Abstract: An apparatus for cutting soft sheetlike material, such as a fabric material, which is subject to elongation due to effect of tensile force. The apparatus has a driving device for supplying a layered severable material in an intermittent step-like manner from an upper position to a lower position. A cutting device cooperates with the layered severable material, when in a stationary vertically-suspended condition, for forming cutting lines of basic configuration therein along the elongate direction thereof, with such cutting lines being repeatedly formed following each advancing step of the material to create cutting lines which extend substantially continuously along the severable material. Devices are also provided for removing non-wanted portions of the severable material so as to leave only the essential portion. The severable material includes, superimposed sheets of flexible soft material and thin flexible backing, which sheets are separated and independently wound following the cutting step.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for manufacture of carpet is disclosed where yarn bits are forced onto an adhesive covered backing. Yarn is moved through an outlet and severed after application to the backing. Also disclosed is a yarn feed device and a multicolor carpet printer.

Abstract: A cutter blade assembly 10 for the production of a decorative food core 18 for use with hydraulic food cutting apparatus has a frame constructed from a series of sequential rings 11, 12 and 13 which together define a longitudinal passageway. A plurality of strip knives 15 are arranged therein to define various segments of the longitudinal passageway and are connected to rings 11, 12 and 13 by inserting the end tabs of strip knives 15 into notches 14. Rings 11, 12 and 13 are then bolted together by the use of bolts passing through holes 16.

Abstract: In a device for advancing several workpieces placed side by side, a slide comprises several thin plates arranged alongside of one another. These thin plates are positionable against the workpiece end remote from a stop and are movable back and forth over a predetermined compensation distance parallel to the direction of advance of the workpieces. The compensation distance is longer than the greatest difference in length between the workpieces. The thin plates are prestressed by an energy accumulator which exerts a force which is larger than the force required for the advance of the workpieces. A first switch is arranged on the slide to switch off the slide drive as soon as one of the thin plates is displaced beyond the compensation distance in the direction opposite to the direction of advance.

Abstract: In an apparatus for introducing a belt-shaped material to a cutting machine, stationary conveyors are laid vertically in such a manner as to form different angles with respect to the cutting machine and combined respectively, with lift conveyors which are also laid vertically to convey belt shaped materials to the cutting machine. The lift conveyors are moved vertically by lifting means unit a desired one of the lift conveyors comes to the belt-shaped material introducing position of the cutting machine.

Abstract: A punch apparatus for punching holes in thin sheet material including a frame, a punch element mounted on the frame for rectilinear movement, which further includes a planar element of conductive material mounted on the punch element, a coil on the frame mounted adjacent to the planar element, a carriage for supporting and positioning the sheet in the path of the punch element, leads connected to a source of electric current to energize the coil, a mechanical arrangement to rebound the punch element, and a programmable apparatus to selectively move the carriage and energize the coil to thereby produce a punched hole pattern in the sheet.

Abstract: In a hydraulic food cutting apparatus having mixing tank 13, food pump 14, converging tube segment 11 for accelerating and aligning food product to be cut, deceleration loop 18 and separating means 20 a method and means for reducing turbulent flow of cut food product 19 and carrier fluid which is either a converging cutter blade assembly 10, having the same angle of convergence and serving as an extension of converging tube segment 11, or in the event a standard in line cutter blade assembly 21 is used, then a second converging tube segment 22 attached to the discharge of the in line cutter blade assembly 21 for reaccelerating the carrier fluid and cut food product 19 as it exits the cutter blade assembly 21, in order to induce improved laminar flow of the carrier fluid and to reduce tumbling of the cut food product 19.

Abstract: A knife assembly for a water gun wherein each slot in the blade portion of each knife element for engagement within a corresponding slot in the base portion of an adjacent knife is configured to diverge outwardly towards the cutting edge so that bending of the cutting edge corner portions of the slot due to twisting of the adjacent knife during the cutting operation is prevented.

Abstract: A mobile air-equipped transfer table and method of using the transfer table is disclosed. The transfer table includes a perforated top and an air system to provide uniform quantities of pressurized air at the table top openings. Gearmotor drives are mounted at each end of the transfer table to rotate frictional, floor contacting drive wheels. In use, the transfer table is moved to a position adjacent to a stationary, air-equipped table and the pressurized air systems of both tables are energized. A boundary layer of pressurized air is formed at each table top to allow a single operator to move heavy loads from one table to the other. In a preferred arrangement, spreading, cutting and bundling tables are arranged in side by side juxtaposition and the transfer table is moved in tracks into longitudinal alignment with each of the tables to serially advance a layered fabric spread from table to table.

Abstract: An apparatus for converting a continuous paper web with transversely extending weakened zones into successive stacks of overlapping panels in zig-zag formation has two endless foraminous belt conveyors with divergent active reaches which attract alternate panels of the running web and advance alternate weakened zones into the range of the flights of two spiral conveyors. The spiral conveyors terminate the change of orientation of oncoming panels and deposit the panels on a vertically movable support whereon the panels accumulate into a stack. When the number of panels in a stack reaches a predetermined value, a nozzle admits compressed air between the topmost panel of the stack and the next-following panel so as to open the zig-zag formation and permit insertion of a table having a slot for a reciprocable knife which severs the web along the fold line between the topmost panel of the stack and the next-following panel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for manufacture of carpet is disclosed where yarn bits are forced onto an adhesive covered backing. Yarn is moved through an outlet and severed after application to the backing. Also disclosed is a yarn feed device and a multicolor carpet printer.

Abstract: Method and alignment tube apparatus for the production of onion rings in an hydraulic food cutting system. Onions are pre-cut at top and bottom to provide an onion having a predetermined thickness. The onions so cut are then propelled through a flow tube which aligns the onion into a preselected position relative to cutting knives. The onion is then forced by hydraulic pressure through the cutting knives, which are horizontally oriented and vertically stacked, to cut the concentric layers of onion into onion rings. The alignment tube of the present invention includes a pair of oppositely disposed converging ramps which define an outlet port having an height substantially the same as the thickness of the precut onion. The onion is thereby precisely oriented for proper cutting.

Abstract: Apparatus for cutting a continuous strand into predetermined lengths, wherein a cutting head having an array of cutting blades rotates around its axis, a strand winding device rotates around an axis intercepting the axis of the cutting head for positioning and winding continuous strand around the array of cutting blades, a toroidal strand guide member is spaced equidistant from the strand winding device to control the travel of the continuous strand to the strand winding device and cutting head, and a strand cut-off device is operative at time of tie-up of the continuous strand to the apparatus for severing the connection of the continuous strand from an air doffer used in the tie-up operation.

Abstract: A centering and aligning tube for use in hydraulic food cutting apparatus, said tube including a rigid outer housing and a resilient liner insertable into the housing, the liner constructed of resilient material and preferably provided with a plurality of evenly spaced, radially inward and longitudinally extending ribs operable to engage the food product, such as a potato, for alignment and centering thereof relative to a cutter. The ribs are preferably tapered from entrance to a location adjacent the exit of the liner. A resilient annular seal with an opening for passage of the food product, such as a raw potato, is provided adjacent the exit end of the liner to increase the exit speed of the potato and to restrict fluid use for greater efficiency. An inner tube engaging the inner most surface of the ribs may optionally be provided.

Abstract: A food slicing method and apparatus includes blades mounted on a shaft for rotation therewith, the blades successively converging and diverging to slice the food pieces as the shaft rotates. An inlet flume conveys the food pieces to and through the rotating blades. A flighted conveyor within the flume submerges the food pieces at the flume inlet and releases them at the bottom of the flume to float upward, oriented according to their buoyancy before entering the blades. In one embodiment, the blades are mounted on a curved shaft which rotates about a longitudinal axis of symmetry to cause the blades to converge on the inward side of the shaft and diverge on the outward side. The blades engage a synchronously counterrotating drum to slice the food pieces as they enter on the inward side of the shaft. As the blades diverge, the majority of the slices fall free of the blades.

Abstract: An apparatus for working on a single layer or a layup of sheet material, or other work material, has a table for supporting the work material with a support surface selected areas of which may be vacuumized. The selective vacuumization of support surface areas is accomplished by a simple valving system interposed between an air plenum and a plurality of individual compartments underlying the work surface, the valving system including an elongated valving member having a plurality of first and second ports distributed along the length thereof, a belt extending along the length of the valving member and overlying the ports and a belt deflector movable along the length of the valving member, the position of the belt deflector determining the selection of which second ports are connected to which first ports. In the selective vacuumization mode of operation a vacuum is applied to the air plenum.

Abstract: An outside-in tow cutter having a horizontal axis of rotation for its cutter reel assembly which includes an inner plate and an outer ring carrying radially disposed cutter blades, the outer ring having an inner diameter slightly smaller than the diameter of the circle formed by the cutting edges of the blades. The outer ring also carries an annular lip which cooperates with a snug fitting discharge hooper so that a subatmospheric pressure may be induced within said reel and said discharge housing to facilitate the removal of cut tow therefrom and to provide for pneumatically drawing the uncut tow onto the cutter reel assembly via an inlet housing.

Abstract: The suction hood (20) can be moved in over the suction table (4) which can retain cloth during cutting by a laser. The suction surface of the hood opens simultaneously as the suction action of the table is reversed such that cut out portions of cloth are lifted and sucked against the suction surface of the hood. The hood (20) carries capturing means (50,51) at its forward edge for pulling fresh cloth in over the table (4) from a store (1), when said hood is moved away from the table (4), the fresh cloth being supported on an air cushion above the table (4), whereafter the suction surface of the hood (20) is closed off such portions of cloth are deposited on the deposition table (36).

Abstract: A method for conveying a web using inner and outer pairs of elongated side jet nozzles employing the Coanda effect to propel the web while preventing undue distortion or folding thereof. Conveying is accomplished by flowing pressurized air through a plurality of apertures formed in the nozzles and attaching air flow to Coanda flow attachment surfaces slanting away from the apertures.

Abstract: A centering device for positioning articles (33) for segmenting by passage through a cutter mechanism (18). The device comprises a plurality of spring members (31) positioned edge-to-edge around the feed line (26) with each spring member having a depending end (31A) positioned to contact and deflect each off center article towards the feed line for proper centering such that passage through the cutter mechanism will render equal sized segments.

Abstract: A work table is divided at least into a spreading station and a cutting station, has a flat, substantially smooth upper surface and a plurality of apertures extending through the top of the table for passage of air currents therethrough. A reversible pump generates and delivers the air current to said apertures through a plurality of separate conduits connected to each of the apertures. A spreading device, which spreads, cuts, and stacks individual layers of fabric is provided with a plurality of air jets for selectively applying a thin film of air over the top of the fabric layers as they are spread. While the stack is being formed, the pump draws air through the fabric stack and down through the work table surface to hold the stack in place. When the stack is completed the pump is reversed so that a positive air pressure creates a cushion of air between the stack of fabric and the work table to move the stacked material to the cutting station.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cutting a continuous corrugated member while conveying it in a longitudinal direction thereof, in which a movable cutter blade is moved forward in the same direction as the conveying direction of the corrugated member at the same speed as the conveying speed of the corrugated member. The cutter blade is also reciprocated to cut the corrugated member when the cutter blade is moved forward.

Abstract: A system for conveying a web using inner and outer pairs of elongated side jet nozzles employing the Coanda effect to propel the web while preventing undue distortion or folding thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to stacking flat articles, such as tube sections, bags or sacks, with two spaced apart hubs arranged to rotate in synchronism on a horizontal axis and carrying respective spiders, the arms of which are equally angularly spaced and on their leading sides, in the sense of rotation, carry suction nozzles, with a receiving or carrying conveyor for the article disposed between the arms adjacent to the horizontal plane which contains the horizontal axis and protrude beyond the articles to such an extent that the side edges of the articles extend, at least in part, to the planes in which the arms are rotatable. A series of needles are disposed on the side of the axis which is opposite to the receiving conveyor and are closely spaced from the arms of one of the spiders and extend approximately parallel to that one of the arms which is in a vertical position, to enter perforations of the articles as the articles are delivered by the arms.

Abstract: A centering device is provided for centering a potato with respect to a propelling hydraulic fluid flow stream which carries the potato into cutting engagement with knife elements of a cutting assembly positioned along the flow stream. The device comprises an elongated tube at the upstream end of the cutting assembly shaped to define a linear flow path of generally circular cross-section and oriented for continuously accelerating the hydraulic fluid. This acceleration results in the fluid having a slightly higher velocity than the potato throughout the length of the tube to create, when the potato is displaced from a centered position, fluid velocity and pressure differentials on opposite sides of the potato tending to return the potato to the centered position.

Abstract: A high accuracy slitter system including both method and apparatus for aligning and cutting an elongate web of reinforced elastic material into multiple strips wherein the improved guiding apparatus includes mechanisms for both aligning the web relative to either its longitudinal center line or one of its edges while keeping the web in a generally flat condition and wherein the improved moving member includes a porous conveying member having a plurality of guide members for restraining the member against lateral movement. In a method for aligning and slitting, the improvement includes the steps of aligning the web; keeping it in a generally flat condition while aligning; and restraining the conveying member against lateral movement during slitting.

Abstract: A cutting assembly is provided for use in cutting vegetable products, such as potatoes and the like, into a longitudinally extending central core and a plurality of longitudinally extending outer strips having a generally arcuate cross section. The cutting assembly is mounted along an hydraulic flow path defined by an inlet pressure conduit for passage of the product one at a time at a relatively high velocity into cutting engagement with a core knife and a plurality of strip knives and for separation of the core and the outer strips for respective flow along an inner core discharge conduit and a concentric outer strip discharge conduit. The cutting assembly is supported within an assembly housing between the inlet conduit and the discharge conduits with the core knife having a cylindrical shape for mounting at the upstream end of the core discharge conduit and defining a circular leading cutting edge along the axis of the flow path.

Abstract: A trim guide device for slitter-scorers in which a corrugated board sheet transferred on guide tables is slit by rotary elements disposed above and below the corrugated board sheet, to be thereafter scored by similar rotary elements, comprising air ejection means disposed under the lower surface of those portion of said guide tables which are on the upstream side with respect to the flow of the corrugated board sheet of said rotary elements, and adapted to eject air toward the downstream side of the flow of the corrugated board sheet. The trims at both ends of the corrugated board sheet which has been subjected to slitting by means of said rotary elements are correctly guided by currents of air ejected from the air ejection means into the trim chute disposed on the downstream side of the guide table.

Abstract: The invention provides a process and apparatus for producing fabric-reinforced, thin concrete panels suitable as a backer board for construction materials such as ceramic tile, slate and thin brick. A process is described whereby the components of the panel are deposited on a web of disposable carrier/release material such as polyethylene coated paper while moving on a conveyer belt to form a continuous strip, the strip is cut into panels and the wet, uncured panels are stacked by means of an air-float stacking unit, then subsequently cured.

Abstract: A label cut-off machine for removing a label sewn to a workpiece. The machine includes a label chamber sized to received the label through an access slot in one wall of that chamber. The access slot is defined by a reciprocable cutter bar and an anvil, the cutter bar and anvil presenting abutment faces which cooperate with the workpiece to allow positioning of the label's stitch line closely adjacent the cutter bar's cutting edge when the label is inserted into the label chamber. Operation of the cutter bar is controlled by the machine's operator. A vacuum source connected with the label chamber establishes a continuous vacuum in the chamber, the vacuum source cooperating to draw the label initially into the chamber through the access slot and to aid in locating the label stitch line initially adjacent the cutter bar's cutting edge, and the vacuum source also cooperating to remove the label from the label chamber after it has been cut off from the workpiece by the cutter bar.

Abstract: An apparatus for slitting paper having a plurality of pairs of cutting elements disposed transversely with respect to the direction of movement of the web and a pair of arcuate support boards extending about one row of slitter elements to a point closely adjacent the overlap of the slitter elements to provide an arcuate path of travel for the web as it passes through the cutting area. The arcuate support boards are mounted for rotation about transverse axes to facilitate rotation of the boards away from the cutting elements and thus provide access to such cutting elements for adjustment and maintenance.

Abstract: Trim strip from a web slitter is received in a chute passageway which guides the trim strip away from the slitter. Low velocity air is supplied in the passageway to provide air lubrication between the chute structure and both opposite faces of the trim strip which thereby floats away from the slitter smoothly and efficiently.

Abstract: A machine for making wood moldings includes an endless feed belt extending downstream from the upper face cutter head for holding short lengths of wood pieces securely between the working stretch of the feed belt and the underlying bed plate and delivering it through side and lower face cutter heads. An air plenum container overlies and bears against the working stretch of the feed belt to provide uniform feed pressure to the wood throughout the length of the working stretch and delivers air under pressure through a multiplicity of holes in the plenum container to the confronting side of the working stretch of the belt for minimizing friction between the belt and container. Short lengths of wood pieces are delivered in spaced-apart relationship to the upper face cutter head between an elongated side feed belt and an elongated air fence.

Abstract: A method of processing a fibrous cable fed at a high speed comprises the steps of braking the cable by coiling it on a stationary cylinder and simultaneously discharging at a low speed the lower cable windings by exerting downward pressure on the upper windings. The discharged windings can be deposited into containers or cut into staple fibers by pressing the discharged windings against stationary knives. A device for carrying out the method comprises an upright rotatable shaft having a hollow upper part for receiving the cable, a downwardly projecting guiding member attached to and communicating with the hollow upper part, a stationary cylinder surrounding the lower portion of the shaft and having in its cylindrical wall a plurality of vertical slits, a wobble plate disposed within the cylinder and having a plurality of fingers projecting through the vertical slits in the cylindrical wall.

Abstract: Apparatus for punching regularly-spaced apertures in film or tape includes a rotary ring carrying a plurality of radially-extending punches, a further rotary ring carrying a plurality of dies and a drive ring outwardly of the punch-carrying ring which is mounted eccentrically of the punch-carrying ring and serves to force the punches at a punching zone into corresponding dies and thereby punches the required apertures in the film or tape.To avoid damage to the surfaces of the film or tape infeed and outfeed guides are provided for directing the film along an in-feed path initially parallel to the axis of rotation of the punch ring and turning the film or tape about one of the guides rotatable about an axis approximately 17.degree. to the horizontal and in a plane at right angles to the axis of rotation of the punch ring. The out-feed guide is rotatable about a similarly inclined axis.

Abstract: An improved label feed comprising a first roller means for feeding an elongated parent strip of label material into the labeling apparatus, guide means in advance of the first roller means, cuttng means in the form of a rotary blade and an oscillating stationary blade adjacent the guide means for severing individual labels from the parent strip, and second roller means in advance of the cutting means for feeding the label strips onto a vacuum drum or the like for application to containers. A leaf spring is disposed above the parent strip adjacent the stationary blade and oscillates therewith. The guide means has air jets for directing streams of air against the parent strip before it is fed into the cutting means, to insure adequate feeding of limp label material.

Abstract: Wire coil cutoff apparatus for a wire coiling machine that forms an axially advancing, rotational, helical wire coil, the advancing coil being momentarily biased into indexing engagement with the cutter blade by pneumatic pressure, and the indexed blade then being shifted into cutoff relation with the coil while the pressure is still applied.

Abstract: Improvements in apparatus and methods for cutting potatoes into strips, wherein the potatoes are carried hydraulically in single file against and through an arrangement of knife blades, rapidly and with great force. The improvements reside in the manner in which the potatoes are preconditioned for cutting, the mechanism by which the potatoes are aligned in the hydraulic stream as they approach the knives, and the knife device by which the potatoes are effectively cut into strips.

Abstract: Control of the flow of fibrous material and selective shearing the material at predetermined lengths is provided by apparatus including a first shear element having an aperture in a plane face thereof and adapted with an input tube for feeding the fibrous material through the aperture in the shear element. A second shear element is rotatably attached to the first shear element and has an aperture in a plane face thereof alignable with the aperture of the first shear element. An egress tube is attached to the second shear element for receiving material from the aperture in the second shear element when aligned with that of the first shear element. The fibrous material is moved through the input tube and out of the egress tube by air pressure when the apertures in the shear elements are aligned. By rotating the first shear element relative to the second shear element, the fibrous material passing through the apertures therein is sheared and the flow of material therethrough stopped.

Abstract: An ultrasonic cutting apparatus comprising a tuning fork or U-shaped flexural member having legs on which cutting means are mounted, and an ultrasonic drive connected to the flexural member for inducing ultrasonic vibrations in the flexural member. Also disclosed herein is an ultrasonic drive member having a "folded over" resonant holder, and a piezoelectric crystal compressively mounted in the holder by coupling means for transmitting the ultrasonic excitation from the drive to the flexural member.

Abstract: Dispensing apparatus has a holder supporting an opened can of a jellied food product with its open end downwardly disposed and spaced from a stop that limits the extent to which the body of the jellied food product protrudes from the can. A blade is operable to sever a slice from the protruding end of the jellied food product and means are provided to ensure the discharge of the slices onto a receiver having means for collecting juices escaping from the can. Means are also provided to puncture the closed end of the can while supported by the holder and to provide an air assist to cause the jelly body to slide towards the stop.

Abstract: A band saw is provided with rotary guides for changing the angle of the saw. While the part is rotated and linearly translated toward and away from the saw by the contouring apparatus, the saw cuts a peripheral shape on the part with the blade changing its angular attitude where necessary. An air cushion support holds the edge of the part at the saw blade.After cutting, the contouring turret is rotated another 90.degree. bringing the part to a deburring station. The motion of the part at the deburring and cutting stations is identical for simultaneous cutting and deburring. Next the turret is rotated another 90.degree. and the deburred part is engaged by a second transfer arm to remove the part and locate it for subsequent treatment.

Abstract: This invention contemplates a method and apparatus for taking fine metal fibers having a diameter range from .5 microns to approximately 150 microns and cutting the fibers into precise short lengths. The method and apparatus utilized first moistening tows of metal fibers, unwinding the tows from spools and positioning them into tow bands, stiffening the ribbon made from the tow bands, and cutting the fibers to desired precise lengths in order to prevent cold welding or deformation of the ends of the fibers during the cutting operation. Materials that may be used for stiffening the fibers include starch, PVA, ice, etc.

Abstract: A band saw is provided with rotary guides for changing the angle of the saw. While the part is rotated and linearly translated toward and away from the saw by the contouring apparatus, the saw cuts a peripheral shape on the part with the blade, changing its angular attitude where necessary. An air cushion support holds the edge of the part at the saw blade.

Abstract: Tufting apparatus utilizing pneumatic means for transporting yarn strands including a threader tube assembly capable of delivering a plurality of yarn strands through multiple passageways to, and loading same, in tufting elements which apply bit-lengths of the strands into a backing layer.

Abstract: A tufting machine having: means for metering predetermined lengths of yarn, including a rotatable yarn feed with substantially accurate improved drive and braking means; pneumatic yarn transport means, including selective control of gas flow, for transporting selected metered lengths of yarn to a tufting station for severance into yarn bits and implantations into a backing; and retraction means for retracting, with minimum yarn deformation, yarn not selected for severance and implantation.

Abstract: A tufting machine having multi-color selection capability for each tufting cycle which utilizes pneumatic pressure either positive or negative, or a combination of the two, to transfer the yarn or other tufting material to tufting elements, the yarn being severed before, during, or after threading, for subsequent placement into tufting relationship with a backing layer. The system comprises yarn guide passageways having abutting sections which are relatively movable to create an opening through which a yarn-severing means severs the yarn into selectively-sized bits. The relative positions of the yarn-severing means and the abutting sections of the passageways are adjustable to provide yarn bits of selected varying lengths. Clamping means may be used to clamp the yarn at the tufting needles until tufting occurs. After tufting the tufted yarn is moved away from the needle position to avoid entanglement by the succeeding motions of the tufting.

Abstract: Improvements in apparatus and methods for cutting potatoes into strips, wherein the potatoes are carried hydraulically .[.in single file.]. against and through an arrangement of knife blades, rapidly and with great force. The improvements reside in the manner in which the potatoes are preconiditioned for cutting, the mechanism .[.by.]. which .Iadd.causes .Iaddend.the potatoes .[.are aligned in.]. to .Iadd.move toward the axis of .Iaddend.the hydraulic stream as they approach the knives, and the knife device by which the potatoes are effectively cut into strips.