Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus and a method for cutting a series of spaced-apart continuous linear slits in a sheet of flexible plastics material, for example in the manufacture of an adjustable width window blind. In one embodiment the apparatus includes a feed roller for feeding sheeting to be slit to a support means, a plurality of slitting blades movable in a direction transverse to the direction of travel of the sheeting and means for controlling the blades so that they cut to a depth less than the thickness of the material. In a second embodiment the blades are stationary and are adapted to cut in the direction of travel of the material. The blades may be mounted on leaf springs biased towards the material to be cut, means being provided for controlling the biasing force. Alternatively, a stop may be provided to control the depth of cut of the blades.

Abstract: A crimp blade holder for attachment to a rotatable shaft for removably mounting a plurality of crimp blades includes a body in which first and second cylinder portions are joined together at an end face of each, such that the portions are disposed along a common axis. A hole extends axially through the body, the shaft being insertable through the hole. A plurality of slots are arranged about the periphery of the first portion in a spaced relationship for removably inserting one of the crimp blades into each of the slots. Additional slots are arranged about the periphery of the second portion, in a second, distinct spaced relationship, also for the removable insertion of one of the crimp blades into each of the slots. The crimp blades are secured within either of the groups of slots, and the body is secured to the shaft at a selected one of a plurality of positions along the shaft. A method of using the described blade holder is also disclosed.

Abstract: A movable carriage which is connected to a smooth actuating rod for movement therewith to a desired position where it is locked to a fixed bridge permitting the actuating rod to move with respect thereto. The movable carriage or head is clamped to the actuating rod with a continual friction force which is easily overcome by the force with which the carriage is locked to the fixed bridge. The actuating rod is movable back and forth along its longitudinal axis by manual or automatic positioning apparatus. By successive moving and locking operations for the carriage, the carriage can be moved along the entire bridge while the movement of the actuating rod is more limited. The actuating rod can be a smooth metallic rod with the carriages permanently clamped thereto with a determinable friction force, alternately the carriage can be clamped to the actuating rod until the carriage is clamped to the fixed bridge. A drive motor is used for moving the actuating rod back and forth.

Abstract: A letter and number kit for use in preparing signs or names and addresses including street numbers. The kit consists of a packet of thin metal plates, each having upper and lower longitudinally and transversely extending score lines to provide segments having a blank on one or both faces or a letter, number, or punctuation mark on one or both faces of each segment. The number of letters in the kit may be varied. Primary letters of the alphabet which are used more frequently than other letters are present in the kit in a greater number than secondary letters which in turn are present in the kit in a greater number than tertiary letters. For instance, in comparatively large kits from approximately eight to eleven of each of the primary letters, from six to seven of each of the secondary letters and from approximately two to five of each of the tertiary letters may be present.