Abstract: An apparatus for the dimensionally accurate cutting of a product carrier (1) which is in the form of a strip, is transported further in a cyclic or continuous manner in the longitudinal direction and has cells which are arranged one behind the other and are sealed in an airtight manner comprises a rotating cutter roller (15), which severs the product carrier (1) in each case in the region of a sealing web (4) which is situated between two cells (2), is arranged transversely with respect to the longitudinal direction and is provided with a lattice-like embossing (19). In order to identify and localise the sealing web (4), an optical reflection sensor (6) is arranged above and/or below the product carrier (1) and generates an AC voltage signal which corresponds to the lattice structure when the sealing web (4) is located in the region of the reflection sensor (6), the number of periods being a measure of the width b of the sealing web (4).

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and an arrangement for handling printed products by making an edge cut with the aid of a cutter. The printed products in this case are supplied to the cutter by grippers that circulate along a first conveying loop, and the edge area to be cut on the printed products positioned in the grippers is stabilized by clamping braces that can be placed against the printed products in the range of the cutter. After the edge cut is made, the printed products with the grippers are disengaged from the clamping braces and discharged.

Abstract: A treating period T=L.sub.0 /V is determined from a preset treating length L.sub.0 and a stock running speed V. An advancing acceleration is made as small as possible consistent with a requirement that an advancing time T.sub.F of the treating machine (=advancing positioning interval t.sub.1 +settling time t.sub.s +treating interval t.sub.c +retracting deceleration interval t.sub.2) is equal to or less than T/2 and a requirement that (t.sub.1 /2+t.sub.s) V assumes a given value. Both a retracting acceleration and a retracting speed are made as small as possible consistent with a requirement that an advanced distance is equal to a retracted distance and a requirement that a stop positioning interval t.sub.6 is made as close to a minimum value as possible.

Abstract: A method of operating an orbital saw for transversely severing elongated, superposed, multi-ply web material which includes advancing the web material along a path into a cutting station having a skew arm adjacent said path, rotating said arm about an axis skewed with respect to the path, the skew arm having a disc blade coupling means, such as a 4-bar linkage, mounted thereon and carrying a rotating disc blade with the blade axis spaced from the arm axis to cause the blade to intersect the path and cut the web material during the blade orbit, maintaining the blade axis at an angle skewed relative to the arm axis to position the disc blade continually perpendicular to the path whereby the disc blade makes a square cut through the web material, providing the coupling means with a grinding stone for the blade and a control for contacting the grinding stone and blade, and positioning the grinding stone radially inwardly throughout the entirety of the blade orbit whereby centrifugal forces are reduced and cyclic

Abstract: Method and apparatus for repetitively making products, such as cap liners continuously from web material. A rotary knife drum having an array of die cutters cooperates with a counter-rotating anvil to thereby define a convergent web working zone therebetween. A pair of servo-motor driven nip feeders feed a web through the convergent work zone of the drum and anvil.

Abstract: During a remaining time which is defined by excluding a positioning settling time t.sub.s and a cutting time interval t.sub.T during which a cutting edge is brought into contact with a stock from a period of time T allotted to a cutting operation which is determined by a preset length L.sub.0 and a stock running speed V.sub.A, the cutting edge maintains a speed difference .DELTA. which is as small as possible relative to V.sub.A during a fraction of the remaining time which is as long as possible. An acceleration which causes the speed difference .DELTA. is chosen to be as less as possible below a maximum acceleration which is demanded by the machine specification.

Abstract: A moving web is either perforated or cut using a knife cylinder having at least one blade, and an anvil cylinder having at least one raised anvil surface, and preferably a plurality (e.g. about 22) of alternating substantially uniform raised surfaces and depressions. The knife cylinder is substantially continuously rotated, and the anvil cylinder is substantially continuously rotated by a servo motor, which also positively controls the position of the anvil cylinder with respect to the knife cylinder to selectively either effect perforation or cutting of the web, or no perforation or cutting. Position controlling is typically accomplished by substantially constantly and instantly indexing the anvil cylinder in a reverse direction. Sensors may be utilized for sensing the locations of the knife and anvil cylinders and providing that information to a computer controller to facilitate indexing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for selectively cutting sheets of paper of variable length from a paper supply having a continuous web moving from an upstream location to a downstream location through a pair of pinch rollers and along a predetermined path to a rotary cutter. A controller controls the rotation of the rotary cutter. First and second sensors sense the angular positions of the rotary cutter and pinch rollers, respectively, to provide respective input signals to the controller indicative thereof. A format selector, controlled by an operator, provides a third input signal to the controller indicative of the speed and format for cutting individual sheets from the web. The controller is responsive to the first, second and third signals so that the rotary cutter cuts the sheets to the desired length and the pinch rollers feed the web at a desired speed.

Abstract: A container and corresponding blank from which such container is formed is particularly suitable for packaging liquid products and aseptically packaging liquid foods. The rectangular shaped blank may be formed of a laminated sheet material that preferably includes a composite of paperboard web, aluminum foil and intermediate layers of heat sealable polymer. All blank fold lines are scored and an induction sealing flange area is provided around the entire blank perimeter. A unit of several sheet linked blanks is symmetrically folded about a central axis for juxtaposed alignment of sealing flange area around the perimeter of the unfolded blank. After induction sealing, the package side flange at the bottom of the unit, the resulting tube pocket is open and charged with a material quantity of liquid. After charging, the series of edge flanges above the first sealed edge flange are also induction sealed and severed from the unit remainder to complete a pillow shaped package.

Abstract: This invention pertains to cutting dies for cutting continuous strip elements from a continuous web of fibrous and/or polymeric material. An improved cutting die has an elevated stripping land between adjacent but spaced elongated cutting knives. The elevated stripping land obviates the trim element becoming lodged in the trim zone between the cutting knives, and thereby assists in stripping the trim element from the trim zone.

Abstract: A perforator has a rotary drum. A plurality of die sets are arranged at regular intervals around a peripheral surface of the drum and circulates along with the peripheral surface. Each of the die sets has a pair of die and punch. The die is secured to a die holder which is mounted to the peripheral surface, and the punch is secured to a punch holder which is linearly movable in a direction perpendicular to the peripheral surface between a punch position where the punch is fitted in the die and a retracted position where the punch is retracted away from the die. The sheet material is brought into contact with the peripheral surface within a predetermined range, and conveyed on the peripheral surface in the same direction at the same speed as the die sets. An annular punch drive cam disposed surrounding the peripheral surface drives the punch holder to move between the punch position and the retracted position.

Abstract: In the operation of hole punching apparatus, a method of changing punched hole formats in paper, for loose leaf binder pages or the like, using cooperating rollers for the male punches and female die members having the various formats embodied therein, so that after the male punches are projected into the female die members for any one selected format for achieving alignment or registration therebetween, this alignment for any other subsequent format does not have to be repeated and only the punches placed in mounting openings on the male punch roller for the subsequent format; the female die members being no problem because they do not, without a cooperating male punch, cause punched holes in the paper.

Abstract: To enhance printed products, lamination is to be carried out by of a controllable pair of laminating rollers, rather than by the conventional method of calender rolling. To do this, the film is applied with relatively low contact-pressure roller pressure in a floating manner. The film can be fed to the laminating rollers without tension by means of a controllable applicator mechanism with a film tension regulating device. The processing rate and sheet length, for example, can be entered by computer so as to control the sequence of the feeder output and also the sequence of a wet cutting device via a suitable incremental-value transmitter from the main drive. Accordingly, processing rates of 60 to 100 meters per minute can easily be set. The quality remains good even at the highest speeds.

Abstract: A zipper for a reclosable bag includes an elongated male and female profile. The female profile has first and second legs parallel to each other to form a channel there between. The first leg has a plurality of portions removed to form a series of breaks in the first leg along the length, and the second leg is substantially continuous in dimension along the length. The male profile is constructed for engaging the channel and interlocking with the first and second legs. The zipper is made by a rotary punching mechanism having L-shaped punches insertable in between the first and second legs.

Abstract: A slitting machine including a first slitting stage for producing a plurality of interrupted cut slits in an advancing sheet having a leading edge and a trailing edge includes a drive pulley, a driven pulley, and a belt engaging the drive pulley and the driven pulley to provide a power path and a return path between the drive pulley and the driven pulley. The slitting machine also includes a mechanism translating rotation of the driven pulley to drive an upper slitting assembly and notched blades of a lower slitting assembly in synchronization with the advancing of the sheet by a sheet feeder.

Abstract: A method of cutting an elongated multi-ply flat surfaced ribbon of web material which includes advancing the ribbon along a linear path while rotating a pair of cantilever-mounted drums on opposite sides of the path to flank the ribbon flat surfaces, the drums each having a plurality of axially extending slots in the periphery thereof. A saw blade is adjacent the path and orbits through the path so as to have the blade orbit intersect the drum slot orbits to transversely cut the ribbon while the saw is advancing parallel to the linear path.

Abstract: A meat slicing machine has a frame having an inclined support surface with upper and lower ends. A slicing element is on the frame adjacent the lower end of the support surface. A weighing element on the frame is operationally connected to the support surface for weighing an elongated slab supported thereon. A measuring mechanism is provided on the frame for measuring the length of the slab before it is sliced. Stops are on the frame for stopping the slab of meat at the time it is weighed and the length is measured. Laser elements are provided on the frame for measuring the lateral width and the upper surface of the slab of meat as it is moved from the point of being weighed towards the slicing element. A computer is operatively connected to the weight and length measuring mechanism. The computer has a storage bank including known historical data on slabs of meat having known weights, lengths and density factors.

Abstract: Method for setting the cutting register on a cross-cutting device positioned downline of a web-fed printing press, the position of the cut edges being variable as a function of the position of the printed image on a moving web, includes scanning with a first scanning device located directly after a last printing unit of the web-fed printing press a printed image on a moving web, generating and feeding signals regarding the printed image to a control device, generating signals with an angle sensor connected to web-guiding cylinders of the web-fed printing press, and associating the angle-sensor signals with the printed-image signals in a region between two printed images and storing the signals in the control device, generating signals regarding the printed image with a second scanning device directly before a cross-cutting device in the region between the two printed images, directing the scanning device, as viewed in a transverse direction of the web, at the same line as the first scanning device, periodical

Abstract: A sheet cutting apparatus and a method of cutting tobacco sheet into cut filler are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a fixed ledger blade and a rotatable cutter blade coacting with the ledger blade to simultaneously cut the tobacco sheet transversely and longitudinally into cut pieces useful as cut filler in a cigarette making process. The cut pieces may have a rectangular, zigzag or scalloped shape according to different embodiments of the invention.

Abstract: A method and an arrangement for cutting cold pilgered tubes during rolling on a cold pilger rolling mill with reciprocating rolling stand and with intermittent advance and/or intermittent rotation of the tube in the area of one of the two dead centers of the rolling stand. The method includes imparting on the tube along a distance range thereof behind the rolling zone a constant rotation corresponding to the average speed of rotation of the tube such that the tube is temporarily elastically twisted. The distance range is selected in accordance with parameters determined by the material and dimensions of the tube. The tube is cut within the distance range during the constant rotation. The arrangement for carrying out the method includes a cutting unit with a cutting tool and a clamping sleeve which clamps the tube circumference and is constantly driven for rotation. The cutting unit is arranged at a distance from the rolling stand which facilitates elastic torsion of the tube.

Abstract: A rotary cutter is disclosed for repeatedly cutting web printed sheet material with a printed repeat portion of finite length thereon which includes a cutting cylinder adapted for rotation in a manner such that the web printed sheet material passes thereby A cutting knife extends generally along the length of the cylinder on the outer surface for periodic engagement with a backup support cylinder for cutting the sheet material when positioned therebetween. The cutting knife is generally continuous along a major portion of the length thereof and has a minor arcuate portion which is discontinuous with the major portion so as to cut the sheet material whereby the sheet material on one side of the cutting line is provided with a straight cut portion having an arcuate projection extending therefrom and the sheet material on the other side of the cutting line is provided with a void portion corresponding in configuration and dimension to the arcuate projection.

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

Abstract: 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: In a paper processing machine, the method and apparatus of this invention apply an opposite electrostatic charge to stacks and reams of paper to eliminate the repelling force from like charges on both sides of the individual sheets of the stack or ream to thereby temporarily bond them together. With the sheets thus temporarily bonded, the stacks and reams of paper can be easily transported between work stations without undesirable sliding of the sheets.

Abstract: A pouch form, fill seal apparatus includes a cutter having a plurality of radially extending knives and package guides which are simultaneously adjustable independently of the knives to accommodate a wider range of pouch chord variations due to pouch size or product fills.

Abstract: A cutoff system for exterior siding which includes a flying punch and shear. The system includes a main carriage which is adapted to reciprocate and, in one direction of travel, move at the same speed as the siding to be cut. A pair of punches are then actuated to form the hanger and butt notches at the lateral edges of the siding. Upon withdrawal of the punches, the travel of the main cylinder is slowed such that the siding travels away from the punching area. Upon sensing the notched areas, the main carriage is again moved to travel at the same speed as the siding. The speed is timed such that the center of the notches is located below a shear. This shear is then actuated to form a single parting line across the siding. The carriage is then retracted to await the next cycle of the system. As such, with each cycle of the system, the notches are formed in the trailing and leading edges of adjacent panel segments, and the leading panel segment cut from the continuous siding.

Abstract: Apparatus and process for shearing to length steel bars coming from a rolling mill in which the rolled product is continuously fed to the first of a plurality of stepped collecting chambers, of a braking/distributing apparatus which brakes and distributes the sheared bars and in phase to the stepped chambers by shearing to length a first bar and introducing the leading end of a second bar, following the first bar, to a second collection chamber; shearing to length said second bar and, by means of the shifting of said collection chambers, discharging said first, braked bar onto conveyor means.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously cutting fibers to a predetermined length to provide staple fibers comprising at least one rotatably supported disc having a peripheral surface formed with a circumferential row of engagement projections radially outwardly protruding therefrom and spaced at intervals of a predetermined pitch and at least one cutting blade, the disc being rotatable sequentially past a delivery station and then past a cutting station during one complete rotation thereof. The fibers are at the delivery station delivered successively onto the disc so as to cause the fibers to be substantially traversed in a zig-zag fashion while extending alternately outwardly and inwardly around the engagement projections, and then partially pressed against such every other engagement projections by means of an endless belt drivingly trained around the disc.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for moving workstations to perform work on a workpiece, includes moving workstations through a first path generally parallel to the workpiece and performing work on the workpiece. The workstation then returns along a second return path spaced further from the workpiece than the first path. The spacing between the plurality of workstations may be controlled such that sequential workstations work on the workpiece at predetermined intervals. Several embodiments of conveyors meeting the above-described broad features may be used.

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

Abstract: The cutting apparatus and method of the present invention involve feeding a newsprint wrapper or any other sheet of paper downwardly along a planar path between two rotating cutters. Each of the cutters includes a planar blade member with an outer, sawtoothed cutting portion. In operation, the blade members are rotated about respective axes to move their cutting portions downwardly along arcuate paths that preferably pass through the path of the downwardly fed sheet. The arcuate paths of the cutting portions overlap and one of the cutting portions of the blade members is spaced farther from its rotational axis than the other. It is also moved tangentially faster about its axis than the cutting portion of the other blade member. In this manner, a cutting action is produced which first punctures and then subsequently tears or shreds a horizontal cut across the downwardly fed sheet to cut it into smaller pieces or segments.

Abstract: In a rotary shear line in which sheet stock is fed by a feeder to a rotary shear for fly cutting by its rotating cutting edges, a synchronous speed and a synchronization length are calculated by an arithmetic unit which are supplied with the cutting length and the average feed rate of the sheet stock. Reference pulses of a frequency corresponding to the synchronous speed and the synchronization length are provided to a first numerical controller for controlling the feeder and a second numerical controller for controlling the rotary shear. The first numerical controller controls the feeder to feed the sheet stock at a speed higher or lower than the synchronous speed in such a manner that when the sheet stock is fed at the synchronous speed, the length of the sheet stock short or excessive of the cutting length before its cutting is compensated for within a cutting period.

Abstract: A cut-off machine adapted to be positioned downstream from a source, such as a tube mill, for receiving a moving length of tube stock from the mill and severing plural predetermined lengths from the moving length. The machine comprises a plurality of cut-off assemblies that are reciprocated longitudinally of the moving length of material and operated during the movement of sever plural predetermined lengths. Each cut-off assembly comprises a cutter blade that is supported for movement in an arcuate path and for radial movement. A cam in the path of each blade is engaged by a cam follower movable with the blade to cause the blade to move in a straight line transversely of the flattened tubing while severing the tube length.

Abstract: An apparatus for edge notching moving webs (10) comprises a reciprocating punch (82) and die (64) which are rotated on a turntable (56) at a tangential speed matching the web speed and are actuated by a fixed cam (100) and a moving follower (94,96) connected to the punch. A related method is disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting tow into staple including a shaft having a tow passageway for guiding tow into a cutting mechanism as well as fluid inlet and fluid outlet passageways for providing a cooling media to a whorl assembly; a whorl assembly attached to the shaft and having a tow outlet in communicaiton with the tow passageway and cooling fluid chambers in communication with the fluid inlet and outlets; a rotor assembly mounted around the shaft and the whorl assembly that has a plurality of cutting blades for cutting the tow that is progressing through the shaft and whorl a ssembly into staple having uniform lengths.

Abstract: A feed mechanism for feeding a web of rolled flexible sheet material, such as soft paper towels, out of a dispenser. The mechanism includes a feed roller within the dispenser and a web cutting blade in the feed roller and projectable and retractable therewith as the feed roller rotates. A contoured cam is attached to an end of the feed roller, and a spring-loaded cam follower presses against the contoured cam. The cam follower, through the cam, controllably assists in the rotation of the feed roller during the feed roller cycle when the blade cuts the web and thereafter to feed a free end of the material to an accessible position outside of the dispenser. The needed maximum pull forces by the user on the material to cut and withdraw the material from the dispenser are thereby significantly minimized, and the likelihood of the soft towel material tearing off in the user's wet hands is accordingly reduced.

Abstract: A sheeter for a web fed printing press having:an infeed section;a first cutting head into which the infeed section feeds the web, the first cutting head for cutting the web transversely comprising a circular knife cylinder and corresponding anvil cylinder having circumferences larger than the repeat length of the press;a sheet transfer section having rollers, which moves the cut web from the first cutting head to a second cutting head;the second cutting head comprising a circular knife cylinder and corresponding anvil cylinder to cut a chip from the cut web, a motor to rotate the first and second cutting heads and sheet transfer section rollers at the same surface speed; andnip rollers to deliver the finished product from the second cutting head to a delivery system.The second cutting head can be rotated with respect to the first cutting head so that the length of the chip can be increased or decreased.

Abstract: A rotary die cutter includes an anvil roll and at least one die roll. One or more sheet metal dies with raised cutting edges are carried on the die roll to cut patterns in a web of material passing between the die and the anvil roll. The die cutter has a pair of rigid side frames spanned by a very rigid spreader. While the anvil roll is end-mounted between the side frames, the die roll is mounted from the spreader. A drive shaft rotatable in the side frames and driven from a lineshaft by a gear system transits rotation to the die roll, while allowing the die roll freedom of movement for independent vertical, axial and circumferential adjustments. This mounting and drive of the die roll can accommodate a full width press web using die rolls having a small diameter, typically a single repeat roll, and one whose length is comparable to its circumference. A pair of mutually slidable wedges acting against a spring clamping force adjusts the vertical position of bearing blocks that rotatably mount the die roll.

Abstract: The invention is embodied in a tube cutting station in a tube producing mill. The cutting station includes a rotating press assembly and an axially moving cutting assembly. The cutting assembly is accelerated axially to a velocity which matches that of the tubing being produced. Once the cutting assembly reaches the same velocity as the tubing line, the press assembly can cause downward movement of a cutting blade through the tubing. The press assembly of the present invention is alternately rotated in opposite directions to maximize the rotational extent and time available for acceleration and deceleration of the press assembly, and therefore enables the use of lightweight drive motors. Slower acceleration and deceleration also reduces wear on components used to drive and stop the press assembly.

Abstract: A method of cutting off recording paper on a facsimile apparatus is disclosed in which the recording paper wound as a roll is sequentially fed through the apparatus so that the paper is cut off by a cutter after the recording on each sheet area of the paper is performed. The method comprises a stop in which the torque of an electric motor is transmitted to a platen roller through a gear train so that the recording on the (n+1) th-sheet area of the recording paper is performed continuously after the recording on the nth-sheet area of the paper; a step in which when the boundary between the nth-sheet area and the (n+1)th-sheet area has reached the cutoff position, the recording on the (n+1)th-sheet area is temporarily stopped and the backlash of the gear train is compensated for by rotating the motor backward; a step in which the recording paper is cut off by the cutter; and a step in which the backlash of the gear train is compensated for again by rotating the motor forward.

Abstract: A method of cutting blanks from an elastic paper comprises the following steps: removing a single elastic paper web of indefinite length from a mother roll; longitudinally cutting the single web, as it runs off the mother roll, into a plurality of paper panels; guiding the running paper panels in pairs into a superposed, face-to-face relationship to form at least one running superposed paper panel pair; guiding the running paper panel pair between cooperating cutting rollers of a rotary cutter and cutting the blanks from the running paper panel pair by the cutting rollers alternatingly from opposite sides of the paper panel pair while countersupporting the paper panel pair by the momentarily non-cutting cutting roller.

Abstract: To deflect a moving paper web to respective transport paths (16, 17, 21, 25) by a cutter cylinder - counter cylinder combination (7, 8), the cylinders are oscillated back and forth above the respective transport paths by being retained in journal bearings which are eccentric with respect to the axes of rotation of the cylinders, so that, as the cylinders rotate, the nip between the cylinders will be in alignment with the respective transport path, the shift directing the leading edge of the web to a respective transport path. The cylinders, each, carry a knife and a counter element diametrically located with respect to each other, so that, as the leading edge of the web is gripped between a respective transport path, the web is severed thereafter and as the cylinder moves into alignment with the other transport path to feed the leading edge of the web to the other transport path for subsequent cutting, and so on.

Abstract: A method and apparatus particularly suited for cutting continuously moving thermoplastic film such as linear low density polyethylene and includes a stationary anvil, preferably a roller of tool steel and a tungsten carbide die mounted for rotation along a circular arc intersecting the anvil. In an embodiment for punching holes in the film, the apparatus includes a saddle shaped hollow tungsten carbide die projecting slightly above the cylindrical surface of a roll passing under a spring biased tool steel roller for cutting a semicircular hole in a continuously moving continuous plastic film web for the manufacturer draw tape bags. A vacuum is supplied to the center of the die for removing the segment of plastic film cut out by the apparatus.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for making a repetitive arc cut in a continuous manner in a continuous supply of sheeting possessing edges, which involves providing a moving sheeting across a cutting area and passing through the area an arc-directed omnidirectional cutting means at and across an edge, in the general direction of the sheeting, to puncture a portion of the moving sheeting, maintaining the arc directed velocity of the omnidirectional cutting device at a rate greater than that of the directional velocity of the sheeting such that the puncture is enlarged to a lineal cut. The most favorable application of the invention involves the use of waterjet cutting to cut holes, especially primarily round holes, in multi-wall plastic constructions.

Abstract: A control system is established wherein, when there is a flow of continuous web material (2), an identification phase is provided by increasing the torque signal to a pull roll motor (13) until slippage between the pull roll (12) and continuous web is created at a breakaway torque point, the value of which is measurable. The pull roll motor is then caused to be driven by a signal which creates a motor torque output which is of a value less than the breakaway torque point. Thus, no slippage can occur. As the motor is driven at the lower torque value, a calibration phase is entered wherein an encoder output of the pull roll is properly equated with that of a measuring wheel (9), this phase occuring at a time when there can be no slip between the web-roll interface. The identification-calibration process can be repeated as often as desired.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for accurately setting a cutting gap of a fiber cutting assembly of the type having a cutter reel with a plurality of radially spaced apart, cutting blades and a presser roll mounted adjacent to the cutter reel and having a peripheral surface positioned at a predetermined distance from the cutting edges of the cutting blades to define the cutting gap. The apparatus comprises a gauge member at one of the cutting blade positions which extends radially beyond the radial distance of the blades and corresponds to the desired cutting gap setting, and means for electrically sensing contact of the gauge member with the presser roll.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for presenting a serial succession of cut sheet portions to a work station. The sheet portions are cut from a continuous webbing which is processed by a cutting station and a web-breaking station. The cutting station partially severs the web downstream of its leading free end so as to define a first sheet portion between that free end and the point of cutting, with the first sheet portion connected to the web by one or more tab connectors. The webbing is then advanced downstream to the tab-breaking station where the tabs are broken to free the first sheet portion for independent movement further downstream. A vacuum belt engages the webbing, and particularly the downstream edge adjacent the partial severing, with a vacuum belt. The vacuum belt engages the webbing by bridging the partially-severed cut portion, so as not to interfere with the downstream tab-breaking apparatus.

Abstract: A running strand of hot steel stock is severed at desired intervals by two knives which are located in a common plane and are mounted in a common holder movable transversely of the advancing strand by a double-acting hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder and piston assembly. The holder for the knives is coupled to the strand prior to start of the severing operation, and one of the knives is thereupon caused to penetrate into the material of the strand to be retracted prior to penetration, or simultaneously with penetration, of the other knife which operates in the same plane so that the stock is severed without the formation of burrs, fins or similar irregularities.

Abstract: A tumbling hole punch consists of a serrated tube plunging straight through a film web into a hole in a backup roll. The serrated punch is mounted to an arm which is geared to the backup roll so that the punch remains in register with the hole in the roll. In order to keep the axis of the serrated punch aligned with the axis of the hole in the roll, the punch pivots relative to its arm, and the pivoting is controlled by a gear belt drive so that as the arm rotates the punch tumbles in the opposite direction, keeping its axis parallel with the hole axis.

Abstract: A versatile, space-efficient rotary sheeter including a pair of roll assemblies synchronously driven and rotating at web speed. Each assembly carries cooperating revolving cutter rolls and backup slot rolls staggered on opposed supporting roll assemblies and being readily shiftable, through gearing, between time-controlled operative and inoperative phasing modes for conveniently converting a moving web of roll stock of sheet material into cut segments of selectable lengths. The apparatus is physically fixed in place during operation and operates without any need for an accumulation loop in the moving web. The sheeter is readily adjustable, easily maintained, and has enhanced safety features. It operates over a wide range of adjustable speeds to accommodate web stock of various compositions and thickness.