Abstract: An apparatus and method for piercing a metering disc from a workpiece of a fuel injector. The metering disc includes first and second surfaces that extend substantially parallel to a base plane. The first and second surfaces are spaced along a longitudinal axis that extends orthogonal with respect to the base plane. The apparatus includes a piercing tool that extends along a tool axis, a planar coordinate positioning mechanism, and a spherical coordinate positioning mechanism. The piercing tool is adapted to penetrate the workpiece. The planar coordinate positioning mechanism displaces parallel to the longitudinal axis of the piercing tool relative to the workpiece. And the spherical coordinate positioning mechanism pivots about the tool axis relative at least one of three axes.

Abstract: A material handling system with a drag mechanism including a wheel for a table saw that controls the orientation and speed of material as it moves through the system.

Abstract: A tool operates with a guide system to identify the orientation of a tool on a work piece. In one implementation, the tool identifies its orientation with respect to a guide signal supplied by the guide system. In an alternate embodiment, the tool determines its absolute orientation, such as a (x, y) coordinate. The tool includes an action component adapted to alter the work piece, such as a cutting head in a router. A guide detector in the tool detects a position of a guide signal from the guide system. A location detector in the tool receives the position data and employs it to determine the tool's orientation. Based on the detected orientation, the tool decides whether any tool adjustments are necessary. Examples of tool adjustments include the following: adjusting the position of the action component, enabling or disabling the action component, and providing operating indicators to direct a tool operator's use of the tool.

Abstract: A device 1 and a method for trimming samples 38 are disclosed. The device 1 encompasses a knife holder 9 and a sample holder 7, the knife holder 9 carrying at least one trimming knife 36. A first motor 60 and a second motor 61 are provided, which move the knife holder 9 in an X-Y plane. Also provided is a control unit 15 that controls the motion of the knife holder 9. The first and the second motor 60, 61 are each equipped with a measurement means 62, 63 that measures the position of the knife holder 9 in the X direction (X) and Y direction (Y).

Abstract: A portioning apparatus (10) includes a powered conveyor (12) for carrying workpieces (WP) past a scanning station (14) and past a cutting station (20). Information from the scanning station pertaining to physical parameters of the workpiece is transmitted to a control system (16) which then determines an optimal cutting strategy for the workpiece, which strategy is implemented at the cutting station (20). The length of time required to portion the workpiece is also determined, and this information is used to ascertain whether the speed of the conveyor (12) is optimal or should be changed.

Abstract: An apparatus for estimating a lifetime of a cutter for cutting a sheet comprising: a detector for detecting a value of a parameter representing a cutting resistance during sheet cutting; a comparator for comparing the detected value of the parameter with a predetermined reference value; and an output element for outputting a result based on the comparison.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for punching out a plurality of parts from a tape-like member including the parts to be punched out and positioning holes. The method and apparatus execute the steps of: a capturing step for capturing one after another an image of at least one positioning hole and a corresponding part; a position detecting step for detecting a positional relation between the positioning hole and the part based on the captured image; an adjusting step for adjusting, based on the positional relation, a position of the die set relative to the positioning pin when the part is set on the die set, so that a cutting-plane line is arranged along a contour of the part; and a punching out step for punching out the part by the die set after placing the part on the die set with the positioning pin being inserted into the positioning hole.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for adjusting the degree of engagement of a tool (6, 7) disposed on the outer radius of at least one associated rotating roll (4, 5) with a web of material (1) running past it. The aim of the invention is to improve the method so that the degree of engagement of the tool can be adjusted without loss of time and without producing any scraps. To this end, for adjusting the degree of engagement of the tool (6, 7) with the web of material (1), first several different degrees of engagement are electronically defined by means of different peripheral speeds of the tool (6, 7) so as to be retrievable. Once an adjuster (13) is activated, the change to another defined degree of engagement takes place during operation precisely when the tool (6, 7) engages with the web so that the new degree of engagement is carried out when the tool (6, 7) engages with the web of material (1) for the next time.

Abstract: A device for trimming and automatically cutting of either multiple or single images, the images produced for example through digital rendering on paper and other graphic and photographic substrates, wound in reel or being in single sheets (10), especially of large size. Problems in using known devices of this type with feeding rollers (2) with a length corresponding to the substrate width have the consequence of a slowing down of the production owing to the excessive care necessary when introducing at the same time parallel sheets of large size. These problems can be overcome by using rollers of reduced length, but only by adding errors in the forward movement of the substrate, errors which are remedied by of optical sensors (4, 4?) for detecting the separation mark (M) between the images (10a, 10b, . . . ) as well as its angle with respect to the cutting line (7), and by a pair of length differential measuring devices (6).

Abstract: A microtome includes a knife holding device for a cutting element (16) and a specimen holding device (12). Associated with the specimen holding device (12) for a cutting movement is a first drive device (18) and associated with the specimen holding device (12) or the knife holding device is a second drive device (38) for a feed movement. A sender (20) is associated with the first drive device (18) and is connected with an electronic control means (26). A first operating element (28) controlling the first drive device (18) has a standard mode, in which the cutting movement of the specimen holding device is controlled by rotation of the first operating element (28), and a second mode, in which a continuous cutting function is activated by pressing the first operating element (28). A second operating element (44) controlling the second drive device (38) also has corresponding rotary and pressing modes.

Abstract: A saw with a safety system is disclosed. The safety system includes a detection system adapted to detect contact between a person and a blade while the blade is moving. The safety system further includes a brake system adapted to engage the blade and to stop the blade when the detection system detects contact between the person and the blade.

Abstract: Methods and systems for automating the control of fluid jet orientation parameters are provided. Example embodiments provide a Dynamic Waterjet Control System (a “DWCS”) to dynamically control the orientation of the jet relative to the material being cut as a function of speed and other process parameters. Orientation parameters include, for example, the three dimensional orientation parameters of the jet, such as standoff compensation values and taper and lead angles of the cutting head. In one embodiment, the DWCS uses a set of predictive models to determine these orientation parameters. The DWCS preferably comprises a motion program generator/kernel, a user interface, one or more replaceable orientation and process models, and a communications interface to a fluid jet apparatus controller. In one embodiment the DWCS embedded in the controller and performs a “look-ahead” procedure to automatically control cutting head orientation.

Abstract: A sheet cutting device utilizing cutter blades as a position detection mechanism and a method of reporting cutter malfunctions is provided. The sheet cutting device including a cutter having a pair of cutter blades, one of the blades connected to a cutter driving mechanism for moving the blade through a cutting cycle, a power source is connected to one of the blades so that a circuit is closed when the blades contact one another, and a current sensing device in connection with the circuit to identify when the blades are in physical contact.

Abstract: System, including apparatus and method, for processing a material involves automatically printing labels for pieces cut pursuant to a cut list.

Abstract: A saw is disclosed having a detection system adapted to detect a dangerous condition between a person and a saw blade, and a brake adapted to stop the saw blade in response to detection of the dangerous condition. The saw further includes a brake positioning system that allows the brake to be positioned in at least two different operable positions to accommodate at least two different blade diameters. The saw may include a system to detect brake-to-blade spacing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for positioning a food product on an automated cutting device. According to the invention, a sensor (32) detects the product width and the product (30, 31, 33) is then brought into the desired position at an angle to the direction of conveyance.

Abstract: A paper feeding device and method, wherein a tray including a paper loading unit, a paper feeding device, a paper cutting device is slid out of a main body of an image forming apparatus. When a new rolled transfer paper is loaded in the paper loading unit, the rolled transfer paper is conveyed so that a tip portion thereof is discharged from a rolled transfer paper outlet of the tray. The discharged tip portion of the rolled transfer paper is cut by the paper cutting device.

Abstract: An automated de-banding machine which can perform by scanning the surface of the pallet to determine the number and position of bands to be removed. The machine also is capable of analyzing to determine the overlay bands from underlay bands. The overlay bands are removed first and typically fed individually to a chopper which chops the bands into pieces for recycling. The band information may be recorded and used to facilitate handling of a similar type of pallet in future operations to eliminate any stoppage for determination of retooling or adjustment.

Abstract: Methods and systems for automating the control of fluid jet orientation parameters are provided. Example embodiments provide a Dynamic Waterjet Control System (a “DWCS”) to dynamically control the orientation of the jet relative to the material being cut as a function of speed and other process parameters. Orientation parameters include, for example, the x-y position of the jet along the cutting path, as well as three dimensional orientation parameters of the jet, such as standoff compensation values and taper and lead angles of the cutting head. In one embodiment, the DWCS uses a set of predictive models to determine these orientation parameters. The DWCS preferably comprises a motion program generator/kernel, a user interface, one or more replaceable orientation and process models, and a communications interface to a fluid jet apparatus controller. Optionally the DWCS also includes a CAD module for designing the target piece.

Abstract: A positive piece engagement indicator for marking tool is provided in which a metal workpiece is contacted with a workpiece contact probe for providing physical contact with, as well as electrical communication with the metal surface of a workpiece. A test voltage and indicator means are placed in series between the workpiece and marking tool. Upon physical contact of the marking tool engagement surface with the surface of the metal workpiece, a circuit is completed by the electrical communication there between, thereby engaging the indicator means. This allows positive verification of actual engagement of worktool to workpiece.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of packing sheet recording materials comprising the step of cutting the sheet recording materials to a prescribed size and the step of packing the cut sheet recording materials into a packing material, wherein the cutting step and/or packing step is conducted in an environment with a degree of cleanliness of less than or equal to class 10,000 of U.S. Federal Standard 209d. No image defects are generated during use of the films contained in the package.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting and sorting boards conveys the boards ag a conveyor path. The apparatus senses the length of boards and the grade of boards, and cuts selected boards into first and second segments. The first and second segments are aligned against lumber lines respectively on each side of a conveyor path. The boards are then selectively sorted and dropped into bins successively positioned along each side of the conveyor path.

Abstract: When any of facilities of a film producing and packaging system suffers a failure, a film processing controller shuts off the film producing and packaging system. The operator repairs a failing facility and manually discharges a length of an elongate film which may possibly be defective. After the failing facility is repaired, the film processing controller is restarted to operate the film producing and packaging system, which then automatically discharges a length of the elongate film corresponding to a preset number of sized films. It is possible to easily and quickly discard a portion of the elongate film which has been made defective by the facility failure.

Abstract: The invention consists of a process for the control of the motorized feed drive for the movable workplace table of a machine tool, in particular the rolling carriage of a circular saw. The manual force that is applied by the operator in direction of the feed is sensed and converted to a corresponding measured value. From this a set value for the feed rate of the rolling carriage is created and from that is derived a control signal for the drive.

Abstract: A cutting system including a belt sleeve, a support subassembly, a cutting subassembly, an imaging subassembly, and a control system. The imaging subassembly generates an image of the actual lateral relationship between a cutting edge and a predetermined cutting location. The control system a) compares the image of the actual lateral relationship between the cutting edge and the predetermined cutting location to a reference image, b) determines deviation between the actual lateral relationship between the cutting edge and the predetermined cutting location and a preferred lateral relationship between the cutting edge and predetermined cutting location, and generates a signal indicative of the deviation. The signal is processed to reduce the deviation.

Abstract: A cutoff saw assembly incorporates a robot assembly with a compliant cutting apparatus to remove various undesired metal extensions from a casting. The assembly cooperatively and conjunctively controls the position of the casting using the robot assembly and the force exerted by the cutting apparatus on the casting using a compliance control system. The compliance control system includes a compliance actuator that is connected to a compliance regulator. Both the robot assembly and the compliance control system are connected to a system controller. The compliance actuator is connected to the cutoff blade to actively vary the force of the cutting blade with respect to the casting. The compliance regulator, which is connected to the system controller, will measure and regulate the pressure in the compliance actuator, such that the robot assembly and compliance control system can apply the required force to cut the casting.

Abstract: The present invention provides a web perforating apparatus which includes a system for detecting and indicating when a blade in the apparatus is broken, dull or otherwise not perforating the web. The apparatus is typically used with rewinders or other similar machines that produce perforated sheets of products, such as paper, using sets of stationary anvil blades and rotating perforating blades. The apparatus comprises at least one anvil including a blade holder and an anvil blade which is positioned within the blade holder. The blade holder is formed of an insulating material for electrically isolating the anvil blade from the machine frame of the rewinder. An electrical conductor is coupled to the anvil blade for supplying an electric current to the anvil blade from a current source. The apparatus also includes at least one grounded perforating blade for moving relative to the anvil blade and cooperating with the anvil blade to perforate the web at predetermined points along its length.

Abstract: Image data representing an image to be printed is captured, and a cutting pattern for cutting the outer form of an image printed on recording paper is selected from a plurality of different cutting patterns. In accordance with the captured image data, one or more images are printed on the recording paper in sizes and layout proper for the selected cutting pattern. Then, the outer forms of one or more images are cut on the recording paper in the selected cutting pattern. This eliminates the necessity of entering the size and layout of the image to be printed on the recording paper and editing a cutting method. Moreover, one or more images can be printed on the recording paper in a desired size and layout, and the outer forms of one or more images are cut on the recording paper in a desired cutting pattern.

Abstract: There is provided a paper cutting apparatus for a folder, the folder for a web rotary press being provided with a forming roller pair and at least one nipping roller pair on a downstream side of the forming roller pair in a paper passage between a former and a folding cylinder group, and provided with a paper jam detector S for detecting an occurrence of a paper jam at least in the folding cylinder group, including a first cutter A provided so as to be capable of cutting a paper 1 running between the forming roller pair under the former and a nipping roller pair just on the downstream side of the forming roller pair; a second cutter B provided so as to be capable of cutting the paper running between the folding cylinder group and the nipping roller pair just on the upstream side of the folding cylinder group; and control unit D which receives a paper jam signal generated from the paper jam detector S and sends a cutting signal to the first cutter A and the second cutter B.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring wear of a doctor blade includes measuring members placed around the doctor blade for measuring at least one dimension of the doctor blade. The measuring members are arranged to permit longitudinal movement of the doctor blade between the doctor blade and the measuring members. In addition, measurement sensors are connected to the measuring members to obtain a continuous measurement result when the doctor blade or the apparatus is moved. The invention also relates to a method in the measurement of wear of a doctor blade and in controlling a paper machine.

Abstract: A conveyor (12) moves a workpiece (WP) past an x-ray source (14) to detect existence and location of any undesirable material included in the workpiece, such as bones, fat, metal, etc. Thereafter, the conveyor carries the workpiece further, wherein a cutter (22) segments the detected undesirable material from the workpiece into a segmented portion (SP) having a visually distinguishable shape, such as square, round, triangular, etc. A worker stationed downstream of the cutter along the conveyor may then easily spot the segmented portion (SP) in a distinguishable shape and offload the segmented portion from the conveyor, while leaving the rest of the workpiece (WP) on the conveyor for further processing. Alternatively, a pickup device (24) may be used to automatically offload the segmented portion from the conveyor. A computer (18) keeps track of the locations of the workpiece and the segmented portion at all times.

Abstract: This invention relates to the monitoring of platen die cutting. Such structures of this type, generally, periodically examine the force profiles from a strain gage mounted near the platen die cutter mouth. This system measures not only the maximum forces developed, but also monitors other features of the loading curve, such as the paper-bursting point. Quality of cutting, as well as die wear, can be more readily assessed with this additional information and adjustments made to improve cutting results before the adverse effects show in visual inspections of the product.

Abstract: A slug float detecting device comprising: a proximity member affixed on a stripper plate of press; an eddy-current sensor affixed on a lower die to measure clearance t for each increment of a crank angle; a memory device for storing a stripper motion that represents the relation between clearance t and the crank angle; and a calculating means for comparing the strip motion stored in the memory means with the stripper motion of the current stroke to detect a change, thus issuing abnormality warning signal to the press when said change is out of a specified range.

Abstract: Apparatus for cutting cheese blocks (1) into portions (13) conveys the cheese along a linear processing path. Longitudinal cutters (6,7) for dividing the depth and width of the cheese block, with separation of layers when the depth is divided, create sets (120) of longitudinal sticks (12) conveyed side-by-side. These are presented to a guillotine cutter (8) which, on the basis of measured length and weight of the set (120), makes successive transverse cuts dividing the stick set (120) into successive sets (130) of portions (13) which are then separated from one another for packaging. A control processor (CP) uses measured block weight and dimensional information to determine an optimal disposition of cuts taking account of product standard criteria (e.g. maximum permissible deviation from and maintenance of an average portion weight) together with minimized wastage.

Abstract: In preferred embodiments the invention includes a transverse board conveyor, a board extrusion portion, a marking station a sawing portion, and one or more board feeding portions, all of which are controlled by a process controller. In such, preferred embodiments, one or more stacks of boards are serially fed onto the transverse board conveyor and are conveyed in a direction transverse to the length of the boards. The boards are individually deposited into an elongate receiver of a board extrusion portion to be conveyed longitudinally. A carriage in the receiver transports the boards past an end detection station, past a marking station, and to a sawing station. The carriage has a moveable clamping member which pinches the board between a wall of the receiver and the clamping member. The carriage moves down the receiver with the board clamped thereto conveying the board in a longitudinal direction to position the board in a desired position for sawing the board.

Abstract: A system and method for fabricating a polarizer for use in an LCD, which includes cutting said polarizer so that an absorption axis of the polarizer is aligned with an edge of the polarizer by using an optical sensor, coupled to a cutting machine, where the optical sensor uses a rotating reference polarizer to determine a null point of transmission through the polarizer and thereby determine any offset of the absorption axis with respect to an edge of the polarizer.

Abstract: The invention consists of a process for the control of the motorized feed drive for the movable workplace table of a machine tool, in particular the rolling carriage of a circular saw. The manual force that is applied by the operator in direction of the feed is sensed and converted to a corresponding measured value. From this a set value for the feed rate of the rolling carriage is created and from that is derived a control signal for the drive.

Abstract: An apparatus for estimating a lifetime of a cutter for cutting a sheet comprising: a detector for detecting a value of a parameter representing a cutting resistance during sheet cutting; a comparator for comparing the detected value of the parameter with a predetermined reference value; and an output element for outputting a result based on the comparison

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for laser cutting microscopic samples. The device for laser cutting microscopic samples comprises a microscope (1) having at least one lens (6) for observing a sample (12) that is to be cut The lens (6) defines an optical axis (14) and a lens aperture (34). A laser (4) is also connected to the microscope (1). The laser (4) generates a laser beam (41) that is injected into the lens (6) by means of at least one optical system (16). A diaphragm (18) is provided, which generates a dimmed laser beam (4b), whereby the laser aperture (36) generated by the lens (6) is smaller than the lens aperture (34) of the lens (6) itself.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting a wafer sandwich into a plurality of rectangular pieces has a support surface defining a transport path extending longitudinally through a longitudinal-cutting station and a transverse-cutting station. A plurality of stationary and transversely spaced longitudinal blades extend across the path in the longitudinal-cutting station. The surface is formed in the transverse-cutting station with a plurality of transversely extending and longitudinally spaced slots. An abutment is displaceable immediately downstream of the transverse-cutting station between a blocking position in the path and a retracted position clear of the path. A plurality of transverse blades are displaceable transversely in the slots of the transverse-cutting station across the path.

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

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for cleaving a crystalline wafer, such as indium phosphide (InP) or gallium arsenide (GaAs) wafers. A wafer can be scribed with a scribing tool using a straight edge that does not contact the wafer. The wafer is held firmly in place using a vacuum chuck. The wafer can rest in a pocket depressed into the surface of a wafer holder at a depth greater than the wafer thickness. The sliding straight edge can be placed with a perpendicular or parallel orientation to the flat alignment region of the wafer. The straight edge sits on legs that hold the sliding straight edge above the wafer and glide through slots or grooves in the wafer holder. The sliding straight edge can be stopped at the desired alignment point using a scale embedded into the wafer holder. The vacuum holding the wafer in place is under a constant leak by way of a groove from the vacuum chuck to outside air. Thus, the wafer does not stick to the vacuum chuck and can be easily removed without breakage.

Abstract: A monitoring device for the spacing between the knives is provided in a rotation cutting apparatus having a rotation cutting knife and a counter-knife which partly overlap in the cutting region and form a cutting gap.

Abstract: A paper feeding device and method, wherein a tray including a paper loading unit, a paper feeding device, a paper cutting device is slid out of a main body of an image forming apparatus. When a new rolled transfer paper is loaded in the paper loading unit, the rolled transfer paper is conveyed so that a tip portion thereof is discharged from a rolled transfer paper outlet of the tray. The discharged tip portion of the rolled transfer paper is cut by the paper cutting device.

Abstract: An automated material jam release system adapted for an impression system is disclosed in which various material presence sensing arrangements transmit “present” or “absent” signals that control automatic release and locking systems to either (a) remain in a first or operating position with a head holding an anvil in a predetermined position adjacent to a frame mounted die holder roller or (b) move to a second or open or jam release position where the anvil is not in an operating relationship to the roller.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting performance of an apparatus for punching holes in a substrate, ensuring hole quality and/or minimizing or eliminating damage to the films during the hole punching process.

Abstract: A method for determining twist potential of wood is described. One embodiment of the method comprises nondestructively obtaining a grain angle of wood, such as trees or lumber, and then determining twist potential of the wood based on the grain angle. Where the wood comprises lumber, grain angle determinations typically are made on at least one major surface of the lumber. The method typically comprises determining grain angle at at least two measuring locations separated by a predetermined distance, such as at substantially one-foot intervals along the board. The method also can further comprise obtaining at least one fiber dive angle. Particular embodiments of the present invention determine grain angle using infrared radiation, microwave radiation, light energy (such as by using a laser), electricity, ultrasound energy, and combinations thereof. Working embodiments of the method used light energy and ultrasound energy to determine grain angle.

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: An apparatus for cutting fabric includes at least one fabric wind-off device (1, 1′) for one fabric bolt (7), a conveyor belt (5) for conveying the unwound fabric, and a cutting device (3) which cuts a piece of fabric to a given shape from the length of fabric deposited on the conveyor belt (5). Said conveyor belt (5) extends without interruption from at least that point where the fabric is deposited by the wind-off device (1, 1′) to the working area of the said cutting device (3). The wind-off device (1, 1′) places the length of fabric directly onto the conveyor belt (5) or onto one of more lengths of fabric already deposited on the said conveyor belt. An apparatus control automatically feeds the unwound fabric to the cutting device and directs the cutting of the unwound fabric by the cutting device.

Abstract: An automatic carton slitting machines includes a transmission means for moving cartons, a sensing and positioning means for detecting and positioning the cartons at locations desired, a slitting means for slitting the carton and a control unit for coordinate and control the operations of all other means. The cutter means includes two spaced cutter sets each has a motor driven rotating saw cutter with adjustable slitting angle. One of the cutter sets is movable by a cutter set moving means for changing spacing distance between the cutter sets to process carton of different width. The cutter means also has a frame lifting means to adjust cutter sets height for processing cartons of different height. Through coordinating the transmission means, cutter set moving means and frame lifting means may coordinate their motion so that the cutter sets may move in three dimensions against the carton for automatically cleaving cartons of different size.