Tool Displaceable To Inactive Position (e.g., For Work Loading) Patents (Class 83/563)
  • Patent number: 6253652
    Abstract: In a web slitter of the type used for cutting continuous webs of material, such as paper, a top slitter assembly features a hub cylinder attached to its frame. The hub cylinder supports a freely rotating hub to which the top blade of the web slitter is mounted. The hub cylinder may be raised and lowered with respect to the slitter frame so that the top blade may be lowered to, and raised from, its cutting position. A toggle support is clamped to the hub cylinder while a pin holder is attached to the slitter frame. A toggle is attached to the toggle support in a pivoting fashion. Housed within the pin holder is a sliding pin and a compression spring. The compression spring resists the movement of the pin towards the hub of the web slitter. The pin may be extended so that it engages a notch in the hub. When the hub cylinder is raised, the toggle may be pivoted so that it abuts the end of the engaged pin against the action of the compression spring. As a result, the pin is maintained in engagement with the hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Valmet Corporation
    Inventors: James Dax, Jeffrey Knutson
  • Patent number: 6227093
    Abstract: The preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a pizza docking device having a pair of guides atop a pan and retaining a roller therein. Said roller has a plurality of pins thereon in spiral orientation. The device is dimensioned such that when an uncooked pizza crust is place on said pan, said roller may be traversed across said crust, docking it with perforations of a desired spacing and depth. A pair of shelves is provided in an elevated portion of said guides for placement of said roller up and away from said pan such that crusts may be placed and removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Inventor: Bernard J. Rensky, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6227088
    Abstract: An apparatus for the opening of paper bobbins and other rolls of material is provided. A flat blade is advanced from the side of a wound roll of material such that it intersects the roll over substantially its entire width. A cutting blade or other cutting mechanism then severs the layers of the roll which are outside the flat blade, and the flat blade protects the inside layers from being damaged. In preferred embodiments, a jet of air or other gas may be used to ease the insertion of the flat blade, or a gripping device which pinches the surface of the roll between opposed friction pads creates an arch in the surface of the roll through which the blade is inserted. The device is particularly suitable for use in cigarette making machines which require undamaged paper feeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Philip Morris Incorporated
    Inventors: Jean Cestonaro, David Vuilleumier, Pascal Christen
  • Patent number: 6200246
    Abstract: The machine includes two turrets carrying a plurality of punch-die pairs, a magazine for these pairs, and a device for changing over the pairs. This device is formed from at least one changeover arm having two gripper elements, each comprising a pair of jaws operable by a common actuator. The two jaws are provided with a through-pin and are each engagable in a pair of channels, perpendicular to each other, carried by a flange of the punch or the die. When the gripper element moves parallel to the axis of the punch or the die, a first channel of the pair is disposed axially and has a quadrangular section, while the other channel is tangential and has a triangular section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: Rainer S.R.L.
    Inventor: Eugenio Perazzolo
  • Patent number: 6155153
    Abstract: Apparatus for stacking egg carriers comprises in linear disposition a carrier delivery conveyor feeding onto a loading station. A transfer arrangement is provided to lift a load from the loading station, displace it linearly and deposit it on a stacking station. A discharge conveyor feeds from the stacking station and a transfer device is provided to move a load or a layered plurality of loads, from the stacking station onto the discharge conveyor. A motive power source is provided and an actuating mechanism operable at the loading station to operate the power source to provide movement of the transfer arrangement and periodically movement of the transfer device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Inventor: Stephen Robert James Davison
  • Patent number: 6138544
    Abstract: A rotary die-cutter having a planetary configuration for die-cutting paper products such as corrugated and solid-fiber paper board includes a frame in which is mounted a rotatable turret assembly. Rotatably attached to the turret assembly is a first die-cutting cylinder, a second die-cutting cylinder, and an anvil. Various tools or forms are detachably mounted to the exterior of the first and second die-cutting cylinders to cut, score, or crease paper box packaging materials. Each die-cutting cylinder is either in an operational position or a set-up position depending on the orientation of the turret assembly. In order to change the tools or forms of a die-cutting cylinder, the turret assembly is rotated such that the operational die-cutting cylinder moves to the set-up position, while the die-cutting cylinder in the set-up position simultaneously moves to the operational position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Inventor: Gregory J. Newell
  • Patent number: 6119324
    Abstract: An apparatus and process for forming a discontinuous slot, recess or other such opening of predetermined size and location in an extrusion section, such as a window jamb liner. The apparatus includes a cutting or shaping device mounted on or closely adjacent an extruding die, such device including a tip movable between a retracted position and an extended position. In the extended position, the tip engages the extrusion as the extrusion is formed and leaves the die, to thereby slit or otherwise remove a strip or other predetermined amount of material from the extrusion and thus form a recess or opening. As the cutter-like member is extended into or retracted from the extrusion, the tip of the cutterlike member shears the extrusion cross-wise to form an opening which may form an end of a slot and the length of time the tip remains in such contact with the extrusion determines the slots length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Newell Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Jack E. Suess
  • Patent number: 6105478
    Abstract: A device for preparing and opening a roll of a strip of supple material. A flat blade is provided and is inserted from one side of the roll to separate the top layer, which is to be cut, from the lower layers. When the top layer is cut, the cutting portion of the cutting blade comes to rest against the flat. A clamp holds the cut layer and a transferring device handle the cut top layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Philip Morris Incorporated
    Inventors: Jean Cestonaro, David Vuilleumier, Pascal Christen
  • Patent number: 6076442
    Abstract: A new type of multi-chopper for cutting strands or ribbon shaped material such as strands of glass fibers, and a method of using this chopper, is disclosed. The chopper has at least two chopper assemblies on a rotating frame. When one chopper assembly needs repair, the frame is rotated which brings a rebuilt or repaired chopper assembly into operating position quickly and also brings the assembly needing repair into a position where it can be worked on while the other chopper is operating resulting in much reduced downtime. The frame of the chopper can rotate around a vertical or horizontal line, or around a line passing through two opposite corners of a frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: Johns Manville International, Inc.
    Inventors: Russell D. Arterburn, Randall C. Bascom, Shawn E. Dennis, Douglas J. Kempski
  • Patent number: 6053085
    Abstract: A ribbon separation tool (10) for separating optical fiber ribbons (C1,C2,C3) into subsets of optical fibers. Ribbon separation tool (10) includes a stationary shearing device (27), and a moveable shearing device (17), the moveable shearing device (17) is operative to move relative to the stationary shearing device (27) during a shearing stroke. Optical fiber ribbon support members (42), with optical fiber ribbon receiving slots (46) being defined therebetween, are adjacent shearing devices (17,27). Moveable shearing device (17) is moveably located between optical fiber ribbon support members (42) and includes moveable sub-slots (90a,90b,90c). When a cover member (26) of tool (10) is in a closed position, stationary sub-slots (92a,92b,92c) of stationary shearing device (27) are aligned with moveable sub-slots (90a,90b,90c) to define shearing slots (90a,92a;90b,92b;90c,92c).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Siecor Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory A. Lochkovic, Richard H. Purdue
  • Patent number: 6014921
    Abstract: A cutting mechanism having a movable carriage and two cutters. Each cutter has an anvil that opposes a blade, and one of these is a roller that rolls against the other for progressively biasing material against the blades, producing cuts through the material. The rollers are rotatably mounted to the carriage, which is mounted to a lead screw that controls the position of the carriage. As the carriage moves across the material, the rollers roll, and the material is cut. The space between the anvil and the blade of at least one of the cutters can be varied to disengage that cutter so that the rolling of the roller will not cut the material. The engagement and disengagement of the cutter is dependent on the position of the carriage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Esselte N.V.
    Inventors: Clive Graham Angel, Clive Lawrence Ayling, Graham Scott Gutsell
  • Patent number: 6013017
    Abstract: A punch press machine that enables relatively more tools to be provided without substantially increasing the area taken up by the machine. This invention applies to a punch press machine provided with a work moving means 11 for moving a work sheet W within a single axial direction X over a work table 10 and a tool moving means 12 for moving punch 5 and die 6 within an axial direction perpendicular Y to the axial direction in which the work sheet W is moved. A plurality of punches 5 and dies 6 are arranged in cartridges 7, 8. A plurality of tool magazines 3a are arranged in a tool magazine group 3 in a line parallel to the work table 10, and a tool exchange device 4 for exchanging tools is arranged between the tool magazines 3a and the tool moving means 12. This tool exchange device 4 is moveable in the same axial direction X as the work sheet, and is arranged between the tool magazine group 3 and the work table 10.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: Murata Kikai Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hideto Aizawa
  • Patent number: 6012370
    Abstract: In a toggle type punch driving system, the upper and lower ends of a bendable lever which can bend at an intermediate part thereof are pivotably connected to a fulcrum member and a ram respectively, and an advancing/retreating member for bending the lever is connected to the bendable part of the bending lever. The fulcrum member is formed as a vertically pivotable lever and it is borne by an upper/lower position switchover mechanism composed of a second bendable lever supported between a free end of the fulcrum member and frame, and an air cylinder. A retraction stroke of the ram necessary for tool change is assigned to the bending motion of the second bendable lever to diminish the punching stroke of the ram based on the bending motion of the bendable lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: Murata Kikai Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroshi Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 5979281
    Abstract: A produce slicer and chopper device (10) comprising a housing (12) having a large compartment (14) and a small compartment (16) in a side by side relationship. A first blade assembly (18) is mounted onto a top of the housing (12) to be manually operated to extend down into the large compartment (14), so as to vertically slice and chop vegetables, fruit and cheeses placed within the large compartment (14). A second blade assembly (20) is mounted onto the top of the housing (12) to be manually operated to extend down into the small compartment (16), so as to vertically slice and chop vegetables, fruit and cheeses placed within the small compartment (16). A third blade assembly (22) is mounted onto a side of the housing (12) to be manually operated to extend sideways into the large compartment (14), so as to horizontally slice and chop vegetables, fruit and cheeses placed within the large compartment (14), when the first blade assembly (18) is in an outwardly extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Inventor: Wayne W Caesar
  • Patent number: 5970837
    Abstract: A new type of multi-chopper for cutting strands or ribbon shaped material such as strands of glass fibers, and a method of using this chopper, is disclosed. The chopper has at least two chopper assemblies on a rotating frame. When one chopper assembly needs repair, the frame is rotated which brings a rebuilt or repaired chopper assembly into operating position quickly and also brings the assembly needing repair into a position where it can be worked on while the other chopper is operating resulting in much reduced downtime. The frame of the chopper can rotate around a vertical or horizontal line, or around a line passing through two opposite corners of a frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Johns Manville International, Inc.
    Inventors: Russell D. Arterburn, Randall C. Bascom, Shawn E. Dennis, Douglas J. Kempski
  • Patent number: 5943933
    Abstract: A cutting mechanism for accurately cutting a notch in a piece of edging, to permit sharp bending of the piece of edging for a picture or plaque, is disclosed. The cutting mechanism comprises a jig secured to a base member, the jig being dimensioned to receive the piece of edging clamped thereto. A cutting blade is mounted on the base member for reciprocating movement between a first retracted position whereat the cutting blade is remote from the jig and a second fully extended position whereat the cutting edge has passed through the jig. The cutting blade has an inverted "V"-shaped cutting edge comprising two blade portions joined one to the other at a central vertex.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Inventors: Murray Evans, Thomas Thomas
  • Patent number: 5913761
    Abstract: A punch press comprising (i) a tool set magazine that is located above a work table for supporting a workpiece and is juxtaposed with a main frame for supporting a punching head and (ii) a tool set delivery system for delivering tool sets between the tool set magazine and the punching head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Ikuo Kamada, Satoshi Matsuura, Takiji Kitagawa
  • Patent number: 5901628
    Abstract: A single die raising device is arranged on a turret for raising a die used for forming so that such die-raising device does not become an obstruction when the work is delivered. Apparatus is described in which each of a plurality of form dies (5) arranged on a lower turret (2) can be raised. A die-raising device (16) that raises the die (5) from below the lower turret (2) is arranged so as to be utilized in one place, for example, in the punch position (P), of the rotation path (L) of the die (5) by rotation of the lower turret (2). A projecting part (29a) that projects lower than the lower surface of the lower turret (2) is arranged on each die (5). The die raising device (16) comprises a retracting member (17) which is able to retract horizontally and has a horizontal surface (17b) and a slanting surface (17a) which can lift up the projecting part (29a) of the die (5), and an actuator (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: Murata Kikai Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroichi Sakamoto, Kenichi Marui
  • Patent number: 5881625
    Abstract: An automatic change-over ball lock punch retainer including a punch retainer having a punch, a retainer block, and an arm member in a sliding engagement retainer with the retainer housing block. The arm member having a camming means which interengages with an inclined surface of the punch retainer to move a punch into an active or inactive punch position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: AIP Inc.
    Inventor: Charles G. Wellman
  • Patent number: 5882285
    Abstract: A punching tool storing and interchanging system of the present invention comprises a plurality of punching tool storing magazines respectively storing the multiplicity of punching tools; a stock area stocking the plurality of punching tool storing magazines at a position apart from the punching tool holding member; an operating area positioning the punching tool storing magazine used for interchanging operation among the plurality of punching tool storing magazines near the punching tool holding member; a magazine transferring apparatus transferring the punching tool storing magazine between the stock area and the operating area; and a punching tool interchanging apparatus. The system selects the punching tool among the multiplicity of punching tools stored in the plurality of punching tool storing magazines and interchanges with the punching tool held by the punching tool holding member in the punch press.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: Amada Mfg America, Inc.
    Inventors: Yoshiharu Seto, Shunzo Hirose
  • Patent number: 5833380
    Abstract: A printer comprising a cutting device for cutting the recording paper with a clean, straight edge is achieved. The printer comprises a pair of separable cutting blades, a fixed blade 14 and a movable blade 9, disposed with the cutting edges thereof mutually opposed in a substantially facing relationship on opposite sides of the paper exit 15 from which the recording paper is ejected. The movable blade 9 contacts fixed blade 14 at a point, and is driven with a scissors-like sliding action across fixed blade 14 by means of movable blade drive 10. Fixed blade 14 is supported on an openable cover frame 8 by support member 16 with a certain amount of play. Movable blade 9 is housed inside cutter unit frame 11. The cover frame supporting the fixed blade can be displaced between a cutting position wherein the fixed blade and the movable blade are disposed in an adjacent, substantially facing relationship and a non-cutting position wherein the fixed blade and movable blade are disposed at a distance from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroaki Hosomi, Akio Nomura, Toru Takami, Satoshi Nakajima, Yoshiharu Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 5832802
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for cutting piled fabric sections such as carpet tiles is provided. The apparatus comprises a frame, a bending assembly for bending pile elements away from the normal substantially vertical orientation with respect to the base of the fabric along a line to be cut, at least one cutting blade for cutting the fabric through a portion of the bent piling elements and fabric base and power assemblies for powering the bending and cutting operations. The related method comprises the steps of bending the pile elements downward toward the fabric base along a line to be cut and thereafter cutting through the bent piling elements and fabric base to form a two-sided cut. Such method shears piling elements adjacent to one side of the cut while leaving the pile elements adjacent to the other side of the cut substantially unaltered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Milliken Research Corporation
    Inventors: William Perry Warthen, John Bonner Manly, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5827159
    Abstract: A combination tool exchanger and storage device adapted to be fitted to a die cutter for exchanging and storing a plurality of profiled cutter dies each having a cutter blade of a different configuration. The die cutter is for cutting a sheet-like material by urging the sheet-like material against a selected one of the profiled cutter dies retained within a cutter die mounting chamber. The combination tool exchanger and storage device includes retaining arms for holding one of the profiled cutter dies so as to confront a first entrance leading to the cutter die mounting chamber and for sliding the profiled cutter die horizontally towards the cutter die mounting chamber, a cutter die storage chamber disposed above or below the die cutter, and an elevator unit for selectively driving the retaining arms between a first position aligned with the first entrance leading to the cutter mounting chamber and a second position aligned with a second entrance leading to the cutter die storage chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Inventor: Hiroshi Adachi
  • Patent number: 5785806
    Abstract: An ultrasonic apparatus and method for cutting a non-planar workpiece. The apparatus includes an anvil having a non-planar surface for closely engaging an underside of the workpiece. An ultrasonic horn has a non-planar cutting surface closely receiving a topside of the workpiece, wherein the cutting surface and the support surface have complementary non-planar shapes. The ultrasonic horn resonates at a predetermined frequency effect cutting of the workpiece. If the workpiece has a heat fusible component, the workpiece can also be seamed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Robert G. Engle, Wendy A. Foster, Fugui He, Douglas G. Maley, Harold Moore, David J. Regan
  • Patent number: 5784939
    Abstract: A device for centering and locking tool-supporting frames has two centering points and one centering and locking point. The centering point as well as the point for centering and locking is equipped with a first and second centering locking device which includes a flexible rod provided with a handle and being anchored at its other end in an anchor block belonging to the movable cradle and being moved manually in a slot provided in a plate from a locking position to an unlocking position. The flexible rod extends through an upper part of the centering and locking pin, which engages in the groove for the centering points and in a groove and a bore for the centering and locking point. First and second centering and locking devices may be actuated simultaneously or individually.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: Bobst SA
    Inventor: Jean-Claude Rebeaud
  • Patent number: 5778749
    Abstract: A flexible manufacturing press assembly for the processing of sheet material through punching and forming operations having a plurality of tool assemblies of which each, in turn, group and support a plurality of processing tools. Each tool assembly has a punch magazine, a die block, and a stripper plate for processing the sheet material in the manner of a Class A die. A sheet material positioning assembly clamps the sheet material and positions it within a two-axis plane adjacent the tool assemblies. A punching head assembly, supported by the sheet material positioning assembly, positions a punching head adjacent the grouped tool supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Inventor: David C. Dunn
  • Patent number: 5749277
    Abstract: The present invention features a cutting mechanism for a receipt-printing machine, which has paper dispensed from a paper-supply roll. The cutting mechanism has a "v"-shaped, guillotine blade that is held in a blade holder. The blade is driven via the blade holder against a stationary blade and into cutting contact with a paper web containing receipt indicia. The paper web is dispensed from a paper-supply roll located within the printer. A displaceable cover is provided to allow for convenient paper loading and, occasionally, paper jam clearing. There is a blade guide which has side mountings for guiding at least one end tab of the guillotine blade into perpendicular contact with the paper web. The guillotine blade is driven through the blade guide into cutting contact with the paper by a drive cam. The drive cam rotatively engages the blade holder, providing the blade with a forward thrust. The cam is driven by a motor-driven gear train that has a timing gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: Axiohm IPB Inc
    Inventor: Alan H. Walker
  • Patent number: 5743164
    Abstract: An automatic reconfigurable die having an array of knives, each of which is separately pivoted and extended along and about a respective longitudinal axis, to allow a desired contour to be scored and cut from a sheet material, according to a real time computer plan which is controlling the array of knives. The automatic reconfigurable die includes actuators associated with each knife to control, via information associated with a remote computer system, the extension and retraction, and orientation of the knives. The computer selects the appropriate setpoints for each knife in order to match the required shape/pattern of the cut by simple curve fitting methods. In this manner, a selected plurality of the knives in the array are chosen, oriented and extended in real time to score/cut the selected part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Inventor: Allon Guez
  • Patent number: 5740712
    Abstract: A punching device comprises a housing carrying a main punch body in the form of a plate mounted for rectilinear sliding movement, the punch body comprising a driving rack extending downwardly along each side, and a plurality of integral punch members projecting downwardly in a staggered array, the punch members being waisted. The device comprises an operating handle pivotally mounted on the housing carrying drive pinions engageable with the racks, so that by movement of the handle, the punch body may be raised and lowered. The punch body additionally carries auxiliary punch members, each being mounted on the punch body for longitudinal sliding movement relative thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Acco-Rexel Group Services plc.
    Inventors: Stephen Christopher Watkins, Geoffrey Felton
  • Patent number: 5697282
    Abstract: A duct insulation board grooving apparatus cuts a plurality of parallel grooves into duct boards with a plurality of rotary saw blades which are spaced on 1.57 inch or 3.14 inch centers. The saw blades have peripheral teeth which project outwardly on both sides of the saw blades to form grooves in a first major surface of a duct board which are wider than the saw blades. The grooves have sidewalls which extend perpendicular to the first major surface of the duct board and have a depth from 70% to 90% of the thickness of the duct board. The first major surface is typically coated and a second major surface of the duct board normally has a facing adhered thereto. After the duct board is grooved, the duct board can be curved to conform to the curvature of a tubular metal shell, with the parallel grooves of the duct board extending parallel to the axis of curvature, and placed in the tubular metal shell as a liner to form an insulated air duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignee: Schuller International, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Glenn Schakel, Robert Ronald Coleman, Kent Russell Matthews
  • Patent number: 5685812
    Abstract: The turret punch press has a body frame (3); a ram (51) for striking a punch (41) to punch out work (W) in cooperation with a die (35); an upper turret (39) rotatably mounted on the body frame and having a plurality of punches (41), any desired punch being selectively located at a punch area (A1); and a lower turret (33) also rotatably mounted on the body frame and having a plurality of dies (35), any desired die mated with the desired punch being selectively located at the same punch area (A1). In particular, the upper turret (39) is formed smaller in diameter than the lower turret (33), and further the upper turret (39) is dislocated eccentrically from the lower turret (33) toward the punch area (A1) to provide an open die exchange area (A2) over a part of the lower turret (33). Or else, the upper turret (39) is formed with a cutout portion (53) to provide an open die exchange area (A2) over a part of the lower turret (33) when the upper turret is disposed concentrically on the upper turret (39).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignee: Amada Mfg. America Inc.
    Inventors: Yoshiharu Seto, Shunzo Hirose
  • Patent number: 5669866
    Abstract: Method and Apparatus for economically providing an automatic tool changing capability to a numerically controlled punch press, without the addition of servo drives dedicated to the tool changer. The punch press has a back rail carrying work clamps and positionable along an X axis for positioning the workpiece along that axis. The punch and die assembly is carried in a work head which is servo driven along a Y axis, so that the pair of servos accomplish X, Y positioning with respect to the workpiece. A plurality of tool cartridges are carried on the back rail. To accomplish a tool change operation, the X axis servo is indexed to bring a selected tool holder to a tool change position, and the remaining positioning for making the tool exchange (either into an empty cartridge or from a full cartridge) is accomplished by Y positioning of the tool head, without the need to alter the workpiece Y position or index an auxiliary mechanism for a tool change operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Assignee: W. A. Whitney Co.
    Inventors: Alfred Joseph Julian, Kevin C. Nitz
  • Patent number: 5603253
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for cutting a decorative groove in a matboard. The matboard is positioned adjacent a guide. A carrier is adapted to be moved along the guide with two blades oriented in separate planes which intersect each other and which lie at an oblique angle relative to the matboard. One of the blades is inserted into the matboard at a selected first depth. The carrier is moved along the guide for a predetermined length of travel to make a first cut in the matboard defining a first side of the groove. The blade is then retracted. Then the other blade is next inserted into the matboard to a selected depth at least intersecting the first cut. The carrier is then moved back to the initial location to make a second cut in the matboard defining a second side of the groove. In a preferred embodiment, the tips of the blades are offset from each other relative to the length of the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1997
    Inventor: Malcolm Logan
  • Patent number: 5582062
    Abstract: A die changing system for a press includes a single push-pull drive system and a double push-pull drive system which move roller supported bolsters along a T-shape track system. Each bolster includes a stationary set of rollers to roll along one section of the T-shaped track system and a retractable set of rollers to roll along the other section of the T-shaped track system. The retractable rollers are moved utilizing a pressurized hydraulic fluid system. Each drive system includes a two speed oil-shear drive which operates at high speed to rapidly move the bolster to a near-final position and then switches to low speed to provide an accurate final positioning for the bolster and its associated die set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Assignee: Midwest Brake Bond Company
    Inventor: Gordon M. Sommer
  • Patent number: 5540128
    Abstract: Improved slotter wheel apparatus (20) for use in the formation of box blanks is provided which includes a rotatable wheel (22) supporting a shiftable blade holder (24) and a slotting blade (26), with cooperating cam track (174) and follower (86) structure for selective shifting of blade (26) between an extended slotting position and a retracted blank-clearing position. An activation/deactivation assembly (30) allows the operator to separate cam track (174) from follower (88), thereby permitting use of apparatus (20) as a conventional, high speed, fixed blade slotter. A shock absorbing assembly (27) including a bridge piece (138) operably coupled with blade holder (24) and resilient pads (152, 154) serve to absorb potentially destructive mechanical loads experienced during outward shifting of the blade holder (24) and blade (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1996
    Assignee: Lawrence Paper Company
    Inventor: David E. Creaden
  • Patent number: 5485772
    Abstract: A machine for slicing bakery products such as rolls and buns. Buns that are arranged in clusters having at least four buns each have their two outside buns sliced from the outer edges and the interior buns sliced from a location between them. A vertical disk with a dull edge is arranged to engage the weak line between the two interior buns to create a break from the bottom that provides access for the shaft of the slicing blade to pass through the bun cluster without disfiguring the buns. The disks and the slicing blades for the interior buns are carried on a lower slicing mechanism which underlies the conveyor system for the buns. The lower slicing mechanism can be slid out to one side of the machine for servicing. The disks can be lowered to an inoperative position by an actuating linkage, and the lower slicing blades are automatically released when the disks are lowered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1996
    Assignee: United Bakery Equipment Company
    Inventors: Paul M. Bastasch, Randyl C. Hanson, Laclede L. Hill, William E. Norton, Hans W. Schoenbuchner
  • Patent number: 5482389
    Abstract: A paper cutting device of an electronic printer which derives its motive power from the drive source operating the paper feed mechanism of the printer. The paper feed mechanism has a one-way clutch coupled to the paper feed drive shaft which locks on to the shaft when feeding print media in the forward direction and over runs when the paper feed drive source rotates opposed to the print media driving direction. A second one-way clutch is coupled to the cutter drive shaft and positively engages the cutter mechanism when the paper feed drive is operated in the reverse non-feeding direction. It over runs when print media is being fed. The cutting mechanism is driven through its one-way clutch to a couple eccentric crank. The crank pushes a linear guided cutter blade by means of an articulated link which engages the blade. The paper is registered against the front edge of a slot in the blade guide and the blade is forced through the restrained media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Assignee: Westerex International, division of Capitol Circuits
    Inventors: Charles Bickoff, Dominic P. Emello
  • Patent number: 5466207
    Abstract: A set of laterally extending rails which facilitate translation of a die into a die opening of a reciprocating cutoff press from a storage area and vice-a-versa. A first set of rails are secured to the longitudinally reciprocable press carriage; and, a second set of rails extend laterally therefrom to function as a storage platform. A rack and pinion system is used to accomplish translation of a die from a storage area into the press opening. In addition, a cylinder is extended so as to index a follower along a cam profile which elevates the follower to facilitate engagement with the die assembly to further translate the assembly into final position in the press opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1995
    Inventor: Cornelus G. Arens
  • Patent number: 5425692
    Abstract: In order to change punches and dies on upper and lower turrets during punching operation on a workpiece, a turret punch press includes a plurality of rotatable holder frames each supporting the upper and lower turret. Thus, when a first set of upper and lower turrets supported on a first holder frames is located in a working region under a striker for a punching operation, a second set of upper and lower turrets supported on a second holder frame is located in a position outside the working region, whereby a punch and die supported on the second set of the turrets can be changed for another punch and die during punching operation. In the preferable embodiment, the holder frame is removably supported on a main frame of the turret punch press, whereby the holder frame can be changed for another holder frame during punching operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1995
    Assignee: Amada Company, Limited
    Inventor: Morikatsu Matsuda
  • Patent number: 5367935
    Abstract: In order to change punches and dies on upper and lower turrets during punching operation on a workpiece, a turret punch press includes a plurality of rotatable holder frames each supporting the upper and lower turret. Thus, when a first set of upper and lower turrets supported on a first holder frames is located in a working region under a striker for a punching operation, a second set of upper and lower turrets supported on a second holder frame is located in a position outside the working region, whereby a punch and die supported on the second set of the turrets can be changed for another punch and die during punching operation. In the preferable embodiment, the holder frame is removably supported on a main frame of the turret punch press, whereby the holder frame can be changed for another holder frame during punching operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1994
    Assignee: Amada Company, Limited
    Inventor: Morikatsu Matsuda
  • Patent number: 5364328
    Abstract: A rear portion of a chain transmission member (21) is connected to a push/pull drive device (19) disposed in the rear portion of the metal mould replacing stand (3) while a front portion of the transmission member (21) is connected to the advancing/retreating member (22). A guide rail (23) for accommodating the transmission member (21) and the advancing/retreating member (22) is placed in the upper portion of the replacing stand (3) so as to extend in the fore and rear direction. A front portion of a hook (28) is supported vertically swingably by a front portion of the advancing/retreating member (22) through a pin (29) and a concave engaging portion (30) is formed in the rear swingable portion of the hook (28) so as to face upward. An engaged portion (34) is formed in the rear portion of the metal mould (7) so as to project downward and the engaging portion (30) is adapted to be engaged with the engaged portion (34) by means of a spring (36) from below.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Kosmek
    Inventors: Yo Takahama, Keitaro Yonezawa
  • Patent number: 5359916
    Abstract: A perforator has a perforator disk rotatably seated in a U-shaped bearing bracket. The bearing bracket is movable into and out of the path of movement of a piece to be perforated by a piston-cylinder unit which is actuated from either side of the piston. The piston-cylinder unit is housed in a fastening element which can be connected to a machine frame. The bearing bracket has guide bolts which extend into the fastening element to secure the bearing bracket against rotation in respect to the fastening element. The fastening element comprises a cylinder having a blind bore extending from the side of the fastening element facing the U-shaped bearing bracket in which a piston having seal rings is sealingly guided in a displaceable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1994
    Inventor: Werner Bonnet
  • Patent number: 5351589
    Abstract: An improved slotter wheel mechanism (30) designed for use in the formation of box blanks is provided which includes a rotatable wheel assembly (32) supporting one or more slotter blades (34); the blades (34) are coupled to the wheel by means (36) permitting shifting of the blades (34) during rotation of the wheel assembly (32) between an extended slotting position and a retracted blank-clearing position. A cam assembly (406) presents a shiftable cam portion (424) that can be shifted to select a blade extended or retracted position for blade sections (304, 306, and 326) which are interconnected by a respective pivot couplings (332 and 334). The assembly (406) further includes a locking link assembly (448) for locking the blade holder (438) and thereby the blades (442 and 448a, 440b) in the selected position during rotation through the bottom portion of the arc of travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1994
    Assignee: Lawrence Paper Company
    Inventor: David E. Creaden
  • Patent number: 5350347
    Abstract: A turret punch press includes rotatable upper and lower turrets, a striker which is vertically movable for striking a punch, a plate positioning device for moving and positioning, in the X and Y directions, a plate workpiece supported on a work table, and a tool changing device, wherein a punch holder magazine and a die holder magazine supporting respectively a punch and a die to be installed on the upper turret and the lower turret to replace the punch and die in use, are provided adjacent to the upper and lower turrets. The punch changing position on the upper turret is below the punch holder magazine, and the die changing position on the lower turret is above the die holder magazine. The tool changing device is positioned on a vertical line between the punch and die changing positions so that the punches and dies can be changed by a direct linear operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1994
    Assignee: Amada Company, Limited
    Inventors: Takayuki Fujiwara, Konrad Popp
  • Patent number: 5342276
    Abstract: A turret punch press and a die set exchange device for the press are disclosed. The punch press includes a turret carrying die sets in die set attaching areas, and a die set exchanging device having a plurality of housings on a carriage, which moves horizontally between the turret and a die storage section to take out and charge die sets with the turret and the die set storage section to exchange the die sets for the next use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1994
    Assignee: Amada Company, Limited
    Inventors: Takayuki Fujiwara, Shigeru Ito
  • Patent number: 5331872
    Abstract: Marks such as patterns, designs, numbers, or the like are cut out of a mark sheet or mark sheets placed on a glass base by a thermal cutter having a heated cutting bit. The thermal cutter is movable two-dimensionally over the mark sheet, and is also vertically movable between an upper position in which the thermal cutter is lifted off the mark sheet supported on the base and a lower position in which the thermal cutter is lowered in contact with the mark sheet supported on the base. The thermal cutter is angularly movably supported on an eccentric shaft that is rotatable by a stepping motor. The thermal cutter has a cutting bit resiliently urged by a spring for stable positioning. A range or ranges in which desired marks are to be cut out of a mark sheet or mark sheets can be confirmed by being traced by the thermal cutter before the marks are actually cut out. When mark numerals indicative of desired numbers are to be cut out, such mark numerals are rearranged and displayed for the operator's information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1994
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokyo Horaisha
    Inventors: Shinichi Fuchigami, Shingi Suzuki, Takeshi Kongo, Tetsuo Nakada, Takehiro Kodama, Sachie Sato
  • Patent number: 5330409
    Abstract: Cassette changing apparatus for index-feed machining systems having such a construction that a plurality of machining units, in which cassettes having machining means are provided, are disposed at predetermined intervals in the workpiece feeding direction in accordance with a plurality of machining processes; the cassette changing apparatus comprising a cassette transfer unit adapted to be movable in such a direction as to intersect with the workpiece feeding direction on a plane, and a cassette holder adapted to be approachable to and detachable from an index-feed machining system; a cassette being extracted from the index-feed machining system and housed in the cassette holder by means of the cassette transfer unit, and then another cassette holder housing a new cassette being moved to a loading position and mounted on the machining unit by means of the cassette transfer unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Assignee: Institute of Technology Precision Electrical Discharge
    Inventors: Shoji Futamura, Chikara Murata
  • Patent number: 5327804
    Abstract: An improved slotter wheel mechanism (30) designed for use in the formation of box blanks is provided which includes a rotatable wheel assembly (32) supporting one or more slotter blades (34); the blades (34) are coupled to the wheel by means (36) permitting shifting of the blades (34) during rotation of the wheel assembly (32) between an extended slotting position and a retracted blank-clearing position. In one embodiment, a slotter wheel (222) is equipped with a plurality of spiders (232) operatively secured to corresponding blade holders (246). As the wheel (222) rotates, the spiders (232) encounter strategically located members (294, 294a, 296 and 296a) serving to successively rotate the spiders (232), thus moving the blade holders (246) and blades (256).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Assignee: Lawrence Paper Company
    Inventor: David E. Creaden
  • Patent number: 5325754
    Abstract: Apparatus for cutting profile strips of rubber mixture produced by extrusion and/or calendering and transported to the cutting apparatus by a conveyor which is intermittently stopped for making a cut has a motor driven rotating knife which is moved transversely of the profile strip by a roll-ring drive and is raised to a height above the profile strip for return movement of the knife. In one embodiment, the knife, its driving motor and the mechanism for moving the knife transversely of the profile strip are mounted on a seesaw which is pivoted on horizontal axis and is moved pivotally by a pneumatic servo-motor to raise and lower the knife. In other embodiments the knife and transverse movement mechanism are mounted on a movable carriage, which is raised and lowered by a pneumatic servo motor while the motor for driving the knife in rotation is mounted on the frame of the apparatus and connected to the shaft of the knife by a flexible or telescopic connecting shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1994
    Assignee: Paul Troester Maschinenfabrik
    Inventor: Hans-Joachim Pohl
  • Patent number: 5320595
    Abstract: A punch press provided with a tool magazine in which a plurality of tool mounting gondolas are supported movably in a vertical loop by and between two endless chains arranged vertically around sprocket wheels. Each gondola is supported at its supporting points which differ from each other at least in height, whereby the gondola is moved around in the loop without overturn when the sprocket wheels are rotated by a motor. Each of the gondolas stays at a manually tool changing location of the magazine where a table is provided for changing a number of tool assemblies in the magazine. The table has at least one guide which is positioned at two different heights, and along the guide tool assemblies or an upper and a lower die holders are drawn out of the gondola horizontally and placed in desired positions for replacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1994
    Assignee: Amada Company, Limited
    Inventors: Tadashi Hirata, Morikatsu Matsuda