Abstract: Thick matter and solids are conveyed together and substantially continuously through a conveyor pipeline. The thick matter is forced by a conveyor piston driven by a piston pump from a feed container into a conveyer cylinder. A forward face of the piston has a cutting crown with a cutting edge cooperating with an annular cutting ring to cut off solids projecting beyond an inlet in the conveyer pipeline.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for trimming an article integrally differentially pressure formed in a sheet of thermoplastic material comprising a pair of trim dies which are relatively moveable between spaced apart positions for receiving a sheet carrying an article to be trimmed, closed positions, engaging opposite sides of the sheet, and then to sheet severing positions in which an article is severed from the sheet. The dies are relatively moved via a wedge which is transversely moveable on the machine and includes a first sharply inclined wedge surface for rapidly advancing the trim dies from the spaced apart positions to the closed positions. A second, less inclined wedge surface, which is a continuation of the first wedge surface, is provided for moving the trim dies from the closed positions to the sheet severing positions.

Abstract: An edging and curve-sawing saw has a selectively skewable sawbox, skewable to a workpiece infeed path so as to receive workpieces translated longitudinally along the infeed path and into the sawbox. The sawbox rotatably supports a saw arbor. A plurality of saw blades are slidingly mounted on the saw arbor in a parallel laterally spaced array. The saw blade array spacing is selectively adjustable device mounted to the sawbox. The array is slide on the arbor relative to the sawbox according to an optimized profile.

Abstract: A tree delimbing device having a self-aligning cutter head for delimbing a tree stem which is mounted on a frame by a rotational and pivotal support. A substantially inelastic flexible member connects the cutter head to the frame to limit movement of the cutter head. A medial portion of the flexible member is connected to a fluid cylinder so as to urge the cutter head toward a centered position. An accumulator may be provided for regulating the pressure of the fluid in the cylinder. The positioning of the fluid cylinder may be adjustable. A tree stem diameter measuring device having a sliding position indicator may also be provided. A tree stem detector may also be included to sense the presence of a tree stem placed within the cutter head for automatically closing and opening the blades around the stem. A removable mount for the cutter head is also included.

Abstract: A method for cutting sheet material allows multiple layups of sheet material to be cut in side-by-side or stacked relationship on the cutting table of a computer controlled cutting machine. A different marker or array of pattern pieces can be cut from each of the stacked layups. Also, for certain layups, whether stacked or not, markers are located with reference to the centerline of the layup to insure that the pattern pieces of the marker are cut symmetrically or in alignment with ornamentation or designs in the material. An origin point is located at a known position with respect to the sides and ends of the marker. The origin point of the marker is then registered relative to the cutting table and the centerline of the layup.

Abstract: In a die cutting press for elongated material, a registration system includes a die unit that is shiftable along the path of travel of the material, along a direction of travel transverse to the path of travel, and about a reference axis perpendicular to a plane containing the material. At least one camera is provided for receiving images from the desired locations that are occupied by indicia on the material when defined areas of the material are in a predetermined relationship relative to the die unit. Reference image data representative of the desired locations of the indicia relative to the die unit is produced so that a comparison can be made between the reference image data and the actual positions of the indicia.

Abstract: Precise cutting of pattern strips and pattern pieces from lace and similar patterned fabrics requires correct mutual positioning of the fabric and fabric cutter for precise alignment with the boundary of the pattern pre-existing on the fabric. Patterned fabrics and especially loosely-woven lace are liable to randomly variable stretching and slippage which makes it impossible to cut under the direction of an externally imposed pattern program without regard to the instantaneous location of the pattern pre-existing on the fabric. The invention comprises lace-cutting apparatus and a lace-cutting method including optical scanning of the lace, recognition of the pattern boundary, and mutual alignment of the fabric with the fabric cutter to trace the intended cut line. Different techniques for mutual movement of the fabric and cutter are employed according to whether the pattern boundary is re-entrant or not. Preferred forms of fabric cutter include a hot-wire cutter and a laser beam cutter.

Abstract: A method for cutting sheet material allows multiple layups of sheet material to be cut in side-by-side or stacked relationship on the cutting table of a computer controlled cutting machine. A different marker or array of pattern pieces can be cut from each of the stacked layups. Also, for certain layups, whether stacked or not, markers are located with reference to the centerline of the layup to insure that the pattern pieces of the marker are cut symmetrically or in alignment with ornamentation or designs in the material.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting dimensional information of a workpiece such as a canted log is used to control a gang saw mounted on a pivot axis to cut the log into substantially even thickness boards while moving the log past the cutting device and pivoting the gang saw to accommodate curvature in the log.

Abstract: A rotary cutter includes a knife rotor having extending from an exterior peripheral surface thereof at least one longitudinal knife. The knife rotor cooperates to cut a sheet to a predetermined length, with either a plane rotor or a swingably mounted thick plate member, neither of which is provided with a knife. Either the plane rotor or the thick plate member has a surface positioned to come into contact with a tip of a blade of the knife to cut therebetween the sheet to a predetermined length.

Abstract: A control apparatus which increases a hit rate, stabilizes a punch process, and makes use of a small motor. Such control apparatus is applicable to a punch drive apparatus that drives a punch tool by a servomotor via a ram and a toggle system. Such a structural arrangement includes a memory that memorizes a ram speed curve line from when the servomotor starts rotating to when the ram achieves a fixed speed; another memory that memorizes a surface height position of a sheet metal; and calculating device that calculates the lowest height of the ram at the aforementioned fixed speed when the punch tool reaches the surface of the sheet metal, and then sets a raised stand-by position of the ram. Such raised stand-by position is set in a ram shaft control device having the servo-controller.

Abstract: In a die cutting press for elongated material, a registration system includes a die unit that is shiftable along the path of travel of the material, along a direction of travel transverse to the path of travel, and about a reference axis perpendicular to a plane containing the material. At least one camera is provided for receiving images from the desired locations that are occupied by indicia on the material when defined areas of the material are in a predetermined relationship relative to the die unit. Reference image data representative of the desired locations of the indicia relative to the die unit is produced so that a comparison can be made between the reference image data and the actual positions of the indicia.

Abstract: The fabric run (4) has a hollow marker profile (12) arranged along a cutting line (10). A cutting device (16) is equipped with a sensing tongue (14) which engages in the hollow marker profile (12), and which guides a cutting tool (18) along the marker profile (12) and hence along the cutting line (10). Exact, dimensionally accurate cutting of a fabric run is thereby possible.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cutting apparatus which includes a cutter. A pair of sensors is used to detect a lead edge of an image located on a receiver sheet. In response to the sensors the cutter and the lead edge of the image are aligned. The receiving sheet is transported in a direction essentially perpendicular to the cutter. The cutter cuts the receiving sheet adjacent and parallel to the lead and trail edges of the image. A cut lead edge of the receiving sheet is edge registered. A third sensor detects edges of the image perpendicular to the cut lead edge of the image. A second cutter, responsive to the third sensor, cuts the receiving sheet adjacent edges of the image perpendicular to the cut lead edge of the image.

Abstract: An apparatus including a supply source for a long composite which includes a long carrier film and a green ceramic layer continuously formed thereon along its longitudinal direction, a printing station, a drying station and a punching station. A conductor film is printed on the green ceramic layer with conductive paste in the printing station, the printed conductor film is dried in the drying station, and the green ceramic layer provided with the conductor film is punched while being registered with the conductor film and separated from the carrier film in the punching station, whereby a ceramic green sheet for a laminated ceramic electronic component is extracted.

Abstract: An instrument for forming nanometric features on surfaces of materials having a motor driven support for moving a workpiece on an X-Y-Z axis, a scribing tool of nanometric proportion engagable with the workpiece and a laser system for sensing movement. The tool is mounted on piezoelectric actuating means and the entire system is under the control of a programmed computer processing unit.

Abstract: A sawing process and apparatus cuts a log longitudinally along a radius curve to produce boards. The sawing apparatus includes a continuous flexible band saw blade, provided with teeth at one or both edges. A support exposes a section of saw blade that is curved and stabilized by the use of electromagnetic fields in cooperation with rollers. The saw is then configured to make a cut of a desired thickness in a curve parallel the growth rings of a log, in an arc which minimizes the number of knot defects in the board. With each pass of the log through the saw, or vice-versa, a new arc section is cut, and the log or the saw is rotated and positioned for the next arc section cut. Plural sawing stations may be used in series, and the process may be run bi-directionally when using double-edged saw blades. Once the board sections are cut, they are flattened under pressure in a kiln.

Abstract: According to the invention, the cutting station also comprises, on the one hand, detection means capable of individually determining the length of the stem of each mushroom and, on the other hand, control means capable of adjusting the relative position of the cutting device and of the mushroom stem as a function of the length of stem determined by the said detection means.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method apparatus for the manufacture of wood products from tree trunks in the form of an integral work station utilizing modern splinter-chipping technology. In a preferred embodiment a tree trunk (6) is alignable on a feeder carriage (4) for optimal utilization of the wood, on the feeder carriage (4), and is moveable by means of the carriage lengthwise in the working zone (8). Laterally modular tool units (10, 12, 14, 16) are provided alongside the working zone (8). They are of modular design and can optionally, for a selective processing sequence, be brought into engagement with the tree trunk repeatedly passing by.

Abstract: An automated workstation is adapted to cut parts of different size and shape from workpieces of flat sheet or molded preforms. A fixtured workpiece is moved into the work area of a preprogrammed cutting robot on a shuttle table. The position of the workpiece to be cut is determined by the robot which cuts it using preprogrammed instructions for the desired part. In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of independently operable shuttle tables are provided so that the robot can work substantially continuously while workpieces are load, unloaded, machined or moved around.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for, in one continuous operation, receiving a slab sawn from a log, sensing the thickness of the slab and setting the apparatus to plane its upper and lower surfaces to produce a desired thickness slab which then is sawn into boards of desired width. The apparatus includes upper and lower planer heads, the upper of which is mounted on adjustable setworks for raising and lowering. At the infeed end of the apparatus a sensor determines the thickness of an entering slab and through control mechanism adjusts the space between the planer heads to plane the slab to a desired common board thickness which is the maximum available from the slab size. A bank of smooth cutting saws downstream from the planer heads saws the slab into smooth-sided boards.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus for removing remnant paper from a paper butt roll. A beam-mounted saw rocks toward and away from the butt roll and cuts remnant paper from the roll's core. An arm-mounted wheel senses the thickness of remnant paper on the roll, and causes a block-and-tackle positioning mechanism to rock the beam and saw to a proper position for cutting the paper from the roll. A conveyor moves the butt rolls past the saw, and the height of the conveyor may be adjusted to accommodate various diameters of butt rolls.

Abstract: A precision cutting process machine aligns a workpiece to be subjected to a precision cutting process by a continuously rotating cutting tool relative to the cutting tool, and cuts the work into a predetermined pattern so as to form fine grooves at a predetermined pitch by a continuous cutting processes. The machine includes a main body base portion and an up-and-down moving table driven in the up-and-down direction with respect to the main body base portion.

Abstract: An instrument for forming nanometric features on surfaces of materials having a motor driven support for moving a workpiece on an X-Y-Z axis, a scribing tool of nanometric proportion engagable with the workpiece and a laser system for sensing movement. The tool is mounted on piezoelectric actuating means and the entire system is under the control of a programmed computer processing unit.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for fabricating a perforated film comprising the steps of pinching a film material, (3) between a cutter roll (1) with cutting edges (12) and a backing roll (2) to press the cutting edges (12) to the film material (3) and driving, to rotate least one of the cutter roll (1) and the backing roll (2), to form holes such as slits in a film material. The apparatus is decelerated by a stop command signal of an apparatus, detecting the speed of the apparatus attaining a predetermined small speed, generating an advance stop signal when the apparatus is approaching a stop a condition, and displacing the backing roll (2) so that the cutter roll is separated from the backing roll.

Abstract: A crosscutting device for webs of material, particularly textile webs includes a web feed with a web buffer arranged on a common frame with the cutting station, a cutting station with a rotating disk cutter, driven transport nippers and a tray for stacking the cut material, the rotating disk cutter being automatically moved back and forth across the web by means of a disengageable belt in one of the operating modes and in a second operating mode the disk cutter being movable manually across the web and at the same time also in the running direction of the web.

Abstract: A pivoting carriage and saw which is characterized in a preferred embodiment by a carriage capable of receiving curved logs and pivotally mounted on a linear-operated trolley for engaging the logs with a pivoting band saw and cutting a selected non-linear path through the curved logs. In a most preferred embodiment the band saw is pivotally mounted adjacent to the trolley carriage and log and a computerized control system is coupled to fluid-operated cylinders mounted on log-adjusting knees on the carriage and on other fluid-operated cylinders provided on the carriage itself and on the band saw and used to select and control desired cutting paths through the logs.

Abstract: An arrangement for cutting sheet metal, particularly sheet metal strips. The arrangement includes a double cutting tool with two outer knives and an inner knife which is movable between the outer knives so as to form two cutting gaps. The outer knives are adjustable relative to each other by adjusting wedges in order to adjust the cutting gaps such that the two outer knives are adjusted by the adjusting wedges synchronously or asynchronously by either the same or a different extent. The two outer knives can be clamped against the adjusting wedges.

Abstract: An autotaper for use in dispensing, cutting and locating tape.

Abstract: A pallet-cutting machine for selectively removing individual components of a load-bearing pallet.

Abstract: An edger for use with a conventional sawmill, including upper and lower chippers or cutters for forming the upper and lower edges of a board to be removed from a log, mechanical or optical sizers for automatically determining the location of the upper and lower edges of the board, and a control mechanism, responsive to the sizers, for positioning the cutters. The cutters have horizontal or vertical motors with associated blades, and the motors are mounted on carriages which ride up and down on a mast, positioned by a hydraulic cylinder. Mechanical sizing wheels are mounted on separate carriages, and the wheels are urged to contact the log's surface to determine extreme points of narrowness thereof. The extreme motion points of the sizing wheels are recorded by frictionally secured pistons which are sensed by metallic sensors which are input to the control mechanism. An electric eye causes the sizing wheels to move toward and away from the log.

Abstract: A collision avoidance system for program controlled punch presses which position the ram at a low "hover" height during work piece movement in which a switch is located to be tripped by inward movement of the workpiece gripper carriage to a degree in which a punch-gripper collision is possible, with the ram elevated to a safe height whenever the switch has been tripped.

Abstract: Foodstuffs are transported on a conveyor to a cutting device which is actuated to move into a position for cutting and then cut the transported foodstuffs into portions. An ultrasonic measuring device takes foodstuff length and thickness information from the foodstuff transported by the conveyor to the cutting device. The information taken by the ultrasonic measuring device is fed to a control unit which processes the information and actuates the cutting device to move into a position to cut the foodstuff and then to cut the foodstuff into portions.

Abstract: There is disclosed saw mill apparatus for cutting root end defects from lumber pieces and cutting such pieces to desired sizes including a generally conventional scanner for recording detailed contour data for each piece as it is moved by a plurality of chain belt conveyors transverse to its longitudinal dimension; the scanner is followed by a root end trim saw unit extending over the root end edge of such conveyors including a motor driven rotating circular saw blade articulated to move down into or up out of the path of lumber pieces and also slidably mounted to be moved over a range of about 24 inches in one half inch increments thereby to cut away a defective portion of a lumber piece identified by the scanner and a conventional mill computer; following the end trimming saw unit is an even ending apparatus with generally conventional ending rolls to transport lumber pieces lengthwise as necessary to butt the root end against a guide fence.

Abstract: A box cutting method is characterized in that after moving a cutter for cutting a box to a predetermined position which is determined in accordance with the size of the box, the box is cut by moving the cutter along a cutting line formed on the box.

Abstract: In an automatic sawmill, logs are first sawn horizontally into pieces that are respectively deposited flat side down on a bed plate and conveyed through multiple, close spaced horizontal bandsaws located above the bed plate. Sawn cants are positioned by clamps to have their waney edges removed by a flying saw after clamp retraction.

Abstract: Apparatus for cutting the leading and trailing edges of an opaque sheet angling initially at an offset angle with respect to a cutting blade includes a pair of light sources and a pair of light sensors opposite said light sources. An opaque sheet to be cut is moved at right angles to a line extending between said pairs of light source and sensors to bring said article edges to and past said pairs of light sources and sensors. The sensors produce article edge angle indicating signals which indicate the time difference each edge reaches said pair of sensors. Means are provided responsive to said signals which adjust the blade angle to be parallel to each article edge so the blade cuts parallel to each edge. The angle indicating could be signals which are a direct measure of the difference in times each edge reaches the sensors.

Abstract: An assembly of punch presses is provided for punching holes in first and second opposed flanges joined by a web in a structural beam. The first and second punch presses are arranged in a first pair to punch the first flange from a first side of the beam. A second pair of first and second punch presses are arranged to punch the second flange from a second side of the beam. The first punch press of each pair is arranged in a configuration offset from the second punch press of the pair along both the adjacent beam flange width and length. The offset configuration of the second pair has an opposite hand relationship with the first pair to permit the punch presses of the first pair to be positioned in an overlapping relationship with the punch presses of the second pair.

Abstract: A method wherein a length of squared timber can be completely separated i a number of thin boards having a predetermined thickness without an excessively thin or excessively thick unusable residual board being left over is disclosed. The method includes measuring the thickness of the residual squared timber after one or more thin boards have been separated, and feeding the thickness measurement back to the cutting apparatus to adjust the setting of the apparatus. The method is useful on an apparatus that separates a length of squared timber into thin boards without producing chips and without timber loss, and wherein the predetermined board thickness cannot be set exactly because of variations in the property parameters of the wood.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for registering a sheet in punch press or other apparatus having a control system carrying out a programmed position of the sheet during punching operations, in which a movable locator plate is urged into an advanced position along an axis of movement so as to be displaced when the sheet is moved a fixed distance along one axis. A distance transducer generates a continuously varying electrical signal corresponding to the displacement of the locator plate from its advanced position, which signal is transmitted to the control system to modify the part program in accordance with the actual location of the sheet.

Abstract: A marking station for defect locations and quality limits in timber includes a timber transporting device, a transporting speed changing device, and an indicating station part with a laser transmitting element formed as a mirror, and laser. The laser is arranged stationary so that the laser beam extends parallel to a movement direction of the timber and impinges on the mirror. The mirror deviates the laser beam transversely to the movement direction. The laser beam indicates on the timber, in the movement direction, a first separating plane before a defect location and a second separating plane behind the defect location. The laser beam also indicates quality limits. Indicating positions of the laser transmitting element are transmitted to a computer.

Abstract: A multiple piercing apparatus for piercing a workpiece having a plurality of reference marks defining the piercing locations. A plurality of adjustably movable piercing unit cases are opposedly arranged on opposite sides of a machine bed. A piercing element, such as a twist drill or punching assembly, is mounted for movement with respect to the unit case to be aligned with a respective reference mark in response to data received from a sensor, such as a camera or photo-sensor.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically deheading wrapped newsprint rolls consists of a framework positioned above a pair of rotatable rollers adapted to support and rotate the newsprint roll. Two carriages are slidably supported on the framework above the newsprint roll. Each carriage is independently movable axially relative to one of the opposite end faces of the roll, is provided with an annular locating member engageable with that end face, and has a radially movable cutter adapted to sever the head wrapping covering that end face as the newsprint roll is rotated by the supporting rollers. The annular locating member is mounted obliquely relative to the newsprint roll axis to compensate for deformation of the newsprint roll end face.

Abstract: An edging apparatus edges a wood board to achieve a desired rounding effect under a rounding rule of the lumber industry. A positioning apparatus positions and holds two edging saws, and the positions of the saws are initially controlled by an operator who selects initial cut positions. Input data, including board length and thickness parameters and the initial cut positions are generated by input devices and a computer is responsive to the input data for computing the best cut positions of the saws. In making this computation, the computer takes into consideration the rounding rule and, according to predetermined criteria, the computer selects best cut positions that will produce an edged board whose measurement exceeds a whole board foot measurement by a desired fraction of a board foot. Adjustment input may be provided to adjust the size of the desired fraction of the board foot.

Abstract: A circular cross-cut sawing apparatus comprises two transversely adjustable lides each carrying a plurality of saw blades. The saw blades on each slide can be selectively lowered into the path of oncoming boards. The slides are independently adjustable so that any given board can be cut by blades on both slides.

Abstract: A system of optimizing the volume of boards that may be cut from a log provides for one surface of a cant to be cut with a curved or straight surface. This takes into account curved, tapered or straight logs. The system comprises a scanner positioned to scan the log and determine an optimum cut surface profile, a cutting head positioned to cut the top surface of the log, the cutting head having relative vertical movement to the top surface, a conveyor to convey the log passed the scanner and the cutting head, and a controller to control the relative movement of the cutting head in accordance with the signal from the scanner to produce the predetermined optimum cut surface profile for the top surface of the log.

Abstract: A controller for a head rig edger saw for sawing the edges of a board that is cut from a log by a head saw includes a detector for determining the surface contour of the log to be sawed, along a line displaced from the face of the log; a computer device for selecting an edger saw line through the log from the surface contour to produce a board satisfying predetermined criteria; and an edger saw controller connected to the computing device for providing control signals to the edger for causing the saw to cut the board along the selected line.

Abstract: A marking station for defect locations and quality limits in timber comprises a transporting device arranged to transport a timber in a movement direction through the marking station, a device for changing a transporting speed of the timber in the marking station, an indicating station part provided with a laser transmitting element and operative for indicating on the timber with a laser beam a first separating plane in the movement direction before a defect location and a second separating plane in the movement direction behind the defect location as well as for indicating quality limits, the laser transmitting element being movable by an operator along a guiding means parallel to the movement direction relative to the timber to indicating positions corresponding to the separating planes and the quality limits, a computer receiving the indicating positions of the laser transmitting element in the movement direction, the laser transmitting element being formed as a first mirror, a laser producing the laser be

Abstract: A circular saw has adjustable blades mounted on a splined blade arbor. A guide engages a portion of each blade spaced from the blade arbor so as to facilitate movement of the blade along the blade arbor without tilting or canting. The guides are mounted on a guide arbor. Each blade and associated guide are connected to an actuator by shifter bars which are slideably disposed in the splines. The actuator comprises a connecting plate, each connecting plate being provided with a shifting cylinder for effecting movement of the mounting plate and associated simultaneous displacement of an equal amount by the blade and guide associated with it. Preferably three round shifter bars disposed in half-round splines circumferentially spaced 120.degree. from each other are associated with each blade and guide. The mounting plates are disposed on shafts having gear wheels at their opposite end cooperating with racks.

Abstract: In a sheet cutting machine in which a guidance system moves a blade across a work surface, the blade height is adjusted in accordance with stored data of irregularities of the guidance system and work surface relative to each other. The machine is also operable in a mapping mode in which the blade is replaced by a sensor which is scanned over the work surface, and the sensor output data is stored in the memory.