Abstract: The invention relates to a method for correcting a predetermined cutting path for cutting a metal blank from a metal strip continuously transported in a transport direction x with the following steps: Simultaneously determining a first x coordinate x1 and a first y coordinate y1 of a point on a surface of the metal strip with respect to an x and a y reference; Determining a second coordinate y2 of the point with respect to the y reference at precisely the time when the metal strip has been moved in the transport direction x by a predetermined first distance dx1 with respect to the first x coordinate x1; Determining a first y correction value Ky1 by taking the difference between the first y coordinate y1 and the second y coordinate y2; and Using the first y correction value Ky1 to correct the cutting path coordinates describing the predetermined cutting path.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus is disclosed which includes a cutter knife which is reciprocally moveable along a path of travel; a track member mounted adjacent to the cutter knife and which mechanically cooperates with the cutter knife so as to define, at least in part, a first non-cutting position, and a second cutting position for the cutter knife; and a magnet is mounted in a location on the track member and which releasably, magnetically restrains the cutter knife when the cutter knife is in the first non-cutting position.

Abstract: A sheet post-processing apparatus which is capable of shortening time wasted until actual start of punching and enhancing productivity. A drive unit causes a moving member which has a cam and reciprocates. A punching member is driven by a movement of the cam of the moving member and punches a sheet when the moving member moves forth and moves back. A determination unit determines a type of the sheet. A control unit controls, when a sheet to be punched is to be subjected to a punching process, the drive unit such that the moving member starts moving before conveyance of the sheet to be punched stops, and controls, when the sheet to be punched is to be subjected to the punching process, the drive unit such that timing with which the moving member starts moving is changed based on the determination by the determination unit.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a method for cutting a food product into slices for producing portions by taking into account the target weight thereof. Information about a remainder of the food product to be sliced is used to control corresponding actuators for a successive food product to be sliced.

Abstract: The invention is based on a power tool, in particular a stationary saw, having a guard device which has a guard element. It is proposed that the guard device has an actuator system, which is provided for monitoring an opening which is formed at least by the guard element and is adaptable to at least one geometric feature of a workpiece.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a pre-cut infeed system for a machine center, such as an edger. A pre-cut infeed system may include an infeed, one or more saws arranged along the infeed, and a scanner optimizer system. The scanner optimizer system may scan a workpiece and determine whether greater value can be obtained from the workpiece by cutting the workpiece transversely into two or more pieces upstream of the machine center. If so, the workpiece may be cut transversely by the saw(s) positioned along the infeed, and the cut pieces may be fed sequentially into the machine center.

Abstract: Embodiments of techniques and systems for control of cutting tools for logs on a conveyor are described herein. A preferred position may be determined for a log on a conveyor, such as, for example a chain conveyor. The preferred position may be determined based on a scan of the log prior to the log being placed on the conveyor. After the log is placed on the conveyor an initial portion of the log may be scanned by a second scan and the initial portion may be compared to a corresponding portion of the preferred position for the log. Differences may be determined between the scanned portion and the corresponding portion of the preferred position. One or more cutting tools may then be controlled, such as in position and/or orientation, to adjust for the determined differences. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A window covering cutting machine sized and configured to trim window covering work pieces is disclosed. The cutting machine includes a base, a work surface connected to the base, at least one cutting mechanism adjacent the work surface, one or more controllers connected to the one or more cutting mechanisms and at least one data entry device connected to the controller. The controller includes a program. The program is configured to determine an amount to be cut from a window covering work piece based on allowance input received from one or more of the data entry devices. The one or more controllers are configured to prompt a user to provide the allowance input to the program. The allowance input identifies an allowance value used by the program to determine the amount to be cut.

Abstract: A cutting arrangement for longitudinally cutting material includes two blades disposed across from one another and which cooperate during cutting. Each blade is embodied as a circular blade having a sharp cutting edge and supported by an adjusting or placement mechanism. During the cutting process, the circular blades are positioned by the adjusting or placement mechanisms so that the cutting edges overlap one another to form an overlap zone, the center of which coincides with the middle of the material that is to be cut. An adaptive control assembly includes individual drive motors for driving each blade and enables constant side load force control for each blade, such that side load pressures are adjustable in response to changes in web sped, web tension, and blade condition in real time. Automatic blade diameter sensors calculate the zero point of the cut, determine the appropriate blade speed and automatically set the overlap.

Abstract: A microtome for producing sections of a specimen having a knife for sectioning the specimen and a cooling apparatus for cooling a gaseous coolant cooling the specimen. A database stores data of various tissue types and target temperatures that are allocated to these various tissue types. A reading unit is adapted to read a code from a specimen or from a specimen carrier unit allocated to the specimen and a control unit is adapted to determine the tissue type of the tissue of the specimen by the code that has been read. The control unit is adapted to read the target temperature of the specimen to be sectioned for controlling the cooling apparatus and setting this target temperature and is adapted to control the cooling apparatus such that the cooling power is controlled to preset target temperature.

Abstract: Methods and systems for imaging and cutting semiconductor wafers and other microelectronic device substrates are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a system for singulating microelectronic devices from a substrate includes an X-ray imaging system having an X-ray source spaced apart from an X-ray detector. The X-ray source can emit a beam of X-rays through the substrate and onto the X-ray detector, and X-ray detector can generate an X-ray image of at least a portion of the substrate. A method in accordance with another embodiment includes detecting spacing information for irregularly spaced dies of a semiconductor workpiece. The method can further include automatically controlling a process for singulating the dies of the semiconductor workpiece, based at least in part on the spacing information. For example, individual dies can be singulated from a workpiece via non-straight line cuts and/or multiple cutter passes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cutting device for, in a cutting direction, cutting a belt layer from a web of unvulcanised rubber having mutually substantially parallel cords that are at a cord angle, comprising: a blade which sideward with respect to the cutting direction, is freely movable; a first detector for during cutting detecting a sideward displacement of the +0d5; a control computer, operationally coupled to the first detector, for giving control instructions on the basis of displacement information from the detecting means regarding sideward displacement of the +0d5; at least one actuator, operationally coupled to the control means for during cutting adjusting the cutting direction of the +0d5 on the basis of the control instructions.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a flexible substrate includes punching out a flexible substrate from a flexible tape wherein the flexible substrate has a first contour that is a part of a contour of the flexible substrate, and a second contour that is a remaining portion of the contour other than the first contour, and requires a punching accuracy lower than a punching accuracy of the first contour.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus includes a cutting unit configured to move a holding member set on the cutting apparatus and a cutting blade relative to each other thereby to cut a desired pattern out of at least one object to be cut, by the cutting blade, the holding member holding the object so that the object is removable therefrom, a detection unit configured to detect information including a hold position of the object held by the holding member, a pattern selecting unit configured to select a desirable one of a plurality of patterns, and an arrangement unit which sets an arrangement position of the pattern selected by the pattern selecting unit, relative to the object, based on the detected hold position of the object. The pattern is cut off by the cutting unit with the arrangement position set by the arrangement unit serving as a cutting position of the object.

Abstract: Woodworking machines including conductive cutters adapted to cut workpieces, and motors adapted to drive the cutters are disclosed. The machines also include a contact detection system adapted to detect contact between a person and the cutter, and to distinguish contact between the person and the cutter from contact between the workpiece and the cutter. The machines further include a reaction system adapted to cause a predetermined action to take place upon detection of contact between the person and the cutter by the contact detection system.

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: Woodworking machines are disclosed having cutting tools adapted to cut workpieces. The machines include a detection system adapted to detect one or more dangerous conditions between a person and the cutting tool. The machines also include a brake mechanism having one or more braking components adapted to engage and stop the cutting tool in response to the detection of a dangerous condition.

Abstract: A table saw having a reaction system configured to take a predetermined action to mitigate injury upon detection of a dangerous condition is disclosed. The reaction system has a component in a predetermined orientation relative to the blade and the component is configured to maintain its orientation relative to the blade as the blade is raised and lowered.

Abstract: A method for the automatic and contact-free relative approach between a specimen (6) and a knife (7) of a microtome (1). A first light beam bundle (9?) forms a detector-side zero point and a last light beam bundle (9?) forms a detector-side end point of a light band (8), the light band (8) being arranged perpendicular to the second spatial direction (Y) and in the direction thereof spaced from the knife, a zero point (X0) being assigned to a reference position of the knife blade (XBlade). The specimen (6) is guided through the light band (8) by way of a cutting movement. The position of the highest point of the specimen (XSpecimen) in the first spatial direction (X) is determined from the number of shaded light beam bundles (9).

Abstract: An electrical power diagnostic system includes a system housing, a power saw management system, and a user interface. The system housing is electrically connected with the power unit of the power saw, wherein the system housing includes a control panel provided thereon for allowing a user to adjust an operational parameter through the control panel. The power saw management system includes a control processor mounted within the system housing to electrically communicate with the power saw, wherein the control processor is pre-programmed to manage operational parameters of the power saw and supervise actual operation of the power saw machine and the saw blade in such a manner that when abnormal operating condition of the power saw machine is detected, the control processor is adapted to selectively adjust the operational parameters of the power saw machine for stopping the abnormal operating condition from continuously happening.

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: An automatic slicing apparatus reduces the likelihood of failure to make a sliced piece specimen even if continuously operated. The apparatus, on the basis of an exchange command signal, detaches a sample block attached to a cutting base and attaches a new sample block to the cutting base. The apparatus cuts a sliced piece of a predetermined thickness by moving a knife with respect to the sample block having been attached to the cutting base. The apparatus also observes the sliced piece having been cut and judges the sliced piece by comparing an observation data obtained by the observation means and a sample block cut face data. When the apparatus judges that the sliced piece is good, the apparatus transmits an exchange command signal.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing flat thin sections of a specimen (3) comprises a blade edge (7), a specimen carrier (4), a drive device (14) for producing a relative motion between the blade edge (7) and the specimen carrier (4) in a sectioning plane (5), and a light light-ribbon micrometer (8) arranged between the blade edge (7) and the specimen (3), wherein the light-ribbon micrometer (8) is arranged at a fixed distance (d) relative to the blade edge (7) and generates a light-ribbon in a plane perpendicular to the sectioning plane. A coding device (13) may be associated with the drive device (14) for controlling an alternating drive as a function of the distance (d) and of signals generated by the light-ribbon micrometer (8).

Abstract: A method of cutting, simultaneously on two axes (X, Y) perpendicular to each other, of a sheet or web of paper and other graphic or photographic substrates (10) with series of images, comprising the steps of feeding forward the substrate sheet or web (10) to a direction (F), detecting the speed of sheet or web (10) feed and the speed at which the distance is varying between image reference marks (11) and the ideal feed direction, determining a correct cutting line (TX) in a transverse direction to the feed direction (F) of the sheet or web by data processing according to trigonometric relations through a microprocessor to obtain the angle of parallelism defect of the image with respect to the ideal feed forward direction, aligning suitable mobile means (4) of transverse cutting with the desired cutting line (TX) by means (5) for shifting the transverse cutting means.

Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus comprises a first conveyer roller pair arranged at the upstream side of a sheet conveyance route and a second conveyer roller pair arranged at the downstream side of the sheet conveyance route so as to convey a sheet of paper from the upstream side to the downstream side. Additionally, a punching unit is arranged between the first conveyer roller pair and the second conveyer roller pair. The second conveyer roller pair is made to operate as a slipping roller after the time when the leading end of the sheet of paper being conveyed passes the first conveyer roller pair and a stopper is made to appear at a position downstream relative to the second conveyer roller pair so as to make the leading end of the sheet of paper abut the stopper in order correct the skew, if any, of the sheet of paper.

Abstract: A punching device includes a detecting unit, a punching unit, a moving unit, a storage unit, and a controlling unit. The detecting unit detects a lateral edge position of a recording medium to obtain edge position data. When the edge position data does not indicate an error value, the edge position data is stored in the storage unit as reference data. The controlling unit determines, when the edge position data indicates an error value, a movement amount of the punching unit based on reference data previously obtained and stored in the storage unit. The moving unit moves the punching unit by the movement amount in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the recording medium.

Abstract: In a state that a reference plane of a cutter holder, to which a cutter blade is attached, is brought into contact with a surface of a base of a supporting adhesive tape, the cutter blade cuts the supporting adhesive tape while the reference plane of the cutter holder follows the surface of the base. Herein, a cutting edge of the cutter blade passes by a joining interface between the supporting adhesive tape and a ring frame without penetrating through an adhesive layer of the supporting adhesive tape.

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: Disclosed are a sheet punching apparatus and a method for controlling the same in which the side end position of a sheet, its rear end position, a hole position, and the detachment state of a punch portion are sensed only by two sensors, and a punching hole can be formed at the exact position of a sheet by means of the two sensors.

Abstract: Embodiments of an apparatus and a method for automatically trimming a rectangular photovoltaic module are disclosed. The module comprises two longitudinal sides and two transverse sides and comprising two equally sized glass plates which rest one on the other and further comprises an intermediate layer comprising a film overlapping the glass plates on all sides. The apparatus comprises: a) holding means for fixing the rear transverse side of the module, b) means for the edge-precise cutting of the overlapping film of the module on the rear transverse side, c) means for the edge-precise, simultaneous cutting off of the overlapping film of the module on both longitudinal sides, d) holding means for fixing the front transverse side of the module, and e) means for the edge-precise cutting off of the overlapping film of the module on the front transverse side. A computer program for carrying out the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Sensors of the longitudinal edges and/or the width of hot roll metal strip are located immediately ahead of the trimming blades and are used to transversely adjust the trimming heads and/or the centerline position for the strip so that in subsequent trimming operations, the trim widths are identical at both sides. The cutting heads can be positioned in indentations at junctions between the successive segments of the strip.

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: There are provided a sheet inlet, a saddle-stitch compilation tray for aligning and accommodating plural sheets that are input through the sheet inlet, and a rotary cutter unit for cutting a saddle-stitched sheaf of sheets accommodated in the saddle-stitch compilation tray. In the rotary cutter unit, a sheaf of sheets is cut by moving a circular blade in a direction perpendicular to a sheet transport direction of a sheet transport path from one end in the direction perpendicular to the sheet transport direction. Different sheaves of sheets may be cut by a go-movement and a return-movement of the circular blade.

Abstract: Web processing method and apparatus (30, 300) is provided for high speed, extremely accurate die cutting or lamination operations. Processing station (32,300) includes a vacuum hold down plate (32,308) which receives and holds an image bearing incremental segment of the web. In feed and out feed tension on the web is released while a segment of the web is held by the hold down plate. The hold down plate with a segment of the web thereon is selectively shifted about X, Y, and ? axes as required to bring the image on the web segment into alignment with a web processing component at the processing station.

Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus and method for guiding a plank towards cutting tools for curve sawing of the plank. The apparatus comprises a first guide and drive mechanism mounted on a platform for receiving, guiding and driving the plank along a path. The first mechanism comprises two first elements arranged opposite relative to the path. The apparatus comprises a second guide and drive mechanism mounted on the platform for guiding and driving the plank from the first mechanism along the path on the support surface up to the cutting tools. The second mechanism comprises two second elements arranged opposite relative to the path while being parallel to the path. The elements of the mechanisms located on the same side of the path are connected through a pivot pin. The apparatus further comprises displacing means for parallel and equidistant displacement relative to the path of the elements of the mechanisms.

Abstract: Improved 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.

Abstract: Safety systems for power equipment are disclosed. The safety systems include a detection system adapted to detect a dangerous condition between a person and a working portion of a machine, and a reaction system associated with the detection system to cause a predetermined action to take place upon detection of the dangerous condition. The reaction system may be adapted to perform some action upon detection of the dangerous condition with sufficient speed so that the person is cut no deeper than ?th of an inch when contacting or approaching the blade at any point above the table at a rate of one foot per second.

Abstract: An assembled blind cutting machine is provided. The assembled blind cutting machine includes a control console and at least a cutting device capable of moving to and fro along a pre-determined direction; each of the cutting devices having at least a cutting member; a linking member formed across between the control console and each of the cutting devices so as to integrate each of the cutting devices and the control console. Consequently, by matching cutting devices of different cutting members with the control console, the assembled blind cutting machine offers more options and enhanced extensibility.

Abstract: A method of trimming printed media comprises selecting printed media to be positioned on a conveyor based on predetermined delivery sequence data, positioning the printed media on the conveyor, receiving size data representative of at least one dimension of the printed media to be trimmed, and electronically controlling a trimmer based on the received size data to adjust a location at which the printed media is to be trimmed.

Abstract: A lower guillotine cutter blade (2) is mounted to a frame (1). A guillotine cutter-blade holder (3) holds an upper guillotine cutter blade (4) and vertically reciprocates with respect to the lower guillotine cutter blade (2). Rods (6) are vertically slidably mounted to the guillotine cutter-blade holder (3). A pressing plate (5) is secured to the lower ends of the rods (6). Springs (7) are fitted around the rods (6) between the guillotine cutter-blade holder (3) and the pressing plate (5) for downwardly elastically biasing the rods (6) so that the heads (6a) of the rods are kept abutted against the guillotine cutter-blade holder (3). In a cutting operation, after the pressing plate (5) is brought into abutment with a batch of paper (20), the guillotine cutter-blade holder (3) is further downwardly moved, thereby causing the lower and upper guillotine cutter blades (2 and 4) to cut the batch of paper (20) and also causing the heads (6a) to upwardly protrude from the guillotine cutter-blade holder (3).

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 automated saw system for cutting a crooked piece of lumber with a mitered end and a length. The saw system includes a saw for cutting the piece of lumber, a lumber feed conveyor for feeding the piece of lumber to the saw, and a sensor that measures a deviation amount by which the piece of lumber deviates from an idealized straight piece of lumber. A controller communicates with the sensor to adjust either the saw or the conveyor in response to the detected deviation amount so that the piece of lumber is cut to correspond to a cut of the idealized straight piece of lumber.

Abstract: A method is provided wherein a wax-like starting material is worked to obtain a prototype of an ornament, such as a ring, which working of the starting material takes place while the starting material is fixed in place on a manipulable holding fixture. The operations are carried out in at least one Cartesian coordinate (x,y,z) direction as well as in at least one cylinder coordinate (x,r,?) direction, while the starting material is fixed in place on the same holding fixture. This procedure makes the method easier and quicker to carry out, and permits the production numbers therefore to increase, while decreasing the cost price per product.

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: There are provided a sheet inlet, a saddle-stitch compilation tray for aligning and accommodating plural sheets that are input through the sheet inlet, and a rotary cutter unit for cutting a saddle-stitched sheaf of sheets accommodated in the saddle-stitch compilation tray. In the rotary cutter unit, a sheaf of sheets is cut by moving a circular blade in a direction perpendicular to a sheet transport direction of a sheet transport path from one end in the direction perpendicular to the sheet transport direction. Different sheaves of sheets may be cut by a go-movement and a return-movement of the circular blade.

Abstract: A combination gang saw and edger system cuts both cants and flitches into boards. Cants and flitches are fed singly, lengthwise into the system on an infeed conveyor. On the conveyor, the cant or flitch is scanned to produce a lengthwise cross-sectional profile. An optimizer determines whether the profile is for a cant or flitch and determines how the piece will be cut. A controller responsive to the optimizer directs the positioning of a first and second set of saws on a pivotably mounted saw arbor to cut either a cant or flitch, respectively. The boards cut from the cant or flitch are fed outfed from the system. The system can cut cants with longitudinal curvature and can cut cants or flitches that are placed at an angle to the length of the infeed conveyor.

Abstract: A substrate to be cut and/or scored is pre-printed with graphics, at least first and second registration marks, and optional encoded-to-print instructions, bar-encoded data, as well as ordinary graphics. The registration marks are sensed as the substrate is automatically transported to a cutting table station that defines a cutting reference plane. Sensed detection of location of the registration marks relative to the reference plane enable the cutting plan for the substrate to be amended for precise location of the graphics on the substrate relative to the reference plane. Automated cutting according to the amended cutting plan occurs. As the registration marks were printed simultaneously with and in known relationship to the graphics, the cut line will be precise relative to the graphics. Machine readable encoded-to-print instructions optionally printed on the substrate can further amend the cutting plan.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for performing finishing operations on at least one graphics area on a graphics sheet, the graphics sheet having a graphics side, an opposite process side, and reference features, the graphics side bearing the graphics area(s) and registration marks in predetermined positions with respect to the graphics area(s). The method comprises positioning the graphics sheet on a sheet-receiving surface, sensing from the graphics side the positions of the registration marks, determining the coordinates of the graphics area(s) with respect to the sheet-receiving surface as if viewable from the process side, and performing finishing operations on the process side of the graphics sheet based on such determination, whereby such process-side finishing operations compensate for variations of the graphics area(s).

Abstract: A combination gang saw and edger system cuts both cants and flitches into boards. Cants and flitches are fed singly, lengthwise into the system on an infeed conveyor. On the conveyor, the cant or flitch is scanned to produce a lengthwise cross-sectional profile. An optimizer determines whether the profile is for a cant or flitch and determines how the piece will be cut. A controller responsive to the optimizer directs the positioning of a first and second set of saws on a pivotably mounted saw arbor to cut either a cant or flitch, respectively. The boards cut from the cant or flitch are fed outfed from the system. The system can cut cants with longitudinal curvature and can cut cants or flitches that are placed at an angle to the length of the infeed conveyor.