Abstract: An electronically controlled web-slitter includes dual electric motors whose functions may be controlled by an electronic controller accessed either on the chassis of the web-slitter or by way of a computer coupled to the electronic controller. Vertical and side-shift blade set-up and functions are thus accurately controlled.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for manufacturing articles, such as gutter covers, from a flat feedstock are provided herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus for fabricating articles having apertures from a flat feedstock may include an uncoiler to supply a flat feedstock in roll form; a first flying press configured to receive the feedstock, wherein the first flying press houses a tool and die to form one or more apertures in the feedstock; a roll former configured to pull the feedstock from the uncoiler and through the flying press, the roll former comprising a plurality of rollers to create a desired profile along the width of the feedstock; and a flying shear to cut the feedstock to a desired length.

Abstract: A system for slitting a web includes a carriage assembly having an elongate housing including a first wall, where the first wall defining a longitudinal axis. A first plurality of rails can be mounted on the first wall, wherein the plurality of rails extends parallel to the longitudinal axis. At least one of the plurality of rails can have a substantially circular cross section, among others. The system also includes a first plurality of carriers. Each carrier can be adapted and configured to support an instrumentality such as a blade for performing an operation (e.g., cutting) on a web of material. The carrier body includes a first body portion and a second body portion. Each of body portion includes at least one mounting feature for mounting the carrier on a the plurality of rails.

Abstract: A rolling cut metal shearing apparatus is described in which the starting and, or end position of a shear blade is varied according to the width, position and thickness of material to be cut, thereby optimising the stroke of the blade for the material dimensions. This provides for shorter cutting times, reduced volumes of hydraulic fluid and increased throughput.

Abstract: A cutter blade movably in a radial direction of a wafer is pressed for biasing to an outer circumferential edge of the semiconductor wafer. Simultaneously, the pushing biasing force of the cutter blade is controlled constant with automatic regulation corresponding to a traveling speed variation of the cutter blade, so that effect of a centrifugal force that works at the time of rotating travel of the cutter blade may not vary a pushing biasing force of the cutter blade. As a result, a contact pressure of the cutter blade to the outer circumferential edge of the semiconductor wafer is maintained stable.

Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for a paper roll resizing system. The paper roll resizing system may include a shafted roll stand that suspends a roll of paper mounted horizontally, wherein the shafted roll stand is fixed to a machine housing and is adapted to spin the roll of paper. Alternatively, the roll stand suspends the roll of paper mounted horizontally from two chucks on opposite ends of the roll. The system further includes a cutting tool movably mounted to the roll stand, wherein the cutting tool comprises at least one of a milling head, a planing head, a circular saw, and a laser cutting tool. A controller (PLC) may adjust the position of the cutting tool with respect to the roll of paper held by the roll stand.

Abstract: A slicer for use in slicing a food products includes a slicer body. A slicer knife is mounted to the slicer body. A linear motor may be provided to move a food product support carriage. A slicer may also include stroke length setting adjustment features.

Abstract: Methods to detect when a human body contacts a predetermined portion of a machine are disclosed. The methods distinguish contact with a person from contact with other materials. The methods are particularly applicable in woodworking equipment such as table saws to distinguish contact between a person and the blade of the saw from contact between the blade and wet or green wood. The methods and woodworking equipment may include predictive blade stop algorithms that prevent unnecessary activations of a safety brake during coast down of a blade and continued protection in the event a main power switch is turned off.

Abstract: A machine is disclosed having a detection subsystem adapted to detect contact between a person and a specified portion of the machine, and to distinguish that contact from contact with other materials. The detection subsystem imparts an electrical signal to a specified portion of the machine, and distinguishes that contact based on a predetermined frequency response of the electrical signal. A reaction subsystem then causes a predetermined action to take place. The machine may be a power saw designed to minimize injury in the event a person accidentally contacts the blade.

Abstract: An electronic paper cutting machine includes a housing to which a drive roller is coupled for moving a sheet to be cut in a first direction and a cutter assembly coupled to the housing and moveable in a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction. A user interface is incorporated into the housing for allowing a user to select via the user interface at least one shape to be cut by the cutter assembly wherein controlled movement of the drive roller and the cutter assembly causes a shape to be cut in the sheet.

Abstract: A strip-shaped supporting adhesive tape is joined to a ring frame, and then is stuck with a cutter blade such that the cutter blade penetrates the adhesive tape. In a state where a cutting edge of the cutter blade is brought into contact with a tape joined side of the ring frame, thereafter, the adhesive tape is cut along a contour of the ring frame while electric current is fed to each of the cutter blade and the ring frame. Herein, a sensor monitors a conduction status in real time.

Abstract: A sensing mechanism (12) for detecting user contact with an active portion (26) of the power tool (10) is provided. In addition, a safety mechanism (14) for preventing prolonged user contact with the active portion (26) of a power tool (10) is provided. The safety mechanism (14) is configured to actuate upon receipt of a signal from the sensing mechanism (12). According to a first aspect, the safety mechanism (14) is arranged to rapidly displace the active portion (26) away from a user extremity. Alternatively, according to a second aspect, the safety mechanism (14) is arranged to rapidly urge an extremity of the user away from the active portion (26) of the power tool (10).

Abstract: A tube cutting device and method thereof are disclosed, which are adapted for performing a remote tube cutting operation upon a tube. The tube cutting device is comprised of: a holding unit; a cutting unit; and a control unit, connected to the holding unit and the cutting unit in a remote manner; wherein, the control unit is capable of directing the holding unit to hold and move a tube to a specific position and thereafter directing the cutting unit to perform a cutting operation upon the tube. With the aforesaid tube cutting device, an operator operating the tube cutting device can perform an cutting operation upon the tube remotely without having to contact directly with the tube, and thus the operator is prevented from having to stay in a working environment containing hazardous materials, such as radioactive pollutants, gas/liquid with strong acid or alkali, etc., so that the safety of the tube cutting operation can be enhanced.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus includes a cutting tool program control module configured for controlling a number of cutting tools to cut an element. The cutting tool program control module includes a cutting tool program storing unit, a cutting tool program selecting unit, and a cutting tool program executing unit. The cutting tool program storing unit stores a number of cutting tool programs for controlling the number of cutting tools accordingly. The cutting tool program selecting unit selects one or more cutting tool programs and stores corresponding selecting information according to the selected cutting tool programs. The cutting tool program executing unit executes the selected cutting tool programs according to the selecting information stored in the cutting tool program selecting unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cutting a window covering comprises saw for cutting the window blind. A clamp assembly moves the window covering relative to the saw. A controller moves the clamp assembly to automatically position the window covering relative to the saw. The saw is moved into engagement with the window covering to cut the window covering.

Abstract: A machine tool having a safety unit. The machine tool also having a calibration unit for calibrating the safety unit.

Abstract: A hands free pattern creating apparatus having a hands free securement component which can be utilized to secure a handheld pattern creating device relative a medium upon which the pattern is to be formed. The securement component can include a magnetic component configured to be secured to the hands free securement device such as magnetic tabs, a elongate member or a removable collar having magnetic or metallic components secured thereto. A pattern or design surface or mat having metallic or magnetic properties such that the magnetic component provides a desired amount of magnetic attraction when positioned on media positioned on the pattern mat to minimize movement of components pattern creating device during creation of the pattern on the media, but allowing the user to remove and/or reposition the pattern cutting device relative to the pattern mat once the pattern has been completed.

Abstract: In a cut off apparatus, torque necessary for cutting band-like paper is properly distributed to both of the preceding motor and the following motor, thereby making it possible to accurately cut the band-like paper. Specifically, when the band-like paper is cut, the preceding knife and the following knife are given a specified amount of torque in the direction in which the preceding knife and the following knife are pressed against each other, by means of the preceding knife driving motor and the following knife driving motor.

Abstract: A strip die is prepared with cutouts according to a pre-determined pattern, e.g., on a cutting table and positioned on a stripping station that has a removal tool to remove waste material. After a sheet of material is cut on the same or another cutting table, the sheet is positioned in the stripping station over the female strip die. The removal tool moves to programmed positions in the stripping station and removes pieces of waste material. The final stripped cut sheet is the brought to the out-stack.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cutting a window covering comprises a saw for cutting the window blind. An assembly is provided for moving the window covering on the support surface relative to the saw such that the window covering is positioned to be cut by the saw. A sensor is used to automatically determine a center of the window covering by detecting a predetermined portion of the window covering such as a mark on the window covering or an edge of the window covering.

Abstract: A sizing center for and a method of sizing different styles of window coverings includes at least two sizing mechanisms disposed on a sizing center in which each sizing mechanism is adapted to size a different style of window covering. Each window covering includes a color marking. At least two measuring scales are disposed on the sizing center, each measuring scale being associated with a sizing mechanism and having a different color, and each color associated with a sizing center being associated with a color marking of a window covering.

Abstract: A method for processing a plate workpiece supported on a workpiece support. The method includes moving a tool die and a tool punch along a stroke axis and toward a processing position above a support plane of the workpiece support. The processing position corresponds to a region of the plate workpiece having a formed shape, which extends upwardly from the support plane of the workpiece support.

Abstract: Torque necessary for cutting band-like paper is properly distributed to both of the preceding motor and the following motor, thereby making it possible to accurately cut the band-like paper.

Abstract: A perforation apparatus has a mandrel to support at least a part of the piping that is to be perforated from the interior of the piping. A punch housing has an aperture through which the piping is moveable and punches arranged radially around the aperture. At least some of the punches have an associated clamping mechanism that applies a force to the exterior of the piping adjacent the respective punch, to push or hold the piping against the mandrel. A driven annular housing rotates adjacent the punch housing. A plurality of rollers engage a surface on the punches during rotation of the annular housing to operate the punches upon contact and to operate the clamping mechanisms. A punch retracting mechanism retracts the punches after each operation. At least one mechanism longitudinally and rotationally moves the piping relative to the punch housing and drives the annular housing.

Abstract: A new table saw control system is provided. The system shortens the time required to learn how to operate a table saw, eliminates the necessity of making conversions from one measurement system or unit to another, reduces the likelihood of error occurring during the use of a table saw, and makes a table saw safer to use. The system includes a touch control screen mounted on the fence and moving simultaneously with the fence; and, a plurality of inter-related operational menus operatively associated with the computer and displayed sequentially on the screen and including button images activated by touch to generate signals to the computer to move from one of the menus to another of the menus and to control movement of the carriage and the fence.

Abstract: A paper-sheet punching device shown in FIG. 4 includes a motor 22 for driving a reciprocatingly movable punching blade 21 and is provided with a punching process unit 20? for punching two or more holes at one end of paper-sheets 3 and with a CPU 55 for controlling this unit. The CPU 55 detects whether the punching blades 21 rushes into a home position in which the stop position of the punching blades 21 is allowed, executes reverse rotation brake control on the motor 22 for a predetermined period of time from the point of time when the punching blades 21 rushes into the home position, and prolongs the reverse rotation brake control on the motor 22 after the punching blades 21 reaches a predetermined position. It becomes possible to stop the punching blade within the home position when the punching blade stops.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention relates to an apparatus for configuring a wheel associated with a train. The apparatus comprises a tool configured to engage the wheel; a compound slide system for positioning the cutting tool in at least two axes; and a computer control coupled to control the compound slide system. The compound slide system is controlled so that the wheel is configured in accordance with a profile.

Abstract: A machine such as a saw, jointer, planer, etc. is disclosed. The machine has cutting tool, a direct drive mechanism configured to move the cutting tool, a detection system adapted to detect the occurrence of an unsafe condition between a person and the cutting tool, and a reaction system adapted to mitigate the unsafe condition upon the detection of the unsafe condition by the detection system. An electrical signal is imparted on the cutting tool, and the signal is used to determine the occurrence of the unsafe condition. The direct drive mechanism is electrically isolated so that the electric signal may be imparted on the cutting tool. The electric isolation may be achieved through configurations such as insulated bearings, a substantially non-conductive housing, and a substantially non-conductive coupling joining two shaft portions.

Abstract: A food product slicer with a rotatable slicer knife includes a knife sharpener and a control for providing a timed sharpening operation. The control effects rotation of the slicer knife for a set knife sharpen time period when a knife sharpen input of the slicer is triggered.

Abstract: An apparatus that slices an embedded block having a biological sample embedded therein to prepare a thin section, includes: a cutter that slices the embedded block; a moving mechanism that relatively moves the block and the cutter along an approaching and separating direction in which they approach and separate from each other; a height adjusting mechanism that relatively moves them along a vertical direction; a sliding mechanism that relatively moves them along a sliding direction nearly orthogonal to the approaching and separating direction; and a control unit that controls them to begin to move at initial positions set in advance, the block to be brought into contact at the same point of a nose of the cutter, and the cutter to be slid in the same direction as a ratio between a velocity in the approaching and separating direction and a velocity in the sliding direction is kept the same.

Abstract: A thin section preparing apparatus is provided, which prepares a thin section from an embedded block having a biological sample embedded and carries it, including: a cutter that slices the block at a pull angle; an approaching and separating mechanism that relatively moves the block and the cutter along an approaching and separating direction; a carrying mechanism having a carrying body arranged as one end side is near a nose, and a moving unit that moves the body along a transport direction; a sliding mechanism that relatively moves the block and the body along a nose direction; and a control unit that controls a combined velocity vector that combines a transport velocity vector of the body along the transport direction with a travel velocity vector of the body along the nose direction to be nearly equal to a block velocity vector of the embedded block along the approaching and separating direction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a bend in composite panel. In one advantageous embodiment, a method is used to form a bend in a composite panel. An angle and a radius bend are identified for the bend. A location of the bend in the composite panel is identified. A slot is cut having a curved flange in the composite panel at the identified location in a single pass through the composite panel with a tool, wherein the curved flange has a shape with a bend allowance width and a bend slot width. The bend allowance width is BA=2?*A/360, wherein BA is the bend allowance width, R is a corner radius, and A is a bend angle. The bend slot width is BS=BA?2K(R?T), wherein K is Tan(A/2) and T is a thickness of the composite panel. The composite panel with the slot is bent to form the bend.

Abstract: Provided is a photomask defect correction method of correcting a defect on a photomask including a substrate (2) and a mask pattern (3) by cutting and removing processing a defect portion (5) based on observation data obtained through AFM observation of the photomask in advance, including: an area setting step of setting a processing area (E1) based on the observation data, and setting areas adjacent to the processing area as removing processing areas (E2) of cutting wastes for cutting and removing the cutting wastes which are produced by the cutting and removing processing and may be firmly adhered; a processing step of cutting and removing processing the defect portion with a probe; and a moving step of moving the cutting wastes by scanning the probe with a weaker pressing force than the pressing force at the time of cutting and processing within the removing processing areas of cutting wastes to conduct a cutting wastes removing process.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing and a cutting mechanism coupled to said housing and configured for cutting a sheet. The apparatus further includes a user interface incorporated into said housing for allowing a user to select through said user interface at least one shape to be cut by said cutting mechanism. Additionally, the apparatus includes a processor housed within said housing for controlling movement of said cutter assembly and for receiving commands through said user interface.

Abstract: A power cutting tool having a movable blade, such as a table saw, comprising a radar sensing system for movement of an object in a region near the blade is disclosed. The radar sensing system emits a radio frequency wave and receives wave energy reflected by the object. The system measures the Doppler shift of the received wave energy to detect the presence of a fast moving object in a zone near the blade. When such a condition is detected, a reaction system can be activated to mitigate the condition.

Abstract: A machine is disclosed having a detection subsystem adapted to detect contact between a person and a specified portion of the machine, and to distinguish that contact from contact with other materials. The detection subsystem imparts an electrical signal to a specified portion of the machine, and distinguishes that contact based on a predetermined frequency response of the electrical signal. A reaction subsystem then causes a predetermined action to take place. The machine may be a power saw designed to minimize injury in the event a person accidentally contacts the blade.

Abstract: A sensing mechanism (12) for detecting user contact with an active portion (26) of the power tool (10) is provided. In addition, a safety mechanism (14) for preventing prolonged user contact with the active portion (26) of a power tool (10) is provided. The safety mechanism (14) is configured to actuate upon receipt of a signal from the sensing mechanism (12). According to a first aspect, the safety mechanism (14) is arranged to rapidly displace the active portion (26) away from a user extremity. Alternatively, according to a second aspect, the safety mechanism (14) is arranged to rapidly urge an extremity of the user away from the active portion (26) of the power tool (10).

Abstract: Automated methods implemented in a computer system are provided that allow the translation of geometric shapes from a cutting pattern having a nested configuration to geometric shapes shown in an installed configuration and vice-versa. Methods are also provided that allow modification of cutting patterns based on various modifications applied to the geometric shapes therein. Additionally, certain methods herein allow cutting patterns to be automatically modified to conform to protective films of different sizes. In certain embodiments, methods are provided for optimization of the arrangement of geometric shapes in a nested configuration so as to substantially minimize the surface area occupied by the geometric shapes. Automated pattern manipulation systems implementing one or more of the methods herein are also provided.

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 machine such as a saw, jointer, planer, etc. is disclosed. The machine has cutting tool, a direct drive mechanism configured to move the cutting tool, a detection system adapted to detect the occurrence of an unsafe condition between a person and the cutting tool, and a reaction system adapted to mitigate the unsafe condition upon the detection of the unsafe condition by the detection system. An electrical signal is imparted on the cutting tool, and the signal is used to determine the occurrence of the unsafe condition. The direct drive mechanism is electrically isolated so that the electric signal may be imparted on the cutting tool. The electric isolation may be achieved through configurations such as insulated bearings, a substantially non-conductive housing, and a substantially non-conductive coupling joining two shaft portions.

Abstract: A machine is disclosed having a detection subsystem adapted to detect contact between a person and a specified portion of the machine, and to distinguish that contact from contact with other materials. The detection subsystem imparts an electrical signal to a specified portion of the machine, and distinguishes that contact based on a predetermined frequency response of the electrical signal. A reaction subsystem then causes a predetermined action to take place. The machine may be a power saw designed to minimize injury in the event a person accidentally contacts the blade.

Abstract: Power tool 1 may include table 5 on which work W is positioned. A portion of a circular blade 3 protrudes above table 5. Circular blade 3 may be driven by a motor. The motor may be controlled by a control device 90. Work W is cut by means of an operator sending work W positioned on an upper face of table 5 in the direction of the circular blade 3 while circular blade 3 is being driven by the motor. Power tool 1 may include first radar device 86 and second radar device 87 for monitoring a predetermined area in the vicinity of circular blade 3. First radar device 86 may detect whether objects other than work are present in the vicinity of a outer edge of circular blade 3. Second radar device 87 may detect the location of objects moving within the predetermined area in the vicinity of circular blade and detects the speed at which the objects are moving in the direction in which work is sent.

Abstract: A label making apparatus includes a cutter that cuts sheets along a desired line, the cutter being switchable between a full cutting state and a half cutting state. A controller controls a switching device to switch the cutter between the full cutting state and the half cutting state. A method of making labels includes performing the half cutting on the sheet at least twice before performing the full cutting.

Abstract: In a method of cutting roofing shingles, multiple webs of roofing material are moved to a cutter. The webs are positioned in stacked relationship prior to the cutter. The webs have distinct portions such as tabs. The locations of the distinct portions of the moving webs are sensed by sensors. End cuts are simultaneously cut through the multiple stacked webs with the cutter to produce separate roofing shingles from the webs. The movements of the webs are controlled, based on the sensed locations of the distinct portions, so that the end cuts of the roofing shingles are positioned at predetermined locations relative to the distinct portions.

Abstract: Power tool 1 may include table 5 on which work W is positioned. A portion of a circular blade 3 protrudes above table 5. Circular blade 3 may be driven by a motor. The motor may be controlled by a control device 90. Work W is cut by means of an operator sending work W positioned on an upper face of table 5 in the direction of the circular blade 3 while circular blade 3 is being driven by the motor. Power tool 1 may include first radar device 86 and second radar device 87 for monitoring a predetermined area in the vicinity of circular blade 3. First radar device 86 may detect whether objects other than work are present in the vicinity of a outer edge of circular blade 3. Second radar device 87 may detect the location of objects moving within the predetermined area in the vicinity of circular blade and detects the speed at which the objects are moving in the direction in which work is sent.

Abstract: In a method for compensating for pattern distortion of sheet-type work material spread onto a support surface a processing apparatus is provided and carries said support surface. The work material is spread onto the support surface and images of selected areal portions of the work material are captured. A controller analyzes these images and projects them onto a display whereupon the images are mapped to define any distortion in the work material. The controller then undistorts the images of these areal portions and projects them back onto the display so that an operator can position undistorted digital representations of pattern pieces onto the undistorted images of the work material. The controller then distorts the geometry of the pattern pieces positioned on the work material by the operator to conform to the distortion in the spread material.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for recycling demolition brick for reuse in new construction. The bricks are recycled by having mortar removed from the demolition bricks, then stacking the recycled bricks for shipment. An automated process having seven stations is utilized from removing mortar from the demolition brick and stacking the brick. The first station includes a sorting area where the demolition brick is introduced into the automated process. The second station is a first cutting area where mortar is removed from the back surface of the brick. In the third station, the demolition brick is secured in a clamp and an image is taken of the front surface of the brick. The imaging data is used by the fourth station where cutting devices remove mortar from opposing ends of the demolition brick. Similarly, imaging data is utilized by the fifth station where a third cutting device removes mortar from the top and bottom of the demolition brick.

Abstract: A sensing system for sensing user contact with a saw blade. The sensing system includes an electrode situated adjacent the saw blade that creates a capacitor in series with the capacitance of the blade to ground to form a first leg of a bridge circuit. A reference capacitor is connected to the first leg to form a second leg of the bridge circuit. A voltage source is coupled to the bridge to selectively energize the-bridge. Contact of the blade by a user is sensed when the bridge is unbalanced due to the increase in the capacitance of the blade to ground caused by the user's contact with the blade.

Abstract: A tablet cutting apparatus of the present invention comprises a conveyor 20 for conveying a tablet in a horizontal transport direction; a cutter 22, disposed above the conveyor 20, for cutting a notch in the tablet disposed on the conveyor 20; a divider roller 23, disposed downstream of the cutter 22 above the conveyor 20, for dividing the tablet into two halves along the notch formed by the cutter 22; and a collecting chamber or box 47, 54 for collecting halves of the tablets that have been divided by the divider roller 23. Thus, after notching the tablet by the cutter 22, the tablet is divided into two by the divider roller 23, whereby the tablet is precisely split into halves and collected into the collecting chamber or box 47, 54.

Abstract: A labeling head includes a printing unit and an applicator foot assembly for printing and applying labels onto a layup of material. The printing unit is integral to the labeling head and prints each label prior to applying the label to the layup. The applicator foot assembly transfers the printed label onto the layup. The labeling head of the present invention can be used either with a cutter, a spreader or as a standalone unit. The labeling head of the present invention prints and prepares labels while the cutter head cuts the part. Once the part is cut, the labeling head applies the prepared label onto the cut part. The labeling head also includes a layup height sensor allowing the labels to be applied to layup having varying heights.