Abstract: A technique for integrating a multi-touch surface into a desktop environment is disclosed. One or more multi-touch display devices are placed on the horizontal surface surrounding or beneath a keyboard or mouse. At least one region on the multi-touch surface is defined to display one or more user interface tools on the multi-touch surface. The one or more user interface tools displayed via the multi-touch surface may control or display information associated with desktop applications displayed via a primary display device.

Abstract: A guide assembly in one embodiment includes at least one guide rigidly supported by a table saw, a bearing assembly including a first, a second, and a third bearing engaged with the at least one guide, and a fence base assembly supported by the bearing assembly, wherein the first and the second bearings are biased in a first direction with respect to the at least one guide and the third bearing is biased in a second direction with respect to the at least one guide, the second direction at least partially opposite to the first direction.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming a bent sheet of foil, comprising a holder for holding a roll of foil; a motor for horizontally feeding the foil from the roll; a bending station for providing the fed foil with an angled portion; a controller for controlling a desired length of foil to be fed by commanding operation of said motor; and a cutting station for cutting said fed foil at said desired length, whereby to form constant length sheets of said foil. The controller is operable to command operation of the motor to sequentially feed the foil a first distance corresponding to a selected longitudinal dimension of the angled portion and then to feed the foil a second distance corresponding to a selected longitudinal dimension of a foil sheet to be formed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cutting a vertical window covering are disclosed. One method of operating a window covering cutting machine comprises retaining a window covering in a package such that a first end of the window covering is located at a known first position relative to the package. An engagement element is provided on the package that is located at a known second position on the package. The engagement element is moved a distance from a saw to obtain a final dimension of the window covering where the distance is calculated using the first position and the second position.

Abstract: Gauge system, including methods and apparatus, for positioning workpieces according to entered and/or calculated target dimensions and processing the workpieces with a tool to generate products having the target dimensions.

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: An electronic sheet 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: An improved blind cutting machine has a work surface on which a blind to be cut is placed and at least one end stop against which an end of the blind to be cut rests prior to being cut by a cutting mechanism. An actuator is connected to the end stop. The actuator moves the end stop relative to the work surface and the cutting mechanism in response to signals from a controller. An operator enters information about the blind to be cut and the dimensions of an opening over which the blind to be cut is to be mounted into the controller. The controller then calculates the location where the end stop should be so that a sufficient amount of material can be trimmed from an end of the blind to be cut to enable the blind to fit the opening. Then the controller sends a signal to the actuator that causes the actuator to move the end stop to that location. In alternative embodiments the end stop is fixed and the actuator moves the cutting mechanism or a work surface on which the blind to be cut has been placed.

Abstract: An improved blind cutting machine has a work surface on which a blind to be cut is placed and at least one end stop against which an end of the blind to be cut rests prior to being cut by a cutting mechanism. An actuator is connected to the end stop. The actuator moves the end stop relative to the work surface and the cutting mechanism in response to signals from a controller. An operator enters information about the blind to be cut and the dimensions of an opening over which the blind to be cut is to be mounted into the controller. The controller then calculates the location where the end stop should be so that a sufficient amount of material can be trimmed from an end of the blind to be cut to enable the blind to fit the opening. Then the controller sends a signal to the actuator that causes the actuator to move the end stop to that location. In alternative embodiments the end stop is fixed and the actuator moves the cutting mechanism or a work surface on which the blind to be cut has been placed.

Abstract: A modular cutdown machine for window coverings includes a center control module and first and second cutting modules at opposite ends of the center control module. Control, power and cleanup functions are contained within the center control module and are distributed to each of the cutting modules. One cutting module can be operated without the other cutting module in place, and repair or service can be performed by the interchange of modules.

Abstract: A cutting system includes a dam, a cylinder, a hydraulic controlling module, and a PLC controlling module. The hydraulic controlling module includes a reversing valve connected to the cylinder. The PLC controlling module is connected to the reversing valve and adapted to output a control signal to locate the reversing valve in a first open position or a second open position. When the reversing valve is in the first open position, the reversing valve allows the high pressure oil to flow into the cylinder from the hydraulic controlling module, thereby to causing the piston module to push the dam to cut the gate mark; when the reversing valve is in the second open position, the high pressure oil flows back to the hydraulic controlling module.

Abstract: A production system for portioning food is provided, wherein the production system comprises at least one cutting machine for food, a display device, a selection unit and a control command unit. The display device comprises a first display region and a second display region, wherein in the first display region, possible output products of the cutting machine are displayed. By means of the selection unit, the user can select an output product from possible output products of the cutting machine which are displayed in the first display region. This selected output product is allocated to the second display region. The control command unit is adapted to convert an output product of the cutting machine allocated to the second display region into control commands for the cutting machine.

Abstract: An electronic sheet 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 programmable machine for roll forming metal decoiled from a roll of metal and cutting the panels at a desired angle is provided. The roll former can form male and female edges on the metal which are necessary for a metal roof. The machine has a notcher to notch the metal where it is to be cut in order to avoid difficulty in cutting through a male or female edge. An exit cutter is provided after the metal has been roll formed. The angle at which the exit cutter can cut is also calculated in the programmable computer. A measuring device for measuring the roof and transferring the data to the programmable machine for cutting the panels completes a system for automatically and accurately cutting the panels for the roof.

Abstract: A microtome includes a histological cassette support member that is adapted and configured to allow the microtome to be used in connection with relatively thin histological cassettes. A method of reversibly altering a microtome for use with different size histological specimen cassettes includes exchanging the cassette support member of the cassette holding assembly of the microtome with another cassette support member without altering other portions of the cassette holding assembly. A method is also disclosed that includes providing a microtome comprising a first histological tissue cassette clamp, providing a second histological tissue cassette clamp, securing the second histological tissue cassette clamp to the microtome via the first histological tissue cassette clamp, and securing a histological tissue cassette to the microtome via the second histological tissue cassette clamp when the second histological tissue cassette clamp is secured to the microtome via the first histological tissue cassette clamp.

Abstract: A cutting device comprises a support to hold a roll of rolled media, a surface upon which the media is unrolled, and first and second cutting guides, each oriented substantially perpendicular to the media's unrolling path and supporting first and second cutters. The first cutter is movably supported by the first cutting guide and is capable of cutting the rolled media substantially parallel to the unrolling path. The second cutter is movably supported by the second cutting guide and is capable of cutting the rolled media substantially perpendicular to the unrolling path. The cutting device further includes a computing system to calculate the amount of rolled media to be dispensed and how best to cut the rolled media.

Abstract: An apparatus for slicing food products includes a product supply device that supplies a product to a cutting plane and a support table, onto which the product slices fall. The support table is provided with a controllable motor drive that displaces the support table relative to the falling product slices to form portions of any desired shape from a plurality of product slices. A formatting device includes a display device, on which product slices can be realistically presented. A user can prepare any desired formats from a plurality of product slices using a format function on the display device. An evaluation device converts the positions of the product slices into control commands for the motor drive, on the basis of which the motor drive displaces the support table based on the cutting speed to form portions on the support table that correspond to the format prepared on the display device.

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 system for measuring and cutting includes a portable measuring unit and a cutting unit. The measuring unit includes a transmitter and a measuring processor in communication with the transmitter. The measuring unit includes a first retractable tape measure having a first variable resistance wire and a sensor, the measuring processor having programming for determining first distance data and for transmitting that data. The cutting unit includes a saw and a receiver for receiving the first distance data transmitted from the measuring unit. The cutting unit includes a second tape measure with a second variable resistance wire, sensor, and processor for determining a second distance. When the second distance measurement is equal to the first distance measurement, an indicator is actuated so the user knows to actuate the saw to cut the workpiece. The system, therefore, eliminates inaccurate measurements and the need to remember or record measurements.

Abstract: A graphical user interface communicatively coupled with a non-contact measurement and alignment device enables user control over and display of the readings from the non-contact measurement and alignment device. In operation with a power tool, the graphical user interface provides a user with selectable control over the power tool through the computation and display of multiple power tool settings.

Abstract: Improvements in a cut-off miter saw for floor, wall, crown molding, wood, plastic, metal and the like are disclosed that includes an automated or manually fed cut-off saw where measurements are dynamically entered into a wireless communications device. The measurements are organized and sent to a cut-off saw where the material is cut with a first angle, indexed and cut at a second angle. The parts are further marked or organized and routed to the installer. This offers a tremendous improvement and reduction in the amount of time presently required to perform these operations in a serial order. It is particularly useful in measuring, cutting and nailing floor molding in houses, or other buildings where each room has slightly different dimensions and each length is custom fit.

Abstract: A sheet punching device that cuts holes in a sheet while punches are entering die holes, in which a plurality of punch trains along each of which a plurality of punches are aligned on a rotating shaft in parallel with the rotating shaft are disposed in the rotation direction of the rotating shaft, and the die holes are disposed in correspondence with the punches of the punch trains.

Abstract: A method for creating multiple punch holes during a finishing process of paper sheets and other sheet materials. A highlight of the present invention is the ability to select between at least two configurations of punch holes automatically, without manual adjustment, and “on-the-fly” without interruption of the sheet or paper flow. The perforation method utilizes two rotatable punches set at different angles such that when one intersects the sheet path, the other clears the sheet path. The speed of rotation is controlled such that the non-selected punch intersects the sheet path in a space between pitches.

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

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

Abstract: A device and method for creating multiple punch holes during a finishing process of paper sheets and other sheet materials. The improved sheet punch including two rotatable punches set at different angles such that when one intersects the sheet path, the other clears the sheet path. The speed of rotation is controlled such that the non-selected punch intersects the sheet path in a space between pitches.

Abstract: A workpiece conveying and feeding unit for conveying a long workpiece in the lengthwise direction to feed the workpiece to a cutting machine is disposed in the rear of the cutting machine. A workpiece conveying unit conveys the workpiece in the lengthwise direction of the workpiece into a workpiece conveying passage of the workpiece conveying and feeding unit. When a plurality of workpieces placed on the workpiece conveying unit are sequentially conveyed to the workpiece conveying passage of the workpiece conveying and feeding unit to convey the workpieces to the cutting machine, the side surface of the workpiece which is conveyed to the workpiece conveying passage of the workpiece conveying and feeding unit by the workpiece conveying unit is detected by a side-surface detector.

Abstract: The present invention provides a blind cutting size setting mechanism and a blind cutting size setting method of the same for a blind cutting machine. The blind cutting size setting mechanism includes a base frame, a motor fixedly mounted on the base frame, a locating frame, the locating frame having an open frame body fixedly fastened to the base frame and a transmission screw rod fastened pivotally with the open frame body and coupled to the motor and two guide rods fixedly fastened to the open frame body, and a positioning control unit adapted to move in the locating frame between a start position and an end position upon operation of the motor to stop the blind to be cut in position for cutting, the positioning control unit having a screw hole and two through hole respectively coupled to the transmission screw rod and guide rod of the locating frame for enabling the positioning control unit to be moved along the guide rods upon rotary motion of the transmission screw rod.

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

Abstract: A buttonhole sewing machine comprises a buttonhole cutting device which includes a knife and at least one cutting block that cooperates with the knife. Provision is made for a cutting drive for motion of the knife and the cutting block relative to each other by variable cutting force, the cutting drive comprising several linear drives which are connected in parallel and pneumatically actuated selectively.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus of blade's raw material used in a paper blanking die for manufacturing paper box and the like and an automatic cutting system using this cutting apparatus. This cutting apparatus comprises: cutters more than two kinds having different cutting out or cutting off patterns arranged side by side laterally against a feeding direction of the blade's raw material; a cutter guiding section for guiding said each cutter so as to be able to perpendicularly move against a plane of said blade's raw material; a pressing means for perpendicularly moving and pressing any one of the cutters toward a plane of said blade's raw material; a cutter die for supporting said blade's raw material against the pressing force of said cutter and simultaneously interacting with said cutter whereby executing the cutting work of the blade's raw material; and a cutter selecting means for selecting such that only any one of said cutters is pressed by said pressing means.

Abstract: A microtome for producing thin sections, in which the cutting operation is performed by way of a relative movement between a cutting knife and an object. A drive system (14) having a drive motor (17), a control circuit (15), and a handwheel (8) is provided to generate the relative movement. The handwheel (8) is connected to an encoder (16) that delivers corresponding signals to the control circuit (15) upon rotation of the handwheel (8). The drive motor (17) is then activated accordingly by way of said control circuit (15). In the absence of encoder signals, the drive system (14) is locked.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for shearing workpieces has a housing defining an interior to enclose a cutting head assembly during storage. During use, an actuator erects the cutting head into an operative position and the cover of the housing defines a planar work surface adjacent to the cutting head fixed thereto. The portable apparatus includes a portable power supply for remote operation.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for punching apertures into a workpiece. A press apparatus includes an inputting device, that enables a user of the press apparatus to input working pattern data representing the workpiece, and a display device, that displays a working pattern of the workpiece based on the inputted working pattern data. A tool selecting device selects a plurality of tools required for working the workpiece in accordance with the working pattern data. A calculator calculates a transferring pitch of the workpiece in order for parts of the workpiece to be sequentially arranged in predetermined positions in a feeding direction of the press apparatus with respect to the plurality of tools selected by the tool selecting device. In this regard, the calculator also determines which tool is to be operated in association with the transferring pitch. The press includes a controller that controls the transferring pitch calculated by the calculator.

Abstract: A method for creating a coating blanket for use in printing presses includes providing a sheet of work material having a laminated construction wherein a flexible layer is coupled to a carrier layer of semi-rigid material. A cutting apparatus employing a drag-type knife movable between a working and non-working position is employed to cut the coating blanket from the coating blanket material. A controller having graphic cutting data and carrier layer cutting data stored therein generates command signals to operate the cutting apparatus, causing the flexible layer of coating blanket material to be cut in a single pass in accordance with said graphic cutting data and the carrier layer of coating blanket material to be cut via multiple passes of the knife in accordance with the carrier layer cutting data.

Abstract: A method and system of cutting parts from sheet material comprising a numerically-controlled cutting system having a cutting tool for cutting along a path, the method comprising the steps of: (a) placing a plurality of templates which define the shapes and sizes of the parts to be cut upon the sheet material while minimizing the spaces between the templates to form a closely-packed marker; (b) entering the marker into a pre-processor; (c) detecting common lines and tangencies between templates in the marker; (d) determining a path and speed for said cutting tool; and (e) directing the cutting tool in accordance with the path and speed such that the parts are cut from the sheet material. The pre-processor identifies critical segments of the cutting path where cutting difficulties may arise and modifies the data that guide the cutting tool for more accurate cutting through the critical segments.

Abstract: An optical encoder is mounted on the end of the shaft of one roller, which is in turn mounted on framework of the equipment and is driven by a film of material. A computer receives a number of impulses per roller revolution with such impulses transmitted from the optical encoder during the film's passing over the roller. Software of the computer is programed with the exact circumference of the roller before shipment and the computer calculates the amount of film that has passed over the roller and fires solenoid valves to precipitate punching operations based upon the distance traveled by the film. Upon receiving an electrical impulse from the computer control, a solenoid valve releases an intermittent burst of compressed air through a tube to a housing which contains a plastic actuator, a plunger and a spring and which has several holes drilled in it to facilitate movement of said compressed air. The burst of compressed air forces the actuator and plunger downward.

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

Abstract: The present invention eases possible rubbing between an upper cutting edge and a work cutting surface of a work cutting apparatus during the elevation of the upper cutting edge to prevent the upper cutting edge from being worn in order to increase its lifetime. In a device for cutting a work by elevating and lowering a movable upper cutting edge 12 relative to a fixed lower cutting edge 13, an upper-cutting-edge, tight-contact avoidance device 10 is provided for widening the clearance between the upper cutting edge 12 and a work cutting surface. The device 10 is comprised of a clearance adjustment mechanism 22 for adjusting the clearance between the upper cutting edge 12 and the lower cutting edge 13, and control device 35 for regulating operation of the clearance adjustment mechanism 22.

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.

Abstract: A perforator for making perforations in a continuous film which is thereafter cut into individual filmstrips having variable lengths. A die set unit of the perforator has a plurality of punches and corresponding dies which are respectively arranged along the continuous film. The die set unit performs die-punching N times (N=1, 2, 3 . . . ) in every first section having a variable length Lx, and the measuring feeder transports the continuous film by a first length after each of (N−1) times die-punching and by a second length after the last die-punching for every first section. The first length is given as Lx/N, and the second length corresponds to the first length plus the length L2 of a second section disposed alternately with the first section along the continuous film. In alternative, the die set unit is constituted of first to nth die sets aligned in order from downstream to in the film transporting direction. The ith die set of the die sets has a number Gi (i=1, 2 , . . .

Abstract: A cutting mechanism having a movable carriage and two cutters. Each cutter has an anvil that opposes a blade, and one of these is a roller that rolls against the other for progressively biasing material against the blades, producing cuts through the material. The rollers are rotatably mounted to the carriage, which is mounted to a lead screw that controls the position of the carriage. As the carriage moves across the material, the rollers roll, and the material is cut. The space between the anvil and the blade of at least one of the cutters can be varied to disengage that cutter so that the rolling of the roller will not cut the material. The engagement and disengagement of the cutter is dependent on the position of the carriage.

Abstract: A machine for cutting sheets of material in stacks. The machine has a counter that supports the material, a blade for cutting the material, a hold-down that descends onto the material being cut and a saddle for advancing it toward the blade, a keyboard with alphanumeric characters, icons, etc. for operating the machine, a processor for processing input from the keyboard, and a display for displaying the state of the machine and/or the cutting program.

Abstract: A perforator for making perforations in a continuous film which is thereafter cut into individual filmstrips having variable lengths. A die set unit of the perforator has a plurality of punches and corresponding dies which are respectively arranged along the continuous film. The die set unit performs die-punching N times (N=1, 2, 3 . . . ) in every first section having a variable length Lx, and the measuring feeder transports the continuous film by a first length after each of (N−1) times die-punching and by a second length after the last die-punching for every first section. The first length is given as Lx/N, and the second length corresponds to the first length plus the length L2 of a second section disposed alternately with the first section along the continuous film. In alternative, the die set unit is constituted of first to nth die sets aligned in order from downstream to in the film transporting direction. The ith die set of the die sets has a number Gi (i=1, 2, . . .

Abstract: The present invention concerns a paper sheet cutting apparatus which cuts the front end portion opposite to the fold, where both the leading edge and trailing edge get together by center folding, and an image forming apparatus equipped with the paper sheet cutting apparatus. The sheet cutting apparatus includes a conveying device for conveying a booklet; a stopping device for stopping the booklet at a predetermined position; a cutting device for cutting the front end portion of the booklet; and a controlling section to control each of the conveying device, the stopping device and the cutting device. The controlling section controls the stopping device so as to variably determine a stopping position of the booklet stopped by the stopping device, based on a number of sheets included in the booklet conveyed to the cutting device by the conveying device.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus of blade's raw material used in a paper blanking die for manufacturing paper box and the like and an automatic cutting system using this cutting apparatus. This cutting apparatus comprises: cutters more than two kinds having different cutting out or cutting off patterns arranged side by side laterally against a feeding direction of the blade's raw material; a cutter guiding section for guiding said each cutter so as to be able to perpendicularly move against a plane of said blade's raw material; a pressing means for perpendicularly moving and pressing any one of the cutters toward a plane of said blade's raw material; a cutter die for supporting said blade's raw material against the pressing force of said cutter and simultaneously interacting with said cutter whereby executing the cutting work of the blade's raw material; and a cutter selecting means for selecting such that only any one of said cutters is pressed by said pressing means.

Abstract: A slitter machine of the type where tab lock cases of varying height, width, and length are advanced therethrough in a product flow direction on a machine bed by a main drive motor, is presented. The slitter machine includes a frame, a centerline, a leading flap lifter and a trailing flap lifter. The leading flap lifter and trailing flap lifter are mounted are mounted to the frame on opposite sides of the centerline, and extend at an incline relative to the machine bed. Each flap lifter includes a tear drop assembly attached to a drive chain and actuated by a pair of cams to rotate the leading flap and the trailing flap toward a closed position. A chain track is disposed in each of the flap lifting assemblies, with the drive chains disposed therein. Each chain track has a first section having a first distance between the drive chains and a second section having a second distance between the drive chains. The second distance is greater than the first distance.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a number of holes in a medium includes a selector, a hole forming device and a controller. The selector selects the number of holes to be formed in the medium, with the number of holes being selected from at least two predetermined numbers such as two and three. The hole forming device forms the holes in the medium. The controller controls the hole forming device to form in the medium the number of holes selected by the selector.

Abstract: A miter saw workstation apparatus includes a miter saw comprising a base, a rotatable table rotatably disposed on the base for rotation about a first axis, a pivot block rotatably attached to the table for rotation about a second axis, a pivot arm rotatably attached to the pivot block for rotation about a third axis, a miter saw unit supported by the pivot arm, the miter saw unit comprising a blade and a motor for driving the blade, a first servo rotationally driving the table, a second servo rotationally driving the pivot block, a third servo rotationally driving the pivot arm, and a controller connected to the first, second and third servos. Further disclosed is an improved tape measure comprising a housing, a ruler tape disposed in the housing for measuring a length, a tape output circuit disposed in the housing for determining the measured length, a transmitter connected to the tape output circuit for transmitting a signal corresponding to the measured length.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cutting sheet material allows multiple layups of sheet material to be cut in side-by-side or stacked relationship on the cutting table of a computer controlled cutting machine. A different marker or array of pattern pieces can be cut from each of the stacked layups. Also, for certain layups, whether stacked or not, markers are located with reference to the centerline of the layup to insure that the pattern pieces of the marker are cut symmetrically or in alignment with ornamentation or designs in the material.