Abstract: A plug prevention device is provided in a slicing machine having a rotary impeller for carrying products such as potatoes or the like into engagement with cutting knives to form lattice cut slices, wherein the plug prevention device prevents the products from lodging within an upwardly open inlet throat of the impeller. The plug prevention device comprises an elongated stationary rod having one end projecting into the impeller throat at a position substantially off-axis relative to an axis of impeller rotation. Products entering the impeller and tending to lodge by centrifugal action against an internal wall of the impeller throat will strike the rod, causing such products to separate from wall of the impeller throat and fall further into the impeller for slice processing.

Abstract: A trim press article handling apparatus includes a punch plate, a die plate, a plunger, and a receiver. The punch plate has a punch, and the die plate has a die cooperating in relative movement with the punch plate to sever articles from a thermoformable web. The plunger is carried by one of the punch plate and the die plate having a tapered advancing head. The receiver is carried by the other of the punch plate and the die plate having a tapered recess configured to receive the plunger. A tapered article locator provided within a thermoformed web also having articles therein is captured between the plunger and the receiver as the punch plate and die plate are brought together there about, thereby imparting alignment of an article in the web between the punch and the die. A method for aligning and severing articles from a web is also provided.

Abstract: Apparatus for, and method of, conveying tandem thermoplastic containers from a molding machine to a tail removal station, the tandem containers being positioned with their axes extending horizontally but possibly out of parallel with one another and with their ends possibly out of alignment with one another. The apparatus includes a spaced pair of synchronously driven endless conveyors that convey tandem containers to a downwardly inclined ramp, the ramp having a wedge on its tandem supporting surface that engages outwardly projecting beads on each of the containers of the tandem to orient the tandems with their ends parallel, the downwardly inclined ramp also serving to orient the tandems with their axes parallel.

Abstract: High speed, extremely accurate web or sheet-fed segment die cutting or lamination apparatus (30, 300) has a processing station (32, 300), which receives a sheet or web segment, and is provided with a vacuum hold-down plate (142, 306) for holding initially fed segments (38). The plate is shiftable as necessary along orthogonal X-Y axes in the plane of the segment (38), and/or is rotatable about a &thgr; axis transverse to the segment plane. Plate movement is effected by a series of aligned, translatable eccentric drive units (178-182, 346-350). Segments (38) carry positioning fiducials (44) that are compared with fixed reference indicia (250, 252) in the station (32, 300). The comparison data is used by a controller (254) to generate the plate movement information used in simultaneous operation of the associated plate drive units (178-182, 346-350).

Abstract: In a labeling machine for conical or non-cylindrical containers, comprising a cutting station for cutting a film of labels into segments constituting the individual labels to be affixed to the containers, an apparatus for adjusting the inclination of the label comprising an element anchored to an end of the rotating shaft of a roller for feeding the film of labels to the cutting station, and in said element is screwed a screw actuated from a knob in such a way as to cause the translation of the element and hence the movement of the rotating shaft of said roller for feeding the film to the cutting station. The method provides, upstream of the cutting station, for the inclination of the direction of feeding of the film.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for die-cutting a stack of sheet-like materials, particularly labels, whereby the stack is pressed into the die-cutter blade by a relative movement of a punching ram and a hollow cylindrical die-cutter blade.

Abstract: A trim press article handling apparatus includes a punch plate, a die plate, a plunger, and a receiver. The punch plate has a punch, and the die plate has a die cooperating in relative movement with the punch plate to sever articles from a thermoformable web. The plunger is carried by one of the punch plate and the die plate having a tapered advancing head. The receiver is carried by the other of the punch plate and the die plate having a tapered recess configured to receive the plunger. A tapered article locator provided within a thermoformed web also having articles therein is captured between the plunger and the receiver as the punch plate and die plate are brought together there about, thereby imparting alignment of an article in the web between the punch and the die. A method for aligning and severing articles from a web is also provided.

Abstract: A chamfer cutting device for cutting packaging materials (9) comprises a die (1) and a knife part which has a plurality of knives (2). The die (1) can be moved toward the knife part in order to carry out a cut. The knives (2) are arranged individually in the knife part in a force-dependent manner in such a way that their position with respect to the tool plate (4) varies in a defined way as a function of the force produced by contact with the packaging material (9) or the die (1). In the event of contact between the knife (2) and the die (1), a force acts on the knife (2) which does not exceed a predefined maximum force. The chamfer cutting device has the advantage that the die (1) can be guided right up to the knives (2).

Abstract: A bale processor for cutting or dicing a bale or slab of unvulcanized rubber produces small cubes or blocks of a predetermined size and uniform shape for continuous feeding at a predetermined rate into a mixing machine or blender. A bale or slab of feedstock rubber is advanced incrementally along a slider platform and a segment is sliced from the leading end of the bale. After separation, the segment falls onto a receiving panel from which it is transferred by a vacuum pick-up head to a vacuum hold-down table. Multiple slices are then formed through the segment along the X-axis by circular cutting blades of an X-axis cutter head, thereby forming elongated segment strips. Next, multiple slices are formed through the segment strips in the Y-direction by a Y-axis cutter head which includes circular cutter blades that are extendable and retractable along the Y-axis.

Abstract: It comprises means for advancing the bottles towards a station for cutting the domes of the bottle, said cutting station being associated with means for pressing the bottle against the cutting element of said station and with means for making the bottle rotate, said pressure and said rotation means being a pair of drive pulleys, and it is characterized in that it also includes means for limiting the rotation of the bottles, in such a way that rotation of the bottles occurs only when the bottles are situated substantially opposite the cutting station.

Abstract: A trim press article handling apparatus includes a punch plate, a die plate, a plunger, and a receiver. The punch plate has a punch, and the die plate has a die cooperating in relative movement with the punch plate to sever articles from a thermoformable web. The plunger is carried by one of the punch plate and the die plate having a tapered advancing head. The receiver is carried by the other of the punch plate and the die plate having a tapered recess configured to receive the plunger. A tapered article locator provided within a thermoformed web also having articles therein is captured between the plunger and the receiver as the punch plate and die plate are brought together there about, thereby imparting alignment of an article in the web between the punch and the die. A method for aligning and severing articles from a web is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and methodology are presented for automatically infeeding workpieces to a saw. A first workpiece is selected at an input station. A servo-driven friction belt system is connected to the input station, and advances the workpiece under a laser projection system. The laser projection system projects a laser pattern onto the workpiece, the laser pattern corresponding to one of a plurality of patterns corresponding to the blade configuration of a fixed arbor gang rip saw. Finally, there is a pinch roller system for removing the workpiece from the friction belt system and moving the workpiece into the saw, while maintaining the workpiece's orientation under the laser pattern. Also provided is a sensor for measuring the board width while moving on the servo-driven friction belt system, where the width is input to a computer controlling the friction belt system and which determines the optimum laser pattern.

Abstract: A device for positioning stock within a metal forming machine has a body containing a pusher arm. The device may use interchangeable standard and reverse pusher arms . The pusher arms mount on pivot pins and have position restoring springs. The springs exert force on the pusher arms at a distance from the pivot pins, thereby inducing a moment in the pusher arm. The pusher arm translates this moment into a lateral force exerted by the pusher arm on a piece of stock metal. The body may be mounted in either a reverse or standard configuration resulting, in combination with the use of either the standard or reverse pusher arm, in the ability to exert a lateral force in different directions depending on the configuration used. The device may also have a single pusher arm which may be used in either configuration.

Abstract: An apparatus and methodology are presented for automatically infeeding workpieces to a saw. A first workpiece is selected at an input station. A servo-driven friction belt system is connected to the input station, and advances the workpiece under a laser projection system. The laser projection system projects a laser pattern onto the workpiece, the laser pattern corresponding to one of a plurality of patterns corresponding to the blade configuration of a fixed arbor gang rip saw. Finally, there is a pinch roller system for removing the workpiece from the friction belt system and moving the workpiece into the saw, while maintaining the workpiece's orientation under the laser pattern. Also provided is a sensor for measuring the board width while moving on the servo-driven friction belt system, where the width is input to a computer controlling the friction belt system and which determines the optimum laser pattern.

Abstract: A system and a method are provided for detecting a bag that has been subjected to a process, such as illumination, wherein the contents of the bag require processing before subsequent use. The system (1) has a drawer (10) on which one or more bags may be placed and properly oriented. Punches (22) are provided for punching slugs from the bag indicative of a status of the processing of the bag. The punches (22) are aligned with die apertures (26) of a die (24) and corresponding punch apertures (20) through the drawer (10). The bag may include polarizing materials (50) such that the status of the processing of the bag (52) may be sensed. To this end, a rotating polarizing piece (70) is provided as well as a light source (34) and a sensor (38). The polarities between the polarizing piece (50) of the bag and the rotating polarizing piece (70) is monitored by the sensor (38) to indicate a condition or status of the processing of the bag and/or to further indicate tampering taking place in the process.

Abstract: A cutting machine (A) simultaneously cuts an elongate workpiece (a) into one or more building products, wherein each product is of a predetermined length. The machine includes a frame or foundation (1), which supports an input or carry-in conveyor (2) for conveying the workpiece along a first path of travel. The machine further includes a plurality of cutting mechanisms (3), (5), (6), and (7) and a feed mechanism (12) supported on the frame. At least some of the cutting mechanisms are movably mounted on the frame for selectively adjusting the spacing between adjacent cutting mechanisms for cutting the workpiece into products of predetermined length or lengths. The feed mechanism receives the workpiece from the input conveyor and moves the workpiece along a second path of travel until the workpiece contacts the cutting mechanisms, thereby cutting the workpiece.

Abstract: An apparatus for scarfing edge portions of a veneer sheet to produce a joint suited for joining the veneer sheets in an edge to edge relation. A conveyor system aligns, conveys and flattens the sheet. The sheet as it is being conveyed is engaged by tapered anvils provided on each side of the apparatus that deflect edge portions of the sheet at an angle to the plane of the flattened sheet. A diverter directs the edge of the sheet to one side or the other of the anvils. The resiliency of the sheet maintains the deflected edge portion against the anvil. The edge of the sheet when diverted to one side of the anvils is conveyed through scarfing saws that generate a bevel on each of the deflected side edges. The edge of the sheet when diverted to the opposite side of the anvils by-passes the scarfing saws.

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: This invention attaches to a sawmill carriage, enabling an operator to turn a log carried by the sawmill carriage without having to return the sawmill carriage to a fixed location. The invention includes a log turning hook with positioning guide bar that slides vertically with respect to, and pivots with, a cylinder. As the turning hook with positioning guide bar is lifting the log, the weight of the log is forcing the hook with positioning guide bar to pivot, which rotates the log ninety degrees into position for the next saw cut.

Abstract: A machine including a loading station for loading a pack of panels; a cutting station in which a cutting line is defined; a fixed structure located between the loading and cutting stations presenting a work surface; and a device for 90.degree. rotation of the pack of panels loaded onto the work surface. The 90.degree. rotation device includes: a frame for supporting the pack; a mechanism for moving the frame from a level below to a level above the work surface and vice versa; and a mechanism for rotating the frame 90.degree. clockwise and vice versa. The work surface presents first and second openings with longitudinal axes respectively parallel and perpendicular to the cutting line, for enabling movement of the frame from a level below to a level above the work surface and vice versa.

Abstract: A pallet for supporting strip material on which encapsulated circuit devices of the ball-grid array type are supported is delivered to a first cutter assembly. Rotary hardened steel cutter discs having radially extended cutting teeth separate the circuit devices as the cutter assembly is traversed to move the cutter blades in paths extended transversely of the strip material between adjacent circuit devices. Thereafter, the pallet is moved to a second cutter station at which a second cutter assembly trims strip material along paths extending transversely of the first paths. Pallet positioning means for precise positioning of pallets carrying the strip material include elevators having resilient supports which allow for limited lateral motion of the pallets as they are moved into positions of alignment with the cutter assemblies.

Abstract: An apparatus for trimming printed products which includes a drum with a plurality of radially displaced receiving compartments. The printed products which are to be trimmed rest, along their folded edges, against stops which form the base of the radial receiving compartments. The products are gripped by a displacement device and displaced radially outwards into a cutting position. In the cutting position, the printed products are clamped in the region of their side border located opposite the fold edge. When the clamped printed products run past a stationary cutter element, the printed products are trimmed on the side border. After completion of the cutting operation, the clamping of the printed products is released and the displacement device is moved by a further distance radially outwards. Consequently, the trimmed printed products are advanced into a removal position, in which they are gripped by grippers of a removal conveyor.

Abstract: An apparatus and related method for automatically infeeding workpieces to a saw includes a first workpiece that is selected at an input station. A servo-driven friction belt system is connected to the input station, and advances the workpiece under a pattern projection system. The pattern projection system causes a pattern to be projected onto the first workpiece. The pattern is one of a plurality of patterns corresponding to the blade configuration of a fixed arbor gang rip saw. An operator may select alternate patterns, and/or may skew the board to select the desired cut. A pinch roller system is provided for removing the workpiece from the friction belt system and moving the workpiece into the saw, while maintaining the desired skew, if any. Also provided is a sensor for measuring the board width while moving on the friction belt system, where the width is input to a computer controlling the infeed system and which determines the optimum pattern.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for forming profiled edge lamination (PEL) dies rapidly and accurately is disclosed.

Abstract: A dispenser for plastic film, food wrap is provided. The dispenser includes a base for supporting a roll of the plastic film wrap, a puller for engaging an end of the plastic film wrap and removing a selected length of the plastic film wrap, and a cutter movable across the width of the plastic film wrap for cutting said selected length of the plastic film wrap from the roll.

Abstract: The saw trimmer is used for trimming lumber pieces. The saw trimmer comprises a conveyor for longitudinally moving lumber pieces across the saw trimmer. The lumber pieces are transversely disposed on the conveyor with reference to the longitudinal direction. A plurality of adjacent drop saw assemblies are located above the conveyor. Each drop saw assembly comprises a circular saw blade parallel to the longitudinal direction, a corresponding hydraulic motor and an actuated positioning system for selectively raising and lowering the saw blade. Each lumber piece is held during the trimming thereof by a retaining assembly comprising a plurality of spaced-apart and parallel elongated rails positioned above the conveyor and extending longitudinally. These rails engage the upper surface of the lumber pieces. A plurality of rolls are positioned under a corresponding rail with an upper edge emerging above the conveyor and are driven into rotation. These rolls engage the bottom surface of the lumber pieces.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing a plastic closure particularly to facilitate orientation of the closure so that a manufacturing process, such as vertical scoring, can be effected at one of at least one predetermined portion of the closure. Such orientation is achieved by the provision of an orientation mandrel on to which the closure is moved. The closure is initially rotated relative to the orientation mandrel, with a stop mechanism of the mandrel thereafter engaging the closure and stopping such relative rotation. The stop mechanism of the mandrel is configured in a predetermined orientation with respect to an associated component of the apparatus, which in the illustrated embodiment comprises a vertical scoring mechanism. By this manufacturing technique, a closure having a tamper-indicating pilfer band can be scored and cut at a particular portion of the band, such as between container-engaging projections of the pilfer band.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for trimming and inspecting hollow plastic containers having a neck which has an opening that forms an angle with the vertical axis of the hollow container wherein as the hollow container is moved by a conveyor intermittently past a succession of stations of a trimming and inspection apparatus, the neck of the container is clamped and oriented so that the axis of the opening is vertical and the trimming or inspecting tooling is moved downwardly to engage and perform the trimming or inspecting. In one form two containers are simultaneously clamped and oriented.

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

Abstract: A method and apparatus for shaping a solid antiperspirant stick composition. The antiperspirant composition is produced in a generally cylindrical form having an oval or elliptical cross-section and the method and apparatus disclosed herein form the exposed end of the stick into a domed shape. A shaping mechanism comprises three shaped and heated cutting edges, each of which is arcuately oscillated with respect to the end of the stick within the plane of the major axis of the oval or ellipse. One pre-cut cutting edge is oscillated in one direction and makes a cut partially into one side of the exposed end of the stick. Rough cut and finish cut cutting edges are then arcuately passed through the end of the stick in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A feed drive for a cutting machine for cutting foods consists of a claw which penetrates into the product at the rear face of the product to be sliced whereby the claw is driven intermittently or continuously in the direction of feed, and guides the product on a roller conveyor against a cutting device so that slices are cut from the product. For an improved guidance of the product and in order to avoid inconsistent slices in particular in products which are long and whose consistency is soft, there is another force-locking and form-locking drive for the product at the front end of the product in the vicinity of the circular knife of the cutting device coupled with the drive of the claw. This additional drive consists at least of a feed roller which engages the bottom of the product in a force-locking and form-locking fashion and which is driven as a function of the feed path of the claw.

Abstract: A core collecting tray for a core blowing machine is provided which forms part of a slide which can reciprocally move longitudinally on tracks through sheaves, be lifted by a hydraulic cylinder that acts on a deck and with the assistance of vertical guides. The tray is adapted to cross travel by a further hydraulic cylinder and is fitted with a clipping template which can in turn travel upwards on additional guides and with the assistance of a third hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: Knocked down boxes made of corrugated paperboard are slit longitudinally in an on-line process directly downstream from the folder/gluer in which the boxes are formed. The boxes are first reoriented 90.degree. in a horizontal plane from the positions in which they are formed in the folder/gluer to a reoriented position for movement in a direction transverse to the box fold lines, the boxes are formed into a shingle in the direction of movement, and the shingle is conveyed in that direction into an alignment station. In the alignment station, the lateral edges of the boxes in the shingle are aligned vertically, while the shingle moves through the alignment station, by shifting the boxes transversely to the direction of movement.

Abstract: For cutting multilayer printed products in a continuous process single or multiple printed products 92) are associated with a first knife part (3) which is moved together with the printed products. During the movement, the printed products and the first knife part are engaged along a cutting edge (4) and subsequently moved past a second knife part (5). Through the cooperation between the first (3) and second (5) knife parts, the printed products (2) are cut along the intended cutting edge (4). A corresponding apparatus has a plurality of conveying units for the printed products moving along a circular path. The conveying units are preferably constructed as counterknives while the associated cutting knives are fixed. Thus, even when large quantities are conveyed and the printed products are thick, a top-quality three-sided cut is obtained.

Abstract: An apparatus for severing envelope edges in continuous fashion comprises a plurality of devices for severing an envelope edge and a conveyor mechanism for carrying envelopes past the plurality of severing devices, and for rotating the envelopes to present envelope edges to the plurality of severing devices in orientations which permit the edge-severing of each presented envelope edge. Also a severing device for use in connection with the severing apparatus.

Abstract: This invention is a machine and method (10) for cutting large blocks (12) of material, such as cheese, in which a block (12) is pushed in the same direction through successive cutting stations (34,66), the block (12) being rotated between two successive cutting stations (34,66). The machine may have a number of piston and cylinder assemblies (24,32,48,54,68) arranged for pushing the block of cheese through the successive cutting stations, for rotating the block of cheese as described above and for raising and lowering the block of cheese relative to the cutting stations. The machine and method (10) speeds up the cutting process by allowing the simultaneous cutting of two blocks of material.

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

Abstract: A piece of towel material is separate from a long sized towel cloth by cutting off margin portions composed of only warp yarn spaced in a predetermined interval. A plurality of comb teeth are fixedly mounted on a comb tooth fixing shaft. Each comb tooth comprises a base portion and an operative portion formed in L-shaped. the operative portion has a width corresponding to a longitudinal width of the warp yarn of the towel cloth. The comb tooth fixing shaft is positioned under the towel cloth across the longitudinal direction of the towel cloth. The comb tooth fixing shaft is rotated to permit the operative portion of the comb tooth to engage the surface of the towel cloth.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cutting segments from a strip of limp sheet material advanced lengthwise along a planar support surface utilizes a finger mechanism for ensuring that following severance of the strip from the remainder thereof, the remainder of the strip is guided along a desired path. The segments are cut from the strip by a pair of blades which move between an open condition accommodating the advancement of the strip to a position between the blades for cutting and a closed condition for cutting a segment from the strip and wherein the severed strip end is bent away from the plane of the support surface by the closing of the blades.

Abstract: A multi-directional system, method and apparatus for feeding stock from a coil into a press in a principal feed direction and selectively in a direction normal to the principal feed direction includes an uncoiler, a compensator, a feeder and a press arranged in series with the feeder and the compensator being engagable with the stock to feed it in the principal feed direction into the press and being shiftable transversely of the principal feed direction to shift the stock in that direction while the leading end of the stock is received within the press.

Abstract: A method of punching patterns of holes in printed circuit boards and sheets of material used in the manufacture of printed circuit boards. Each hole pattern punched is precisely positioned with respect to the metallized circuitry or the photographic image of the circuitry on each sheet of material. This method is accomplished with the use of an optical registration punch which automatically positions each sheet of material and punches a pattern of holes therein at a precise position with respect to the circuitry or the image of the circuitry on each sheet of material.

Abstract: A continuously operating one-sided formatting and edge shaping machine for edge processing four sides of work pieces is driven by a continuously running primary conveying means (10). A conveying device is mounted ahead of this single primary conveying means in the form of chain conveyors (18 and 20), which also operate continuously, so that a precisely aligned work piece can be transferred in this condition to the primary conveying means, for which purpose the two conveying means run synchronously with each other at least in the transfer area.

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

Abstract: A walking beam conveyor 28 feeds potatoes in a direction F to a cutting station where they are cut along planes 41 and 42 into four pieces. The conveyor 28 is pocketed and the pockets are configurated so that they cause each potato on the one hand to become oriented with its larger dimension generally at right-angles to the feeding direction F, and on the other hand to move to a central position transversely of the conveyor 28. Thus, each potato is in a predetermined position when it arrives at the cutting station, so that the four pieces into which it is cut are roughly of equal size.

Abstract: A food product is fed to and through a slicer blade of the type included within a commercial-scale meat slicer such as that used in slicing pork bellies into bacon slices. A slidable shelf is provided for temporarily storing the food product and for depositing the food product generally along a feed path after the butt portion of a previously sliced food product hassubstantially cleared the feed path. The thus deposited food product is then pushed into a prefeed orientation and gripped for feeding to and through the slicer blade.

Abstract: Automatic shearing apparatus is provided which includes a shear provided with a shearing blade, a feeding unit for feeding sheet metal to the shear, and at least one movable carrier arranged downstream of the shearing blade. The movable carrier is controlled to receive and store the sheared pieces and then to return them to the feeding unit or, selectively, to cause the sheared pieces to reach a controlling device for sending to a piece discharge area. The feeding unit can be a manipulator, with rectilinear motion perpendicular to the shearing blade, and a rotator, both located upstream of the shearing blade. The manipulator and rotator function to receive, rotate and feed the metal sheets to be sheared, as well as to receive, rotate and refeed to the shear the sheared pieces returned by the movable carrier.

Abstract: While conveyed along a deck plate of the apparatus, a smoked ham is conveyed toward a side of the deck plate to have an outer end of an ear of smoked ham casing sandwiched by a sandwiching conveyer, a shoulder of the smoked ham is then pushed by a first guide portion of a guide so that a ligating fitting of the smoked ham casing may be pulled out of a base of the ear, in succession thereto is extended a gap between the ligating fitting and the shoulder by a second guide portion of the guide, and thereafter the base of the ear is cut off by a cutter which occupies a position relative to that of the guide. Therefore, the ear of the smoked ham casing can be accurately cut off at a predetermined position.

Abstract: A bucking station for small logs is disclosed, in which a log is scanned to determine its size and shape, the resulting data are analyzed by a computer which determines the optimum locations for cuts, and the proposed cut locations are displayed on the log optically for the operator's inspection. If the operator overrides any of the proposed cuts, the computer recalculates any cuts not specified by the operator. When all cuts have been approved, the log is kicked to a cutting bed, where the cuts are made by means of two independently controllable traveling saws. The cutting bed is preferably defined by three sets of parallel plates. The first set comprises stationary plates having V-shaped upper edges which define a V-shaped trough in which the log is initially received. The second and third sets of plates are vertically movable and, when raised, together define a second V-shaped trough located above the first trough.

Abstract: The trimming apparatus and fixture for holding a PC board prior to and during trimming of an upper surface of the PC board utilizes a trimming blade rotated by a variable speed motor. This apparatus includes X and Y motion mechanism moved by hand grips that are spaced apart and cooperate with push button switches providing a safety control circuit. The X and Y motion mechanism employs linear ball bushings mounted and movable on hardened steel shafts. Removable holding fixtures are employed to hold and retain the PC boards during trimming. One holding fixture is used for PC boards that are not warped and not likely to warp. This fixture holds the PC board on three sides and a quick acting cam clamp is actuated to retain and release a PC board. Another fixture is adapted to hold and retain a PC board that is warped or likely to warp. Vacuum is used with a plurality of standoffs to establish the desired holding plane of this PC board.

Abstract: A front feed system that includes powered rollers for feeding sheet metal into the front of a shear. In one embodiment, the system uses ball transfer apparatus for facilitating feeding the sheet metal at various angles to the shear blade as desired by the operator. The transfer apparatus may then be lowered to rest the oriented sheet metal on the rollers for delivery to the shear. In a second embodiment, a turntable is positioned proximate the shear to further facilitate final orientation of the sheet material to be sheared. In a third embodiment, the sheet metal is automatically forced against a squaring arm on the shear to assure cuts perpendicular to the edge of the sheet metal, whether the sheet is positioned on the ball transfer apparatus or on the rollers through inclination of portions of the conveyor and/or the ball transfer apparatus.