same vertical axis so that the workpiece when gripped therebetween may be freely rotated in a fixed clamped position to effect the desired reorientation.

Abstract: A high speed wire handling and cutting apparatus having particular application for efficiently providing a continuous supply of uniform dimension wire leads which are to be electrically connected (e.g. welded) to an electronic component, or the like, so that such component can be connected into an electrical circuit. The apparatus includes a wire feeding crank and an associated cross head assembly, a wire receiving crank and an associated cross head assembly, and a wire cutter disposed therebetween. The wire feeding crank and its associated cross head assembly continuously feed an accurately metered length of wire from a wire supply to the cutter, so that wire sections of precise and uniform dimension can be cut therefrom. The wire receiving crank and its associated cross head assembly embrace the sections of wire that are cut from the supply and transfer the sections from the cutter to a suitable storage facility or to the next stage in an electronic component packaging and/or manufacturing assembly line.

Abstract: A machine for slicing slabs of cheese, sausage or the like comprises a feeding mechanism which supports the slab, feeds it intermittently at an inclination to the horizontal and includes a slab-supporting conveyor belt and gripping claws for holding the back of the slab. The conveyor belt runs over freely rotatable direction-changing rollers and on both sides of the conveyor belt parallel to the upper run thereof and displaceable above same the gripping claws are secured on parallel shafts which are provided with pivoting drives and are mounted in support members to be projectable above the upper run and retractable therefrom. The support members are provided with drives for stepwise advance with fast forward and reverse gears. A mechanism for catching the slices is disposed below the front end of the conveyor belt.

Abstract: Apparatus for longitudinally and transversely trimming articles moldingly formed on plastic sheet which is brought by means of a pair of clamp chains between longitudinally movable pointed tip knives and longitudinally extended holder members as well as transversely movable pointed tip knives and transversely extended holder members respectively held in retracted position and then trimmed by moving said knives and holder members to forwarded position and by moving said knives. Trimmed articles fall down by gravity and the waste portion is kept in one piece and brought out by said clamp chains to be collected.

Abstract: An elastic band cutting apparatus is disclosed which includes a movable blade mounted proximate an elastic band stock holding structure for displacement to effect cutting of the tubular stock. The apparatus also includes a movable anvil which cooperates with the blade to engage the cut elastic bands so as to grip the same between the blade and anvil. After cutting is completed, one of the anvil and blade are displaced with respect to the blade so as to break any bonds which have formed during the shearing process. The apparatus further includes stock feeding assembly which will advance the stock to the cutter and eject previously cut and separated bands onto band manipulating apparatus. A method for cutting and separating elastic bands also is disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for feeding elongated products, especially food products having generally square cross-sections. Included is a transporting assembly that has a surface for receiving the products and moving them in a direction generally transverse to their longitudinal axes. An escapement assembly is provided near the downstream end of the transporting assembly in order to move the products one at a time to a product feed assembly. Typically, the product feed assembly pushes the product to a slicing device to thereby provide stacks of sliced product.

Abstract: A layup of sheet material clamped to a conveyor by a conveyor loading apparatus is pulled by and onto the conveyor from an adjacent supply table. The loading apparatus includes a clamping carriage assembly straddling the conveyor and supported for free rolling movement relative to the conveyor. Fluid motors mounted on the clamping carriage move a clamping bar from a released position into clamping engagement with the layup to clamp it between the conveyor surface and the clamping bar and couple the clamping carriage to the conveyor to move with the conveyor. A flexible hose wound on a pay-off reel mounted on the clamping carriage and spring biased toward wound position supplies pressure fluid to the fluid motors and biases the clamping carriage toward a retracted position near the supply table end of the conveyor when the clamping bar is in its released position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cutting metal rods into shorter lengths comprising a movable cutting line (A) which is made up of a portal bench (1) which can slide transversely on rails (B) to align itself with a stored bundle of rods, the bench (1) having a first extraction device (2) for the partial extraction of a bundle of rods (b) from the store, arranged so as to transfer onto the feed and cutting line (X--X) a sub-bundle of rods (b') to a second extraction device (3) for subsequent extraction consisting of gripper-pincers (3.1) which can be moved alternately backwards and forwards along the line (X--X), placed upstream of shears (4), which operate in conjunction with a similar device (5) for subsequent extraction and feed placed downstream of the shears.

Abstract: A punch press (20) having a worktable (40) for supporting a worksheet (21), a two axis positioning mechanism for positioning the worksheet under a punching head (34) and universal grippers (44, 46) supported on the worksheet positioning mechanism which can grip either the end or sides of a worksheet (21). The two axis positioning mechanism is formed from a carriage (42) which is movable along the worktable (40) and a cross slide (41) which is mounted from and movable across the carriage (42) to provide the two axis sheet positioning. The grippers (44, 46) are mounted from a T-slot (130) formed in the cross slide (41) and can be moved to different positions to accommodate various sheet sizes. Aligning pins (140, 142, 143, 144) which can be used for aligning worksheets are provided. Aligning pins (140, 142, 143, 144) during operation are retracted beneath the worktable (40).

Abstract: Automatic shearing apparatus is provided which includes a shear provided with a shearing blade, a feeding unit for feeding sheet metal to the shear, and at least one movable carrier arranged downstream of the shearing blade. The movable carrier is controlled to receive and store the sheared pieces and then to return them to the feeding unit or, selectively, to cause the sheared pieces to reach a controlling device for sending to a piece discharge area. The feeding unit can be a manipulator, with rectilinear motion perpendicular to the shearing blade, and a rotator, both located upstream of the shearing blade. The manipulator and rotator function to receive, rotate and feed the metal sheets to be sheared, as well as to receive, rotate and refeed to the shear the sheared pieces returned by the movable carrier.

Abstract: A punching device for automatic punching machines for the punching of paper, cardboard and the like, comprising: impulsion means for a top shoe; such as an eccentric cam drive; a stationary bottom shoe supporting a counterpunch; a movable top shoe supporting punch knives; and a gripper bar arrangement for intermittent forwarding through the punching device of sheets to be punched wherein the impulsion means for the top shoe is located between the top shoe and a yoke which is connected with the bottom shoe through prestressed tie rods.