Abstract: A robot includes a first joint and a second joint positioned on a base end side from the first joint. A first speed reducer is incorporated in the first joint. A second speed reducer is incorporated in the second joint. A volume proportion of a resin occupying a constituent member of the first speed reducer is larger than a volume proportion of a resin occupying a constituent member of the second speed reducer.

Abstract: A sheet is intermittently advanced or alternately advanced and retreated by a pair of feed rollers in synchronization with rotation of a pair of magnet and anvil rollers so that the pair of magnet and anvil rollers makes two or more revolutions while the sheet passes through the pair of magnet and anvil rollers. The punching of the same pattern is performed by a flexible die at a plurality of areas of the sheet spaced in a sheet conveying direction.

Abstract: A method for cutting manufactured articles (M) comprises steps of advancing a manufactured article (M) along an advancement direction (A) at a predetermined speed; predisposing a cutting device (3) associated with the manufactured article (M) and movable along the advancement direction (A); advancing the cutting device (3); synchronizing the speed of advancement of the cutting device (3) with the speed of advancement of the manufactured article (M); activating the cutting device (3); retracting the cutting device (3); the steps of synchronising and activating the cutting device (3) are comprised between the advancement step and a corresponding retracting step in order to define a cutting cycle of the manufactured article (M). The cutting cycle comprises further steps of re-synchronising the speed of advancement of the cutting device (3) with the speed of advancement of the manufactured article (M).

Abstract: A method and a device for separating food products, including to permit a straight cut at high cycle rates, the food product is conveyed by a conveying device in the direction of transport. The food product is cut through, where a cutting element is moved in the direction of transport and transverse to the direction of transport, wherein the motion of the cutting element transverse to the direction of transport is controlled independently of its motion in the direction of transport and the food product does not rest on the cutting area on the conveying means.

Abstract: A method and a device for cutting along a cutting line of a laminate (1), including a first (5) and a second (8) textile layer surrounding an intermediate layer (6) of a porous elastic material. The laminate (1) is pressed together in a local nip (2) between an ultrasound emitting element (3) and a counteracting element (4), and the laminate (1) is moved in the cutting line through and passed the nip during ultrasound cutting of the laminate (1) simultaneous with ultrasound welding of the first and the second surface layers to each other in order to form a smooth, rounded, continuous edge joint (11) between the surface layers at a free edge (10) of the laminate. The invention concerns also a cut product.

Abstract: A method for improved tuning of servo motors used to drive guillotine cutters on a high speed inserter machine. The tuning coefficient is continuously varied during the blade's cutting cycle. In a first step of the tuning process, a plurality of discrete positions in the blade cycle are selected for analysis of the optimal tuning coefficients. For these discrete positions, tuning coefficients are determined. After the tuning coefficients have been determined for the discrete locations in the blade cycle, the coefficients for the remainder of the blade cycle are determined through interpolation. In a preferred embodiment, linear interpolation is used. A digital filter then applies the measured and interpolated coefficients to the amplifier that controls the motor. In the preferred embodiment, the step of selecting the discrete positions includes selecting 90 degrees, 180 degrees, 270 degrees, and 360 degrees in a guillotine blade cycle.

Abstract: A folding gear is comprised of a cylinder that is mounted to a frame for rotation. At least one clamp is arranged on the outer surface of the cylinder. The at least one clamp can be positioned by an actuator which includes a flexible toothed shell that is shaped by a non-circular section of a shaft. A hollow gear engages this flexible shell and cooperates with it to form a harmonic drive gear.

Abstract: A system and method for managing the tension and maintaining registration between multiple webs in a web finishing system. The method involves transporting a first web and at least second web toward a finishing apparatus, comparing relative positions of registration marks on the webs, severing lengths of the second web in response to the relative positions, aligning each length of the second web with the first web, and then performing a finishing operation on the webs with the finishing apparatus. The system includes the finishing apparatus, devices for transporting the webs toward the finishing apparatus, devices for comparing the relative positions of the registration marks on the webs, a device for severing lengths of the second web in response to the relative positions, and a device for individually aligning each length of the second web with the first web before the webs encounter the finishing apparatus.

Abstract: A method of cross-cutting a moving web uses a cutting knife operably mounted on a knife cylinder having a circumferential distance LZ where LZ is smaller than a cut length, LA. The knife cylinder for revolving in a first and a second opposite direction is powered by a drive motor in either direction. The method includes revolving the knife cylinder in a first direction, cutting the web with the cutting knife, and completing a first cut. The knife cylinder is then reversed to retard progress in the first direction and then accelerated to the speed of the moving web until starting the second cut.

Abstract: A method of cross-cutting a moving web uses a cutting knife operably mounted on a knife cylinder having a circumferential distance LZ where LZ is smaller than a cut length, LA. The knife cylinder for revolving in a first and a second opposite direction is powered by a drive motor in either direction. The method includes revolving the knife cylinder in a first direction, cutting the web with the cutting knife, and completing a first cut. The knife cylinder is then reversed to retard progress in the first direction and then accelerated to the speed of the moving web until starting the second cut.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a sealing tape dispenser, includes a retracting tape guide which is mechanically linked to an access cover so as to be automatically retracted upon cover opening to allow larger tape rolls to be loaded and to enhance unobstructed access to the machine. In a second preferred embodiment, a sealing tape dispenser, includes a cutting blade lift and interlock mechanism as to assist in clearing tape jams by mechanically lifting the cutting blade to a raised position whereby unobstructed access is gained to the tape path and an interlock is disabled so as to prevent further tape dispenser operations while the cutting blade is in a raised position.

Abstract: A structure in which length-measuring roll including an elastic body is rotated by movement of a continuously fed web is employed, an amount of deformation of the length-measuring roll changes according to changes in a web speed, and a circumference of the length-measuring roll changes as a result. An error is generated in length measurement of the web, and therefore, web cutting accuracy by a cutter cannot be maintained. Therefore, timing of cutting by the cutter is controlled according to a fed length of the web and web speed information to maintain web cutting accuracy.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an index divider sheet assembly adapted for feeding into ink jet printers and the like for a printing operation on the sheet body and/or the index tab of the assembly. The assembly includes a divider sheet having a tab extending out of one edge and a reinforced binding edge flap. The divider sheet can be manufactured from ink jet receptive top-coated white cardstock. A guide strip along the tab edge assists the assembly being fed and passing through the printer despite the presence of the tab. The binding edge flap is folded over onto the body of the sheet and held thereon to reduce the width dimension of the assembly so that it can be fed into and passed through the printer. After passing through the printer, the guide strip is removed and the flap is unfolded.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting continuous elongate material webs is provided including structure for transporting a material web at a constant speed along a transport path and at least two material web guides arranged along the transport path, at least one guide being arranged upstream and at least one guide being arranged downstream of an intermediate position along the transport path. The upstream and downstream guides are moved relative to each other so as to impart a sinusoidal variation in speed to the material web at the intermediate position.

Abstract: Void fill material is used to cushion and protect packages during transport and delivery. A void fill material is shown, as well as a process for manufacturing same.

Abstract: The machine cuts a roll or log (L) of web material into a plurality of small rolls (R). It includes a unit (17) rotating about an axis (A--A) parallel to the axis of the log (L) to be cut. The unit carries a cutting blade (19) rotating about an axis (B--B) parallel to the axis (A--A) of the unit (17). A driving device (61, 63) moves the cutting tool (19) into a reciprocating forward and backward motion parallel to the axis of the log (L) to be cut. At least at the time when the blade cuts the log, the blade moves parallel to the moving log at a translation speed substantially equal to the feeding speed of the log (L), so as to allow the cutting of small rolls (R) without stopping the log (L).

Abstract: A direct drive cut-off has a pair of cylinders, each having a helical knife blade. The path of the knife blade around the cylinder defines a synchronous length. A corrugated board is passed in a board path direction between the cylinders at a production rate. The knife blades move in proximity to each other in the board direction to cut the continuous board into sheets. The knife blades enter the board path and engage the continuous board at a beginning of engagement position of a knife blade entering edge and depart the board path at an end of engagement position of a knife blade exiting edge. The sheets are accelerated downstream of the cylinders. The cylinders are controlled by a control unit for accelerating and decelerating the rotational speed of the cylinders so that the knife blades engage the continuous board at the specific length cutting the board into sheets. The control unit is responsive to the production rate, and the sheet length.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for vertically scoring a tamper-indicating plastic closure includes a rotatably-driven carousel which includes mandrel assemblies at the periphery thereof. Each mandrel assembly includes a rotatable mandrel on which a respective closure is positioned in operative association, so that the mandrel and closure are moved relative to an associated scoring mechanism. The scoring mechanism includes at least one, and preferably a plurality, of rotatably driven scoring blades, with each blade arranged to engage and cut the pilfer band of a respective closure. Significantly, the system can be operated so as to closely approximate the preferred radial movement of the blade with respect to the closure, thus minimizing "digging" of the scoring blade into the plastic of the closure.

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: The machine cuts a roll or log (L) of web material into a plurality of small rolls (R). It includes a unit (17) rotating about an axis (A--A) parallel to the axis of the log (L) to be cut. The unit carries a cutting blade (19) rotating about an axis (B--B) parallel to the axis (A--A) of the unit (17). A driving device (61, 63) moves the cutting tool (19) into a reciprocating forward and backward motion parallel to the axis of the log (L) to be cut. At least at the time when the blade cuts the log, the blade moves parallel to the moving log at a translation speed substantially equal to the feeding speed of the log (L), so as to allow the cutting of small rolls (R) without stopping the log (L).

Abstract: A web of coherent labels or coherent blanks of wrapping material is advanced along an elongated path toward a severing station where the web is cut at selected intervals by an orbiting knife in cooperation with a stationary or moving knife to yield a succession of sections of desired length. If the web is to be arrested for a shorter or longer period, it is first accelerated above its standard speed and is thereupon decelerated to zero speed during the last interval of advancement so that the length of the leader of the web extending beyond the severing station matches the desired length. Analogously, when the web is restarted, it is accelerated above the standard speed and is thereupon decelerated to such standard speed during the first interval of advancement so that the knives sever a section whose length again matches the desired length.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for indexing sheets cut from a web including a production line having an unwind at one end and a backstop at the other end, a printer and a rotary knife between the ends, the relation of the knife speed to the web speed being changed cyclically to develop longer and shorter sheets.

Abstract: The machine cuts a roll or log (L) of web material into a plurality of small rolls (R). It includes a unit (17) rotating about an axis (A--A) parallel to the axis of the log (L) to be cut. The unit carries a cutting blade (19) rotating about an axis (B--B) parallel to the axis (A--A) of the unit (17). A driving device (61, 63) moves the cutting tool (19) into a reciprocating forward and backward motion parallel to the axis of the log (L) to be cut. At least at the time when the blade cuts the log, the blade moves parallel to the moving log at a translation speed substantially equal to the feeding speed of the log (L), so as to allow the cutting of small rolls (R) without stopping the log (L).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the operation of a skewed orbiting saw which is employed for transversely cutting continuously advancing elongated lengths of multi-ply material into shorter lengths, the means for varying the speed of advance of the lengths of material.

Abstract: An method and an apparatus for high speed cutting, a predetermined repetitive pattern in a continuous moving web of material. The web is supported and displaced in a flat plane, and a sensor is utilized to detect the lateral position of the web on this plane. At least one cutting element, herein a high pressure water jet, is displaceably supported for movement on two transverse axes in a horizontal plane adjacent a face of the web and generates a cutting beam to cut a predetermined repetitive pattern through the web. The cutting element is secure to a guide member which is displaced in the horizontal plane adjacent the web, and its displacement and rate of speed are controlled by a control device.

Abstract: A method for discarding sheets of used photosensitive material from an image or the like wherein the amount of discarded sheets which can be held in a storage box is increased. Used photosensitive sheets are conveyed to a discarding section where they are cut off in lengths sufficiency short that the sheets cannot fold on themselves when placed in the storage box but sufficiently long that they can be conveyed in the apparatus.

Abstract: A rotary die cutter system minimizes the amount of scrap between successive blanks cut from web material by holding the web against backward movement at a position spaced upstream from the nip defined by the die and anvil cylinders, retracting the cut leading end of the web through a predetermined distance by means of a fluid pressure cylinder in response to release of the web by the cut-off knife at the trailing edge of the die on the die cylinder such that on the next cycle, the leading edge of the die will engage the web at a position spaced so close to the retracted leading end of the web that contiguous portions of a single blank can be cut from the web during successive revolutions of the die cylinder.

Abstract: A rotary die cutter system the amount of scrap between successive blanks cut from web material by holding the web against backward movement at a position spaced upstream from the nip defined by the die and anvil cylinders, retracting the cut leading end of the web through a predetermined distance in response to release of the web by the cut-off knife at the trailing edge of the die on the die cylinder such that on the next cycle, the leading edge of the die will engage the web at a position spaced close to the leading end of the web.

Abstract: Motor 17 through gears 15 drives rotary knife 18 to cut continuous wallboard line 10 into predetermined lengths 26. Microprocessor 34 monitors the position of wallboard line 10 by way of roller 28 and pulse generator 30. Microprocessor 34 also monitors the position of rotary knife 18 as measured from a park position by way of pulse generator 36. The position of wallboard line 10 is compared to the distance of travel of knife 18 from the park position and a control signal proportional to the difference in positions is generated to control motor 17 and in turn drive rotary knife 18 to sever a predetermined length 26.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for correcting stack lean in a zig-zag folded web wherein a transverse force is cyclically applied to a traveling web so as to vary the motion of the web slightly as it passes through a transverse perforator.

Abstract: A moving web is divisible into a leader having a first set of registration marks and a trailer having a second set of registration marks. At a transition between the first and second sets of registration marks, a target is applied adjacent the initial mark of the second set. The target is sensed and tracked electronically to a shear. During an order change or a roll-to-roll change within an order, the web is automatically severed transversely by the shear two or more times to chop out a portion of the leader and trailer including the transition between the sets of marks. The leading edge of the trailer is tracked to a station intermediate the shear and the cut-off machine. The cut-off machine knives "crop" cut the trailer at the first registration mark following the leading edge of the trailer and thereafter cut the trailer automatically into blanks in synchronization with the second set of marks.

Abstract: At a transition between first and second sets of registration marks on a web, a target is applied adjacent the initial mark of the second set. The target is sensed and tracked electronically to a shear station. During an order change or a roll-to-roll change within an order, the web is automatically severed transversely by the shear at the transition between the sets of marks, and the target is tracked to a station intermediate the shear and the cut-off machine. The cut-off machine knives "crop" cut the web at the target and thereafter cut the web automatically in synchronization with the second set of marks. Operation of the cut-off machine knives in the cut-to-mark mode is maintained without loss of synchronization across the transition in the web. Operator intervention is eliminated, and scrap is minimized.

Abstract: A method of monitoring continuously advancing string material (1) of the kind comprising a continuous alternating succession of string sections, for example a cigarette filter string, of different material and/or structural configuration with regard to cutting the string (1) into identical plugs (7) for checking and correcting the position of each cut. Prior to being cut the string (1) is scanned by a sensor unit (4) which detects the beginning and end of each string section. A device associated with the cutting device (5) generates an output signal to indicate the moment when the string (1) is cut. Between this output signal and the moment at which the sensor unit (4) issues a signal corresponding to the end of the string section to be cut, a measured value is obtained which is independent of the feed into of the string (1) and which is proportioned to the length of the string section between the two signals.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for extending the useful life of resilient covers on anvil rolls of rotary die cutters by causing the die cutting rules to penetrate the covers at sequential incrementally small circumferentially spaced locations around the cover by adding to the speed of rotation of the anvil roll relative to the speed of the die holder roll. Lateral reciprocation of the anvil roll is translated to rotary motion by a gear and pivot lever arrangement, such rotary motion being added to the normal speed of the anvil roll.

Abstract: An improved control system for the cutting of spirally wound composite can "sticks" with accurate registration. Cutting knives, which cut a wound tube into sticks, are mounted on a servo-driven sled, which is in turn mounted on a reciprocating carriage. The point of cutting is controlled by adjusting the position of the carriage (for long term errors) and the sled (for short term errors). Factors analyzed to determine where the carriage and sled should be positioned include the phase relationship between the label and the carriage, the angle at which the label is wound onto the tube, the point at which the label is wound onto the tube, label stretch, and misprinting of reference marks on the label. Means may be included for automatically rejecting sticks which are out of registration.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cutting a continuously moving sheet material in which a nozzle for directing a jet stream of fluid under high pressure is driven in predetermined directions along a closed track consisting of a pair of straight paths intersecting each other symmetrically at a predetermined angle relative to the cutting direction of the sheet material and a pair of curved paths connecting the associated ends of the straight paths. In the method and apparatus, the moving velocity of the jet nozzle is controlled as a function of the feeding velocity of the sheet material and the desired length of sheets cut from the sheet material, and the energy of the fluid under high pressure directed from the moving jet nozzle toward the sheet material is utilized to cut the sheet material into the sheets of desired length.

Abstract: An improved cut-off control for operating a cut-off mechanism to cut sheets of uniform length from a moving web. The cut-off control comprises means for computing actual sheet length and sheet length error and for generating separate signals indicative thereof. Digital means cylically increment and decrement the actual sheet length signal. Digital means determine whether the sheet length error is within prescribed limits of the uniform sheet length in response to the cylically incremented and decremented actual sheet length signal. A positioning motor corrects the sheet length error if it is determined to be outside the prescribed limits. Digital means simulate the correction of sheet length error effected by the positioning motor and correct the actual sheet length signal as a function thereof.

Abstract: In a cutting apparatus or punch press for repeatedly cutting or punching a work shape from a continuously travelling web or sheet of paper, cardboard or similar material, the cutting dies or punch tools are mounted for reciprocation longitudinally in the direction of feed of the web or sheet on press platens that open and close and sustain the punching forces but do not themselves move in the direction of feed. By means of a drive mechanism operating in synchronism with the opening and closing movements of the press platens the punch tools are accelerated from rest in the direction of feed to attain the speed of the work web or sheet at the instant of punching and then are decelerated to rest and moved in reverse back to the initial position of the cycle. The stroke of the reciprocation may be adjusted to suit different lengths of the work shape to be punched.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for correcting stack lean in a zig-zag folded web wherein a transverse force is cyclically applied to a traveling web so as to vary the motion of the web slightly as it passes through a transverse perforator.