Abstract: A cutting head of a waterjet cutting system is provided having an environment control device and a measurement device. The environment control device is positioned to act on a surface of a workpiece at least during a measurement operation to establish a measurement area on the surface of the workpiece substantially unobstructed by fluid. The measurement device is positioned to selectively obtain information from within the measurement area indicative of a position of the cutting head relative to the workpiece. A control system is further provided and operable to position the cutting head relative to the workpiece at a standoff distance based at least in part on the information indicative of the position of the cutting head relative to the workpiece obtained by the measurement device. A method of operating a waterjet cutting system is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dispenser for dispensing pre-cut sheets from a roll or a web material to a user in need of the web material. The dispenser contains a product identification sensor in communication with a control circuit. This product identification sensor detects and identifies information about the roll of the web material placed in the holder and relays this information to the control circuit. The control circuit adjusts dispensing parameters for the actuator roller in dispensing a sheet of the web material from the dispenser.

Abstract: A tablet splitting apparatus can automatically determine the depth of a tablet falling passage even if the thickness of a tablet passing therethrough is not preliminarily measured.

Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus includes a first detector configured to detect a leading edge of a sheet conveyed in a conveying direction, a second detector provided on a downstream side of the first detector in the sheet conveying direction to detect the leading edge of the sheet conveyed, a punching portion, in the downstream side of the first detector in the sheet conveying direction, to move in a sheet width direction crossing the sheet conveying direction and perform a punching process for the sheet, an edge detector configured to move in the width direction together with the punching portion and detect the edge of the sheet conveyed in the width direction, and a controller, on the basis of at least either of information of a conveying speed of the sheet and a sheet length in the conveying direction, when the edge detector starts movement in the width direction after the first or second detector detects the leading edge of the sheet, to judge whether the edge detector can detect the edge of the sheet or no

Abstract: In a state that a reference plane of a cutter holder, to which a cutter blade is attached, is brought into contact with a surface of a base of a supporting adhesive tape, the cutter blade cuts the supporting adhesive tape while the reference plane of the cutter holder follows the surface of the base. Herein, a cutting edge of the cutter blade passes by a joining interface between the supporting adhesive tape and a ring frame without penetrating through an adhesive layer of the supporting adhesive tape.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for automatically trimming a plurality of printed products in a trimming apparatus having at least one trimming station including at least one blade positioned on a moveable yoke. The plurality of printed products are supplied successively through a feeding conveyor to the trimming station. Each of the plurality of printed products is transported within the trimming station via a trimming transport device to a predetermined position for trimming. The phase position of the feeding conveyor is adjusted relative to the moveable yoke for each of the plurality of printed products according to the format width of the printed product extending in a conveying direction.

Abstract: A feed mechanism sheet material sequentially on demand to a take-up mechanism of processing machinery. The feed mechanism has a feed table with a gate. Sheets may be stacked against the gate, which allows only the lowermost sheet to pass therebeneath. Rollers within the surface of the rotatably driven to advance the lowermost sheet beneath the gate to the take-up mechanism. A restraining device prevents freewheeling over run of the rollers. The sheets may be longer in length than the circumference of a tool-carrying roll set used to process the sheet. The difference is accommodated by transferring sheet feed through the nip between the tool set and a separate servo-controlled drive upstream of the nip.

Abstract: A peeler block is formed previously on its opposite end faces with markings the centers of which define an optimum axis about which the block should be rotated for achieving maximum yield in peeling veneer from the block in a rotary veneer lathe. An apparatus is disclosed herein which is designed to detecting such markings at two different detecting stations and finally positioning the block such that its optimum axis is set parallel to the axes of spindles of a rotary veneer lathe is disclosed. At the first station, the markings are detected by a first pair of image sensors such as CCD cameras having lenses with a short focal length hence wide-angle viewing capability.

Abstract: A system configured for forming precision cuts in an elongate object comprising a base member and a movable member carried by the base member and movable toward and away from the elongate member, and a cutting blade carried by the movable member; and a clamping device coupled to the base member, and configured to engage the elongate object while the cutting blade makes an incision therein; and a contact detection system configured for detecting contact between the cutting blade and the elongate object.

Abstract: A method of predicting warp of lumber that might be sawn from any given log is disclosed. The method involves measurement of stress wave velocity in the tree stem. A scan is then made to define the exterior geometric configuration of the log. In particular, measurements relating to lack of longitudinal axis linearity (sweep) or irregularity of cross sections of the log are important. Stress wave values and selected geometric parameters are entered into a multivariate regression equation to predict warp propensity of lumber that might be sawn from the log. The equations are originally derived by examination of a representative population of logs of the particular species and locale and measurement of warp in lumber sawn from the logs. Logs determined to produce warp prone lumber can be isolated and used to produce other products such as timbers or plywood where warp is not as critical.

Abstract: A micro-machining system configured for cutting an elongate object, including a clamp configured to enable repeatedly releasing and then holding the elongate object in a position suitable for cutting the elongate object transversely relative to its lengthwise axis, and a manipulating means, which can include a pinch roller feed configured to advance the elongate element and to rotate it about a lengthwise axis of the elongate object, thereby moving the elongate object so that it can be disposed in the position suitable for cutting, and a cutter configured for forming the at least one precision cut in the elongate object to a desired depth, under the control of a controller.

Abstract: A method for determining crook potential of wood is described. One embodiment comprises nondestructively obtaining lengthwise shrinkage rates (from a third party or by direct measurement) of wood and then determining crook potential of the wood based on the lengthwise shrinkage rates. Where the wood comprises lumber, lengthwise shrinkage rate measurements typically are made on at least one major planar surface of the lumber. The method typically comprises determining lengthwise shrinkage rates two or more measuring points separated by a predetermined distance, such as at substantially one-foot intervals along the lumber. Particular embodiments of the present invention determine lengthwise shrinkage rates using infrared radiation, microwave radiation, electricity, ultrasound energy, and combinations thereof Working embodiments of the method use ultrasound energy to determine lengthwise shrinkage rates.

Abstract: A method for determining warp potential of wood. One embodiment comprises nondestructively obtaining lengthwise shrinkage rates and grain angles of wood—such as trees, logs, or lumber—then determining warp potential of the wood based on the lengthwise shrinkage rates and grain angles. The method typically comprises measuring plural lengthwise shrinkage rates and plural grain angles to determine warp potential. Where the wood comprises lumber, lengthwise shrinkage rate and grain angle measurements typically are made on at least one major planar surface of the lumber at at least two measuring points separated by a predetermined distance, such as at substantially one-foot intervals along the lumber. Particular embodiments of the present invention determine lengthwise shrinkage rates using electromagnetic energy, acoustic energy, and combinations thereof. Working embodiments of the method use ultrasound energy to determine lengthwise shrinkage rates and grain angles.

Abstract: A method for determining twist potential of wood is described. One embodiment of the method comprises nondestructively obtaining a grain angle of wood, such as trees or lumber, and then determining twist potential of the wood based on the grain angle. Where the wood comprises lumber, grain angle determinations typically are made on at least one major surface of the lumber. The method typically comprises determining grain angle at at least two measuring locations separated by a predetermined distance, such as at substantially one-foot intervals along the board. The method also can further comprise obtaining at least one fiber dive angle. Particular embodiments of the present invention determine grain angle using infrared radiation, microwave radiation, light energy (such as by using a laser), electricity, ultrasound energy, and combinations thereof. Working embodiments of the method used light energy and ultrasound energy to determine grain angle.

Abstract: A system or method for electronically simulating fabrics to assist in grading yarn and fabric qualities, in which the diameter or other qualities of one or more yarn samples along the total length of the samples is measured, and representations of the measured yarn qualities are evaluated in a fabric pattern to assist evaluation of the effects of the yarn quality variations on fabric which potentially would be produced from the sampled yarn.

Abstract: A data-driven electrochemical grinding apparatus and method produces series of finished-cut, burr-free tube sections of precisely defined lengths. The data-driven process automatically inputs desired tube lengths, tracks the cut tube sections during the process, and produces recorded output of tube and process parameters. Such tube sections are particularly suitable for use in ultrahigh purity gas cabinets used in semiconductor manufacturing equipment.

Abstract: An infeed system for a gang saw includes at least one loading station laterally displaced from the infeed station of the gang saw, a pivotable skewing tube arrangement operable at the loading station for orienting a two-sided cant to a given orientation relative to a line parallel with the longitudinal horizontal infeed line of the gang saw, thereby to obtain maximum yield from the cant, a lateral transport device operable to transport the skewing tube and the cant from the loading station to a position adjacent the infeed line while maintaining the cant in the desired orientation, and a longitudinal transport device for transporting the properly orientated cant to the gang saw. Preferably, a second loading station is laterally spaced on the opposite side of the infeed line from the first loading station, whereby cants may be selectively supplied to the in-feed station from the large-log and small-log sides of the mill, thus producing maximum production from a single gang saw means.

Abstract: The load applied to a scoring wheel to the combined load of a first predetermined constant load and a second variable load. The second load is varied in response to changes in the scoring speed to provide a uniform scoring depth.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for producing and dispensing place mats from a roll of sheet material including curved guide member cooperating with said apparatus to receive said place mats and to curl upwardly the side edge portions thereof permitting said place mat to extend outwardly from said apparatus in cantilever fashion to facilitate handling of said place mat as by positioning it on a tray or the like. When the place mat is removed, the apparatus automatically produces another one extending out of the apparatus for easy handling.

Abstract: A slitter-scorer apparatus comprises upper and lower slitter-scorer units which are disposed in one above the other relationship and are vertically movable respectively. The apparatus can immediately change slitting and scoring operations along the flowing direction of long and flat materials, which are fed continuously, without any reduction of the flowing speed of the materials, and the operations can be performed on the materials which flow along an approximately straight line, while the total length of the slitter-scorer apparatus is shortened to the upmost.

Abstract: Log processing apparatus comprises a cutting machine that defines a substantially vertical cutting plane, feed mechanism that feeds a log through the cutting machine in substantially lengthwise horizontal motion parallel to the cutting plane, a measuring station spaced horizontally and vertically from the cutting machine, and transfer mechanism by which a log is carried in horizontal translatory motion from the measuring station to the feed mechanism. At the measuring station, or before the log reaches that station, it is established in an optimum rotational orientation which is thereafter maintained through transfer of support of the log to a set of jaws on the feed mechanism. At the measuring station a relationship is ascertained between a calculated plane that extends lengthwise in the log and a reference plane defined at the measuring station that has a fixed relationship to the cutting plane.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with an electronic device for testing and controlling the clearing action of an electronic yarn clearer. The device comprises an individual fault measuring circuitry connected to the yarn sensing head of the yarn clearer for detecting yarn faults such as thick and thin places, and selector means for separating the non-tolerable faults from the rest. By comparing the output of the device and the output of the yarn clearer, the non-tolerable faults which have not been cut-out by the yarn clearer are detected. It is possible to eliminate also the latter faults from the yarn by actuating the severing device of the clearer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cutting portions having defects therein from lengths of timber includes determining an aligning distance for a given one of the lengths of timber as the timber length moves along a conveyor, the aligning distance being defined by the distance between a cutting line located next to the defect and one of a series of parallel lines which extend in the conveying direction, indexing the timber length in a direction transverse to the conveying direction to align the cutting line with one of the parallel lines and then incrementally moving the timber length in a direction transverse to the conveying direction a member of incremental distances determined by the particular one of the series of parallel lines with which the cutting line is aligned and cutting the timber length along the cutting line.

Abstract: Tubes made from spirally wound paper tape are fed axially and suspended off the end of an arbor. When the tube reaches a predetermined length, the free end engages a free-hanging sensor plate, the movement of which interrupts a light beam to generate a signal which actuates a timer. The timer energizes a motor for a predetermined time to cycle a snap cutter through one circular orbit to sever the tube. The cutter is stopped at its original position by a brake.

Abstract: In an automatic sawmill, a caliper device measures the diameter of an incoming log and the log is then positioned against a pair of backstands over a log receiving carriage. A plurality of cutting devices are positioned relative to the carriage, and the speed control for the carriage is predetermined, in response to the log diameter. The diameter measurement is supplied to data processing circuitry which provides outputs indicative of "sets" to be taken by the aforementioned backstands and cutting devices for sawing the log into a number of cants, boards, or slabs in a manner making optimum use of the log content.