Abstract: A method for processing plate-shaped workpieces made of wood or wood substitute materials, having the following steps: providing a large-format plate made of wood or wood substitute materials, and supplying the large-format plate to an isolation station; isolating plate-shaped workpieces by dividing the provided large-format plate in the isolation station such that cuts are made in the large-format plate by at least one isolation unit; supplying the isolated workpieces to at least one downstream machining station, in order to finish the isolated workpieces. At least a portion of each isolated workpiece receives, from the isolation unit, an alignment portion having at least one reference drilled hole for engagement of gripping elements. The isolated workpiece provided with the alignment portion is received by means of a gripping element, an engagement element or an acquisition element engaging on the alignment portion, following the separation of the isolated workpiece.

Abstract: A printing apparatus includes a feed shaft configured to feed a medium in a roll form by supporting and rotating the medium, a conveyance unit including a driving roller, a driven roller and an endless conveyance belt and configured to convey, in a conveyance direction, the medium supported by the conveyance belt by rotating the driving roller forward, a printing head configured to perform printing on the medium supported by the conveyance belt, and an ear portion winding shaft configured to wind up ear portions of the medium separated from the medium supported by the feed shaft.

Abstract: A method for processing panel-shaped workpieces having the steps of providing a large-format panel, and feeding the large-format panel to a detachment station; detaching panel-shaped workpieces by dividing the large-format panel in the detachment station by making cuts in the large-format panel using a detachment unit; and feeding the workpieces thus detached to a downstream processing station in order to complete the panel-shaped workpiece. In step b) at least a part of each detached workpiece acquires from the detachment unit an alignment section for engaging gripping elements and/or introducing reference bores. After the workpiece provided with the alignment section has been detached it is taken over by a gripping element, engaging element or grasping element which engages the alignment section. After the workpiece is taken over, the gripping element, engaging element or grasping element engaging in a form-fitting manner on the alignment section of the workpiece runs through a cycle.

Abstract: A drive unit (4) of the belt (3) for a molding machine (1) of bored fins comprises a fixed front part (12) and a movable rear part (13) driven longitudinally with a forward and backward movement to and from the fixed front part (12). Both parts (12, 13) of the drive unit (4) include support plates (16, 31) on the upper surfaces thereof for vertical teeth (20, 35) with oblique top (22, 37) which protrude upwards under elastic thrust (24, 39) and are suitable for being inserted into corresponding bored collars (52) of the belt (3) downstream of a boring unit (2). The upper surfaces of each of the two parts (12, 13) of the drive unit (4) support at least a further support plate (17, 32) for vertical teeth (21, 36) of greater diameter, which is liftable and lowerable by a control panel (50).

Abstract: A printer prints label data on a self-adhesive label that has a tabbed backing to produce a printed label on the tabbed backing. Also, a label feeder is positioned relative to the printer to transport the printed label on the tabbed backing away from the printer. A label applicator is positioned, relative to the feeder, to remove the printed label on the tabbed backing from the feeder. The tabbed backing includes a first section, covering an adhesive area of the printed label, and a tab extending from the first section. The label applicator includes a holder, that is shaped to grasp the tab of the tabbed backing, and a moveable element that is configured to remove the printed label from the tabbed backing and affix the adhesive area of the printed label to an item.

Abstract: A waste roll web product processing system includes a first roller conveyor, a push bar conveyor, a second roller conveyor, a guide device and a cutter. The push bar conveyor pushes waste roll web products from the first roller conveyor to the second roller conveyor for enabling the second roller conveyor to deliver the waste roll web products to the guide device so that the waste roll web products fall downwards along the guide device one after another and the cutter cuts off each falling waste roll web product for enabling the web material and shaft of each waste roll web product to be separately recycled.

Abstract: Provided is a cutting equipment for automatically cutting off workpieces from a material tape. The cutting equipment includes an electrical control box, a base board, a material-feeding mechanism, a material-transferring mechanism, a material-pulling mechanism and a cutting mechanism. The material-feeding mechanism includes a supporting bracket, a material disc and a disc-driving device. The material-transferring mechanism mounted on the base board includes a pad board, a first supporting board and a second supporting board. The material-pulling mechanism disposed above the material-transferring mechanism includes a driving component and a material-pulling component. The cutting mechanism mounted on the base board includes a lower supporting plate, an upper cutting plate and a transferring cylinder. The upper cutting plate disposes at least one cutting blade.

Abstract: A feeding apparatus for a wide metal strip, wherein a plurality of through-holes are formed with predetermined gaps in a length direction and a width direction, into a cutter and pulls narrow metal strips formed by cutting the wide metal strip between the through-holes in the length direction so that through-holes are formed along only the length direction. The feeding apparatus includes a feeding-in apparatus that is provided on an entrance side of the cutter that feeds the wide metal strip into the cutter and a pulling-out apparatus that is provided on an exit side of the cutter that pulls out the narrow metal strips, which have been cut out by the cutter. A linking member drives the feeding-in apparatus and the pulling-out apparatus in concert so that the wide metal strip is fed into the cutter together with the narrow metal strips out being pulled out from the cutter.

Abstract: A method for transporting two-dimensional, flexible products, in particular printed products, such as newspapers and magazines or parts thereof, with which the product is conveyed from one gripper of a conveyor device, freely held along a conveyor path at least in regions, and the product grasped by the gripper at the edge which is not to be cut, on the conveyor path, is brought into active connection with cutting means of a cutting station in a manner such that at least one edge of the product is cut.

Abstract: A pin wheel roller assembly for a bacon slicer. The roller assembly is formed with a number of individual spacer segments and an end cap. The pin wheel assembly is formed with a pin wheel sandwiched between adjacent cylindrical segments and the end cap.

Abstract: This invention relates to a machine and system for processing strip material which typically is removed from the edges of a sheet of material during the formation process. The strip material is formed in an apparatus and expelled at a variable line speed. The line speed is measured by a sensor which provides a signal representation of the speed to a cutter assembly. The cutter assembly cuts the strip material at a cutting speed which is sequenced to the line speed such that the strip material is cut into a plurality of pieces. The pieces are generally uniform in shape and size across variations in the line speed because the cutting speed is synchronized with the line speed.

Abstract: The device comprises: a moving member (5), positioned around which are engaging elements (9) to axially engage the trimmings (R). The moving member feeds the engaging elements continuously along a closed path, along which a device (20) is provided to detach the turns of web material from the tubular cores.

Abstract: Novel modifications to a standard Pro-lok Blue Punch manual punch press machine have been developed which permit the modified machine to accurately and consistently cut Sargent brand L and R series keys to code. Modifications to the same machine are presented such that both Sargent L and R series keys may be cut to code on the same Pro-lok Blue Punch manual punch press machine. Primary features of the modifications are (1) moving the indexing stops from the lower jaw to the upward facing surface of the die and (2) providing two indexing stops on the die such that each stop is laterally positioned on opposite sides of the punch from the other.

Abstract: A cutting equipment (34) for continuous forms (37) comprising an input moving device (53) for a continuous form, a loop forming device (54), a cutting feeding device (56) and a transversal cutting mechanism (58) for the form. The form (37) has side sprocket holes (41) and the cutting feeding device (56) includes intermediate pin feed tractors (91, 92) interposed between the loop forming device (54) and the transversal cutting mechanism (58) and provided for cooperating with the sprocket holes of the section of form (37) to be cut. The loop forming device includes a loop sensor (78) and the input moving device (53) causes the form to be entered at a mean velocity depending on the velocity of the intermediate pin feed tractors (91, 92) and on the state of the loop sensor.

Abstract: An improved unloading apparatus for a plate-like workpiece cutting machine includes a platform, a faceplate, a lift device, and an intermediate member. The platform is provided with a channel recessed downwards from a top side thereof. The faceplate is mounted on the top side of the platform to seal the channel for putting to-be-machined plate-like workpieces thereon and is provided with a plurality of through holes. The lift device is mounted below the faceplate and includes a power unit and a supporting member, which can be driven to be lifted and lowered by the power unit. The intermediate member is disposed with a plurality of locating columns corresponding in locations to the through holes of the faceplate and is mounted on a top side of the supporting member.

Abstract: A cutting equipment (34) for continuous forms (37) comprising an input moving device (53) for a continuous form, a loop forming device (54), a cutting feeding device (56) and a transversal cutting mechanism (58) for the form. The form (37) has side sprocket holes (41) and the cutting feeding device (56) includes intermediate pin feed tractors (91, 92) interposed between the loop forming device (54) and the transversal cutting mechanism (58) and provided for cooperating with the sprocket holes of the section of form (37) to be cut. The loop forming device includes a loop sensor (78) and the input moving device (53) causes the form to be entered at a mean velocity depending on the velocity of the intermediate pin feed tractors (91, 92) and on the state of the loop sensor.

Abstract: The combination of a rip fence and a workpiece pusher are provided for a table saw or shaper. A preferred workpiece pusher moves along a track having a central portion aligned with the feed direction and having two end portions skewed with respect to the feed direction so that the workpiece pusher retracts into the rip fence at both limits of its travel. This allows a sawyer to retract the workpiece pusher on the infeed side of a table saw and begin a ripping operation in which he or she manually pushes the workpiece into the saw blade until the trailing end of the workpiece is close enough to the saw blade that the workpiece pusher can be moved out of the fence to engage the trailing end of the stock. The pusher can then be used to push the workpiece the rest of the way past the blade. This apparatus also allows a woodworker to operate a table-mounted cutting tool without using a workpiece pusher of the invention that is installed on that table.

Abstract: A print media handling system for feeding print media into a media inlet of a printer is disclosed. The print media handling system includes a media feeder for feeding print media along a media path towards the media inlet. At least one trimming element is disposed along the media path for trimming fed print media to a predetermined width prior to the print media entering the media inlet. A printer that includes a print media handling system described above is also disclosed.

Abstract: A board trimmer having pre-trimmer saws includes a selectively translatable upstream first pre-trimmer saw mounted on a near-side of a board flow path of a board transfer, upstream of a downstream multi-saw board trimmer. The pre-trimmer saw is selectively translatable by an actuator for translation linearly parallel to a near-side ended board on the board transfer. The pre-trimmer saw is perpendicular to the board when on the board transfer. A board elevator may be mounted below the board flow path and the pre-trimmer saw for elevating the board from a sequence of single boards from the board transfer into sawing engagement with the pre-trimmer saw once the pre-trimmer saw has been pre-positioned by the actuator into an optimized cutting path. Trimming of the board in the flow path is done according to an optimized solution for trimming the board.

Abstract: A suction assembly (10, 10′), which constitutes a portion of a cutting surface (11) of machines for cutting sheet materials (9), in which a blade working with reciprocating motion freely penetrates, comprises modular supporting elements (13), which are of small thickness and comb-shaped and are provided with a row of bristles (16) and a base (17), which is provided with engagement means (19, 21) for insertion of said elements (13) in a removable way and appropriately oriented on a bearing structure (14, 15) to form a mat of bristles, on which the sheet materials (9) rest, the said suction assembly (10, 10′) being provided with channels, connected to a suction system, consisting of a plurality of grooves (23) made on at least one side of the base (17) of the modular supporting elements (13).

Abstract: An apparatus for halving pieces of product includes a loading conveyor for conveying individual pieces of product and having a planar surface defining a plane tilted with respect to the horizontal and a lift conveyor comprising a moving surface positioned adjacent to the loading conveyor and oriented in a plane parallel to the axis of the loading conveyor for receiving pieces of product from the loading conveyor and for conveying them in an upward direction substantially at a right angle to the plane of the loading conveyor. The lift conveyor has a plurality of flites spaced along the lift conveyor, each flite supporting, one at a time, the pieces of product. A cutting blade is positioned to engage each piece of product as it moves along the lift conveyor so as to cut each piece of product into two pieces.

Abstract: A tire cutter apparatus including a rotatable anvil wheel assembly and a cutter wheel assembly connected to a frame. The anvil wheel assembly has an anvil wheel with a smooth circumferential anvil surface. The cutter wheel assembly includes a cutter wheel having a peripheral edge. The cutter wheel assembly and the anvil wheel assembly are movable between a closed position in which the cutter wheel edge is adjacent the anvil surface to define a cutting site, and an open position in which the cutter wheel edge and the anvil surface are spaced apart. A gripping wheel having an articulated peripheral edge is connected to the cutter wheel assembly and/or to the anvil wheel assembly, so that the gripping wheel engages a portion of a tire to move the tire through the cutting site. The apparatus may be a compression cutter defining a nip, and multiple overlapping gripping wheels may be driven to drive the tire through the cutter.

Abstract: A rotary die cutter, comprising a frame, an anvil roll revolvably attached to the frame, a die roll revolvably attached to the frame and positioned in operable contact with the anvil roll, and a drive mechanism for revolving the anvil roll and the die roll. The apparatus further includes an engagement mechanism for selectively engaging and disengaging the drive mechanism from driving the anvil roll and the die roll. The engagement mechanism preferably includes a single revolution clutch that is released by energizing a solenoid. The invention further includes a method of die cutting product comprising the steps of turning a motor, feeding the product sheet between an anvil roll and a die roll and unlatching a clutch to engage the motor with the anvil roll and die roll.

Abstract: Point needles in a conveying cylinder of a rotary press are caused to follow a curve course which securely fastens a web to the cylinder while eliminating transport damage to the printed products as well as reducing paper waste. The needle tips of the point needles are moved along their path by the superimpositioning of two pivot movements, one of which is accomplished by a point holder arm and the second of which is accomplished by a rocker. The two cooperate to form a level four member swivel joint.

Abstract: Point needles in a collecting cylinder are driven in a two stage extension process to initially needle or pierce the leading edge of a product web being cut. Once the cut has been made, the needle tips are moved further radially outwardly from the cylinder to secure the cut edge. As the signatures are transferred to a folding cylinder, the needle points are retracted along a single stage retraction curve which is different from the path traveled during the two stage extension process.

Abstract: A machine for cutting electric battery plates, comprising two rollers (17, 18), between which a metal strip (20) passes. The metal strip is provided with a row of holes (22) running down the center, separated by bridges (31). The lower roller (17) is provided with means for removing cut-away pieces. A disk that is selectively circumferentially positioned is mounted on the lower roller. Lugs (21) project radially from the disk to pull the strip (20) along. Cutter plates (25, 26) are mounted on the upper roller. The cutter plates are provided with blades (29, 30) that cut the strip (20) and the bridges (31) transversely to yield plates (32) with their respective tabs (33). Inserts (35, 36) are provided under the cutter plates.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for manufacturing book blocks from various printed sheets composed of a plurality of quarto sheets which are inserted into one another, wherein the printed sheets are successively pulled fold first along a conveying path from a stack of printed sheets by a gripping unit of a feeder and are subsequently gathered with their flat sides placed against each other into book blocks. The gripping unit which grasps the printed sheets approximately at the fold thereof produces a deformation or injury which extends at least partially through the quarto sheets, so that the respective quarto sheets are secured relative to each other and displacements relative to each other are prevented.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus for sheet material, such as a power transmission belt molding pad, which cutting apparatus has a first structure for supporting a sheet material, a second structure for engaging and advancing the sheet material on the first structure to a predetermined cutting position, and structure for guidingly cutting the sheet material in the cutting position.

Abstract: Point needles in a conveying cylinder of a rotary press are caused to follow a curve course which securely fastens a web to the cylinder while eliminating transport damage to the printed products as well as reducing paper waste. The needle tips of the point needles are moved along their path by the superimpositioning of two pivot movements, one of which is accomplished by a point holder arm and the second of which is accomplished by a rocker. The two cooperate to form a level four member swivel joint.

Abstract: A distinctive method and apparatus (20) technique for intermittently applying a component (22) onto a moving substrate (26). The method and apparatus can include a conveyor (28) configured to provide the moving substrate (26) at a selected substrate speed, and a transporter (30) configured to deliver a component web (24) at a selected component web speed which differs from the substrate speed. A rotatable applicator roll (32) has an appointed rotational direction (36), and an outside applicator surface (34). The applicator roll is configured to be rotated at a rate which provides to the applicator surface (34) a surface speed which is substantially equal to the substrate speed. At least one deceleration carriage (40) is assembled to rotate with the applicator roll (32) and is configured to receive and hold a selected portion of the component web (24).

Abstract: A device is provided for trimming an edge of printed products which are fed continuously at regular distances to a conveying arrangement. The conveying arrangement includes circulating, pocket-like conveying units that are loaded from above with printed products. The edges of the printed products project at the conveying units so that the edges extend through a cutting arrangement laterally disposed at the conveying arrangement and including a blade. A support arrangement includes a shoulder disposed on a rear side of the printed product relative to the blade. The support arrangement is set back from the projecting edge of the printed product and is disposed opposite the blade during the cutting process. The support arrangement is movable into position at least approximately over a length of a cut by the blade and is driven in the same direction and at the same cadence as the printed products that are fed to the cutting arrangement.

Abstract: Apparatus for dividing a continuous web having perforated, marginal strips on its sides into discrete sheets and removing the marginal strips. The apparatus includes: a device for engaging and moving the perforated, marginal strips of the continuous web along a feed path; a slitting device located downstream of the engaging and moving device for separating the marginal strips from the remaining, central portion of the web; a cutting device for dividing the remaining, central portion of the web into discrete sheets; a pair of deflectors located downstream of the cutting device for advancing the remaining, central portion of the web and for guiding the severed, marginal portions below the feed path.

Abstract: Point needles in a collecting cylinder are driven in a two stage extension process to initially needle or pierce the leading edge of a product web being cut. Once the cut has been made, the needle tips are moved further radially outwardly from the cylinder to secure the cut edge. As the signatures are transferred to a folding cylinder, the needle points are retracted along a single stage retraction curve which is different from the path traveled during the two stage extension process.

Abstract: A versatile high speed slicing machine moves first and second food loaves along parallel loaf paths into a slicing station where both loaves are sliced by a cyclically driven knife blade. There are independent loaf feed drives so that slices cut from one loaf may be thicker than slices from the other. The conveyor/transfer system onto which food loaves are deposited as cut includes a receiver located below the slicing station; a lift mechanism moves the receiver down during slicing so that slices always fall about the same distance after being cut. The receiver includes a plural-belt horizontal receiver conveyor with recieving pin wheels located between the belts that periodically discharges groups of food loaf slices onto a deceleration conveyor, from which the groups are fed onto a multi-belt scale conveyor. The scale conveyor is aligned with two receiver weighing grids, each grid including plural grid elements interleaved one-for-one with the scale conveyor belts.

Abstract: A razor blade construction is manufactured of a thin element of blade stock forming the cutting edge portion which is welded or otherwise attached to a more rigid support member. A plurality of support members are produced from a coil of flat sheet material by a cutting and forming process, each of the supports being retained at its edge to an adjacent support to provide a coil of blade supports. The coil of supports is then fed into a device for severing each support from the coil and registering it with a blade element for attachment thereto.

Abstract: A device for extracting samples from a folder, includes a cutting cylinder pair including a blade cylinder and a grooved cylinder, the blade cylinder having at least one cutting blade mounted on the periphery thereof, the grooved cylinder having at least one groove bar, a respective holding device for signatures assigned to the groove bar, conveyor tapes for conveying signatures emerging from a nip between cylinder and the grooved cylinder of the cutting cylinder pair to a signature delivery and to a conveyor unit assigned to the cutting cylinder pair, and a device for remotely controlling the holding devices.

Abstract: A process for cutting a moving strip to form a series of plates, such as battery plates, includes the initial step of transporting the strip past a rotary divider including a cutter having radial blades configured to cut the strip into the plates. The cutter further has a set of blades for cutting individual pieces from the strip, which pieces are not part of the plates. As the cutter blades cut the strip to form the plates and pieces, a vacuum system applies suction to draw the pieces cut from the strip inwardly into the cutter through holes in the cutter, and then out of the cutter. The holes are each located adjacent each one of the corresponding blades and are shaped and positioned to permit the cut-away piece to pass through. In a preferred embodiment, the vacuum system includes a pair of vacuum manifolds that apply suction at opposite ends of the cylindrical cutter. An apparatus for carrying out the foregoing process accordingly includes a rotary divider as described above provided with a vacuum system.

Abstract: A paper edge trimmer for a printer using pin-feed paper with holed edges has a edge trimmer body that fits on a support member in close proximity to a feed roller. In several embodiments, the body has two opposing portions joined by an integral hinge and separated by a split to permit the body to be pinched apart and installed on a support rod. Several alternative embodiments are shown for securing the body to the printer. The cutting edge extends down through the score line of the paper to separate the holed edge portions from a main portion on which matter is printed.

Abstract: A cutter for cutting a continuous corrugated strip includes a feed gear, on the outer circumference of which a tooth portion engaging with a continuous corrugated strip such as a corrugated fin used for a radiator is provided, wherein a tooth cutout portion is formed in the feed gear. In a cavity formed in the feed gear, a first cutting blade unit rotated around an eccentric center is accommodated. When a first cutting blade radially provided in the first cutting blade unit is projected from the tooth cutout portion, the first cutting blade comes into contact with a second cutting blade provided outside, so that the continuous corrugated strip can be cut.

Abstract: A device for extracting samples from a folder, includes a cutting cylinder pair including a blade cylinder and a grooved cylinder, the blade cylinder having at least one cutting blade mounted on the periphery thereof, the grooved cylinder having at least one groove bar, a respective holding device for signatures assigned to the groove bar, conveyor tapes for conveying signatures emerging from a nip between the blade cylinder and the grooved cylinder of the cutting cylinder pair to a signature delivery and to a conveyor unit assigned to the cutting cylinder pair, and a device for remotely controlling the holding devices.

Abstract: An aligning log conveyor for a scragg mill comprising a pair of spaced, parallel runners which extend longitudinally in front of the saws. The runners have sharpened top surfaces which form a "V"-shaped trough therebetween to cradle and to stabilize the log. A motorized lug chain disposed between the runners propels the log toward the saw. A shock absorbing stabilizing means with a wheel is positioned above the log for maintaining pressure against the log to remain in contact with the sharpened top surfaces of the runners and in alignment with the saws.

Abstract: A fluid cutting system of improved configuration provides a high-velocity fluid that is rotated about a first axis (preferably a horizontal axis) on a moving trolley. The trolley is rotationally supported about a second axis (preferably vertical). The trolley travels upon a pair of arc-shaped tracks and is driven by a motor drive. The trolley has a pair of arc-shaped tracks that support the fluid jet nozzle. The fluid nozzle is thus rotatable about two axes, thereby emitting a high-pressure stream of fluid for adjustable cutting. A workpiece positioning frame has a fish section holder that can be elevated or moved laterally with respect to the cutting system.

Abstract: A web feed device, particularly a tractor for feeding perforated paper, is provided with the capability of automatically cutting a margin along the edge of the paper. Where this margin is defined by side perforations, the apparatus is operative to burst the perforations automatically. The tractor has a lid which is spring biased in a closed position spaced from a surface of the frame of the tractor over which the paper is driven, as by a belt having pins which are received in feed perforations along the margin between the side perforations and the edge where the belt is entrained around a sprocket which drives the belt. The mechanism has a lower cutting disk, driven with the sprocket and presenting a cutting edge along an outside surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a cutting system for vegetables, including potatoes, which includes a conveyor for transporting food product to the general vicinity of a rotating cutting blade. The conveyor generally aligns the food product and arranges it in a single row. The conveyor introduces the food product between a pair of endless belts which include contoured paddles on their mating surfaces to receive the food product and drive it toward the cutting knife. The endless belts are floating and coupled to pneumatic pistons to maintain contact between the paddles and the food product, even though the food product may vary in size. A double sided driving chain belt drives the endless belts to ensure positive, non-slipping feeding. The paddles prevent rotation of the food product while it is being cut. In the most preferred embodiment, the device is used for feeding potatoes into a rotating knife adapted to cut helical strips.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing recyclable materials from bags. The apparatus includes a conveyor having tines which engage and assist the conveyor in transporting the bags of materials to a discharge bin. A cutting element cooperates with the conveyor to open the bags allowing the materials to be emptied from the bags at one end of the conveyor into the bin where the materials are subsequently discharged onto compost piles. The bags are then removed from the tines and transferred into a mechanism where they are bundled for disposal or recycling.

Abstract: A device for extracting samples from a folder, includes a cutting cylinder pair including a blade cylinder and a grooved cylinder, the blade cylinder having at least one cutting blade mounted on the periphery thereof, the grooved cylinder having at least one groove bar, a respective holding device for signatures assigned to the groove bar, conveyor tapes for conveying signatures emerging from a nip between the blade cylinder and the grooved cylinder of the cutting cylinder pair to a signature delivery and to a conveyor unit assigned to the cutting cylinder pair, and a device for remotely controlling the holding devices.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting pleated paper, and especially for filtration media for the automotive industry. Two tooth roller chains in parallel are supported above a support plate upon which pleated paper is placed. There is an opening in the plate through which the teeth of two sprockets supported beneath the plate may extend to mesh with the teeth of the corresponding roller chain. The teeth on both the chain and the sprocket are the same height as the pleated paper and when driven by an electric motor pulls the paper through the device separating each pleat. One pleat at a time is pushed through a slit in the table top at which point the pleat knuckle is sheared off by pneumatic operated cutter blade. A fiberoptics infrared scanner is used to monitor the amount of pleated material available. The number of pleats cut on any one run is controlled.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing compostable materials from plastic bags. The apparatus includes a conveyor having retaining members which engage and assist the conveyor in transporting the bags of compostable materials to a discharge bin. A cutting element cooperates with the first conveyor to open the bags allowing the compostable material to be emptied from the bags at one end of the conveyor into the bin where the compostable materials are subsequently discharged onto compost piles. The bags are then removed from the retaining members and transferred into a mechanism where they are bundled for disposal or recycle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for efficiently cutting food items, such as potatoes, into helical strips. The food items are provided seriatim to the cutting assembly from a conveyor system fed by a trough shaker or other singulator device. Food items on the conveyor are aligned longitudinally and are then impaled on small spikes protruding from the conveyor so that they maintain the longitudinal orientation during their travel to a feed roller portion of the system. The feed rollers firmly grip the food items by their peripheries and advance them into the rotary cutting assembly. This assembly includes a helically shaped cutting member defining at a leading edge thereof a slicing blade and supporting on its front surface a plurality of perpendicularly extending scoring blades. The helically shaped cutting member is mounted at its periphery by being threadedly received in a helical thread cut in an annular holder.

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.