Abstract: The invention is essentially a quick-change blade carrier for a blade mounted to a rotary drive shaft (such as on a mower) has an internally threaded bore. The carrier includes a housing linked by its cap to the rotary drive shaft, and enclosing a blade-locking member having a blade-locking tip downstanding from its underside; the device also includes a locking means (such as a compression spring) to bias the blade-locking member (and tip) downward through a center hole in the blade held within a channel in the bottom of the housing.

Abstract: A dispenser for sequentially dispensing rolls of sheet material is described. The dispenser has an automatic transfer mechanism for transferring a reserve roll into a dispensing position once a primary roll has been depleted. The automatic transfer mechanism includes a diameter sensing member and a blocker rotatably coupled to the dispenser housing and biased to rotate in a opposite directions. The diameter sensing member and block cooperate with one another in order to block the reserve roll from contacting a drive roller until the primary roll has been depleted. The reserve roll held in the dispenser by two pivoting arms that are biased to rotate towards the drive roller.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus and methods for z-axis control and collision detection and recovery for waterjet and abrasive-jet cutting systems. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a linear rail, a slide member coupleable to a cutting head and slideably coupled to the linear rail, at least one actuator having a first end coupled to the slide member and a second end fixed with respect to the linear rail, a position sensor, and a controller. The actuator provides an adjustable support force that supports the weight of the cutting head, allowing the cutting head to be controllably positioned at a desired height above the workpiece. The actuator may include a pneumatic cylinder, or alternately, a linear motor.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus and methods for collision detection and recovery for waterjet and abrasive-jet cutting systems. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a first mount member coupleable to a controllably positionable mounting portion of the cutting system, and a second mount member coupleable to the cutting head and disengageably or movably coupled to the first mount member. Embodiments of the inventions may also have a sensing circuit having at least one first conductive element disposed on the first mount member and at least one second conductive element disposed on the second mount member. In the event of a collision between the cutting head and an obstruction, the second mount member disengages from or moves with respect to the first mount member to prevent breakage of the cutting head. This movement causes the first and second conductive elements to touch, signaling a collision and shutting down one or more internal systems.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus and methods for z-axis control and collision detection and recovery for waterjet and abrasive-jet cutting systems. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a linear rail, a slide member coupleable to a cutting head and slideably coupled to the linear rail, at least one actuator having a first end coupled to the slide member and a second end fixed with respect to the linear rail, a position sensor, and a controller. The actuator provides an adjustable support force that supports the weight of the cutting head, allowing the cutting head to be controllably positioned at a desired height above the workpiece. The actuator may include a pneumatic cylinder, or alternately, a linear motor.

Abstract: A feed monitor for providing a selectable midcycle coil stock feed check on a mechanical power press. A midcycle position of the coil stock feed from which the press can be stopped prior to the reciprocating die contacting the coil stock is chosen. With each reciprocating cycle of the die, a desired midcycle coil stock feed length is compared to a measured midcycle feed length. The press is stopped if the difference between the desired and measured feed lengths is greater than a predetermined tolerance. If the measured midcycle feed length is within the tolerance, the press operation continues.

Abstract: A chain cutting machine particularly adapted to repeatedly cut chain to a preselected length segment in a convenient trouble free manner. The particular length of cut chain segments may also be varied. The machine is particularly adapted for use in the jewelry industry wherein chain suitable for necklaces and the like may be automatically and repetitively cut to the preselected length desired.

Abstract: High-speed spooling machines for yarn or thread are subject to the difficulty that, if the yarn or thread should break between a yarn cleaning, that is, size sensing and cutting apparatus and the takeup spool, stray remnant filamentary pieces may occur due to operation of the cutter apparatus since the thread size sensing apparatus may provide an erroneous "cut" signal upon absence of any thread in the sensing field. To prevent such operation, a thread sensing element is interposed in the path of the thread being spooled which, upon break of thread, will provide a "no tension" signal which will be below a predetermined threshold level. This signal is then used to inhibit operation of the cutter, regardless of the output of the thread size sensing element.

Abstract: A continuous feed stamping machine, press or the like, has a control system for automatically stopping the machine in the absence of material to be stamped. The control system includes a normally closed limit switch which is held open by the presence of material to be stamped. After each stamping operation, as the stamped product is released from the die area, the limit switch returns to its normally closed position. If the limit switch is not opened by the feed of more material, within a predetermined time interval, the machine is stopped. The time interval is related to the operating frequency of the machine such that in the absence of material the machine will be stopped before the machine is damaged. The control system, which may operate in either the astable (oscillating) or monostable (one-shot) mode, effects the charging of a capacitor when the limit switch closes, and the capacitor discharges when the limit switch opens.

Abstract: A controller for stopping a punch press when a stock material becomes jammed, includes: translating means for converting the motion of the stock material exiting from the punch press to rotational motion of rotating means which is operatively associated with said translating means, and a movable element, operatively associated with said rotating means. The rotational motion of rotating means produces centrifugal force which keeps the movable element in an operating position. As the stock material buckles or becomes jammed in the press, the motion of the exiting stock material ceases, causing a decrease in and/or subsequently elimination of the angular velocity of the rotating means and therefore a decrease in the magnitude of the centrifugal force. When the centrifugal force diminishes by a predetermined amount or is entirely eliminated, the movable element moves from the operating position to stopping position.