With Means To Monitor And Control Operation (e.g., Self-regulating Means) Patents (Class 83/72)
  • Patent number: 6182722
    Abstract: A saw assembly for a grip-harvester comprises a saw chain running around a bar, a pivotably journalled bar holder, and a liquid supply device having at least one nozzle for supplying at least one functional marking liquid to a cut surface produced during a sawing operation. The nozzle is mounted inside the saw box of the saw assembly and is fixed at a predetermined distance from a tree, measured at the saw cut to be executed. The nozzle is so directed that a liquid jet encounters the bar at an acute angle &agr;(e.g. &agr;=20-40°) and is deflected in towards the cut surface via a space between the bar and the cut surface. A control device initiates the supply of a liquid jet when the bar has been inserted a predetermined distance into the tree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Hultdin System AB
    Inventor: Rolf Ornberg
  • Patent number: 6164175
    Abstract: A method and an arrangement for operating a rotating starting shear operating in a start-stop operation on rolling stock travelling at different speeds in wire mills, light-section mills, medium plate mills and billet mills, wherein the shear, whose gear system is connected through a coupling to a drive motor, is accelerated from the position of rest to approximately rolling speed and, after the cut has been carried out, is stopped again. A gear mechanism is arranged between the gear unit of the shear and the drive motor, wherein torsion-proof couplings are arranged between the gear unit of the shear and the gear mechanism and between the gear mechanism and the drive motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: SMS Schloemann-Siemag Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Gunter Grenz, Klaus Kuppers, Otmar Palzer
  • Patent number: 6158313
    Abstract: Thick matter and solids are conveyed together and substantially continuously through a conveyor pipeline. The thick matter is forced by a conveyor piston driven by a piston pump from a feed container into a conveyer cylinder. A forward face of the piston has a cutting crown with a cutting edge cooperating with an annular cutting ring to cut off solids projecting beyond an inlet in the conveyer pipeline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: Putzmeister Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Karl Schlecht, Ulrich Schuster, Wolfgang Zey
  • Patent number: 6158322
    Abstract: A saw assembly for a grip-harvester has a saw chain running around a bar and a chain sprocket; a bar holder pivotably journalled on the saw assembly stand; a saw motor driving the chain sprocket; and a device for feeding a bar out and in. The feeding-out and feeding-in device preferably is a hydraulic cylinder mounted on the stand and having a piston rod. The movements of the piston rod are transmitted to the pivotable bar holder by means of a pivotably journalled first toothed wheel which is joined to the bar holder and has a toothed wheel rim cooperating with the piston rod which is in the form of a rack. The saw assembly is also provided with a device for sensing and recording the angular position of the saw bar in relation to an initial position, which device has a smaller second toothed wheel in engagement with the first larger toothed wheel of the feeding-out and feeding-in device, and also at least one sensor which senses a tooth gap or a tooth on the second toothed wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: Hultdin System AB
    Inventor: Rolf Ornberg
  • Patent number: 6018687
    Abstract: A cutoff control system for controlling the positional relationship of a series of printed images on a continuous web of material relative to a cutoff device. The system includes a scanner for producing an output signal indicative of a suitable portion of the printed image on said web and a mechanism for laterally positioning the scanner with respect to said printed image on said web. The system also includes a control mechanism for controlling the operation of the positioning mechanism in response to digital prepress data, including a system for determining a suitable portion of the printed image to be scanned by the scanner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Assignee: Quad/Tech, Inc.
    Inventor: Keith A. Tabor
  • Patent number: 5988028
    Abstract: Thick matter and solids are conveyed together and substantially continuously through a conveyor pipeline. The thick matter is forced by a conveyor piston driven by a piston pump from a feed container into a conveyer cylinder. A forward face of the piston has a cutting crown with a cutting edge cooperating with an annular cutting ring to cut off solids projecting beyond an inlet in the conveyer pipeline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Putzmeister Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Karl Schlecht, Ulrich Schuster, Wolfgang Zey
  • Patent number: 5953972
    Abstract: A device that increases the range of speeds at which the servo-motor may be used and stops insufficient output at times of slow speed, wherein an intermediate terminal is arranged in a primary winding as an output characteristic adjustment means for adjusting the torque with respect to the speed of the servo-motor and a switching control means is arranged for switching the connection of the power supply from a final terminal to an intermediate terminal when the punch speed exceeds a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Murata Kikai Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Atsushi Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 5934164
    Abstract: A cutting system for removing at least one section from a workpiece. The cutting system includes a frame that supports a first saw assembly for cutting at one end of the workpiece and a second assembly for cutting at the other end of the workpiece. The first saw assembly supports a stop having an up position (non-cutting position) or a down position (cutting position). For measurement purposes, the one end of the uncut workpiece is placed next to the stop in the non-cutting position and during the cutting operation the stop moves below the workpiece. The cutting system also includes a first clamp connected to the first saw assembly and a second clamp connected to the second saw assembly or the frame. The first and second clamps have either an opened position or closed position. The workpiece is secured when the first and second clamps are in the closed position. The closed position also enables the operation of the first and second saw assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: V.P.T. Equipment Co.
    Inventor: Otis Barto Whatley, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5913958
    Abstract: Machine for laying out laminar products from a first bobbin on which a first laminar product is coiled and a second bobbin on which a second laminar product is coiled. The machine includes a device for unwinding the first laminar product from the first bobbin and a driving device for moving the first laminar product onto a table upon which it is laid out. A second device unwinds the second laminar product from the second bobbin and a control device is coupled to the unwinding devices to permit manual or automatic control of the laying out of the first and second laminar products on the table. The first laminar product is laid out together with the second laminar product, separately or simultaneously, in an automatic and controlled manner thereby avoiding the need for the operator to place the laminar products on the table by hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Inventor: Angel Balsells Ventura
  • Patent number: 5906148
    Abstract: The microtome of the present invention includes a base, a knife for cutting a sample, a knife holder fixed on the base and holding the knife, a carrier bar carrying the sample at the leading end thereof and vertically traveling with the trailing end as a fulcrum. A bar traveling mechanism supports and moves the carrier vertically. A transmission lever transmits force to feed the leading end of the carrier bar toward the knife. A support plate is mounted on the base and rotatably supports the transmission lever. A tension spring pulls the carrier bar toward the transmission lever. A lever moving mechanism is in contact with the transmission lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Assignee: Chuo Precision Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kaoru Aihara, Kentaro Asakura, Soutoku Asano, Toichi Imasaka, Nobuyoshi Kataoka, Sadao Furusho, Toshio Sato, Yasuhisa Hirohata, Mototugu Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 5905440
    Abstract: The invention has utility generally for monitoring any part for severance of the part. The invention is specifically useful for monitoring severance of a tension blade in a tension blade grid. For general monitoring of a part, the apparatus has wireless connection between the sensing unit and the control unit. The wireless connection is achieved with a transmit/receive unit using radiofrequency power transfer for electrical power and using infrared transmitters and receivers for signal transfer. For food processing, specifically for a vegetable cutting method employing at least one tension blade in a first tension blade grid through which vegetables are passed for cutting the vegetables wherein the at least one tension blade is severed during the cutting, the invention provides for diverting the vegetables to a second tension blade grid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Assignees: Battelle Memorial Institute, Lamb-Weston, Inc.
    Inventors: John Julian, James R. Skorpik, Joe C. Harris
  • Patent number: 5901269
    Abstract: A speed regulating circuit for a motor of a power coping saw includes a DC voltage circuit, a manual speed regulating circuit, a feedback controlling circuit and a motor driving circuit. The DC voltage circuit includes a diode, a resistor, a capacitor, and a Zener diode. The manual controlling circuit includes a Zener diode and a resistance. The feedback controlling circuit includes an amplifier, a transistor, a pulse transformer. The motor driving circuit includes an SCR and a diode. The manual controlling circuit may first be set with a reference voltage signal corresponding to the intended rotational speed of the motor. The reference voltage signal is sent to the feedback controlling circuit to get a rotational speed controlling signal of a motor with respect to the variation of loads. A DC current is then supplied to the motor driving circuit for constantly rotating the DC motor despite the variation of the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Inventor: Chin-Chin Chang
  • Patent number: 5857392
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a cutting device for cutting continuous webs, whereby a draw roller (29) with pulling surfaces (42) and a rotating cutting means (33) are rotatable by separate drive units (28 and 32 respectively) so that the speed of rotation of the draw roller (29) and the rotatable cutting means (33) can be varied relative to each other, whereby the relationship between the transport speed of the web and the speed of rotation of the rotatable cutting means (33) can be varied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: Stralfors AB
    Inventor: Gothe Anders Krister Parkander
  • Patent number: 5826472
    Abstract: A wire processing apparatus is provided with a prefeeder 120, a feeding unit 12 and an accumulator 110 therebetween. A detector is provided to determine if there is a cause for stopping the prefeeder 120. In response to such a detected cause, a controller stops the prefeeder 120 while simultaneously permitting the feeding unit 12 to draw a wire from the accumulator to permit continued operation of the wire processing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshikazu Tamura, Yoshinori Yamashita
  • Patent number: 5765458
    Abstract: A method of detecting whether the ram of a punch press machine follows the upper die assembly of the machine after the pressing of a work piece involving the monitoring of current flow through an electrical circuit. The electrical circuit consists of an electrical conductor, located on the side of the ram, held in the electrically conductive state. The electrical conductor and an earthing path function as a watching switch for watching the position of the ram controlled by a controlling device to determine whether the upper die assembly follows the ram or not by electrically detecting whether the ram comes in contact with the upper die assembly. A first allowable detection time and a second allowable detection time are preliminarily set in order to electrically detect that the ram comes in contact with the upper die assembly within particular thresholds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: Nisshinso Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Nakagawa, Michiharu Ichikawa, Yoshitami Matsui
  • Patent number: 5724877
    Abstract: A tool is used to hold a food product upright while a user manually cuts the food product by slicing the food product from edge to edge with a blade of a knife. The tool includes a base having a top surface adapted to support the food product, a pair of knife blade guide members attached to the base opposite each other and spaced apart to provide a cutting zone, and a cutting pad in the cutting zone comprising a polyester based thermoplastic polyurethane having a Shore A hardness between 75 and 100 that resists being cut by the blade of the knife as the blade cuts through the food product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignee: Bagel Trap, Inc.
    Inventor: Milo M. Kensrue
  • Patent number: 5725424
    Abstract: A middle splitter for use to split an animal's middle into two parts. The splitter has a work table and a conveyor belt to move the middle forward. The splitter also has a circular saw which extends in a longitudinal slot in the conveyor belt. A guide extends from upstream down to the saw. This guide is parallel and extends above the conveyor belt in order to hold the middle against it. The splitter further has a caterpillar drive which extends before and past the saw. The drive is parallel to the conveyor belt and has a contour belt mounted onto a support of longitudinal shape. The contour belt has protruding plates shaped and positioned to engage the middle. The conveyor belt is driven into rotation by a shaft connected to a motor, so that the side of the contour belt nearest the saw moves forward. As a result, when the motor rotates the belt, the drive pulls the middle forward toward the circular saw for it to be cut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignee: G. E. Leblanc Inc.
    Inventors: Yvon Dufour, Jean-Guy Roy, Marcel Couture, Steve LaPointe
  • Patent number: 5724246
    Abstract: An arrangement for the controlled notching and placement of components, such as studs, wall plates, shelves and furniture. The arrangement includes a support for supporting the components. A notcher is carried by the support for selectively notching the components bought into contact therewith. A traveling pusher is movably carried by the support for horizontal movement thereof in a first direction towards the notcher and in a second opposite direction away from the notcher. The components are marked with an appropriate code for subsequent assembly. A cutoff saw is carried by the support, such that the notcher is positioned between the cutoff saw and the traveling pusher. A computer coordinates and controls the operation and movement of the traveling pusher, the notcher and the cutoff saw, the marking and the ejecting of the components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Inventor: Edwin Dean Heil
  • Patent number: 5694821
    Abstract: A positioned sensing device measures and/or calculates the lateral position and movement of a saw blade. These measured and calculated values are used to automatically alter the work-feed rate and/or saw blade rim speed either up or down as sawing conditions change within the work piece or between different work pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Assignee: Simonds Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: H. Reid Smith
  • Patent number: 5678465
    Abstract: A measuring apparatus for measuring the thickness of slices taken from biological tissue samples by a microtome. The apparatus integrates a digital micrometer, a drive motor, sensing and control circuitry, and a mounting plate, and is designed to be attached to the top of a Krumdieck or similarly designed microtome for measuring the thickness of slices produced. The apparatus is designed so that the spindle of the micrometer is positioned in vertical alignment with the tissue well and plunger of the microtome. The user initiates downward movement of the spindle by depressing a down switch and control circuitry actuates the drive motor to advance the spindle of the micrometer down toward the top of the plunger until the bottom surface of the spindle contacts the plunger. The bottom surface of the spindle is electrically connected to a power source, and the plunger is electrically connected to the control circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Inventor: Carlos Krumdieck
  • Patent number: 5673601
    Abstract: A breakthrough buffer for a mechanical press (1) includes at least one buffer body (20) disposed between punch slide (2) and lower press frame (7) to cushion punch plate (3) during breakthrough of punch (4) through a workpiece, a timing regulator (40, 70, 90) connected to each buffer body for regulating timing of buffering during breakthrough, and a control system (60) to provide a command signal to this regulator to minimize noise or vibration occurring during the breakthrough. The control system includes a controller (63) which is responsive to the output of noise sensor (61) or vibration sensor (65) during breakthrough. The buffer body can include fluid driven buffer piston (22) in a buffer cylinder (21), with the buffer piston being associated with a guidepost (5). Alternatively, the buffer body can include piston (82) which contacts the guidepost and which is fluid driven (30, 81) in opposition to spring (83).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Kikuo Ejima, Kenji Nishikawa, Kazuya Imamura, Kazuhisa Suzuki, Shigeki Iwasaki, Tatsunori Suwa
  • Patent number: 5573335
    Abstract: A direct temperature sensing tool directly senses and provides feedback of the temperature of its cutting environment. The tool comprises a base body defining at least one cutting edge of the tool. A protective coating surrounds the base body and the cutting edge, the protective coating providing a friction-reducing surface for the tool. A thin film temperature sensing device, such as a thermocouple device, is disposed on the base body at a distance from the cutting edge. The temperature sensing device is encapsulated within the protective coating. An electrical connection is defined through the protective coating in electrical communication with the temperature sensing device. The tool is configurable with a machine tool so that the temperature sensing device is in communication with a conversion device of the machine tool for providing an indication of the temperature sensed by the temperature sensing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Inventor: Robert Schinazi
  • Patent number: 5572916
    Abstract: In a desk-top cutting machine, a magnet 24 and a magnetic pickup 22 are attached to a motor shaft 12. A control circuit 28 is provided for controlling a TRIAC 23 in response to the signal from the detection means. Further, a dynamic braking coil 25 which serves as braking means for a motor 11 when power supply to the motor 11 is stopped is provided in the motor 11. The dynamic braking coil 25 stops within a time during which no slip is produced between the motor shaft 12 and endless belt 18 and between the cutting blade shaft 10 and endless belt 18. In this way, the rpm and torque of the motor are controlled from motor starting to cutting and motor stopping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Assignee: Hitachi Koki Haramachi Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shinji Takano
  • Patent number: 5398575
    Abstract: The apparatus according to the invention comprises a cutting wheel (1) provided with a multiplicity of cutting knives (3) disposed in a circle in a knife mount (2) and spaced apart at predetermined distances corresponding to the desired staple, at least one pressure roller (4) for producing on the wound material in sliver or strand form a cutting pressure acting on the cutting knives (3), an opening and closing device (5) by means of which the pressure roller (4) can be moved a predetermined distance away from the cutting wheel (1) or towards the cutting wheel (21), an adjusting member (6) by which a preset distance can be adjusted between the pressure roller (4) and the cutting knife (3) lying nearest to said pressure roller (4), a damping means (7) by which, in conjunction with the adjusting means (6), the contact pressure exerted by the pressure roller (4) on the material in sliver or strand form lying on the knives (3) can be so adjusted that the cutting power of the apparatus remains practically unchange
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Assignee: Hoechst Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Siegfried Rewitzer
  • Patent number: 5381342
    Abstract: A strip is displaced longitudinally with its edges parallel to a stationary machine centerline at a predetermined travel speed through a monitoring station and through a trimming station spaced downstream from the monitoring station and equipped with a pair of transversely offset trimming heads. The transverse offset of the strip edges relative to the machine centerline is continuously monitored at the monitoring station and respective outputs corresponding to the transverse offsets between the respective edges and the machine centerline at the monitoring station are produced. The time the strip takes to travel from the monitoring station to the trimming station is calculated based on the strip travel speed and the longitudinal spacing between the stations. The trimming heads are transversely displaced in accordance with the calculated time and the respective transverse edge offset such that the heads remain in contact with the strip. Continuous edge portions are thus cut from the strip with the heads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1995
    Assignee: BWG Bergwerk- und Walzwerk- Maschinenbau GmbH
    Inventor: Oskar Noe
  • Patent number: 5327353
    Abstract: A state of an operation of cutting a rubber sheet having a number of parallel cords embedded therein by moving a cutter in a cutting direction which is in parallel with a direction in which the cords extend is detected by monitoring a first displacement of the cutter in a direction of a thickness of the rubber sheet and a second displacement of the cutter in direction perpendicular to the cutting direction. When the first displacement of the cutter exceeds a predetermined threshold value, there is produced a comparison signal having a predetermined time period. In response to the comparison signal, the second displacement of the cutter is compared with a second threshold value within the time period of the comparison signal, and when the second displacement of the cutter exceeds the second threshold value, there is produced an alarm signal which represents that the cutting operation is not carried out correctly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1994
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventor: Jun Nagano
  • Patent number: 5279195
    Abstract: An apparatus for continuously transporting, separating, and changing the path of webs in machines for processing webs prior to further processing are disclosed. A web consisting of at least one ribbon of material is conveyed by a pair of nip rollers arranged in a first transport path. When it is desired to separate and convey the web, for example when the web is of insufficient quality, a separating flap pivotally mounted on a first rotary axis located above the first transport path pivots downward cutting and directing the web to a second transport path. A blade flap pivotally mounted on a second rotary axis located below the first transport path opens and closes the transport path to the web. When the blade flap is in the closed position it bridges a gap between a lower guide and a guide section to allow the conveyance of a web through the first transport path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 18, 1994
    Assignee: Heidelberg Harris, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard E. Breton
  • Patent number: 5265506
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for fabricating a perforated film comprising the steps of pinching a film material, (3) between a cutter roll (1) with cutting edges (12) and a backing roll (2) to press the cutting edges (12) to the film material (3) and driving, to rotate least one of the cutter roll (1) and the backing roll (2), to form holes such as slits in a film material. The apparatus is decelerated by a stop command signal of an apparatus, detecting the speed of the apparatus attaining a predetermined small speed, generating an advance stop signal when the apparatus is approaching a stop a condition, and displacing the backing roll (2) so that the cutter roll is separated from the backing roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1993
    Assignees: Nippon Petrochemicals Company, Limited, Polymer Processing Research Inst., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kintaro Aihara, Tadashi Honda
  • Patent number: 5251681
    Abstract: A method and associated apparatus for selecting a target rate of board treatment by a woodworking tool, measuring the difference between the actual rate of board treatment by the woodworking tool and the selected target rate, calculating the tool speed required to reduce the difference between the target rate and the actual rate to zero, and then periodically adjusting the tool speed of the woodworking tool based on the calculated speed required to reduce the difference to zero.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1993
    Assignee: Newman-Whitney
    Inventor: David K. Davenport
  • Patent number: 5237897
    Abstract: The invention provides a bandmill having an endless loop of bandsaw blade which is automatically strained to a desired tension, and automatically driven at an accurate location or tracking position. The bandmill runs on a pair of spaced co-planar wheels, which are forced longitudinally apart to apply strain to the bandsaw. Actual saw strain is automatically detected by a force transducer within the strain mechanism, and the actual saw strain is automatically compared electronically with a desired saw strain. A servo-controller automatically adjusts distance between the wheels to vary force therebetween so that actual saw strain is varied to approach the desired saw strain. Also, actual tracking of the saw blade relative to the wheels is automatically sensed by sensors located adjacent the edge of the saw blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1993
    Assignee: Seneca Sawmill Company
    Inventors: Ralph Wijesinghe, Edward H. Komori
  • Patent number: 5230764
    Abstract: A process is described for producing garments or individual parts thereof from at least one top fabric, from which the cuts belonging to a garment are cut out in a cutting device and are fed to further processing, wherein, if desired, cuts of a predetermined type are provided with coated lining parts and are attached thereto, wherein during the cutting of the cuts, at least those cuts which will subsequently be provided with lining parts are provided mechanically with marks, and during the attachment of cuts to lining parts, at least one of the parts to be attached is provided with a mark immediately before, during or after the attachment. Separate marking in an operation intended especially for this purpose is thus avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1993
    Inventor: Philipp Moll
  • Patent number: 5226335
    Abstract: A device automatically applies an object (7) to a cutting edge (11) of a knife 10), and automatically makes an initial cut in the object (7), in microtomes, especially ultramicrotomes. Force sensors (27,28), length sensors (29) or other sensors, an elecrotronic control unit (25) and an encoder (22) coupled to a drive device register forces (k,-k) connected with the separation of sections by the knife edge (11) or variations in the system triggered by these forces. Subsequently, via the electronic control unit (25), a transition from a rapid speed or rate of feed to a lower cutting speed or a lesser rate of feed for making an initial cut is automatically performed. A visual and/or acoustic signal informs the user of this change. Signals (S.sub.1, S.sub.2) from the sensors (27-29) serve for automatic adjustment of the position of two switch-over points (U.sub.1, U.sub.2) from the rapid return speed (V.sub.R) to the slower cutting movement (V.sub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1993
    Inventors: Hellmuth Sitte, Helmut Hassig, Armin Kunz, Klaus Neumann
  • Patent number: 5216614
    Abstract: In a machine and method for automatically cutting a length of sheet work material segment-by-segment to separate two dimensionally shaped pieces from it, registration between lines cut in adjacent segments is enhanced by the use of X and Y coordinate sensors carried by the X beam of the machine and having X and Y wheels respectively rotatably engaging the top surface of the work material to detect displacement changes between the X beam and the work material in the X and Y coordinate directions which detections are used to slave the advancement of the X beam to the advancement of the work material and to provide X and Y coordinate offset adjustments to the X and Y sets of control signals used to drive the cutter head in the X and Y coordinate directions during the cutting of the next segment of the work material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1993
    Assignee: Gerber Garment Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Kuchta, Joseph R. Vivirito, Kevin A. Pearl
  • Patent number: 5181443
    Abstract: A device for controlling the drive and forward feed of a microtome, particularly an ultramicrotome, includes a driving motor for moving a specimen or knife and a servomotor for generating a forward feed of the specimen towards an edge of the knife or vice versa. A high travelling speed of the specimen needed for rapid initial cutting is coupled to a high rate of forward feed. One single switching operation is performed, for instance, by a snap-engaging step switch via relay switches. The driving motor and the servomotor can be simultaneously switched over to pairs of values which correspond to subsequent rough cutting and ultra-thin cutting. Individual values for cutting speed and forward feed are separately preselected, readjusted, and read from a display. Selected program stages are indicated by signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1993
    Inventors: Hellmuth Sitte, Helmut Hassig, Armin Kunz, Klaus Neumann
  • Patent number: 5176055
    Abstract: A bandmill has first and second wheels and an endless saw blade trained about the wheels. The wheels are mounted to rotate about respective axes which lie in a common plane, but the first wheel is adjustable in position relative to the second wheel with respect to both its distance from the second wheel and its orientation relative to the second wheel. A tensioning mechanism is effective to force the first wheel away from the second wheel, while maintaining the axes of rotation of the two wheels substantially parallel, in response to a signal which is provided by a load cell and represents the tension in the saw blade. A wheel tilt mechanism is effective to adjust the angular position of the first wheel relative to the second wheel in response to a signal indicating the path followed by the saw blade, for maintaining the blade on a proper path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1993
    Assignee: Seneca Sawmill Company
    Inventors: Ralph Wijesinghe, Edward Komori, Joseph LaChapelle, Mark L. Carter
  • Patent number: 5129298
    Abstract: An automatic machine is provided for slicing non-rigid products, such as foodstuffs or meats. The machine includes a carriage with a plate supporting the product to be sliced. This carriage is mobile in relation to the cutting assembly which permits the product to be sliced. The machine further including a device for removing the cut slices. A control circuit is provided for receiving information from a detector. An input terminal controls the angle between the plate of the carriage thereby making the angle between the plate and the carriage adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1992
    Assignee: Societe des Viandes Bretagne Anjou-Soviba la Noelle Ancenis (Loire Atlantique) France
    Inventors: Christian Cresson, Pascal Boucher, Jean Saget
  • Patent number: 5125250
    Abstract: A bloom is heated and rolled by the flying shear system so as to produce a semi-finish rolled billet having a reduced cross section. A CLSI value, which is indicative of the uniform length of each of a number of product billets that can be cut from the length of the semi-finish rolled billet while maintaining predetermined optimum head and tail scrap lengths, is then calculated by the flying shear system. The cross section of the semi-finish rolled billet is corrected, so as to produce a finish rolled billet having an adjusted length, when the CLSI value is not within a safety billet length range, to thereby obtain a new CLSI value that falls within the safety billet length range. A flying shear cuts the semi-finish rolled billet or the finish rolled billet into the number of product billets when the CLSI value is within the safety billet length range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1992
    Assignee: China Steel Corporation
    Inventor: Kuan-Yung Sun
  • Patent number: 5117717
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for the slicing of bacon bellies or the like in a manner such that each draft of bacon is of the same weight, irrespective of the topography and density of the belly from which the draft is sliced. A dimensioner assembly has a plurality of pivotally mounted fingers having one end which engages the belly and another end which is a cam surface for transmitting movement of the fingers to a receptor such as an electromicrometer. The finges engage the top, bottom and both longitudinal sides of the belly, and the data thus collected are then transformed into a topography schematic which is particular for each specific belly passing through the dimensioner assembly. These topography data and data concerning the make-up of the particular belly are used for controlling movement of feed into a bacon slicer. Included is a feed assembly which positively and precisely feeds the belly into the slicer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1992
    Assignee: Oscar Mayer Foods Corporation
    Inventor: Timothy G. Mally
  • Patent number: 5115403
    Abstract: A workability detection method for a workpiece consisting of the steps of cutting a workpiece, based on specified cutting conditions, detecting the cutting resistance during the cutting operation, or the cutting time or the amount of tool wear to make a cut up to a specified position of the workpiece, or the feeding position of the cutting tool on a workpiece or the amount of processing of the cutting tool after a specified cutting time and comparing the detected data with corresponding data which is stored in a data base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1992
    Assignee: Amada Company, Limited
    Inventors: Akiyoshi Yoneda, Mitsuyoshi Sawamura, Kikuo Tanaka, Takashi Kokado
  • Patent number: 5099731
    Abstract: A punch press, which is controllable by a control apparatus according to a design characteristic curve for the depth of immersion as function of the number of strokes, is provided with a control input, by means of which a correcting value can be inputted. The punch press operates then at a new point of operation. At a change of the number of strokes, the control apparatus computes with the correcting value and the present design characteristic curve a new design characteristic curve. Such punch press allows the production of punched and embossed products at a higher precision within the entire range of number of strokes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1992
    Assignee: Bruderer AG
    Inventor: Oskar Eigenmann
  • Patent number: 5094282
    Abstract: A lumber processing apparatus provided with a woodworking router for cutting and processing a material to be processed into a predetermined shape by a cutting edge subjected to numerical control, includes a carriage for removing a material to be processed from a storage area and storing a processed product into the storage area, a supplying table lifter for receiving the material to be processed from the carriage, a first robot for transferring the material to be processed on the supplying table to a sending-in conveyor, a woodworking router for automatically processing the material to be processed, a conveyor for carrying the product processed by the woodworking router, a second robot for transferring the product carried by the conveyor to a carrying-out table lifter, and a control unit for controlling these systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1992
    Assignee: Heian Corporated
    Inventors: Yukitomo Suzuki, Masayuki Kawashima, Takeshi Oguri, Takayuki Shimizu, Masakazu Honda
  • Patent number: 5086633
    Abstract: A punch press is oriented horizontally with the first and second opposed tools being mounted on first and second members both of which are movable horizontally. These motion members are driven with rapid acceleration toward each other for impacting the fast-moving first and second tools simultaneously against opposite sides of material to be formed between the tools. The two opposed motion members are arranged for the momentum of the first tool with its associated moving parts at the instant of impact be equal to the momentum of the second tool with its associated moving parts so that equal and opposite impulses resulting from momentum cancel each other out. As a result of this opposed motion with momentum-balanced-at-impact, very little energy or work is wastefully lost into the platform on which the punch press is supported and only an insignificant or very modest amount of mechanical shock and vibrations are induced into t he platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1992
    Inventor: George M. Meyerle
  • Patent number: 5083351
    Abstract: By means of a bracket located above the turntable the twisting of the textile article threaded through this bracket can be scanned and measured by a feeler means. Upon the twisting the bracket will rotate by a certain angle. If a preset angle of rotation is exceeded, the feeler sends a control signal to the control apparatus. This control apparatus controls the relationship circumferential speed feeding cylinders to rotational speed turntable. By means of such controlling an extremely fine regulating can be made, which may be necessary, for instance, due to the slip between the tubular textile article and the feeding cylinders. The upper edge of the textile article being cut is scanned by means of at least one scanner. The location of the scanning is preferably between the final feeding cylinder (seen in direction of movement of the textile article) and the cutting tools of the cutting apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1992
    Assignee: Maschinen AG Swegea
    Inventors: Ferdinand Gabathuler, Nikola Krmpotic, Erik G. Nilsson
  • Patent number: 5079981
    Abstract: Apparatus for cutting the leading and trailing edges of an opaque sheet angling initially at an offset angle with respect to a cutting blade includes a pair of light sources and a pair of light sensors opposite said light sources. An opaque sheet to be cut is moved at right angles to a line extending between said pairs of light source and sensors to bring said article edges to and past said pairs of light sources and sensors. The sensors produce article edge angle indicating signals which indicate the time difference each edge reaches said pair of sensors. Means are provided responsive to said signals which adjust the blade angle to be parallel to each article edge so the blade cuts parallel to each edge. The angle indicating could be signals which are a direct measure of the difference in times each edge reaches the sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1992
    Assignee: D&K Custom Machine Design, Inc.
    Inventors: Karl Singer, Michael D. Flasza
  • Patent number: 5079874
    Abstract: An automatic grinding machine for cleaning castings, including a machine stand, supporting mutually adjustable clamping or holding devices for processing a casting, and further including a tool holder, on which a grinding and/or cutting-off disk is adjustable with respect to the casting via a sliding device supported on a machine support, permits non-contact, precise generation of a control signal. The clamping devices are electrically insulated from the machine stand, and the grinding and/or cutting-off disk is electrically insulated from the tool holder. The grinding and/or cutting-disk is electrically conductive. The grinding and/or cutting-off disk and the clamping devices, including the casting held therebetween, are series-connected to a regulable high-tension generator and an ignition current evaluating switching unit, which supplies the control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1992
    Inventor: Werner Luber
  • Patent number: 5080540
    Abstract: A dedicated V-shaped groove forming machine comprises an X-axis slider disposed over a plate material so as be movable in an X-axis (groove forming direction); a Z-axis slider supported by the X-axis slider so as to be movable in a Z-axis direction (vertical direction); and plural cutting tools mounted on the Z-axis slider; and a Y-axis carriage for moving a plate material (workpiece) in a Y-axis direction (perpendicular to the X-axis direction). Further, there are provided work table adjusting device for adjusting the cutting tool movement locus in parallel to the work table and tool height detecting device for determining an origin in the Z-axis direction, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1992
    Assignee: Amada Company, Limited
    Inventors: Nobuo Abe, Nobuyuki Kinnou, Toshihide Ohara, Kazunori Kuga, Yoshiharu Komizo, Takara Kibe, Hideyuki Fujikawa
  • Patent number: 5078559
    Abstract: A dedicated V-shaped groove forming machine comprises an X-axis slider disposed over a plate material so as be movable in an x-axis (groove forming direction); a Z-axis slider supported by the x-axis slider so as to be movable in a Z-axis direction (vertical direction); and plural cutting tools mounted on the Z-axis slider; and a Y-axis carriage for moving a plate material (workpiece) in a Y-axis direction (perpendicular to the X-axis direction). Further, there are provided work table adjusting device for adjusting the cutting tool movement locus in parallel to the work table and tool height detecting device for determining an origin in the Z-axis direction, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1992
    Assignee: Amada Company, Limited
    Inventors: Nobuo Abe, Nobuyuki Kinnou, Toshihide Ohara, Kazunori Kuga, Yoshiharu Komizo, Takara Kibe, Hideyuki Fujikawa
  • Patent number: 5072639
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for removing wastepaper (W) from a continuous web(2) of photographic paper upon which photographic images (P.sub.1, P.sub.2 . . . ) have been printed. Between each photograph there exists a cut mark (4) that instructs a photographic print cutter (1) where one photograph ends and an adjacent photograph begins. The method comprises advancing the web to a point where a cut mark is expected and sensing the presence or absence of a cut mark. If a cut mark is sensed, the web is advanced to align the cut mark under a cutting knife (8) and the cutting knife is cycled. If a cut mark is not sensed, the web is reversed a predetermined reverse length before the cutting knife is cycled. By reversing the web the predetermined reverse length, it is assured that any length of wastepaper cut from the web will at least be as long as the reverse length. The reverse length is long enough to prevent jamming of the print cutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1991
    Assignee: Gretag Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard A. Dolf
  • Patent number: 5069098
    Abstract: Limit switch for the positioning of cutting machines in a machine for the cutting of plastic and/or paper materials in strips of predetermined width, this cutting unit being slidable on supporting beams, which device includes a source (31) of a ray of light (50) parallel to the supporting beam (24) of the cutting units (12); a tappet (33) of this ray of light; a rotating L-shaped plate (36) hinged in (40) to one side of the base of each cutting unit (12) and maintained in parallel position to said ray of light (50) by a spring (42); an actuating plate (38) fixed in adjustable position to the other side of each cutting unit, in opposite position and aligned with said rotating L-shaped plate (36); and an electronic station driven by the interception of said ray of light (50).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1991
    Assignee: Elio Cavagna S.r.l.
    Inventor: Elio Cavagna
  • Patent number: 5058470
    Abstract: Hydraulic sawing cycle control system for an undercut swing saw. Hydromotor 5 with crankshaft 7 fitted thereon without play drives the sawing lever arm 2 via a connecting rod 3. One revolution of the hydromotor corresponds to one saw cut. The hydromotor 5 is thereby controlled via a proportional valve. The path of movement of the sawing cycle can advantageously be regulated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1991
    Assignee: Firma Dimter GmbH Maschinenfabrik
    Inventor: Adolf Frohlich