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: An apparatus is provided for automatically cutting apart successive articles, such as terry towels, from a continuous length of material, in which such articles are separated therein by portions extending transversely across the material and of less thickness than the articles, so that each cut article has an equal amount of thinner portion remaining on each cut edge for subsequent hemming or the like. The apparatus includes devices for automatically aligning and positioning the thinner separating portion of the material relative to a cutting device so that the cutting device will cut the articles apart generally through the center of the thinner separating portion of the material.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing flat jumper cable assemblies in strip form from reel comprises slot-like guide having parallel first and second surfaces which receive strip therebetween; channels in first surface receive terminals crimped on cable to prevent lateral shifting so various widths of cable can be dispensed. Elongate apertures in second surface provide access for pawls which bear on terminals to urge cable forward as pawl carrier is advanced horizontally by handle; control is then transferred to a blade carrier which is moved vertically to draw twin blades across cable to sever intermediate portion of cable and isolate individual assembly from strip.

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: A tape applicator head for applying two different types of fiber impregnated tape in two opposing directions onto a working surface. The head includes a first dispensing apparatus for one of the tapes, and a second dispensing apparatus for the other of the tapes. The first dispensing apparatus compacts the tape dispensed by the second dispensing apparatus, when the second dispensing apparatus dispenses in one direction. When dispensing in the other direction, the second dispensing apparatus compacts the tape which it dispenses. The first dispensing apparatus compacts its tape in both directions.

Abstract: A method of hot-shearing an elongated metal bar into sections of given gauge length comprises longitudinally indexing the metal bar to position cross-sectional zones thereof where it is to be sheared successively at a plurality of heating stations at which the shear zones of the bar are progressively heated by resistance heating units to reduce the force required for subsequent shearing of the bar through the heated shear zones on ensuing index thereof to a shearing station.

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: A bundle of tubes filled with nuclear fuel is positioned in a machine with the lower end of the bundle adjacent a first rotary cutter which is operated to sever the lower ends of the tubes after which the bundle is moved to a position adjacent a second rotary cutter where the tubes are cut into short lengths by teeth carried by a second rotary cutter.

Abstract: A machine for working workpieces with a round outer contour by cutting has a coordinate table arranged to displace a workpiece in x-direction and y-direction and having a clamping guide extending in x-direction, a cutting device acting substantially in z-direction, and moving in a predetermined movement region, and clamping arrangement arranged to releasably hold the workpiece on the coordinate table and including a central clamping device arranged on the clamping guide, aligned with the axis of symmetry extending through the center axis of the workpiece, and having clamping elements mounted displaceable in the direction of the axis of symmetry, also including two lateral clamping devices displaceably arranged on the clamping guide, located at opposite sides of the central clamping device, and each having clamping elements which are mounted pivotally about at least one pivot axis extending substantially normal to the workpiece plane and parallel to the z-axis so that the clamping elements can move from a rele

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: 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 wire harness manufactured by a new method and a new apparatus is provided. A covered wire paid out from a selected one of reels is extended in a predetermined lay-out and fixed. The thus fixed wire is cut-off from the reel. Then, another wire is paid out from another reel for arranging it in a juxtaposing relation to the previously laid-out wire and cut off from the reel. After repeating the above steps, the arranged wires are tied up to form a wire harness. There is also provided a device which puts the above method into practice, thereby reducing complicated assorting work involved in the manufacture of a wire harness. A method and a device for automatically uncovering end portions of each wire of the wire harness and attaching terminals thereto are also provided to greatly increasing the productivity.

Abstract: A bi-directional tape applicator head for applying tape onto a working surface, in which tape can either be folded back on itself at the end of each tape laying pass, or may be cut and another length of tape applied in an opposite direction. The head includes a frame to which a swivel plate and a support member are movably connected. The swivel plate has affixed thereto two dispensing blocks and is shiftable between two positions to alternately engage the blocks with the tape while folding over tape extending between the blocks. The support member includes a feeder assembly and a shearing mechanism and is pivotable between two positions corresponding to the two swivel plate positions. The feeder assembly includes two feeder elements which are movable to engage or disengage tape extending therebetween.

Abstract: A trim press is provided with a remotely controlled adjustment by means of which the end limit of the feeding stroke of the feeding mechanism may be precisely adjusted relative to the die of the trim press while the machine is in operation. Oscillating and reciprocating members of the prior art trim presses are replaced by continuously rotating members to enable a higher rate of operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically severing individual towels from a length of material comprising a plurality of terry towels. The method includes the steps of measuring slightly less than the supposed length of a towel, then activating a sensor that detects the edge of a cutting space by the change in thickness of the material. The sensor causes feeding of the material to stop with a cut-line at a cutting blade. The first edge of the material is held while a second sensor located the same edge at the opposite side of the material, and the cutting blade is moved with the sensor. The material is stretched to straighten the cut-line, and the cutting blade is caused to cut the material. The apparatus includes feed rolls to move the material, and an encoder measures the length. A roller at one edge of the material detects the change in thickness at one edge, and similar rollers detect the change in thickness at the opposite edge.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for periodically feeding a rod-like workpiece into a severing machine for severing predetermined lengths in a cutting plane during cutting steps alternating with feeding steps. There are provided openable and closable clamping jaws for grasping the workpiece adjacent the cutting plane during each cutting step and openable and closable feed jaws for grasping the workpiece at a predetermined distance upstream of the cutting plane as viewed in the direction of feed and advancing the workpiece through the cutting plane by a distance corresponding to the desired length to be cut. The feed jaws are, subsequent to the feeding step and the closing of the clamping jaws, but prior to the completion of the cutting step, opened and moved away from the cutting plane by an extent that corresponds to the subsequent feed stroke and are thereafter closed again to grasp the workpiece anew.

Abstract: Apparatus for cutting web material transversely to form sections has an arrangement for advancing the material a section at a time across a linear cutting edge. A linear guide parallel with the edge carries a circular blade which overlaps the linear cutting edge said blade being reciprocably driven along a linear guide. Each forward, and each reverse, cutting-stroke of the circular blade cuts off the then advanced section. The advancing arrangement is timed to operate between the ends of the forward strokes and the beginnings of the reverse strokes of the circular blade and vice versa. A preliminary advancing arrangement is provided for advancing a measured amount of web material to form slack which is taken-up by advancement of the material across the linear cutting edge.

Abstract: In a cutting machine composed of a machine base carrying a workpiece table defining a workpiece support surface, a workpiece feed rollway presenting a workpiece carrying surface and disposed for feeding a workpiece onto the table, and a pair of clamping jaws mounted on the workpiece table for permitting passage therebetween of a workpiece fed by the feed rollway, at least one of the clamping jaws being movable relative to the other jaw in a direction transverse to the direction of feed effected by the feed rollway for clamping a workpiece on the table, there is further provided: a pivot bearing supporting the machine base for pivotal movement about a pivot axis which is substantially horizontal and parallel to the feed rollway feed direction; and a vertical displacement mechanism operatively associated with the machine base for pivoting the base between a workpiece feed position in which the workpiece support surface is below the workpiece carrying surface and a workpiece cutting position in which the workpie

Abstract: Apparatus for subdividing a web of wrapping material into sections of predetermined length has a reciprocable carriage for a pair of grippers which are pivotable into engagement with the web to thereby clamp the web against the carriage while the latter moves forwardly. This advances the web through a distance which approximates but is less than the distance necessary to advance the web by the length of a section. The grippers are thereupon disengaged from the web while the carriage continues to move forwardly, and the web is braked by one or more brushes so that two pawls whose pallets are biased against the web can catch up with a pair of marginal notches in the web. The pallets enter the respective marginal notches and complete the forward movement of the web. A mobile knife cooperates with a stationary knife to sever the web and to thus separate a section from the leader of the web while the carriage moves rearwardly.

Abstract: There is provided herein a method and associated apparatus for processing groups of elongated cylindrical members such as tubing or the like. The cylindrical members are arranged and transversely clamped in a substantially flat array by a reciprocating clamp which operates to advance the array of cylindrical members a predetermined distance toward operation performing apparatus whereupon a second clamp engages the members and maintains them in the generally flat array while an operation is performed upon each of the members. Additional apparatus is provided which receives the cylindrical members longitudinally from the operation performing means and delivers the array transversely to other apparatus. Hold down apparatus are also provided on this additional apparatus as well as on the operation performing device and reciprocating clamp device which are designed for rapid accurate adjustment to accommodate different diameter cylindrical members.

Abstract: A method is provided for fabricating a slide fastener chain having a certain length and reinforcement tapes at its ends from a manufactured, continuous length fastener chain which is provided with space sections each of which entirely consists of a reinforced tape. According to the method, the original length fastener chain is held first by a pair of pressers on a die at one side of the main crosswise cutting line, then by another pair of pressers at the other side to form a right position so that the reinforced space section is cut along the crosswise line and at the same time, the lengthwise lines by a cutter blade. This method is performed using an apparatus with a linkage motion of its individual parts whereby working efficiency is improved and a good cutting finish is obtained.

Abstract: A corrugated thin metal strip is advanced through a cut-off mechanism having a movable upper blade and a lower stationary blade. A curtain of air is directed downwardly against the tip of the corrugated strip to momentarily arrest its movement with a return bend between a pair of adjacent convolutions of the strip centered over the stationary blade. The upper blade descends and shears the strip transversely along a return bend.

Abstract: Apparatus for the high speed automatic cutting of measured lengths of a multiplicity of materials in which the material is guidingly fed from a supply source centrally of a feed path by a pair of adjustable feed rollers driven by a stepping motor that measures the length of material to be cut in terms of the cumulative steps of the stepping motor, and in which a reciprocable cutter knife is actuated in each cutting operation by a controlled single revolution of a connected drive shaft. A presser member supported for movement with the cutter knife engages the material in advance of the cutting blade and holds the material during cutting. The feed rollers are adjustable to a preset operative position and are spring urged to this position, but are arranged for independent manual movement to a wider separation of the rollers than in the preset position. The urging spring is also adjustable to vary its effective urging force.

Abstract: A method of advancing rod-shaped workpieces in a feed direction in a severing machine which includes a cutting blade defining a cutting plane, openable and closable clamping jaws and openable and closable feed jaws which are displaceable in the feed direction. The method comprises the following cyclically repetitive steps: displacing the feed jaws against the feed direction from the downstream side of the cutting plane through the cutting plane to the upstream side thereof; grasping a workpiece, situated between the clamping jaws, at a location between the cutting plane and the clamping jaws; opening the clamping jaws for allowing free passage of the workpiece; pulling the workpiece by the feed jaws in the feed direction relative to the clamping jaws through the cutting plane through a distance which corresponds to the workpiece length to be severed. Upon completion of the pulling step the feed jaws are located in their entirety downstream of the cutting plane.

Abstract: A shear machine for irradiated nuclear fuel elements has a replaceable shear assembly comprising a fuel element support block, a shear blade support and two clamp members which hold the fuel element to be sheared in contact with the support block. A first clamp member contacts the fuel element remote from the shear blade and a second clamp member contacts the fuel element adjacent the shear blade and is advanced towards the support block during shearing to compensate for any compression of the fuel element caused by the shear blade.

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: A process and an apparatus for manufacturing books, blocks or calendars by cutting large sheets having printed thereon different pages into smaller sheets which must be brought into an orderly succession before the pages or sheets are bound. The usual folding of the large sheets can be omitted, in that the sheets are fed individually and successively to a conveyor means and are conveyed towards a cutting means; the individual sheets are stacked in a partially overlapping manner. The cutting of the sheets is effected whenever predetermined widths of the individual sheets have been conveyed through the cutting means.

Abstract: Method of producing a group of wires, W.sub.1, W.sub.2, W.sub.3 . . . W.sub.n, which have predetermined lengths L.sub.1, L.sub.2, L.sub.3 . . . L.sub.n respectively comprises the steps of guiding the wires from substantially endless sources of wire and locating the leading ends of the wires on a feed roll in parallel side-by-side relationship with each wire disposed between the feed roll and a separate associated pressure roll. The pressure rolls are normally spaced from the feed roll so that they are in a non-feeding position but they can be selectively moved towards the feed roll into a feeding position. The feed roll is started during each of a plurality of wire feeding cycles and during each cycle, at least one of the wires is fed by selectively moving the associated feed roll to its feeding position.

Abstract: A transverse shear for severing successive sections of heavy metal plate from a length thereof comprises, in addition to the stationary lower blade, a holddown clamp upstream of the blade for pressing the length of plate thereagainst, a movable upper blade which tends to displace the plate to the side toward which the cut progresses, and lateral support elements along the longitudinal edge of the plate at this side, at least one pair of tongs which grip the downstream plate section to be severed along this edge and hold it in position against the tendency of the cut to form a wedge-shaped gap converging toward the aforementioned side. Preferably two such pairs of tongs are provided, both spaced from the cutting location and in spaced relationship to each other.

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: A band saw machine is provided with a cutting head that carries the endless saw blade. The cutting head can be swung from a vertical cutting plane into a horizontal cutting plane. Limits can be made in the feeding stroke of the cut and the return travel. A workpiece feeding and clamping vice is rotated about a horizontal axis. The combined positioning capability of the band saw blade and the workpiece vice allows difficult compound angular cuts to be made in the workpiece. The endless run of the blade is angled upwardly and outwardly away from the workpiece to provide additional clearance for cutting deep workpieces. Powered feed rolls advance the workpiece against a gauging stop to determine a predetermined length to be cut. The vice is then closed to hold the workpiece during cutting. Supplemental supports hold the rearward end of the workpiece during feeding and cutting. Blade guides are spaced for accomodating both small and large width blades.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed and claimed herein for cutting logs into predetermined lengths with primary use in a hardwood veneer plant. A log conveyor is provided, preferably in two sections, with a cutting station located therebetween. The cutting station is equipped with a pivotally operated chain saw or circular saw which cuts the logs as desired. A log clamp means is provided immediately adjacent the cutting station to engage the log on two sides, preferably top and bottom, with the diameter of the log being irrelevant within wide ranges. When a log is first clamped, the cutting saw passes to square off the forward end of same. Located downstream of the cutting station are a plurality of individually operated log stops that are located in the path of travel of the log moving along the conveyor. A particular stop, depending upon the length of log cut desired, is actuated to move into the path of log travel.

Abstract: A vending machine for vending goods or services of the type requiring the insertion of coins or tokens of a certain value in order to obtain the goods or services. A ticket dispensing apparatus is associated with the machine whereby a ticket will be dispensed by the machine in addition to the vending of the goods or services. The ticket will be redeemable by the user of the machine for something of value in addition to the goods or services received. Feeding means are employed for dispensing the tickets at a ticket delivery position, the feeding means being operable by the actuating means of the machine. These actuating means are operable only upon the insertion of coins or tokens of sufficient value and, therefore, the tickets are dispensed only upon insertion of sufficient coins or tokens.

Abstract: An advancing system for heat exchangers having a helically wound spine fin material on the outer wall of a base tube member. The advancing system includes a member movable between a resetting and advancing stroke. The member has a passageway that is adapted to receive the spine fin heat exchanger. The internal walls of the passageway being designed and dimensioned to cause the spine fin tubing to move during the advancing stroke while allowing the tube to remain stationary during the resetting stroke.

Abstract: The feeding mechanism serves to intermittently feed stock to a processing machine and comprises a rocker lever having at its outer end an arcuate surface shaped according to an arc of a circle, crank drive comprising a crank which is operatively connected to said rocker lever, said crank drive being operable to impart an oscillation to said rocker lever, a clamping roller adapted to cooperate with said arcuate surface and forming a feeding clamp therewith, a retaining clamp for holding said stock in position, and control means for cyclically opening and closing said feeding clamp and retaining clamp in alternation.

Abstract: A shearing apparatus in which heated metal is transported to a shearing position, clamped and sheared. After clamping, a force is applied along the longitudinal direction of the bars and, if movement is detected, the incorrectly dimensioned bar is discarded.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for cutting a bundle of tubes containing a nuclear fuel into pieces having a preset length so that the fuel can be dissolved in a suitable solution.The bundle of tubes is introduced into a guide tube in a shearing machine and is clamped by two side clamps within the tube so as to limit the width of the bundle to the diameter of one tube of the bundle. The side clamps subject the bundle to a sideways thrust so that the tubes in the bundle are maintained contiguous without any excessive curvature. The bundle of tubes is then submitted to a cutting operation at right angles to its major dimension and after the blade has been returned to its inoperative position a safety plate is positioned near the cut section at a distance slightly greater than the forward movement of the bundle between two successive cutting operations. The side clamps are then withdrawn by a limited amount so that the resilience of the tubes causes them to remain in contact with the clamps.

Abstract: A feed and clamping arrangement for a cutting machine such as a band saw, circular saw, frame saw or the like. The cutting machine includes a machine table for receiving the material to be cut with a first pair of clamping jaws arranged at a machine stand in front of the cutting plane in the feed direction of the material with a second pair of clamping jaws being arranged in front of the first pair of clamping jaws, as viewed in the feed direction. A rollway is provided for feeding the material to the cutting machine. The rollway includes a frame having several reversibly driven rollers extending transverse to the feed direction. The second pair of clamping jaws is guided for movement in a direction transverse to the feed direction at a forward end of the rollway frame with the frame being guided for movement to and fro in the feed direction together with the second pair of clamping jaws on either an extension of the stand of the cutting machine or on a separate machine stand.

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: An endless elastic band is severed from a tube of resilient material while the interior of the resultant band is being engaged by tensioning fingers which can be manipulated to deliver the band in at least partially expanded condition.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming serrated edges in wooden panels for interengagement with abutting panels in a wooden I-beam assembly comprises opposed sets of broaches operable for cutting a toothed serration pattern cleanly and accurately in opposed edges of a stack of up to 40 such panels simultaneously. The panels are loaded in infeed means of the apparatus which transports the stack into position for broaching. The stack of panels is aligned laterally by lateral stack alignment means upon placement of the panels in the infeed means. Longitudinal stack alignment means aligns the stack longitudinally when it is transported by the infeed means to a position for broaching. During broaching the stack is supported on opposed anvils in a manner for forming the serrations symmetrically with respect to each end of the stack, hold down means clamps the stack on the anvils, and actuation means drives the broaches downwardly.

Abstract: An automatic BX cable cutter including a cable guide and clamp, a circular saw carried by a floating pivoted carriage actuated between cutting and inactive positions by a cam, the machine being so electrically coordinated that, when the saw motor is started and the cable end is inserted into its guide to a pre-set stop point, the clamp screw moves to cable-holding position, and the feed motor permits the carriage and saw to be raised to cutting position; after the cut has been made, the saw is retracted, the clamp screw drive is reversed and the cable is released.

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: High speed wire feeding means comprises a wire feed roll and a pressure roll, the wire feed roll being driven by a printed circuit motor under the influence of control means which maintains a high and constant level of acceleration and deceleration at the beginning and end of the feeding cycle. One embodiment has a single driven feed roll and a plurality of side-by-side pressure rolls for feeding a plurality of wires. This apparatus is capable of producing a bundle of wires having varying lengths in a minimum amount of time.

Abstract: A carriage assembly for automatic face up one way spreading of multiple plys of fabric or any other web-like material of a predetermined length, which is automated to operate in a continuous manner in the absence of operator manipulation at the termination of each fabric spreading cycle. The device incorporates a fabric or web-cutting assembly normally enclosing a transversely traveling severing blade and means for automatically engaging the free end of the fabric after sequenced severing so as to maintain the fabric in a fixed relation relative to the assembly during return or non-spreading carriage motion thereby preventing disturbance or change of position of the free end of the fabric as caused by carriage motion airflow, so that upon automatic recommencement of spreading, the end of the fabric will be deposited at a predetermined position on the spreading surface which will be accurately repeated for each subsequent automatically deposited ply of fabric, thereby providing maximum fabric utilization.

Abstract: An apparatus or system for the aligning and severing of fabric webs which have a thickness differing in the longitudinal direction, for example a terry cloth fabric with napless lanes extending crosswise to the longitudinal direction and lanes which have a nap arranged in an alternate pattern comprises aligning means which cooperate with the boundary areas between adjacent lanes of the fabric web and which extend crosswise to the web pull off direction. A cutting device is arranged crosswise to the web pull off direction at a location after the aligning means and braking means in the form of individually adjustable brake elements which extend across the width of the fabric are arranged between the aligning means and the reel supply of the fabric material.

Abstract: Presented is a precision power saw assembly which includes a saw table manufactured to exceedingly close tolerances and on which a circular saw blade and its driving apparatus is suspended. The saw blade is mounted for horizontal translation from one end of the saw table to the other together with its driving motor. A stop plate adjustable to close tolerances is mounted on the top of the saw table and provides an abutment against which the edge of a workpiece may abut. Additionally, a multiplicity of fluid operated clamps are provided to clamp the workpiece in proper position and retain it in such position during the entire cutting operation.

Abstract: The device is particularly adapted to dispense portions of a chain having relatively diametrically enlarged segments therein, such as master links, which are disposed at substantially regularly spaced intervals along the length of the chain, although the intervals may not and in fact need not be uniformly spaced. According to the apparatus, the chain is supported so that it is movable relatively lengthwise thereof through the opening in a collar which is capable of being opened and closed about the chain, and the opening of which has a diameter of less than that of the relatively enlarged segments of the chain in the closed condition of the collar. When the collar is open, the chain is advanced lengthwise in the direction of the collar to the extent that a portion of the chain including one relatively enlarged segment therein, is fed through the opening in the collar and assumes a position on the opposite side thereof.

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: Punching apparatus particularly adapted for use in connection with flexible film materials including cooperatively arranged punch and die assemblies arranged in aligned relationship, and ram means for reciprocably driving or stroking the punch assembly in a reciprocatory path into engagement with the work film and die for performing cutting or perforating operations on the film. A film clamping shoe is provided on the punch and is disposed in opposed relationship to the die assembly, the shoe being arranged to clampably engage the work film disposed between the punch and the die upon advancing or stroking motion of the punch. An annular flange extends upwardly from the surface of the die and toward the punch and film clamping shoe means so as to provide for taut engagement and retension of the film by the film clamping shoe means.