Abstract: An automatic or semiautomatic apparatus cuts off the ends of preassembled standard venetian blinds to provide custom-size blinds for windows that are not modern standard sizes. An automated process is used to cut preassembled blinds to provide custom-size blinds for such windows. The apparatus preferably includes twin cutters arranged to trim both ends of a slat simultaneously, and is shaped, sized and configured to do so while the slat remains preassembled in a blind. The apparatus also preferably includes a vertical bed for suspending a blind in an opened and generally taut condition--and a mechanism for moving the cutter vertically along the bed to cut each slat in turn. Preferably the apparatus automatically registers the cutter with each slat and interrupts the cutting sequence after the last slat is cut. Optical sensing is preferably used to obtain the automatic registration.

Abstract: Frame members of the apparatus mount cutter assemblies that are aligned by relative adjustive movement of the frame members with edges of a cutout that is to be cut from sheet material. The adjustive relative movement of the frame members additionally effects adjustment of the relative positions of the cutter assemblies and associated cam members also carried by the frame members. This in turn causes the cuts made by the cutter assemblies to be of the same length as the therewith aligned cutout edges. The apparatus preferably further includes clamping members that engages the sheet material during each cutting operation, and drive components for imparting desired motions to the various movable components of the apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus for longitudinally and transversely trimming articles moldingly formed on plastic sheet which is brought by means of a pair of clamp chains between longitudinally movable pointed tip knives and longitudinally extended holder members as well as transversely movable pointed tip knives and transversely extended holder members respectively held in retracted position and then trimmed by moving said knives and holder members to forwarded position and by moving said knives. Trimmed articles fall down by gravity and the waste portion is kept in one piece and brought out by said clamp chains to be collected.

Abstract: A multiple punching machine for punching out holes in the partition walls of a battery box. To accommodate all the different sizes and shapes and dimensions of battery boxes, the machine has multiple punching heads which are independently operated and independently positioned longitudinally, laterally, and vertically. Each head consists of a pair of pivoted punch jaws of small transverse dimensions to fit into small battery cells and each head is operated by an independent pneumatic ram with the piston rod moving along the length of the limbs of the jaw to minimize transverse diemensions. By using independent heads the reaction force at each punch is absorbed thus eliminating a heavy frame.

Abstract: During passage of an I-beam through a punching press for punching holes vertically through its web, holes are also punched through its flanges by horizontally acting punches of the present invention. Four C-shaped punching heads are provided for the flanges. To permit punching closely adjacent holes, two punches are powered by a single hydraulic cylinder, unless one is deactivated. A joint gauge screw precisely adjusts gauge (the spacing between the two punches), and may be raised or lowered for centering as to web. Before each flange punching operation, the web is pressed firmly against a fixed block level with the web die. The piston of the hydraulic cylinder is of such large diameter that the varying positions of the punches will lie within the projected periphery of the piston rod.

Abstract: Apparatus for cutting lumber to random or specified clear lengths by removal of sections containing defects and by making single end or intermediate cuts, includes infeed means for transporting a piece of lumber, locating means for locating the piece of lumber longitudinally in the apparatus, a fixed saw for cutting the piece of lumber at a first position, and a sliding saw selectively positionable longitudinally with respect to the fixed saw for cutting the piece of lumber at a second position which is located a spaced distance from the first position co-extensive with the extent of the defect. The fixed saw also is configured for operation independently of the sliding saw for making the single cuts.Saw positioning means positions the sliding saw longitudinally, based on commands from a computer for removal of the defect with the minimum removal of clear lumber.

Abstract: The method of fabricating the sheet metal duct units of the present invention comprises cutting a plurality of spaced lines of notches in an elongated strip of sheet metal, each of the lines being transverse to the longitudinal axis of the strip. The strip is sheared at predetermined points along the length thereof so that the cutting and the shearing operation combine to form sheet metal segments each having at least one cleat tab on at least one end thereof. Next the sheet metal segments are bent along at least one axis extending longitudinally with respect to the longitudinal axis of the sheet metal so as to form an upstanding leg, the cleat tab being on one end of the upstanding leg. The cleat tab is then bent back against the remainder of the upstanding leg so as to form a cleat.

Abstract: A method for cutting out work pieces which have similar contours on both sides of an axis of symmetry thereof comprising the steps of scanning the contour of the work piece for developing control signals corresponding to the shape of the work piece, delivering the control signals for driving a plurality of cutting torches placed on a carrier, displacing the carrier in the direction of the axis of symmetry of the work piece representing the y direction of coordinates, and displaying the cutting devices transversely to the axis of symmetry of the work piece representing the x direction of coordinates, said cutting devices being displaced on equal distance along the x direction but opposite in sense, whereby a pattern having a mirror image on both sides of the axis of symmetry can be cut simultaneously by the cutting torches.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically cutting wrappers or the like from metal sheets. A metal sheet is conveyed in the x-direction to a cutting position wherein a pair of cutting blade (i.e., shears) assemblies cut edge portions from the metal sheet to form a cut wrapper or the like having longitudinal edges. The cutting assemblies are movable in the y-dimension--transverse to the x-direction--and are also angularly movable. From the cutting position the cut wrapper is continuously conveyed to a notching position wherein notching assemblies also movable in the y-dimension may form notches in the longitudinal edges of the cut wrapper. At a further point in the x-direction, an edge deforming position may be provided including edge deforming apparatus that also is movable in the y-dimension. Flexible elongated members or the like support the metal sheet spaced from its conveyor during conveying to prevent damage to the conveyor by the cutting or notching assemblies.